PRECISION PIPE AND CABLE LOCATION Instruction Manual CXL Locator DXL Locator MXL Locator SGA Signal Generator SGV Signal Generator MXT Transmitter AS Cable Avoidance Tool AS AS Depth Measuring Cable Avoidance Tool Precision Pipe & Cable Locator cscopelocators.com cscopelocators.com cscopelocators.
WARNINGS C.Scope Locators detect services radiating a detectable signal. There may be some services that do not radiate and cannot be located. ALWAYS EXCAVATE WITH CARE Do not use the equipment outside of the temperature range -10˚C to +50˚C as the batteries may cease to function adequately. Geographical conditions such as hills and mountains may effectively screen signals and prevent a detectable Radio signal. C.Scope Locators alone will not always locate every service.
Contents Warnings 2 Features CXL, DXL and MXL 4-5 SGA, SGV and MXT 6-7-8-9 Locator Operating Modes Using the Transmitter Depth Measurement Output Power 20 Line Frequency 21 Sonde/ Plastic Pipe Tracer Batteries 22 Direct Connection 23-24 Street Lighting 25 41-42 43 Signal Current Measurement 44-47 Signal Clamp/ Injector 26 Function checks Power 10 Searching 27 Locators Radio 11 Tracing 28 Generator/ Transmitter 50 Induction 29 Depth 51 Maintenance/ General symbols 52
CXL DXL MXL Locator Features The C.Scope CXL, DXL and MXL Locators are Pipe and Cable Locators that can provide precise information about the position and depth (DXL and MXL only) of buried services. The combination of locating modes ensures buried services are detected quickly and reliably. Digital Display with automatic backlight Detachable Loudspeaker On/ Off Switch Sensitivity Control Cable Avoidance Tool C.
CXL DXL and MXL Locator Features Power Mode Indicator Frequency Selected in Generator/ Transmitter Mode Indicator Radio Mode Indicator AllScan Mode Indicator Signal Strength Bar Graph Sonde Depth Mode Indicator (DXL and MXL only) Battery Condition Indicator Signal Current Button (MXL only) Depth (DXL and MXL only) or Signal Current Measurement (MXL only) Frequency Button (MXL only) Depth Measurement Button (DXL and MXL only) 5
SGA / SGV Signal Generator and MXT Transmitter Features The C.Scope SGA and SGV Signal Generators are an ideal accompaniment to the CXL and DXL Locators. The SGA has the facility of high and low output power and can operate with a pulsed or continuous output signal. The SGV Signal Generator in addition has a display showing the battery condition and power output indication. The SGV also has variable levels of output power that can be selected by the user. The C.
SGA Signal Generator Features Signal Generator Output Power Increase Control Output Power Decrease Control Pulsed/ Continuous Output Control On/ Off Control On/ Off Low Power High Power Loud/ Mute Control Pulse / Continuous Audio Mute 7
SGV Signal Generator Features Connected Mode Indicator Induced Mode Indicator Generator Output Frequency Signal Strength Indicator ONE WATT Signal Generator Battery Condition Indicator Output Power Level Indicator Loud/ Mute Setting Indicator On/ Off Control Output Power Decrease Control Output Power Increase Control 8 On/ Off Decrease Power Increase Power Pulse / Continuous Audio Mute Loud/ Mute Control Pulsed/ Continuous Output Control
MXT Transmitter Features Connected Mode Indicator Selected Transmitter Output Frequency Induced Mode Indicator Signal Strength Indicator Battery Condition Indicator Loud/ Mute Setting Indicator On/ Off Control Output Power Level Control Output Power Level Indicator Loud/ Mute Control Pulsed/ Continuous Output Control Frequency Control 9
Locator Operating Modes: Power Mode In Power Mode the Locator detects power signals. These power signals are present on all current carrying electricity cables although not all are detectable. Power signals may also flow along other conductors such as metal gas and water pipes, telecom cables, metal fences and railway tracks. Limitations of Power Mode Not all electricity cables can be found using the Power Mode.
Locator Operating Modes: Radio Mode In Radio Mode, the Locator detects signals from various radio transmitters. These signals flow through the ground and will tend to follow the line of least resistance such as a buried metallic service. When this happens the service can often be detected by using the Locator in Radio Mode. Limitations of Radio Mode Not all services will be detectable in Radio Mode.
