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Fisher Research Labs TW-9000 Operator's Manual

Multi-frequency underground utility locator, high capacity rechargeable battery system
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TW-9000
Multi-Frequency
Underground Utility Locator
High Capacity
Rechargeable
Battery System
OPERATOR'S MANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Fisher Research Labs TW-9000

  • Page 1 TW-9000 Multi-Frequency Underground Utility Locator High Capacity Rechargeable Battery System OPERATOR’S MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Safety Warnings

    Never rely solely on the depth measurement when digging. Always adhere to local safe digging guidelines. WARNING! Utilize only battery charging equipment provided by Fisher Research Labs. The use of alternative chargers may pose a safety hazard and could shorten the battery’s lifespan.
  • Page 3 TW9000 SAFETY WARNINGS CAUTION: For best accuracy, avoid taking depth measurements near bends or tees in the line. Maintain a distance of at least 15ft (4.5m) from a bend for accurate depth measurement. WARNING! The protection may be compromised if the device is used in a manner other than as specified.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TW9000 CONTENTS Safety Warnings Introduction Product Overview Transmitter (TX)......8 Receiver (RX) ......9 Transmitter Controls and Operation .

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Fisher produced the first patented ground-penetrating metal detector in 1931. For over 90 years, the Fisher logo has been a mark of ground-penetrating excellence. Questions? please contact us at: Fisher Research Labs 1120 Alza Drive, El Paso, Texas 79907 Tel: 1-800-685-5050 | Fax: 915-225-0336...

  • Page 6: Product Overview

    TW9000 PRODUCT OVERVIEW The TW9000 underground utility locating system includes the following standard components: • Transmitter. Energizes buried utilities through operator-selectable connection methods. • Receiver. Detects active and passive magnetic fields emitted from an energized buried utility. Conductive Connection Kit. Cables and ground rod for conductive tracing. •...
  • Page 7 TW9000 STANDARD SYSTEM COMPONENTS Figure 4.

  • Page 8: Transmitter (Tx)

    TW9000 TRANSMITTER OVERVIEW The TW9000 Transmitter is a powerful state-of-the-art multi-frequency signal generator designed to efficiently energize buried utilities from an above-ground location. It provides three means of connecting to a utility: • Direct Connection. The preferred method of connection, capable of transferring the most power to the utility.

  • Page 9: Receiver (Rx)

    TW9000 RECEIVER OVERVIEW The TW9000 Receiver is expertly-designed to detect active and passive magnetic fields emitted from buried utilities and sub-surface generators (sondes). Select from six operating modes, each configured to respond to the magnetic field characteristics inherent in different locating scenarios. Operating modes include: •...

  • Page 10: Transmitter Controls And Operation

    TW9000 Transmitter TRANSMITTER- CONTROLS AND OPERATION Press to turn ON. Power Press-and-hold to turn OFF. Program Operating Parameters 1st Press: Auto-Power-Down timer to set the timer, in minutes. When the Auto-Power-Down timer is set to , the Transmitter will automatically turn off after the specified number of minutes have passed with no key-press activity.
  • Page 11 TW9000 Transmitter TRANSMITTER- CONTROLS AND OPERATION Measure For Conductive Mode only 1st Press: Battery status and output level control. Detailed battery status information displays the time remaining before recharging is required. The time remaining is displayed in both hour/minutes and percent 6:25 capacity remaining.
  • Page 12 TW9000 Transmitter TRANSMITTER- CONTROLS AND OPERATION Volume Set the speaker volume from ( ) silent to ( ) high. The volume control applies only to the high voltage mode of operation and key-press volume. Frequency Selection 5 12 Select operating frequency: Hz or kHz.
  • Page 13 TW9000 This page intentionally left blank...

