RADIODETECTION RD5100 S Multifunction Precision Cable And Pipe Locator User Guide
- June 16, 2024
- RADIODETECTION
Table of Contents
RD5100™ S
Multifunction precision
cable and pipe locator
User Guide
PART NO. 90/UG111INT/02
Preface
About this guide
CAUTION: This guide provides basic operating instructions for the RD5100S
locator.
It also contains important safety information and guidelines and as such
should be read in its entirety before attempting to operate the RD5100S
locator.
This guide is intended as a quick reference guide only. For detailed
instructions, including the use of accessories, please refer to the RD5100S
locator operation manual, which is available for download from:
www.radiodetection.com
Certificates of conformity for the RD5100S locator can be found at:
www.radiodetection.com
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 optional 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: Risk of Hearing Loss. The locator emits noise levels which can
cause partial or total hearing loss. When using headphones these must have an
independent volume control. Set the volume level to its lowest value before
donning the headphones.
WARNING: This equipment is NOT approved for use in areas where hazardous
gases may be present.
WARNING: When using the optional transmitter, switch off the unit and
disconnect cables before removing the battery pack.
WARNING: Batteries can get hot after prolonged use at full output power.
Take care while replacing or handling batteries.
3 Year Extended Warranty
The RD5100S locator is 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.
Visit https://portal.radiodetection.com/ to create your company portal
account, and use the Product page to register your locator or transmitter.
Information on how to create a company account can be obtained from:
https://support.radiodetection.com
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.
eCert
The RD5100S locator is safety equipment which should be regularly checked to
ensure its correct operation.
eCert¹ provides a thorough test of the RD5100S’s locating circuitry, and
supplies a Radiodetection Calibration Certificate when a positive test result
is obtained.
Refer to the RD5100 Manager¹ operation manual for further details. Additional
purchase may be required.
RD5100S locator
Locator features
-
Keypad.
-
LCD with auto backlight.
-
Speaker.
-
Battery compartment.
(Optional Lithium-Ion battery pack). -
Accessory connector (Not used).
-
Headphone connector.
-
Mini USB-B port
(inside battery compartment).
Locator keypad -
Power key.
-
Up arrow key.
-
Down arrow key.
-
Backlight sensor.
-
Frequency key.
Locator screen icons -
Signal strength bargraph with peak marker.
-
Signal strength readout.
-
Proportional Guidance arrows.
-
Battery level.
-
Sensitivity readout.
-
Frequency readout.
-
Sonde icon: Indicates that a sonde signal source is selected.
-
Compass: Shows the orientation of the located sonde relative to the locator.
-
Antenna mode icon:
Indicates antenna mode selection:
Guidance / Peak+. -
Line icon: Indicates that a line signal source is selected.
-
Depth readout, metric or imperial (configuration dependent).
Keypad actions and shortcuts
Switch the locator on by pressing the power key. Once powered up, the keys function as follows:
Locator keys
KEY | SHORT PRESS | LONG PRESS |
---|---|---|
– | Switch power off | |
Switch sonde frequency (options include: 512Hz | ||
(i) / 640Hz , 8kHz and 33kHz) (i) | Switch between Guidance and Peak+ with |
guidance arrows
| Set gain to mid position and increases gain in 1dB increments in Peak+
mode.| Rapidly increases gain in 1dB increments in Peak+ mode.
| Set gain to mid position and decreases gain in 1dB increments in Peak+
mode.| Rapidly decreases gain in 1dB increments in Peak+ mode.
Note. Configuration dependent.
Tip. Gain values set for each sonde frequency are stored internally and
available when the unit is powered on.
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 RD5100S locator.
First use
The RD5100S locator can be powered by D-cell alkaline batteries, D-cell NiMH
batteries, or by an accessory Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack.
To fit the D cell batteries in the locator, open the battery compartment and
insert two D-Cell Alkaline or NiMH batteries, taking care to align the
positive (+) and negative (-) terminals as indicated.
Rechargeable battery packs
Lithium-Ion battery packs are available for the locator, providing superior
performance over traditional alkaline batteries. To fit these rechargeable
packs, follow the instructions provided with each pack.
