ComSonics Pathfinder Pro II User manual

CSI Doc. Part # 030-00103-00 Rev A
Pathfinder Pro II
Cable & Pipe Locator
User Guide

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Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................................................3
Prepare for Use ..................................................................................................................3
Pathfinder Pro II Transmitter ..............................................................................................4
Pathfinder Pro II Receiver .................................................................................................5
Absolute Signal Strength....................................................................................................6
Gain Change Indication......................................................................................................6
Push Button Depth .............................................................................................................6
Low Battery.........................................................................................................................6
Direct Connection...............................................................................................................7
Flexicoupler Connection.....................................................................................................7
Inductive Connection..........................................................................................................8
Blind Search .......................................................................................................................8
Selecting the Tracing Signal...............................................................................................9
Locating the Cable or Pipe ...............................................................................................10
Peak Mode Locating.........................................................................................................10
Peak Mode Locating Continued .......................................................................................11
Null Mode Locating...........................................................................................................11
Absolute Signal Strength..................................................................................................12
Current Measurement.......................................................................................................12
Gain Change Indication....................................................................................................13
Passive 50/60 Hz Locating...............................................................................................13
Passive Radio Frequency Locating..................................................................................13
Push Button Depth ...........................................................................................................13
Depth Measurement 45º Angle Method............................................................................14
Tilted Magnetic Field Identification ...................................................................................14
Fault Locating...................................................................................................................15
Signal Return Through an Insulated Fault........................................................................15
Ground Return Probe .......................................................................................................15
Ground Return Probe Insertion ........................................................................................16
Ground Return Probe Fault Locating................................................................................17
GRP Receiver Meter Response with Distance.................................................................17
Faults Beneath Paved Surfaces.......................................................................................18
Pathfinder Pro II Transmitter Specifications .....................................................................19
Parts List...........................................................................................................................19
Pathfinder Pro II Receiver Specifications .........................................................................20
Warranty ...........................................................................................................................21
Technical Support .............................................................................................................21
Return Information............................................................................................................21

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Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Pathfinder Pro II. The Pathfinder Pro II is specially designed
to detect buried utilities. This device may detect buried power cables, CATV cables, gas and water
pipes, telephone cables, fiber optic cables with sheath.
The Transmitter emits a signal. The Receiver detects the signal. You can locate the relative position of
the buried utility by following the tracing signal.
Prepare for Use
Unpack your new Pathfinder Pro II Pipe and Cable Locator . Make sure there is no shipping damage
and all the parts are included. See Parts List on page 19.
Locate the battery compartment on the back of the Receiver and back of the Transmitter. Open the
compartment using a phillips screwdriver. Install the “C” batteries as marked.
Note: For longer battery life and reliable operation under adverse conditions, use only alkaline batteries.
Electric shock hazard:
• Toolisdesignedtodetectelectromagneticeldemittedfromburiedmetallic
utilities. There are buried cables, pipes, and utilities this instrument CANNOT
detect.
•LOCATING is not an exact science. The only certain way to be sure of the
existence, location, or depth of buried utilities is to carefully expose (dig up)
the utility.
•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 guide
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.
Disclaimer Of liability
ComSonics, Inc. shall not be liable to any person for any incidental, indirect, special,
exemplary or consequential damages, or injury of any type whatsoever, and caused
directly or indirectly by Products sold or supplied by ComSonics, Inc.
!WARNING

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Pathfinder Pro II Transmitter
Controls and Indicators
TX OUTPUT JACK
The Red/Black Cord, Coupler and Flexicoupler connects here to create a direct connect or
coupler inductive circuit on the buried utility.
TX ON
Frequency and other LCD segments visible indicates unit is on.
FREQUENCY SELECTOR
Selects frequencies by toggle through available frequencies. 815 Hz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz & 82 kHz are
standard on the Pathfinder Pro II.
LOAD RATE INDICATOR
The Load Rate Indicator symbol flashes to indicate signal transmission via coupler induction or
direct connection.
OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL
The OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL adjusts the power output from the Transmitter.
RELATIVE RESISTANCE, VOLTAGE AND CURRENT METER ibutton
The Transmitter can display the resistance, voltage and amperage of the transmitted frequency.
NOTE: This is a relative measurement based on the feedback from the transmitted signal.
Power On & Off
Frequency
Selector
8869
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F. 1
F. 2
Pathfinder Pro II
Battery Condition
Indicator
Load Rate
Indicators
Output Signal
Level Control
Relative
Resistance,
Voltage,
Current
Tx Output Jack
Frequency
Indicator
Output Signal
Indicator
Relative Resistance,
Voltage, Current

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Pathfinder Pro II Receiver
Controls and Indicators
ON/OFF Button
The unit will load settings from previous usage.
Note: Automatic shut off after 10 minute of no use.
FREQUENCY Button
Toggles through available active and passive frequencies.
82 kHz, 33 kHz , 8 kHz, 815 Hz, 50/60 Hz and RF.
MODE Button
Toggle through available mode.
PEAK, PINPOINT PEAK, NULL, locating modes.
DEPTH Button
DEPTH function will first momentarily display the depth mode (Line [LIN] and then display depth mea-
surement. To change the Depth Measurement from English to Metric, hold the Depth Key for ten sec-
onds.
GAIN Button (Up or Down)
Adjusts the gain up or down. If the signal strength shows as “ --- ” on the display, pressing the GAIN will
automatically adjust to 85% on the scale display.
CURRENT (SHIFT Button + DEPTH Button)
Measure the relative amount of transmitted current.
VOLUME (SHIFT Button + MODE Button)
Toggle volume through High, Medium, Low and Off.
BACKLIGHT (SHIFT Button + FREQUENCY Button)
Hold the SHIFT Key and press the CURRENT key to toggle on and off the back light.
DISPLAYS ABSOLUTE
SIGNAL STRENGTH
OR DEPTH
ADJUSTS GAIN UP OR
DOWN
ON/OFF BUTTON
MEASURES DEPTH
(+ Shift Key
MEASURES
CURRENT)
RELATIVE SIGNAL
STRENGTH BAR GRAPH
(single bar shows gain
setting)
mA
cm
SON
DFF
ACC
kHz
FREQUENCY SELECTOR
(+ Shift Key
toggles on/off
backlight)
OPERATION MODE
Displays selected
operation avail-
able to model
MODE SELECTOR
(+ Shift Key
toggles volume)
SHIFT KEY
Hold while select-
ing secondary key
functions
DISPLAYS SELECTED
FREQUENCY