  • Page 14: Display

    TW9000 Transmitter TRANSMITTER DISPLAY CONDUCTIVE MODE WHEN OPERATING IN Direct Connection Mode engaged Auto Power-Down Operating Battery Timer-On Frequency State of Charge Speaker Volume OPENING VOLTAGE THROUGH & POWER Limit reached (W) Watts or Operator (V) Volts chooses the preferred Operator-selected display using Desired Output...
  • Page 15 TW9000 Transmitter TRANSMITTER DISPLAY INDUCTIVE MODE WHEN OPERATING IN Inductive Using internal antenna; Mode Indicator no accessory connected Overload Indicator Detailed Battery Status COUPLING CLAMP MODE WHEN OPERATING IN Coupling Clamp when Coupling Mode indicator Clamp connected Coupling Clamp is open; not making contact Detailed Battery Status...
  • Page 16 TW9000 Transmitter Transmitter Display Icons Description High Voltage Warning Flashes to indicate a high voltage (over 30 volts) in Direct Connection mode. Ernesto to provide more content Auto Power Down Illuminates when Auto Power Down function is on. Flashes just before Transmitter turns off. Direct Connection Mode.
  • Page 17 TW9000 Transmitter Transmitter Display Icons Description Frequency. Displays the selected transmit frequency. Output Measurements. Displays the output measurements selected by the operator using the key. The measurement readings are displayed in (V)volts & (W)watts or (kΩ)kohms & (mA)milliamperes. These measurement readings are displayed when the Transmitter is in the Direct Connection mode only.

  • Page 18: Receiver

    TW9000 Receiver RECEIVER START-UP & PROGRAMING • Press to turn ON (or press-and-hold). Power • Tap to toggle backlight ON or OFF. • Press-and-hold to turn OFF. Program Features and Power Line Frequency While you press-and-hold , tap Auto-Power-Down Battery conservation feature •...

  • Page 19: Get Ready To Operate

    TW9000 Receiver RECEIVER OPERATION - GET READY 1. After the Transmitter is connected and energized, turn on the Receiver to set up and prepare to deploy. 2. Pick the transmit source: A. TW9000 Transmitter until appears. When appears, subsequent taps on will toggle through four locating methods: Peak &...

  • Page 20: Display Icons

    TW9000 Receiver DEPLOY THE RECEIVER Trace the Utility in CONDUCTIVE or INDUCTIVE Mode 1. Select Frequency and mode 2. In Inductive Mode, stand 30 feet (9 meters) away from the activated Transmitter. 3. Hold the Receiver with the flat side of the blade facing the Transmitter. 4.
  • Page 21 TW9000 Receiver Display Icons continued Signal Bar (using mode) When using Peak & Null mode, the signal bar is a left /right indicator presented as an angle-of-approach. If no segments are illuminated, there is no signal -- continue searching. When operating in Peak & Null Over-target: the center-most segments are illuminated.
  • Page 22 TW9000 Receiver Display Icons continued Signal Bar ( using The signal bar fills from left-to-right as signal strength increases. As the Receiver moves away from the utility, the maximum- signal level remains temporarily illuminated as the real-time signal strength decays to the left of the display. The “sticky”...
  • Page 23 TW9000 Receiver Display Icons continued When using Peak & Null , the CURRENT is continually displayed, in milliamperes (mA), when a signal is detected. As the operator moves farther away from the Transmitter, the CURRENT degrades. To measure the CURRENT in •...
  • Page 24 TW9000 Receiver Display Icons continued PASSIVE POWER modes 1. Tap until the icon illuminates. 2. Tap to toggle through and select the power source. See page 18 summary of selections. 3. Press to select Frequency. Refer to page 19 for available frequencies Power Line Cathodic Protection For advanced users...
  • Page 25 TW9000 Controls and Indicators Display Icons continued 5. Use audio and display feedback to locate utility. AUDIO • Volume increases as the Receiver approaches the utility. • Volume decreases as the Receiver moves away from the utility. Signal Strength. • Increases as operator approaches utility. = no signal GAIN (operates as described on page...
  • Page 26 TW9000 Controls and Indicators Display Icons continued SONDE mode 1. Tap until the icon appears. 2. Tap to select the operating frequency of the sonde. 3. Power on the Sonde. 4. Verify that the Receiver detects the sonde’s signal. 5. Install the Sonde on rod and push through pipe. 6.
  • Page 27 TW9000 Controls and Indicators Receiver Keypad Controls Description Minus/Plus Keys Change speaker volume or Gain in Null, Wide Peak, Narrow Peak and Passive Power modes. Measure Key Measure depth and current of buried utility or sonde. Press-and-hold for most precise depth and current measurements.
  • Page 28 TW9000 Controls and Indicators Receiver LCD Display Icons Description Narrow Peak mode indicator • For congested utilities. • Narrow detection pattern. Null mode indicator • Compare result of Null mode with other modes’ results. • Indicates utility’s signal roundness (lack of distortion) Left/Right Direction Arrows: In Peak &...
  • Page 29 TW9000 Controls and Indicators Receiver LCD Display Icons Description Current Measurement: Manual Gain Setting: Displays the Gain setting as percentage when adjusted using the Volume Setting: Displays the % Volume Setting when adjusted using Overhead Signal: When a signal is detected above the operator that is stronger than any underground signal.

