Operator’s Manual SeekTech ST-33QR 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 injury. SeekTech ST-33QR Serial No.
Table of Contents Introduction Regulatory Statements ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Safety Symbols ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 General Safety Rules Work Area Safety ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Customizing Settings Auto‑shutdown Setting ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Frequencies �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Custom Frequencies ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Introduction The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this operator’s manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations which may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors that cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator. Regulatory Statements The EC Declaration of Conformity (890-011320.10) will accompany this manual as a separate booklet when required. This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules.
General Safety Rules WARNING Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! Work Area Safety • Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents. • Do not operate equipment in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Equipment can create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Equipment Use and Care Battery Use and Care • Do not force equipment. Use the correct equipment for your application. The correct equipment will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed. • Use equipment only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire. • Do not use equipment if the power switch does not turn it on and off.
Specific Safety Information WARNING This section contains important safety information that is specific to the ST-33Q+. Read these precautions carefully before using the ST-33Q+ to reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or other serious injury. SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! ST-33Q+ Safety • Read and understand this operator’s manual, and the instructions for any other equipment in use and all warnings before operating the ST-33Q+.
Specifications Weight without batteries Components 5 kg [11 lb] Grounding Stake Dimensions Depth 202 mm [8 in] Width 432 mm [17 in] Height 421 mm [16.6 in] Coil cable length Lead Clip 0.4 m – 7.6 m [1.
Keypad Legend Key Screen Icon Legend Name Function Inductive Mode Key Toggle between Inductive Mode and Direct Connect Mode. Up Arrow Key Move up or increase. Select Key Activate a frequency or select highlighted menu choices. Sub Menus Down Arrow Key Move down or decrease. LCD Screen Brightness Adjustment Menu Key Access the Main Menu. Moves back one level within submenus. Audio on/off Frequency Key/Left Arrow Key Step through the list of active frequencies in the current mode.
Pre-Operation Inspection WARNING Before each use, inspect the ST-33Q+ and correct any problems to reduce the risk of serious injury from electrical shock, fire, and other causes and to prevent damage to the ST-33Q+. 1. Confirm that the power is off, that any external power and cords are disconnected, and that all batteries are removed. Inspect the cords, cables, and connectors for damage or modification.
Kick Stand Positioning The kick stand on the ST-33Q+ gives you control over the angle of the unit. Use the kick stand to improve screen visibility and access to the keypad. High Voltage Indicator WARNING Cable Lead Clips The ST-33Q+ features cable lead clips that can be attached mechanically or magnetically. Before connecting the leads, use the teeth on the clip to scrape off rust or paint.
Powering the ST-33Q+ WARNING Disconnect external leads from any energized utility before opening the battery compartment. To prevent overheating and leakage, do not mix battery types or used and new batteries. Always remove the batteries before shipping or storing the ST-33Q+. The ST-33Q+ can be powered by a Li-Ion 18 V rechargeable battery, six D-cell batteries, or an external 10-28 VDC power source.
Operating Instructions WARNING Wear eye protection when appropriate to protect your eyes against dirt and other foreign objects. Follow operating instructions to reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock and other causes. Bluetooth Connection Bluetooth® connectivity with a SeekTech SR-24 receiver or other Bluetooth enabled SeekTech receiver allows users to remotely set frequencies, output power, turn the ST-33Q+ on and off, or know if the ST-33Q+ has turned off unexpectedly.
Range The ST-33Q+ and SR-24 work best when kept within 200 m [656 ft] of each other while connected by Bluetooth. The quality of the connection between devices may be affected by a number of factors including distance between devices and objects in the path between devices. For the best quality connection, maintain a clear line of sight between devices and set the transmitter so its battery faces the receiver.
Once a connection is made, the transmitter automatically powers on. When connected, the Bluetooth icon is visible on both the transmitter’s and the receiver’s screens. On the transmitter, a chain link image confirms that the two units are connected. Disconnecting the Devices The two devices remain connected until manually disconnected. To disconnect the devices, follow these steps: 1. Make sure both the transmitter and receiver are powered on. On the receiver, press the Menu key . 2.
Powering the Transmitter Transmitter Control Screen When the two units are connected with Bluetooth, powering the receiver on or off automatically powers the transmitter on or off. When the devices are connected, you can see the transmitter’s screen from the receiver. The transmitter control screen allows you to control the transmitter’s frequency mode, choose between direct connect or inductive mode, and adjust output power remotely.
Direct Connect Mode and Inductive Mode Output Power To remotely set the transmitter to direct connect mode or inductive mode using the receiver, open the transmitter control screen. Press the Select key to toggle between direct connect mode and inductive mode. Higher output settings produce a stronger signal for the receiver, but reduces battery life for the transmitter. Only use 1,000 mA High Output Mode if using an 18 V LiIon rechargeable battery, external power, or high capacity NiMH D-cell batteries.
Locate Note: When the ST-33Q+ is powered on and in Direct Connect Mode, only hold the cable leads by the plastic sheathing. Do not touch the metal scraper tip, teeth, or magnet. 1. With one cable lead attached to the ground stake and the other attached to the target conductor, press the Power key to power on the ST-33Q+. Upon start up, the ST-33Q+ measures the current flowing through the target conductor and beeps to indicate output. Faster beeps indicate a higher output current. 2.
