RIDGID SeekTech SR-20 User manual

RIDGE TOOL COMPANY
Tools For The ProfessionalTM
SeekTech
SR-20

Ridge Tool Company 1
Tools For The ProfessionalTM
seekTech sR-20
General Safety Information
WARNING! Read these instructions
and the accompanying safety
booklet carefully before using
this equipment. If you are
uncertain about any aspect of using this tool,
contact your RIDGID distributor for more
information.
Failure to understand and follow all
instructions may result in electric shock,
re, and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
CAUTION: Remove batteries entirely before shipping.
If you have any questions regarding the service or repair
of this machine, contact your Ridgid distributor, your local
Ridgid oce or Ridge Tool Europe at info.europe@ridgid.
com
DANGER
•The SR-20 is a diagnostic tool that senses electromagnetic
elds emitted by objects underground. It is meant to
aide the user in locating these objects by recognizing
characteristics of the eld lines and displaying them on
the screen. As electromagnetic eld lines can be distorted
and interfered with, it is important to verify the location
of underground objects before digging.
•Several utilities may be underground in the same
area. Be sure to follow local guidelines and one-call
service procedures.
•Exposing the utility is the only way to verify its
existence, location, and depth.
•Ridge Tool Co., its aliates and suppliers, will not be
liable for any injury or any direct, indirect, incidental
or consequential damages sustained or incurred by
reason of the use of the SR-20.
In any correspondence, please give all the information shown
on the nameplate of your tool including model number and
serial number.
GB
SeekTech SR-20
Operating Instructions

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SR-20 Components
Figure 1: SR-20 Components
Battery Compartment
Serial Port Connector
USB Connector
Icon Reference
Note: USB/ Serial Ports are
for loading new software
Serial Number Label
Antenna Mast
Upper Antenna
Node
Folding Joint
Lower Antenna
Node
Guidance
Antennas
Display Screen
Keypad
Handle
Speaker
Folding Mast Snap

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Introduction to the SR-20
Getting Started
Installing/Changing Batteries
Figure 2: Battery Case
CAUTION: Do not allow debris or moisture into battery
compartment. Debris or moisture may short the battery
contacts, leading to rapid discharge of the batteries, which
could result in electrolyte leakage or risk of re.
Folding Mast
IMPORTANT! Do not snap or whip the SR-20 mast to open or
close it. Open it and close it by hand only.
NOTE: Avoid dragging the lower antenna node on the
ground while locating with the SR-20. It may cause signal
noise which will interfere with results, and may eventually
damage the antenna.
Figure 3: Folding Antenna Mast and Release Button
SR-20 Modes
The SR-20 operates in three distinct modes. They are:
1. Active Line Trace Mode, used when a chosen
frequency can be put onto a long conductor using a
Line Transmitter, for locating conductive pipes, lines,
or cables.
2. Passive Trace Mode, used for tracing electrical lines
that are already carrying 60 Hz current (U.S.), 50 Hz
current (Europe), or radio frequencies.
3. Sonde Mode, used for locating Sondes in pipes,
conduits, or tunnels that are non-conductive or
cannot otherwise be traced.
Release Button