  • Page 30: Utility Locating Overview

    TW9000 UTILITY LOCATING OVERVIEW METHOD OF DETECTION The TW9000 employs the electromagnetic method of underground utility detection. With this detection method, a power source causes AC electrical currents to flow through the circuit paths formed by a buried conductive utility line or tracer wire and the return paths of the surrounding soil.

  • Page 31: Circuit Path Characteristics

    TW9000 Utility Locating Overview Passive power sources are uncontrolled, originating from the emissions of radio towers, power lines/mains and other unintentional radiators, not from the TW9000 Transmitters. CIRCUIT PATH CHARACTERISTICS The electrical characteristics of the circuit formed by the transmitting power source, utility and ground return have a direct impact on the quality of the signal the operator uses to trace the utility.

  • Page 32: Magnetic Field Shapes And Distortion

    TW9000 Utility Locating Overview MAGNETIC FIELD SHAPES AND DISTORTION Under ideal conditions, an energized buried utility produces an emanating concentric magnetic field around itself. See Figure 11 below. Due to the simple geometry of this concentric field, basic trigonometric principles can be employed by the utility locating system to determine the location, direction and depth of the buried utility.

  • Page 33: Utility Search Techniques

    TW9000 Utility Locating Overview Some causes of a distorted field include: • Crooked and multiple circuit paths • Interference from signals coupled into nearby utilities or large metallic objects • Ground returns Knowing the severity of the distortion can help guide the operator in choosing the optimum tracing mode, or tracing technique to obtain the most accurate information from the TW9000.

  • Page 34: Using The Transmitter

    TW9000 Utility Locating Overview Figure 13. Conducting a Grid Search USING THE TRANSMITTER For active tracing, the TW9000 Transmitter must be safely and properly connected to a non-energized target utility and have its frequency and power settings adjusted for optimal performance. There are three methods of utility connection, each with accompanying adjustments.

  • Page 35: Direct Connection

    TW9000 Using the Transmitter DIRECT CONNECTION Direct Connection is the preferred method as it is capable of transferring the most power to a utility. This method requires the following components: • TW9000 Transmitter • Conductive tracing cables • Ground-rod WARNING! Do not handle output leads unless power is off. ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD! Servicing to be performed by qualified personnel only.
  • Page 36 TW9000 Using the Transmitter Figure 14. Direct Connection Improving Direct Connection Poor connection to the conductive tracing leads and/or ground-rod can often lead to weak power transfer from the Transmitter to the utility, as indicated by the output measurement readings. The following guidelines are recommended to improve the connection.

  • Page 37: Coupling Clamp Connection

    TW9000 Using the Transmitter COUPLING CLAMP In some cases, a direct bare-metal connection to a utility may be unavailable, or it may be necessary to isolate the power transferred to a single line among a close grouping of lines. In these situations, a Coupling Clamp can be used to transfer power inductively from the Transmitter to the utility without direct connection.
  • Page 38 TW9000 Using the Transmitter Improving Coupling Clamp Connection The following guidelines are recommended to improve the power transfer from the Coupling Clamp to the utility. STEP 1 Verify that the Coupling Clamp jaws make a secure contact with each other when the clamp is fully closed. Clean off all debris from the contacts.

