RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators Instruction Manual

: May 15, 2024
: RIDGID

Table of Contents

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators
Introduction
General Safety Rules
System Overview
Operating Instructions
Maintenance and Support
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators

Introduction

Safety Symbols
In this 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.

General Safety Rules

Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electrical 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.

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.
Do not expose equipment to rain or wet conditions. Water entering equipment will increase the risk of electrical shock.
Keep all electrical connections dry and off the ground. Touching equipment or plugs with wet hands can increase 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. Always wear eye protection. The appropriate use of protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, a hard hat, and hearing protection will reduce personal injuries.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the equipment in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Loose clothes, jewelry, and long hair can be caught in moving parts.
DANGER : Avoid traffic. Pay close attention to moving vehicles when using on or near roadways. Wear high-visibility clothing or reflector vests.

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 can result in a hazardous situation.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your equipment. Accessories that may be suitable for one piece of equipment may become hazardous when used with other equipment.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. This allows for better control of the equipment.

Pre-Operation Inspection

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 slipping from your grip during transportation or use.
Inspect your equipment for any broken, worn, missing, misaligned or binding parts, or any other condition which might prevent safe, normal operation.
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 or cones as necessary to keep bystanders away and, if near traffic, alert drivers.

Specific Safety Information

This section contains important safety information that is specific to the SeekTech SR‑24LE/SR-20. Read these precautions carefully before using the SR‑24LE/SR-20 to reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or other serious personal injury. SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!

SR‑24LE/SR-20 Safety

Read and understand this operator’s manual and the instructions for any other equipment in use including, but not limited to, transmitters, clamps, and sondes. Failure to follow all instructions and warnings may result in property damage and/or serious personal injury.
Do not use this equipment if operator or SR‑24LE/SR-20 is standing in water. Operating the SR‑24LE/SR-20 while in water increases the risk of electrical shock.
Do not use where a danger of high voltage contact is present. The SR‑24LE/SR-20 is not designed to provide high voltage protection and isolation.
Exposing the utility is the only way to be certain of its location. Several utilities may be underground in the same area. Be sure to follow local guidelines and One Call service procedures.

System Overview

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 1

NOTICE: SR-24LE is used to refer to both the SR-24LE and the SR-20 throughout this manual. The SR-24LE has integrated GPS and Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) technology. The SR-20 does not, but is otherwise functionally identical.

Description

The RIDGID SeekTech SR‑24LE receiver gives utility locating professionals the information they need to confidently determine the position of underground utilities. The SR‑24LE’s Omnidirectional antenna system measures electromagnetic signals and calculates the signal’s orientation strength, depth, and degree of distortion or interference. The display and the multidimensional audio cues give you a locating experience that is immediately intuitive.

For an added degree of confidence, the SR‑24LE continuously monitors the electromagnetic field for interference from conflicting signals that could distort its shape. When the SR‑24LE detects distortion, the SR‑24LE emits audio cues and displays onscreen guidance so that appropriate action can be taken to avoid mismarking the utility’s position. Built on the trusted and time tested SR‑20 platform, the SR‑24LE has an integrated GNSS receiver and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for connecting to Bluetooth- enabled devices.

SR-24LE and SR-20 Specifications| | SR-24LE and SR-20 Specifications|
---|---|---|---
Dimensions| Ingress Protection|

IPX4

1�4 kg [3 lb]

(SR-20)

|
Weight

without battery or adapter

Power rating

(ANSI/NEDA 14 A, IEC LR14), or

1�2 V NiMH or Ni- Cad rechargeable batteries

without adapter

Battery type with adapter

| RIDGID or Makita rechargeable

Li-Ion with max

voltage 25 V

|

Operating range

| Up to 4,500 m [14,764 ft]*|
GPS|

Power consumption

| 2�2 W

(SR-24LE) 1�8 W

(SR-20)

Standard Equipment

Operator’s manual
Four size C alkaline batteries
RIDGID SeekTech Li-Ion Battery Adapter (with SR-24LE)
Marker chips
Mini-B USB cable

Components RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 2

Folding Antenna Mast
Unfold the antenna mast and lock the folding joint into place. When the job is complete, press the red release latch to fold the antenna mast. Secure the folding mast into the clip for storage or transportation

NOTICE : You must unfold the antenna mast to use the SR‑24LE. To prevent damage to the mast, do not snap or whip the SR‑24LE to open or close it. Only
open and close the SR‑24LE manually.

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 5

Operating Instructions

DANGER
Exposing the utility prior to digging is the only way to verify its existence, location, and depth. If excavating a utility, periodically recheck the measured depth and position to avoid damaging the utility and to identify additional utility signals that may have been overlooked.

Powering the System
NOTICE Use batteries that are all the same type. Mixing alkaline and rechargeable batteries can cause over heating and battery leakage. The SR-24LE is powered by four C-cell batteries or a compatible 18 V Li-Ion battery when using the SeekTech battery adapter. Attach the adapter into the Battery Compartment and slide the battery into the battery shoe.

