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480B™ OPERATIONS MANUAL Pipe and Cable Locator SERVICE CENTER, SALES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION Corporate Headquarters Metrotech Eastern U.S. Service Center Metrotech European Service Center 3251 Olcott Street 1824 Murfreesboro Road, Ste. 104 Seba KMT Santa Clara, CA 95054 Nashville, TN 37217 Dr.
2.1 Standard Equipment ....... ………………………….…5 2.2 Optional Equipment ......………………….…………. .6 2.3 Specifications ........………………………………...7 2.4 Controls and Indicators of the Model 480B Transmitter ....8 2.5 Controls and Indicators of the Model 480B Receiver ......9 3 Checkout Procedure ........…………………………….10 4 Operation ..........…………………………………..11...
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List of Illustrations 2-1 480B Pipe and Cable Locator………………………………………...…..5 2-2 480B Transmitter: Controls and Indicators. ……………………………. 8 2-3 480B Receiver: Controls and Indicators..…………………….….…..… 9 4-1 Direct (Conductive) Connection ....………………………….…..12 4-2 Peak 480B Receiver Response ....………………………..……...13 4-3 Null 480B Receiver Response ....……..…………………….….14 4-4 Inductive Coupling with the 4”...
1 INTRODUCTION The Metrotech Model 480B Pipe and Cable Locator is a versatile locating instrument designed for locating and tracing the path of pipes and cables; detecting energizing 60Hz power lines; and when mounted on an optional carrying handle, conducting blind searches, ground surveys, and locating underground metal masses.
SECAM, PAL, NTSC * Tape depicts basic training procedures with the Metrotech 480 Pipe and Cable Locator. The same procedures area applicable to the 480B. Features of the Model 480B Transmitter and Receiver are discussed in detail in Sections 2.4 and 2.5.
2.3 Specifications 480B Transmitter Nominal output power: Inductive Mode: 100mW avg. (6.2V p-p across loop) Conductive Mode: 125mW avg. (65V p-p across 2.7K ohms) Output frequency: 83kHz CW Battery Type: Six size C Alkaline Cells Battery Life: 400 hours, avg.
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45ma Battery Type: Six size C Alkaline Cells Battery Life: 250 hrs average Headphone Impedance: 2K ohms (usable at 100 ohms and up) Dimensions: 11.63"L x 9"H x 3.13"D (29.5 cm x 23 cm x 8 cm) Weight: 4.5 lb. (1.9 kg) Both Transmitter and Receiver Operation Temperature: 4°...
Figure 2-2: 480B Transmitter: Controls and Indicators 2.4 Controls and Indicators of the Model 480B Transmitter See Figure 2-2 for an illustration of the features described below. Figure 2-2 Designation POWER INDICATOR LAMP Indicates power is on. Blinks steadily if battery power is good, will slow down according to power left in batteries.
Figure 2-3: 480B Receiver: Controls and Indicators 2.5 Controls and Indicators of the 480B Receiver See Figure 2-3 for an illustration of the features described below. Figure 2-3 Designation FIELD STRENGTH METER The meter indicates the strength of the signal being received by the Receiver. The reading will vary according to how close the Receiver is to the conductor.
Follow the checkout procedure described in Section 3 before operating the equipment. To operate the 480B Pipe and Cable Locator, use the Transmitter to apply the signal to the conductor, and use the 480B Receiver to trace the signal coming off the conductor.
Transmitter: 1 With the Transmitter OFF, plug the Direct Connect Cable into the jack labeled COND/AUX OUTPUT on the 480B Transmitter. 2 Attach the RED lead of the Direct Connect Cable to an electrically clean metallic part of the targeted conductor.
Ground as possible, and attach the BLACK lead. If the ground surface is too hard, place the ground plate on the ground and attach the BLACK lead. To improve conductivity, put water and /or a weight on it. See Figure 4-1. Figure 4-1: Direct (Conductive) Connection Pull the Transmitter POWER Switch ON.
