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Digital Control DIGITRAK FALCON F2+ User Manual

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DIGITRAK FALCON F2+
USER MANUAL
DCI DigiGuide
05.18.2024
DIGITRAK FALCON F2+
DCI DigiGuide User Manual
05.18.2024
Important Safety Info
Bootcamp
Initial Setup
Jobsite Setup
During Drilling
Post Drilling
Advanced Topics
Troubleshooting
Reference
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 F2+

  • Page 1 DCI DigiGuide User Manual 05.18.2024 Important Safety Info Bootcamp Initial Setup Jobsite Setup During Drilling Post Drilling Advanced Topics Troubleshooting Reference 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...
  • Page 2 Also, when drilling steep and/or deep, the locate line may indicate a position behind or ahead of the transmitter. Please see "Steep and Deep" under Advanced Topics for important information about accurately locating the drill head when drilling steep and/or deep. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 3 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. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 4 Traffic signal loops Buried dog fences Cathodic protection Radio communications Security systems Microwave towers Power, phone, fiber-trace and cable TV lines Passive Metal pipes Rebar Trench plates Chain-link fences Vehicles Saltwater/salt domes Conductive earth, such as iron ore DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 5 fire. Lithium-ion batteries must be packaged and shipped by trained and certified personnel only. Never ship damaged batteries. If you have any questions about the operation of your guidance system, please contact DCI Customer Service for assistance. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 6 U.S.: Contact the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation’s (RBRC) Battery Recycling Program at 800.8.BATTERY or visit www.rbrc.org to recycle your used battery. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 7 DCI invented the Ball-in-the-Box user interface to make it quick and intuitive to find a locate point, speeding up drilling jobs: just move the locator so the ball moves into the box on the screen. Finding a locate point also helps you find the drill head itself. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 8 Active interference, or “noise”, consists of anything that emits a signal that interferes with the transmitter signal. Example sources include power lines, radio towers, cathodic protection, fiber tracer lines, invisible dog fences, security systems, and traffic signal loops. Falcon’s frequency optimizer finds the best frequencies to avoid noise. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 9 Select two bands and switch between them mid-bore if needed (not available on the Falcon F1 with singleband). The Falcon Plus locators with Quick Scan Pair offer features to make the selection of bands faster and easier. Two clicks select the two preset bands selected for your region. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 10 Depth data appears when the trigger is held at the Locate Line (LL) and predicted depth appears when held at the Front Locate Point. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 11 4. Roll value 5. Roll/pitch update meter 6. Transmitter pitch 7. Power Mode and Transmitter signal strength 8. Transmitter temperature DEPTH SCREEN The Depth screen displays when the trigger is held with the locator at the Locate Line (LL). DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 12 The Predicted Depth screen displays when the trigger is held with the locator at the Front Locate Point (FLP). 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 DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 13 The 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 14 You will need the equipment serial number and your company contact information. Here’s where to find your serial number: Locator: in the battery compartment Transmitter: engraved on the steel body Remote display: decal on the back POWER ON DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 15 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. STEP 2 OF 5 Insert battery in the locator. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 16 The circle is the where you can find the transmitter's region and model number. The region number is inside the globe icon in front of the serial number. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 17 Do not use a spring with a SuperCell, LiR, or FTA. The transmitter is powered once batteries are inserted and the cap is installed. SET HEIGHT-ABOVE-GROUND (STANDARD) STEP 1 OF 5 Stuff You Should Know DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 18 To measure for standard HAG, hold the locator at your side as if you were holding a suitcase. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the locator using a tape measure. STEP 3 OF 5 From the Main menu, select HAG. STEP 4 OF 5 Select Set HAG. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 19 HAG must be turned on manually each time after the locator is powered on or calibrated. Target Steering does not adjust depth for standard HAG and assumes the locator is on the ground. If TrakStand HAG is enabled, the locator adjusts for the TrakStand height. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 20 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. STEP 2 OF 5 Insert battery in the locator. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 21 Advanced FO - Quick Pick – After scanning, use the two bands with the lowest noise indicated by the FO with white arrows. Advanced FO - Manual Pick – After scanning, select one or both bands and assign them to up or down. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 22 Inspect the job site and move locator to active noise area of concern or deep part of bore - keep locator above and parallel to bore path. STEP 3 OF 8 From the Main menu, select Quick Scan Pair. STEP 4 OF 8 Confirm the pre-set bands and the power mode. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 23 Align the transmitter so its IR port is near and facing the round IR port on the front of the locator. Falcon locators with programmable power mode override any other selection method when used with a V2 transmitter. