JAMESON 17-300R Cable Pipe Signal Receiver Instruction Manual

JAMESON 17-300R Cable Pipe Signal Receiver

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: Cable and Pipe Signal Receiver
• Model Numbers:
  • Part 17-300R: Cable and Pipe Signal Receiver
  • Part 17-300RTK: Cable and Pipe Signal Receiver With Transmitter
  • Part 17-500T: Transmitter
• Controls and Indicators: Transmitter (TX) Output Jack, Load Rate Indicators, Battery Condition Indicator, Frequency Selector, Power On/Off, Relative Resistance/Volt/Current, Output Signal Level Control
• Power Source: 6 C batteries (not included)

Product Usage Instructions

Prepare for Use

1. Unpack the Locator and check for any shipping damage.
2. Ensure all parts are included.
3. Locate the battery compartment on the back of the Receiver’s head.
4. Open the compartment using a Phillips screwdriver.
5. Install six C batteries as marked.

Transmitter Controls and Indicators

• TX Output Jack: Connect the Red/Black Cord, Coupler, and Flexicoupler here to create a circuit on the buried utility.
• TX ON: Frequency light and Output level light indicate that the unit is on.
• Load Rate Indicator: The symbol flashes to indicate the output circuit impedance. Blinking 4 times per second indicates a nearly short circuit while blinking 1 time every 3 seconds indicates a nearly open circuit.
• OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL: Adjusts the power output from the Transmitter. The selections include Low, Medium, and High.

Direct Connection
Direct Connection is the most reliable method of signal application. Follow these steps:

1. Plug the Red/Black Test Cord into the TX Output Jack.
2. Press the Frequency Button to select the desired frequency (512 Hz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz, or 82 kHz).
3. The Power Output Indicator and Frequency light for the chosen frequency will light up.
4. The far end of the utility must be grounded.

Inductive Connection and Blind Search
The Inductive Connection method is used if the operator is not aware if a buried utility exists. The Blind Search technique requires two people. Follow these steps:

1. Hold the Transmitter and Receiver 25 feet away from each other.
2. Both operators walk at the same speed, maintaining a distance of 25 feet between them.
3. If the Receiver gives an audio response, a buried utility is present between the Receiver and Transmitter.

Receiver Controls and Indicators

• Locating the Cable or Pipe
• Selecting Locating Mode and Peak Locating Mode
• Null Locating Mode
• Absolute Signal Strength / Gain Change Indication
• Passive Locating
• Push Button Depth
• Depth Measurement 45-Degree Method
• Tilted Magnetic Field Identification

Specifications

• WARNING: Electric Shock Hazard
• Disclaimer Of Liability: Jameson shall not be liable for any damages or injury caused directly or indirectly by products sold or supplied by Jameson.

Warranty
No information is provided in the user manual. FAQ

• Q: What should I do if I encounter shipping damage?
• A: If you encounter shipping damage, please contact our customer support for assistance.
• Q: Can I use the Transmitter without connecting it to a buried utility?
• A: Yes, you can use the Blind Search method to detect if a buried utility exists without connecting the Transmitter to it.
• Q: How many frequency options does the Transmitter have?
• A: The Transmitter has four frequency options: 512 Hz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz, and 82 kHz.
• Q: Can I adjust the power output of the Transmitter?
• A: Yes, you can adjust the power output using the Output Signal Level Control. The options include Low, Medium, and High.

General Information
Jameson’s 17-300R Cabel and Pipe Signal Receiver has an ergonomic design for one-hand operation and a highly visible display. Works with transmitter to detect active frequencies, adjusting to work at different sites and applications. Locate any continuous metal run – iron, steel, and copper water lines, gas lines, tracer wire by plastic pipe, telephone/TV cables, copper and aluminum wire, conduit, power lines, and Duct Hunter ™ Traceable Rodders. 4 Frequencies: 512 Hz, 8 KHz, 33KHz, and 82 KHz.

