SPX RD7100 Universal Precision Electromagnetic User Guide

SPX RD7100 Universal Precision Electromagnetic User Guide

WARNING!
Direct connection to live conductors is POTENTIALLY LETHAL. Direct connections to live conductors should be attempted by fully qualified personnel only using the relevant products that allow connections to energized lines

WARNING! The transmitter is capable of outputting potentially lethal voltages. Take care when applying signals to any pipe or cable and be sure to notify other technicians who may be working on the line.

WARNING! Reduce audio level before using headphones to avoid damaging your hearing

WARNING! This equipment is NOT approved for use in areas where hazardous gases may be present.

WARNING! When using the transmitter, switch off the unit and disconnect cables before removing the battery pack.

WARNING! The RD7100 locator will detect most buried conductors but there are some objects that do not radiate any detectable signal. The RD7100, or any other electromagnetic locator, cannot detect these objects so proceed with caution. There are also some live cables which the RD7100 will not be able to detect in Power mode. The RD7100 does not indicate whether a signal is from a single cable or from several in close proximity

WARNING! Batteries can get hot after prolonged use at full output power. Take care while replacing or handling batteries.

WARNING! Only use charging equipment provided by Radiodetection. The use of alternative chargers may cause a safety hazard and/or reduce the life of the battery

CAUTION: Do not let your battery completely discharge as this may reduce its life or damage it permanently. If you are not using your equipment for a long period charge them at least once a month.

WARNING! Do not tamper with, or attempt to disassemble the battery packs.

CAUTION: If battery failure is suspected or if the battery shows any sign of discoloration / physical damage return the entire unit to an authorized repair center for investigation and repair. Local, national or IATA transport regulations may restrict the shipment of faulty batteries. Check with your courier for restrictions and best practice guidelines. Your local Radiodetection representative will be able to direct you to our authorized repair centers

NOTE: The charging temperature range is 0 to 45 °C, 32 to 113°F. Do not attempt to recharge your batteries outside this temperature range.

3 Year Extended Warranty

RD7100 locators and transmitters are covered by a 1 year warranty as standard. Customers can extend their warranty period to a total of 3 years by registering their products within 3 months of purchase.

1. Radiodetection portal
   Visit https://portal.radiodetection.com to create your portal account and use the Product page to register your locator or transmitter.
   Visit https://support.radiodetection.com for instructions on how to create a portal account or register your product.
   A valid email address and mobile number are required.
2. Windows Applications RD Manager™ available from www.radiodetection.com/RDManager. From time to time Radiodetection may release new software to improve the performance or add new functionality to its products. By registering, users will benefit from email alerts advising about new software and special offers related to its product range. Users can opt-out at any time from receiving software and technical notifications, or just from receiving marketing material by contacting Radiodetection.

RD7100 locator

Locator features

1. Keypad.

2. LCD with auto backlight.

3. Speaker.

4. Battery and USB connector (inside the battery compartment)

5. Optional D cell battery pack.

6. Accessory connector.

7. Headphone connector.

8. Battery charging connector (Li-Ion pack)

9. Marker loop antenna.
   Locator keypad

10. Power key.

11. Frequency key.

12. Up and down arrows.

13. Antenna key.
    With antenna folded up, toggles different modes. With antenna folded down, toggles marker and combined (marker /line) modes.

14. Survey Key.

15. Transmitter key: Not used.
    Locator screen icons

16. Signal strength readout.

17. Signal strength bargraph with peak marker.

18. Null /Proportional Guidance arrows.

19. Battery level.

20. Sensitivity readout

21. Volume level.

22. Fault-Find arrows
    (PLM and TLM models only).

23. Radio Mode icon.

24. Power Mode icon.

25. Accessory /Measurement icon.

26. A-Frame icon.

27. Frequency /marker type /current /menu readout.

28. Compass: Compass /Marker mode indicator: Shows the direction of the located cable relative to the locator. Also used as a graphical indication for Marker mode active.

