ComSonics Stick User manual

USER
MANUAL
comsonics.com

1.800.336.9681 www.comsonics.com
GENERAL INFORMATIONGENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Prepare for Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Transmitter Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Direct Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Flexicoupler Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Inductive Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Blind Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Receiver Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Locating the Cable or Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Peak Locating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Depth Measurement 45 Degree Angle Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Tilted Magnetic Field Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Ferrous Metal Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Stick Receiver Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Stick Transmitter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS

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Congratulations on the purchase of your new StickStick Pathfinder Locator. The StickStick Locator is specially
designed to detect buried utilities. This device may detect buried power cables, CATV cables, gas
and water pipes, sewer lines, telephone cables, fiber optic cables with sheath, sondes, inspection
camera transmitters.
The TRANSMITTER emitts a signal. The RECEIVER detects the signal. You can locate the rel-ative
position of the buried utility, sonde or camera by following the tracing signal.
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
PART NUMBERSPART NUMBERS
PREPARE FOR USEPREPARE FOR USE
STICK Cable, Pipe Locator KIT........................001 00850 00
Stick Receiver...........................................................100 00851 00
Stick Transmitter....................................................100 00852 00
Red/Black Cord ......................................................151 00078 00
Ground Rod ..............................................................211 00032 00
Unpack your new StickStick Pathfinder Cable & Pipe Locator . Make sure there is no shipping damage and
all the parts are included.
Locate the battery compartment on the top of the RECEIVER. Open the com-partment by uncrewing
the gray cap. Install the six Duracell® “AA” batteries as marked.
Locate the battery compartment inside the TRANSMITTER. Open the compart-ment using a phillips
screwdriver. Install the eight Duracell “C” batteries as marked.
Note: For longer battery life and reliable operation under adverse conditions, use only Duracell®
alkaline batteries.
Electric shock hazard:Electric shock hazard:
• Tool is designed to detect electromagnetic field emitted from Camera
• Sondes and buried metallic utilities. There are buried cables, pipes, andThere are buried cables, pipes, and
utilities this instrument CANNOT detect.utilities this instrument CANNOT detect.
• LOCATING is not an exact science. The only certain way to be sure ofThe only certain way to be sure of
the ex-istence, location, or depth of buried utilities is to carefully exposethe ex-istence, location, or depth of buried utilities is to carefully expose
(dig up) the utility.(dig up) the utility.
•• De-energize any circuits in or around the work area.De-energize any circuits in or around the work area.
• Do not expose tool to rain or moisture.
• Use tool only for intended purpose as described in this manual
•• Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.
WARNING!

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NOTE: THIS SETUP PROCEDURE IS NOT REQUIRED UNLESS THE USER DESIRES TO CHANGE
FACTORY SETTINGS.
The STICK operating programs and frequency sets are user programmable and can be changed atThe STICK operating programs and frequency sets are user programmable and can be changed at
anytime through a quick selection process.anytime through a quick selection process.
To select the desired frequency set on the RECEIVERRECEIVER:
• Press, and hold depressed, the POWER ON BUTTON.
• Pressing the FREQUENCY BUTTON will toggle through available frequencies. PASSIVE 50HZ,
60HZ, CP50HZ, CP60HZ, 815Hz, 8KHZ, 33KHZ, 82KHZ
• To select a frequency, press the MODE BUTTON toggle. At the top of the LCD
• the count of frequencies selected will tally up one each time a frequency is selected.
• Pressing the GAIN UP BUTTON will change the depth reading from inches/feet to centimeter.
• A long press of the MODE BUTTON will toggle on and o the optional ferrous locating feature (Fe).
• Releasing the POWER ON BUTTON will exit the setup menu and save the selected frequencies for
availability during normal operation.
To select the desired frequency set on the TRANSMITTERTRANSMITTER:
• Press and hold depressed the POWER ON BUTTON.
• Pressing the INFORMATION BUTTON will toggle through available configurations. Repeat pressing
until U3 is displayed in the FREQUENCY INDICATOR section of the LCD.
• Press and hold depressed the POWER ON BUTTON.
• Without releasing the POWER ON BUTTON, press the FREQUENCY BUTTON to toggle through the
available frequencies.
• To select and store the desired frequency press the INFORMATION BUTTON. The count of the
selected frequency will be displayed on the LCD.
• Continue to toggle through and select the desired frequencies,
• Releasing the POWER ON BUTTON will save the selected frequencies for availability during normal
operation.
CHANGING OPERATING MODES & FREQUENCY SETSCHANGING OPERATING MODES & FREQUENCY SETS

