SeekTech SR-60 ® Pipe, Cable and Sonde Locator Patents Pending Operator’s Manual WARNING! Read this operator’s manual carefully before using this tool. Failure to understand and follow the contents of this manual may result in electrical shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SeekTech SR-60 Table of Contents GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION........................................................................................................... 2 SR-60 COMPONENTS .................................................................................................................................. 5 INTRODUCTION TO THE SR-60 ................................................................................................................. 6 GETTING STARTED ..................................
SeekTech SR-60 SeekTech SR-60 ® Pipe, Cable and Sonde Locator SeekTech® SR-60 Record the Serial Number of your unit below and retain for your records. See Information screen for serial number and software version. Serial Number Software Version Ridge Tool Company Elyria, Ohio U.S.A www.seektech.
SeekTech SR-60 charger can overheat and rupture the battery. General Safety Information WARNING • Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury! Properly dispose of the batteries. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the battery to explode, so do not dispose of in a fire. Some countries have regulations concerning battery disposal. Please follow all applicable regulations.
SeekTech SR-60 instructions may create a risk of electrical shock or injury. SR-60 Use and Care • • • • • • • • Use equipment only as directed. Do not operate the SR-60 unless you have read the operator’s manual. Do not immerse the antennas in water. Store in a dry place. This will reduce the risk of electric shock and instrument damage. Store idle equipment out of the reach of children and other untrained persons. Equipment is dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
SeekTech SR-60 DANGER Important Notice The SR-60 is a diagnostic tool that senses electromagnetic fields emitted by objects underground. It is meant to aide the user in locating these objects by recognizing characteristics of the field lines and displaying them on the screen. As electromagnetic field lines can be distorted and interfered with, it is important to verify the location of underground objects before digging. Several utilities may be underground in the same area.
SeekTech SR-60 SR-60 Components Figure 1: SR-60 Components Ridge Tool Company Elyria, Ohio U.S.A www.seektech.
SeekTech SR-60 Introduction to the SR-60 Getting Started Installing/Changing Batteries NOTE: Avoid dragging the lower antenna node on the ground while locating with the SR-60. It may cause signal noise which will interfere with results, and may eventually damage the antenna. To install batteries into the SR-60, turn the unit over to access the battery compartment. Turn the knob on the battery cover counter clockwise. Pull straight up on the knob to remove the cover.
SeekTech SR-60 Common Display Elements Figure 4: Common Display Elements The display screen in Active Line Trace, Passive Line Trace or Sonde mode will show the following features: • Signal Angle: Field tilt from the horizontal; angle toward the field’s center; numeric value displayed in degrees. • Battery Level – Indicates level of remaining battery capacity. • Measured Depth/Distance – Displays the measured depth when receiver is touching the ground directly over signal source.
SeekTech SR-60 • Guidance Line Shows the alignment of the target line and helps determine when the locator is directly over the target line. It will be longest when directly aligned with the target line. Rotation Arrows will appear to indicate which way the SR-60 should be turned to align it with the field. Note: The Tracing Line reflects the approximate axis of the conductor being traced, but is modified by a degree of “distortion” in the form of varying cloudiness, or loss of focus, in the Tracing Line.
SeekTech SR-60 the Main Menu, they will not appear when using the Frequency Key to cycle through frequencies. Keypad Frequencies which appear in the Main Menu and are checked for activation are called “Checked-Active”. Frequencies that are “Checked-Active” can be cycled through simply by pressing the Frequency Key (see Figure 7). A frequency chosen by pressing the Frequency Key becomes the “In Use” frequency.
SeekTech SR-60 • Frequency / Left Key – Used to set the In-Use Frequency of the SR-60 from the set of Checked-Active frequencies. Each short press cycles to the next Checked-Active frequency. (The list of frequencies that have been set to Checked-Active status can be modified via the Menu Key.) This indicates that the batteries need to be changed and that the unit will soon shut down. A tone will sound at ten-minute intervals.
SeekTech SR-60 Set up Once the SR-60 is up and running, the next step is to set up the frequencies needed to match the transmitter frequency being used, or the frequency of the line to be located. Each frequency is selected for use by choosing it from a list in the Main Menu. If the box on the Main Menu for that frequency is checked, the frequency is “Checked-Active”. Checked-Active frequencies are already selected for use and appear in sequence when pressing the .