  • Page 39: Inductive Connection

    TW9000 Using the Transmitter INDUCTIVE COUPLING MODE In many cases, there will be no direct connection or clamping locations on a utility. In these situations, the TW9000 Transmitter provides an inductive mode to transfer power to the utility without making direct contact. Inductive mode is the default mode of connection when nothing is plugged into the Transmitter’s accessory jack.
  • Page 40 TW9000 Using the Transmitter STEP 3 Place the Transmitter over the assumed location of the utility and align it so that the Utility Direction Arrow on the Transmitter handle is pointing in the direction of the utility. See “Figure 16. Inductive Coupling Tracing Alignment”...

  • Page 41: Using The Receiver

    TW9000 Using the Transmitter Figure 17. Improving Inductive Coupling USING THE RECEIVER (RX) The TW9000 Receiver has a variety of operating modes and adjustable settings to help you optimize its performance for each locating situation. To get the best results, familiarize yourself with the following operational descriptions. RECEIVER OPERATING MODES Pressing the mode key allows you to cycle through each of the six operating modes.
  • Page 42 TW9000 Using the Receiver During utility tracing, the LCD displays a signal strength reading with corresponding bar graph indication. Left and Right arrows indicate the location of the utility in relation to the user’s position. Azimuth arrows indicate the direction of the utility.
  • Page 43 TW9000 Using the Receiver Narrow Peak Mode The Narrow Peak mode is useful when tracing in areas congested with other utilities. Although less sensitive than the Wide Peak mode, it is better at distinguishing among multiple target utilities and nearby interfering objects. The Narrow Peak mode is similar to Wide Peak mode, differing only in use of a differential sensor configuration.
  • Page 44 TW9000 Using the Receiver Figure 19. Peak and Null Modes Sonde Mode The Sonde Mode is specially calibrated to detect and measure the depth of 512 Hz sondes (or other selectable frequencies) mounted to inspection cameras or other feeding devices when used to trace pipe and drain locations or blockages. This mode operates similar to the Wide Peak mode but employs the Left/Right/ Azimuth/Over-Target directional indicators for added information.
  • Page 45 TW9000 Using the Receiver STEP 6 Properly align the Receiver to the direction of the sonde. See “Figure 20. Optimal Sonde/Receiver Alignment” on page 6a Lower the Receiver’s sensing blade to the ground and rotate it to align at a right angle to the direction of the pipe. 6b When the Receiver blade is properly aligned, the Azimuth arrows point horizontally and the signal strength reading displays a peak.
  • Page 46 TW9000 Using the Receiver Figure 20. Optimal Sonde/Receiver Alignment Figure 21. Sonde Signal Strength Response...

  • Page 47: Auxiliary Functions And Settings

    TW9000 Using the Receiver Passive Power Mode WARNING! Use extreme caution when working near powerline utilities. The Passive Power mode is used to trace buried utilities that are passively energized by AC power currents. The Receiver detects the magnetic fields set up by these power currents at their fundamental powerline frequency and associated harmonics up to the seventh harmonic.
  • Page 48 TW9000 Auxiliary Functions and Settings • Output voltage and power levels can only be set for the Direct Connection mode of operation. • The lowest output power setting is limited to one watt. • If no key is pressed for 30 seconds, the Set Max mode times out, and the unit resumes its previous state.

  • Page 49: Receiver

    TW9000 Auxiliary Functions and Settings RECEIVER Hidden Programming Mode The TW9000 Receiver provides an internal programming mode, allowing the operator to set the measurement units and powerline frequencies to those appropriate for the region of operation. Selecting English displays English feet/ inch units for depth measurements and sets the powerline frequency analysis to 60Hz.

