AT-3000 PRO User Guide R-3000 PRO Locator features 1 On/Off Press and hold to use R-3000 PRO 2 Loudspeaker Detachable speaker for use in noisy environments 5 Storage compartment Holding connection cable, Ground stake and ground cable 6 Pulse/Continuous switch R-3000 PRO LCD features Turn Function Switch to A (AvoidanceScanTM) to sweep the area for conductors radiating Power, Radio or Genny signals. In this mode the depth button will not be active and the sensitivity control will only adjust the G-3000 PRO signal level. (P and R will be set to maximum sensitivity). 4 Sensitivity Control Keep the sensitivity at maximum unless there is a blanket G-3000 PRO signal, in which case turn down the sensitivity until the blanket G-3000 PRO signal is reduced to a usable level. 5 Function Switch Selects locate mode The AT-3000 PRO consists of receiver the R-3000 PRO and Generator, the G-3000 PRO. The R-3000 PRO provides four detection modes, audio and visual indication and depth measurment. Grip the handle. Squeeze trigger and listen for bleep indicating the batteries are OK. Replace both batteries if there is no bleep or if the battery icon is flashing. 3 LCD Display This User Guide covers the use of the underground wire tracer, the AT-3000 PRO. Using AvoidanceScanTM 6 Battery compartment To replace batteries, open the access cover using a screwdriver or coin. Use two LR20 or D type alkaline batteries (or equivalent NiMH rechargeable batteries) The R-3000 LCD display provides visual representation of the following parameters: * Depth WARNING When using the R-3000 PRO in noisy environments, the speaker can be detached and held closer to the ear. To avoid excessive noise exposure it is advisable to hold the speaker no closer than 15cm (6") from the ear. Prolonged use at this level should be avoided. * Battery indicator (flashing icon indicates that batteries are low) Operation of Power, Radio and AvoidanceScanTM modes G-3000 PRO Signal Regularly check your AT-3000 PRO, in all modes, over a cable which gives a response you are familiar with. Generator features 1 On/Off button Press to switch On and Off. Press and hold to reduce volume Operation of Power and Radio modes Power and Radio modes can be used independently of AvoidanceScanTM and it is recommended that this is done to pinpoint services in very congested areas. Regularly check your AT-3000 PRO, in all modes, over a cable which gives a response you are familiar with. Using Power mode With the sensitivity switched on and set to maximum sensitivity, check that the audio response (which should be synchronised with the G-3000 PRO audio output) as detailed in the table below. Mode Test Distance Audio Output Power 30cm (1ft) Pulsed, clearly audible Squeeze trigger and listen for bleep indicating the batteries are OK. Replace both batteries if there is no bleep or if the battery icon is flashing. Radio 1.5m (5ft) Pulsed, clearly audible Genny 15m (50ft) Pulsed, very high volume Avoidance 15m (50ft) Pulsed, very high volume Sweep the area to be excavated with a steady and deliberate motion. Hold the R-3000 PRO with the blade vertical and with the bottom end just above the ground. Ensure the whole area is covered by adopting a grid pattern. If necessary switch to a dedicated mode (P,R or G-3000 PRO) to pinpoint the conductor, adjusting the signal level control to give a narrow locate band over the conductor. Rotate the R-3000 PRO to give maximum response. The R-3000 PRO is now at right angles to the conductor. (This can be less precise in the power mode because of the nature of the power signal). Power signals:- radiated by loaded, unbalanced cables. These signals are also found on other nearby conductors that `re-radiate' the power signal. 4 Battery compartment To replace batteries, open the access cover using a screwdriver or coin. Use four LR20 or D type alkaline batteries (or equivalent NiMH rechargeable batteries) * Place the R-3000 PRO flat on the ground and pointing toward the G-3000 PRO Grip the handle. Use the AvoidanceScanTM mode to undertake an initial sweep of an area to be excavated. AvoidanceScanTM will detect all modes simultaneously. 3 Loudspeaker * Check there is an audible sound from the speaker Select Power using the function switch. AvoidanceScanTM 2 Direct connection socket * Set the G-3000 PRO to pulsed operation, switch on and place on the ground Best results are obtained in the AvoidanceScanTM mode when the G-3000 PRO is set to pulse operation. Maximum meter and speaker response indicates the position of a buried conductor. * Depth button Switch back to AvoidanceScanTM mode to resume the sweep of the area to be excavated. Functional Test Note * Signal strength indicator * Mode/clockface indicator Trace the buried conductor keeping the R-3000 PRO vertical and moving it steadily from side to side. Follow the line of the buried conductor marking it with chalk or paint across the area to be excavated. Radio signals:- originate from