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TRANSMITTER CONTROLS & INDICATORSTRANSMITTER CONTROLS & INDICATORS
TX OUTPUT JACKTX OUTPUT JACK
The Red/Black Cord, Coupler and Flexicoupler connects here to create a circuit on the buried utility.
FREQUENCY SELECTORFREQUENCY SELECTOR
Pressing the frequency button will toggle through the available frequencies. This model operates at 82
kHz and 8kHz.
The 82 kHz frequency is a high frequency and can be applied by direct connection, coupler induction
and transmitter induction. High frequencies are capable of jumping disconnected shield bonds, faults,
insulated couplings and other interruptions of the conductor. The 82 kHz may induce or couple (bleed
o) onto non-target conductors within close proximity.
The 8 kHz is mid-range frequency that can be applied via direct connection. The 8kHz is less likely to
couple to adjacent conductors.
LOAD INDICATORLOAD INDICATOR
The Load Rate Indicator symbol flashes to indicate signal transmission and the output circuit
impedance. When the indicator blinks 4 times per second, it is indicating a nearly short circuit. When
the indicator blinks 1 time every 3 seconds, it is indicating a nearly open circuit.
OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROLOUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL
The OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL adjusts the power output from the Transmitter. The three
selections include: LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH.
REALATIVE RELATIVE RESISTANCE, VOLTAGE, CURRENTREALATIVE RELATIVE RESISTANCE, VOLTAGE, CURRENT
The transmitter measures both the output of the frequency and the feed back from the transmitted
frequency. Pressing the “i” button will toggle through the voltage, current and relative resistance
dispayed at the bottom of the LCD.

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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. All 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 sec-tion 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 82kHz or
8kHz. The Power Output Indicator and the Frequency
Indicator of the chosen frequency is displayed.
DIRECT CONNECTIONDIRECT CONNECTION
The optional FLEXICOUPLER and HARD COUPLER are very easy to use, and services do not have to be interrupted.
The operation range is shorter than for DIRECT CONNECTION methods. The tracing signal can be affected by
neighboring cables and pipes. The RED/BLACK TEST CORD or the GROUND ROD are not needed for this method.
Successful COUPLER operation requires an insulated conductor that is grounded on both near and far ends.
Loop the FLEXICOUPLER around the cable
and connect the two ends, or clamp the HARD
COUPLER around the cable. It is important to
connect the COUPLER around the cable needing to
be traced. Connect the COUPLER around the wire
closer to the outgoing cable not near the system
ground. The result will be a stronger signal. Plug
the COUPLER TEST CORD into the TX OUTPUT
JACK. Always use the 82 kHz FREQUENCY on the
RECEIVER and the TRANSMITTER.
COUPLER CONNECTIONCOUPLER CONNECTION

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INDUCTIVE CONNECTIONINDUCTIVE CONNECTION
This method is convenient to use, and services are not interrupted. No test cords or connections are
needed. The cable or pipe must have good insulation or non-conductive coating, or the operating
range will be short.
Turn the TRANSMITTER ON. Press the 82 kHz button. Place TRANSMITTER ON ITS SIDE as close as
possible to the path of the cable or pipe. Align the ARROWS on the SIDE OF THE TRANSMITTER in
line with the 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 the path with the RECEIVER 25 feet from the TRANSMITTER. Search in the 90º zone as
shown above. Locate the 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 SEARCHBLIND SEARCH
The Blind Search locating techniques is used if the operator is not aware if a buried utility exists. Two
people are needed for this technique. The TRANSMITTER and the RECEIVER are Held 25 feet away
from each other. Each operator walks at the same speed keeping a distance of 25 feet from each other.
When the receiver gives an audio response, then a buried utility is present between the RECEIVER and
the TRANSMITTER.

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THE STICK RECEIVER CONTROLS AND INDICATORSTHE STICK RECEIVER CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
ABSOLUTE SIGNAL STRENGTHABSOLUTE SIGNAL STRENGTH
The Stick Locator RECEIVER provides the operator with a direct measurement of the RECEIVER’S
signal strength. The measurement is displayed with two numerical digits (ex: 85) located at the top of
the LCD display. The measurement range is from 0 to 99 indicating a very weak signal (0) to a very
strong signal (99). 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.
The Absolute Signal Strength will not be displayed if the gain is too high or too low. Adjust the
GAIN to move the meter reading to mid-scale. The numerical display will change from ‘--’ to a valid
measurement.
GAIN CHANGE INDICATIONGAIN CHANGE INDICATION
The GAIN up and down buttons are used to increase and decrease the gain in small amounts.
LOW BATTERYLOW BATTERY
The StickStick Locator will indicate low battery condition by displaying the low battery icon
on the LCD screen.
ON/OFF BUTTONON/OFF BUTTON
The unit will load settings from previous usage.
FREQUENCY BUTTONFREQUENCY BUTTON
Toggles through avaiable frequencies (model
specific) 8kHz, 33kHz & 82kHz.
MODE BUTTON & DEPTH BUTTONMODE BUTTON & DEPTH BUTTON
Mode selects between 3 modes, peak locating
mode, left-right guidance mode and ferrous
metal detection mode. Depress and hold for 3
seconds for depth reading.
GAIN BUTTON (UP OR DOWN)GAIN BUTTON (UP OR DOWN)
Adjusts the gain up or down. Gain level displayed as solid or missing bar on bar graph.

