Amprobe AT-5000 User manual

AT-5000
Underground Wire Tracer
Users Manual
Mode d’emploi•
Bedienungshandbuch•
Manuale d’uso•
Manual de uso•
Användarhandbok•

1
English
AT-5000
Underground Wire Tracer
Users Manual
AT5000_Rev002
© 2009 Amprobe Test Tools.
All rights reserved.

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Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. This
warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or
abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Amprobe’s warranty obligation is limited, at Amprobe’s option, to refund of
the purchase price, free of charge repair, or replacement of a defective product . Resellers are not authorized to extend any
other warranty on Amprobe’s behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, return the product with proof of purchase
to an authorized Amprobe Test Tools Service Center or to an Amprobe dealer or distributor. See Repair Section for details. This
warranty is your only remedy . All other warranties - whether express, implied or statutory - including implied warranties of
fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability, are hereby excluded. Neither Amprobe nor its parent company or affiliates
shall be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages or losses, arising from any cause or theory. Since
some states or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequential
damages, this limitation of liability may not apply to you.
Repair
All test tools returned for warranty or non-warranty repair or for calibration should be accompanied by the following: your
name, company’s name, address, telephone number, and proof of purchase. Additionally, please include a brief description of
the problem or the service requested and include the test leads with the meter. Non-warranty repair or replacement charges
should be remitted in the form of a check, a money order, credit card with expiration date, or a purchase order made payable to
Amprobe® Test Tools.
In-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – All Countries
Please read the warranty statement and check your battery before requesting repair. During the warranty period any defective
test tool can be returned to your Amprobe® Test Tools distributor for an exchange for the same or like product. Please check the
“Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com for a list of distributors near you. Additionally, in the United States and Canada
In-Warranty repair and replacement units can also be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools Service Center (see below for address).
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada
Non-warranty repairs in the United States and Canada should be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools Service Center. Call Amprobe®
Test Tools or inquire at your point of purchase for current repair and replacement rates.
In USA In Canada
Amprobe Test Tools Amprobe Test Tools
Everett, WA 98203 Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X9
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – Europe
European non-warranty units can be replaced by your Amprobe® Test Tools distributor for a nominal charge. Please check the
“Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com for a list of distributors near you.
European Correspondence Address*
Amprobe® Test Tools Europe
Beha-Amprobe GmbH
In den Engematten 14
79286 Glottertal, Germany
Tel.: [phone] – 0
*(Correspondence only – no repair or replacement available from this address. European customers please contact your
distributor.)

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AT-5000
Underground Wire Tracer
CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Precautions and Safety Measures.............................................................................................................................................................. 7
General.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Symbols used in this manual................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Unpacking and Inspection......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
T-5000 Transmitter System Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Controls ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
T-5000 LCD Display Indicator Icons ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
T-5000 Transmitter Main Menu.......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Output Mode Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Frequency Menu ................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
System Settings Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
My Preset State Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15
About T-5000 Menu............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Sheath Fault Locating (SFL) Optional Accessory A-5000 .................................................................................................................. 15
R-5000 LCD Display indicators............................................................................................................................................................ 16
R-5000 Menu System................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Frequency Selection............................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Mode Menu......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Settings Menu .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Bluetooth Wireless Interfaces.................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Bluetooth Settings – Discoverable..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Operation Mode ................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Options................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Paired Devices ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Pairing a Transmitter and Receiver.................................................................................................................................................... 27
Shortcuts Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Data Logging Menu................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
R-5000 Frequency System ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30
R-5000 Gain System ............................................................................................................................................................................ 31
R-5000 Volume System............................................................................................................................................................................. 31
Guidance Compass ................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Center Line Position................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Operation ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Applications and principles of direct coupling....................................................................................................................................... 34
Direct Coupling................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Direct Coupling using the SC-5000 Clamp......................................................................................................................................... 36
Inductive Coupling.............................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Locating Passive Lines (Radio and Power Modes)............................................................................................................................. 37

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Locating unknown cables................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Depth and Current Measurements.................................................................................................................................................... 39
Battery Pack (R-5000)............................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Battery Pack (T-5000) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 40
R-5000 Receiver Technical Specifications................................................................................................................................................ 41
T-5000 Transmitter Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................................... 42

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➊Active Frequency
➋Signal Select
➌ Auto or Manual Gain
➍Distance Sensitive Left/Right Guidance Needle
➎ON/OFF Power Button
➏Soft Keys
➐4-Way Navigation Button
➑Guidance Compass
➒Battery Indicator
➓Audio Volume Indicator
➊Controls
➋Operational Interface LCD
➌ Battery Compartment
➍RS232 Serial Port and Fuse
R-5000 Receiver
R-5000 Operational Interface
T-5000 Top Panel View
➊Detection Sensor
➋Battery Compartment
➌ Smart Connector
➍4-Way Navigation Control
➎ON/OFF Power Button
➏Soft Keys
➐Operator Interface

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➊Direct Connection
➋Audio Volume
➌ Battery Status
➍Signal Select
➎Constant Power
➏Active Frequency Menu
➐Frequency in use
➑Power output in use
➒Power output level
➓Resistance output level
T-5000 Side Panel View
T-5000 Operational Interface LCD
➊Direct connect or Clamp
➋Safety Ground
➌ Charger or External 12 Vdc
(External Power supply is not included:
12V, 5.5A, Plug standard:2.1 x 5.5 x 11mm,
center positive)

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INTRODUCTION
The Amprobe AT-5000 is a state-of-the-art utility cable locator precisely designed with many powerful features to provide you
with optimum information about your application.
Having confidence in an instrument is an important part of to use the instrument. All Applications are different and unique. An
understanding of the system’s operation Could mean the difference between several minutes or several hours on the job.
Please read this manual carefully. Take the time to learn how the instrument operates. The operation is user friendly and easy to
learn. Test it in a variety of situations. You will soon have the confidence to use it on a daily basis to solve the problems that were
unsolvable before.
PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES
General
This instrument has been designed in compliance with EN 61010-1:2001 directive. For your own safety and to avoid damaging
the instrument we suggest you follow the procedures hereby prescribed and to read carefully all the notes preceded by the
symbol .
Before and during measurements please be very diligent in following instructions below:
Do not measure voltage or current in wet or dusty places;•
Do not measure in presence of gas, explosive materials or combustibles;•
Do not touch the circuit under test if no measurement is being taken;•
Do not touch exposed metal parts, unused terminals, circuits and so on;•
Do not use the instrument if it seems to be malfunctioning (i.e. if you notice deformations, breaks, leakage of substances, and•
absence of messages on the display and so on);
Use only cables and accessories approved by Amprobe.•
Symbols used in this manual
Important instructions concerning the protection of staff and equipment as well as technical safety within this document are
labeled with one of the following symbols:
 Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or material
damage.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Notes have important information and useful tips on the operation of your equipment. Non-observance may result
in incorrect measurement results.
Safety Precautions
This manual contains basic advice for the installation and operation of Amprobe Underground cable locator and accessories.
The manufacturer is not liable for damage to material or humans due to non-observance of the instructions and safety advice
provided in this manual. Therefore, this manual should be provided and reviewed by all personnel associated with the cable
locating equipment.
Safety Practices
Familiarize yourself with all required safety practices of the local utility company, or other owner of the plant before entering an
access area, or connecting an Amprobe transmitter. Ensure that the line is de-energized and out of service, before connecting
the transmitter directly to any conductor. NEVER make a direct connection to a live power cable. Follow the appropriate safety
procedures to avoid the risk of injury if using a clamp on energized electrical or control lines. Pay special attention when using a
locator in high traffic areas.
Intended Application
Safe operation is only realized when using the equipment for its intended purpose. Using the equipment for other purposes
may lead to human danger and equipment damage.
The limits described under the technical data section may not be exceeded.
Malfunction Behavior
The equipment may only be used when working properly. When irregularities or malfunctions appear that cannot be solved
consulting this manual, the equipment must immediately be put out of operation and marked as not functional. Amprobe must
be contacted for technical support and/or service. The instrument may only be operated when the malfunction is resolved.
Dangers when operating with HV:
Special safety attention is needed when operating HV facilities, especially non-stationary equipment. The regulations VDE 0104
about setting up and operation of electric test equipment, i.e. the corresponding EN 50191 as well as country-specific regulations
and standards must be observed.
Safety installations may not be by-passed nor deactivated.
Operation requires a minimum two people whereas the second person must be able to activate the emergency switch in case of
danger.
To avoid hazardous electric charges of metallic parts in the vicinity, all metallic parts must be grounded.
To avoid drawing dangerous arcs, switching should only be done in a de-energized condition.

