RIDGID SeekTech ST-305R Line Transmitter with Two Batteries and Charger User Manual

: June 9, 2024
: RIDGID

Table of Contents

SeekTech ST-305R Line Transmitter with Two Batteries and Charger
Introduction
General Safety Rules
Pre•Operation Inspection
Product Overview
Operating Instructions
Maintenance
References
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SeekTech ST-305R Line Transmitter with Two Batteries and Charger
User Manual RIDGID SeekTech ST-305R Line Transmitter with Two Batteries
and Charger SeekTech ST- 305R and ST-305

SeekTech ST-305R Line Transmitter with Two Batteries and Charger

WARNING! Read this Operator’s Manual carefully before using this tool. Failure to under-stand and follow the con-tents of this manual may result in electrical shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.

Introduction

The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this opera-tor’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 (890-011-320.10) will accompany this manual as a separate booklet when required. This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Safety Symbols
** In this operators manual and on the product, safety symbols and signal words are used to communicate important safety information. This section is provided to improve understanding of these signal words and symbols.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
NOTICE indicates information that relates to the protection of property.
** This symbol means read the operator’s manual carefully before using the equipment. The manual contains important information on the safe and proper operation of the equipment.
This symbol means always wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when handling or using this equipment to reduce the risk of eye injury.
This symbol indicates the risk of electrical shock.

General Safety Rules

WARNING

Read all safety warnings and Instruc-tions. 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.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating equipment. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Avoid traffic. Pay close attention to moving vehicles when using on or near roadways. Wear visible clothing or reflector vests.

Electrical Safety

Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
An Improperly grounded electrical out-let can cause electrical shock and/or severely damage equipment. Always check work area for a properly ground-ed electrical outlet. Presence of a three-prong or GFCI outlet does not ensure that the outlet is properly grounded. If in doubt, have the outlet inspected by a licensed electrician.
Do not expose equipment to rain or wet conditions. Water entering equipment will increase the risk of electrical shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling, or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts. Dam-aged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
If operating equipment in a damp loca-tion is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
Keep all electrical connections dry and off the ground. Do not touch equipment or plugs with wet hands to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Personal Safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating equipment. Do not use equipment while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating equipment may result in serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. The appropriate use of protective equipment such as safety glasses, a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, a hard hat, high visibility clothing, and hearing protection will reduce personal injuries.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables bet-ter control of the equipment in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, and long hair can be caught in moving parts.

Equipment 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.
Do not use equipment if the power switch does not turn it on and off. Any equipment that cannot be controlled with the power switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the equipment before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing. Preventive safety measures reduce the risk of injury.
Store idle equipment out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the equipment or these instructions to operate the equipment. Equipment can be dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain equipment. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, missing parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the equipment’s operation. If damaged, have the equipment repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained equipment.
Use the equipment and accessories in accordance with these instructions; taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the equipment for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
Use only accessories that are recom-mended by the manufacturer for your equipment. Accessories that may be suit-able for one piece of equipment may be-come hazardous when used with other equipment.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. This allows for better con-trol of the equipment.

Battery Use and Care

Use equipment only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of in-jury and fire.
Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
Do not probe battery with conductive objects. Shorting of battery terminals may cause sparks, burns, or electrical shock. When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
Under abusive conditions, liquid may eject from battery; avoid contact. If con-tact occurs, flush with water. If liquid con-tacts eyes, seek medical help. Liquid eject-ed from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
Do not cover charger while in use. Proper ventilation is required for correct operation. Covering charger in use could result in fire.
Use and store batteries and chargers in dry, appropriate temperature areas. Extreme temperatures and moisture can damage batteries and result in leakage, electrical shock, fire or burns.
Properly dispose of batteries. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the batteries to explode; do not dispose of in a fire. Some countries have regulations concerning battery disposal. Follow all applicable regulations.
See the Battery and Battery Charger Operator’s Manual for additional information.

Pre•Operation Inspection

**WARNING

** To reduce the risk of serious injury from electrical shock or other causes, and to prevent damage to your equipment, inspect all equipment and correct any problems before each use. To inspect all equipment, follow these steps:

Power off your equipment.
Disconnect and inspect all cords, cables, and connectors for damage or modification.
Clean any dirt, oil, or other contamination from your equipment to ease inspection and to prevent it from slip-ping from your grip during transportation or use.
Inspect your equipment for any bro-ken, worn, missing, misaligned, or binding parts, or any other condition which might prevent safe, normal operation.
Refer to the instructions for all other equipment to inspect and make sure it is in good, usable condition.
Check your work area for the following:
• Adequate lighting.
• The presence of flammable liquids, vapors, or dust that may ignite. If present, do not work in area until sources have been identified and corrected. The equipment is not explosion proof. Electrical connections can cause sparks.
• A clear, level, stable, and dry place for the operator. Do not use the equipment while standing in water.
Examine the job to be done and determine the correct equipment for the task.
Observe the work area and erect barriers as necessary to keep bystanders away.
See additional product specific safety in-formation and warnings starting on