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Display Elements
The “basic features” of the SR-20 are on by default. Features
can be turned o or hidden to make the display clearer when
doing basic locating in uncomplicated situations.
Common Display Elements
Current Strength/
Signal Angle
Battery Level
Crosshairs
(Map Center)
Active View Area
Frequency
Mode
Depth/
Distance
Figure 4: Common Display Elements
The display screen in Active Line Trace, Passive Line Trace or
Sonde mode will show the following features:
• Active View Area – The area inside the circle on the
SR-20 display where the Tracing Line, Guidance Arrows,
and crosshairs are displayed.
• mA Current Strength – Proportional to current on
the line. Switches to Signal Angle when Signal Angle is
greater than 35°.
• Signal Angle – Field tilt from the horizontal; angle
toward the eld’s center; numeric value displayed in
degrees.
• Battery Level – Indicates level of remaining
battery capacity.
• Measured Depth/Distance – Displays the measured
depth when receiver is touching the ground directly over
signal source. Displays computed distance when the
antenna mast is pointed at a signal source in some other
manner. Displays feet/inches (U.S.A. default) or meters
(European default).
• Mode – Icon for Sonde , Line Trace , Power (Passive
Line Trace) , or Radio Frequency mode.
• Frequency – Shows current frequency setting in hertz or
kilohertz.
• + Crosshairs (Map Center) – shows operator’s position
relative to the target center.
Display Elements: Active Line Trace Mode
Proximity
Signal
Guidance Arrows
Tracing Line
Signal Strength
Figure 5: Display Elements (Line Trace Mode)
In Active Line Trace Mode, the following features will also be
displayed:
• Proximity Signal – Numerical indication showing how
close the signal source is to the locator. Displays from 1 to
999. (Line Trace modes only)
• Signal Strength – Strength of signal as sensed by the
lower Omnidirectional antenna.
• Tracing Line – The Tracing Line represents the
approximate axis of the detected eld. It represents detected
distortion in the eld by appearing less focused. (See page 22
for information on setting the sensitivity and how to enable
or disable the distortion response in the Tracing Line.)
• Distortion Line – If the normal distortion
response of the Tracing Line is disabled, a second line is
shown, which represents the signal from the upper antenna
node. By comparing the two lines, the user can estimate the
degree of distortion present in a signal.
• Guidance Arrows – The Guidance Arrows serve to
steer the operator toward the center of the detected eld, by
showing when the signals reaching the left and right.
Proximity
Signal Tracing Line
Guidance Arrows
Signal Strength
Frequency
Depth/
Distance
Mode
Current Strength/
Signal Angle
Battery Level
Active View Area
Crosshairs
(Map Center)

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Display Elements: Passive Trace Mode
The screen elements in Passive Trace Mode are the same as
those seen in Active Line Trace mode.
Display Elements: Sonde Mode
Figure 6: Display Elements: Sonde Mode
In Sonde mode, the screen elements include several features
that are unique to Sonde locating.
• | | Pipe Direction – Represents the approximate
direction of Sonde.
• Sonde Icon – Appears when approaching the
location of a Sonde.
• Equator – Represents the mid-line of the Sonde’s
eld perpendicular to the axis of the Poles.
• Pole Icon – Represents the location of either of the
two Poles of the Sonde’s dipole eld.
• Zoom Ring – Appears when the locator moves
close to a Pole.
The use of these features is described in the Active Line
Tracing, Passive Line Tracing, and Sonde Locating sections.
Default Frequencies
Currently available frequencies in default setting include:
Sonde Mode
• 512 Hz
Active Line Trace Mode:
• 128 Hz
• 1 kHz
• 8 kHz
• 33 kHz
Passive Line Trace Mode:
• 50 Hz (9th)
• < 4 kHz
Radio Frequency
• 4 kHz—15 kHz (L)
• > 15 kHz (H)
Pipe Direction
Signal
Strength Pole Icon
Sonde Icon
Zoom Ring
Equator

