User Manual Instructions, Functions and Warranty Information SERIES Pipe & Cable Locator Variable Frequency Series
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Table of Contents General Information Table of Contents................................................ 03 Gain Level Indication.......................................... 17 Introduction........................................................ 04 Passive 50/60 Hz Locating.................................. 18 Disclaimer of Liability.......................................... 04 Passive Radio Frequency Locating........................ 18 Important Notices...............................................
Introduction Congratulations on the purchase of your new SubSurface Instruments, Inc. PL-VF Series Cable, Pipe & A-Frame Locator. The PL-VF Locator is specially designed to detect conductors such as buried pipes & cables. This device may detect buried power cables, CATV cables, gas and water pipes, sewer lines, telecommunication lines, fiber optic cables with sheath, sondes, inspection camera transmitters.
Compliance FCC Compliance Statement This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) The equipment may not cause harmful interference. (2) The equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Prepare for Use Unpack your new PL-VF Locator. Make sure there is no shipping damage and all the parts are included. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the of the Receiver and on the bottom of the Transmitter. Open the compartments using a Phillips screwdriver. If your unit is a rechargeable system, remove the terminal isolation paper to allow the battery spring to contact the battery terminal.
Changing Preset Functions, Modes & Frequencies The PL-VF operating modes, frequencies and other functions are user programmable and can be changed at anytime through a quick selection process in the programming menu. Receiver To select the programming options for • software versions With the unit on, press and hold the Power On 5.7 and greater: button for 2 seconds. Once released "PRO"' will be displayed at the top of the LCD. • To scroll through the main menu headings, press the Frequency Key.
PL-VF3 Transmitter Controls & Indicators Relative Resistance, Voltage, Current Frequency Indicator Output Signal Indicator Signal Indicators Battery Condition Indicator Inactive Port DFF DFF F.1 F.1 F.2 F.2 CAUTION kHz kHz mA mA vv kM kM Lethal Voltages May Be Present Frequency Selector Tx Output Jack SERIES Power On & Off & Output Signal Level Control TX OUTPUT JACK The Red/Black Cord and Hard Coupler connects here to create a circuit on the buried utility.
PL-VF10 Transmitter Controls & Indicators Li-Ion Battery AC Recharge Port Output Level Indicator Load Rate Indicator Frequency Selector SERIES OUTPUT JACK Tx Output Jack CAUTION Lethal Voltages May Be Present Battery Condition Indicator Relative Resistance, Volt, Current Power On & Output Signal Level Control TX OUTPUT JACK The Red/Black Cord, Hard Coupler connects here to create a circuit on the buried utility. FREQUENCY SELECTOR This button toggles through the available frequencies.
Direct Connection CAUTION DO NOT CONNECT TO LIVE OR ENERGIZED POWER CABLES Direct Connection is the most reliable method of signal application. This method is relatively free of interference. The greatest amount of signal strength can be achieved by this method. Low, mid, and high frequency may be used. The far end of the utility must be grounded. Connect the Red Test Cord to an existing ground point or an exposed metallic section of the utility.
Inductive Connection This method is convenient to use, and services are not interrupted. No test cords or connections are needed. The cable or pipe must have good insulation or non-conductive coating, or the operating range will be short. Turn the Transmitter ON. This method of signal application only works on frequencies from 33kHz through 478 kHz. Place Transmitter on its side as close as possible to the path of the cable or pipe.
Selecting the Tracing Signal The choice of frequency is dependent on the conditions of the locate. It is generally accepted that lower frequencies provide a more accurate locate. Therefore it is generally advised to use the lowest frequency that effectively conducts on the target line. Lower frequencies are less likely to bleed onto adjacent non-target lines, but low frequencies are less effective at locating higher-resistant conductors.
PL-VF Receiver Control & Indicators ABSOLUTE SIGNAL STRENGTH LEFT RIGHT GUIDANCE Displays direction to null point of e.m. field. RELATIVE SIGNAL STRENGTH BAR GRAPH GAIN LEVEL INDICATOR DEPTH OPERATION MODE Displays selected operation mode BATTERY LIFE Displays receiver's battery life. "Special Included Feature" REMOTE CONTROL Displays remote connection to transmitter & transmitter output power. ANTENNA LOCATE MODE Displays selected antenna mode.