29. Antenna modes icon:
    Indicates antenna mode selection: Peak /Peak+ ™ /Null /Guidance.

30. Sonde icon: Indicates that a sonde signal source is selected.

31. Line icon: Indicates that a line signal source is selected.

32. Depth readout.

33. Bluetooth status icon: Flashing icon means pairing is in progress. Solid icon indicates a connection is activ

Tx-5 and Tx-10 transmitters

Transmitter features

1. Keypad.

2. LCD.

3. Removable accessory tray.

4. D-cell battery tray.

5. Optional Lithium-Ion battery pack.
   Transmitter keypad

6. Power key.

7. Frequency key.

8. Up and down arrows.

9. Measure key.
   Transmitter screen icons

10. Battery level indicator.

11. Operation mode readout.

12. Standby icon.

13. Output level indicator.

14. Clamp icon: Indicates when a signal clamp or other accessory is connected.

15. DC Power connected indicator.

16. Induction mode indicator.

17. A-Frame: Indicates when the transmitter is in Fault-Find Mode.

18. Voltage warning indicator: Indicates that the transmitter is outputting potentially hazardous voltage levels.

19. Volume level indicator.

Keypad actions and shortcuts

Switch the locator or transmitter on by pressing the key. Once powered up, the keys function as follows:

Locator keys

antenna modes.PLM models in Power Mode:Scrolls through Power Filters™ for improved discrimination of parallel or strong power signals.With the loop folded down: toggles marker and combined (marker / line) modes.|

In Peak+ antenna mode:Switch between Guidance and Null arrows.

| Increase and decrease gain. RD7100 automatically sets gain to mid-point when pressed.| Rapidly increase and decrease gain steps in 1dB increments.
| Send a Survey Measurement over Bluetooth, if paired| –
| Not used| –

Transmitter keys

frequency.
| Adjusts the output signal.| Select standby  / maximum standard power .

Before you begin

IMPORTANT!
This guide is intended to be a quick reference guide. We recommend you read the full operation manual before you attempt to operate the RD7100 locator.

First use
The RD7100 cable, pipe and RF marker locator is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery pack, which needs to be connected before the first use: To fit the D cell batteries in the transmitter, unlatch the accessory tray. The battery compartment is located underneath the transmitter body. Use the turnkey to unlatch the battery compartment. Insert eight D-Cell NiMH (Nickel-metal hydride) batteries, taking care to align the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals as indicated. Alternatively, you can power the transmitter from a mains or vehicle power source using a Radiodetection supplied optional accessory adapter. Radiodetection does not recommend using disposable alkaline batteries due to limited performance, however these can be used as an emergency option

Transmitter Rechargeable battery pack
A Transmitter Lithium-Ion battery pack is available, providing superior performance over NiMH batteries. To fit this, follow the instructions provided with the pack.

Checking your system software version
If you wish to check which version of software is running on your locator, press and hold the key when switching the locator on. This information may be asked for when contacting Radiodetection or your local representative for technical support. Transmitters automatically show their software version on startup.

System setup
It is important that you set up the system according to regional / operational requirements and your personal preferences before you conduct your first survey. You can set the system up using the menus as described below

Setting up your system
The RD7100 locator and transmitter menus allow you to select or change system options. Once entered, the menu is navigated using the arrow keys. Navigation is consistent on both the transmitter and the locator. When in the menu, most on-screen icons will temporarily disappear and the menu options will appear in the bottom left-hand corner of the display. The right arrow enters a submenu and the left arrow returns to the previous menu. Note that when browsing the locator menu, the and keys act as left and right arrows. When browsing the transmitter menu, the and keys act as left and right arrows.

