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Introduction
In general, pipe and cable locators can operate in a variety of modes and
frequencies. The following is a brief description of the basic operating modes
supported by the u-LOCATE and u-LOCATE+ Pipe and Cable locators. In addition,
u-LOCATEoffersadvancedfeaturestosuitalmostanytypeoflocatingchallenge,
while emphasizing portability, size, and convenience.
All Schonstedt products are manufactured following high standards of reliability,
durability and performance.
For additional information on pipe and cable locating theory and techniques, check
the training section of our website at www.schonstedt.com/training/U-LOCATE.
Passive 50/60 Hz
The AC power system line frequency is 60Hz in North America, but
may be 50Hz in some locations. The receiver must be programmed
for one of these frequencies in order to locate AC power lines in
passivemode.Thedefaultconfigurationis60Hz.Itcanbechanged
by pressing the Depth and Frequency buttons simultaneously). In
passive mode, the transmitter is not used at all. Instead, the receiver
searches for an appropriate harmonic of 60 or 50 Hz signals. These
signals are typically present in energized power cables, making it
possible to locate them without using a transmitter to impose a tracing signal onto them.
Direct connect
In Direct Connect mode, the transmitter imposes a signal of
the selected frequency onto the pipe or cable to be traced.
It does so by making direct contact with the pipe or cable
at a point where the pipe/cable comes up to the surface of
the ground (a transformer box, a water hydrant, a telephone
switch box, a gas meter, etc.). The circuit is closed by
providing a return path with a stake that is buried in the
ground near the transmitter.
Inductive clamp
In inductive clamp mode, the transmitter imposes a signal of the
selected frequency onto the pipe or cable to be traced. It does
so by energizing a clamp that is placed so that it is completely
encircling the pipe or cable at a point where the pipe/cable comes
up to the surface of the ground (a transformer box, telephone
switch box, gas meter, etc.). The clamp then induces a current
onto the pipe or cable. In this mode, it is not necessary to provide
a return path for the induced current to the transmitter. The induced current will travel
on the pipe or cable for a certain distance, making it possible to trace it.
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