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Keypad
Figure 7: Keypad
• Power On/O Key – Powers SR-20 on.
• Up and Down Keys – Used for locating choices during
menu selection.
• Signal Focus – If activated, the Up and Down Keys
will change the Signal Focus setting up and down. A long
press (greater than ½ second) on these keys will adjust
the Proximity Threshold, while a quick press will adjust
the Signal Focus.
• Select Key – Used to make a choice during Menu
selection; in normal operation, to force a Measured Depth
reading and recenter audio tone.
• Menu Key – Used to display a “tree” of choices including
frequency selections, display element choices, brightness
and contrast, and restoring default settings. In a menu, will
move up one level.
• Volume Control Key – Used to raise or lower the volume
setting.
• Frequency Key – Used to set the In-Use Frequency of the
SR-20 from the set of Checked-Active frequencies. The list of
frequencies that have been set to Checked-Active status can
be modied via the Menu Key. Frequencies are grouped into
four sets: Sonde Frequencies ( ), Line Trace Frequencies
( ), Power Frequencies ( ) and Radio Frequencies ( ).
Each press cycles to the next Checked-Active frequency.
• Light Sensor – In Automatic mode, the light sensor controls
when the backlight goes on or o depending on ambient
light.
Operation Time
Using alkaline cells, typical operation time is from about 12
to 24 hours depending on sound volume and how often the
backlight is on. Other factors that aect the operation time
will include chemistry of the battery (many of the new high
performance batteries, such as the “Duracell® ULTRA” last
10%-20% longer than conventional alkaline cells under high
demand applications). Operation at lower temperatures will
also reduce battery life.
To preserve battery life, the SR-20 will automatically shut
down after 1 hour of no key presses. Simply power the unit
on to resume use.
Low Battery Warning
When the battery gets low, a battery icon will periodically
appear in the map area on the screen.
Figure 8: Low-Battery Warning
Just before complete shut down there will be a
non-interruptible power down sequence. An extended buzz
will sound when the SR-20 is about to go into shutdown
sequence.
NOTE: Voltage on rechargeable batteries may sometimes
drop so quickly that the unit will just shut down. The unit
will power down and restart. Just replace the batteries and
power the unit back on.
Frequency Key Down Key
Menu Navigation/Signal Focus/
Proximity Threshold Control
Light Sensor
Select Key
Audio Tone Reset/Menu Item Select
Up Key
Menu Navigation/Signal Focus/
Proximity Threshold Control
Volume Controle Key
Power ON/
OFF Key
Menu Key

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Starting Up
After pressing the Power Key on the keypad, the RIDGID
logo displays, and the software version number will appear
on the left of the screen.
Figure 9: Start-up Screen
Set Up
Once the SR-20 is up and running the next step is to set up
the frequencies needed that match the transmitter or line to
be located.
Checked-Active frequencies are already selected for use and
appear in sequence by pressing the Frequency Key . (For
example, the line trace frequency of 33 kHz is available by
pressing the Frequency Key.)
Figure 10: Frequency Key
Figure 11:Line Trace Frequency
Selected with Frequency Key
Activating Frequencies
Frequencies can be chosen for the set of Checked-Active
frequencies so they will be available using the Frequency
Key .
Each frequency is activated by choosing it from a list in the
Main Menu (See Figure 13). Frequencies are grouped by
category:
Sonde
Active Line Trace
Passive Line Trace
Radio
1. Push the Menu Key :
Figure 12: Menu Key
The Main Menu screen is then activated:
Figure 13: Main Menu
2. Using the Up and Down Keys, highlight the
frequency desired (Figure 14). In this example, the
operator is activating a 128 Hz frequency.
Figure 14: Highlighting a Desired Frequency (128 Hz)