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The equipment and all accessories must be connected according to applicable standards VDE, EN or DIN as well as country-
specific regulations.
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Your shipping carton should include:
1 x R-5000 Receiver
1 x T-5000 Transmitter
1 x CK-5000 Test leads and Ground Stake
1 x Instruction Manual
1 x Carrying case Nylon Bag
T-5000 TRANSMITTER SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Controls
Control Description
Power ON – Push to turn the transmitter ON or OFF. An amber LED illuminates when the transmitter
is ON.
Circuit Condition – Available only in direct connection mode. Push to toggle through and view the
actual condition of the circuit in volts, milliamps, watts, and ohms.
Output Level – Push to change the output level. Push repeatedly or use the left/right navigational
button to increases or decrease the output level.
Signal Select – Push to turn Signal Select ON or OFF for positive line identification.
Frequency Select – Push to toggle through the active frequencies.
Sheath Fault Locate (SFL) – Push to turn the SFL feature ON or OFF. A red LED illuminates when the
feature is ON.
4-Way Navigation Control – Push to select and navigate through the operational menu screens
and active frequency menu.

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T-5000 LCD Display Indicator Icons
Icon Description
Direct Connection Mode - When displayed, direct connection operation is active.
Inductive Connection Mode – When displayed, inductive connection operation is active
Clamp – When displayed, a clamp is connected to the transmitter
Battery Status – Displays the available battery charge capacity from low to full.
Sheath Fault Locate– When displayed, sheath fault locate feature is active
Audio Volume – Displays the audio volume level from off to high
% Power Output – Displays the output power percentage in SFL or induction mode
(clamp and internal antenna).
Power Output Level – Displays the output power in Watts (W) in direct connection mode.
Resistance (Ω) Output Level – Displays the loop resistance graph
Constant Power Output – When displayed, constant power feature is active.
Constant Current Output - When displayed, constant current feature is active.
Live Voltage Warning – When displayed, the Power Protection feature is ON.
Signal Select – When displayed, signal select modulation is active.
Active Frequency Menu – Displays the active frequencies.
Indicates an active Bluetooth connection.

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T-5000 Transmitter Main Menu
The Transmitter includes five (5) selectable menus for operation.
The desired menu is selected using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push Menu.•
Push the up/down arrows to select the desired menu option.•
Push Select to open the desired menu screen.•
Push Menu to return to the operational display screen.•
Output Mode Menu
The T-5000 Transmitter output mode menu allows the operator to configure the desired output settings – constant current,
constant power, or direct mode.
The desired output mode is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the• up/down arrows to select the desired output.
Push• Select to activate the desired output. The transmitter automatically returns to the operational display screen and the
selected display indicator icon is visible.
Output Mode Menu – Direct (Conductive) Mode Configuration
The T-5000 Transmitter allows the operator to configure up to three active frequencies simultaneously in direct (conductive)
connection mode.
The desired direct mode is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the left/right arrows to select the desired quantity of active frequencies available for use simultaneously.

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Push Select to activate the desired configuration. The transmitter displays the active configuration and returns to the operational
display screen.
Frequency Menu
The T-5000 Transmitter frequency menu allows the operator to configure the desired active frequency (ies). Different menu
screens appear depending upon the connection mode – direct (conductive), inductive coupling with clamps, or inductive
antenna. The operator can then select the desired available frequencies.
Sheath fault locating (SFL) frequency selection is discussed separately.
The desired menu is selected using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push Menu.
Push the up/down arrows to select the desired menu option.
Push Select to open the desired menu screen.
Push Menu to return to the operational display screen.
Frequency Menu - Direct (Conductive) Connection Mode
Direct (conductive) connection mode allows the operator to configure up to three active frequencies. The operator is limited to
selecting one frequency in each frequency menu – low, mid, and high.
The desired frequency settings menu is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the• up/down arrows to select the desired option.
Push• Select to open the desired frequency settings menu.
Push• Menu to return to the previous screen.
The desired frequency is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.

