Gutermann AQUASCOPE 550 User manual

AQUASCOPE 550
Operating Manual
JW V 1.3 Date 14/02/2013

AQUASCOPE 550
Version 1.3 2/20
Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................ 3
1.1. System Components....................................................................................... 3
2. How to install the batteries.................................................................................. 4
3. Connecting the Headphones .............................................................................. 4
4. The Hand probe Microphone.............................................................................. 5
4.1 Techniques using the hand probe Microphone with Rods........................ 6
4.2 Techniques using the hand probe Microphone with Tripod...................... 6
4.3 How to find leaks with the AQUASCOPE 550 listening stick ................... 8
4.4 How to find Leaks with the AQUASCOPE 550 Tripod foot....................... 9
5. The Ground Microphone/Geophone................................................................ 10
5.2 Techniques using the Geophone................................................................ 11
5.3 How to find leaks with the AQUASCOPE 550 Geophone ...................... 12
6. Wearing the Control Unit................................................................................... 13
7. Operation of the AQUASCOPE 550 Control Unit.......................................... 14
7.1 The Display..................................................................................................... 14
7.2 Switches function........................................................................................... 15
7.3 Storing Minimum Noise Level...................................................................... 17
7.4 How to use the Modus- Frequency Multiplier............................................ 18
8. Technical Specifications.................................................................................... 19
9. Trouble Shooting ........................................................................................... 20

AQUASCOPE 550
Version 1.3 3/20
1. Introduction
Welcome to the AQUASCOPE 550 low frequency leak detection System.
The AQUASCOPE 550 is a digital acoustic Leak Locator which is
specifically designed to enable the professional leak hunter to find
difficult leaks. It’s ergonomically designed and light-weight for user
comfort. It has superior sound quality and amplification to help detect
quiet leaks. The unique feature of frequency multiplication enhances the
sound of large diameter and plastic pipe leaks to make them audible to
the human ear.
The AQUASCOPE 550 has 3 preset filters and 1 adjustable filter which
allow the operator to create the filter to suppress unwanted interference
and background noise while focusing on the leak noise. With the large
display the operator can observe the frequency spectrum of sound
enabling the ease of filter choice. The system has a versatile hand probe
for direct sounding and leak location on soft ground. For the ground
microphone or combined locator system a shielded robust ground
microphone (Geophone) with its high performance sensor is available for
pin pointing through hard surfaces.
1.1.System Components
Depending on which AQUASCOPE 550 system was purchased, the
following configuration is supplied:
All Configuration Types include
Amplifier control unit with Neck Strap
Stereo Headphones
Connection Cable
Hand probe Locator (see chapter 4)
Hand probe microphone
3 x Probe rods including 1 with a tip
1 x Tripod and magnet
Ground Mic Locator (see chapter 5)
Geophone
T bar handle and rod
Combined Locator
All of the above components.

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2. How to install the batteries
The amplifier takes 2 x (LR14) C Cell batteries which are located in the
battery compartment on the left side. Unscrew the cover by turning in an
anti- clockwise direction. Insert the batteries with the positive (+) pointing
out as shown below in Fig 1. Screw the cover back on until hand tight.
Note: To conserve battery ensure the AQUASCOPE 550 is
switched off while not in use or being stored. Always use a good quality
alkaline or Lithium battery, for example Duracell or Energizer. If the
device is not used for a long time, it is recommended to take out the
batteries.
3. Connecting the Headphones
The Headphone is connected to the AQUASCOPE 550 control unit via 2
possible methods, firstly the 5 way Binder connector closest to the top of
the unit and/or secondly the 3.5mm stereo jack socket. There is a volume
control on the standard headphone cable for adjustment for your comfort
of sound level. The aviation headphones don’t have this facility.
Take care when storing the headphones and cables as it may be
possible to trap them when closing the carry case.
Fig. 3 Binder Headphone connection Fig. 4 In carry case
Fig. 1 Batteries Fig. 2 Battery Compartment cap

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4. The Hand probe Microphone
Screw the desired amount of probe rods together as required, generally
an extension together with the Tip rod is recommended. Next, attach the
rod assembly to the hand probe Microphone. The longer the rod
assembly the more background noise is introduced especially on windy
days. It is also possible to lag the rod with pipe insulation to reduce wind.
Use the Binder plug to connect the hand probe to the lower socket on the
AQUASCOPE 550, see fig 7.noise.
The hand probe is used for direct sounding on pipes and fittings. For
direct sounding we recommend to use the “filter off” mode described in
chapter 10.
Fig.5 Hand probe Com ponent
Parts
Fig.7 Hand prob e connected to
Aquascope 550 using the lower
binder connector
Fig.6 Hand probe Assembly
using 2 x rod sectio ns