To navigate menus:

1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Use the or keys to scroll through the menu options.
3. Press the key to enter the option’s submenu.
4. Use the or keys to scroll through the submenu options.
5. Press the key to confirm a selection and return to the previous menu.
6. Press the key to return to the main operation screen.
   NOTE: When you select an option and press the key, the option will be enabled automatically

Locator menu options

• VOL: Adjust the speaker volume from 0 (mute) to 3 (loudest).
• UNITS: Select metric or imperial units.
• INFO: Run a Self-Test, display the date of the most recent service recalibration (M CAL) or the most recent eCert calibration.
• MARKR: Enable or disable individual utility markers.
• LANG: Select menu language.
• POWER: Select local power network frequency: 50 or 60Hz.
• ANT: Enable or disable any antenna mode with the exception of Peak.
• FREQ: Enable or disable individual frequencies.
• ALERT: Enable or disable StrikeAlert™.
• BATT: Set battery type: Alkaline or NiMH. Li-Ion auto-selects when connected.
• ARROW: Select Null or proportional Guidance arrows in Peak+ mode
• COMP: Enable or disable display of the Compass feature.

Transmitter menu options

• VOL: Adjust the speaker volume from 0 (mute) to 3 (loudest).
• FREQ: Enable or disable individual frequencies.
• BOOST: Boost transmitter output for a specified period of time (in minutes).
• LANG: Select menu language.
• OPT F: Run SideStepauto™ to auto-select a locate frequency for the connected utility.
• BATT: Set battery type: ALK, NiMH or Li-Ion and enable / disable Eco mode.
• MAX P: Set the transmitter to output its maximum wattage.
• MODEL: Match the transmitter setting to the model of your locator.
• MAX V: Set the output voltage to maximum (90V).

Examples of using the menu, selecting options and making changes:

Locator mains power frequency
To select the correct frequency (50 or 60Hz) for your country or region’s power supply:

1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the POWER menu using the or keys.
3. Press the key to enter the POWER menu.
4. Use the or keys to select the correct mains frequency.
5. Press the key twice to accept your selection and return to the main operation screen.

Batteries
It is important to set the system to match the currently installed battery type to ensure optimal performance and correct battery level indication.
To set your battery type:

1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the BATT menu using the or arrows.
3. Press the key (locator) or the key (transmitter) to enter the BATT menu.
4. Scroll up or down to select the correct battery type (Alkaline, Nickel-metal Hydride or Lithium-Ion). Lithium-Ion is automatically selected when a Li-Ion pack is connected to a locator.
5. Press the key twice to accept your selection and return to the main operation screen.

Transmitter Eco Mode
When using alkaline batteries, Eco mode can be selected to maximize run time. When Eco mode is selected the transmitter automatically reduces its maximum power output as battery levels run low. Eco mode is switched off by default. To Enable Eco Mode:

1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the BATT menu using the or arrows.
3. Press the key to enter the BATT menu.
4. Select the ALK Battery type using the or arrows.
5. Press the key to enter the ECO sub menu
6. Select ECO using the or arrows.
7. Press the key three times to accept your selection and return to the main operation screen.

Locating pipes and cables

For more detailed descriptions of using the locator and transmitter, and for detailed locate techniques, refer to the Operation Manual. The RD7100 locator is designed to operate with the ‘blade’ of the locator perpendicular to the path of the cable or pipe being located.

Running a Self-Test
We recommend that a Self-Test is run at least weekly, or before each use. As the SelfTest tests the integrity of the locate circuity, it is important that it is carried out away from larger metallic object such as vehicles, or strong electrical signals. To run a Self-Test:

1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the INFO menu using the or arrows.
3. Press the key to enter the INFO menu.
4. Select TEST using the or arrows.
5. Press the key to select YES
6. Press the key to begin the Self-Test
7. Once the Self-Test is completed, the result (PASS or FAIL) will be displayed.
8. Restart the locator using the key

SideStepauto™
The transmitter can be used to recommend a general-purpose locate frequency for the intended locate task by measuring the impedance of the target cable or pipe. To run SideStepauto™, connect the transmitter to the target utility, then:

1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the OPT F menu using the or arrows.
3. Press the key to select ‘START.
4. Press the key to start the test. The transmitter will automatically select a general purpose frequency for use on the connected utility

Locating with Active Frequencies
Active frequencies are applied to the target pipe or cable using the transmitter, and provide the most effective way of tracing buried pipes or cables. Generally speaking, it is better to use a low frequency on larger, low impedance utilities, and move to a higher frequency on smaller, high impedance utilities. The lowest power setting required to trace the target utility should always be used to minimize the risk of false trails. The transmitter can apply a signal using three different methods:

Direct connection
In direct connection, you connect the transmitter directly to the pipe or cable you wish to survey using the red Direct Connect lead supplied. The black lead is generally connected to earth using the supplied ground stake. The transmitter will then apply a discrete signal to the line, which you can trace using the locator. This method provides the best signal on an individual line and enables the use of lower frequencies, which can be traced for longer distances.

