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Digital Control DIGITRAK FALCON F1 User Manual

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DIGITRAK FALCON F1
USER MANUAL
DCI DigiGuide
05.18.2024
DIGITRAK FALCON F1
DCI DigiGuide User Manual
05.18.2024
Important Safety Info
Bootcamp
Initial Setup
Jobsite Setup
During Drilling
Post Drilling
Advanced Topics
19625 62nd Ave S Suite B103 Kent, WA 98032 U.S.
DIGITAL CONTROL, INC
dci@digital-control.com | digital - control.com
1.800.288.3610 | 1.425.251.0559

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Summary of Contents for Digital Control DIGITRAK FALCON F1

  • Page 1 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 DCI DigiGuide User Manual 05.18.2024 Important Safety Info Bootcamp Initial Setup Jobsite Setup During Drilling Post Drilling Advanced Topics 19625 62nd Ave S Suite B103 Kent, WA 98032 U.S.
  • Page 2 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Important Safety Info GENERAL SAFETY WARNING Only operate your DCI guidance system in accordance with the operating instructions for your system. Serious injury and death, as well as property damage, can result if underground drilling equipment strikes a natural gas line, high-voltage electrical cable, or other utility.
  • Page 3 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Ensure that all underground utilities have been located, exposed, and/or accurately marked prior to drilling. Follow all proper safety precautions, such as potholing. DCI equipment is not explosion-proof and should never be used near flammable or explosive substances.
  • Page 4 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Interference levels change with time and with even minor changes in location. The frequency optimizer is not a substitute for prudent operator judgment. If performance drops while drilling, consider switching to the other selected band (not available on the Falcon F1) or use Max Mode.
  • Page 5 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Vehicles Saltwater/salt domes Conductive earth, such as iron ore If you have any questions about the operation of your guidance system, please contact DCI Customer Service for assistance. ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS System working altitude: up to 6562 ft (2000m).
  • Page 6 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 If you have any questions about the operation of your guidance system, please contact DCI Customer Service for assistance. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 7 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Bootcamp HDD LOCATING HISTORY Locating in the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry was initially based on locating a buried cable by sweeping the locator back and forth to find the highest signal strength (peak signal), indicating that the locator was over the cable.
  • Page 8 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 There is a second locate point behind the transmitter called the Rear Locate Point (RLP). The two locate points, combined with a Locate Line (LL), pinpoint the precise location of the transmitter housing below ground.
  • Page 9 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Passive interference consists of anything that blocks or distorts the transmitter signal resulting in incorrect depths or missing data. Example sources include rebar, guard rails, bridge abutments, chain link fencing, salt/saltwater, and soil high in metal ore. The Falcon sub-kHz transmitter (available for Falcon F5 and F5+ only) helps cut through passive interference without distorting the signal.
  • Page 10 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 MENU NAVIGATION Use the trigger switch under the handle of your Falcon F1/F2 to navigate the menu system and select options. Click to open the Main menu and move between options. Hold briefly and release to make a selection.
  • Page 11 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 LOCATE MODE SCREEN 1. Locating ball (FLP or RLP) 2. Locator 3. Roll indicator 4. Roll value 5. Roll/pitch update meter 6. Transmitter pitch 7. Power Mode (not available in legacy F1/F2) and Transmitter signal strength 8.
  • Page 12 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 1. Locate point (front or rear) 2. Bird's-eye view 3. Locate Line (LL) 4. Height-Above-Ground (HAG) setting on 5. Ground level 6. Transmitter depth 7. Transmitter battery strength When the HAG setting is disabled, the locator displays at ground level and must be placed on the ground during depth readings.
  • Page 13 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 1. Ball-in-the-Box at FLP Reference Lock indicator * 3. Transmitter battery strength 4. Horizontal distance between transmitter and FLP Predicted depth * of transmitter The predicted depth is the depth the transmitter is calculated to be at when it reaches the FLP if it continues on its current path.
  • Page 14 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 predicted depth will also display when the locator is at the Rear Locate Point (RLP), but it will not be correct. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 15 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Initial Setup REGISTERING YOUR EQUIPMENT STEP 1 OF 2 Stuff You Should Know Registering your equipment activates the product warranty. Registering also allows us to contact you if it is recovered after being lost or stolen.
  • Page 16 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 1 OF 5 Check the charge level of your battery; each of the five lights on a li-ion battery represents about 20% capacity. NiMH batteries do not have a power meter. You can view battery life in the top banner of the Main menu.
  • Page 17 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 3 OF 5 Pull the trigger to turn on the locator. STEP 4 OF 5 Click to confirm you’ve read the manual. STEP 5 OF 5 Click again to continue. TRANSMITTER SETUP...