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3. Press the Select Key (shown below) to check the
box for each frequency to be used.
Figure 15: Select Key
Figure 16: Desired Frequency Checked
4. Frequencies that have been selected for use will show
a check in the box next to them.
5. Press the Menu Key again to accept the choice
and exit.
Figure 17: Menu Key
The Main Menu lists all frequencies available for activation.
For information on adding additional frequencies to the Main
Menu so they can be chosen for activation, see “Frequencies
Selection Control” on page 22.
Sounds of the SR-20
The sound level is driven by the proximity to the target. The
closer to the target, the higher the sound pitch will be. A
rising tone indicates increasing signal.
In Active Line Trace or Passive Line Trace mode, sound is on
one continuous curve and does not rescale.
When there is no distortion present, the sound of the SR-20 is
a clear warbling sound when on the left side of the detected
eld, with a slight click added when on the right side of the
detected eld. If distortion is detected a sound similar to
AM radio static sound can be heard, which gets stronger as
the degree of distortion increases. If the distortion response
feature is disabled, the static sound does not occur.
In Sonde Mode, the pitch will “ratchet” upward. That is, it will
rise and then rescale (fall) in pitch while approaching the
Sonde. Moving away from the Sonde, it will drop to a lower
pitch and remain there as long as one moves away from the
Sonde.
If desired, force the sound to recenter at a medium level (in
any mode) by pressing the Select Key during operation.
Key Items in Using the SR-20
SIGNAL STRENGTH represents the strength of the eld being
detected by the lower antenna node of the SR-20, converted
mathematically for scalability. In a clear and undistorted eld,
you can locate based on Signal Strength alone.
PROXIMITY SIGNAL reects the proximity of the locator to
the target utility; the closer the locator moves to the center
of the detected eld, the higher the Proximity Signal number
gets. The Proximity Signal is calculated from the ratio of the
signals received at the lower and upper antennas, adjusted
for scalability.
DISTORTION is the degree to which the eld detected is
deformed from the simple circular shape of an ideal magnetic
eld caused by current in a long conductor. If multiple elds
are present, the detected eld is pushed or pulled out of
shape and the dierent antennas will pick up dierent eld
strengths. Distortion is reected by the Tracing Line growing
unfocused instead of sharp on the display screen.
GUIDANCE ARROWS are driven by the signals received at the
side-wheel antennas of the SR-20. When the elds detected
by these side antennas are equal, the arrows will center. If
one is receiving a stronger eld signal than the other, the
arrows will point toward the probable center of the target
conductor.

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Line Tracing with the SR-20
Active Line Tracing
In active line tracing, underground lines are energized with a
Line Transmitter.
Line transmitters energize lines by direct connection with
clips, by directly inducing the signal using a clamp, or by
inducing the signal using inductive coils built into the
transmitter.
WARNING: Connect the ground lead and the power lead
of the transmitter before powering the transmitter on, to
avoid electric shock.
1. Energize the target conductor according to the
transmitter manufacturer’s instructions. Select the
transmitter frequency. Set the frequency used on the
SR-20 to the same frequency used on the transmitter
using the Frequency Key. Be sure the frequency has a
line trace icon .
Direct Connect Method: The transmitter is attached by
direct metal-to-metal connection to the target conductor at
some access point such as a valve, a meter, or other point.
Important: The connection between the transmitter and the
conductor must be a clean, rm connection. The transmitter
is also connected to a ground stake providing a strong open
path to ground. Important: A weak ground connection is
the most frequent cause of a poor tracing circuit. Make sure
the transmitter is well connected to ground, and has enough
exposure to the ground to allow current to ow through the
circuit.
Inductive Clamp Mode: The transmitter is connected to an
inductive clamp which is then closed around a pipe or cable.
The transmitter energizes the clamp, which then induces a
current in the conductor.
InductiveMode:Thetransmitterisplacedovertheconductor,
at right angles to it.There is no direct connection; the internal
coils of the transmitter generate a strong eld through
the ground which induces a current in the underground
conductor of interest. Important: If the transmitter is too
close to the SR-20 in this mode, it can cause “air-coupling”
which means the locator is reading on the transmitter’s eld,
not on the target conductor.
Figure 18:Line Trace Frequency Chosen
with the Frequency Key
(This screen will ash briey when a
new frequency is chosen)
2. Observe the Proximity Signal to ensure that the
receiver is picking up the transmitted signal. The
Proximity Signal should peak over the line and drop
o on either side.
3. When tracing, the direction the pipe or cable is
running will be shown on the screen by theTracing
Line. The Tracing Line will be a clear, single line if the
eld being detected is undistorted.
Figure 19: Tracing Line Showing Low Distortion
4. If other elds are interfering in some way, the
distortion caused by those elds will be reected by
a blurring of the Tracing Line. This alerts the operator
that the apparent axis of the line may be inuenced
by other elds, and requires careful evaluation. The
more distorted the detected eld, the broader the
cloud around the Tracing Line will be.
The Tracing Line has three important functions.
It represents the location, and the direction, of the
signal being traced. It reects changes in direction
of the target utility — when the utility makes a turn,
for example. And it helps recognize signal distortion.
It does this by becoming cloudier as distortion
increases.
Tracing Line