Using Accessories - SPX Radiodetection RD7100 User Manual

Using accessories

The locator and transmitter are compatible with a wide range of accessories. For detailed
information on using any of the accessories below please refer to the RD7100 locator
operation manual.
Transmitter signal clamps
When it is not possible to connect directly onto a pipe or cable, or induction mode is
unsuitable, a transmitter signal clamp may be used. The clamp is plugged into the output
of the transmitter and provides a means of applying a locate signal to an insulated live wire.
This is particularly useful with live insulated cables as it removes the need to disable the
power and break the line.
WARNING! Do not clamp around uninsulated live conductors.
WARNING! Before applying or removing the clamp around a power cable
ensure that the clamp is connected to the transmitter at all times.
To locate or identify individual lines a locator signal clamp can be connected to the
accessory socket of the locator and can be clamped around individual pipes or cables.
Stethoscopes and locator signal clamps
Locator clamps can be used to identify a target cable or pipe amongst a number of
different cables by checking for the strongest locate signal. When cables are bunched or
tightly packed, a stethoscope antenna can be used in place of a clamp.
To use a stethoscope or locator signal clamp, connect it to the locator's accessory socket.
The locator will automatically detect the device and filter out location modes that are
irrelevant.
Sondes, Flexrods and FlexiTrace
Sondes are battery powered transmitters that are useful for tracing non-metallic pipes.
They can be fixed to Flexrods to allow them to be pushed through pipes or conduits, and
some are suitable for blowing through ductwork. Some models of the RD7100 can detect
a range of sonde frequencies, including those transmitted by flexiprobe
systems and flexitrax P550c crawler systems.
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For a detailed guide on locating sondes, please refer to the operation manual.
A FlexiTrace is a traceable fiberglass rod incorporating wire conductors with a sonde
at the end. It is connected to the output of the transmitter and is typically used in small
diameter, non-metallic pipes. The user has the option of locating the entire length of the
cable or choosing to locate only the tip of the cable.
The FlexiTrace has a maximum power rating of 1W. When using the FlexiTrace with a
Radiodetection Tx-5 or Tx-10 transmitter, the output limit must be set to 1W in the MAX P
menu and the output voltage limit set to LOW in the MAX V menu.
No additional settings are required for the Tx-1 transmitter.
P540c pushrod
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Fault-finding with an A-Frame
The RD7100 PLM and TLM models have the ability to detect cable or pipe insulation
faults accurately using an A-Frame accessory. The Tx-5 and Tx-10 transmitters provide
fault finding signals that can be detected by the A-Frame as a result of the signal bleeding
to ground through damaged cable sheaths.
The Transmitter's multimeter function can be used to measure the impedance of the
connected pipe or cable in order to characterize the fault.
For a detailed guide to fault-finding, please refer to the operation manual.
Plug / Live cable connector
The plug connector is connected to the output of the transmitter and is used to put a
signal onto a line and trace it from a domestic mains plug to the service cable in the
street.
The live cable connector can be used to apply a signal to a live cable. Only suitably
qualified personnel should use this equipment.
Submersible antenna
This antenna is connected to the locator and used to locate pipes and cables underwater
at depths of up to 300 feet / 100 meters.
WARNING: use of the submersible antenna should be by fully licensed and
experienced personnel only, and only after fully reading the operation manual!
RD Manager PC Software
RD Manager is the RD7100 locator system PC companion, and it allows you to manage
and customize your locator. RD Manager is also used to retrieve and analyze survey
and usage data (PLM and TLM only), run an eCert calibration, and to perform software
upgrades.
You can use RD Manager to register your products to obtain an extended warranty, setup
your locator by performing a number of maintenance tasks such as adjusting date and
time, activating and de-activating active frequencies or RF Markers, or by setting-up
functions like CALSafe or StrikeAlert.
RD Manager is compatible with PCs running Microsoft Windows 64 bit operating system.
To download RD Manager, go to www.radiodetection.com/RDManager.
If you do not have internet access, or wish to receive RD manager on a CD-ROM,
contact your local Radiodetection office or representative.
For more information about RD Manager refer to the RD Manager operation manual.
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