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Make sure the TRANSMITTER is connected and in the
ON position. Then move approxi-mately 15 feet (4.5
meters) away from the TRANSMITTER along the path.
(Move about 25 feet (7.5 meters) for the Inductive
search mode.)
Hold the RECEIVER so that you can see the LCD
bargraph and controls easily. Make sure the RECEIVER
and the TRANSMITTER FREQUENCY are both set for
the same FREQUENCY, 8kHz, 33kHz or 82kHz.
LOCATING THE CABLE OR PIPELOCATING THE CABLE OR PIPE
Keep the RECEIVER in a vertical position. Move the RECEIVER left to right across the path. When the
RECEIVER is directly above the cable or pipe, rotate the RECEIVER for a maximum signal. As you
move the RECEIVER away from the cable path, the meter reading (and audio frequency response)
will drop o.
If you rotate the RECEIVER while over the cable,
a sharp NULL will identify the cable’s direction.
It is aligned with the flat side of the RECEIVER.
PEAK MODE LOCATINGPEAK MODE LOCATING
a) a junction where the signal divides and goes several directions.
b) a break in the cable or shield.
c) a change in the depth of the cable or pipe.
d) an insulated pipe fitting.
e) a slack loop of cable.
If you can no longer trace the path, even with the 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 the 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 dierently than when tracing a straight path. Practice on the path that you know has turns and
laterals in it. This will help you to recognize the conditions within the field.
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 the GAIN buttons as needed to compensate for changes in level
(higher or lower). One of the following may occur:

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DEPTH MEASUREMENT 45º ANGLE METHODDEPTH MEASUREMENT 45º ANGLE METHOD
Move to the location 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.
Position the unit so that the sight lines on the lower tube are straight up and down thus orinting the
unit at a 45º angle. Pull the RECEIVER away from the cable path (at 90º to the cable path) keeping the
unit at 45º. 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 and railroad tracks or from signal conducting on multiple lines. Confirm the depth
measurement by repeating the above steps on multiple lines. Confirm the depth measurement by
repeating the above steps on the opposite side of the pipe or cable.
A variance greater than 5 inc depth measurement may indicate a skewed electromagnetic field caused
by the presence of additional buried cables, pipes or other objects.
TILTED MAGNETIC FIELD IDENTIFICATIONTILTED 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 the adjacent conductors and is redirected so that 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.

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Before you begin, you must choose a SONDE OR CAMERA HEAD that will match the same frequency
as the RECEIVER. You will need a SONDE with a frequency of 512kHz to use with the StickStick Receiver.
The key to SONDE locating success is practice and patience. Before going out on your first locate, it is
a good idea to take your RECEIVER and SONDE out and try locating the SONDE and calculating the
depth.
LOCATING A SONDE OR CAMERA HEADLOCATING A SONDE OR CAMERA HEAD
Attaching a push rod to the SONDE
can be accomplished by using the
coupling on the end of the SONDE.
A spring coupling is recommended
to allow the SONDE to move easier.
Or, if you need to attach the SONDE
to a sewer auger, it is recommended
you use duct tape and apply as the
shown in the figure below. If taping
the SONDE on a metal pushing
device, it is recommended to place
the battery side of the SONDE
closest to the device. This will allow
for the best performance. Wrap the
snake for approximately 1 foot in the
location where the SONDE is going
to be attached. Also attaching the
SONDE 18 inches behind the cutting
head is recommended. First, wrap
the SONDE in the duct tape and
then attach the SONDE to the snake
using the duct tape.
ATTACHING A PUSH DEVICE TO THE SONDEATTACHING A PUSH DEVICE TO THE SONDE

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LOCATING A SONDELOCATING A SONDE
Now move the RECEIVER side to side (across
the path of the pipe) as shown below. When
the PEAK if found, the RECEIVER is directly
over the SONDE. Mark this location. Next,
check for ghost signals in front of and in
back of the SONDE to confirm the location.
Start by following the suspected path of
the pipe and use the Stick Locator to locate
the SONDE. Stop locating when the PEAK
reading is found. Then rotate the RECEIVER
as shown in the figure below. When pivoting
the RECEIVER, do not change the vertical
position. The RECEIVER will indicate a PEAK
when the RECEIVER antenna is in line with
the SONDE.
Hold the RECEIVER antenna directly above and
in line with the SONDE, as shown below with
the RECEIVER sensitivity adjusted for a meter
reading within scale.
The radiation pattern of the SONDE is shown
below. The PEAK signal is when the RECEIVER
is held directly over the SONDE with the antenna
in line with the SONDE. Both Ghost signals can
be located behind and in front of the SONDE. By
locating the ghost signals, the user is confirming
the accuracy of the locate.