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Version 1.3 6/20
4.1Techniques using the hand probe Microphone with Rods
The following photos show example methods of using the AQUASCOPE
550 hand probe:
Caution: when probing through the soil it’s highly recommended
that a certified insulated probe such as a punch bar is used. This helps
prevent the possibility of electrical shock or damaging the aluminium rods
while probing through the ground.
4.2Techniques using the hand probe Microphone with Tripod
The tripod microphone is used to find leaks buried in concrete slab, walls
and shallow ground. This microphone has less sensitivity than the ground
microphone which makes it easier to pinpoint leaks in these conditions
since too much amplification is confusing to the user. Screw the magnet
Fig.8 L istening directly on
a Water Meter
Fig.9 l istening d irectl y on
a Valve or Hydrant
Fig.10 listen ing directly on a pipe
with the rod inserted through soft soil
Fig.11 listenin g to the pipe
direct ly

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Version 1.3 7/20
into the sensor and attach to the tripod foot. The connecting cable can be
used to place, lift or move the hand-probe.
The following photos show example methods of using the AQUASCOPE
550 hand probe with Tripod:
Fig. 15 has a Microphone handle with a push button; it’s an alternative
method of activating the sound instead of the Lower rotary switch on the
AQUASCOPE 550 control unit. It’s a useful feature when listening with
the probe rods on meters, valves and hydrants to allow single hand
operation.
Fig.14 using th e tripod attached
to the hand probe microphone
Fig.15 listening to a leakin g
pipe through the wal l
Fig.12 Tripod & magnet
Fig.13 magnet

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Version 1.3 8/20
4.3How to find leaks with the AQUASCOPE 550 listening stick
An electronic listening stick is usually used to perform a leakage survey
by walking the street listening on every valve, hydrant and accessible
service connection. Each sounding is usually for 10 to 30 seconds. It
takes longer to assess the noise when there is more background noise.
It is not unusual to perform this work at night in busy cities when the
pressure is highest and the background noise is lowest. It is important to
hold the stick still and firmly pressed against the pipe, valve or hydrant.
Ensure there is no long grass or cables making contact with the stick.
The electronic listening stick is usually a localization tool used to localize
the leak position; however when the leak is suspected to be in a pipe
under soft ground, the electronic listening stick can be used to pinpoint
the leak. It is preferable to make the hole with an electrically insulated
punch bar or another probe and then insert the stick into the hole made.
Extreme Care should be taken to ensure there is no contact with other
underground services. Check with your company Health and Safety
Officer before proceeding with this method.
1. Listen on all fittings in an area making note of the noise level, frequency
and characteristics. It is usual to listen at each location for a period of 10
to 30 seconds, waiting for background noise to stop. If there is noise
generated from consumption, pumps, road works or heavy traffic you will
need to return when the noise stops.
2. Note the minimum noise detected on each reading on a map.
3. Analyse the minimum noise levels on the map to identify the area of
interest.
4. Use a pipe locator to trace and mark the pipe location in the area of
interest and check to see if there are any other services in the same
trench as your pipe.
5. If it is safe to do so, make a series of holes at 3 meter intervals in the
ground with an insulated punch bar and insert the probe from the
electronic listening stick into the ground as deep as it is safe.
6. Continue this process along the section of pipe work until the leak is
found. Holes will need to be made at 1 meter intervals when the leak
has been located to a 6 meter span.
7. Determine which point has the loudest minimum noise.
8. Perform a “star check” moving about 30 cm from this point to all 8 points
of a star. Each point should have a lower noise than the pin-pointed leak

AQUASCOPE 550
Version 1.3 9/20
position. If a point has a louder noise than the centre, this could be the
correct position, repeat the star check to verify.
4.4How to find Leaks with the AQUASCOPE 550 Tripod foot
The tripod foot is a pinpointing tool that attaches to the electronic
listening stick in place of the probe bars. It is used to find leaks in
concrete slab, shallow underground pipes and in walls. It should always
be placed or held in a still position during operation.
1. Localise the leak position with noise loggers or an electronic listening
stick. If a Correlator is available this can be used to narrow down the
location to a much smaller area.
2. It is best practice to locate the pipe position with a pipe locator.
3. Follow the path of the pipe listening for the leak at 1 meter intervals.
Each sample should last long enough to capture a minimum noise value,
typically 20 to 30 seconds.
4. When the location with the highest minimum noise has been identified
use your leakage experience to confirm this is a leak noise.
5. Perform a “star check” moving about 30 cm from this point to all 8 points
of a star. Each point should have a lower noise than the pin-pointed leak
position. If a point is louder this could be the correct position, repeat the
star check to verify.

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Version 1.3 10/20
5. The Ground Microphone/Geophone
To assemble the Geophone, take the T-bar handle and screw into the
stainless steel plate of the Geophone base in a clockwise direction.
There should be no thread visible once complete. When attaching the
cable ensure the notch lines up between the 4 way plug on the cable and
the socket of the T-Bar.
For the Geophone with the optional cable between the handle and mic all
connections must be hand tight without any risk of unwinding during
operation.
Fig.16 T-Bar handle for Geophone
Fig.14 listening to a
leaking pipe through the
wall
Fig.18 Screw the 4 way plug of
the connection cable into t he handl e
Fig.1 7 Threading the T-bar
handle onto th e Geophone base

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Version 1.3 11/20
5.2Techniques using the Geophone
Use the Geophone to surface sound and pin point on compact earth,
concrete and Tarmac. When sounding on grass use the hand-probe or a
piece of plywood to act as a sounding board, this will help to reduce the
tickling sound caused by the blades of grass.
Fig.22 sounding usin g
the Geophone on Tarmac
Fig.20 sounding using the
Geophone on grass with a
wooden bo ard
Fig.21 sounding usin g the
Geophone on p aving
Fig.19 sounding usin g
a Geophone on con crete

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Version 1.3 12/20
With reference to Fig. 23 below, when using the Geophone to pin point
the leak move along the path of the pipe in regular (1ft or 300mm)
intervals taking a reading at each point, this is depicted by the diagram
below which shows a buried pipe and the Geophone taking readings at
regular intervals. Use the memory button (see chapter 10.3) to analyze
the results and return to the loudest point to confirm the leak.
Fig.23 Method of Pin Pointing with a Geophone
Note: In clay soils there maybe 2 high readings with a lower
reading in between due to the water leak created a cavity and the water
hitting the walls of the cavity.
5.3How to find leaks with the AQUASCOPE 550 Geophone
The ground microphone is a pinpointing tool that is used to find leaks
under sealed surfaces. It has more sensitivity than the tripod foot which
is an advantage in finding leaks in deeper pipes but a disadvantage
finding leaks in good noise conductors like concrete slab. It should
always be placed or held in a still position during operation.
1. Localise the leak position with noise loggers or an electronic listening
stick. If a Correlator is available this can be used to narrow down the
location to a much smaller area.
2. It is best practice to locate the pipe position with a pipe locator.
3. Follow the path of the pipe listening for the leak at 1 meter intervals.
Each sample should last long enough to capture a minimum noise value,
typically 20 to 30 seconds.
4. When the location with the highest minimum noise has been identified
use your leakage experience to confirm this is a leak noise.

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Version 1.3 13/20
5. Perform a “star check” moving about 30 cm from this point to all 8 points
of a star. Each point should have a lower noise than the pin-pointed leak
position. If a point is louder this could be the correct position, repeat the
star check to verify.
6. Wearing the Control Unit
Fig.24 Neck Band Mounted Control Unit
Attach the AQUASCOPE 550 control unit around the neck using the
strap provided. The Neck band can be adjusted to suit.

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Version 1.3 14/20
7. Operation of the AQUASCOPE 550 Control Unit
7.1The Display
Fig.25 AQUASCOPE 550 Switches, Display and Connectivity
The large display shows the following information:
2. Top left is the Volume Level and is adjusted by turning the bottom
rotary switch.
3. Next to the volume level is Lvl: this is the Current Noise Level.
4. The very top is the Filter Setting and changes depending if the top
rotary switch is set to F1, F2, F3 or Man.
5. Top right is the battery level. A New pair of batteries should read 3v.
Once the battery voltage drops below 1.5v then it’s time to replace them.
8. Bottom left of the display is the Live Noise Frequency Spectrum.
9. Bottom centre current Minimum Noise Levels. The minimum noise
level (value between 00 and 99) is indicated during a listening session.
From the moment the “listen” button is pressed, the AQUASCOPE-550
automatically samples and records the lowest noise level, indicating the
true leak noise without ambient interference. When the “listen” button is
pressed again, this value will automatically be saved in the memory.
10. Saved Minimum Noise Levels – a maximum of 8 saved readings.

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Version 1.3 15/20
7.2Switches function
1. Contrast: Turn the Top Rotary Switch clockwise 1 notch to select the
contrast function then turn the bottom rotary switch to adjust the
contrast- clockwise to darken and anti-clockwise to lighten.
2. Backlight: With the Top switch in the first notch position press the
bottom switch to activate the backlight. The screen indicates the
Backlight is on; press the bottom switch to deactivate the backlight.
Fig.28 F1 Selector Fig.29 Filter 1 0-5000Hz
3. Select F1 on the top switch to activate the open Filter 0 to 5000Hz,
which allows the full range sound to be heard once the bottom switch
is pressed. Turn the bottom switch to adjust the volume to at least half
way on the volume level.
Fig.26 Rotary Switches
operat ion- Contrast
Fig.27 Rot ary Switches operation
- Backlight

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Fig.30 F2 Selector Fig.31 Filter 2 100-5000Hz
4. Select F2 on the top switch to activate the Filter 100 to 5000Hz, which
allows the frequency bandwidth from 100Hz to 5000Hz to be set
cutting out any low frequency noise. This option is most suited for
Metallic pipes. Sound is heard once the bottom switch is pressed.
Fig.32 F3 Selector Fig.33 Filter 3 0-400Hz
5. Select F3 to activate the low pass filter of 0Hz to 400Hz. This is
recommended for leaks on Non Metallic pipes and when there is back
ground noise.
Fig.34 Man Selector Fig.35 Man Filter e.g.60-360Hz
6. Select Man to use the manual filter options and adjust them by
Double Pressing the bottom switch, hold down on the second press
then move the cursor by turning the switch. The cursor will move
between low filter, high filter, Modus and speaker symbol. To select
the option leave the cursor on the item until it flashes, then turn the
bottom switch to change the item. Once the selection has been

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completed just allow a 2 second pause and the cursor will stop
flashing. Repeat the process for changing other options.
7.3Storing Minimum Noise Level
Fig38. Noise Level
The signal bar/level is stored by a single press of the lower switch to
freeze the bar followed by a quick second press to store. After the saved
bar moves right, press the switch again to reactivate the sound. Up to 8
readings may be saved and displayed on screen. To clear the memory
press and hold the bottom switch for 3 seconds.
Fig.36 Rotary Swit ches
operat ion- lower filter
frequency
Fig.37 Rotary Switches
operat ion- upper filt er
frequency

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Version 1.3 18/20
7.4 How to use the Modus- Frequency Multiplier
Fig.38 AQUASCOPE 550 Modus
The AS550 has a special feature which transforms lower, deeper
frequencies (which are hard for the human ear to hear) into a higher
frequency range in which can be heard. This option is called ‘Modus’
and can be activated when the top switch is set to ‘Man’. Press the
bottom switch twice, hold down on the second press and then move
the cursor by turning the switch. The cursor will move between speaker
symbol, low filter, high filter and Modus. To select Modus leave the
cursor on the item until it flashes, then turn the bottom switch to
change the Modus scale. Once the selection has been completed just
allow a 2 second pause and the cursor will stop flashing. Repeat the
process if any of the options wish to be changed. The Modus contains
5 options(normal and scale 1 to scale 4). Normal is the same as the F1
to F3 but the user may set the upper and lower filters.
When is Frequency Multiplication used?
It’s used with Leaks in Low Pressure, PVC or large diameter pipes
which may be too low to be heard by the human ear so it is necessary
to increase the frequency to detect these leaks. This is achieved by
different Scales produced by the AS550. In the field use scale 1 for pin
pointing of low frequency leaks.

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Version 1.3 19/20
8. Technical Specifications
Specification
1
The control unit is manufactured from ABS/Plastic
material that is resistant to exposure from high levels of
UV exposure.
2
Power supply comprises of 2 x standard “LR14” or “C Cell”
Alkaline batteries.
3
The System has a Frequency range of 6 – 5000Hz
4
The control unit has amplification of 100DB or more.
5
The Sensitivity in the hand probe is 15v/g or more.
6
The Sensitivity in the ground microphone is 20 v/g or more.
7
The AQUASCOPE 550 has a display showing battery
status, noise level, volume setting and frequency spectrum.
8
The Manual Filter setting is shown as a numeric value and
the operator can manually tune into the exact filter setting
required, increments across the entire frequency range are
in blocks of 40Hz or less.
9
Activating the filters only takes one simple switch rotation.
10
The control unit has three preset filter settings and a manual
option.
11
The ground microphone to cable connector is at a height
greater than 400mm from the floor so it cannot be accidentally
kicked by the operator.
12
The ground microphone to controller cable runs within the
ground microphone handle, to reduce exposure to
increased background noise from wind.

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9. Trouble Shooting
Fault
Cause
Solution
No Sound
A Damaged Cable or
Headphones
Replace connection
cable or headphones
No Display
Dead batteries
Contrast Setting
Replace batteries
Adjust the Contrast
Intermittent
display
Battery holder spring
Return to Gutermann
Corrupt
Display
Circuit Board
Return to Gutermann
Sound in 1
earpiece
Headphone
Replace Headphone
Cannot plug in
hand probe or
Geophone
A Damaged connection
socket
Return to Gutermann
Display
inverted
Accidentally switched for
left handed operators
This function has been
disabled on new models