Locator Operating Modes: All Scan Mode In All Scan Mode, the Locator detects at ALL frequencies in the range of 50Hz to 33kHz. Sometimes a signal that is outside of the frequency range of the other search modes (Power, Radio, and Generator/ Transmitter) will be present on a buried metallic service. All Scan Mode is a useful additional search mode to employ as it may detect these ‘extra’ signals as well as the Power, Radio and Generator/ Transmitter signals.
Locator Operating Modes: All Scan Mode Limitations of All Scan Mode All Scan Mode has exactly the same limitations as those listed for the Power and Radio Modes: Street lighting cables when the lights are switched off, supply cables to buildings or plant using little or no electricity, pot-ended or capped cables, well balanced high voltage cables and direct current cables may all be missed on the All Scan Mode.
Locator Operating Modes: Generator/ Transmitter Mode In Generator/ Transmitter Mode the Locator detects conductors radiating a signal applied by the Generator/ Transmitter. The Generator/ Transmitter provides a means of applying a known signal to buried metallic services which can then be detected using the Locator. Direct Connection By detecting this signal it is possible to locate, trace and identify the pipes or cables that may be carrying it.
Using the Locator: Batteries Locator Battery Check Switch the Locator on by pulling up on the On/Off trigger positioned on the underside of the handle. The Locator should emit a clear audible battery check tone for one second and the display should come on. Check the battery level indicator in the bottom left hand corner of the display. If there is only one segment or no segments of the indicator filled in then the batteries will need to be renewed before locating work can begin.
Using the Locator: Holding the Locator When in use the Locator should always be held upright. NEVER swing the Locator such that it moves away from the vertical. incorrect Your index finger will then be free to adjust the Sensitivity Control. correct 90O 16 Your middle or little finger should be used to squeeze, and hold on, the On/Off trigger. cscopelocators.
Using the Locator: Searching There are three stages to the locating process; searching, pinpointing and tracing 1. Turn the Mode Switch to the appropriate mode. 2. Hold in the On/Off trigger. The Locator should emit the audible battery test tone and the digital display should come on. Check the battery level indicator to confirm the batteries are usable. 3. Rotate the Sensitivity Control fully clockwise to its maximum setting as indicated by the arrow on the control. cscopelocators.com 4.
Using the Locator: Pinpointing Having found a signal the next step is to pinpoint the source. The closer the Locator is to the signal source the stronger the response. To Pinpoint a Signal 1. Keeping the Locator vertical, walk through the area of the signal response. If the visual response goes up off the scale then stop and reduce the sensitivity of the Locator slightly before continuing. 2. The width of the signal response will shrink as the sensitivity is reduced.
Using the Locator: Tracing Having pinpointed a service it should now be possible to trace its route. 1. Carefully follow the direction of the signal holding the Locator at right angles to the line of the signal. It is necessary to constantly ‘slice’ the Locator from side to side in order to be sure of still being over the peak signal response. 2. Stop and mark the position of the signal at regular intervals. As more marks are recorded the precise direction of the service will become more apparent.
Using the Generator/ Transmitter: Output Power Level and Pulse/ Continuous Output Output Power Level The SGV Generator and the MXT Transmitter have four, selectable output power levels. The SGA Generator has two selectable output power levels. For long distance tracing or for detecting deep services it is always best to use the highest power setting of the Generator/ Transmitter. Please note that higher power settings will drain the batteries more quickly than lower power settings.
Using the Transmitter: Which Frequency Signal to use (MXT Transmitter only) Generally, 33kHz is the best frequency to use as it performs well in all applications. The lower frequency signals (8kHz and 640/512Hz) should travel further along a metallic service than the higher frequency signal (33kHz) although they may be more difficult to successfully apply in the first place. There should also be less ‘coupling’ of these signals onto adjacent services.
Using the Generator/ Transmitter: Batteries Battery Check Switch the Generator/ Transmitter on by pressing the On/Off switch. The Generator/ Transmitter should emit a loud continuous tone or a regular pulsed tone. If the batteries need replacing an interrupted tone will be heard. During use, the Generator/ Transmitter will also warn the Locator user of low battery status by altering its normal continuous or pulsed signal output to a distinct interrupted signal output.
Using the Generator/ Transmitter: Direct Connection WARNING Never connect directly to electrical services. WARNING You may need to seek permission from the service owners before connecting on to some buried services. The Direct Connection Leads and Earth Stake that are supplied with the Generator/ Transmitter are used to apply a signal to any metal pipe at a suitable access point such as a valve, hydrant point, stop cock or exposed pipe length. 1. 2. 1.