WARNING: Electric Shock Hazard

• The tool is designed to detect electromagnetic fields emitted from camera sondes and buried metallic utilities. There are buried cables, pipes, and utilities this instrument CANNOT detect.
• Locating is not exact The only certain way to be sure of the existence, location, or depth of buried utilities is to carefully expose (dig up) the utility.
• De-energize any circuits in or around the work area
• Do not expose the tool to rain or moisture
• Use the tool only for the intended purpose as described in this manual

Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury, death, or property damage.

Disclaimer Of Liability
Jameson shall not be liable to the distributor, reseller, or any other person for any incidental, indirect, special, exemplary, or consequential damages, or injury of any type whatsoever caused directly or indirectly by products sold or supplied by Jameson.

Prepare For Use

• Unpack Locator and make sure there is no shipping damage and all the parts are included.
• Locate the battery compartment on the back of the “head” of the Receiver. Open the compartment using a Phillips screwdriver.
• Install six “C” batteries as marked.

Transmitter (“TX”) Controls and Indicators

TX OUTPUT JACK
The Red/Black Cord, Coupler, and Flexicoupler connect here to create a circuit on the buried utility.

TX ON
A Frequency light and Output level light indicates the unit is on.

FREQUENCY SELECTOR
The 82 kHz reading indicates the 82 kHz frequency is in use. This frequency is the higher of the four. The 82 kHz frequency is often used to locate sharp corners in cables or pipes and is capable of jumping disconnected shield bonds or grounds. The 512 Hz reading indicates the 512 Hz frequency is in use. The 512 Hz is the lower frequency. It is less susceptible to locating errors caused by adjacent cables or pipes. Also, by using the 512 Hz frequency, the locating range is greater. The 8 kHz and 33kHz are mid-range frequencies used when the 512Hz is too weak and the 82 kHz is bleeding off too easily.

LOAD RATE INDICATOR
The Load Rate Indicator symbol flashes to indicate the output circuit impedance. When the indicator blinks 4 times per second, it indicates a nearly short circuit. When the indicator blinks 1 time every 3 seconds, it indicates a nearly open circuit.

Note : Holding down the Power Output button for 2 Seconds will Mute the Audio Load Rate indicator.

OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL
The Output Signal Level Control adjusts the power output from the Transmitter. The selections include Low, Medium, and High.

Direct Connection

• 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.
• The low, mid, and high frequencies 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.
• Place the Ground Rod approximately 10 feet from this point, at an angle of 90º to the buried cable or pipe.
• Push the Ground Rod into the ground 8 to 10 inches. Connect the Black Test Cord to the Ground Rod.
• Plug the Red/Black Test Cord into the TX Output Jack. Press the Frequency Button for 512 Hz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz, or 82 kHz.
• The Power Output Indicator and Frequency light of the chosen frequency will light up.

Inductive Connection

• This method is convenient and services are not interrupted. No test cords or connections are needed.
• Cable or pipe must have good insulation or non-conductive coating, otherwise operating range will be short.
• Turn the Transmitter ON. Press the 82 kHz button. Place the Transmitter on its side as close as possible to the path of the cable or pipe.
• Align arrows on the side of the Transmitter with cable or pipe. First, locate the broad Transmitter Null, then move toward the expected cable path while looking for the signal carried by the cable.
• Start tracing a path with the Receiver 25 feet from the Transmitter.
• Locate a cable or pipe and follow the path. If the signal becomes weak, move the Transmitter to a point 25 feet behind the last strong signal and continue searching.

Blind Search
The Blind Search locating technique is used if the operator is not aware if a buried utility exists. Two people are needed for this technique. The Transmitter and Receiver are held 25 feet away from each other. Each opera-tor walks at the same speed keeping a distance of 25 feet from each other. When the receiver gives an audio response, a buried utility is present between the Receiver and Transmitter.