  • Page 18 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 3 OF 3 The transmitter is powered once batteries or battery adapter is inserted and the cap is installed. SET HEIGHT-ABOVE-GROUND STEP 1 OF 6 Stuff You Should Know Use Height-Above-Ground (HAG) to set a height measurement on the locator so you don’t have to put it on the ground for a depth reading.
  • Page 19 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 6 OF 6 Click to advance to the new height, then hold to select. HAG is now on. If you pass the number you want, keep clicking to cycle back around, or wait for the screen to time-out and then try again.
  • Page 20 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Jobsite Setup POWER ON STEP 1 OF 5 Check the charge level of your battery; each of the five lights on a li-ion battery represents about 20% capacity. NiMH batteries do not have a power meter. You can view battery life in the top banner of the Main menu.
  • Page 21 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 3 OF 5 Pull the trigger to turn on the locator. STEP 4 OF 5 Click to confirm you’ve read the manual. STEP 5 OF 5 Click again to continue. SCAN STEP 1 OF 4 Ensure all transmitters are powered off...
  • Page 22 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 3 OF 4 When the noise bars appear, walk your intended drill path while observing the bars and their high-point markers. Higher bars and markers indicate more noise. STEP 4 OF 4 Return to the point of highest noise and re-scan.
  • Page 23 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 PAIR STEP 1 OF 4 Pairing sends the frequencies you selected to the transmitter. Pair a transmitter immediately after scanning and picking bands. To pair any other time, from the Main menu select...
  • Page 24 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 The FO noise bars will spike when the transmitter is powered on. STEP 3 OF 4 Select Pair. Align the transmitter so its IR port is within five centimetres of and facing the round IR port on the front of the locator.
  • Page 25 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Calibration is required anytime you change your transmitter, locator, drill head, or perform a new frequency scan and then pair. Calibrate with the transmitter in the housing flat on the ground in a low-noise, metal-free environment immediately after pairing.
  • Page 26 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 4 OF 8 From the Main menu, select Calibration. STEP 5 OF 8 Select 1PT CAL. STEP 6 OF 8 Click to calibrate. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 27 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 The locator beeps and displays a check mark after a successful calibration. If you wait longer than about 15 seconds to click the trigger, the calibration terminates and the Above Ground Range (AGR) screen displays.
  • Page 28 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 8 OF 8 Click to exit to the Locate screen where you will see clock, pitch, and signal strength. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 29 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 During Drilling TURN ON HEIGHT-ABOVE-GROUND STEP 1 OF 3 From the Main menu, select HAG. STEP 2 OF 3 To enable HAG with the height shown, hold to select. HAG is now on.
  • Page 30 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 The locator must now be held at this height for accurate depth readings. HAG must be turned on manually each time after the locator is powered on or calibrated. LOCATING THE TRANSMITTER...
  • Page 31 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 4 OF 12 Find the Front Locate Point (FLP) Walk forward. As you pass the transmitter, the ball jumps to the top of the screen. You are now tracking the Front Locate Point (FLP).
  • Page 32 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 When the ball is centered in the box, hold the trigger for at least one second to lock onto the reference signal. The R icon will appear at the top of the Depth screen.
  • Page 33 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 10 OF 12 Ensure the locator is on the line connecting the two marked locate points. Position the locator so the LL passes through the center of the box. The drill head should be beneath this point as long as the transmitter is relatively level (see Steep and Deep under Advanced Topics).
  • Page 34 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 If you hold the trigger for longer than five seconds, the locator will enter Max Mode, which can help with unstable data caused by interference or extreme depths. STEP 12 OF 12 Continue Locating as the Drill Head Moves After the drill head moves forward another rod, find the new RLP, FLP, and...
  • Page 35 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 The Predicted Depth screen displays when the trigger is held with the locator at the Front Locate Point (FLP). The predicted depth is how deep the transmitter is calculated to be when it reaches the front locate point if it continues on its current path. The predicted depth will also display when the locator is at the Rear Locate Point (RLP), but it will not be correct.
  • Page 36 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Post Drilling LOCATOR AND BATTERY CARE STEP 1 OF 4 Select power icon in the Main menu to power off the locator. STEP 2 OF 4 Remove the battery and inspect its contacts and those inside the battery compartment for corrosion and debris.
  • Page 37 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 TRANSMITTER AND BATTERY CARE STEP 1 OF 6 Remove the transmitter from the drill head. STEP 2 OF 6 Wipe the transmitter clean so dirt doesn’t enter the battery compartment or accumulate on the battery cap threads.
  • Page 38 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 6 OF 6 Store the transmitter in the original system carry case where it will be safe from impact and excessive temperatures. Storage and transportation temperature must remain within 40° to 149° F (-40 to 65 °C).
