RIDGID SeekTech SR-20 User manual

Pipe, Cable and
Sonde Locator
•Français – 33
•Castellano – pág. 69
WARNING!
Read this Operator’s Manual
carefully before using this
tool. Failure to understand
and follow the contents of
this manual may result in
electrical shock, fire and/or
serious personal injury.
SeekTech®SR-20 Operator’s Manual
Patents Pending

Ridge ToolCompany
ii
SeekTechSR-20
Table of Contents
Recording Form for Machine Serial Number and Software Version .........................................................................................................1
General Safety Information
Work Area Safety........................................................................................................................................................................................2
Electrical Safety ..........................................................................................................................................................................................2
Battery Precautions.....................................................................................................................................................................................2
Personal Safety...........................................................................................................................................................................................2
SR-20 Use and Care...................................................................................................................................................................................2
Service ........................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Specific Safety Information
Important.....................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Specifications and Standard Equipment
Specifications..............................................................................................................................................................................................3
Standard Equipment ...................................................................................................................................................................................4
Frequencies ................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Icon Legend ................................................................................................................................................................................................5
SR-20 Components ........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Introduction to the SR-20
Installing/Changing Batteries ......................................................................................................................................................................7
Folding Mast................................................................................................................................................................................................7
SR-20 Modes ..............................................................................................................................................................................................7
Display Elements ........................................................................................................................................................................................7
Passive Trace Mode ...................................................................................................................................................................................9
Sonde Mode................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Default Frequencies....................................................................................................................................................................................9
Line Tracing
Active Line Tracing....................................................................................................................................................................................12
Operating Tips for Active Line Tracing......................................................................................................................................................14
Measuring Depth (Tracing Modes)............................................................................................................................................................15
Current and Signal Angle Reading............................................................................................................................................................16
Clipping (Tracing Modes)..........................................................................................................................................................................16
Passive Line Tracing.................................................................................................................................................................................16
Operating Tips for Passive Line Tracing...................................................................................................................................................17
Sonde Locating
Location Methods......................................................................................................................................................................................18
Tilted Sondes ............................................................................................................................................................................................20
Floating Sonde..........................................................................................................................................................................................20
Measuring Depth (Sonde Mode)...............................................................................................................................................................20
Clipping (Sonde Mode) .............................................................................................................................................................................21
Menus and Settings .....................................................................................................................................................................................21
Auto Menu Exit Count-down Timer ...........................................................................................................................................................22
Sonde Frequencies ..................................................................................................................................................................................22
Active and Passive Line Trace Frequencies.............................................................................................................................................22
Optional Features.........................................................................................................................................................................................23
Frequencies Selection Control..................................................................................................................................................................25
Restore Factory Defaults ..........................................................................................................................................................................26
Operating with the Distortion Line.............................................................................................................................................................27
A Better Way of Locating ............................................................................................................................................................................29
Getting the Most Out of Your SR-20 .........................................................................................................................................................29
Advantages of the Omnidirectional Antenna.............................................................................................................................................30
SR-20 Maintenance Instructions
Transportation and Storage ......................................................................................................................................................................31
Installing/Using Accessories .....................................................................................................................................................................31
Maintenance and Cleaning .......................................................................................................................................................................31
Locating Faulty Components ....................................................................................................................................................................31
Service and Repair.......................................................................................................................................................................................31
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................................................................................32
Lifetime Warranty ..........................................................................................................................................................................Back Cover

Pipe and
Cable Locator
SeekTech®SR-20
Patents Pending
SeekTech®SR-20
Record Serial Number below and retain product serial number for your records.
See information screen for serial number and software version.
Serial No.
Software Version

