SURE-LOCK Utility Pro User Manual ®
Proprietary Notice The contents of this manual are proprietary to Heath Consultants Incorporated. Reproduction of this manual, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of Heath Consultants Incorporated. Heath Consultants Incorporated operates under a continual product improvement program and reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes without This manual supersedes all previous manuals for the Heath Sure-Lock Utility Pro.
SURE-LOCK® Utility Pro User Manual Heath Consultants Incorporated Houston, TX 713-844-1300 Fax: 713-844-1309 1-800-HEATH-US www.heathus.com Heath....
FUNCTION The Sure-Lock® Utility Pro is a state-of-the-art, 81KHz cable and pipe locator locate underground utilities. The instrument’s dual microcomputers, fixed frequency, automatic loading feature, and outstanding transmitter power output make it especially effective for tracing a variety of conductors and for those situations where a radio frequency locator increases the likelihood of success.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Function ........................................................................... 1 CHAPTER I - GENERAL DESCRIPTION Description of System Components ....................................................... Transmitter ....................................................................... Receiver ............................................................................... Cable/Grounding Kit ........................................................ Instruction Manual .................
Using the Receiver ......................................................................... 26 Figure 2-10 ............................................................................... 28 Conductor Depth Procedure ...................................................... 29 CHAPTER III - MAINTENANCE Battery Charging And Replacement Instructions .................................. Transmitter ........................................................................ Receiver ....................................
CHAPTER I GENERAL DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS (See Figure 1-1) Transmitter self-monitoring features as well as replaceable batteries for high portability. It is housed in a durable ABS plastic case. The wide body design provides stability is constructed of a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy. Receiver The receiver also combines numerous automatic performance and self monitoring features, all microcomputer based.
Coupler Clamp (Optional) Model 58 HPN 56212309 An alternate direct method of energizing the conductor is with a coupler clamp. This device can be used with the transmitter to apply the signal to the conductor of conductors when they are selectively energized at the transmitter location. When it can be used, the coupler clamp is a very accurate means for tracing and identifying conductors because of its ability to keep signals away from interfering conductors.
D A B C F E G Figure 1-1 (System Components) A. Transmitter E. Grounding Plate B. Receiver F. Coupler Clamp 4” ID (Optional) C. Case G. Grounding Spike D.
SURE-LOCK TRANSMITTER (Figure 1-2) 1. OUTPUT FREQUENCIES: Active, 81 kHz. 2. OUTPUT JACKS: Single frequency available on an individual output jack. 3. OUTPUT MODE: Conductive and/or inductive with automatic load matching. DOES NOT allow direct connection to live AC power lines. 4. OUTPUT POWER: Variable to 0.6 watts with automatic load matching. Loads from 5 ohms to 10 K ohms. 5. LCD: Indication of output power, load matching and battery level. 6.
Controls The Sure-Lock low frequency transmitters have several controls and indicators with which the operator must become familiar (Figure 1-2). A. LED INDICATOR. Indicates the transmitter’s output level and battery charge level via the LED’s relative brightness. B. POWER TEST SWITCH. Pressing and holding this switch down will allow the use of the LED Indicator for testing the transmitter. C. POWER ON-OFF SWITCH. Used to turn the transmitter power on and off. D. DIRECT ACCESSORY (81K OUTPUT) JACK.
A B E D C Figure 1-2 (Transmitter) A. LED Indicator D. Direct Accessory Jack B. Power Test Switch E. Conductor Direction Arrow C. Power ON/OFF Switch A Figure 1-3 (Transmitter Side Panel Output Connector) A.
WARNING! SAFETY FIRST! Check for and turn off all power sources before connecting the transmitter directly to otherwise power carrying cables. Direct connection must NOT be to live 50/60 hertz power sources up to 240 VAC!! The power must be OFF!! Be certain the transmitter POWER is off before handling the clips on the conductive assembly. The transmitter can deliver over 100 volts of signal which is capable of producing electrical shock if not carefully handled. SURE-LOCK RECEIVER (Figure 1-4) 1. 2. 3. 4.
A I B C H D G E F Figure 1-4 (Receiver) A. Signal Power Indicator (SPI) B. Left-Right Indicator C. Battery Status Indicator D. Lock Indicator E. On-Off/Volume Switch F. Bubble Level G. Frequency Select Switch H. Estimated/Calculated Depth Indicator I.
