Tilted Sondes; Tracing A Line With Scout; Tracing A Passive Ac Line - RIDGID Scout Operator's Manual

Scout™ Sonde and Line Locator

Tilted Sondes

If the sonde is tilted, one Pole will move closer to the
sonde and the other farther away so that the sonde lo-
cation no longer lies midway between the two poles. The
signal strength of the nearer Pole becomes much higher
than that of the more distant Pole. In the extreme as the
sonde tilts to vertical, the one Pole moves to a point di-
rectly above the sonde and this Pole will also correspond
to the point of maximum signal strength. The other Pole
will not be seen. Therefore even if the sonde is vertical, as
it could be if it fell into a break in the line or an under-
ground tank, the sonde can still be located.
What is seen on the screen is a Pole of maximum signal
strength when the sonde is vertical.
Figure 30
The multi directional antennas allow the depth to be
measured even if the sonde is tilted. In this circumstance
the force depth feature must be used to take a depth mea-
surement. (See Measuring Depth.)

Tracing a Line with Scout

The Scout can also be used to trace a pipe or line so
that the ground above it can be marked. This identifies
the line's location so that it can be avoided during a dig
or exposed for repair or replacement. The Scout can lo-
cate energized lines with a variety of frequencies or it
can be used passively to conduct a sweep to locate any
long conductors carrying signals.
Underground lines are energized with a line transmitter.
This active signal is then traced using a receiver such as
the Scout.
1. Attach the line transmitter to the line according to
the manufacturer's instructions.
A "transmitter" is a generic name used for anything that
generates a locatable signal. It is used to describe a
sonde as well as the device that is used to energize a
cable or pipe.
2. Match the frequency used on the transmitter with
the same frequency on the Scout. Be sure it has a
line trace icon . Push the main menu button to
return to the locate screen.
14
Figure 31
3. When beginning the trace it is recommended that
signal strength be observed first to see if it drops
when the Scout is pulled away. Point the mast at
the leads or the transmitter itself if using inductive
mode. It should peak and drop off on either side.
4. When tracing, the way the pipe or cable is running will
be shown on the screen with 2 solid lines. Keeping the
lines on the center indicates that the Scout is tracing
the line underground. If the line moves off to the left or
right then move the Scout to get the line back on
center. An undistorted signal emitted from a line is
strongest directly over that line.
Figure 32
NOTE! When using a line trace frequency there are
two lines on the screen. When using a sonde
frequency, the Equator is a single line.
Care should be taken to watch for signal in-
CAUTION
terference that may give inaccurate readings. Depth
readings should be taken as estimates and actual
depths should be verified by exposing the line before
digging.

Tracing a Passive AC Line

In passive mode the Scout senses alternating current, or
AC fields. Buried power lines typically do not emit any
traceable signal unless power is flowing in the wires. For
example street lights that are turned off are hard to
trace passively.
1. Select a Passive AC Trace Frequency with the pas-
sive line trace icon.
2. The Scout has two (2) passive AC tracing frequencies
that are standard. They are 50Hz and 60Hz.
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