distant radio transmitters. These penetrate the ground and are re-radiated by buried conductors. However, they are not always present. Rotate the Sensitivity Control fully clockwise for maximum sensitivity but reduce if there is a blanket signal across the site. Define the area to be excavated and carry out a grid pattern sweep as described in AvoidanceScanTM. The presence of a buried metallic pipe or cable will be indicated by a tone emitted from the speaker. Keep the blade of the R-3000 PROvertical and move slowly backwards and forwards over the cable or pipe, reducing the sensitivity for a narrower response. Use the meter deflection to aid pinpointing. Maximum meter deflection indicates the position of the conductor. Trace the conductor out of the area, marking the position with chalk or paint. G-3000 PRO signals:- present on buried conductors that have had a G-3000 PRO signal applied. There are various ways of applying the G-3000 PRO signal (see Locating with the AT-3000 PRO). ALWAYS DIG WITH CAUTION. Mouse transmitters for non-metallic pipe location These devices have relatively short battery lives. They should always be fitted with new batteries before use. Insert one battery and use a tested R-3000 PRO to confirm that the Mouse can be located at 4 metres . Remember that the R-3000 PRO blade must be in line with the Mouse which is the opposite to that which is normally used for pipe or cable locating. Advanced Test Products, Inc., 3270 Executive Way, Miramar, FL 33025 Phone: 954-499-5400 Fax: 954-499-5418 Toll free: 1-800-327-5060 www.amprobe.com Service and Maintenance The AT-3000 PRO is designed so that they do not require regular calibration. However, as with all safety equipment, it is recommended that they are serviced at least once a year either at Amprobe or an approved repair centre. Amprobe products are under continuous development and are subject to change without notice. www.amprobe.com 90/UG063AMP 2 3 4 5 12 Using Radio mode Method Set the Function Switch to Radio. Decide if the G-3000 PRO is to be switched to pulse or continuous operation. As a guide, depth measurements are best done with a continuous signal. If battery power saving is an issue, switch to pulse operation. A pulsing signal may also be easier to detect as the signal gets weak towards the end of the trace length. The pulse/continuous switch is located on the underside of the G-3000 PRO. Follow the same procedure as outlined in `Using the Power mode'. WARNING Increased risk of property damage, death, or serious injury may result if buried utilities, pipes, and cables are not properly located before digging. Make sure to read and follow all instructions and warnings in the owner's guide when using the AT-3000 PRO. The R-3000 PRO detects most buried cables and conductors, BUT SOME CABLES AND CONDUCTORS (EVEN LIVE ONES) DO NOT RADIATE SIGNALS, SO THE R-3000 PRO WILL NOT DETECT THEM. Also, the R-3000 PRO does not indicate whether a signal comes from a single cable or conductor or from several cables or conductors buried in close proximity to each other. Even if using a AT-3000 PRO, ALWAYS DIG WITH CAUTION. Call your local support number (available from www.radiodetection.com) for questions regarding the proper use, maintenance, and repair of the R-3000 PRO and Genny3. Locating with the AT-3000 PRO The G-3000 PRO is used to apply a tone to a buried conductor. This signal can be traced using the R-3000 PRO locator switched to the Genny mode. Plug the connection lead into the G-3000 PRO connection socket and attach the red lead to the target line. If necessary, clean the connection point to ensure a good electrical contact. If the jaws of the clip do not open far enough, and the connection point is a ferrous material, use the magnet that is on the clip to attach it. Clip the ground lead to the earth stake which should be placed in the ground 3 or 4 paces away from, and at right angles to the target line. Alternatively the ground lead may be clipped to the rim of a valve box or manhole cover. Use the earth spool lead to extend the earth connection if necessary. Direct connection is an efficient form of signal application and is suitable for connection to a valve, meter, junction box or other access point. The Signal Clamp applies a Genny signal safely to a pipe or live cable up to 76mm (3 inches) diameter, without interrupting the supply. Switch the R-3000 PRO to G-3000 PRO mode (or AvoidanceScanTM if conducting a general sweep) and begin to trace the line from the point of application. Keep the blade of the R-3000 PRO vertical and across the probable direction of the line. Move slowly backwards and forwards over the conductor, reducing the sensitivity for a narrower response. Maximum audio and meter deflection will indicate the position of the target line. Placing the G-3000 PRO on it's side swamps an area with G-3000 PRO signal. Note that signal is not transmitted directly below the G-3000 PRO in this