Remote Control Feature The Remote control feature enables the user to remotely control the transmitter with the receiver. The frequency and power output of the transmitted signal can be controlled up to 800 meters (874 yards). The PL-VF comes with the remote control feature active on the menu options. If your unit does not have the Remote Control module, the program will not allow the menu to select the option.
Locating Modes There is a variety of locating modes available in the PL-VF unit. PEAK, PINPOINT PEAK, NULL LEFT/ RIGHT GUIDANCE, SONDE, DFF & ACC. To toggle through PEAK, PINPOINT PEAK & NULL simple press the mode button. To toggle to SONDE mode hold the MODE button for 5 seconds and release. DFF and ACC modes are only selectable when an appropriate accessory is plugged into the accessory port in the handle of the receiver.
Trace the path by walking away from the Transmitter at a moderate pace. Move the Receiver to the left and right while walking, following the Peak indications. As you trace the path, the Peak meter reading may slowly fade as you move away from the Transmitter. Press and release the Gain buttons as needed to compensate for changes in level (higher or lower). One of the following may occur: a) a junction where the signal divides and goes several directions. b) a break in the cable or shield.
Left/ Right Auto Gain Directional Locating In this mode the unit will display directional arrows to the conductor. The audio indicator will provide a solid tone on one side of the conductor and a pulsed tone on the opposite side of the conductor. When the unit is centered in the electromagnetic field the tone will null and the depth will briefly display at the top of the LCD. This mode is gain independent.
Passive 50/60 Hz Locating The Receiver is capable of locating power utility frequencies. This mode is useful for locating underground primary and secondary power utilities. In certain circumstances, this mode will also locate water pipes, sewer lines, cable television, and telephone. The reason is that common electrical grounds are sometimes found among these various utilities. Select 50Hz or 60Hz frequency on the Receiver.
Push Button Depth The only way to be sure of the depth of a utility is to expose the utility. At any given time, the depth readout may be inaccurate. The PL-VF Receiver can perform digital depth measurement. The depth is displayed at the top of the LCD display in centimeters or feet and inches. Push button depth is useful in quickly estimating the depth of the conductor during path locating. Begin this measurement by locating the path of the cable or pipe. Stay at least 15 feet (4.
Depth Measurement 45º Angle Method Move to the location you want to measure depth. Stay at least 15 feet away from the Transmitter. Move the Receiver left to right across the path until the cable is located. 1. Mark the path on the ground as precisely as possible using the Null method. 2. Place the Receiver on the ground with the LCD meter facing up. Position the unit so that the Bubble Level on top of the meter is centered (45º). 3.
Current Measurement The PL-VF Receiver contains a feature that is very useful in identifying a desired cable in a field of various conductors and/or utilities. It is not unusual for the target conductor (the conductor connected to the Transmitter) to induce a signal into nearby conductors in a crowded field. In these instances, the radiated signal on the conductors close to the surface of the earth, may be stronger than the Transmitter signal on the target conductor buried deep in the ground.
Locating a Sonde or Camera Head Before you begin, you must choose a Sonde or Camera Head that will match the same frequency as the Receiver. You will need a Sonde with a frequency of 512Hz, 640Hz, 815Hz or 33kHz to use with the PL-VF Locator Receiver. To select SONDE locating mode press and hold the MODE key for 5 seconds. When released the SONDE ICON will be displayed on the LCD. Once in SONDE mode the FREQUENCY button will select the available SONDE frequencies.
Locating a Sonde Hold the Receiver antenna directly above and in line with the Sonde, as shown below. The Receiver sensitivity needs to be adjusted for a meter reading indication between 60% to 80%. The radiation pattern of the Sonde is shown below. The PEAK signal is when the Receiver is held directly over the Sonde with the antenna in line with the Sonde. Both Ghost signals can be located behind and in front of the Sonde. By locating the ghost signals, the user is confirming the accuracy of the locate.
Depth Measurement of Camera Head or Sonde Once the Line has been located, the depth can then be found. Refer to the figure below for a reference. Start by moving the Receiver along the path behind the Sonde with the antenna in line with the Sonde and find a NULL between the PEAK ghost signals. Mark this point (A). Then move the Receiver along the path in front of the Sonde and find another NULL. Mark this point (B). Next, measure the distance between these two points. The depth of the pipe is 0.