Controls The receiver has several unique features, controls, and indicators with which the operator must become familiar (Figure 1-4). 1. DISPLAY: This display provides the operator with information concerning the location and depth of the conductor being traced. A variety of information is displayed. a. Signal Power Indicator (SPI) - The SPI provides the operator with a dual purpose numerical readout of the relative signal strength of: 1. A normal (active) tracing mode signal using the transmitter. 2.
e. Lock Indicator - The LOCK indicator is a unique feature of SureLock. When the LOCK indicator appears on the display, the receiver is locked to the signal being generated by the transmitter. This indicator assures the operator of adequate signal strength for measurements on the conductor. **NOTE** WHEN THE LOCK INDICATOR BECOMES INTERMITTENT OR DISAPPEARS FROM THE DISPLAY, THE OPERATOR HAS EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM RANGE OF THE TRANSMITTER SIGNAL.
of the operator. The second one is higher in pitch and corresponds to the conductor being to the right of the operator. When the receiver is positioned directly over the conductor, the speaker will null (produce no sound). Additional Connector A Figure 1-5 (Receiver - Additional Connector) A. Accessory Jack ACCESSORY JACK: The accessory jack is located near the handle and is labeled ACCESS. This jack is utilized to connect to coupler clamps and other accessories.
CHAPTER II GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES OPERATING PROCEDURES This portion of the manual is broken down into the TRANSMITTER and RECEIVER sections. The Sure-Lock works as an integrated system. In order to understand this system, the operator must understand the importance and proper use of each part of the system. **NOTE** IN THIS MANUAL, THE TERM “CONDUCTOR” REFERS TO ANY METALLIC STRUCTURE TO BE TRACED. THIS MAY INCLUDE ELECTRIC LINES, CABLES, GAS LINES, WATER LINES, TRACER WIRES, ETC.
Transmitter - Inductive Mode The inductive mode of operation is the easiest and simplest mode of using the transmitter as no direct access to the conductor is needed. However, the operator must thoroughly understand how the transmitter functions in this mode of operation in order to avoid the locating pitfalls that can accompany this mode of operation. There are two ways to energize the conductor using the inductive mode. They are as follows: 1. 2.
Figure 2-1 (Transmitter properly aligned with the conductor) One of the pitfalls the operator must recognize is that when the transmitter is functioning in the inductive mode, other conductors in the area may also be energized. When the transmitter is functioning in this application, it is energizing the conductor with an electromagnetic signal. This signal is not only going onto the intended conductor but it is also being radiated onto the other conductors surrounding the transmitter.
Figure 2-2 (Transmitter positioned on its end directly over the interfering conductor. This position will energize the target conductor and apply minimum signal to the interfering structure) Another common mistake that must be understood and avoided in the indirect mode of operation is AIR COUPLING. As was previously mentioned, the signal is being radiated around the transmitter. When the transmitter and receiver are receiver.
Conductor Figure 2-3 (Transmitter positioned on its end for closer tracing applications. This set-up will reduce the air coupling distance) Two Operator Sweep - Inductive Mode Another method of locating a conductor inductively is by means of the two operator sweep. This method is generally used when no starting or ending point is known for a given conductor. To perform the two operator sweep, turn on the transmitter and receiver.
Figure 2-4 (Operators properly positioned to begin the two operator sweep) Figure 2-5 (Two operator sweep.
Conductive (Direct Connect) Mode Whenever possible, the conductive method is preferred for energizing the conductor. By using a direct hookup, the operator can help eliminate locating mistakes often associated with the inductive method, i.e., energizing other structures and air coupling. By using a direct energizing method, the operator helps isolate the target connector from other conductors in the area and will generally receive a better signal with which to conduct the locate.
should ground over the top of or close to another conductor, the other conductor may be energize and jeopardize the locate (Figure 2-6). If a foreign structure such as a chain link fence is being used for ground, that structure will also be energized and could confuse the operator. Always be aware of the importance and function of the ground in the DIRECT CONNECT application. **NOTE** REMEMBER THAT THE SIGNAL ON THE GROUND WIRE IS AS STRONG AS THE SIGNAL ON THE CONDUCTOR.
Using the Coupler Clamp Model 58 HPN 56212309 (optional) Another direct means of energizing the conductor is with a coupler clamp. This device can be used with the transmitter to apply the signal to the conductor, or conductors when they are selectively energized at the transmitter location. When it can be used, the coupler clamp is a very accurate means for tracing and identi1.
The coupler clamp is a unique tool that generally enhances the separation of the signal as compared to conventional methods of energizing the trace conductor. The coupler clamp is also an effective method of isolating a conductor from interfering conductors in the area of search. It CANNOT be used on all tracing applications. Since there is no grounding device in use with the coupler clamp, the signal must be able to travel in both directions on the conductor.