Direct Connect Mode Direct Connect Mode is most commonly used when the target utility is readily accessible. Do not use Direct Connect Mode on energized (live) conductors. The ST-33Q+ is not designed to connect to live conductors. 3. At the target conductor, scrape away any dirt, paint, corrosion, or other coatings and attach the other cable lead clip with either the teeth or the magnet. 1. Choose connection locations for the ground stake and the target conductor.
High Output Mode Inductive Clamp Mode Higher output settings produce a stronger signal for the receiver, but reduces battery life. Only use 1,000 mA High Output Mode if using an 18 V Li-Ion rechargeable battery, external power, or high capacity NiMH D-cell batteries. Do not use the ST-33Q+ in high output mode with standard alkaline batteries. Read the Operator’s Manual for the Inductive Clamp before using it with the ST-33Q+. It includes important safety information and operating instructions.
3. Place the jaws of the inductive clamp around the target conductor, ensuring that they close completely. The LEDs on the clamp are lit when the jaws are closed and the ST-33Q+ is powered on. Inductive Mode Disconnect the lead clips from any external conductors before switching the ST-33Q+ to Inductive Mode. If the lead clips are connected to an external conductor and the ST-33Q+ is switched to Inductive Mode, a warning appears and operator override is required.
2. Press the Power key to power on the ST-33Q+. Press the Inductive Mode key to toggle the ST-33Q+ between Direct Connect Mode and Inductive Mode. Ground both ends of the utility for the best signal induction. 3. The ST-33Q+ defaults to 50 percent power level to conserve battery power while in Inductive Mode. If higher power is required for a clear signal, press the Up and Down Arrow keys and select either 25 percent, 50 percent, or 100 percent.
Air‑Coupling Testing for Air‑Coupling Any transmitter in Inductive Mode generates a field through the air around it; including the ground underneath. If within air‑coupling range of the ST-33Q+, the receiver will measure this field instead of the target conductor. Air‑coupling will distort readings and misconstrue the location of the target conductor. To test for air‑coupling, tilt the locator at a 45 degree angle towards the ST-33Q+ and ensure the lower antenna of the receiver touches the ground.
Customizing Settings Helpful Hints • As a general guideline, using lower frequencies with the least amount of current and a clear signal will produce the best locating results. Start with a low frequency if tracing long distances or when receiving too much bleed‑over onto other utilities. • The ST-33Q+ will generate frequencies as low as 128 Hz in Direct Connect Mode. The ST-33Q+ will allow custom frequencies as low as 10 Hz.
Custom Frequencies The ST-33Q+ can accept 40 custom frequencies for use in either Direct Connect Mode or Inductive Clamp Mode. Custom frequencies can be deselected within a mode without affecting the other mode. 3. Move all the way to the left of the screen to access a drop‑down list stored frequencies. Press the Up and Down Arrow keys to move through the list. When highlighted, press the Select key to input the frequency.
Editing a Custom Frequency Odometer To edit a custom frequency, highlight it in the frequency list and press the Frequency key . Select the Odometer option from the Tools Menu to make changes used for system diagnosis or to access operations data. When the editing screen appears, press the Up and Down Arrow keys to edit each digit. When a custom frequency has been edited, it will also appear as edited in the mode enabled.
Reset to Factory Default Software Note: Restoring the factory default settings will not erase user‑defined frequencies or reset the Odometer stored values. Software updates for the ST-33Q+ are released through HQ. You must register your ST-33Q+ in HQ’s Equipment Locker to receive updates. From the Information screen, press the Select key to bring up the option to restore the ST-33Q+ to the default factory settings.
1. Use a phillips head screwdriver to remove the front panel from the ST-33Q+ and access the mini USB port. Maintenance Cleaning WARNING Disconnect all cords and cables and remove batteries prior to cleaning the ST-33Q+ to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Do not use liquid or abrasive cleaners on the ST-33Q+. Clean the ST-33Q+ with damp cloth. Only clean screen with cleaners approved for use on LCD screens. Do not allow any liquid to enter the ST-33Q+. Accessories WARNING 2.
Service and Repair WARNING Improper service or repair can cause the ST-33Q+ to be unsafe to operate. Service and repair of the ST-33Q+ must be performed at a RIDGID Independent Authorized Service Center. To maintain the safety of the tool, make sure a qualified repair person services your equipment using only identical replacement parts.
Troubleshooting Problem Solution Check orientation of batteries. ST-33Q+ will not power on. Check that batteries are charged. Check that the battery contacts are clean and unbent. Check that the circuit is complete. Check that the transmitter is in the correct mode. See the descriptions for Direct Connect Mode, Inductive Mode, and Inductive Clamp Mode. Receiver will not pick up the line transmitter’s signal.
Appendix: Frequencies Used by Other Manufacturers Frequencies Used by Other Manufacturers Company 3M Dynatel Fisher Labs Goldak Health Consultants Incorporated McLaughlin Metrotech PipeHorn Radio Detection Rycom Instruments Schonstedt Instrument Company SubSurface Subsite Electronics Ditch Witch Named Frequencies Exact Measured Frequency 577 Hz 577 Hz 8 kHz 8,192 Hz 33 kHz 32,768 Hz 200 kHz 200,000 Hz 820 Hz 821 Hz 8.2 kHz 8,217 Hz 82 kHz 82,488 Hz 117.5 kHz 117,500 Hz 8.
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