Megger Easyloc RxTx User manual

Operating Instructions
Easyloc RxTx
Easyloc RxTx +
Easyloc Basic
Easyloc CAM
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1-3
Consultation with Megger
The present system manual has been designed as an operating guide and for reference. It is meant to answer your
questions and solve your problems in as fast and easy a way as possible. Please start with referring to this manual
should any trouble occur.
In doing so, make use of the table of contents and read the relevant paragraph with great attention. Furthermore,
check all terminals and connections of the instruments involved.
Should any question remain unanswered or should you need the help of an authorized service station, please
contact:
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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1-4
Terms of Warranty
Megger accept responsibility for a claim under warranty brought forward by a customer for a product sold by
Megger under the terms stated below.
Megger warrant 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 agree 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, batteries and accumulators.
Megger reject all further claims under warranty, in particular those from consequential damage. Each component
and product replaced in accordance with this warranty becomes the property of Megger.
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
station.
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, will 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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1-5
Table of contents
1Notes on safety ................................................................................................................ 1-6
2Technical data .................................................................................................................. 2-7
3System overview ............................................................................................................ 3-10
3.1 Easyloc Rx receiver ........................................................................................................3-11
3.2 Easyloc Tx transmitter ....................................................................................................3-13
4Using the location system............................................................................................. 4-14
4.1 Connection and initial use of the Easyloc Tx transmitter ................................................. 4-14
4.1.1 Transmitter signals and modes of operation .............................................................4-14
4.1.2 Options for direct and inductive signal coupling ........................................................ 4-15
4.1.2.1 Direct coupling on cables and pipes ..................................................................................4-15
4.1.2.2 Coupling using special connection accessories.................................................................4-17
4.1.2.3 Inductive signal coupling ....................................................................................................4-18
4.1.2.4 Signal coupling in non-metallic pipes .................................................................................4-19
4.1.3 Initial use of the transmitter.......................................................................................4-20
4.2 Locating lines with the Easyloc Rx receiver ....................................................................4-21
4.2.1 Changing the system settings...................................................................................4-21
4.2.1.1 Depth measurement settings (not available for Easyloc Basic).........................................4-21
4.2.1.2 Changing the receiving frequency......................................................................................4-22
4.2.2 The basics of locating lines with the receiver ............................................................ 4-23
4.2.2.1 Modes of operation for the receiver ...................................................................................4-23
4.2.2.2 Regulating the sensitivity level to match the reception signal strength ..............................4-24
4.2.2.3 Handling the receiver and locating the line ........................................................................4-25
4.2.3 General site surveying ..............................................................................................4-26
4.2.4 Determining the direction of a line............................................................................. 4-27
4.2.5 Determining the depth of a line (not available for Easyloc Basic).............................. 4-28
4.2.6 Masking-Out Lines.................................................................................................... 4-31
4.2.7 Functional test of the receiver ...................................................................................4-32
5Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 5-34
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1-6
1 Notes on safety
Safety precautions This handbook contains basic instructions for the initial use and operation of the
Easyloc RxTx. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the handbook is available
to personnel authorised and trained to use the device at all times. Any personnel who
will be using the devices should read the handbook 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 handbook.
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 authorised
service partners. Megger recommends having the system inspected and maintained
at a Megger service centre once a year.
Megger also offers its customers on-site service. Please contact your respective
service centre as needed.
Lines without a signal The Easylox 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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2-7
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 / Mignon
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 bis +55 °C
-30 °C bis +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, Rx+ and
Basic)
The following parameters are specified for the Rx, Rx+ and the Basic version of the
receiver:
Parameter Value
Frequency ranges
• Range 1: radio
•Range 2: power network
• Range 3: transmitter
15 kHz to 23 kHz
50 Hz / 60 Hz
100 Hz / 120 Hz (only Rx +)
32.768 kHz
8.44 kHz (only Rx +)
Sensitivity
• Range 1: radio
•Range 2: power network
• Range 3: transmitter
at a depth of 1 m
>20 µA
>7 mA
>5 µA (at 32.768 kHz)
>40 µA (bei 8.44 kHz)
Depth determination
(not available for Easyloc Basic)
•Depth range
•Resolution
•Accuracy (assuming interference-free
signal transmission)
- Range 1: radio
- Range 2: power network
- Range 3: transmitter
… of a conductor
… of a probe
0.3 m … 5 m
(12 in … 16 ft)
0.1 m
±20 %
±20 %
±5 % (up to 2 m),
±20 % (2 m … 5 m)
0.3 m … 7 m
(12 in … 23 ft)
0.1 m
±10 % (up to 2 m)
±20 % (2 m … 7 m)
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2-8
Receiver (CAM) The following parameters are specified for the CAM version of the receiver:
Parameter Value
Frequency ranges
• Range 1: power network
• Range 2: transmitter
• Range 3: transmitter
50 Hz / 60 Hz
512 Hz / 640 Hz
32.768 kHz
Sensitivity
50 Hz / 60 Hz
32.768 kHz
512 Hz, 640 Hz
at a depth of 1 m
>7 mA
>5 µA
>100 µA
Depth determination
(not available for Easyloc Basic)
•Depth range
•Resolution
•Accuracy (assuming interference-
free signal transmission)
- Range 1: power network
- Ranges 2 and 3: transmitter
… of a conductor … of a probe
0.3 m … 5 m
(12 in … 16 ft)
0.1 m
±20 %
±5 % (up to 2 m),
±20 % (2 m … 5 m)
0.3 m … 7 m
(12 in … 23 ft)
0.1 m
±10 % (up to 2 m)
±20 % (2 m … 7 m)
Transmitter Easyloc Tx The following parameters are specified for the Easyloc Tx transmitter:
Parameter Value
Transmitted power (switchable)
32.768 kHz
8.44 kHz (only Tx+)
0.1 W / 0.5 W
0.5 W / 2 W
Frequency 32.768 kHz
Power supply
6 x IEC R20 / D cell / Mono
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 bis +55 °C
-30 °C bis +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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2-9
Limit values and
standards
The following limit values and standards are applicable for the Easyloc 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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3-10
3 System overview
Intended use The Easyloc 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.