orientation, so repeat the exercise with the G-3000 PRO moved to the side by at least one metre. Method Plug the Clamp into the G-3000 PRO Connection socket. The Signal clamp can be used with the G-3000 PRO set to either pulse or continuous mode. Using the optional Mouse Signal Transmitter Note The Mouse is a small self-contained watertight transmitter which can be detected by the R-3000 PRO when switched to the G-3000 PRO mode. If the StrikeAlertTM feature is enabled the alarm will activate at approximately 1.2m when locating a sonde. If this is an inconvenience, the StrikeAlertTM feature can be disabled in the Genny mode by pressing and holding the depth button for the duration of the battery test bleep at switch on. Unscrew the housing and insert the single LR6 or AA type alkaline battery in the orientation shown by the diagram in the battery compartment. Rotating the R-3000 PRO about it's axis to obtain the largest signal puts the blade of the R-3000 PRO in line with the Mouse and is a good way of identifying the direction of the duct or pipe. Note 8 Taking Mouse depth measurements using the R-3000 PRO Locate the main Mouse signal as previously described. Hold the R-3000 PRO vertical and in line with the Mouse. Press and hold the depth button until `M' appears on the display and then release. A clockface will appear in the top right hand corner of the display while the depth calculation is made. The approximate depth to the Mouse will then be displayed. Place the Mouse on the ground, set the R-3000 PRO to G-3000 PRO mode and, whilst holding the R-3000 PRO in line with the Mouse, check that the signal is being received. 7 Hold the R-3000 PRO still, vertical and at right angles to the buried line. Momentarily depress the depth button. The display will show a moving clockface followed by the depth measurement. Method Method Induction is a convenient and quick way of applying the G-3000 PRO signal to a pipe or cable where limited access does not permit direct connection or the use of a signal clamp. Locate the target line as described previously. Depth measurements are only possible when using the R-3000 PRO in the G-3000 PRO mode with a M-3000 transmitter, identified with a central orange band. An earth connection, from the G-3000 PRO, is not necessary but efficient signal transfer is only achieved if the target line is grounded at both ends. This is usually the case with power cables. Placing the battery in the incorrect orientation will not harm the Mouse and is a good method of storing the battery when not in use. 6 Smaller ghost signals appear before and behind the main signal position. Locate all three peaks to be sure the largest middle one is identified as the Mouse position. Place the Clamp around the pipe or cable ensuring the jaws are closed. Switch the G-3000 PRO on. Open and close the Clamp. If the jaws are closing correctly there will be a change in tone as the jaws are closed. Alternatively, use a two man technique to search an area for buried utilities as shown. Method If using the G-3000 PRO in induction ensure that the depth measurement position is at least 30 paces from the G-3000 PRO. If using direct connection or a signal clamp, this distance can be reduce to approximately 5 paces. Active search using Induction Induction WARNING Connection to a power cable sheath should only be undertaken by qualified personnel. Insert the Mouse approximately 1m/yd into the duct or drain and adjust the R-3000 PRO sensitivity to receive the signal. Start tracing the target line at least five paces from the G-3000 PRO with the R-3000 PRO set in the G-3000 PRO mode. Working too close to the G-3000 PRO may give false readings as the R-3000 PRO will detect radiated signals directly from the G-3000 PRO rather than the target line. Switch the G-3000 PRO on. After an initial warble, a good connection is indicated by a drop in loudspeaker tone. If there is no tone or it is a very slow bleep, replace the batteries. When directly over the line and with the sensitivity level set for approximately 34 deflection, rotate the R-3000 PRO on it's axis until a signal minimum is found. The blade is now in line with the target line. Continue tracing the line as outlined above. Direct Connection Using the optional Signal Clamp Set the G-3000 PRO to pulse or continuous mode. Place the G-3000 PRO over the assumed position of the conductor and in the orientation shown. 9 Taking line depth measurements using the AT-3000 PRO For best accuracy use the G-3000 PRO in continuous mode (it is possible to perform depth measurements with the G-3000 PRO set to pulse mode but a slight reduction in accuracy may be experienced). 10 Error messages Flashing indicates conductor out of range. --- indicates depth attempted in radio which is not allowed. not possible to indicate depth eg, high interference. WARNING Do not use the R-3000 PRO depth measurement to decide if mechanical digging over a buried conductor is appropriate. 11