Selecting Trace Signal
The choice of 512 Hz, 8 kHz, 33kHz, or 82 kHz Frequency is dependent on the conditions of the location. It is recommended to begin by using the 512 Hz signal and continue as long as you are confident in the results. If the signal is very weak adjust the connection or grounding. If there is no improvement in signal, try 8 kHz. Repeat adjustments of ground and connection point before switching to 33 kHz and then 82 kHz.

• 512 Hz (lower frequency) signal is usually preferred to 8 kHz (mid-range frequency) and 82 kHz (high frequency) signal because it is less susceptible to locating errors caused by nearby cables or pipes. The 512 Hz locating range is also longer than the 82 kHz signal. The 512 Hz signal will not travel well through disconnected shield bonds or insulated pipe bushing.
• 8 kHz and 33kHz take the best of high and low frequencies. This mid-range frequency is not very susceptible to bleed off or coupling, but it can jump impedance on the utility better than the 512 Hz. It is still best to use 512 Hz, but 8 kHz is one of the most common frequencies used to locate coaxial cable and telecom pairs.
• 82 kHz (higher frequency) is sometimes better than 512 Hz (lower frequency) for locating sharp corners in cables or pipes. The 82 kHz signal is also better for “jumping” disconnected shield bonds or grounds, or a tracing signal may indicate one of these characteristics. The locating range is quite short for the 82 kHz signal so Transmitter must be repositioned more often during tracing operation. Also useful for applying a signal to the Jameson Duct Hunter™.

Receiver Controls and Indicators

ON/OFF
The unit will load settings from the previous usage. Automatic shut off after 10 minutes of no activity.

FREQUENCY
Toggles through available active and passive frequencies: 82 kHz, 33kHz, 8 kHz, 512 Hz, 60Hz.

MODE
Toggle through available locating modes: Peak, Pinpoint Peak, Null, and Sonde.

DEPTH & CURRENT
The depth function will first momentarily display the depth mode (Line [LIN] or Sonde [SON]) and then display depth measurement at the top of the LCD. To change Depth Measurement from English to Metric, hold the Depth Key for ten seconds. Current measures the relative amount of transmitted current and is displayed at the bottom of the LCD.

GAIN
Adjusts Gain up or down. If signal strength shows as “ — ” on display, pressing Gain will automatically adjust to 85% on the scale display.

VOLUME (SHIFT Button + MODE Button)
Toggle volume through High, Medium, Low, and Off.

BACKLIGHT (SHIFT Button + FREQUENCY Button)
Hold the Shift key and press the Current key to toggle the backlight on and off.

LOW BATTERY
Indicates low battery condition by displaying “LO BAT” in the three-digit Signal Strength Display at the top of the LCD screen.

Locating Cable or Pipe

• Make sure the Transmitter is connected and in the ON position.
• Move approximately 15 feet (4.5 meters) away from the Transmitter along the path. (Move about 25 feet (7.5 meters) for Inductive search mode.)
• Hold the Receiver so you can see the LCD bar graph and controls easily.
• Make sure the Receiver and Transmitter frequencies are set for the same frequency, either 512 Hz (lower), 8 kHz, 33kHz, or 82 kHz (higher).
• Select the passive locating mode which does not require the Transmitter.

Selecting the Locating Mode (Peak or Null)
Press the Mode button to select the desired Peak or Null locating method.

Peak Mode Locating
Keep the Receiver in a vertical position. Move the Receifrom ver left to right across the path. When the Receiver is directly above the cable or pipe, rotate for maximum signal. As the Receiver is moved away from the cable path, the meter reading (and audio frequency response) will drop off. If the Receiver is rotated while over the cable, a sharp NULL will identify the cable’s direction. It is aligned with the flat side 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 Gain buttons as needed to compensate for changes in level (higher or lower).

One of the following may occur:

• The junction is where the signal divides and goes in several directions.
• Break in the cable or shield.
• Change in the depth of the cable or pipe.
• Insulated pipe fitting.
• Slack loop of cable.