Product Overview

Description
ST-3051R is used to refer to both the ST-305R and the ST-305 throughout this manual. The ST-305R and ST-305 are functionally identical. The only difference is the ST-305R can be used with a rechargeable battery and Internal C-cell batteries. The ST-305 is only operational with Internal C-cell batteries.
The RIDGID SeekTecho ST-305 and ST-305R are compact yet powerful multi- frequency transmitters that can be used, in conjunction with a RIDGID SeekTech receiver, to find buried conductors such as pipes, cables, and wires. This allows the line’s location to be correctly marked so it can be exposed for repair or avoided during excavation.

ST-305R Specifications

Weight without batteries| 1.03 kg [2.27 lb]
Dimensions|
Length| 198 mm [78 in]
Width| 116 mm [4.6 in]
Height| 104 mm [4.1 in]
Cable lead length| 3 m [10 ft]
Output power| 0.5, 2, 5 W Nominal
Power Source| 18V U-Ion rechargeable battery, six C-cell batteries (1.5 V alkaline or 1.2 V NiMH or Ni-Cad rechargeable), or AC adapter
Current settings|
Internal batteries| 25 mA – 400 mA
18 V Li-lon battery| s 1,000 mA
AC adapter| s 1,000 mA
Default frequencies| 1 kHz, 8 kHz,
33 kHz, and 262 kHz
Operating environment|
Temperature| -10°C to 50°C [14°F to 122°F]
Storage temperature| -20°C to 60°C [-4°F to 140°F]
Relative humidity| 5% to 95%
Altitude| 4,000 m [13,120 ft]
ST-305 Specifications

Standard Equipment

ST-305R or ST-305
Operator’s manual
6 C-cell batteries (Alkaline)

Components RIDGID SeekTech ST-305R Line Transmitter with Two Batteries
and Charger - Components

Operating Instructions

This section contains important safe-ty information that is specific to the ST-305/R. Read these precautions carefully before using the ST-305/R to reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or other se-rious injury.
SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!
ST-305/R Safety

Read and understand this operator’s manual, and the instructions for any other equipment in use and all warnings before operating the ST-305/R. Failure to follow all instructions and warnings may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury. Keep this manual with the equipment for future use.
Operating the equipment while in water increases the risk of electrical shock. Do not operate the ST-305/R if the opera-tor or equipment are standing in water.
The ST305/R is not designed to pro-vide high voltage protection and isolation. Do not use where a danger of high voltage contact is present.
Always attach leads before turning the ST-305/R on and always power off the ST-305/R before disconnecting the leads to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Follow local guidelines and call before digging. Locating equipment uses electromagnetic fields that can be distorted and interfered with. More than one utility may be present in a given area. Follow local guidelines and service procedures. Confirm location of utilities before digging.

High Voltage Indicator
The ST-305/R is designed to withstand up to 240 VAC between the two leads. This protection is not intended to be used continuously and excess current may be forced through the ST 305/R. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not touch the transmitter, cords, or connec-tions during this time. Use high voltage precautions to disconnect the ST-305/R.
If the ST-305/R senses excess current, a warning beep sounds and the High Voltage LED on the keypad is lit.
Operation Overview
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.
The default frequencies that come with the ST-305/R are:

1 kHz [1,024 Hz]
8 kHz [8,192 Hz]
33 kHz [32,768 Hz]
93 kHz [93,623 Hz] or 262 kHz [262,144 Hz]

Note: High frequency is 93 kHz or 262 kHz depending on your region.
The ST-305/R has three operating modes that can be used during a locate. Which mode you use depends on the circumstanc-es of the locate.
Direct Connect — The leads con-nect directly to the target conductor and a suitable ground.
Inductive Clamp—The optional in-ductive clamp encircles the target conductor when metal-to-metal con-tact is not possible or unable to pro-duce the desired result.
Inductive—The ST-305/R is placed over a conductor. The internal antenna induces a signal on to the target conductor.
Powering the ST-305/R
WARNING

Disconnect external leads from any energized utility before opening the battery compartment. To prevent overheating and leakage, do not mix battery types or brands and do not combine new and used batteries. Always remove the bat-teries before shipping or storing the ST-305/R.
LI-Ion 18 V Battery
A Li-Ion 18 V rechargeable battery can be used simultaneously with the internal C-cell batteries. If the voltage falls below 15.4 V or if the battery dies, the ST-305R switches to internal batteries.
C-Cell Batteries
To install C-cell batteries, rotate the knob on the battery holder counter- clockwise until the battery compartment releases. Pull straight back on the knob to remove the cover. Insert the 6 batteries as shown on the inside decals.
Note: Rechargeable C-cell batteries do not recharge in the ST-305/R.
AC Adapter For indoor use only, the ST-305R can also be powered by an external AC adapter no less than 35 W. Read and follow the instruc-tions as specified by the manufacturer of the AC adapter before using it with the ST-305R.
Note: The AC adapter does not recharge the 18 V battery.
Keypad Overview