(Correct - Bridging cable attached around the insulator bridges the break in the conductor loop) Figure 2-7 25
(Correct - Grounding attachment allows signal (Correct. - The coupler clamp jaws are closed around the conductor. The conductor is energized) (Incorrect - Terminated end (open circuit). The (Incorrect - The coupler clamp jaws are clamped to the conductor. The conductor is not energized) Figure 2-8 Figure 2-9 Using the Receiver A correct understanding of the transmitter’s use is important to assure proper signals at the receiver’s location.
functions. ii. LEFT-RIGHT INDICATOR: A multi-segmented bar graph will appear on the display with the directional arrows to guide the operator to the conductor. In conjunction with the directional arrows, special tones will come from the speaker. One tone, which is lower in pitch, corresponds to the conductor being to the left of the operator. Another tone is higher in pitch and corresponds to the conductor being to the right of the operator.
Left Lock Figure 2-10 28 Right
When the operator has pinpointed the exact location of the conductor (using the above indicators) and the receiver is positioned directly above the conductor, the following will occur: a. b. c. d. e. The LOCK indicator will remain active on the LCD display. The left-right arrows and segmented bar graph will disappear from the display. The audio left-right tones will null (produce no sound). The SPI will show the highest relative number on the display. The estimated depth will be displayed.
**NOTE** THIS CONDITION MAY BE EVALUATED USING TWO METHODS. ONE METHOD IS BY PIVOTING THE RECEIVER 180 DEGREES WHICH MAY PRODUCE DEPTH READING WHICH DIFFER BY 10%. SUCH DIFFERENCES UP TO 15-20% MAY BE AVERAGED AND WHICH CAN BE THE RESULT OF A TILTED CONDUCTOR WHICH OCCURS NATURALLY WHERE A FORWARD OR RE- VERSE GRADE EXISTS. DIFFERENCES GREATER THAN 20% INDICATE INACCURATE DEPTH READINGS.
CHAPTER III MAINTENANCE BATTERY CHARGING AND REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS Transmitter 1. Turn the transmitter upside down and lay the top panel on a soft surface to prevent damaging the top panel’s surface. Locate the two end screws of the transmitter that hold the transmitter bottom in place. 2. Loosen each screw approximately three turns. 3. Lift up and remove the transmitter bottom. 4. Completely remove the two end screws. 5.
positive ends of the batteries (opposite the spring ends) to avoid damaging the springs. d. e. the batteries into place. Replace the battery access door. Turn on the receiver and verify the correct battery voltage on the display. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OF THE SURE-LOCK The Sure-lock is a rugged, durable instrument designed and manufactured to ment and should be treated as such. It is suggested that when the Sure-Lock is not in use, it should be kept in its carrying case and stored in a cool, dry area.
WARNING! SAFETY FIRST! Check for and turn off all power source(s) before connecting the transmitter directly to power carrying cables. Be certain the model of Sure-Lock used is capable of being directly connected to live 50-60 Hz power sources up to 240 VAC. Be certain the transmitter POWER is off before handling the clips on the conductive assembly. The Sure-Lock transmitter can deliver 100 volts of signal which is capable of producing electrical shock if not carefully handled. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 1.
WARRANTY AND WARRANTY REPAIRS The Surelock instruments are warranted for two years. All other instruments and products manufactured by Heath Consultants Incorporated are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of shipment. The Plunger Bar (handle only) is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for 90 days.
RETURN AUTHORIZATION (RA) The following suggestions will expedite the repair of your instrument: 1. Contact Heath Customer Service at 1-800-432-8487 for a RA #. 2. Package carefully, using the original shipping carton and cushions if available, and return all components. 3. Specify your complete shipping and billing addresses. 4. Specify the instrument or product name, model number, and serial numbers on all correspondence. 5.
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE, MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE LOCATIONS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Heath Consultants Incorporated 9030 Monroe Road Houston, Texas 77061 Phone: (713) 844-1300 Fax: (713) 844-1309 MANUFACTURING AND WARRANTY SERVICE CENTERS Heath Consultants Factory Service Center 9030 Monroe Road Houston, Texas 77061 Phone: (713) 844-1350 Fax: (713) 844-1398 36
Heath Consultants Incorporated operates under a continual product improvement program Heath Consultants Incorporated Houston, TX 713-844-1300 Fax: 713-844-1309 1-800-HEATH-US www.heathus.com Heath...