Transmitter Clamp
An optional signal clamp can be placed around an insulated live wire or pipe up to 8.5″ / 215mm in diameter to transfer the transmitter signal to the utility. This method of applying the transmitter signal is particularly useful on insulated live wires and removes the need to disconnect the supply to the cable.

Locating with Passive Frequencies
Passive frequency detection takes advantage of signals that are already present on buried metallic conductors. The RD7100 supports up to three types of passive frequencies: Power, Radio and CPS signals. You can detect these frequencies without the aid of the transmitter. Model specific.

Power Filters
The RD7100 PL locator allows operators to take advantage of the harmonic signals found on power networks. Once in Power Mode, press the key to switch out of Radiodetection’s sensitive Power Mode and scroll through five individual Power Filters.This enables operators to establish if a single large power signal comes from one source or from the presence of multiple cables. The different harmonic characteristics of the detected lines can then be used to trace and mark their route. Additionally the use of an individual harmonic can allow you to locate power lines in situations where the total signal would otherwise be too large.

Locate Modes
Dependent on the model selected, the RD7100 offers a choice of up to 4 locate modes, each of which is designed for specific uses, depending on what task is being carried out. To scroll between locate modes, press the key.
PEAK: For accurate locating, the peak bargraph provides a visual readout of the signal strength. The peak signal is found directly over the buried utility.
PEAK+: Choose to combine the accuracy of the Peak bargraph with Null arrows, which can indicate the presence of distortion, or with proportional Guidance arrows for rapid line tracing – switch between them by holding the key.
GUIDANCE: Proportional arrows and a ballistic ‘needle’ combine with audio left / right indication for rapidly tracing the general path of a buried utility.
NULL: Provides a quick left / right indication of the path of a utility. As Null is susceptible to interference, it is best used in areas where no other utilities are present.

Marker types

Depth, current and compass readouts

WARNING! Never use the depth measurement readout as a guide for mechanical or other digging activity. Always follow safe digging guidelines. The RD7100 locator can measure and display the utility depth, locate signal current and the relative orientation of the cable or pipe to the locator. This helps you to make sure that you are following the right cable or pipe, especially when other utilities are present. The RD7100 locator features TruDepth™, a feature that helps you to ensure the accuracy of your locates. The depth and current are automatically removed from the display when the locator is at an angle of more than 7.5° from the path of the cable or pipe being located, or when the locator determines that signal conditions are too poor for reliable measurement

Using accessories

The locator and transmitter are compatible with a wide range of accessories. For  detailed information on using any of the accessories below please refer to the RD7100 locator operation manual.

Transmitter signal clamps
When it is not possible to connect directly onto a pipe or cable, or induction mode is unsuitable, a transmitter signal clamp may be used. The clamp is plugged into the output of the transmitter and provides a means of applying a locate signal to an insulated live wire. This is particularly useful with live insulated cables as it removes the need to disable the power and break the line.

WARNING! Do not clamp around uninsulated live conductors.
WARNING! Before applying or removing the clamp around a power cable ensure that the clamp is connected to the transmitter at all times.

To locate or identify individual lines a locator signal clamp can be connected to the accessory socket of the locator and can be clamped around individual pipes or cables.

Stethoscopes and locator signal clamps
Locator clamps can be used to identify a target cable or pipe amongst a number of different cables by checking for the strongest locate signal. When cables are bunched or tightly packed, a stethoscope antenna can be used in place of a clamp. To use a stethoscope or locator signal clamp, connect it to the locator’s accessory socket. The locator will automatically detect the device and filter out location modes that are irrelevant.