SeekTech SR-60 Figure 15: Highlighting a Desired Frequency (8 kHz) (shown below) to 3. Press the Select Key check the box for each frequency to be used. for activation, see “Frequency Selection Control” on page 33. A long press on the Frequency Key will bring up a list of all Checked Active Frequencies. To use one, . simply scroll down to it and press the Select Key Note on 93 kHz Frequency Use The SR-60 offers two 93 kHz frequencies for Line Tracing.
SeekTech SR-60 locator receiver is getting closer or further away from the Sonde. If desired, force the sound to re-center at a medium level (in any mode) by pressing the Select Key during operation. See also the “Directional Sound” section, below. Key Items in Using the SR-60 PROXIMITY SIGNAL reflects the proximity of the locator to the target utility; the closer the locator moves to the center of the detected field, the higher the Proximity Signal number gets.
SeekTech SR-60 meter, or other point. Important: The connection between the transmitter and the conductor must be a clean, firm connection. The transmitter is also connected to a ground stake providing a strong open path to ground. Important: A weak ground connection is the most frequent cause of a poor tracing circuit. Make sure the transmitter is well connected to ground, and has enough exposure to the ground to allow current to flow through the circuit.
SeekTech SR-60 node is placed closer and closer to the target utility. Rechecking the Measured Depth and position periodically during the excavation process can help avoid damage to a target utility and may identify additional utility signals that were not noticed prior to excavation.
SeekTech SR-60 Measuring Depth (Line Tracing Modes) Depth Warnings The SR-60 calculates Measured Depth by comparing the strength of the signal at the lower antenna to that at the upper antenna. NOTE: Exposing the utility is the only way to verify its existence, location, and depth. Measured Depth is measured correctly in an undistorted field when the bottom antenna is touching the ground directly above the signal source and the antenna mast is vertical.
SeekTech SR-60 Current and Signal Angle Reading The Current Strength ( ) and Signal Angle indicator ( ) in the upper right corner of the screen will display the current detected on the traced line, in milliamps, when the computed angle to the center of the detected field is less than 35° and the SR-60 crosses the center of the field.
SeekTech SR-60 overcome resistance and inject more current onto the line. e. Re-locate the ground connection for a better circuit. Ensure there is enough contact (ground stake is sufficiently deep) especially in dryer soils. f. In extremely dry soil, wetting the area around the ground stake will improve the circuit. Be aware the moisture will dissipate and evaporate, reducing the quality of the circuit over time. 5. Using the numeric Signal Angle Indicator is another way to check for distorted signals.
SeekTech SR-60 Figure 28: Screen Display in Different Locations (Line Tracing) Ridge Tool Company Elyria, Ohio U.S.A www.seektech.
SeekTech SR-60 Passive Line Tracing In passive mode, the SR-60 is looking for electromagnetic “noise” that has found its way onto a buried utility line by any available means. Electromagnetic signals can get onto buried utility lines in a variety of ways. The most common way is by means of direct connection to some signal source. All operating electronic devices that are connected to AC power will radiate a certain amount of electronic “noise” back onto the power lines they are connected to.
SeekTech SR-60 In general, directly connected Active Line Tracing is more reliable than Passive Line Tracing. WARNING In Passive Line tracing, or when signals are extremely weak, the Measured Depth will generally read too deep, and the actual buried depth may be much shallower. OmniSeek Locating Figure 31: OmniSeek with Secondary Tracing Line The SR-60 has an advanced capability for passive is locating called OmniSeek.
SeekTech SR-60 Operating Tips for Passive Line Tracing 1. In Passive Locating if you are looking for a known line, be sure you are using the best frequency for the line in question. This may be, for example, 60 Hz (1) for a power line, or it may turn out that 60 Hz (9) produces a more reliable response on a particular line. 2. If seeking a cathode-protected pipe in Passive Mode, use higher-frequency (greater than 4 kHz) to pick up harmonics. 3.
SeekTech SR-60 a constant height above the ground as distance affects Signal Strength. • Note the Signal Strength and move away from the high point in all directions. Move the SR-60 far enough in all directions to verify that the Signal Strength drops significantly on all sides. Mark the point of highest Signal Strength with a yellow Sonde Marker (clipped to antenna mast for convenience). This is the suspected Sonde location.
SeekTech SR-60 • Mark the first Pole location found with a red triangular Pole marker. After centering on the Pole, a double-line indicator will appear. This line represents how the Sonde is lying underground, and in most cases also represents the pipe’s approximate direction. • When the locator gets close to a Pole, a zoom ring will appear centered on the Pole, allowing precision centering. • The second Pole will be a similar distance from the Sonde location in the opposite direction.