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 24 You may decide to continue to use the currently selected bands or to select bands manually if you know you need a specific band, such as a low- frequency band (7 or 11) to account for rebar or other interference. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 25 When the noise bars appear, walk your intended drill path while observing the bars and their high-point markers. Pay special attention to the deeper parts of the bore. Consider rescanning the location if the noise is high. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 26 To continue using the currently paired bands, select Cancel. ADVANCED FO - QUICK PICK STEP 1 OF 2 Select Pair to pair the Up and Down bands with the two bands indicated by the two white arrows. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 27 Down Band. The band numbers turn green and adds an asterisk to indicate the selected Up or Down bands that will replace the previously selected bands. STEP 2 OF 3 If needed, select and assign the other band. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 28 Confirm the Up and Down bands and the Power Modes on the top of the screen. To change the transmitter power mode, select Select Transmitter Power. Select the power mode you want to change, and then toggle up or down to change. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 29 STEP 4 OF 6 Select Transmitter pairing request. Do not move the transmitter until you hear the beep and see a checkmark. STEP 5 OF 6 After successful pairing, click to calibrate. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 30 Main menu select Transmitter selection. Frequency optimization, and continue. CALIBRATE INTRO Calibration is required anytime you perform a new frequency scan with power change or change any of the following: Transmitter Power mode of the transmitter DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 31 Using a tape measure, place the near edge of the locator parallel to and exactly 3 m from the center of the transmitter. For accurate calibration, always use the center of the transmitter, not the drill head. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 32 Move the locator to at least two different distances 1.5m and 4.8m and verify distance readings match the measurement. The locator assumes the transmitter pitch equals zero during the above ground range check. For accurate readings ensure the transmitter is approximately level. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 33 STEP 3 OF 4 Return to level for 10-18 seconds. When the transmitters changes bands, data disappears from the locator. You can also use the Power-on Method described in "Change Transmitter Band, Power-On Method" article in the Advanced Topics Chapter. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 34 On the Locate Mode screen verify that you see the clock, pitch, and signal strength. The triangle in the roll indicator shows calibration is needed. CALIBRATE - DOWN STEP 1 OF 8 From the Main menu, select Calibration. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 35 For accurate calibration, always use the center of the transmitter, not the drill head. STEP 4 OF 8 Select Continue to calibrate the Down band. STEP 5 OF 8 The locator beeps three times and displays a check mark after a successful calibration. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 36 4.8m and verify distance readings match the measurement. STEP 7 OF 8 Click Cancel to exit to the Locate Mode screen. Verify you see the clock, pitch, and signal strength. STEP 8 OF 8 Fasten the drill head cover properly before drilling. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 37 STEP 2 OF 4 From the Main menu, select HAG. STEP 3 OF 4 To enable standard HAG (hand-held) and the height shown on the screen is acceptable, select Enable HAG. Otherwise, click Set HAG to enter a new height. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 38 Changing the TrakStand height is not recommended. If the height needs to be changed, return to the Enable HAG screen, then select Set HAG to enter a new height. The locator must be in the TrakStand at the set height for accurate depth readings. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 39 Mark this position on the ground as the Rear Locate Point (RLP). STEP 4 OF 11 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). DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 40 Move the locator to put the ball in the box. The locator can face toward or away from the drill as long as it is parallel to the direction of drilling. Mark this position on the ground as the Front Locate Point (FLP). DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 41 Look back toward the RLP. The transmitter housing is positioned to travel toward you along the line connecting the RLP and FLP. STEP 8 OF 11 Find the Locate Line (LL) Walk back toward the RLP until the Locate Line (LL) appears. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 42 (see "Steep and Deep" under Advanced Topics). The locator can face toward or away from the drill as long as it is parallel to the direction of drilling. STEP 10 OF 11 Hold the trigger to take a depth reading. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 43 If you have a straight drill path but the FLP is to the left or right of the line projected from the previous locate points, this may indicate a drill head deflection or interference affecting the transmitter’s signal. GLOSSARY DEFINITIONS DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 44 When using a wideband transmitter and the 10-2-7 roll sequence, transmitter data will disappear after a successful band change. STEP 3 OF 4 From the Locate Mode screen, hold toggle right to open the Band Selection shortcut menu. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 45 STEP 2 OF 6 Place the locator on the ground. STEP 3 OF 6 To take a measurement on a slope, turn the locator sideways, and then tilt the locator left or right so that the display screen is level. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 46 DCI DigiGuide 05.18.2024 STEP 4 OF 6 From the Main menu, toggle down to the second page and select Level. STEP 5 OF 6 The pitch is displayed in degrees. STEP 6 OF 6 Click to exit. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 47 Store the battery and locator in the original system carry case safe from impact, moisture, and excessive temperatures. Do not store the battery in the battery charger or locator. Storage and transportation temperature must remain within -40° to 65°C. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 48 Clear any debris and replace the battery cap. Use conductive lubricant on the threads if the battery cap is difficult to turn. STEP 5 OF 6 Store batteries so they do not contact metallic objects or terminals of other batteries. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 49 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 – 65 °C. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 50 When the transmitter is pitched up (positive pitch, shown below), the locate line on the screen reflects a position behind the transmitter. The depth reading on the locator is based on the projected depth point, which is not the same as the actual depth of the transmitter. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 51 2 m ahead of the transmitter. You can use the pitch and the projected depth reading on your locator to determine the actual depth and the position (fore/aft) of the locate line: Actual Depth DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 52 Max Mode can stabilize roll/pitch data and depth readings when drilling at the transmitter’s range limit due to extreme depth or interference, which will vary by jobsite. Use when the roll/pitch update meter shows low signal level or data is unstable. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 53 Continue holding the trigger until depth and data stabilize. If the Max Mode timer fills up before depth and data stabilize, move to a different location near the drill head and hold to restart. The timer bar will fill as data is confirmed. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 54 The Target Steering guidance method allows the Falcon locator to be placed ahead of the drill head and used as a steering target. Use it to distance the locator from rebar that is causing signal interference and to drill where walkover locating is not possible. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 55 TrakStand with HAG enabled. The locator ignores the handheld Height-Above-Ground (HAG) setting. The Falcon Compact display does not support Target Steering. TARGET STEERING STEP 1 OF 7 Toggle up from the Locate Mode screen. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 56 10.7 m in front of the transmitter. If you go shallower than 10.7 m do not rely on the depth and up/down steering information. Instead, monitor pitch data. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 57 From the Locate Mode screen, toggle down to turn off Target Steering. GLOSSARY DEFINITIONS *TARGET DEPTH A value programmed into the locator, so it can be positioned ahead of the transmitter housing and used as a steering target. The value programmed should be the desired DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 58 first band before scanning for a second band. STEP 2 OF 10 Ensure all transmitters are powered off or more than 30.5 m away from the locator. STEP 3 OF 10 From the Main menu select Transmitter options. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 59 STEP 7 OF 10 band with the least noise * Toggle to the , click to select, then click again to assign it as the Up band. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 60 Toggle to the lowest band, click to select, then click again to assign it as the Down band. STEP 10 OF 10 Select Pair to pair and select power level for the Down band before proceeding to calibration as you normally would when pairing both bands at one location. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 61 Hold transmitter powered on at level (0±10°) for at least five seconds. STEP 2 OF 3 Tilt transmitter up at approximately +65° (almost vertical) for 10-18 seconds. STEP 3 OF 3 Return to level for 10-18 seconds. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 62 To change to the Down band, hold the transmitter vertical with the index cap end pointing straight down. Insert the batteries and reinstall the battery cap to power on the transmitter. Keep the transmitter vertical for 4-5 seconds. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 63 Align the transmitter so its IR port is near and facing the round IR port on the front of the locator. The transmitter does not need to be paired for the locator to read the transmitter info. STEP 3 OF 5 Select Transmitter Information. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 64 V2 transmitters have three power modes to balance signal strength and battery life. V2 transmitters are etched with a "V2" on the stainless battery compartment (not on the label) and have a multipower mode sticker around the IR port. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 65 SuperCell and 200 hours for alkaline. Sleep mode starts 15 minutes after last roll change. FTR (Sub-k Rebar) Tx's do not have MultiPower mode and have Standard power battery life. Depth/data range for Up Band is similar to Standard power; Down band is similar to Low power mode. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 66 TX Info pairing screen. CHANGE V2 TX POWER MODE STEP 1 OF 9 From the Main menu, go to Transmitter Selection. STEP 2 OF 9 Select Frequency Optimization. The Frequency Optimizer displays the two currently selected bands. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 67 V2 transmitter. Use the locator to change the power mode. STEP 5 OF 9 Toggle to the band (Up or Down) that you want to change, and then click to select. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...
  • Page 68 For V1 transmitters and FTR transmitters, high power is ignored and the transmitter will pair at Standard power. STEP 7 OF 9 Select OK. STEP 8 OF 9 Select Transmitter Pairing Request. STEP 9 OF 9 Continue to pair and then calibrate the transmitter. DIGITAL CONTROL, INC...