Guideline Geo ABEM TX-60 User manual

ABEM TX-60
User Manual
______________________________________________________________________________________

1
WARNING!
The ABEM TX-60 transmitter delivers high voltages and currents. Always
consider all cables connected directly or indirectly to the ABEM TX-60 to
carry current.
Stay away from cables, connectors and batteries while the system is
operating. Wear electrically insulating boots and gloves during fieldwork.
Disconnect power cables from ABEM TX-60 before connecting / disconnecting
transmitter loops to / from the ABEM TX-60.
To avoid accident the operator must always keep all parts of the equipment
including instrument, cables, connectors etc. under control for unauthorized
persons and stray animals while the system is operating!

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Our thanks...
Thank you for choosing Guideline Geo and ABEM as your WalkTEM solution provider. The very core of
our corporate philosophy is to provide our users with the very best products, support and services. Our
development team is committed to providing you with the most technologically advanced and easy-to-
use WalkTEM products with the capability to meet your needs for efficiency and productivity now, and
into the future.
Whether this is your first ABEM product, or an addition to the ABEM collection, we believe that a small
investment of your time, to familiarize yourself with the product by reading this manual, will be
rewarded with a significant increase in productivity and satisfaction.
At Guideline Geo, we welcome comments concerning the use and experience with our products, as well
as the contents and usefulness of this manual.
Guideline Geo team

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Guideline Geo | ABEM
Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written
consent of Guideline Geo. Your rights to the software are governed by the accompanying software
license agreement. The ABEM logo is a trademark of Guideline Geo registered in Sweden and other
countries.
The product described in this document is subject to continuous developments and improvements. All
particulars of the product and its use contained in this document are given by Guideline Geo in good
faith. However, all warranties implied or expressed, including but not limited to implied warranties or
merchantability, or fitness for purpose, are excluded. This document is intended only to assist the
reader in the use of the product and every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this
manual is accurate. Guideline Geo shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of any
information in this document, or any error or omission in such information, or any incorrect use of the
product.
Guideline Geo, the ABEM logo, are trademarks of Guideline Geo, registered in Sweden and other
countries. Other company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective
companies. Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither
an endorsement nor a recommendation. Guideline Geo assumes no responsibility with regard to the
performance or use of these products.
Guideline Geo AB
www. guidelinegeo.com
Release Date: April 2021
Version: 1.2

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Contents
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................5
ABEM TX-60 Components ................................................................................................................5
The ABEM TX-60 Transmitter - overview........................................................................................ 7
Internal battery pack .....................................................................................................................8
Battery charger.............................................................................................................................8
Computer .....................................................................................................................................9
GPS .............................................................................................................................................9
Setup...............................................................................................................................................9
Field layout...................................................................................................................................9
ABEM WalkTEM / WalkTEM 2 synchronization ............................................................................. 10
Auxillary power ...........................................................................................................................10
Transmitter loop power................................................................................................................10
Transmitter cooling .....................................................................................................................11
ABEM TX-60 operation ................................................................................................................... 13
Built-in keypad ........................................................................................................................... 13
Technical specification ...................................................................................................................15
Transmitter................................................................................................................................. 15
General ......................................................................................................................................15
Field Accessories (ordered separately) ......................................................................................... 15

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Introduction
This User’s Guide is written as a short introduction to using the ABEM TX-60 external transmitter in the
field. It provides a basic introduction to the components that make up the ABEM TX-60 system and
how these are put together and laid out in the field.
This User’s Guide is a complement to the ABEM WalkTEM User’s Guide, and only covers additional
sections that involve the ABEM TX-60 external transmitter.
ABEM TX-60 Components
The ABEM TX-60 kit is made up of a number of components, some of which are always included, and
optional components used to configure the system to each client’s needs.
The ABEM TX-60 base kit includes the following:
Part description
Article number
ABEM TX-60 transmitter base unit
33 8100 01
Office power supply
39 0450 16
ABEM TX-60 loop lead-in cable
33 8200 19

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ABEM TX-60 loop power cable
33 8100 21
External logic power cable
33 3000 42
Synchronization cable, 1.5 m
33 8500 66
Battery serial interlink cable, x3
33 8100 22
USB to serial COM port adapter
39 9100 09
Serial communication cable
49 6000 13
ABEM TX-60 User’s Guide
33 8100 97
Warranty card
38 5000 03

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The ABEM TX-60 Transmitter - overview
The ABEM TX-60 is designed to replace the internal transmitter of the ABEM WalkTEM instrument
when more output power is needed. The ABEM TX-60 functions are powered by a built-in 8Ah 12VDC
battery pack, or from an external power source of 10-34 VDC. The transmitter loop is always powered
from its own external power source of 24-250 VDC. The transmitter loop connects to the ABEM TX-60
transmitter via the transmitter loop lead-in cable (which links the transmitter coil to the red and black
transmitter output connectors).
Note: It is recommended to use an external power source for the ABEM TX-60 control functions as this
will prolong the operation time.
Figure 1. The transmitter side of ABEM TX-60
Note: Care should be taken to ensure all connectors are clean prior to connecting
On the left side of the ABEM TX-60 is where all power and transmitter loop connections are located.
Also, an enable switch is integrated and permits transmission to be disabled as a precaution during
setup and take down of the equipment.
Transmitter
loop output
External
power input
connector
Transmission
enable switch
Transmitter
loop power
input
connector

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Figure 2. The synchronization side of ABEM TX-60
On the right side of the ABEM TX-60 is where the control and synchronization cable connects. It
synchronizes the ABEM TX-60 with the ABEM WalkTEM unit.
The Management port is used for service actions only.
Internal battery pack
The ABEM TX-60 unit incorporates a separate battery pack for the control circuitry and internal cooling
fans. It is also possible, and recommended, to connect an external power source which then will power
the control circuits and cooling fans.
Battery charger
The ABEM TX-60 unit has a built-in charger for the internal battery, which can be charged from an
external power source. The battery charger will run if an external power source is connected and the
input voltage is in the range of 12.8 to 34 V. The internal battery pack can also be charged using the
supplied office power supply which connects to a mains (220/110 volt) power point.
Note: The ABEM TX-60 needs to be powered on for the charging of internal battery to take place.
Control and
synchronization
with WalkTEM
Management port

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Computer
A logic controller is incorporated into the ABEM TX-60 unit. It controls the communication, buttons and
LED’s on the front panel as well as the speed of the internal cooling fans.
GPS
The ABEM TX-60 unit has a built-in GPS connected to the internal logic controller.
Setup
Field layout
Field layout is similar to the procedure when only using the ABEM WalkTEM instrument stand-alone
(see the ABEM WalkTEM User’s Guide), with the exception that the transmitter loop is connected to the
ABEM TX-60 instead. The receiver antennas are still connected to the ABEM WalkTEM unit.
The ABEM WalkTEM and ABEM TX-60 units are synchronized with each other via the communication
and synchronization cable.
Figure 3. Field layout example with ABEM WalkTEM and ABEM TX-60. 4 external batteries are
connected in serial, powering the transmitter loop with approximately 48 VDC. Both ABEM WalkTEM
and ABEM TX-60 are also complemented with external batteries in order to prolong the total working
time.

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ABEM WalkTEM synchronization
During transmission, the ABEM TX-60 is controlled and synchronized with the ABEM WalkTEM /
WalkTEM 2. This is obtained by connecting the two using a Synchronization Cable (33 8500 66).
Simply connect each end to its respective connector on the ABEM TX-60 and the ABEM WalkTEM.
Figure 5. Syncronization cable between
the ABEM TX-60 and ABEM WalkTEM.
Auxillary power
The ABEM TX-60 has a built-in battery, just like the ABEM WalkTEM, which is used for the internal
logic, cooling fans etc. Although it will run for a time on the internal battery, it is recommended to add
an external power source, such as a car battery, in order to prolong the survey time.
Using the External logic power cable (33 3000 42) supplied with the ABEM TX-60, it’s possible to
connect a car battery to the ABEM TX-60.
Note: The internal battery, nor the external logic power source, will power the transmitter loop.
Transmitter loop power
The transmitter loop has its own power input on the ABEM TX-60. The transmitter loop output current
is simply adjusted by changing the input voltage from the external power source.
The external power source is most commonly an array of batteries, such as 12 VDC car batteries. By
connecting two or more car batteries in serial, the ABEM TX-60 loop power input voltage can be chosen
in steps of 12 VDC.
The batteries are connected in serial using the supplied battery serial interlink cables (33 8100 22)
together with the ABEM TX-60 loop power cable (33 8100 21). Red connectors are used for positive (+)
poles and black connectors for negative (-). The total voltage depends on the number of batteries
connected in serial (their total voltage combined).
Supplied battery serial interlink cables permits up to four car batteries to be connected in serial:

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Figure 5. An array of four car batteries connected in serial, resulting in a total voltage of approximately
4 x 12 = 48 VDC. The array can be extended in order to increase the total voltage. That would require
more battery serial interlink cables (33 8100 22), ordered separately.
Note: Connect the batteries in serial before connecting the cable plug to the ABEM TX-60.
Note: It is really important to use the utmost care when connecting batteries in serial. A wrong
connection could result in both equipment damage as well as personal injury.
Note: Do not perform this connection if you are hesitant on how it should be done. Connections should
be carried out by qualified personnel only.
Transmitter cooling
The ABEM TX-60 can generate a lot of heat when outputting high power. A heatsink and cooling fans
are integrated into the rear part of the housing. In order to save energy, the fan speed is temperature
controlled.
When using the equipment, it is recommended not to place it in direct sunlight as this will greatly
increase the internal temperature. It is also necessary to maintain a clear passage for the fan airflow.
Note: The ABEM TX-60 should always be placed in an upright position in order not to cover the cooling
air intake and exhaust.

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Figure 6. Backside of ABEM TX-60 with cooling air intake at the top, indicated with blue arrows, and
exhaust at the lower end, indicated with red arrows.

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ABEM TX-60 operation
This section describes the buttons and indication LED’s on the front panel. For a full operation
procedure, see the ABEM WalkTEM User’s Guide.
Built-in keypad
The ABEM WalkTEM / TX-60 measuring setup is operated from the ABEM WalkTEM user interface. It
can also be operated from the ABEM TX-60 front panel to a limited extent (start and stop of
measuring).
The status LED’s has three colors, red, green and yellow, and can produce a flashing or solid light
indication.
Figure 8. ABEM TX-60 keypad
Explanation of keypad functions:
On/Off button
A short press turns the instrument on. By
holding the button down for 3 seconds, the
instrument is turned off.
Start/Stop measuring
Can be used in order to start or stop a
measurement from the ABEM TX-60.
This
can also be done from the ABEM
WalkTEM.
Power status
LED
On/Off button.
Operation status
LED
GPS status LED
Internal battery
status LED
Start/Stop
measuring button
GPS symbol
Internal battery
symbol

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Explanation of LED indications:
LED indicator
Status
Description
Power status LED
ABEM
TX-60 is powered on
Hardware failure
Operation status
LED
Offline
Starting up
Online and ready to start
Transmission in progress (ABEM
TX-60 operating)
Transmission disabled with switch on the left side of the unit
GPS status LED
No satellite fix
GPS fix on 1 to 3 satellites
GPS fix on 4 satellites or more
Internal battery
status LED
Battery level below 33%
Battery charging. Level below 33%
Battery level between 33 and 66%
Battery charging. Level between 33 and 66%
Battery level above 66%
Battery charging. Level above 66%

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Technical specification
Transmitter
Output current 60 A
Input voltage 24 to 250 VDC
Output power 5000 W
Cooling Built-in cooling fans
General
Casing Rugged Aluminum case meets IEC IP 66
GPS receiver 50 channels SirF star III chip
I / O ports KPT connector for communication and synchronization with WalkTEM unit
Control power 8 Ah Internal NiMH 12 V DC power pack 10 - 34 V DC external power
Transmitter power Connector for external transmitter loop power 24 - 250 VDC
Battery charger Integrated for internal battery
Dimensions (W x L x H) 390 x 210 x 320 mm
Weight 14 kg
Ambient Temp Range - 20oC to + 60oC operating1
- 30oC to + 70oC storage2
Note 1: Maximum 1.8 kW output power at 60oC
Note 2: Noncondensing.
Field Accessories (ordered separately)
TL-1k6 Flexible transmitter coil (cord)
Effective Area 1,600 m2
Dimensions 40 x 40 meters
Conductor cross-sectional area 2.5 square mm
TL-10k High power flexible transmitter coil (cord)
Effective Area 10,000 m2
Dimensions 100 x 100 meters
Conductor cross-sectional area 6 square mm
TL-40k High power flexible transmitter coil (cord)
Effective Area 40,000 m2
Dimensions 200 x 200 meters
Conductor cross-sectional area 6 square mm
Note: Custom transmitter loops are also available on request.
Note: All specifications may change without notice as a result of ongoing product developments.