SeekTech SR-60 that the signal falls away on every side of the maximum signal location. Note: If following a moving Sonde, it may be easiest to “chase” a pole, and then to pinpoint the actual position of the Sonde only after the Sonde has stopped moving. Measuring Depth (Sonde Mode) The SR-60 calculates Measured Depth by comparing the strength of the signal at the lower antenna to the upper antenna.
SeekTech SR-60 Figure 39: Screen Display in Different Locations (Sonde) 26 www.seektech.com Ridge Tool Company Elyria, Ohio U.S.
SeekTech SR-60 Figure 40: Tilted Sonde, Poles, and Equator Note the right-hand Pole is closer to the Equator, due to tilt. Ridge Tool Company Elyria, Ohio U.S.A www.seektech.
SeekTech SR-60 Custom User Frequencies SR-60 users can set and use custom frequencies. By setting the SR-60 to a user-defined frequency, you can use it with transmitters from any manufacturer, even if the transmitter has unusual frequencies or has drifted from its nominal frequencies. transmitters. Pressing Select will automatically fill in the user-defined frequency values with the highlighted number.
SeekTech SR-60 Menus and Settings Pressing the Menu Key brings up a series of choices which let the operator configure the SR-60 as preferred (see Figure 47).The menu is a context-sensitive list of options. The entry point into the menu list is set to the currently active frequency. Auto Menu Exit Count-down Timer Figure 45: Editing a User-Defined Frequency (Note: Trash Icon for deleting Frequency appears when Frequency is set to 0).
SeekTech SR-60 11. 12. Display Elements Control (Submenus will display when selected for Sonde or line tracing modes.) Frequency Selection Control (Sub-menus will display for categories of frequencies that can be selected.) Currently Available Radio Frequencies As with other frequency categories, these items will appear in the “Checked-Active” set when checked. See the Frequency List on page 9. OmniSeek Mode 13.
SeekTech SR-60 Display Elements Menu Advanced features of the SR-60 can be enabled by using the Menu Key to show the menu tree. Select the Display Elements selection menu. Then select the mode (Line Trace or Sonde) you want to change. Figure 49: Setting Backlight Mode (On/Off/Auto) LCD Contrast When this is selected by pressing the Select Key, the contrast can be adjusted (Figure 50). Use the Up and Down Keys to make the screen lighter or darker (Figure 51).
SeekTech SR-60 traveling along the Race Track (Figure 54). The Watermark is a graphic representation of the highest Signal Strength reached (in Sonde mode) or the highest Proximity Signal level reached (in Line Tracing modes). It is “chased” by a solid Level which shows the current Signal Strength. Pointer If the Signal Strength Level Pointer goes higher than the Watermark, the Watermark moves up accordingly to show the new highest level graphically.
SeekTech SR-60 Available” – that is, selected to appear in the Main Menu. From there, they can be set to “Checked-Active” status to make them available by use of the Frequency Key . Checking a frequency to add it to the Main Menu will set the unit to operating in that frequency and place it in Checked-Active status. To select additional frequencies, highlight and select the sub-menu. Highlight Frequency Selection Control the category of the desired frequency (Figure 58). Press the Select Key .
SeekTech SR-60 version, serial number of the receiver, and its calibration date (Figure 61). Figure 60: Setting a Frequency to “Currently Available” Status To switch to a “Currently Available” frequency that is not yet “Checked-Active”, press the Menu Key and scroll down to the desired frequency; if it is not checked, press the Select Key to toggle the checkbox to “checked”. This sets the status of that frequency to “Checked-Active”.
SeekTech SR-60 Menu Tree The following figure shows options and controls built into the SR-60 menus.
SeekTech SR-60 Informational Locating particular line or pipe is visual inspection, such as by potholing. The normal shape of a field around a long conductor such as a pipe or cable is circular (cylindrical in three dimensions). When over the center of a circular field, the operator can observe the following indicators: Compound or complex fields will produce different indications on the SR-60 that will show what is happening.
SeekTech SR-60 underground lines (electrical conductors like metal cables and pipes) or Sondes (actively transmitting beacons). When the fields are simple and undistorted, then the information from sensed fields is representative of the buried object. If those fields are distorted and there are multiple interacting fields, it will cause the SR-60 to locate inaccurately. Locating is not an exact science.
SeekTech SR-60 be able to make the correct decision rapidly and accurately. A Better Way of Locating The SR-60 gives the operator a picture of the situation as the receiver moves along the target area and makes it easier to understand where a target line’s electromagnetic field is. With more complete information, an operator can understand how things stand underground and resolve complex situations, avoid inaccurate mark-ups, and find the right line or cable more rapidly.