Using the Generator/ Transmitter: Direct Connection 5. Connect the black Earth Lead to the Earth Stake (or the alternative earth point). If your earth point is too far away from the pipe access point for the black Earth Lead to reach then use the yellow 10 metre Auxiliary Earth Lead instead. 6. As the Earth Lead is connected to the Earth Stake the audible signal from the Generator/ Transmitter should change in pitch. The lower the pitch, then the better the signal will be on the metal pipe.
Using the Generator/ Transmitter: Street Lighting Direct Connection to a Street Lighting Column The position and route of street lighting or car park lighting cables can be determined by using a Generator/ Transmitter and the pipe connection method. Follow the same rules as for connecting the Generator/ Transmitter to a metal pipe except attach the red Direct Connection Lead to the OUTSIDE of the lamp column.
Using the Generator/ Transmitter: Signal Clamp/ Injector Signal Clamp 1. Plug the Signal Clamp into the connection socket on the Generator/ Transmitter. 2. Turn the Generator/ Transmitter on (and select either 33kHz or 8kHz on the Transmitter). 3. Check that the jaws of the Signal Clamp are clean. Place the Signal Clamp AROUND the cable making sure that the jaws are able to fully close.
Generator/ Transmitter: Searching for the Direct Connected Signal The search pattern used to find the Generator/ Transmitter signal when applied by a direct connection method (Direct Connection Leads, Signal Clamp or Signal Injector) is different to the normal search pattern used on Power, Radio or All Scan Modes. 1. Move a few paces away from where the Generator/ Transmitter has been connected to the service. Turn the Mode Switch to Generator Mode or Transmitter Mode.
Generator/ Transmitter: Tracing the Direct Connected Signal The tracing technique used to follow the Generator/ Transmitter signal when applied by a direct connection method (Direct Connection Leads, Signal Clamp or Signal Injector) is almost exactly the same as the normal tracing technique used on Power, Radio or All Scan Modes but with the following differences: The signal that the Locator is detecting will get weaker the further away from the Generator/ Transmitter that you go.
Generator/ Transmitter: Induction This is the standard method for inducing signals onto buried metallic services. It produces a strong signal directly below the Generator/ Transmitter but the signal strength drops off quite quickly either side of the Generator/ Transmitter. 1. Check that there are no accessories plugged into the Connection Socket. The Generator/ Transmitter switches automatically to Induction Mode when the socket is unused. 2.
Generator/ Transmitter: Searching for an Induced Signal The search pattern used to find the Generator/ Transmitter signal when applied by Induction Mode is slightly different to the search pattern used on other modes. 1. Move AT LEAST 10 metres away from the Generator/ Transmitter position with your Locator. This is to avoid the Locator picking up the airborne signal rather than the signal induced onto the buried service. 2.
Generator/ Transmitter: Searching for an Induced Signal 5. Walk in a straight line across the end line of the Generator/ Transmitter. When a signal is detected ‘pinpoint’ that signal as shown in the ‘Using the Locator’ section. If no signal is found move the Generator/ Transmitter 5 metres and try again. Continue this procedure moving the Generator/ Transmitter in five metre steps, following a grid pattern, until a signal can be found. 10m 6.
Generator/ Transmitter: Induction; Multiple Services It is important to check for the presence of adjacent services running close, or parallel, to the service that you have already located. 1. Check that there are no accessories plugged into the Connection Socket. 2. Turn the Generator/ Transmitter on and check that the batteries are OK. 3. Place the Generator/ Transmitter on the ground ON ITS SIDE over the previously located service so that you are no longer inducing a signal onto that service. 0% 4.
Generator/ Transmitter: Using an Inductive Sweep If a large area needs to be searched for buried services then an ‘Inductive Sweep’ could be used. It is an ideal method for detecting the position of buried services as they cross the boundary of a large site. An Inductive Sweep requires two people; one to operate the Locator and one to position the Generator/ Transmitter. 5. Immediately tell your colleague to stop and place the Generator/ Transmitter on the ground at that point.
Pipe Tracing using a Sonde Non-metallic pipes such as sewers or drains, service ducts, plastic gas and water pipes are not electrically conductive and so will not be detectable using a Locator on the Power, Radio or All Scan Modes. It is also impossible to apply a detectable Generator/ Transmitter signal to the non-metallic pipe or, for that matter, to the water or gas within that pipe. If access can be gained into these pipes then a C.