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The audio tone will increase and then go silent at the exact location of the conductor. See Figure 4-3. Figure 4-3: Null 480B Receiver Response DO NOT HOLD THE RECEIVER AT AN ANGLE - INCORRECT INFORMATION WILL RESULT!! 9 To determine the direction of the conductor, stop and vertically rotate the receiver to the left and right.
signal strength drops abruptly, the conductor may have changed direction or stopped. 10 When you have pinpointed the conductor's location, mark it as required. See Section 4.5 for APWA color markings. 11 When you have finished the locate, turn the Transmitter and Receiver off and disconnect the accessories.
4.4 480B 50/60Hz Power Line Locating When locating a power line the 480B Transmitter is not required as you are locating the power line by tracking the path of the 50/60 current coming off the line (the line must be loaded).
If the needle is at or close to the end of the meter scale, adjust the SENSITIVITY knob to bring the needle back to the middle of the meter. (Decreasing the SENSITIVITY will give a sharper Receiver response as you move closer to the target conductor.) Then move to a new position and note the meter response.
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6 Use the same triangulation procedure as described in Section 4.5 Estimating the Depth of a Conductor. Tilt the 480B Probe to a 45 degree angle as indicated by the bubble at the base of the Probe handle and then move off to the side of the conductor.
4.7 Using the Carrying Handle for Blind Searching, Ground Surveys, and Metal Mass Location To conduct a blind search, a ground survey, or to locate an underground metal mass, the 480B Transmitter and Receiver must be mounted on a carrying handle (Part# 200766). The handle positions the Receiver and the Transmitter in correct relation to each other.
Figure 4-9: Mounting the Transmitter and Receiver onto the Carrying Handle 4 Pull the Transmitter POWER switch on. 5 Set the Receiver RANGE switch to "Norm" (the Receiver will turn on). 6 Set the Receiver SENSITIVITY Switch to "11 o'clock position." 7 Set the Receiver MODE Switch to "Active".
Blind Search, Metal Mass Location, Ground Survey with the Carrying Handle A "blind search" is a search for the location of a conductor with an unknown source or ending. The 480B must be operated in the Inductive Mode using a systematic grid approach. Looking for a "metal mass", such as a manhole cover or steel drum is the same as a "blind search"...
Note: This method will work only if there is no cross bonding on the length of the conductor between the conductor and the receiver. Figure 4-11: Position of Metroclamps When Using Two 4.9 Marking the Conductor The following color markings have been established by the American Public Works Association (APWA): Conductor Color electric power lines, cables, or conduits...
Verifying means to confirm that a conductor if present, and tracing means to map out its route along the ground. Besides its use for locating a able, the 480B’s 50/60Hz power line locating mode is also helpful for determining the presence of energizing power lines and other conductors. The active range using the Transmitter generally produces the best accuracy when tracing.
Signals picked up by the receiver get weaker as you move further and further away from the transmitter coupling point, especially on long pipe runs. To get a stronger signal, move the transmitter coupling point closer to the receiver. If forced to use the Inductive Indirect mode, your tracing job will be easier if an assistant follows behind with the transmitter as you trace with the receiver.
If you find a pivot angle at which the meter reading picks up again, it means you've located a bend and can resume tracing in the new direction. If you pivot all the way around (360 degrees), without getting any noticeable meter reading, it means you've reached a dead end.
Make sure the latch is securely fastened. 6.2 Basic Preventive Maintenance The Model 480B is designed for rugged outdoor use, but rough handling should be avoided. Keep the equipment dry, clean, and free of grit. Service Center Information If the equipment does not function properly, replace or recharge the batteries as described in the sections above.
Metrotech warrants its equipment to be free from defects in workmanship and material under normal and proper use and service for one year from date of purchase by original user. Metrotech assumes no obligation to repair or replace equipment which has been altered or repaired by other than a Metrotech- approved procedure, been subject to misuse, misapplication, improper maintenance, negligence, or accident;...
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