Vivax Metrotech 2012061803HE VM-550Tx User Manual N6N2012061803HE
Vivax-Metrotech (Shanghai) Ltd. VM-550Tx N6N2012061803HE
N6N2012061803HE_User manual
Depth
Measurement /
Frequency
Selection
Sensitivity Control
(increase
sensitivity)
On/Off Control Long press to switch on/off. Short press to
change speaker volume.
Increment sensitivity up, or auto scale to
50% if off scale. When in frequency select
menu use this button to scroll forwards
through available frequencies.
Short press to initiate depth measurement.
Long press to enter frequency select menu
then short press to exit menu.
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2
3
1234
VM-550/VM-560
User Guide V1.0
Introduction
This guide describes the operation of the VM-550 and VM-560 pipe
and cable locators. Both are general purpose locators used to detect
buried pipe and cable services in a variety of situations.
The operations of the two systems are very similar. The main
difference is in the operational frequencies:
• VM-550 Frequencies: 50 or 60Hz, 8 kHz, 83 kHz
• VM-560 Frequencies: 50 or 60Hz, 8 kHz, 480 kHz
The VM-550/VM-560 is supplied with 1 watt transmitter with both
direct connection and induction capabilities. An inductive clamp and
LPC live separation filter are also available as optional accessories.
To make a direct connection to a pipe
or a de-energized cable conductor or
cable sheath.
To make a ground connection to
complete a direct connection circuit.
To make an inductive coupling
connection to a live cable or pipe.
Receiver Display Functions
1 Battery Level Indicator
2 Speaker Level Indicator
3 Percentage Signal Levels
4 Selected Locate Frequency
5 Signal Level Indicator
6 Sensitivity Setting Indicator
Receiver Operational Controls
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
ON/OFF (Long press until Power ON indicator is on, long
press again to turn off)
Power ON Indicator
Low Output Power Selected
High Output Power Selected
Speaker
Frequency Select
Frequency Selected Indicators
Battery Cover Retaining Screws
Battery Housing Cover
Transmitter Operational Controls
Accessories
1
2
3
4
Direct Connection Leads
Ground Stake
Signal Clamp
Power Mode Operation
Switch on the unit by pressing the ON/OFF pushbutton. Allow a few
seconds to switch on.
The frequency selected as shown on the display. If this is not the
desired locate frequency (ie 50 or 60Hz) change as indicated below.
NOTE
The battery condition as indicated on battery icon.
Replace batteries if necessary. See Changing Batteries
Section.
Changing the Locate Frequency
Press and hold the depth measurement/frequency selection
pushbutton until the frequency menu is entered. The display will
show the present frequency selected in large numeric’s in the centre
of the screen. Use the “+” or “–” pushbuttons to select the desired
frequency. Press the depth measurement/frequency selection
pushbutton to re-enter the locate screen.
Locating a Cable in the Power (50/60Hz) Mode
1. Hold the locator vertically in the area that is required to be
searched. Press the “+” or “-” pushbuttons to set the gain so that
the bar graph reads approximately 50%.
2. Hold the locator in front of you in the orientation shown below.
3. Sweep the locator left to right along the suspected route of the
cable. As the locator approaches the cable the meter reading will
increase. Pinpoint the position by detecting the largest signal.
Adjust the sensitivity of the locator by pressing the “+” or “-”
pushbuttons to keep the signal on scale.
4. To confirm the direction of the cable, rotate the locator until the
largest signal is detected. The direction of the cable is then
directly ahead.
5. Continue to locate the cable along the route.
6. Depth measurements are not possible in the power (50/60Hz)
mode, if pressed by accident it will show N/A.
WARNING
The power mode is used to detect signals radiating
from cables or services that are carrying a 50 or
60Hz load. It is possible for a cable to be live but
not carry a load. In this case there may not be a
signal to be detected.
Similarly, if a cable is exactly balanced the
resulting signal radiating from the cable may be
zero and therefore not detectable.
Do NOT use the VM-550/VM-560 to identify if cables
are live. Always dig with caution.
Active Cable and Pipe Locating
Detecting a cable or pipe can be achieved by applying a locate tone
to a cable or pipe from a transmitter. This is called active locating.
The locate tone can be applied by either.
• Direct Connection
• Induction Mode
• Signal Clamp Mode
Direct Connection Mode
This method involves making a direct connection to the Cable or Pipe.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to make a connection to a live
conductor. Only make a connection to de-energized
or dead cables. It is possible to connect to the sheath
of active cables but this should only be attempted by
qualified and authorized personnel.
Method:
Plug the direct connection leads to the transmitter. Connect the red
lead to the cable or pipe and the black one to a suitable ground.
Ideally this should be a ground stake placed at right angles to the
probable route of the target line. If it is not possible to use a ground
stake, connect the black lead to a grounded structure such as the rim
of a manhole cover or other buried metallic structure. Try to avoid
fencing as this will create interference from the return signal travelling
along the fence.
If necessary clean the connection point with a wire brush to ensure a
good electrical connection.
Select the desired frequency by pressing the “f” pushbutton. As a
general rule the higher frequency will have a cleaner more stable
reading and will jump insulation joints on pipes but has the
disadvantage that it is more likely to jump to other utility nearby. The
lower frequency is better for tracing a particular utility as it is more
likely to keep to the utility line the transmitter is attached to. If in doubt,
start with the lower frequency and switch to the higher one if it is not
possible to detect a stable reading.
The same applies to setting the signal level. A short press on the
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83k
1
2
3
4
5
6
To safely inject a trace tone to a live cable
via a domestic mains socket, so that the
cable can be traced from the premises to
the connection in the street.