Keypad Keys and Functions

| Inductive Mode Key| Toggle between Inductive Mode and Direct Connect Mode.
| Frequency Key| Cycle through frequency options.
| Power/ Select Key| Power the unit on or off (long press, >3 seconds, to power off). Cycle through power levels.
| High Voltning| On when high voltage is encountered.
| Power/ Battery Indicator| At start-up, displays the estimated battery level.
| Frequency Indicator| During use, indicates the relative level of output power. Indicates frequency in use or when expanded frequency settings are active.

Cable Lead Clips
The ST-305/R 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 When the metal is exposed you can either clip onto the target with the teeth or use the magnet to make the connection.
NOTICE
The cable lead clips contain strong magnets. Do not place the clips near data storage de-vices, credit cards, or other magnetically encoded data.
Sounds of the ST-305/R Sounds are associated with specific events or states. Sounds may be toggled on or off by pressing the Frequency key and Power key simultaneously.

Sounds of the ST-305/R

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 transmitter is not designed to connect to live conductors.

Choose connection locations for the ground stake and the target conductor. Place the transmitter, powered off, on the ground between these two lo-cations.
Insert the ground stake into the earth as far as possible. Wet the earth around the ground stake to improve grounding and to lower the resistance of the ground. With the ST-305/R still powered off, attach the lead clip to the ground stake.
Instead of using the provided grounding stake, the lead clip can be attached to other objects such as a shovel blade or a metal rod sunk into the earth. Using larger grounding objects may improve grounding by in-creasing the surface area in contact with the earth.
Note: Always connect the lead to the ground stake before connecting an- other lead to the target line to direct any current within the target conductor away from the user.
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.

Good contact between the cable lead and the target conductor lowers the resistance of the circuit and produces a stronger tracing signal.
Note: Non-conductive pipes, such as those made of clay or plastic, cannot carry a tracing current without a trace wire. Plastic pipes typically have a trace wire installed with the pipe for tracing purposes. Clip the cable lead to the trace wire to enable tracing.
Expanded Frequency Settings
While in Direct Connect Mode, the transmit-ter can be used with high or dual frequencies.

Long press (>3 seconds) the Frequency key to set the transmitter to high frequency.
Short press the Frequency key to cycle through dual frequency options or return to the high frequency. Expanded frequency options include:
• 262 kHz or 93 kHz only.
• 33 kHz and 1 kHz dual frequency transmission.
• 33 kHz and 8 kHz dual frequency transmission. The LED associated with each frequency is lit when that frequency is in use
Long press the Frequency key IM again to return to standard frequency options.

Note: High frequency is 93 kHz or 262 kHz depending on your region. Expanded frequency settings are only available in Direct Connect Mode.
Inductive Clamp Mode
Read the Operator’s Manual for the Inductive Clamp before using it with the ST-305/R. It includes important safety information and operating instructions.
Use the ST-305/R with an inductive clamp by following these steps:

Before connecting the inductive clamp, confirm that the target conductor is not live and grounded on both ends, and that the ST-3051R is powered off. The ST-305/R is not designed to be connected to live conductors.
Insert the inductive clamp plug into the jack on the ST-305/R below the keypad.
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-305/R is powered on.
Press the Power key . The ST-305/R automatically switches to Inductive Clamp Mode and disables the cable leads.
Note: In Inductive Clamp Mode, the ST-305/R defaults to 50 per-cent power level to conserve battery power
Select and set the same frequency on both the receiver and transmitter.
Check the connections and adjust the current as needed during the locate.
When finished, press the Power key to power off the ST-305/R before disconnecting the inductive clamp.

Inductive Mode
Disconnect the lead clips from any external conductors before switching the ST-305/R to Inductive Mode. If the lead clips are con-nected to an external conductor and the ST-3051R is switched to Inductive Mode, a warning appears and operator override is required.
Do not use clips and leads in Inductive Mode. The ST-305/R automatically sets the frequency to 33 kHz the first time Inductive Mode is used. After the first use, the ST-305/R automatically uses the frequency last used in Inductive Mode. The two frequencies available in Inductive Mode are 8 kHz and 33 kHz.
NOTICE
Do not place two ST-305/ Rs in Inductive Mode with the power on within 3 m [10 ft] of each other. The output of each ST-305/R can over-load the electronics and damage one or both units.
Use the ST-305/R in Inductive Mode by following these steps:

Place the ST-305/R so the white orientation arrows located on top of the ST-305/R are aligned with the target conductor.
Press the Power key to power on the ST-305/R. Press the Inductive Mode key toggle the ST-305/R between Direct Connect Mode and Inductive Mode.
Ground both ends of the utility for the best signal induction.
To power on and use the receiver, refer to the receiver’s Operator Manual. Ensure the frequency on the receiver matches the ST-305/R. If the receiver signal increases when held near the ST-305/R, it is correctly picking up the transmitted frequency.
After completing the locate, press the Power key to power off the ST-305/R.