Receiver Operation Modes
The SR‑24LE can operate using two modes: Line Trace Mode and Sonde Mode.

Line Trace Mode
In Line Trace Mode you can Active Line Trace by intentionally applying a signal onto the target line through metal-to-metal conduction or non metal-to- metal induction with a transmitter. Also in Line Trace Mode, you can Passive Line Trace by detecting signal energy coupled onto metallic conductors from nearby energy sources such as power lines. Passive Line Trace Mode includes Passive Power, Radio Broadband, and OmniSeek Broadband Modes. Broadband frequencies target any signal in a range of frequencies.
Note : Active signals within a broadband range are also detected.

Line Trace Frequencies

Active Frequencies

Default

| 128 Hz

1 kHz

8 kHz

33 kHz

User Programmable| 10 Hz –

35 kHz

Passive Frequencies
Default North America| 60 Hzx9

< 4 kHz

Default Europe| 50 Hzx9

< 4 kHz

Default Japan

| 50 Hzx9

60 Hzx9

< 4 kHz

Power Preprogrammed

| 50 Hz

50 Hzx5

50 Hzx9

60 Hz

60 Hzx5

60 Hzx9

100 Hz

120 Hz

User Programmable| 10 Hz –

35 kHz

Radio Frequency Broadband| 4 kHz –

15 kHz

15 kHz

OmniSeek Broadband Modes (All three simultaneously)| < 4 kHz

4 kHz –

15 kHz

15 kHz

Sonde Mode
Use Sonde Mode to locate a sonde that is inside a pipe, conduit, or tunnel.

Sonde Mode Frequencies

Default| 512 Hz

Preprogrammed

| 16 Hz

640 Hz

850 Hz

8 kHz

16 kHz

33 kHz

User Programmable| 10 Hz – 35

kHz

Display Elements

Line Trace Mode Display
The display elements shown below appear in Passive Line Trace Mode, Active Line Trace Mode, and Radio Broadband Mode.

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 7

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 8

Sonde Mode Display
The display elements shown below appear in Sonde Mode.

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 10

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 11

RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 12

Active Line Tracing
Note : For complete instructions on generating a locating signal with a transmitter, refer to the operator’s manual that came with the transmitter you are using.

Tracing the Target Line

Set the transmitter to Direct Connect Mode, Inductive Clamp Mode, or Inductive Mode.
Set the transmitter’s frequency and press the Frequency Key to set the receiver to the same frequency.
Note : Make sure you have selected an Active Line Trace frequency and not a Sonde frequency .
Make sure the SR‑24LE is detecting the transmitter’s signal. Position the receiver approximately 1 m [3 ft] from one of the transmitter’s leads and observe the Signal Strength reading. If the locating circuit is good, the Signal Strength reading will be strong and steady, with minimal fluctuation.
Center the Tracing Line to get an initial location of the utility. Orient the Tracing Line and the SR‑24LE to correctly utilize the Guidance Arrows.
In the absence of signal distortion, balance the Guidance Arrows, orient the Guidance Line, and maximize the Proximity Number and Signal Strength to pinpoint the location of the target line.

Induction and Air‑Coupling

WARNING: Air-coupling can lead to false locates. With Induction, the transmitter broadcasts a signal in all directions. If the receiver is too near to the transmitter, the signal broadcast through the air will be stronger than the signal from the target line underground.

Testing for Air‑Coupling
There are two ways you can test for air-coupling: the 45° tilt test and the depth verification test.

To perform the 45° tilt test, follow these steps:

With the SR‑24LE aligned with the target line, touch the Lower Antenna to the ground and tilt the SR‑24LE at a 45° angle toward the transmitter.
Note the depth.
With the Lower Antenna still touching the ground, tilt the SR‑24LE away from the transmitter at a 45° angle.
Note the depth.

If the tilted depth reading changes significantly comparing the two cases, air‑coupling is occurring.
Note : The depth reading will not be an accurate reading of the target line’s depth. To perform the depth verification test, view the instructions on page 17.

Passive Line Tracing

CAUTION
Due to the nature of Passive Line Tracing, measured depth may not be accurate. Whenever possible, perform an Active Line Trace to confirm your Passive Line Trace results. The SR‑24LE has two types of Passive Line Tracing frequencies: Power Frequencies and Radio Frequencies.

Passive Power
Power Frequencies are used to locate signals from AC power lines.

Passive Radio Frequency
Broadband The SR‑24LE has two Radio Frequency ranges (Low and High) as well as OmniSeek, which searches three passive frequency bandwidths simultaneously RIDGID SR-20 SRTM Line Locators 13

With a broadband signal type, the SR‑24LE displays positional information for the strongest source in the given frequency range.