Checking the system software version and last calibration date
To check which version of software is running on your locator and the date of
the last calibration, 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.
System setup
Regional and operational requirements are factory configured, no set-up is
required.
Locating pipes with a sonde
For more detailed descriptions of using the locator, and for detailed sonde
locate techniques, refer to the RD5100S Operation Manual.
Make sure the sonde frequency matches the selected locator sonde frequency.
Note: The ‘blade’ of the locator must be in-line with the central axis of
the sonde.
A new battery or a freshly recharged battery should be used at the beginning
of each day and preferably at the start of a job. Check that the locator and
sonde are working correctly.
A quick test for both sonde and locator is to position the sonde at ground
level at a distance equal to its rated depth range from the locator. Point the
locator at the sonde with its blade in-line with the sonde, and check that the
bar graph on the locator displays more than 50% with the sensitivity of the
locator set to maximum.
With the sonde in place at the survey location, hold the locator vertically
and directly over the sonde’s estimated position. Make sure the blade is in-
line with the sonde. Adjust the sensitivity (gain) of the locator to give a
bar graph display reading between 60% and 80%. A sonde radiates a peak radio
frequency field from the center of its axis with weaker signal (ghost) lobes
at each side. Ghost lobe identification helps to confirm the accuracy of the
peak (center) position. Move the locator a little way to one side and then
along the axis of the sonde iteratively forwards and backwards to detect the
ghost lobes. Reduce the sensitivity of the locator until the ghost lobes are
no longer detected.
With the locator sensitivity set as desired, propel the sonde along three to
four paces and stop.
Place the locator over the estimated position of the sonde:
- Refer to Figure 1. Move the locator backwards and forwards with the blade in-line with the sonde. Stop when the locator display indicates a clear peak response.
- Refer to Figure 2. Rotate the locator as if the blade were a pivot, stop when the display indicates a clear peak response.
- Refer to Figure 3. Move the locator from side to side until the display indicates a clear peak response.
- Repeat Steps 1 to 3 in smaller increments with the locator blade resting on or near the ground. The locator should now be directly above the sonde with the blade in line with the sonde. Now mark the position.
- Propel the sonde a further three to four paces along the drain or duct and pinpoint and mark. Repeat this procedure along the route at similar intervals. It should only be necessary to change the locator sensitivity while tracing the sonde if there is a change
in the depth of the drain or duct, or the distance between locator and sonde.
Locate Modes
The RD5100S locator offers a choice of two locate modes for each sonde
frequency.
These are designed to maximise the effective use of sonde devices for pipe
detection.
To switch between locate modes, press and hold the key. Modes are described as
follows:
GUIDANCE: Proportional arrows and a ballistic ‘needle’ combine with audio
left/right indication for rapidly tracing the general path of a buried
utility.
PEAK+: A peak bargraph provides a visual readout of the signal strength
with proportional Guidance arrows for rapid line tracing.
Depth and compass readout
WARNING: Never use the depth measurement readout as a guide for
mechanical or other digging activity. Always follow safe digging guidelines.
The RD5100S locator can measure and display sonde depth and the relative
orientation of a sonde to the locator. This helps you to make sure that you
are following the right pipe, especially when other utilities are present. The
RD5100S locator features TruDepth™, a feature that helps you to ensure the
accuracy of your locates. The depth is automatically removed from the display
when the locator is at an angle of more than 7.5° from the path of the pipe
being located, or when the locator determines that signal conditions are too
poor for reliable measurements.
Using accessories
The RD5100S is compatible with a range of sondes and flexrods. For detailed
information on using these accessories please refer to the RD5100S locator
operation manual.
Sondes and Flexrods
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. The RD5100S can
detect a range of sonde frequencies, including those transmitted by
flexiprobe™ pushrod systems and
flexitrax™ crawlers.
Optional transmitter
For information on using the RD5100S with an optional transmitter, please refer to a Radiodetection precision locator operation manual that covers transmitters.
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 RD5100S locator and optional 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 good quality Alkaline or NiMH batteries
only.
Batteries should be disposed of in accordance with your company’s work
practice, and / or any relevant laws or guidelines in your country.
