SUBSURFACE INSTRUMENTS, INC. AML+™ OPERATOR’S MANUAL www.ssilocators.
AML SAFETY INFO READ & OBSERVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS Save these instructions for future reference. INSPECTION OF THE AML+ DO NOT open the housing of this unit. Doing so will damage the transmission and receiving antennas. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Opening the sealed case will void the warranty. If maintenance, tuning, or repair becomes necessary contact: SubSurface Instruments, Inc. email: info@ssilocators.com Telephone: 920-347-1788 or Or by mail: SubSurface Instruments, Inc.
READ & OBSERVE SAFETY WARNINGS Save these instructions for future reference. Do not direct the laser beam at people or animals. Do not stare into the laser beam. The AML+ produces Laser Class II/2M laser radiation according to IEC 60825-1. Looking directly into the laser beam - especially with optical instruments such as binoculars or magnifiers - can permanently damage the eye. This is a professional tool, not a toy. It should not be used by children.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS How the AML+ Works The unit contains an internal control circuit board, and an antenna board that controls the center transmitter and independent left and right signal receivers. A powerful 2.45 GHz groundpenetrating, ultra-high frequency radio signal locates density differences by transmitting inverted conical shaped UHF signals into the ground. The unit locates objects by analyzing differences in subsurface material densities.
FCC/IC/CE STATEMENTS FCC This equipment was tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. IC (Industrie Canada) Canadian Compliance Statement: Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications.
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS 3 2 1 5 4 7 6 8 9 10 11 Backside view of unit 6
1) EASY BATTERY ACCESS The AML+ is powered by either a convenient 9-volt battery system, or by a rechargeable Lithium battery pack. 2) ERGONOMIC HANDLE The ergonomically designed handle allows the operator to hold the AML+ for extended periods of time in all weather conditions. 3) POWER & 9-POSITION SENSITIVITY SWITCH The POWER & SENSITIVITY switch controls the unit’s power supply and sensitivity adjustment.
) LASER TARGET INDICATOR A red laser indicator identifies the target position on the ground when an object has been detected; and an audible signal is emitted. 9) ULTRA-HIGH RADIO FREQUENCY RECEIVERS The receiver captures the returning UHF reflection with antennas on both ends of the unit. Positioning the unit parallel to an object’s edge will activate the receiver’s antenna and illuminate both LED lights, the laser target indicator, and activate an audio signal.
USING THE AML+ Operation of the AML+ is technique sensitive. We advise that you practice on a known buried object like a culvert pipe or other partially exposed objects. Once the principals of operation are understood, acquiring a technique is relatively simple with a little practice. Factory training is available and highly 1 recommended. The depth of the AML+ transmission signal varies with material substrates. The more dense the material, the further the signal travels.
Locating an Object with the AML Grip the AML+ by the handle with the fingers firmly placed along the finger knurls. Do not hold the unit above the knurls as it will produce false readings. Hold the handle parallel to the ground at waist level and 18 to 24 inches out in front of the body. The blade of the unit is designed with a 10º degree outward projection to help eliminate false readings from interference with the operator’s feet (see Figure 10-1).
Marking the Exact Location of an Object with the AML+ Remember that the 10º forward projection of the blade will make the object appear closer than it actually is (see figure 11-1). Once the object is found, pivot the handle of the AML+ upward until the blade (or bottom of the AML+) is perpendicular to the ground and directly above the area of the signal (see figure 11-2).
Determining depth with the AML+ Once you have located the PVC pipe or underground object, find its center and mark its position on the ground, tilt the handle of the unit downward until the blade is at 45º, (figure 12-1) and walk backwards until you find the top of the pipe. Make a mark where the laser indicator is located on the ground. Measure the distance between both of the marked points, this will be the depth at where the PVC pipe is located. 3rd.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT Easy Battery Access Cap Battery Pack (Houses (3) 9-Volt Batteries) To Replace Batteries in Your AML+ Unit: 1. Unscrew the battery access cap and remove the battery sleeve. 2. Individually, lift each battery out of the sleeve, turn it 180 degrees and remove used battery. 3. Install new battery in the battery sleeve and reposition by turning 180 degrees into the sleeve. Use caution when handling the wiring harness. 4. Reinsert the battery sleeve into the handle, silver lead end first. 5.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS PRODUCT INFORMATION Physical Dimensions • Height.................11”.............27.9cm • Length................14”.............35.6cm • Width..................6”...............15.2cm •Weight ...............2 lbs .......0.90kg Typical Operating Range • Temperature: 0°F to 120°F (-17°C to 48°C) Power Specifications Estimated Battery Life: • (3) 9-Volt Industrial Strength Alkaline Provides up to 7 hours of continuous operation at full power, .or 40 hours at average industry usage.