If you can no longer trace the path, even with Gain set to maximum, connect the Transmitter to the far end of the path and trace back to the point where you lost the signal. Mark straight sections of the path every few feet. Mark sharp curves, loops, and cable bundles every few inches. Sharp changes in the path cause the Receiver Peak and Null indications to behave differently than when tracing a straight path. Practice on a path you know has turns and laterals in it to help you recognize conditions within the field.

Null Mode Locating

• Move the Receiver left to right across the cable path. When the Receiver is directly above the cable or pipe, a Null (lowest meter reading and lowest audio tone) will occur.
• When moving the Receiver left or right of the Null point, the meter reading will rise to a maximum point (Peak). The audio tone will also be at its highest pitch.
• When the Receiver is moved beyond the Peak, the meter reading will begin to fade.
• Trace the path by walking away from the Transmitter at a moderate pace.
• Move the Receiver to the left and right when walking, following Null indications.
• As you trace the path, the Peak meter reading may slowly fade as you move away from the Transmitter.
• Press and release Gain buttons as needed to compensate for changes in signal level.

If Peak meter readings suddenly change in level (higher or lower), one of the following may have occurred:

• The junction is where the signal divides and goes in several directions.
• Break in the cable or shield.
• Change in the depth of the cable or pipe.
• Insulated pipe fitting.
• Slack loop of cable.

If you can no longer trace the path, even with the Gain control set to maximum, connect the Transmitter to the far end of the path and begin tracing the path back. Mark a straight section of the path every few feet. Mark sharp curves, loops, and cable bundles every few inches. Sharp changes in the path cause Receiver Peak and Null indicators to behave differently than when tracing a straight path. Practice on a path you know has turns and laterals in it to help you recognize conditions within the field.

Absolute Signal Strength

• The Receiver’s signal strength measurement is displayed with three numerical digits (ex: 485) located at the top of the LCD.
• The measurement range is from 0 to 999 indicating a very weak signal (0) to a very strong signal (999). Absolute Signal Strength is independent of the Gain setting or meter reading. It gives the operator information about the actual amount of signal being radiated from the conductor and received by the Receiver.
• Measuring Absolute Signal Strength at any time is done by reading the number at the top of the LCD. The Absolute Signal Strength will not be displayed if the meter reading is too high or too low.
• Adjust Gain to move meter reading to mid-scale. The numerical display will change from ‘—’ to a valid measurement.
• Absolute Signal Strength measurements are more sensitive to signal changes than the meter display. Peaks and Nulls can be more precisely pinpointed.
• This measurement can also be used to monitor signal loss as the conductor is being traced.

Gain Change Indication
The Gain up and down buttons are used to increase and decrease gain in small amounts. If the meter reading is very low, pressing the Gain up button will center the meter reading to mid-scale. Likewise, if the meter reading is very high, pressing the Gain Down button will center the meter reading to mid- scale.

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 the 50/60~ (Hz) frequency on the Receiver. Select Peak mode. Locate the conductor using the Peak mode. This method is useful because of its speed and convenience. Start at a known reference point and keep in mind other conductors in the area may produce this same locating signal. The Transmitter is not required to be located in this mode.

Push Button Depth

• The only way to be sure of a utility’s depth is to expose the utility. At any time, the depth readout may be inaccurate. The Receiver can measure depth with the push of a button.
• Depth is displayed at the top of the LCD in meters and centimeters. Push button depth is useful to quickly determine the depth of the conductor during path locating.
• Begin this measurement by locating the path of a cable or pipe. Move to the location where you want to measure the depth. Stay at least 15 feet (4.6 meters) away from the Transmitter.
• Pinpoint this location as accurately as possible (see Peak Mode Locating, Null Mode Locating, and Absolute Signal Strength).
• Place the Receiver vertically over the conductor and rest the foot of the locator on the ground.
• While holding the Receiver vertically, press and release the Depth button. The Receiver will briefly indicate a measurement is being performed and then display depth at the top of the LCD.
• Exercise caution when using the push button depth feature, as tilted magnetic fields and adjacent conductors can significantly influence this measurement.
• The operator should periodically check for adjacent conductors and tilted magnetic fields when taking push-button depth readings.