Versions of the receiver In addition to the standard version Easyloc Rx, there are three more versions of the
receiver with the following features:
•Easyloc Rx + - with an extended frequency selection
•Easyloc CAM - exclusively used for location of probes (e.g. camera probes) in
specific frequency ranges (32.768 kHz, 512 Hz, 640 Hz)
•Easyloc Basic - version without depth measurement
Whenever the term Easyloc RX is used without further qualification in the course of this
document, the described functionality applies for all versions of the receiver.
Features The Easyloc 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 RxTx location system is supplied in three different configurations. The
following table shows the scope of delivery for the various configurations:
Configuration Easyloc RxTx system
(incl. transmitter and receiver)
Easyloc Rx
receiver set
Easyloc Tx
transmitter set
Equipment
Easyloc Rx receiver 1 1 -
Easyloc Tx transmitter 1 - 1
Measurement cable (2 m) 2 - 2
Alligator clip 2 - 2
Earthing spike 1 1
IEC R6 / AA cell /
Mignon
10 10 -
IEC R20 / D cell / Mono 6 - 6
Nylon bag 1 - -
Accessories Megger offers a wide range of accessories for the Easyloc 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
•FlexiSonde, emitting fibreglass cable for locating non-metallic pipes
•Probe, battery powered mini-transmitter for locating non-metallic pipes
•Nylon bag, exclusively for the receiver
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3.1 Easyloc Rx receiver
Features The Easyloc Rx receiver is distinguished by the following features:
•passive signal modes for locating lines without the Easyloc Tx transmitter
•active signal modes for locating lines / probes when used together with a
transmitter
•Automatic depth determination when used together with a transmitter (not
available for Easyloc Basic)
•Semi-automatic depth estimation in passive signal modes (not available for
Easyloc Basic)
•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 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
2
4
5
3
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3-12
Display and controls The following illustration shows the control panel and display for the Easyloc 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 Rx can be switched on or off.
The Easyloc 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 (not available for Easyloc Basic)
5 Button 2
Depending on the status of the system, this button is used to:
•Adjust reception sensitivity
•Start measuring depth (not available for Easyloc Basic)
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
4
3
2
6
5
1
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3-13
3.2 Easyloc Tx transmitter
Features The Easyloc 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 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 Tx can be switched on or off.
All appropriate LED’s blink when the Easyloc 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).
1
4
6
3
2
5
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4-14
4 Using the location system
4.1 Connection and initial use of the Easyloc 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 Tx can be used in the following modes:
Symbol Mode of operation
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.
Frequency selection
(only Tx +)
The Tx + version does have two additional buttons for frequency selection:
Symbol Frequency
32.768 kHz
8.44 kHz
8
33
Tx
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4-15
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:
If the lines being located are energised, the following five safety precautions should
be taken before connecting the transmitter:
Five safety precautions
1. Disconnect power
2. Secure against reconnection
3. Check for presence of current
4. Make earth connection and short circuit
5. Cover or block access to adjacent components which are energised
WARNING
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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.
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
unfavourable, 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.
Multiple-wire cable (internal conductor
connected or disconnected) with
metallic screen and earthing insulation
Same application as in example 1.
Metallic conduit (with or without
insulation against earthing)
The ear
th 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.
If a return wire is available
The spacing of the return wire should
correspond to at le
ast 10 times the depth
of the line being located.
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 
Minimum of the reception signal
Lines situated on top of each other
vertically 
Maximum of the reception signal
3
2
1
4
5
6
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4-17
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 neighbouring 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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4-18
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 metre 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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4-19
4.1.2.4 Signal coupling in non-metallic pipes
Signal coupling in non-
metallic pipes
With the aid of the FlexSonde GOK50-R the transmitter's signal can be transmitted
through non-metallic pipes, as shown in the picture below:
Alternatively, any other active
probe (e.g. a camera probe) with adequate
transmitting frequency (see Technical Data) can be located using the receiver. For a
detailed description, please refer to the manual of the respective product.
Both the FlexSonde GOK50-R and an active probe are available as accessories for
the Easyloc RxTx location system (see section System overview, page 3-10).
When locating non-metallic pipes, the following guidelines should be observed:
•Co
ntrary to the line location, a probe location has to be performed in
perpendicular position to the probe, i.e., the handle of the receiver has to be hold
at right angle to the probe.
•Practice locating the probe or FlexSonde head before pushing it into the drain or
duct.
•Strongest signal will be detected when the receiver is above and perpendicular
to the probe (as shown in the picture).
Specifics of probe
location
The signal transmitted by the 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
de
termination 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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4-20
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 and buttons (see
section 4.1 Connection and initial use of the Easyloc Tx transmitter,
page 4-14).
A green LED indicates that the respective setting is active.
4 Select the desired mode of operation using the button (see section
4.1 Connection and initial use of the Easyloc 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 Rx receiver
use the Easyloc Rx to locate metallic conductors.
C
M
P
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