•Gloves should always be worn for health and safe-
ty reasons. Sewer lines are unsanitary and may con-
tain harmful bacteria and viruses.
•Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables bet-
ter control of the tool in unexpected situations.
•Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
•Use proper accessories. Do not place this product on
any unstable cart or surface. The product may fall
causing serious injury to a child or adult or serious
damage to the product.
•Prevent object and liquid entry. Never spill liquid of
any kind on the product. Liquid increases the risk of
electrical shock and damage to the product.
•Avoid Traffic. Pay close attention to moving vehi-
cles when using on or near roadways. Wear visible
clothing or reflector vests. Such precautions may
prevent serious injury.
SR-20 Use and Care
•Use equipment only as directed. Do not operate the
SR-20 unless you have read the owner manual and
been trained in its use.
•Do not immerse the antennas in water. Store in a
dry place. This will reduce the risk of electric shock and
instrument damage.
•Store idle equipment out of the reach of children
and other untrained persons. Equipment is danger-
ous in the hands of untrained users.
•Maintain the instrument with care. Properly main-
tained diagnostic instruments are less likely to cause in-
jury.
•Check for breakage of parts, and any other condi-
tions that may affect the SR-20’s operation. If dam-
aged, have the instrument serviced before using. Many
accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
•Use only accessories that are recommended by the
manufacturer for the SR-20. Accessories that may be
suitable for one instrument may become hazardous
when used on another.
•Keep handles dry and clean; free from oil and
grease. Allows for better control of the instrument.
•Protect against excessive heat. The product should
be situated away from heat sources such as radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves or other products (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
Ridge Tool Company
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General Safety Information
WARNING
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to fol-
low all instructions listed below may result in elec-
tric shock, fire, and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Work Area Safety
•Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas may cause accidents.
•Do not operate electrical devices or power tools in
explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or heavy dust. Electrical
devices or power tools create sparks which may ignite
the dust or fumes.
•Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a tool. Distractions can cause you to lose
control.
Electrical Safety
•Do not operate the system with electrical compo-
nents removed. Exposure to internal parts increases
the risk of injury.
•Avoid exposure to rain or wet conditions. Keep bat-
tery out of direct contact with water. Water entering
electrical devices increases the risk of electric shock.
•Do not probe high voltage line.
Battery Precautions
•Use only the size and type of battery specified. Do
not mix cell types (e.g. do not use alkaline with
rechargeable). Do not use partly discharged and fully
charged cells together (e.g. do not mix old and new).
•Recharge batteries with charging units specified
by the battery manufacturer. Using an improper
charger can overheat and rupture the battery.
•Properly dispose of the batteries. Exposure to high
temperatures can cause the battery to explode, so
do not dispose of in a fire. Some countries have reg-
ulations concerning battery disposal. Please follow
all applicable regulations.
Personal Safety
•Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use com-
mon sense. Do not use diagnostic tool while tired or
under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications.
A moment of inattention while operating tools may
result in serious personal injury.
SeekTech SR-20

Ridge Tool Company 3
Service
•Diagnostic instrument service must be performed
only by qualified repair personnel. Service or main-
tenance performed by unqualified repair personnel
could result in injury.
•When servicing a tool, use only identical replace-
ment parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance
Section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or
failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a
risk of electrical shock or injury.
•Follow instructions for changing accessories.
Accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
•Provide proper cleaning. Remove battery before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol clean-
ers. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
•Conduct a safety check. Upon completion of any ser-
vice or repair of this product, ask the service technician
to perform safety checks to determine that the product
is in proper operating condition.
•Damage to the product that requires service. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under any of
the following conditions:
• If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into
product;
• If product does not operate normally by following the
operating instructions;
• If the product has been dropped or damaged in
any way;
• When the product exhibits a distinct change in per-
formance.
CAUTION
Remove batteries entirely before shipping.
If you have any questions regarding the service or repair
of this machine, call or write to:
Ridge Tool Company
Technical Service Department
400 Clark Street
Elyria, Ohio 44035-6001
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
On the Web: www.ridgid.com
In any correspondence, please give all the information
shown on the nameplate of your tool including model
number and serial number.
Specific Safety Information
WARNING
Read this operator’s manual carefully before using
the SR-20. Failure to understand and follow the
contents of this manual may result in electrical
shock, fire and/or severe personal injury.
Call the Ridge Tool Company, Technical Service De-
partment at [phone] if you have any questions.
Important Notice
The SR-20 is a diagnostic tool that senses electromag-
netic fields emitted by objects underground. It is meant
to aide the user in locating these objects by recognizing
characteristics of the field lines and displaying them on
the screen. As electromagnetic field lines can be dis-
torted and interfered with, it is important to verify the lo-
cation 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 ex-
istence, location, and depth.
Ridge Tool Co., its affiliates 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.
Specifications and
Standard Equipment
Specifications
Weight w/batteries.........4 lbs. (1.8 kg.)
Weight w/o batteries......3.3 lbs. (1.5 kg.)
Dimensions:
Length ...........................11.2″(28.4 cm.)
Width .............................4.3″(1.3 cm.)
Height............................31.1″(78.9 cm.)
Power Source................4 C-size batteries, 1.5V
Alkaline (ANSI/NEDA 14A,
IEC LR14) or 1.2V NiMH or
NiCad rechargeable batteries
Power Rating:................6V, 550mA
Signal Strength..............Non-linear in function. 2000 is
10x higher than 1000, 3000 is
10x higher then 2000, etc.
SeekTech SR-20

