Megger Easyloc Standard RxTx User manual

Operating Instructions
Easyloc Standard Rx Tx
EASYLOC-STANDARD_UG_US_V01

3
User Manual
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reasonable attempt to ensure the completeness and accuracy of this document. However, the information
contained in this manual is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a commitment on the part of
Megger Valley Forge. Any attached hardware schematics and technical descriptions, or software listings that
disclose source code, are for informational purposes only. Reproduction in whole or in part to create working
hardware or software for other than Megger products is strictly prohibited, except as permitted by written license
agreement with Megger.
TRADEMARK NOTICES
Megger® is trademark registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other brand and product names mentioned in
this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Megger USA
Valley Forge Corporate Center
2621 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403 USA
T:1-866-254-0962
F:1-610-676-8625
© Megger
All rights reserved. No part of this handbook may be copied by photographic or other means unless Megger have before-hand declared their
consent in writing. The content of this handbook is subject to change without notice. Megger cannot be made liable for technical or printing
errors or shortcomings of this handbook. Megger also disclaims all responsibility for damage resulting directly or indirectly from the delivery,
supply, or use of this matter.

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Terms of Warranty
Megger accepts responsibility for a warranty claim brought forward by a customer for a product sold by Megger
under the terms stated below.
Megger warrants that at the time of delivery Megger products are free from manufacturing or material defects which
might considerably reduce their value or usability. This warranty does not apply to faults in the software supplied.
During the period of warranty, Megger agrees to repair faulty parts or replace them with new parts or parts as new
(with the same usability and life as new parts) according to their choice.
This warranty does not cover wear parts, lamps, fuses, and primary and secondary batteries.
Megger rejects all further claims under warranty.
All warranty claims versus Megger are hereby limited to a period of 12 months from the date of delivery. Each
component supplied by Megger within the context of warranty will also be covered by this warranty for the remaining
period of time but for 90 days at least.
Each measure to remedy a claim under warranty shall exclusively be carried out by Megger or an authorized service
center.
This warranty does not apply to any fault or damage caused by exposing a product to conditions not in accordance
with this specification, by storing, transporting, or using it improperly, or having it serviced or installed by a workshop
not authorized by Megger. All responsibility is disclaimed for damage due to wear, act of God, or connection to
foreign components.
For damage resulting from a violation of their duty to repair or re-supply items, Megger can be made liable only in
case of severe negligence or intention. Any liability for slight negligence is disclaimed.
Since some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of consequential damage, the
limitations of liability described above perhaps may not apply to you.

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Table of contents
1 Notes on safety ..................................................................................................................... 6
2 Technical data ...................................................................................................................... 7
3 System overview ................................................................................................................ 10
3.1 Easyloc Standard Rx receiver .............................................................................................. 11
3.2 Easyloc Standard Tx transmitter .......................................................................................... 13
4 Using the location system ................................................................................................. 14
4.1 Connection and initial use of the Easyloc Standard Tx transmitter ...................................... 14
4.1.1 Transmitter signals and modes of operation .................................................................. 14
4.1.2 Options for direct and inductive signal coupling ............................................................. 15
4.1.2.1 Direct coupling on cables and pipes .................................................................................... 15
4.1.2.2 Coupling using special connection accessories ................................................................... 17
4.1.2.3 Inductive signal coupling ...................................................................................................... 18
4.1.2.4 Signal coupling in non-metallic pipes ................................................................................... 19
4.1.3 Initial use of the transmitter ............................................................................................ 20
4.2 Locating lines with the Easyloc Standard Rx receiver .......................................................... 21
4.2.1 Changing the system settings ........................................................................................ 21
4.2.1.1 Depth measurement settings .............................................................................................. 21
4.2.1.2 Changing the receiving frequency ....................................................................................... 22
4.2.2 The basics of locating lines with the receiver ................................................................. 23
4.2.2.1 Modes of operation for the receiver ..................................................................................... 23
4.2.2.2 Regulating the sensitivity level to match the reception signal strength ................................ 24
4.2.2.3 Handling the receiver and locating the line .......................................................................... 25
4.2.3 General site surveying .................................................................................................... 26
4.2.4 Determining the direction of a line .................................................................................. 27
4.2.5 Determining the depth of a line ..................................................................................... 28
4.2.6 Masking-Out Lines ......................................................................................................... 31
4.2.7 Functional test of the receiver ........................................................................................ 32
5 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 34

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1 Notes on safety
Safety precautions
This User Guide contains basic instructions for the initial use and operation of the
Easyloc Standard RxTx. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the user guide
is available to personnel authorized and trained to use the device at all times. Any
personnel who will be using the devices should read the user guide thoroughly. The
manufacturer shall not be liable for any injury or damage to personnel or property,
which arise due to non-observance of the safety precautions contained in this user
guide.
Country specific standards and regulations should also be observed!
Working with products
from Megger
It is important to observe the general electric regulations of the particular country in
which the device will be setup and used, as well as current national regulations for
accident prevention and current company internal regulations (work, operating and
safety regulations).
The use of original accessories ensures system safety and reliable operation. The use
of other parts is not permitted and shall result in termination of the warranty.
Repair and maintenance
Repair and maintenance work may only be performed by Megger or authorized
service partners. Megger recommends having the system inspected and maintained
at a Megger service center once a year.
Megger also offers its customers on-site service. Please contact your respective
service center as needed.
Lines without a signal
The Easyloc Standard Rx can only locate lines which emit a signal. Therefore, it is
important to always exercise extreme caution when digging, even if no lines have been
found.
Electromagnetic
interference
Please note that electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of the receiver may negatively
affect the sensitivity of the device.

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2 Technical data
Receiver (all versions) The following parameters are specified for all versions of the receiver:
Parameter
Value
Power supply
10 x IEC R6 / AA cell
Operating time
40 hours (for intermittent use with alkaline
batteries, 20 °C)
Temperature range
• Operation
• Storage
in accordance with IEC / EN 60068-1
-20 °C to +55 °C
-30 °C to +70 °C
Weight
2.5 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D)
99 x 660 x 252 mm
Type of protection
Dust and water protected
in accordance with IEC / EN 60529
IP 67 from the lower edge of the receiver
up to the lower edge of the battery
compartment, and IP 56 for all parts
above this delineation
Receiver (Rx) The following parameters are specified for the Rx version of the receiver:
Parameter
Value
Frequency ranges
• Range 1: radio
15 kHz to 23 kHz
• Range 2: power network
50 Hz / 60 Hz
• Range 3: transmitter
32.768 kHz
Sensitivity
at a depth of 1 m
• Range 1: radio
• Range 2: power network
• Range 3: transmitter
>20 µA
>7 mA
>5 µA (at 32.768 kHz)
>40 µA (at 8.44 kHz)
Depth determination
(not available for Easyloc Basic)
… of a conductor
… of a probe
• Depth range
0.3 m … 5 m
(12 in … 16 ft)
0.3 m … 7 m
(12 in … 23 ft)
• Resolution
0.1 m
0.1 m
• Accuracy (assuming interference-free
signal transmission)
- Range 1: radio
- Range 2: power network
- Range 3: transmitter
±20 %
±20 %
±5 % (up to 2 m),
±20 % (2 m … 5 m)
±10 % (up to 2 m)
±20 % (2 m … 7 m)

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Transmitter Easyloc
Standard Tx The following parameters are specified for the Easyloc Standard Tx transmitter:
Parameter
Value
Transmitted power (switchable)
32.768 kHz
0.1 W / 0.5 W
Frequency
32.768 kHz
Power supply
6 x IEC R20 / D cell
Operating time
40 hours (for intermittent use with alkaline
batteries, 20 °C)
Temperature range
• Operation
• Storage
in accordance with DIN EN 60068-1
-20 °C to +55 °C
-30 °C to +70 °C
Weight
1.7 kg
Dimensions (W x H x D)
260 x 255 x 140 mm
Type of protection
Dust and water protected
in accordance with IEC / EN 60529
IP 54
Measurement category
in accordance with IEC / EN 61010-1
CAT II / CAT III 440 V
CAT IV 300 V

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Limit values and
standards
The following limit values and standards are applicable for the Easyloc Standard RxTx
location system:
Parameter
Value
Sinusoidal vibrations
Peak acceleration
Frequency
in accordance with IEC / EN 60068–2–6
20 m/s²
10 Hz … 150 Hz
Free fall
Max. height (packaged)
in accordance with IEC / EN 60068-2-32
80 cm (weight up to 10 kg)
Relative humidity
max. 93 % at 30 °C
Atmospheric pressure
max. 4 kPa
Protection class
(meets IEC / EN 61140)
III

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3 System overview
Intended use The Easyloc Standard RxTx location system is designed for the uncomplicated and
user-friendly determination of the location, orientation and depth of metallic lines (e.g.
cable and pipe lines).
It can be used to probe areas for unknown lines or for locating specific lines.
Features The Easyloc Standard RxTx is distinguished by the following features:
• Robust construction for use in poor weather and in harsh environments
• Simple, user-friendly operation concept with a minimum number of controls
• Reliable battery status indicator
Scope of delivery The Easyloc Standard RxTx location system is supplied in two different configurations.
The following table shows the scope of delivery for the configurations:
Configuration
Easyloc
Standard Rx
receiver set
Easyloc
Standard Tx
transmitter set
Equipment
Easyloc Standard Rx
receiver
1
-
Easyloc Standard Tx
transmitter
-
1
Measurement cable (2 m)
-
2
Alligator clip
-
2
Earthing spike
1
IEC R6 / AA cell
10
-
IEC R20 / D cell
-
6
Accessories Megger offers a wide range of accessories for the Easyloc Standard RxTx system
which can be ordered through your distributor:
• Transmitter clamp (100 mm) for the inductive coupling of a signal into exposed
lines
• House connection set for transmission of the house connection lines through the
mains power supply, telephone or cable TV connection
• Sonde Probe, battery powered mini-transmitter for locating non-metallic pipes

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3.1 Easyloc Standard Rx receiver
Features The Easyloc Standard Rx receiver is distinguished by the following features:
• passive signal modes for locating lines without the Easyloc Standard Tx transmitter
• active signal modes for locating lines / probes when used together with a
transmitter
• Automatic depth determination when used together with a transmitter
• Semi-automatic depth estimation in passive signal modes
• Sensitivity level can be adjusted automatically or manually
• Lighted display for use in dim environments
Components of the
receiver
The following illustration shows the components of the Easyloc Standard Rx receiver:
Item
Description
1
Control panel with display (see page 3-12)
2
Speaker with volume control
The speaker plays back various acoustic signals (e.g. beeps with
modulating pitch relative to the signal strength).
Quieter Louder
When the receiver is switched on, the volume is set at a standard level.
The receiver will only start with the volume at a different level if the
volume has been manually increased before switching off the receiver.
3
Headphone jack
To connect headphones with a 3.5 mm plug connector.
4
Battery compartment
5
Floor cap
This replaceable floor cap serves to protect the housing.
1
3
2
4
5

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Display and controls The following illustration shows the control panel and display for the Easyloc Standard Rx:
Control
element
Description
1
Light sensor
Light sensitive photo cells to automatically regulate the display lighting.
The display lighting can be manually activated for one minute by
briefly covering the light sensor.
2
On/Off switch
By quickly pressing this button the Easyloc Standard Rx can be switched
on or off.
The Easyloc Standard Rx will switch off automatically if no functions
are carried out within 7 minutes of being switched on.
3
Display
Provides a visual indication of reception strength, line depth, mode of
operation, battery status and menu items.
4
Button 1
Depending on the status of the system, this button is used to:
• Manually decrease reception sensitivity
• Start measuring depth
5
Button 2
Depending on the status of the system, this button is used to:
• Adjust reception sensitivity
• Start measuring depth
6
Button 3
Depending on the status of the system, this button is used to:
• Select the mode of operation / receiving frequency
• Manually increase reception sensitivity
1
2
3
5
4
6

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4
1
5
2
3
6
3.2 Easyloc Standard Tx transmitter
Features The Easyloc Standard Tx transmitter is distinguished by the following features:
• Inductive coupling of the signal using the integrated antenna or transmitter
clamp
• Direct (galvanic) coupling of the signal using connected equipment (such as the
measurement cable and power socket adapter)
• Two-step adjustable transmission power
• Selectable signal output – continuous or pulsed
Transmitter control panel The following illustration shows the control panel of the Easyloc Standard Tx:
Control
element
Description
1
Battery status indicator
When the battery status LED blinks in red, the batteries need to be
replaced.
2
On/Off switch
By quickly pressing this button the Easyloc Standard Tx can be switched
on or off.
All appropriate LED’s blink when the Easyloc Standard Tx is on,
depending on operating function.
3
“Signal type” button
This button is used to switch between continuous and pulsed signal
output.
4
Jacks for connecting accessories
These jacks are used to create a direct galvanic connection with the
target line or to create a connection using a special connection set (e.g.
EasyClamp transmitter clamp or house connection set).
5
“Mode” button
This button is used to switch between inductive and direct signal
coupling (galvanically or via transmitter clamp).
6
“Signal strength” button
This button is used to select one of two signal strength levels (see
Technical Data).

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4 Using the location system
4.1 Connection and initial use of the Easyloc Standard Tx transmitter
4.1.1 Transmitter signals and modes of operation
Signal characteristics The type and strength of the output signal can be configured by the user as follows
to meet the specific requirements of either the line to be located or the site to be
surveyed:
Symbol
Signal type
Pulsed signal
As it is more easily distinguished from other signals, the pulsed
signal is helpful for locating when there is interference within the
frequency range of the transmitter. This also helps to conserve the
batteries.
Depth measurements cannot be made using a pulsating signal!
Continuous signal
This signal type has to be activated before a taking a depth
measurement.
Signal strength
Low output signal strength
Low signal strength conserves the batteries.
High output signal strength
Mode of operation The Easyloc Standard Tx can be used in the following modes:
Symbol
Mode of operation
Tx
Induction
In this mode of operation, the transmitter's signal is emitted through
the integrated antenna and is thereby inductively coupled with any
metallic lines located within a certain radius.
Direct connection
In this mode of operation, the signal is directly coupled with a
metallic line via the measurement cable which is connected to the
jacks on the front panel of the transmitter. Transmitter clamps,
alligator clips or power socket adapters (for example) may be used
to connect the measurement cable to the lines.

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4.1.2 Options for direct and inductive signal coupling
4.1.2.1 Direct coupling on cables and pipes
Introduction Direct galvanic coupling is practical for cables which are easily accessible and free of
current. The method of connection is dependent upon the position and nature of the
lines (e.g. insulation, cable conduit, accessibility of the cable ends).
Direct coupling presents a reliable option for selective cable location, as the signal
can be coupled onto a specific cable with virtually no loss.
The following illustration shows an example of direct coupling:
WARNING
If the lines being located are energized, the following five safety precautions should
be taken before connecting the transmitter:
Five safety precautions
Disconnect power
Secure against reconnection
Check for presence of current
Make earth connection and short circuit
Cover or block access to adjacent components which are energized

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Principles of direct coupling The following table explains various basic principles of direct galvanic coupling:
Application
Principle of coupling
Single-wire lines or pipes (with or
without insulation against earthing)
The distance between the earth spike and
the ends of the connected lines should be
as great as possible.
There is a danger of the return current
flowing through the earth into adjacent
lines, which could result in their path
being followed.
1
Single-wire cable with metallic screen
and earthing insulation
Short circuit between internal conductor
and screen at the end of the cable with
earthing at the beginning and end of the
cable as well.
If the earth connections made are
unfavorable, the current in the
internal conductor and the return
current in the screen will cancel each
other out. Under certain
circumstances this can prevent the
cable from being detected.
Alternatively, a connection without an
earth connection can also be made.
2
Multiple-wire cable (internal conductor
connected or disconnected) with
metallic screen and earthing insulation
Same application as in example 1.
3
Metallic conduit (with or without
insulation against earthing)
The earth spike and the conduit should be
spaced as far apart as possible. Under
certain circumstances, optimum
positioning of the earth spike may require
several attempts.
4
If a return wire is available
The spacing of the return wire should
correspond to at least 10 times the depth
of the line being located.
5
Pair of wires (with or without screen)
with short circuit at the end of the cable
For twisted pairs of wires (with a
length of lay of the twist greater or
equal to the laying depth), the
orientation of the cable can be easily
determined.
Adjacent lines which are horizontal to
each other ð
Minimum of the reception signal
Lines situated on top of each other
vertically ð
Maximum of the reception signal
6

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4.1.2.2 Coupling using special connection accessories
Coupling via adapter
cable
The signal from the transmitter can be directly coupled into plug sockets, antenna
connections and telephone jacks with the aid of a suitable adapter cable. In doing
so, it is not necessary to disconnect the lines.
Megger offers a ready-made house connection set for this type of coupling (also
see section 3 System overview, page 3-10).
Coupling via transmitter
clamp
The transmitter signal can be coupled onto easily accessible cables with the aid of a
transmitter clamp. In doing so, it is not necessary to disconnect the cables.
By ensuring that the transmitter clamp is completely closed around the cable, only a
small leakage field will be generated. This can significantly reduce the unwanted
coupling of the signal onto neighboring lines.
Ideally the cables will be grounded at both ends; but even if they are not grounded at
one end, selecting high power transmitter output will assist easy location.

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4.1.2.3 Inductive signal coupling
Inductive signal coupling
For lines which are not easily accessible, the signal from the transmitter has to be
inductively coupled via the integrated antenna.
The inductive coupling of the signal is highly recommended if unknown lines are to
be located (e.g. at a construction site).
To determine the orientation of a specific line, the transmitter has to be positioned
directly above the presumed line as shown in the following illustration. In doing so,
the best signal coupling is achieved when the handle of the transmitter housing is
aligned with the presumed lay of the line.
When locating lines using inductive signal coupling, the following guidelines should
be observed:
• As the signal can be coupled onto other conductors when using inductive
coupling, direct coupling of the transmitter is always preferable when locating
lines selectively. Inductive signal coupling should only be opted for in cases
where the line being located is not easily accessible (see section 4.1.2.1 Direct
coupling on cables and pipes and section 4.1.2.2 Coupling using special
connection accessories).
• While taking measurements, make sure that a distance of at least 15 m is
always maintained between the receiver and transmitter in order to prevent the
coupling of the transmitter's signal through the air.
• When searching for unknown lines at a site, the position of the transmitter has to
be changed at least once by one meter and 90°.
• It is also a good idea to position the transmitter at visible cable ends such as at
distribution boxes or light poles.

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4.1.2.4 Signal coupling in non-metallic pipes
Signal coupling in non-
metallic pipes
Specifics of Sonde
probe location
The active Sonde probe is available as an accessory for the Easyloc Standard RxTx
location system (see section System overview, page 3-10).
When locating non-metallic pipes, the following guidelines should be observed:
• Contrary to the line location, a Sonde probe location has to be performed in
perpendicular position to the Sonde probe, i.e., the handle of the receiver has to
be held at right angle to the Sonde probe.
• Practice locating the Sonde probe before pushing it into the drain or duct.
• Strongest signal will be detected when the receiver is above and perpendicular
to the Sonde probe.
The signal transmitted by the Sonde probe results in three signal maxima on the
ground surface level. Typically, there is a smaller maximum in front of the actual
signal maximum and one behind it.
For this reason, it should be always evaluated whether there are further signal
maxima in front of or behind the detected signal maximum. An accurate depth
determination can only be performed directly above the actual (highest) signal
maximum.
If the receiver is operated in automatic sensitivity level adjustment mode, these
lower signal maxima are usually masked-out.

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4.1.3 Initial use of the transmitter
How to proceed Follow the steps listed below in order to prepare the transmitter to search for lines
in conjunction with the receiver:
Step
Action
1
Connect the transmitter to the line to be located using the most suitable
method, or place the transmitter on the site to be searched (see section
4.1.2 Options for direct and inductive signal coupling).
2
Press to switch on the transmitter.
3
Select the desired output signal using the P and M buttons (see
section 4.1 Connection and initial use of the Easyloc Standard Tx
transmitter, page 4-14).
A green LED indicates that the respective setting is active.
4
Select the desired mode of operation using the C button (see section
4.1 Connection and initial use of the Easyloc Standard Tx transmitter,
page 4-14).
Result: In Direct mode, an LED next to the symbol indicates
how good the connection is to the connected line:
• Green blinking: good (low-resistance) connection
• Alternating red and green: sufficient connection
• Red blinking: poor/no (high-resistance) connection
5
As described in chapter 4.2 Locating lines with the Easyloc Standard Rx
receiver
use the Easyloc Standard Rx to locate metallic conductors.