APPENDIX (FIRMWARE UPDATE) AML+ Tiny BootLoader This utility is used to install AML+ firmware updates. INSTALL SOFTWARE TO YOUR COMPUTER Download Tiny BootLoader File 1. Download SSI Tiny BootLoader Utility from the SSI web site at http://www.ssilocators. com/specialty-products/all-materials-locatorplus-series/, found on the Downloads tab on the SSI website. Save the file to the Downloads folder in your computer. 2. Go to the Downloads folder and extract the file from the compressed file.
APPENDIX Note: the computer will recognize this unit when connecting in future uses. You can obtain the latest firmware updates by contacting Subsurface Instruments at info@ssilocators.com; create a folder in a convinient location, you will use this folder to store the “*.HEX” (firmware update) file you receive from SSI. 2. Click on the icon to run the application. 3. The tiny bootloader screen will display, (Figure 16-1). values in page 17, make sure they match. 7. On the left panel, click “Write Flash”.
APPENDIX Terminal Comm Port Speed: 9600 Tx/Transmitter: Char\ Rx/Reciever: Char - dump.bin Options ID code: C1h - Normal Reset: “Active” RTS, DTR ON Codes to send first: 24h 49h Search Delay: 7 Timeout(ms): 300 Search for COMs: “Active” TermOpt Graphic 2 reference: 128 Xaxis compression: 1 Click “Write Flash” to start Upon completion a message “WRITE OK” will display.
APPENDIX (AML+ UTILITY APP) AML+ CUSTOMER UTILITY The AML+ Customer Utility is used to calibrate and run diagnostics on your AML+ unit. INSTALL SOFTWARE TO YOUR COMPUTER Download AML+ Customer Utility 1. Download AML+ Customer Utility from the SSI web site at http://www.ssilocators.com/ specialty-products/all-materials-locator-plusseries/, found under the Downloads Tab. Save the file to your Downloads folder in your computer. Figure 18-1 2.
APPENDIX 3. There will be a command prompt line at the bottom of all diagnostic data from the AML+ unit, (figure 19-1) Figure 19-1 4. Type “a” to start the calibration process and press enter, a confirmation prompt will display, type “y” to confirm and press enter to start the process, (remember to have the AML+ pointing to an unobstructed sky at this point).
APPENDIX 5. The calibration process will take a few seconds and you will be able to see progress in your screen, which displays 0-9 and then A-F. All values are displayed after the calibration is complete. This information will be helpfull when troubleshooting with a SSI Technician. For end user calibration needs, the proccess is finished and the AML+ is ready to be used. 6. Test your AML unit on the field for proper operation. If you have any questions or concerns contact SSI at info@ssilocators.com.
DISCLAIMER SubSurface Instruments Inc., its owners, employees, dealers, distributors, and/or assigns, shall not be liable for any action, inaction, injury, or property damage, sustained or expenses incurred, whether consequential or inconsequential; from the use/non-use, misuse, improper or proper use of this or any product designed, manufactured, and/or distributed by SubSurface Instruments Inc. Locating accuracy and safety, all encompassed, are the sole responsibility of the “Operatoruser” of the product.
WARRANTY STATEMENT Failure to register your AML+ within 30 days of receipt, will void the warranty. Warranty Period: 36 months or (3) years from original user’s purchase date. The All Materials Locator Plus (AML+) is specifically guaranteed to be free of defects in both material and workmanship to the original purchaser. Save your invoice and shipping documents for reference. Any unit suspected of being in need of repair must be returned to SubSurface Instruments Inc.
SubSurface Instruments, Inc. 920.347.1788 phone 920.347.1791 fax 855.422.6346 (855-I-can-find-it) info@ssilocators.com www.ssilocators.