SeekTech SR-60 Orientation to the Signal More on Informational Locating Because of the multiple signals being processed by each Omnidirectional antenna, the target’s signal always gets stronger as the receiver gets closer to the target. How the unit is held does not affect Signal Strength. The user can approach from any direction and does not need to know the orientation or direction of the pipe or wire.
SeekTech SR-60 line. If further assistance is needed, please call RIDGE Tool Technical Service at 800-519-3456. If appropriate: replacements can be ordered from your Ridgid dealer. Maintenance and Cleaning 1. Keep the SR-60 clean with a damp cloth and some mild detergent. Do not immerse in water. 2. When cleaning, do not use scraping tools or abrasives as they may permanently scratch the display. NEVER USE SOLVENTS to clean any part of the system. Harsh chemicals can cause cracking of the Case.
SeekTech SR-60 Icons and Symbols Figure 72: Icons and Symbols Ridge Tool Company Elyria, Ohio U.S.A www.seektech.
SeekTech SR-60 Glossary -- Definitions Active Line Tracing Active View Area A mode of locating using a Line Transmitter to inject a chosen frequency onto a hidden conductor; the frequency is then detected by the SR-60 to trace the conductor The area within the circle in the center of the operating screen, where the Tracing Line or Sonde Pole and Equator symbols appear. Bleed over Coupling of the signal from the target line onto adjacent conductors by any means (resistive, capacitive, or inductive).
SeekTech SR-60 Glossary -- Definitions Distortion The impact of near-by fields, other conductors, magnetic flux, or other interference on a circular electro-magnetic field. Distortion is detected by comparing the information from the SR-60’s Tracing Line, Proximity Signal, Signal Strength, Measured Depth Display, and Signal Angle readings. The Tracing Line will grow less focused in response to more distortion in the detected field.
SeekTech SR-60 Glossary -- Definitions Operating Screen The display screen of the instrument as seen when locating. It includes an Active View area, where the Tracing Line appears in Line Trace modes, and where Pole and Equator icons appear in Sonde mode. It also includes Measured Depth, Signal Strength, Signal Angle, current and Proximity Signal values, depending on the mode and choice of options in use.
SeekTech SR-60 Trouble Shooting Guide PROBLEM PROBABLE FAULT LOCATION SR-60 locks up during use. Power the unit off, and then back on. Remove the batteries if the unit will not switch off. If batteries are low, replace them. SR-60 will not pick up the signal. Check that the correct mode and frequency is set. Examine circuit for possible improvements. Relocate transmitter, change grounding, frequency, etc.; or modify Signal Focus Control settings (page 32).
SeekTech SR-60 Specifications • • Default Settings Weight w/ batteries ....... 5.4 lbs. (2.5 kg) Weight w/o batteries ..... 4.7 lbs. (2.1 kg) Dimensions • Length ........................... 14” (35.56 cm) • Width ............................ 7” (17.78 cm) • Height ........................... 31” (78.74 cm) Power Source • 4 C-size batteries, 1.5V Alkaline (ANSI/NEDA 14A, IEC LR14) or 1.2V NiMH or NiCad rechargeable batteries • Power Rating: 6V, 550mA • Signal Strength Non-linear in function.
SeekTech SR-60 Manufacturers Frequency Table Displayed Option Available Frequencies Company Dyna 3M Dynatel ™ Fish FISHER Gen Gen-Eye ™ 577Hz 8kHz 33kHz 200kHz 820Hz 8.2kHz 82kHz 512Hz 8kHz 65kHz Exact frequency (Hz) Model 577 8192 32768 200012 821 8217 82488 2273 TW-8800 LCTX 512/8/65 Notes 200 KHz not present in European model of the ST-510. 512 8192 65536 Not recommended for use with the ST510 transmitter. Gold GOLDAK 117.5kHz 3300 11750 Heath Heath Consultants Incorporated 8.
SeekTech SR-60 Displayed Option RIDGID (Old) RIDGID (New) Company Ridge Tool Co. Ridge Tool Co. RIDGID-B (New) Ridge Tool Co.
What is covered RIDGID® tools are warranted to be free of defects in workmanship and material. How long coverage lasts This warranty lasts for the lifetime of the RIDGID® tool. Warranty coverage ends when the product becomes unusable for reasons other than defects in workmanship or material. How you can get service To obtain the benefit of this warranty, deliver via prepaid transportation the complete product to RIDGE TOOL COMPANY, Elyria, Ohio, or any authorized RIDGID® INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER.