Jameson 17-300R Use and care manual

OPERATION AND SAFETY
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
General Information
Jameson’s 17-300R Cabel and Pipe Signal Receiver has an ergonomic design for one-hand operation and highly vis-
ible display. Works with transmitter to detect active frequencies, adjusting to work at different sites and applications.
Locate any continuous metal run - iron, steel and copper water lines, gas lines, tracer wire by plastic pipe, telephone/TV
cables, copper and aluminum wire, conduit, power lines and Duct Hunter™Traceable Rodders.
4 Frequencies: 512 Hz, 8 KHz, 33KHz and 82 KHz.
Part 17-300R
Cable and PiPe Signal ReCeiveR
Part 17-300RTK
Cable and PiPe Signal ReCeiveR
With tRanSmitteR
Part 17-500T
tRanSmitteR
Cable And Pipe Signal Receiver

2
WARNING
Electric Shock Hazard
• Tool is designed to detect electromagnetic eld emitted from camera sondes and 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 manual.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury, death or property damage.
Disclaimer Of Liability
Jameson shall not be liable to distributor, reseller or any other 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 Jameson.
Table of Contents
Prepare for Use 3
Transmitter Controls and Indicators 3
Direct Connection 4
Inductive Connection and Blind Search 5
Selecting Tracing Signal 6
Receiver Controls and Indicators 7
Locating the Cable or Pipe 7
Selecting Locating Mode and Peak Locating Mode 7
Null Locating Mode 8
Absolute Signal Strength / Gain Change Indication 8
Passive Locating 8
Push Button Depth 9
Depth Measurement 45 Degree Method 10
Tilted Magnetic Field Identication 10
Specications 11
Warranty
Jameson products carry a warranty against any defect in material and workmanship for a period of one
year from date of shipment unless failure is due to misuse or improper application. Jameson shall in no
event be responsible or liable for modications, alterations, misapplications or repairs made to its products
by purchaser or others. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the product and does not include
reimbursement for shipping or other expenses incurred. Jameson disclaims any other express or implied
warranty.

Prepare For Use
Unpack Locator and make sure there is no shipping damage and all the parts are included.
Locate battery compartment on back of the “head” of Receiver. Open compartment using a phillips screwdriver.
Install six “C” batteries as marked.
Transmitter (“TX”) Controls and Indicators
Power
On / Off
TX Output
Jack
Frequency
Selector
Battery Condition
Indicator
Load Rate
Indicators
Output Signal
Level Control
Relative
Resistance, Volt,
Current
TX OUTPUT JACK
The Red/Black Cord, Coupler and Flexicoupler connects here to create a circuit on the buried utility.
TX ON
A Frequency light and Output level light indicates unit is on.
FREQUENCY SELECTOR
The 82 kHz reading indicates the 82 kHz frequency is in use. This frequency is the higher of the four. The 82
kHz frequency is often used to locate sharp corners in cables or pipes and is capable of jumping disconnected
shield bonds or grounds. The 512 Hz reading indicates the 512 Hz frequency is in use. The 512 Hz is the lower
frequency. It is less susceptible to locating errors caused by adjacent cables or pipes. Also, by using the 512
Hz frequency, the locating range is greater. The 8 kHz and 33kHz are mid-range frequencies used when the
512Hz is too weak and the 82 kHz is bleeding off to easily.
LOAD RATE INDICATOR
The Load Rate Indicator symbol flashes to indicate 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.
Note: Holding down the Power Output button for 2 Seconds will Mute the Audio Load Rate indicator.
OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL
The Output Signal Level Control adjusts power output from the Transmitter. The selections include Low,
Medium, High.
3

CAUTION
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. Low, mid and high frequency 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 Black Test Cord to Ground Rod.
Plug Red/Black Test Cord into TX Output Jack. Press Frequency Button for 512 Hz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz or 82 kHz.
The Power Output Indicator and Frequency light of the chosen frequency will light up.
DO NOT CONNECT TO LIVE OR
ENERGIZED POWER CABLES
4
Inductive Connection
This method is convenient and services are not interrupted. No test cords or connections are needed. Cable or
pipe must have good insulation or non-conductive coating, otherwise operating range will be short.
Turn Transmitter ON. Press 82 kHz button. Place Transmitter on its side as close as possible to path of cable
or pipe. Align arrows on side of Transmitter with cable or pipe. First, locate broad Transmitter Null, then move
toward expected cable path while looking for signal carried by the cable.
Start tracing path with Receiver 25 feet from Transmitter. Locate cable or pipe and follow path. If signal becomes
weak, move Transmitter to a point 25 feet behind the last strong signal and continue searching.

Blind Search
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 Receiver are held 25 feet away from each other. Each opera-
tor walks at the same speed keeping a distance of 25 feet from each other. When the receiver gives an audio
response, a buried utility is present between the Receiver and Transmitter.
5
Selecting Trace Signal
The choice of 512 Hz, 8 kHz, 33kHz or 82 kHz Frequency is dependent on conditions of the locate.
It is recommended to begin by using the 512 Hz signal, and continue as long as you are confident in the results.
If the signal is very weak adjust the connection or grounding. If there is no improvement in signal, try 8 kHz.
Repeat adjustments of ground and connection point before switching to 33 kHz and then 82 kHz.
512 Hz (lower frequency) signal is usually preferred to 8 kHz (mid-range frequency) and 82 kHz (high fre-
quency) signal, because it is less susceptible to locating errors caused by nearby cables or pipes. The 512 Hz
locating range is also longer than the 82 kHz signal. The 512 Hz signal will not travel well through disconnected
shield bonds or insulated pipe bushing.
8 kHz and 33kHz take the best of 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 512 Hz. It is still best to use 512
Hz, but 8 kHz is one of the most common frequencies used to locate coaxial cable and telecom pairs.
82 kHz (higher frequency) is sometimes better than 512 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 trac-
ing signal may indicate one of these characteristics. The locating range is quite short for the 82 kHz signal so
Transmitter must be repositioned more often during tracing operation. Also useful for applying a signal to the
Jameson Duct Hunter™.

Receiver Controls and Indicators
ON/OFF
The unit will load settings from previous usage. Automatic shut off after 10 minutes of no activity.
FREQUENCY
Toggles through available active and passive frequencies: 82 kHz, 33kHz , 8 kHz, 512 Hz, 60Hz.
MODE
Toggle through available locating mode: Peak, Pinpoint Peak, Null and Sonde.
DEPTH & CURRENT
Depth function will first momentarily display the depth mode (Line [LIN] or Sonde [SON]) and then display depth
measurement at the top of LCD. To change Depth Measurement from English to Metric, hold Depth Key ten
seconds. Current measures relative amount of transmitted current and is displayed at bottom of LCD.
GAIN
Adjusts Gain up or down. If signal strength shows as “ --- ” on display, pressing Gain will automatically adjust
to 85% on scale display.
VOLUME (SHIFT Button + MODE Button)
Toggle volume through High, Medium, Low and Off.
BACKLIGHT (SHIFT Button + FREQUENCY Button)
Hold Shift key and press Current key to toggle back light on and off.
LOW BATTERY
Indicates low battery condition by displaying "LO BAT" in the three-digit Signal Strength Display at top of LCD
screen.
6
Displays Absolute Signal
Strength or Depth
Measures Depth
(+Shift Key Measures Current)
On/Off Button
Frequency Selector
(+Shift Key Toggles
On/Off Backlight)
Adjusts Gain Up or Down
Operation Mode
Displays Selected Operation
Available to Model
Relative Signal
Strength Bargraph
(Single Bar Shows Gain Setting)
Displays Selected Frequency
Mode Selector
(+ Shift Key Toggles Volume)
Shift Key
Hold While Selecting Secondary
Key Functions

Locating Cable or Pipe
Make sure Transmitter is connected and in the ON position. Move approximately 15 feet (4.5 meters) away from
Transmitter along the path. (Move about 25 feet (7.5 meters) for Inductive search mode.)
Hold Receiver so you can see LCD bargraph and controls easily. Make sure Receiver and Transmitter
frequency are set for the same frequency, either 512 Hz (lower), 8 kHz, 33kHz or 82 kHz (higher). Or select the
passive locating mode which does not require the Transmitter.
Selecting the Locating Mode (Peak or Null)
Press Mode button to select desired Peak or Null locating method.
Peak Mode Locating
Keep Receiver in vertical position. Move Receiver left to right across path. When Receiver is directly above
cable or pipe, rotate for maximum signal. As Receiver is moved away from cable path, the meter reading (and
audio frequency response) will drop off.
If Receiver is rotated while over the cable, a sharp NULL will identify the cable’s direction. It is aligned with the
flat side of the Receiver.
Trace path by walking away from Transmitter at a moderate pace. Move Receiver to the left and right while
walking, following the Peak indications. As you trace path, the Peak meter reading may slowly fade as you
move away from the Transmitter. Press and release Gain buttons as needed to compensate for changes in level
(higher or lower). One of the following may occur:
a) Junction where the signal divides and goes several directions.
b) Break in the cable or shield.
c) Change in the depth of the cable or pipe.
d) Insulated pipe fitting.
e) Slack loop of cable.
If you can no longer trace the path, even with Gain set to maximum, connect Transmitter to far end of path and
trace back to the point where you lost the signal.
Mark 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 differently than
when tracing a straight path. Practice on a path you know has turns and laterals in it to help you recognize
conditions within the field.
7

Null Mode Locating
Move Receiver left to right across cable path. When Receiver is directly above cable or pipe, a
Null (lowest meter reading and lowest audio tone) will occur. When moving Receiver left or right
of Null point, meter reading will rise to a maximum point (Peak). The audio tone will also be at its
highest pitch. When Receiver is moved beyond Peak, meter reading will begin to fade.
Trace path by walking away from Transmitter at a moderate pace. Move Receiver to the left and right when
walking, following Null indications.
As you trace path, Peak meter reading may slowly fade as you move away from the Transmitter. Press and
release Gain buttons as needed to compensate for changes in signal level. If Peak meter readings suddenly
changes in level (higher or lower), one of the following may have occurred:
a) Junction where the signal divides and goes several directions.
b) Break in the cable or shield.
c) Change in the depth of the cable or pipe.
d) Insulated pipe fitting.
e) Slack loop of cable.
If you can no longer trace path, even with Gain control set to maximum, connect Transmitter to far end of path
and begin tracing path back.
Mark straight section of path every few feet. Mark sharp curves, loops and cable bundles every few inches. Sharp
changes in the path cause Receiver Peak and Null indicators to behave differently than when tracing a straight
path. Practice on a path you know has turns and laterals in it to help you recognize conditions within the field.
8
Absolute Signal Strength
The Receiver’s signal strength 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 Gain to
move meter reading to mid-scale. The numerical display will change from ‘---’ to a valid measurement.
Absolute Signal Strength measurements are more sensitive to signal changes than the meter display. Peaks
and Nulls can be more precisely pinpointed. This measurement can also be used to monitor signal loss as the
conductor is being traced.
Passive 50/60 Hz Locating
The Receiver is capable of locating power utility frequencies. This Mode is useful for locating underground
primary and secondary power utilities. In certain circumstances, this Mode will also locate water pipes, sewer
lines, cable television and telephone. The reason is that common electrical grounds are sometimes found
among these various utilities. Select the 50/60~ (Hz) frequency on the Receiver. Select Peak mode. Locate the
conductor using the Peak mode.
This method is useful because of its speed and convenience. Start at a known reference point and keep in mind
other conductors in the area may produce this same locating signal.
The Transmitter is not required to locate in this mode.
Gain Change Indication
The Gain up and down buttons are used to increase and decrease 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 read-
ing is very high, pressing the Gain down button will center the meter reading to mid-scale.

Push Button Depth
The only way to be sure of a utility’s depth is to expose the utility. At any time, the depth readout may
be inaccurate.
The Receiver can measure depth with the push of a button. Depth is displayed at the top of the LCD display
in meters and centimeters. Push button depth is useful to quickly determine the depth of the conductor during
path locating.
Begin this measurement by locating the path of a cable or pipe. Move to the location where you want to measure
the depth. Stay at least 15 feet (4.6 meters) away from the Transmitter. Pinpoint this location as accurately as
possible (see Peak Mode Locating, Null Mode Locating and Absolute Signal Strength). Place Receiver vertically
over conductor and rest foot of locator on ground. While holding Receiver vertical, press and release Depth but-
ton. The Receiver will briefly indicate a measurement is being performed and then display depth at the top of the
LCD display.
Exercise caution 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. For information on identifying tilted magnetic fields, refer
to Tilted Magnetic Field Identification and Depth Measurement 45º Method.
Current Measurement
The Receiver contains a feature very useful in identifying a desired cable in a field of various conductors and/or
utilities. It is not unusual for the target conductor (the conductor connected to the transmitter) to induce a signal
into nearby conductors in a crowded field. In these instances, the radiated signal on the conductors close to
the surface of the earth, may be stronger than the Transmitter signal on the target conductor buried deep in the
ground. The operator will find two or more paths and must determine which is the target conductor. By using
the current measurement feature of the Receiver, the operator can determine the amount of 512 Hz, 8 kHz,
33kHz or 82 kHz current flowing on the conductors, regardless of depth. The highest current flow indicates the
target conductor.
Place Receiver vertically over one of the conductor marks and rest foot of the locator on the ground. Holding
Receiver vertical, press and release Shift Button and Depth button simultaneously. When meter changes from
a “thermometer” type display to a “bar” type display, hold Receiver the still until measurement stabilizes. The
blinking bar indicates the signal level on the cable (adjusted for depth). Next, move to the second cable and
repeat the measurement. The blinking bar will show the signal level on the conductor. The previous reading
is shown as a solid bar. The higher of these two readings will show which conductor is carrying the greatest
locating signal.
Note:
Locator is designed to alert operator of potential current and depth measurement errors. If display reads ‘Err’
during a current and depth measurement, the Receiver has detected a condition that could produce inaccurate
readings.
Errors can exist when the conductor signal flow is too small. Check Transmitter hookup and far end access
point for poor connections. This cause of error can be identified by a high Gain setting (80 or greater on the
bar graph display).
Receiver also may be detecting adjacent cables or is not directly over target conductor. Verify target conductor
path precisely before measuring current again.
If at anytime the display reads ‘CAL’, contact Jameson.
9

Depth Measurement 45º Angle Method
Move to a location where you want to measure depth. Stay at least 15 feet away from Transmitter. Move
Receiver left to right across path until cable is located. Mark path on the ground as precisely as possible using
the Null Method.
Place Receiver on the ground with LCD meter facing up. Position unit so the Bubble Level on top of meter is
centered (45º). Pull Receiver away from cable path (at 90º to the cable path) keeping Bubble Level centered.
When 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 or railroad track. Confirm depth measurement by repeating the above steps on opposite side of pipe or
cable. A variance greater than 5 inches in depth measurement may indicate the presence of additional buried
cables, pipes or other objects.
Tilted 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 adjacent conductors and is redirected so 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.
10

Transmitter
Operating Frequency
Hook-up Method
Output Power
Load Matching
Battery Types
Dimensions
Weight
82 kHz • 33kHz • 8 kHz • 512 Hz
Automatic from 5 Ωto 20,000 Ω
Operating Temperature -4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC)
Battery Life Greater than 30 hours*
1 Watt (High) 500 Milliwatts (Low)
8 - “C” alkaline batteries
8.4” x 5.57” x 2.6”
2.2 lbs (2.8kg)
*Depending on load, frequency and power setting
Direct Connection
Inductive Coupling (with optional coupler)
Transmitter Induction
Specifications
Receiver
Operating Frequency
Antenna Mode
Audio Indication
Operating Temperature
Battery Type
Battery Life
Dimensions
Weight
Signal Strength
Gain Control
Dynamic Range
Depth Measurement
82 kHz • 33kHz • 8 kHz • 512 Hz • 50/60 Hz
Variable pitch audio
-4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC)
Continuous 40 hours
Automatic Digital depth readout to 15 feet (feet/
inches & metric)
Manual Triangulation for verification
of automatic readout in congested
environments
Intermittent 82 hours (10 minute auto shut off)
6 - “C” alkaline batteries
30.3” x 3.75” x 9.4”
LCD bar graph
Absolute Signal Strength readout 0-999
Up/down button for automatic
centering and manual control
126 dB
3 pounds
Null (vertical coil) • Peak (horizontal coil)
11

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