Pipe Tracing using a Sonde: Batteries General Purpose Sonde The General Purpose Sonde is supplied in two frequencies; 33kHz (orange casing) or 8kHz (green casing) and is powered by a single AA (LR6) size alkaline battery. The 8kHz Sonde will only function with the MXL Locator. + ---- 1. To turn the Sonde on, separate the two halves of the Sonde casing. Insert a new battery into the battery compartment with the positive end down. 2.
Pipe Tracing using a Sonde: Batteries Duct Sonde The Duct Sonde is supplied at 33kHz only (yellow casing) and is powered by a single AAA (LR03) size alkaline battery. 1. To turn the Duct Sonde on, use a large flat bladed screwdriver to unscrew the battery cover located within the hollow end of the Sonde casing. Insert a new battery into the battery compartment with the positive end down. 2. Replace the battery cover fully using the screwdriver to secure. The Duct Sonde is now transmitting a signal. 3.
Pipe Tracing using a Sonde: Tracing a Sonde The technique used to determine the position of a Sonde is always the same irrespective of which Sonde is being used. Before inserting the Sonde into the pipe it is best to set up the Locator so that the sensitivity is correctly adjusted to suit the pipe depth. This is easier to do when the Sonde is visible at the bottom of the manhole rather than already in the pipe. 1. The blade of the Locator must be held IN LINE with the Sonde at all times.
Pipe Tracing using a Sonde: Tracing a Sonde 3. Keeping the blade of the Locator in line with the Sonde, move the Locator backwards and forwards over the length of the Sonde. Adjust the sensitivity until a clear peak response is shown on the display as the Locator passes directly over the position of the Sonde. 3./ 4. 4. Move the Locator from side to side over the position of the Sonde. A similar peak response should be seen on the display as the Locator passes directly over the position of the Sonde.
Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing: Plastic Pipe Tracer Line Tracing The Plastic Pipe Tracers can be used in services up to 3 metres deep (Locator dependent) on line tracing mode and do not work through metal pipes or ducts. The Plastic Pipe Tracer needs to be inserted into the pipe before a signal from the Generator/ Transmitter is applied to the length of the Tracer. The 33kHz Generator/ Transmitter signal is applied using the ‘Direct Connection to a metal pipe’ method as shown on page 23-24 of this manual.
Non-Metallic Pipe Tracing: Plastic Pipe Tracer End Tracing The very tip of the Plastic Pipe Tracer can be energised with the signal from a Generator/ Transmitter. It is acting much like a Sonde and offers a very reliable way of pinpointing the position of the tip. A 33kHz Generator/ Transmitter signal is applied by connecting the red Direct Connection Lead to one of the terminals on the Tracer and the black Earth Lead to the other terminal.
Depth Measurement (DXL and MXL Locators only) The DXL and MXL Locator can be used in conjunction with the Generator/ Transmitter or Sonde to indicate the depth of a buried service. Depth cannot be measured on the Power, Radio or All Scan Modes. On the MXL Locator depth measurements can be taken from a 33kHz, 8kHz or 640/512Hz signal. WARNING The depth indication MUST NOT be used to decide if mechanical digging over the buried service is appropriate.
Depth Measurement (DXL and MXL Locators only) 4. Press and hold down the depth button. The depth will be shown on the display, measured in metres. 4. 5. The depth can be verified by lifting up the Locator whilst keeping the depth button depressed. The depth indication should increase by the same amount. Limitations of Depth Measurement - There are some situations where it is not possible to gain accurate depth information: A curve or bend in the route of the service.
Depth Measurement using Sonde/ Plastic Pipe Tracer (end tracing only) (DXL and MXL Locators only) NOTE The following instructions apply equally to the Plastic Pipe Tracer in End Tracing Mode 3. and General Purpose Sondes. The Duct Sonde cannot be used for depth measurement. 1. Pinpoint the exact position of the Sonde as shown in the “Pipe Tracing using a Sonde” section.
Signal Current Measurement (MXL Locator only) MXL Locator only: Signal Current Measurement is a feature by which it is possible to measure the TRUE strength of the Generator/ Transmitter signal on a buried metal pipe or cable irrespective of its depth. This is a useful aid for the correct identification of specific pipes and cables and may also help to determine the layout and condition of a pipe or cable network.
Signal Current Measurement (MXL Locator only) Signal Current Measurement can also help to identify the layout of pipe and cable networks as the main line after a ‘T’ will have most of the Signal Current remaining on it whereas the shorter connection will have correspondingly less. The Signal Current reading should also reduce at a uniform rate as the distance from the Generator/ Transmitter increases.
Signal Current Measurement (MXL Locator only) To ensure reliable Signal Current readings it is vital to adhere to the same best practises as are used to give accurate Depth Measurement readings. 1. Only apply the signal by a Connection method (Direct Connection, Signal Clamp or Signal Injector) to the target service. 2. The Generator/ Transmitter must be set to Continuous signal output, NOT Pulsed output. 3.
Signal Current Measurement Limitations of Signal Current Measurement There are some situations where it may not be possible to gain an accurate Signal Current Measurement reading: At a sharp curve or bend in the route of the service. At a T junction in the service. At the very end point of the service. Close to any large metallic objects such as metal fences or vehicles. Within 25 metres of the position of the Generator/ Transmitter. If the signal is of poor quality.
C.Scope Locator: Function Checks It is recommended that the operation of the Locator and Generator/ Transmitter is regularly checked using the C.Scope Function Checker. If a Function Checker is not available then follow the procedure below: Locator: Battery Condition Check by depressing the On/Off Switch beneath the handle. The display will show at least two solid segments if the batteries are OK. Ensure power on tone is heard. Power Mode Select Power Mode.
C.Scope Locator: Function Checks Generator Mode/ Transmitter Mode Locate an outdoor test area that is free from extraneous fields resulting from overhead and underground cables. The area should also not be near fences, steel framed buildings, or on reinforced concrete. Place the Generator/ Transmitter on the ground in the normal orientation and switch on - a tone should be heard. Set to Continuous and ensure lowest output power is selected.
C.Scope Generator/ Transmitter: Function Checks Generator/ Transmitter: Battery Condition Select Continuous. Good batteries will be shown by a loud, clear audio tone. Bad batteries give an interupted audio tone. The display (if fitted) will show at least two solid segments if the batteries are OK. Induced Mode This can only be checked in conjunction with a Locator as described on the previous page.
C.Scope Locator: Depth Measurement Checks (DXL and MXL Locators only) Depth Measurement An area clear of services and metal structures should be chosen (beware of reinforced concrete car parks). A search with the C.Scope Locator in all 4 modes will help confirm the absence of other services. An insulated cable or wire over twenty metres long (not supplied) is laid out on the ground surface and the far end connected to a ground stake and earthed. The near end is connected to the red Direct Connection Lead.
Maintenance /General Symbols Maintenance General Symbols Handling - C.Scope Locators and Generators/ Transmitters are rugged instruments designed for the rigours of every day use. However, to ensure that the specified accuracy is maintained, it is essential to treat the instruments with care by avoiding shocks, vibration and excesses of temperature. Warning - Refer to manual. The construction of C.
CXL /DXL /MXL Locators: Technical Specifications Controls: - On/Off Switch, spring loaded trigger switch under handle. - Function Select Switch: - 4 position: P – Power Mode R – Radio Mode G - Generator Mode (or T – Transmitter Mode MXL only) A – All Scan Mode - Sensitivity Control. DXL MXL only: - Depth Button. Pushbutton for live display of depth. MXL only: - Current Measurement Button. Pushbutton for live display of Transmitter current. MXL only: - Frequency Select Button.
SGA / SGV Generators and MXT Transmitter: Technical Specifications Controls: All operation is by push button control as follows: - On/Off - Power Level: SGA 2 available power levels via High and Low Power buttons SGV 4 available power levels via Increase and Decrease buttons MXT cycles through 4 available power levels - Frequency: (MXT only) cycles through 3 available output frequencies using one push button - Pulse/Continuous Output: toggles between pulse or continuous output using one push button.
Support Services: Training/Servicing/Repairs Training - This manual is comprehensive but cannot replace tuition. Excellent training is available directly from C.Scope and via authorised C.Scope agents, cost effectively, at your chosen location. C.Scope always recommend operators are trained and awarded a certificate of competence in the use of Pipe and Cable Locators. Servicing - Routine periodic servicing and re-calibration of your equipment is available from C.Scope and C.
C.Scope International Ltd Kingsnorth Technology Park Wotton Road Ashford Kent TN23 6LN United Kingdom Telephone. +44(0)1233 629181 Fax. +44(0)1233 645897 email. info@cscope.co.uk website. www.cscopelocators.com Part no.