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The STICK oers a ferrous metal detection capability. To select this mode press the Mode key until the
FeFe is shown on the LCD. The gain controls will adjust the sensitivity. This mode will only detect ferrous
metals; metals containing iron.
This mode may need to be calibrated after shipment from the factory due to the change in the earth’s
magnetic field.
To calibrate first move a location free of any metal and select the Fe mode. Then press and hold the
Frequency button until CAL appears on the LCD. Turn the gain to about half scale on the bar graph.
With the STICK held at a 45degree angle to the ground rotate in a circle. Pause every quarter turn
and press the Frequency key, continue around the full circle. Do one additional sweep pressing the
frequency one more time at any points of high signal. Now turn the unit o, the calibration procedures
is finished and the unit is ready to locate.
FERROUS METAL DETECTIONFERROUS METAL DETECTION

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STD Operating Frequency 815Hz, 8kHz, 33kHz, 82kHz
Antenna Mode Peak (horizontal coil) Null (Left/Right)
Audio Indication Variable pitch audio
Operating Temperature -4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC)
Battery Type 6 - “AA” Duracell alkaline batteries
Battery Life
Continuous
Intermittent
40 hours
82 hours (10 minute auto shut o)
Dimensions Tube 33.0” x 1.38” Tee 1.38” X 3.25”
Weight 1.62 pounds (0.734 kg)
Signal Strength LCD bar graph
Absolute Signal Strength readout 0-99
Gain Control up/down button for manual control
Dynamic Range 126 dB
Depth Measurement Digital Depth Estimate
Manual Triangulation
STICKSTICKV3V3 SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS
RECEIVER

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STICKSTICKV3V3 PATHFINDER SPECIFICATIONSPATHFINDER SPECIFICATIONS
STD Operating Frequency 815Hz, 8kHz, 33kHz, 82kHz
Operating Temperature -4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC)
Hook-up Method
Direct Connection
Inductive Coupling (with optional coupler)
Transmitter Induction
Load Matching automatic from 5 Ωto 20,000 Ω
Output Power 3 Watt (High) 500 Milliwatts (Low)
Battery Types 8 - “C” Duracell alkaline batteries
Battery Life greater than 30 hours*
Dimensions 8.4” x 5.57” x 2.6”
Weight 2.2 lbs (2.8kg)
TRANSMITTER
*depending on load, frequency and power setting

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HARDWARE:HARDWARE: ComSonics, Inc. (ComSonics) warrants to the original end user (Customer) that the
new ComSonics branded products will be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under
normal use, for one (1) year from the date of original shipment. ComSonics warrants repaired and
refurbished ComSonics products for ninety (90) days from date of shipment.
SOFTWARE:SOFTWARE: ComSonics warrants to the Customer that any Application software associated with
this product will perform in conformance to specifications for a period of ninety (90) days from
the date of original shipment.
ComSonics makes no warranty or representation that the operation of software products will be
uninterrupted, be error-free, or have defects. ComSonics will make every eort to improve and fix
any known software bugs and will provide software updates when available.
SOFTWARE LICENSE (BRIEF)SOFTWARE LICENSE (BRIEF)
ComSonics grants you, the Customer, a limited nonexclusive license to use the accompanying
software program(s) (the Software) subject to the terms and restrictions set forth in this License
Agreement. You are not permitted to use the Software in any manner not expressly authorized
by this License. You acknowledge and agree that ownership of the Software and all subsequent
copies thereof regardless of the form or media are held by ComSonics.
TECHNICAL SUPPORTTECHNICAL SUPPORT
ComSonics maintains a Technical Support Service for customer convenience. Representatives
may be contacted Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time by phone at 1-800-336-
9681, 540-434-5965 or 540-435-4352; or by E-Mail at T[email protected]om.
Product information and software updates are available for download at www.comsonics.com.
RETURN INFORMATIONRETURN INFORMATION
Safely package products returned for repair, calibration, etc. Please enclose contact information
as well as a brief description of the reason for return. Ship product prepaid to:
ComSonics, Inc.
1350 Port Republic Road
Post Oce Box 1106
Harrisonburg, VA 22801 USA
LIMITED WARRANTYLIMITED WARRANTY