Sondes, Flexrods and FlexiTrace
Sondes are battery powered transmitters that are useful for tracing non- metallic pipes. They can be fixed to Flexrods to allow them to be pushed through pipes or conduits, and some are suitable for blowing through ductwork. Some models of the RD7100 can detect a range of sonde frequencies, including those transmitted by flexiprobe™ P540c pushrod systems and flexitrax™ P550c crawler systems. For a detailed guide on locating sondes, please refer to the operation manual. A FlexiTrace is a traceable fiberglass rod incorporating wire conductors with a sonde at the end. It is connected to the output of the transmitter and is typically used in small diameter, non-metallic pipes. The user has the option of locating the entire length of the cable or choosing to locate only the tip of the cable. The FlexiTrace has a maximum power rating of 1W. When using the FlexiTrace  with aRadiodetection Tx-5 or Tx-10 transmitter, the output limit must be set to 1W in the MAX P menu and the output voltage limit set to LOW in the MAX V menu. No additional settings are required for the Tx-1 transmitter.

RD Manager PC Software

RD Manager is the RD7100 locator system PC companion, and it allows you to manage and customize your locator. RD Manager is also used to retrieve and analyze survey and usage data (PLM and TLM only), run an eCert calibration, and to perform software upgrades. You can use RD Manager to register your products to obtain an extended warranty, setup your locator by performing a number of maintenance tasks such as adjusting date and time, activating and de-activating active frequencies or RF Markers, or by setting up  functions like CALSafe or StrikeAlert.RD Manager is compatible with PCs running Microsoft Windows 64 bit operating system. To download RD Manager, go to www.radiodetection.com/RDManager. If you do not have internet access, or wish to receive RD manager on a CD-ROM, contact your local Radiodetection office or representative. For more information about RD Manager refer to the RD Manager operation manual.

Bluetooth wireless connections

RD7100 locators feature a Bluetooth wireless module, as standard, providing the ability to connect to compatible devices such as Android devices, PCs, laptops or handheld devices running a compatible application.

NOTE: The RD7100 locator wireless features may be subject to national and or local regulations. Please consult your local authorities for more information.

WARNING! Do not attempt any wireless connection in areas where such technology is considered hazardous. This may include: petrochemical facilities, medical facilities or around navigation equipment

Switching Bluetooth on

By default RD7100 locators are shipped with the Bluetooth wireless connection module disabled.

1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the BT menu using the or keys.
3. Press the key (locator) or the key (transmitter) to enter the BT menu.
4. Scroll up or down to the ON option.
5. Press the key to switch Bluetooth ON and return to the previous menu.
   You can switch Bluetooth off to conserve battery life, or to comply with regulations in areas where wireless communications are considered hazardous. To do this, follow the above process, selecting ‘OFF’ in the BT menus.

Pairing to an Android device, PDA or Windows PC

Connection requirements:

• Any RD7100 locator.
• A compatible Bluetooth-enabled Android device, PDA or Bluetooth enabled PC or Laptop.

NOTE: The procedure below describes the pairing process between a RD7100 locator and a PDA. Pairing to an Android device or Windows PC follows the same steps for the RD7100 locator. Consult your Android device or Windows PC Bluetooth pairing instructions to pair with the RD7100 locator. Pair the RD7100 locator to your PDA using your PDA’s Bluetooth software.
NOTE: The procedure for pairing your PDA may differ depending on the PDA make and model. The following procedure should apply to most PDAs.

On the locator:

1. Press the key to enter the menu.

2. Scroll to the BT menu using the or keys.

3. Press the key to enter the BT menu.

4. Scroll up or down to the PAIR menu.

5. Press the key to enter the PAIR menu.

6. Scroll up or down to the BT-PC option.

7. Press the key and the locator will attempt to pair with your PDA.
   On your PDA:

8. From the PDA’s Start menu, select Settings then select the Connections Tab followed by the Bluetooth icon.

9. Ensure the Bluetooth radio is switched on and make the PDA visible to other devices.

10. Select the Devices tab and scan for new partnerships.

11. Create a partnership with the RD7100_XXXX device.

12. If asked for a passkey, enter 1234.

13. Refer to the SurveyCert manual for advanced settings if required by your PDA.

Resetting connections
If you experience problems with the RD7100 Bluetooth features, Radiodetection recommends resetting the connection and then pairing your device again:

1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the BT menu using the or keys.
3. Press the key to enter the BT menu.
4. Scroll up or down to the RESET menu.
5. Press the key and the locator will purge all current connections.
6. Re-pair your devices.