  • Page 39 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Advanced Topics STEEP AND DEEP When a transmitter is level (zero pitch) underground: the locate points (FLP and RLP) are at equal distances from the transmitter depth displayed on the locator is the actual depth, and the Locate Line (LL) indicates a position above the transmitter.
  • Page 40 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 1. RLP 2. FLP 3. LL 4. Fore/aft offset 5. Projected depth 6. Transmitter at positive pitch 7. 30% (17°) The differences in position and depth between the projected depth point and the actual location of the transmitter can be relatively small at low pitch and/or shallow depth.
  • Page 41 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Fore/Aft Offset For a given pitch, you can calculate actual or projected depth: IN-GROUND CALIBRATION This calibration procedure is rarely needed. If you find it necessary to calibrate with the transmitter in the ground, contact DCI customer service for information on this option, and perform the procedure with caution.
  • Page 42 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 2 OF 6 Select Transmitter Options. STEP 3 OF 6 Align the transmitter so its IR port is near and facing the round IR port on the front of the locator.
  • Page 43 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 4 OF 6 Select Transmitter Info. STEP 5 OF 6 Use the Transmitter Info screen to check important information such as operating current * runtime hours for warranty coverage, current band, battery voltage * , and max recorded temperature.
  • Page 44 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 A voltage reading below 2.7 (alkaline), 3.2 (lithium) or 3.9 (LiR) indicates bad or depleted batteries. TRANSMITTER OVERHEAT INDICATOR (TEMP DOT) DigiTrak transmitters (Tx), with the exception of DucTrak, have temperature overheat indicators (temp dot) on the front end cap.
  • Page 45 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 1. Temperature status icon 2. Temp trend up/down arrows 3. Temperature Suspend drilling when temperatures increase rapidly. Temperatures above 111°F (36°C) are not typical. STEP 2 OF 6 As the transmitter (Tx) temperature increases above 61°F (16°C), the locator and remote emit warning beeps and the temperature icon changes on the locator or remote display.
  • Page 46 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 3 OF 6 Tx temp: 104° –111°F (40° – 44°C) Warning tones: Two double beeps (Beep-beep; Beep-beep) for every 7°F (4°C) increase. Cool the transmitter. STEP 4 OF 6 Tx temp: 118° – 133°F (48° –...
  • Page 47 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 6 OF 6 The transmitter records the maximum temperature that it has been exposed to. Use the Transmitter Info screen to view this information. See the " Get Transmitter Info" article for steps.
  • Page 48 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 2 OF 4 At the Locate Mode screen, hold the trigger for longer than five seconds to enter Max Mode. STEP 3 OF 4 Continue holding the trigger until depth and data stabilize.
  • Page 49 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 If the readings are not consistent, change the band and try again. If the readings continue to be inconsistent, turn the locator off and then on again. If the issue continues, contact DCI Customer Support.
  • Page 50 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Any Height-Above-Ground (HAG) setting is ignored by the locator when Target Steering is used. Target Steering is not supported by the Falcon Compact Display. STEP 2 OF 8 From the Main menu, select Target Steering.
  • Page 51 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 HAG is not factored into the target depth setting. Elevate the locator and add that height to the target depth if drilling shallower than 1.5 ft (46 cm) or if elevating the locator to distance it from rebar.
  • Page 52 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 5 OF 8 Place the locator on the drill path with its battery compartment facing the drill head. Target Steering guides the transmitter to be inline with the locator's handle when it reaches the target beneath the locator. For accurate depth information, use the horizontal distance reading on the Target Steering display to ensure the locator is no more than 35 ft (10.7 m) in front of the...
  • Page 53 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 7 OF 8 To turn off Target Steering, select the Target Steering menu from the Main menu. STEP 8 OF 8 Click once, then hold to turn off Target Steering and return to the Locate Mode screen.
  • Page 54 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Slopes between 50% and 100% are provided for reference only and do not represent typical drilling conditions. All numbers are based on math only and do not take into account extremely soft or extremely hard soil conditions, which may cause depth values to vary.
  • Page 55 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Slopes between 50% and 100% are provided for reference only and do not represent typical drilling condi tions. All numbers are based on math only and do not take into account extremely soft or extremely hard soil conditions, which may cause depth values to vary.
  • Page 56 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 Contact DCI USA DCI Australia DCI@digital-control.com DCI.Australia@digital-control.com US & CANADA AUSTRALIA 1.800.288.3610 +61.7.5531.4283 INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL 1.425.251.0559 +61.7.5531.2617 DCI China DCI Europe DCI.China@digital-control.com DCI.Europe@digital-control.com CHINA EUROPE 400-100-8708 +49.9391.810.6100 INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL +86.21.6432.5186 +49.9391.810.6109 DCI India DCI Philippines DCI.India@digital-control.com...
  • Page 57 DIGITRAK FALCON F1 USER MANUAL DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...