  • Page 50: Battery Management

    TW9000 BATTERY MANAGEMENT REPLACING THE RECEIVER BATTERIES The TW9000 Receiver is powered by the rechargeable battery provided, or as a back-up, by two D-cell alkaline batteries. Insert D-cell batteries with positive terminals facing outward Rechargeable Battery and Adaptor Rechargeable battery doubles operation time Figure 23.
  • Page 51 TW9000 Battery Management RECEIVER RECHARGEABLE BATTERY KIT The standard 26650 Lithium-Ion battery provides more than double the operating time of two D-cell alkaline batteries. (D-cell battery capability is available as a backup.) The Receiver Rechargeable Battery Kit includes: One 26650 Lithium-Ion Battery Battery Holder/Adaptor (this holds the 26650 battery for insertion into the Receiver).

  • Page 52: Recharging The Receiver Battery

    TW9000 Battery Management RECHARGING THE RECEIVER BATTERY STEP 1 Remove the discharged battery from the tube-shaped Battery Holder/Adaptor......STEP 2 Attach the USB cable to the AC Power Adaptor (or other user- provided power adaptor) and connect to the Charger. STEP 3 Connect the Power Adaptor to an appropriate power source.

  • Page 53: Replacing The Transmitter Battery

    TW9000 Battery Management REPLACING THE TRANSMITTER BATTERY The TW9000 Transmitter is powered by a rechargeable 14.4 volt Lithium-Ion battery located in a sealed compartment. Pull on battery tab to remove battery from compartment Door Release Knob Figure 25. Transmitter Battery Replacement STEP 1 Locate the Door Release Knob on the bottom of the Transmitter.

  • Page 54: Recharging The Transmitter Battery

    TW9000 Battery Management RECHARGING THE TRANSMITTER BATTERY The Transmitter battery fits into a cradle for charging, as illustrated below. The Lithium-Ion battery must be charged before its first use. For additional safety and maintenance information, refer to the instructions provided with the charger. AC-Cable with Wall Plug Lithium-Ion Battery Cradle...
  • Page 55 TW9000 Battery Management RECHARGING THE TRANSMITTER BATTERY LED Indication Description One-time Red/Orange/Green Light The self-test is complete. The charger is ready for use. Red/Green Blinking The battery is not recognized. If the battery is extremely discharged, it will reactivate and start charging within 15 minutes.

  • Page 56: Industry Links

    TW9000 U S A INDUSTRY LINKS Nulca www.NULCA.org Underground Utility Locating Professionals Formerly known as the National Utility Locating Contractors Association, we are now “Nulca – representing utility locating professionals”. Nulca was formed in 1994 by several contract locating companies to advance locating throughout North America.
  • Page 57 TW9000 2.2 Receiver Battery, 26650 Battery Protected 5500mAh Li-ion Rechargeable Rechargeable 3.6V-3.7V 2.3 Flexible Receiver Battery System 2 x D-Cell Alkaline 3 Battery Operating Time 3.1 Transmitter, Li-Ion Battery Pack 8 hours @ 7.0 Watts 3.2 Receiver, 1 x Li-Ion, 26650 more than 17 hoursmore than 17 hours 3.3 Receiver, 2 X D Cell (flexible)
  • Page 58 TW9000 7.1 Peak & Null Mode Receiver gain adjusts automatically for peak VCO audio pitch when directly over a utility. 7.2 Wide Peak Mode Useful for detecting utilities from far lateral distances or utilities that are deeply buried. 7.3 Narrow Peak Mode Useful when tracing in areas congested with multiple utilities.

  • Page 59: Limited Two-Year Warranty

    TW9000 LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY This instrument was rigorously tested before shipment. Fisher Research Labs warrants this instrument to be free of manufacturing defects for a period of two years after the original date of purchase. This warranty gives you specific legal rights;...
  • Page 60 Fisher Research Labs 1120 Alza Drive El Paso, TX 79907 Phone: 1-800-685-5050 Fax: 915-225-0336 www.fisherlab.com email: info@fisherlab.com MTW9K 082823...

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