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-305/R, the receiver will measure this field instead of the target conductor. Air- coupling will distort readings and misconstrue the location of the target conductor.
Air-coupling effects can dominate the received signal over a wide range (greater than 20 m [70 ft]) if the induced utility is deep and poorly grounded. Very weak in-duction and deep utilities will result in greater air- coupling distances. Always confirm the detection of utilities and the readings of depth measurements.
Air-coupling does not depend on the output power of the transmitter and cannot be reduced by turning down the power. Air-coupling only depends on the ratio of the field from the transmitter compared to the induced field in the target utility. The effect of air-coupling can vary continuously so be aware of the difference between the transmitter’s field and the induced field of the utility being traced. While both will have the same frequency, the transmitter’s field is only strong enough to obscure the utility’s signal in the region around the transmitter itself.
Be sure to look overhead for power lines that could also confuse the locate.
Testing for Air-Coupling
To test for air-coupling, tilt the receiver at a 45 degree angle towards the ST-305/R and ensure the lower antenna of the receiver touches the ground. Afterwards, tilt the receiver 45 degrees away from the ST-305/R and observe the depth reading. If the depth reading changes significantly, air-coupling may be affecting the accuracy of the locate. Alternatively, test for air- coupling by standing 6 m [20 ft] away from the ST-305/R. With the lower antenna on the ground, take note of the indicated depth measurement on the receiver. Raise the receiver vertically 45 cm [18 in] and observe the change in the depth indication. If the receiver only reads the conductor, the depth should increase accordingly. If the receiver is air-coupling, the depth indication does not change by 45 cm [18 in], but changes disproportionately.
Locating
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, power off the ST-305/R before disconnecting the leads and remove the lead from the target conductor before removing the lead from the ground stake.
Note: When the ST-305/R 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

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-305/R. Upon start up, the ST-3051R measures the current flowing through the target conductor and beeps to indicate output. Faster beeps indicate a higher output current.
Select a frequency by pressing the Frequency key until the desired frequency is selected. Long press (>3 seconds) the Frequency key to se-lect the expanded frequency option for dual or high frequencies.
Follow the instructions in the receiver’s Operator’s Manual to power on and use the receiver. Ensure the frequency on the receiver matches the ST-305/R. If the receiver signal in-creases when held near the ST-305/R, it is correctly picking up the transmit-ted frequency.
After completing the locate, press the Power key to power off the ST-305/R.

Maintenance

Product Support
For support and additional information about using your ST-305/R, visit support. seesnake.com/st305r.
Cleaning
WARNING
Disconnect all cords and cables and re-move batteries prior to cleaning the ST-305/R to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Do not use liquid or abrasive cleaners on the ST-305/R. Clean the ST-305/R with damp cloth. Do not allow any liquid to enter the ST-305/R.
Transport and Storage

Store in a locked area out of the reach of children and people unfamiliar with its purpose.
Store in a dry place to reduce risk of electrical shock.
Store away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, and other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Storage temperature should be -20 °C to 60 °C [-4 °F to 140 °F].
Do not expose to heavy shocks or impacts during transport.
Remove the battery before shipping and before storing for extended periods of time.

Service and Repair
WARNING
Improper service or repair can cause the ST-305/R to be unsafe to operate. Service and repair of the ST-305/R must be performed at a RIDGID Independent Authorized Service Center. To maintain the safe-ty of the tool, make sure a qualified repair person services your equipment using only identical replacement parts. Discontinue using the ST-305/R, remove the batteries, and contact service personnel under any of the following conditions:

The equipment does not operate normally when operating instructions are followed.
The equipment exhibits a distinct change in performance.
The equipment has been dropped or damaged.
Liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the equipment.

For information on your nearest RIDGID In-dependent Service Center or any service or repair questions:

Contact your local RIDGID distributor.

Parts of the unit contain valuable materials that can be re-cycled. There are companies that specialize in recycling that may be found locally. Dispose of the components in compliance with all applicable regulations. Contact your local waste management authority for more information.
For EC countries: Do not dispose of electrical equipment with household waste! According to the European Guideline 2012/19/EU for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its implementation into national legislation, electrical equipment that is no longer usable must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally correct manner.
Battery Disposal
For EC countries: Defective or used battery packs/batteries must be recycled ac-cording to the guideline 2006/66/EC.

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