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Absolute Signal Strength
The Receiver provides the operator with a direct measurement of the Receiver’s signal strength. The
measurement is displayed with three numerical digits (ex: 485) located at the top of the LCD display.
The measurement range is from 0 to 999 indicating a very weak signal (0) to a very strong signal (999).
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.
Measuring Absolute Signal Strength at any time is done by reading the number at the top of the LCD
display. The Absolute Signal Strength will not be displayed if the meter reading 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.
The GAIN up and down buttons are used to increase and decrease the gain in small amounts. If the
meter reading is very low, pressing the Gain up button will center the meter reading to mid-scale.
Likewise, if the meter reading is very high, pressing the Gain down button will center the meter reading
to mid-scale.
Gain Change Indication
The Receiver can measure depth with the push of a button. The depth is displayed at the top of
the LCD display in feet or inches. Push button depth is useful in quickly determining the depth of the
conductor during path locating.
To change the Depth Measurement from English to Metric, hold the Depth Key for ten seconds and
the next setting will appear.
Caution must be exercised when using the push button depth feature, as tilted magnetic fields and
adjacent conductors can significantly influence this measurement. The operator should periodically
check for adjacent conductors and tilted magnetic fields when taking push button depth readings.
Push Button Depth
Low Battery
The Receiver indicates low battery condition by displaying "LO BAT" in the three digit Signal Strength
Display at the top of the LCD screen.

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Direct Connection
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 section 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. Power on the transmitter and select the Frequency.
The Power Output Indicator, Load Rate Indicator and the Frequency will be displayed.
Flexicoupler Connection
The optional Flexicoupler and Hard Coupler are very easy to use, and services are not 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. By connecting near the grounding, the range will also be shorter, and difficulty may arise
determining one cable from another.
Plug the Coupler Test Cord into the TX Output Jack. Always select the frequency designated by the
coupler. The most common is the 82 kHz FREQUENCY, but couplers are available in multiple frequencies.
DO NOT CONNECT TO LIVE OR
ENERGIZED POWER CABLES
CAUTION !ALWAYS TURN OFF TRANSMITTER BEFORE
CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING TEST LEADS
CAUTION
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
Pathfinder Pro II
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
Pathfinder Pro II

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Inductive 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. Select the 82 kHz frequency. 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. 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.
The Blind Search locating technique 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 rate 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.
Blind Search
TRANSMITTER
25 Feet (7.5 Meters) Between Transmitter and Receiver
RECEIVER
8869

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Selecting the Tracing Signal
The choice of 815 Hz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz or 82 kHz Frequency is dependent on the conditions of the locate.
The 815 Hz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz and 82 kHz signals each have their advantages. It is recommended to begin
by using the 815 Hz signal, and continue as long as you are confident in the results. If the signal is very
weak try to adjust the connection or grounding. If there is no improvement in signal then try 8 kHz or 33
kHz. Repeat adjustments of ground and connection point again until switching to 82 kHz.
815 Hz (lower frequency) signal is usually preferred to the 8 kHz (mid-range frequency) and 82 kHz (high
frequency) signal, because it is much less susceptible to locating errors caused by nearby cables or
pipes. The 815 Hz locating range is also much longer than the 82 kHz signal. The 815 Hz signal will not
travel well through disconnected shield bonds or insulated pipe bushing.
8 kHz and 33 kHz takes the best of both high and low frequency. This mid range frequency is not very
susceptible to bleed off or coupling, but it can jump impedance on the utility better than the 815 Hz. It
is still best to use 815 Hz, but 8 kHz is one of the most common frequencies used to locate coaxial cable
and telecom pairs.
The 82 kHz (higher frequency) is sometimes better than the 815 Hz (lower frequency) for locating sharp
corners in cables or pipes. The 82 kHz signal is also better for “jumping” disconnected shield bonds or
grounds, or tracing signal may indicate one of these characteristics. The locating range is quite short
for the 82 kHz signal so the Transmitter must be repositioned more often during the tracing operation.
This frequency is also useful for applying a signal using the Flexicoupler or the Hard Coupler.

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Locating the Cable or Pipe
Make sure the Transmitter is connected and in the ON position. Then move approximately 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 bar graph and controls easily. Make sure the Receiver
and the Transmitter Frequency are both set for the same Frequency, either 815 Hz (lower), 8 kHz, 33 kHz
or 82 kHz (higher). Or select a passive locating mode which does not require the Transmitter.
Selecting the Locating Mode (Peak or Null)
Press the MODE button to select a desired Peak or Null locating method.
Peak Mode Locating
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
off.
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.
CABLE
PATH
MAXIMUM
RECEIVER
SIGNAL DIRECTION
CABLE
NULL SHOWS
PATH
CABLE
Null Mode
Buried cable
Buried cable
Signal over cable
Pinpoint Mode
(End view)
Receiver Max
(End view)
Receiver Min
Signal over cable
Buried cable
Signal over cable
Peak Mode
(End view)
Receiver Max