Ridge Tool Company
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Operating Environment
Temperature................-4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
Humidity ......................5% to 95% RH
Storage Temperature .....-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Default Settings
The default settings for the locator are:
• Measured Depth units = Feet & Inches,
• Volume = 2 (two settings above mute),
• Proximity Threshold = 30 feet (10m)(Trace)
• 33 kHz (Active Line Trace Mode)
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
SeekTech SR-20
Exact Frequency Values (SR-20)
Sonde 16 Hz 16.0
512 kHz 512.0
640 Hz 640.0
850 Hz 850.0
8 kHz 8192
16 kHz 16384
33 kHz 32768
Active Line 128 Hz 128.0
Trace 1 kHz 1,024.0
8 kHz 8,192.0
33 kHz 32,768.0
Passive Line 50 Hz 50
Trace 50 Hz (5th) 250
50 Hz (9th) 540
60 Hz 60
60 Hz (5th) 300
60 Hz (9th) 540
Catalog
No. Description
12543 Additional Pole/Sonde Markers
21898 ST-305 Transmitter
21903 ST-510 Transmitter
20973 Inductive Clamp (4.75″)
16728 Remote Sonde
19788 Float Sonde (package of 2)
Catalog
No. Description
21893 SR-20 Locator
12543 Markers and Mast Holder
—Operator’s Manual
—4 C-cell batteries (alkaline)
—Training Video (DVD)
Frequencies
Default Frequencies
Active Line Trace.......128Hz, 1kHz, 8kHz, 33kHz
Power Line Trace ......60Hz (9th), <4kHz
Radio Frequencies ....Low (4-15kHz),
Radio Frequencies ....High (>15kHz)
Optional Frequencies
Sonde ........................16Hz, 512Hz, 640Hz,850Hz
8kHz,16kHz, 33kHz
Passive Line Trace.....50Hz, 50 Hz (5th), 50Hz (9th)
...................................60Hz, 60Hz (5th), 100Hz,
...................................120Hz
The following table shows the frequencies available in the
SR-20. The default frequencies shown are in Checked-
Active status in the instrument as shipped. Optional fre-
quencies may be added to the activated set as described
on page 25.

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SeekTech SR-20
Icon Legend
Display Icons
Keypad Icons
Sonde Frequency
Active Trace Frequency
Radio Frequency
Passive Line Trace Frequency
Distortion Line
Measured Distance/Depth
Signal Angle Indicator
Milliamp, Current
Proximity Threshold Control
Pole Icon
Up Arrow
Menu Select
Power ON/OFF Key
Menu Key
Frequency Key
Sound Key
Tracing Line
Down Arrow
Menu Icons
Equator
Pipe Direction
Proximity Signal
Depth Greater Than 3
Feet/1 Meter Threshold
Depth Greater Than 10
Feet/3 Meter Threshold
Depth Greater Than 30
Feet/10 Meter Threshold
Depth Greater Than 99
Feet/30 Meter Threshold
Signal Strength
Factory Default Reset
Menu Check Box
Audio Level
Battery Level
Low Battery Warning (flashing)
Level Pointer
(Signal Strength)
Watermark
(Signal Strength)
No Sonde Present
No Power Present
No Trace Present
No RF Present
Pass Bandwidth
Line Direction Gradient
Tools Menu
Backlight Settings
Screen Contrast Adjust
Display Elements
Frequency Selection Control
Information Screen
Menu Timeout
Counter
Go Up One Level
(Press Menu Key)

