VIVAX METROTECH VM-540 Sonde Locator User Guide

VIVAX METROTECH VM-540 Sonde Locator

Introduction

This guide describes the operation of the VM-540 Sonde locator. Sondes are small transmitters that are inserted into non-metallic pipes and ducts for the purpose of locating their path. Sondes are also built into push camera and crawler camera systems. The lower sonde frequencies of 512Hz or 640Hz can be located in metallic pipes. The radiated signal from the Sondes are detected with the VM-540 receiver along with its depth of cover. The receiver can also passively detect the presence of 50Hz 60Hz which radiate from some live power, Cable TV, or Telephone lines.
What’s in the box – each VM-540 is supplied with:

| VM-540 receiver| | Mini-USB cable
---|---|---|---
| Battery holder| | User guide
| 2 x AA alkaline battery| | Soft carry bag

Receiver Display Functions

| Battery level indicator| | Selected sonde frequency
---|---|---|---
| Speaker level indicator| | Signal level indicator
| Percentage signal level| | Sensitivity setting indicator

Receiver Operational Controls

| Sensitivity control (reduce sensitivity)| Increment sensitivity down, or auto-scale down to 60% if off scale. When in the frequency select menu use this button to scroll backward through available frequencies.
---|---|---
| On/Off control| Long press to switch on/off. Short press to change speaker volume.
| Sensitivity control (increase sensitivity)| Increment sensitivity up, or auto scale to 60% if off scale. When in the frequency select menu use this button to scroll forwards through available frequencies.
| Depth measurement/frequency selection| Short press to initiate depth measurement. Long press to enter frequency select menu then short press to exit menu.

Optional Accessories Sondes

Power Mode Operation

Switch on the receiver by pressing the On/Off push button. Allow the unit a few seconds to switch on. The frequency selected is shown on the display. If this is not the desired locate frequency (i.e. 50 or 60Hz) change as instructed below.

NOTE
The battery condition is indicated on the battery icon. Replace batteries if necessary. See Changing Batteries Section.

Changing the Locate Frequency

Press and hold the depth measurement/frequency selection push button until the frequency menu is entered. The display will show the present frequency selected in large numbers in the center of the screen. Use the “+” or “–” push buttons to select the desired frequency. Press the depth measurement/frequency selection push button to re-enter the locate screen.

Locating a Cable in the Power (50/60Hz) Mode

Hold the locator vertically in the area that is required to be searched. Adjust the sensitivity of the locator by pressing the “+” or “–” push button to keep the locator response on the scale. Hold the locator in front of you in the orientation shown below.

Sweep the locator left to right along the suspected route of the cable. As the locator approaches the cable the meter reading will increase. Pinpoint the position by detecting the largest signal. To confirm the direction of the cable, rotate the locator until the largest signal is detected. The direction of the cable is then directly ahead, pointing forward, away from the display. Continue to locate the cable along the route. Depth measurements are not possible in the power (50/60Hz) mode, if pressed by accident it will show N/A.

WARNING
The power mode is used to detect signals radiating from cables or services that are carrying a 50 or 60Hz load. It is possible for a cable to be live but not carry a load. In this case, there may not be a signal to be detected. Similarly, if a cable is exactly balanced the resulting signal radiating from the cable may be zero and therefore not detectable. Do not use the VM-540 to identify cables if they are live. Always dig with caution.

Sonde Locating

Connect the Sonde to a suitable push rod. There is typically a 10mm thread on the end of the Sonde for this purpose. Switch on the Sonde and position it within the pipe access chamber leaving it still visible.

Hold the locator above the Sonde at ground level. Adjust the sensitivity of the locator by pressing the “+” or “-” push buttons to keep the signal on a scale. Rotate the receiver until the maximum signal is detected.

NOTE
Moving the locator further left and right will result in detecting smaller “ghost” signals on either side of the main one. This is normal. Always be sure to locate all three peaks when locating the position of the Sonde as the ghost signals are not directly over the Sonde. The largest one is the true position.

Moving forward and back across the Sonde will not detect ghost signals.

Now push the Sonde a couple of meters (yards) into the pipe. Stop and re- locate the Sonde. The direction of the Sonde can be confirmed by holding the locator vertically and rotating it on its axis until the largest signal is detected. The Sonde will then be pointing at right angles to the display. Continue pushing a short distance and relocating as the Sonde is pushed into the pipe. Do not be tempted to push the rod too far into the pipe without locating the Sonde as this will make finding the Sonde more difficult.

Depth Measurements

To take a depth measurement pinpoint the position and direction as previously described, pinpointing left/right, forward/back, and also rotating on its axis. Hold the locator vertically over the position of the maximum signal. Now press the “target” push button. There will be a short delay before a depth estimate will be displayed.

NOTE
The depth measurement is an approximation. Depth indications can be affected by field distortion caused by interference from in-band signals or metal structures such as re-bar. An aid to determining if the depth incorrect is to repeat a depth measurement with the locator a known distance (for example 1ft./30cm) above the ground) and to note if the depth has increased by this amount. If it is different from what is expected treat the data as suspect.

Changing Batteries

1. A low battery is indicated by the icon of the receiver display.
2. To replace the batteries, unscrew the end cap on the handle end of the VM-540.
3. Remove and replace both batteries with fresh 1.5V alkaline AA (LR6).
4. Replace the end cap.

Service Center Information

If the equipment does not function properly, replace the batteries as described above. If the equipment still malfunctions, contact one of the Vivax-Metrotech Customer Service departments or call the factory for the nearest authorized Vivax-Metrotech repair center.

Disclaimer : Product and accessory specification and availability information is subject to change without prior notice.

Vivax-Metrotech Corp. (Headquarters)

• 3251 Olcott Street, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
• T/Free: +1-800-446-3392
• Tel: +1-408-734-1400
• Fax: +1-408-734-1415
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.vivax-metrotech.com
• Visit us at www.vivax-metrotech.com to view our full product line and worldwide locations.

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