Bluetooth error codes
If an error occurs when attempting to perform any Bluetooth command using the locator to the transmitter or the locator to a paired device, the LCD will display a code to help you resolve the problem on the locator. The codes are as follows:

Taking Survey Measurements

Saving measurements
To save survey measurements, press the key. To achieve accurate results the locator must be kept as still as possible during the saving process. If your paired device is out of reach the locator will display an error code. To avoid these errors disable the Bluetooth survey measurements transmission or ensure that your paired device is within range and correctly paired.

To send stored data to a paired device:
Stored data can be transferred wirelessly to a compatible Android device, running RD Manager for Android, a PDA running Radiodetection’s SurveyCERT app or a PDA or PC compatible application.

RD Manager for Android

RD Manager for Android is the official app from Radiodetection which makes utility mapping easier for surveyors in the field. You can use RD Manager to store survey measurements taken from your locator, create utilities map and share Google Maps® map files via email. Requires availability of mobile data. RD Manager is available to download from Google’s Play Store. Its operation manual is also available as a free download from the Radiodetection website

SurveyCERT
SurveyCERT is the PDA app from Radiodetection which makes utility mapping easier for surveyors in the field. You can use SurveyCERT to store survey measurements taken from your locator in your PDA for later review. SurveyCERT for PDAs, and its operation manual are available as a free download from the Radiodetection website.

To send data to a paired device:

1. Ensure your paired device is switched on and running a compatible app.
2. Press the key to enter the menu.
3. Scroll to the LOG menu using the or keys.
4. Press the key to enter the LOG menu.
5. Scroll up or down to the SEND option.
6. Press the key and the locator will attempt to send your stored survey data to your paired device.

Automatic Usage-Logging

RD71000 logging models (PLM and TLM) offer a powerful data logging system which records all the instrument’s critical parameters and warnings in its internal memory at the rate of 1/sec. The automatic logging system is always active and cannot be disabled. The locator’s memory is capable of storing over 500 days of usage data, when used for 8 hours per day. Logs can be retrieved using the RD Manager PC application for usage analysis and survey validation. Refer to the RD Manager operation manual for further information.

CALSafe

CALSafe enabled RD7100 (PLM and TLM models only) are equipped with a system which does not permit them to function once they are beyond the expected service/calibration date. When the unit is within 30 days of the service due date the unit will display at startup the number of days left. The locator will stop functioning on the service due date. CALSafe is disabled by default. You can enable the CALSafe feature and edit the CALSafe service/calibration due date using the RD Manager PC software. Refer to the RD Manager operation manual for further information.

Training
Radiodetection provides training services for most Radiodetection products. Our qualified instructors will train equipment operators or other personnel at your preferred location or at Radiodetection headquarters. For more information go to www.radiodetection.com or contact your local Radiodetection representative.

Care and maintenance

The RD7100 locator and transmitter are robust, durable and weatherproof. However you can extend your equipment’s life by following these care and maintenance guidelines.

General
Store the equipment in a clean and dry environment. Ensure all terminals and connection sockets are clean, free of debris and corrosion and are undamaged. Do not use this equipment when damaged or faulty.

Batteries and power supply
Only use the rechargeable battery packs, chargers and power supplies approved by Radiodetection. If not using rechargeable packs, use NiMH batteries. Batteries should be disposed of in accordance with your company’s work practice, and / or any relevant laws or guidelines in your country. Alkaline batteries should only be used if no other power source is available.

References

• Cable and Pipe Locator Experts | Radiodetection
• RD Manager | Radiodetection
• European importers | Radiodetection

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