The A-Frame Receiver Controls & Indicators Optinal Accessory Directional Arrow Indicates direction of fault. Signal Strength Displays absolute signal strength from 0 to 99. Low Battery Indicator ON/OFF Button Reference Stores and displays starting signal strength when pressed ON/OFF Button Turns the unit on and off. REFERENCE Button When pressed it stores the signal strength and sets the reference mode. The tone will beep more rapidly as the A-Frame detects a similar signal strength.
Fault Locating with the A-FRAME Fault locating determines the position of an insulated break on an underground conductor. Some signal will return to the Transmitter via the Ground Rod Probe (GRP) through a break in the insulation. It is generally a good idea to locate the conductor path before attempting to fault locate. If, during the path locate, an unusual amount of signal loss occurs, a part of the signal has escaped to ground in the last several feet.
Fault Locating with the A-FRAME • Locate path of faulted conductor • Remove power from faulted conductor & disconnect loads and ground from both ends of target conductor and neighboring conductors • With transmitter off connect red lead to the faulted conductor and black lead to independent ground rod placed behind and in line with the conductor path.
Faults Beneath Paved Surfaces A potential problem could exist if a fault should lie beneath a paved surface. In this case, the A-Frame will be used in the dirt at the side of the paved area. Since the return current in the soil begins its return from the fault - like the spokes of a wheel laying on the ground - equal amounts of current will enter the GRP if it is placed on the ground and positioned broadside to the fault.
PL-VF3 Specifications Transmitter Operating Frequency 200Hz - 480kHz Operating Temperature -4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC) Hook-up Method Direct Connection Inductive Coupling (with optional coupler) Load Matching Automatic from 5 Ω to 20,000 Ω Output Power 3 Watts (High) 250 Milliwatts (Low) Battery Types 8 - “C” alkaline batteries Battery Life Greater than 30 hours* Dimensions 8.4” x 5.57” x 2.6” Weight 2.2 lbs (2.
PL-VF10 Specifications Transmitter Operating Frequency 200Hz - 480kHz Operating Temperature -4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC) Hook-up Method Direct Connection Inductive Coupling (with optional coupler) Load Matching Automatic from 5 Ω to 25,000 Ω Output Power 10 Watts (High) 250 Milliwatts (Low) Battery Types 10.8V 7.8Ah 84.24Wh Li-Ion Battery Pack 12 - “D” alkaline batteries Battery Life 8 - 20 Continuos* 40 - 60 Intermittent* Dimensions 16" x 6.32" x 5" (41cm x 16cm x 12.7cm) Weight R: 3.
Factory Service The SubSurface Instruments, Inc. Model PL-VF was designed for dependable operation without periodic adjustment and/or calibration. If, however, your PL-VF is not working properly, return it to the factory for repair. A RMA (Return Material Authorization) is not required, but there is some necessary information needed to ensure your unit is repaired and returned properly. The required information may be obtained by phone, e-mail, fax or through our website.
AN INNOVATIVE DESIGN FORCE IN SUBSURFACE DETECTION & LOCATION SubSurface Instruments is an innovating force that engineers, manufactures and distributes high-frequency and magnetic locators, pipe and cable locators, leak detectors, leak correlators, bore hole gradiometers and specialty locators. SSI’s most recent innovation, the AML or All Materials Locator, locates buried PVC pipes, PE Pipes, plastic or nearly any other subsurface object more efficiently than ever before.
Changing Preset Functions, Modes & Frequencies The PL-VF operating modes, frequencies and other functions are user programmable and can be changed at anytime through a quick selection process in the programming menu. Receiver To select the programming options for • software versions 5.0 and greater: With the unit on, press and hold the Power On button for 4 seconds. Once released "PRO"' will be displayed at the top of the LCD.
Changing Preset Functions, Modes & Frequencies The PL-VF operating modes, frequencies and other functions are user programmable and can be changed at anytime through a quick selection process in the programming menu. Remove the back cover Remove the Li-Ion tray's screws Lift the Li-Ion tray Un-lock A & B Connectors Connect & Lock Connectors A & B Screw down the d-Cell tray A B A B Screw the back cover back in place. Transmitter To select the desired battery source setup for software versions 3.