Cleaning
WARNING: Do not attempt to clean this equipment when it is powered or
connected to any power source, including batteries, adapters and live cables.
Ensure the equipment is clean and dry whenever possible.
Clean with a soft, moistened cloth. Do not use abrasive materials or chemicals
as they may damage the casing, including the reflective labels. Do not use
high pressure jets of water to clean the equipment.
If using this equipment in foul water systems or other areas where biological
hazards may be present, use an appropriate disinfectant.
Software upgrades
From time to time, Radiodetection may release software upgrades to enhance
features and improve performance of the RD5100S locator or optional
transmitter. Software upgrades are free of charge and provided through a
software manager Personal Computer (PC) application.
E-mail alerts and notification of new software releases are sent to all
registered users.
Disassembly
Do not attempt to disassemble this equipment under any circumstances. The
locator and optional transmitter contain no user serviceable parts.
Unauthorized disassembly will void the manufacturer’s warranty, and may damage
the equipment or reduce its performance.
Service and maintenance
Regulary check your equipment for correct operation by using eCert.
The locator and optional transmitter are designed so that they do not require
regular recalibration. However, as with all safety equipment, it is
recommended that they are serviced and calibrated at least once a year either
at Radiodetection or an approved repair center.
NOTE: Service by non-approved service centers may void the manufacturer’s
warranty.
Details of Radiodetection offices and distribution partners can be found at:
www.radiodetection.com
Radiodetection products, including this guide, are under continuous
development and are subject to change without notice. Go to
www.radiodetection.com or contact your local
Radiodetection representative for the latest information regarding the RD5100S
locator or any Radiodetection product.
Visit www.radiodetection.com
Global locations
Radiodetection (USA)
28 Tower Road, Raymond, Maine 04071, USA
Toll Free: +1 (877) 247 3797 Tel: +1 (207) 655 8525
rd.sales.us@spx.com
Pearpoint (USA)
39-740 Garand Lane, Unit B, Palm Desert, CA 92211, USA
Toll Free: +1 800 688 8094 Tel: +1 760 343 7350
pearpoint.sales.us@spx.com
www.pearpoint.com
Radiodetection (Canada)
344 Edgeley Boulevard, Unit 34, Concord, Ontario L4K 4B7, Canada
Toll Free: +1 (800) 665 7953 Tel: +1 (905) 660 9995
rd.sales.ca@spx.com
Radiodetection Ltd. (UK)
Western Drive, Bristol, BS14 0AF, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 117 976 7776 rd.sales.uk@spx.com
Radiodetection (France)
13 Grande Rue, 76220, Neuf Marché, France
Tel: +33 (0) 2 32 89 93 60 rd.sales.fr@spx.com
Radiodetection (Benelux)
Industriestraat 11, 7041 GD ’s-Heerenberg, Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0) 314 66 47 00 rd.sales.nl@spx.com
Radiodetection (Germany)
Groendahlscher Weg 118, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 28 51 92 37 20 rd.sales.de@spx.com
Radiodetection (Asia-Pacific)
Room 708, CC Wu Building, 302-308 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR,
China
Tel: +852 2110 8160
rd.sales.asiapacific@spx.com
Radiodetection (China)
13 Fuqianyi Street, Minghao Building D304, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District,
Beijing 101312, China Tel: +86 (0) 10 8146 3372
rd.service.cn@spx.com
Radiodetection (Australia)
Unit H1, 101 Rookwood Road, Yagoona NSW 2199, Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 2 9707 3222 rd.sales.au@spx.com
© 2019 Radiodetection Ltd. All rights reserved. Radiodetection is a subsidiary
of SPX Corporation. Radiodetection eCert and RD5100S are either trademarks of
Radiodetection in the United States and/or other countries. Due to a policy of
continued development, we reserve the right to alter or amend any published
specification without notice. This document may not be copied, reproduced,
transmitted, modified or used, in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of Radiodetection Ltd.
90/UG111INT/02
References
- Manual-Hub.com - Free PDF manuals!
- Cable and Pipe Locator Experts | Radiodetection
- Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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