LPC Separation Filter
89
7
12 3 4
65
Sensitivity Control
(reduce sensitivity)
Increment sensitivity down, or auto scale
down to 50% if off scale. When in
frequency select menu use this button to
scroll backwards through available
frequencies.
1
5678
ON/OFF pushbutton will alter the output from low to high. Always start
with the low setting and switch to high if it is not possible to detect a
stable reading on the receiver. Using the low setting will also prolong
the battery life.
If unsure of the quality of connection to the service, set the
frequency of the receiver to match the transmitter, hold the receiver
over the direct connection lead and remove and connect the red
lead from the utility. There should be a great change in signal
received. If not improve the grounding or improve the connection to
the pipe or cable. A fast beeping sound indicate a good connection.
To trace the cable use the same method as described in the
Locating a Cable in the Power (50/60Hz) Mode Section.
Depth Measurements (Available in 8.19 kHz mode only)
To take a depth measurement pinpoint the position and direction as
previously described. Now hold the locator vertically and in line with
he cable or pipe.
Now press the depth measurement/frequency selection button.
There will be a short delay before a depth estimate will be displayed.
NOTE
The depth measurement is an approximation. Depth
indications can be effected by field distortion caused by
adjacent utility lines or changes in direction and depth.
Always use depth measurements as an aid to line
verification but NEVER use them to decide if
mechanical digging is safe. Always dig with care.
An aid to determining if the depth is correct is to repeat a depth
measurement with the locator a known distance (for example 1ft)
above the ground and to note if the depth has increased by this
amount. If it is different from what is expected treat the data as
suspect.
Induction Mode
The induction mode is useful in situations where access to a cable
or pipe is not possible. Remove the direct connection leads so that
the transmitter automatically sets itself into the induction mode.
Place the transmitter over the suspected position of the target utility
line as below.
Switch on the transmitter and set the output to low output. Only
switch to high if the signal received is too low. Only the high
frequency is available in induction mode.
Start locating the line a few paces from the transmitter. Starting too
close will be difficult as the signal radiated through the air from the
transmitter will be greater than that from the cable. Trace the cable
in the normal way.
Signal Clamp Mode
1. Connect the signal clamp to the transmitter.
2. Place the clamp around the cable to be energised. Ensure that
clamping is done below the earthing point of the cable
otherwise a signal will not be induced efficiently.
3. Make sure the two halves of the clamp close properly.
4. Switch on the transmitter and follow the locating instructions as
in Direct Connection Mode.
NOTE
Using the clamp does NOT require a ground connection
from the transmitter. However, the signal quality will be
better if there is a ground at both ends of the cable.
LPC Separation Filter
The LPC separation filter is used to safely inject a trace tone to a live
cable via a domestic mains socket, so that the cable can be traced
from the premises to the connection in the street. It is suitable for
connecting to voltages between 100V AC and 250V AC.
Method:
1. Plug the LPC into the output socket of the transmitter.
2. Identify a suitable main socket. If a switch is fitted to the socket,
switch off.
3. Plug in the LPC to the mains socket and then switch back on.
4. Set the LPC rotary switch to match the two indicator lights.
5. Set the transmitter to the frequency to be located.
6. Locate the line as described in the section Direct Connection
Mode.
NOTE
A transmitter ground connection is not required with
this method as the ground is made within the mains
socket.
Changing Batteries
Transmitter
1. A low battery is indicated by a flashing ON/OFF led.
2. To replace the batteries unscrew the two retaining screws on the
end of the transmitter. Remove the battery cover and take out
the old batteries.
3. Replace with four D type alkaline batteries.
4. Always replace all the batteries. Having batteries with different
charge may result in batteries being reverse polarised which
may then leak or overheat.
5. Replace the battery and hand tighten the retaining screws.
Receiver
1. A low battery is indicated by the icon of the receiver display.
2. To replace the batteries unscrew the end cap on the handle end
of the VM-540/VM-550.
3.
Remove and replace BOTH batteries with fresh 1.5V alkaline AA
(LR6).
4.
Replace end cap.
Service Center Information
If the equipment does not function properly, replace the batteries as
described above. If the equipment still malfunctions, contact one of
the Vivax-Metrotech Customer Service departments, or call the
factory for the nearest authorized Vivax-Metrotech repair station.
Disclaimer: Product and accessory specification and availability
information is subject to change without prior notice.
2 feet 7 inches
8.19k
30 paces minimum
USA
Vivax-Metrotech Corp.
3251 Olcott Street,
Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Tel: +1-289-846-3010
Fax: +1-905-752-0214
sales@vxmt.com
www.vivax-metrotech.com
CanadianSales@vxmt.com
www.vivax-matrotech.com
Canada
Vivax Canada Inc.
400 Esna Park Drive,
Unit 17, Markham,
Ontario, L3R 3K2, Canada
Tel: +86-21-5187-3880
Fax: +86-21-5168-5880
info@leidi.cn
www.leidi.com
China
Leidi Utility Supply
(Shanghai) Ltd.
Tel: +49-9544-680
Fax: +49-9544-2273
service@sebakmt.com
www.sebakmt.com
Europe
SebaKMT Seba
Dynatronic Mess-und
Ortungstechnik GmbH
Dr.-Herbert-lann-Str. 6,
96148 Baunach, Germany
T/Free: +1-800-446-3392
Tel: +1-408-734-1400
Fax: +1-408-734-1415
Australasia
SebaKMT AUS
Unit 1, 176 South Creek Road,
Cromer NSW 2009, Australia
sales@sebakmtaus.com
service@sebakmtaus.com
www.sebakmtaus.com
Tel: +61-2-9972-9244
Fax: +61-2-9972-9433
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
Note