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Push the• up/down arrows to select the desired frequency.
Push• Select to activate the desired frequency.
Push the• Signal Select button to activate or deactivate the Signal Select feature if available. The activated Signal Select
frequency is marked with an X. An operator can activate the Signal Select feature for all available frequencies even if the
frequency is not currently selected for use.
Repeatedly pushing the• output level control button allows the operator to configure the output current or power of
the selected frequency. The output can be increased in 1X, 2X, 5X, or 10X increments up to 1A or 10W, respectively.
Push Menu or Select to return to the frequency settings menu screen.•
Push Menu to return to the operational display screen.•
Frequency Menu - Inductive Coupling with Clamps
Inductive coupling with Amprobe clamps SC-5000 enables the operator to induce a signal onto the target conductor. It allows the
operator to configure one active frequency for operation – 9.82 kHz or 82.488 kHz.
Frequency Menu – Inductive Coupling with the Signal Select™ Clamp
The desired clamp frequency is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push Select to activate the desired frequency.•
Push Menu to return to the frequency settings menu.•
The desired frequency is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the• up/down arrows to select the desired frequency.
Push• Select to activate the desired frequency.
Repeatedly pushing the• output level control button allows the operator to configure the output current or power of
the selected frequency. The applied output can be increased incrementally by 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of maximum
power.
Push• Menu or Select to return to the frequency settings menu screen.
Push• Menu to return to the operational display screen.
Push the Signal Select button• to activate or deactivate the Signal Select feature. The Signal Select icon is displayed on
the operational display screen when activated.
Frequency Menu - Inductive Antenna Connection Mode
Inductive antenna connection mode enables the operator to select one active frequency.
The desired frequency settings menu is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push• Select to open the inductive frequency settings menu.

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Push• Menu to return to the previous screen.
The desired frequency is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the up/down arrows to select the desired frequency.•
Push Select to activate the desired frequency.•
Repeatedly pushing the output level control• button allows the operator to configure the output power of the selected
frequency. The applied output can be increased incrementally by 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of maximum power.
Push Select to return to the inductive frequency menu screen.•
Push• Menu to return to the operational display screen.
System Settings Menu
The T-5000 Transmitter system menu allows the operator to configure the desired system settings.
The desired system settings menu is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the• up/down arrows to select the desired option.
Push• Select to open the system settings menu option.
Push• Menu to return to the previous screen.
System Settings Menu – Volume
Selecting Volume allows the operator to set the transmitter volume level: OFF, low, medium, or high.
The desired volume level is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the left/right arrows to select the desired volume level.•
Push Select to activate the desired volume level. The transmitter automatically returns to the operational display screen and•
the selected display indicator icon is visible.
System Settings Menu – Backlight
Selecting Backlight allows the operator to set the transmitter operational display backlight ON – always ON or Auto (during
configuration or pressing control buttons).
The backlight is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.

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Push the left/right arrows to select the desired setting.•
Push Select to activate the desired setting. The transmitter automatically returns to the operational display screen.•
System Menu – Power Protection
Selecting Power Protection allows the operator to set the transmitter’s Power Protection feature – always On or Auto
(recommended).
The Power Protection feature is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the left/right arrows to select the desired setting.•
Push Select to activate the desired setting. The transmitter automatically returns to the operational display screen and the•
selected display indicator icon is visible.
System Menu – Store My Preset
Selecting Store My Preset allows the operator to save the transmitter’s current configured operational conditions – No or Yes, as
the preset state.
The Store My Preset feature is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the left/right arrows to select the desired setting.•
Push Select to activate the desired setting. The transmitter automatically returns to the operational display screen.•
System Menu – Factory Preset
Selecting Factory Preset allows the operator to reset the transmitter’s operational conditions to the recommended factory
settings.
The Factory Preset feature is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the• left/right arrows to select the desired setting.