For information on identifying tilted magnetic fields, refer to Tilted Magnetic Field Identification and Depth Measurement 45º Method.

Note :

• The locator is designed to alert the operator of potential current and depth measurement errors.
• If the display reads ‘Err’ during a current and depth measurement, the Receiver has detected a condition that could produce inaccurate readings.
• Errors can exist when the conductor signal flow is too small.
• Check the Transmitter hookup and far-end access point for poor connections. This cause of error can be identified by a high Gain setting (80 or greater on the bar graph display).
• The receiver also may be detecting adjacent cables or is not directly over the target conductor. Verify the target conductor path precisely before measuring the current again. If at any time the display reads ‘CAL’, contact Jameson.

Current Measurement

The Receiver contains a feature 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. The operator will find two or more paths and must determine which is the target conductor. By using the current measurement feature of the Receiver, the operator can determine the amount of 512 Hz, 8 kHz, 33kHz, or 82 kHz current flowing on the conductors, regardless of depth. The highest current flow indicates the target conductor.

Place the Receiver vertically over one of the conductor marks and the rest foot of the locator on the ground. Holding the Receiver vertically, press and release the Shift Button and Depth button simultaneously. When the meter changes from a thermometer-type display to a bar-type display, hold Receiver the still until the measurement stabilizes. The blinking bar indicates the signal level on the cable (adjusted for depth). Next, move to the second cable and repeat the measurement. The blinking bar will show the signal level on the conductor. The previous reading is shown as a solid bar. The higher of these two readings will show which conductor is carrying the greatest locating signal.

Depth Measurement 45º Angle Method

• Move to a location where 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. Mark the path on the ground as precisely as possible using the Null Method.
• Place the Receiver on the ground with the LCD meter facing up. Position the unit so the Bubble Level on top of the meter is centered (45º).
• Pull the Receiver away from the cable path (at 90º to the cable path) keeping the Bubble Level centered.
• When the Receiver indicates a Null reading, mark the location of the Receiver’s foot. The distance between the Receiver and the cable path is the depth of the pipe or cable.
• A false depth reading may be caused by nearby buried metallic objects, such as a second cable, pipe, sewer, fence, or railroad track.
• Confirm depth measurement by repeating the above steps on the opposite side of the pipe or cable. A variance greater than 5 inches in depth measurement may indicate the presence of additional buried cables, pipes, or other objects.

Tilted Magnetic Field Identification

• When adjacent cables or pipes are present, they will sometimes create locating errors.
• Some of the Transmitter signal is picked up by adjacent conductors and is redirected so it combines with the original signal. The result is a Tilted Magnetic Field.
• This is often the reason that numeric depth readouts are sometimes created in error. The operator can verify the accuracy of path locate by performing the 45º Angle Method locate on both sides of the cable path.
• If the right and left side depth readings agree to within 5 inches, the path locate is accurate. If the two depth readings do not agree, then dig with care.
• A closer locate would be halfway between the two outside depth locate marks. This is an important technique that should be used to ensure the most accurate location possible.

Specifications

Transmitter

Receiver

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Warranty

Jameson products carry a warranty against any defect in material and workmanship for one year from the date of shipment unless the failure is due to misuse or improper application. Jameson shall in no event be responsible or liable for modifications, alterations, misapplication, or repairs made to its products by the purchaser or others. This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the product and does not include reimbursement for shipping or other expenses incurred. Jameson disclaims any other express or implied warranty.

References

• Lineman Tools | Jameson Tools | Wiring Equipment Arborist Tools

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