OmniSeek
OmniSeek passively traces the line by simultaneously searching through the following three frequency bands:

Less than 4 kHz
From 4 kHz to 15 kHz
Greater than 15 kHz

When OmniSeek is enabled, the SR‑24LE displays a Tracing Line for each range that has a usable signal. If the SR‑24LE detects signals in the other two frequency ranges, it displays dashed Tracing Lines to indicate the estimated position of these signals. Focus automatically shifts to the closest signal

Sonde Locating
Steps

Activate the Sonde and press the Frequency Key to set it to the matching Sonde frequency.
Note : Make sure you have selected a Sonde frequency and not a Line Trace frequency .
Push the sonde into the pipe.
Point the SR‑24LE’s mast in the suspected direction of the Sonde and sweep the horizon in a slow arc. The Signal Strength is highest when the Lower Antenna is closest to the Sonde and drops off when pointed away.
Lower the SR‑24LE to its vertical operating position and walk toward the Sonde. Continue searching for the highest signal by moving the receiver left, right, forward and backward until you have located the point where the signal is strongest and mark the Sonde’s position at this point.

Depth
CAUTION
For the depth to display correctly, make sure you are in the mode you intend to locate with (line or sonde tracing). The SR‑24LE calculates measured depth by comparing the difference in Signal Strength between the Upper Antenna and the Lower Antenna. The measured depth indicator is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen in either meters or feet.

Depth Verification Test
To verify the SR‑24LE is correctly measuring the target line’s depth, follow these

steps:

Touch the Lower Antenna to the ground directly above the Sonde or the target line.
Vertically orient the antenna mast and note the depth.
Raise the SR‑24LE off the ground approximately 150 mm [6 in].
Observe the change in measured depth. The measured depth should increase by approximately the same amount (in this example, approximately 150 mm [6 in]).
Note : An unchanging or drastically changing measured depth may indicate the presence of a distorted field or a line with very low current.

Depth Average
In addition to real-time depth measurement, the Depth Average feature is useful when the SR‑24LE has variable depth readings. The Depth Average is a report that averages real-time depth readings from the past 2 to 6 seconds and displays the average on screen inside the Active View Area when prompted.

To create a Depth Average Report, follow these steps:

Press and hold the Select Key.
Wait for the countdown screen to go out of view and for the SR‑24LE to beep once.
The Depth Average Report shows the measured depth, angle, and current of the target line.
Press the Select Key to exit and return to the real-time depth reading.

Signal Accuracy
DANGER
Exposing the utility is the only way to be certain of its location. If excavating a utility, periodically recheck the measured depth and position to avoid damaging the utility and to identify additional utility signals that may have been overlooked.

Checking for Accuracy

To confirm the accuracy of the detected signal, check that all of the following are true:

The Guidance Arrows and Guidance Line are aligned with the Tracing Line.
The Tracing Line shows little or no distortion.
The Proximity Number and Signal Strength maximize when the Tracing Line crosses the map center.
The measured depth increases appropriately and the Tracing Line remains aligned when the Depth Verification Test is performed.
Discrepancies may indicate a problem with the signal and must be resolved before the location of the target line should be determined.

Factors Affecting Accuracy
There are many factors that affect accuracy, including distortion due to local interference; bleed-over from other utilities; environmental conditions; tees, turns, or splits in the line; soil conditions; and utility conditions.

Maintenance and Support

Cleaning
WARNING

Remove batteries prior to cleaning the SR‑24LE to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Do not use liquid or abrasive cleaners, solvents, or scraping tools to clean the SR‑24LE. Do not immerse in water or allow any liquid to enter the unit.
Clean with damp cloth and mild detergent.
Only clean screen with cleaners approved for use on LCD screens.

Transportation and Storage
Store and transport your equipment with the following in mind:

Keep in a locked area out of the reach of children and people unfamiliar with its operation.
Put 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 transportation.
Remove the batteries before shipping and before storing for extended periods of time.

Service and Repair

WARNING
Improper service or repair can make the SR‑24LE unsafe to operate. Service and repair of the camera reel must be performed at a RIDGID Independent Authorized Service Center.

To find your nearest service center or for any service or repair questions:

Contact your local RIDGID distributor.
Visit RIDGID.com.
Contact Ridge Tool Company
Technical Service Department at rtctechservices@emerson.com or, in the USA and Canada, call 1-800-519- 3456.

Disposal
Parts of the SR‑24LE contain valuable materials that can be recycled. 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.

© 2023 Ridge Tool Company. All rights reserved.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Ridge Tool Company and its affiliates reserve the right to change the specifications of the hardware, software, or both as described in this manual without notice. Visit www.RIDGID. com for current updates and supplemental information pertaining to this product. Due to product development, the photos and other presentations specified in this manual may differ from the actual product.

RIDGID and the RIDGID logo are trademarks of Ridge Tool Company, registered in the USA and other countries. All other registered and unregistered trademarks and logos
mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the USA and other countries. “Made for iPod,” “Made for iPhone,” and “Made for iPad” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, or iPad respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod, iPhone, or iPad may affect wireless performance. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Ridge Tool Company
400 Clark Street
Elyria, Ohio 44035-6001
USA
1-800-474-3443