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Push• Select to activate the desired setting. The transmitter automatically returns to the operational display screen.
My Preset State Menu
The T-5000 My Preset State allows the operator to return the transmitter’s operational conditions to the configured and saved
preset state by selecting – No or Yes.
The My Preset State feature is configured using the three-button navigational keypad.
Push the left/right arrows to select the desired setting.•
Push Select to activate the desired setting. The transmitter automatically returns to the operational display screen.•
About T-5000 Menu
The About T-5000 menu allows the operator to view the transmitter’s serial number, hardware, and firmware information.
Push Menu to return to the previous screen.•
Sheath Fault Locating (SFL) Optional Accessory A-5000
The Sheath Fault Locating (SFL) feature is available in Direct (Conductive) Connection mode only.
Push the SFL button,• , to activate operation.
Frequency selection is not configurable through the frequency menu screen.
Frequency selection: 9.82 kHz or 82 kHz, is activated by pressing the frequency button, .
The active frequency is displayed on the operational display screen.

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R-5000 LCD Display indicators
The color graphical display shows intuitive icons used to aid in accurate locating by the user.
Display Icon Description
Battery Level
Displayed as a continuous level from a full 100% charge to 0%.
Signal
Select™
Displayed when activated in direct (conductive) connection or Signal Select
Clamp mode. This icon alerts the user if the receiver detects Signal Select
modulation.
Guidance
Compass™
A single graphical icon that implements three tools aiding locating accuracy –
signal select, distortion alert, and line guidance.
Distortion
Alert™
The Distortion Alert, displayed as a red-filling or emptying circle, denotes when
a non-ideal magnetic field is detected.
Frequency The active frequency, or the passive band name (power or RF), is always
displayed on the top left of the display.
Locate Mode In Sonde locate mode, the active mode is displayed on the top left of the
display. Otherwise, line locate mode is active.
Signal Gain
Mode
Auto
Man
Indicates Auto or Manual signal strength mode. In auto mode, signal strength
is measured in decibels (dB). The auto gain mode can be readjusted pressing
the 4-way navigation button up. Manual gain is displayed in a linear scale from
000 to 999. The manual gain can be increased or decreased by pressing the
4-way navigation button right or left, respectively. Manual gain is displayed in
a linear scale from 000 to 999.
Speaker
Volume Indicates the speaker volume setting - from off to high.
Bluetooth Indicates an active Bluetooth connection.
RS232 Appears when a host serial cable is connected to R-5000 receiver.
GPS Indicates the receiver can receive signals from 3 or more satellites (optional).
Not available for AT-5000

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R-5000 MENU SYSTEM
The receiver’s menu system includes five (5) active selectable menus for configuring the AT-5000. The Bluetooth menu is not
available for the R-5000.
Push the <Menu> soft key from the R-5000 operational interface to access the main menu.•
Use the 4-way navigation button to select the desired menu option. The selected menu is highlighted on the interface as well•
as labeled at the top of the display.
Main Menu Selection
Frequency Selection
The frequency menu allows you to choose one of the five frequency ranges available: Low, Mid, High, Power, and RF.
Low Frequency:491Hz,577Hz,640Hz,982Hz

Mid Frequency: 8.192kHz,9.82kHz,35kHz


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High Frequency: 82kHz

Power: 50Hz, 60Hz

RF: ALL RF frequencies

Push the 4-way navigation button (up/Down/Left/Right) to highlight the frequency menu.•
Push the Select button to open the frequency menu•
Push the 4-way navigation button (up or down) to select Low, Mid, High, Power, RF frequency range.•
Push the 4-way navigation button(Left or right) to move to the frequency values•
Push the 4-way navigation button(up or down) to toggle through the values•
Push the Select button to activate or deactivate a value•
Push Use button to confirm your choices•
Push Back button to return to the previous menu interface or cancel the changes•
NB. Deactivating frequencies does not permanently remove them from the R-5000 receiver. Access the frequency menu to
reactivate them.
Activated frequencies can be selected from the operational interface by Pushing the <Freq> soft key. Selecting fewer
frequencies allows faster toggling between frequencies from the operational interface.