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SeekTech SR-20
Figure 3
SR-20 Components
Battery Compartment
Serial Port Connector
USB Connector
Serial Number Label
NOTE: USB/Serial Ports are
for loading new software
Display Screen
Keypad
Handle
Speaker
Folding Mast
Snap
Figure 2
Figure 1
Antenna Mast
Upper Antenna Node
Folding Joint
Guidance Antennas
Lower Antenna Node
Icon Reference

Figure 5 – 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 fre-
quency can be put onto a long conductor using a Line
Transmitter, for locating conductive pipes, lines, or ca-
bles.
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 nonconductive or cannot
otherwise be traced.
Note that the two Tracing modes, Active and Passive,
are identical except for the frequencies used. No trans-
mitter is used in Passive Trace mode.
Display Elements
The “basic features” of the SR-20 are ON by default.
They can be customized easily to suit the user’s re-
quirements.
Common Display Elements
Figure 6 – Common Display Elements
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SeekTech SR-20
Introduction to the SR-20
Installing/Changing Batteries
To install batteries into the SR-20 turn the unit over to ac-
cess the battery compartment. Turn the knob on the
battery cover counter clockwise. Pull straight up on the
knob to remove the cover. Insert the batteries as shown
on the inside decal and make sure they drop to full
contact. Fit the cover into the case and turn the knob
clockwise while lightly pressing down to close. The bat-
tery cover can be installed in either orientation.
Figure 4 – Battery Case
When the SR-20 is powered on, it takes a few seconds
to check the batteries. Until then the battery level will
show as “empty”.
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 fire.
Folding Mast
To begin operation, unfold the antenna mast and lock the
folding joint into place. When locating is complete, press
the red release lever to fold the antenna mast for storage.
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 re-
sults, and may eventually damage the antenna.
CAUTION
IMPORTANT! Do not snap or whip the SR-20 mast
to open or close it. Open it and close
it by hand only.
Release Button
Current
Strength
Signal Angle
Active
View Area
Crosshair
(Map
Center)
Measured
Depth/Distance
Battery Level
Mode
Frequency

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 field’s center; numeric value displayed in
degrees.
Battery Level – Indicates level of remaining bat-
tery capacity.
Measured Depth/Distance – Displays the mea-
sured 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
Figure 7 – Display Elements: (Line Trace Mode)
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SeekTech SR-20
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 antenna mode.
Tracing Line – The Tracing Line represents the
approximate axis of the detected field. It represents de-
tected distortion in the field by appearing less focused.
(See page 25 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 de-
gree of distortion present in a signal. (See page 26.)
Guidance Arrows – The Guidance Arrows serve
to steer the operator toward the center of the detected
field, both arrows are displayed on the screen when
crossing the center of an undistorted field. If the signals
are unequal, the Guidance Arrows show which way the
field appears to be relative to the receiver.
NOTE! The Tracing Line reflects the approximate axis of
the conductor being traced. The Tracing Line
will appear to grow unfocused in proportion to the
distortion in the field being detected.
It represents the best possible calculation of
the location and bearing of the line combined
with the degree of distortion sensed by the re-
ceiver’s Omnidirectional Antennas.
The distortion response feature of the Tracing
Line can be disabled. When it is, the screen
displays two lines – a solid Tracing Line ( )
representing the axis of the detected conductor’s
field as seen by the lower antenna node, and a
distortion line ( ) representing the same field
as seen by the upper antenna node.
(For more information about distortion, see
pages 12 and 26.)
Signal
Strength
Proximity
Signal
Tracing Line
Guidance
Arrows