Rycom 8879 User manual

8879
Users Manual
Cable, Pipe and Fault Locator
RYCOM Instruments
9351 East 59th Street
Raytown, MO 64133
816.353.2100
800.851.7347
Fax: [phone]
www.rycominstruments.com
[email protected]
Part Number:
030-00086-00
now that the world is wired...
where in the world is your wire?

Table of Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Prepare for Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
FAULT LOCATING WITH THE 8879
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Ground Return Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-17
SONDE LOCATING WITH THE 8879
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Locating the Sonde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-20
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-22
Factory Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
TRANSMITTER OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
AC Resistance Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Transmitter Rechargeable Battery Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
AC Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Automotive Charger/Power Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Direct Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Coupler Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Inductive Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Blind Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Notes on Selecting the Tracing Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
RECEIVER OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Locating the Cable or Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Selecting the Locating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Peak Mode Locating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Null Mode Locating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Absolute Signal Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Signal Strength Adjusted for Depth (current measurement) . . . .12
Gain Change Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Passive 50/60 Hz Locating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Push Button Digital Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Depth Measurement 45º Angle Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Tilted Magnetic Field Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
1

Introduction Congratulations on the purchase of your new RYCOM Cable, Pipe and Fault Locator. The
8878 Series is specially designed to detect buried power cables, CATV cables, gas and water
pipes, sewer lines, telephone cables, fiber optic cables with sheath.
Warning
The 8878 is designed to detect the electromagnetic field emitted from buried metallic
utilities. There are buried cables, pipes, and utilities this instrument cannot detect.
LOCATING is not an exact science. The only way to be sure of the existence, location
or depth of buried utilities is to expose the utility.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
RYCOM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO DISTRIBUTOR, RESELLER, OR ANY OTHER PER-
SON FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, OR INJURY OF ANY TYPE WHATSOEVER, AND CAUSED DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY BY PRODUCTS SOLD OR SUPPLIED BY RYCOM INSTRUMENTS, INC..
The TRANSMITTER applies a tracing signal onto a cable or pipe. The RECEIVER detects the trac-
ing signal. You can locate the relative position of the buried pipe or cable by following the trac-
ing signal.
8879 Cable, Pipe and Fault Locator
RECEIVER 001-00216-00
TRANSMITTER (NON-RECHARGEABLE) 001-00217-01
TRANSMITTER (RECHARGEABLE) 001-00217-00
USER’SMANUAL 030-00078-00
TRAINING VIDEO 035-00001-00
RED/BLACK CORD(LARGE CLAMP) 151-00052-00
GROUND ROD 211-00015-01
AC CHARGER 750-00014-00
AC CHARGER 230 VOLT 750-00003-00
(RECHARGEABLE TRANSMITTER ONLY)
DC CHARGER 750-00016-00
6 - DURACELL “C” BATTERIES 770-00022-00
8 - DURACELL “D” BATTERIES 770-00023-00
(NON-RECHARGEABLE TRANSMITTER ONLY)
Prepare for Use
Unpack your new RYCOM locator. Make sure there is no shipping damage and all the parts are included.
Locate the battery compartment on the back of the “head” of the RECEIVER. Open the compartment using
a phillips screwdriver. Install the six Duracell “C” batteries as marked.
Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the TRANSMITTER. Remove the two screws from the bat-
tery compartment door. Install the eight Duracell “D” batteries as marked.
Note: For longer battery life and reliable operation under adverse conditions, use only Duracell alkaline bat-
teries.
WARNING LETHAL VOLTAGES PRESENT
AT THE OUTPUT OF THE TRANSMITTER
8879 Accessories
HARD INDUCTIVE CLAMP(82KHZ) 100-00134-00
HARD INDUCTIVE CLAMP (82KHZ/8KHZ) 100-00193-00
FLEXICOUPLER (815HZ/ 82KHZ100-00110-00
FLEXICOUPLER (82KHZ/ 8KHZ) 100-00166-00
GROUND RETURN PROBE 001-00087-01
815HZSEWER SONDE 001-00116-00
8K SEWER SONDE 001-00116-02
815HZDUCT PROOFING SONDE 001-00144-00
HEADSET 743-00013-00
2
Part Numbers

8879 Series
Transmitter Controls and Indicators
RECHARGER
JACK OUTPUT
FREQUENCY
CONTROL
BATTERIES NEED
REPLACEMENT
OR CHARGING
TRANSMITTER
ON INDICATOR
OUTPUT
SIGNAL
CONTROL
SIGNAL
OUTPUT JACK
OUTPUT
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
OUTPUT
CIRCUIT
IMPEDANCE
OUTPUT CIRCUIT BREAKER
The circuit breaker is tripped if the TRANSMITTER is subjected to a voltage of 250V
or 1.5 amps.
TX OUTPUT (SIGNAL OUTPUT JACK)
The TX OUTPUT is the jack. The RED/BLACK CORD and the FLEXICOUPLER con
nects to create a circuit on the buried utility.
WARNING: LETHAL VOLTAGE MAY BE PRESENT
OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL
The OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL adjusts the power output from the
TRANSMITTER. The three selections include: LOW (One LED) HIGH (Two LEDS.
LOADING Indicator
The LOADING indicator flashes to indicate the output circuit impedance. When
the indicator blinks 4 times per second, it is indicating a nearly short circuit.
When the indicator blinks 1 time every 3 seconds, it is indicating a nearly
open circuit. (refer to page 6 for details)
LOW BAT Indicator
When the LOW BAT indicator is on, it is time to change the batteries in the
TRANSMITTER. The output will cycle every 20 seconds to indicate a low battery
condition.
TX ON
The TX ON indicates the TRANSMITTER is on.
OUTPUT FREQUENCY CONTROL
The frequency button toggles through the frequencies lighting the LED next to the
selected frequency. The 82 kHz frequency is the higher of the three. The 82 kHz
frequency is often used to locate sharp corners in cables or pipes and is capable
of jumping disconnected shield bonds or grounds. The 815 Hz is the lower
frequency. It is less susceptible to locating errors caused by adjacent cables or
pipes. Also, by using the 815 Hz frequency, the locating range is greater. The
8 kHz is a mid-range frequency used when the 815 Hz is too weak and the
82 kHz is bleeding off to easily. The unit can transmit both 82kHz and 815Hz this
is indicated when both LEDs are lit.
3
82 kHz
8 kHz
815 Hz
LO ADIN G
TX OUTPUT
I /O
I
LO AD IN G
82 kHz
815 Hz
8 kHz
8878
I
I /O

AC Resistance Indications
Transmitter Rechargeable Battery Option
If the 8879 TRANSMITTER has a rechargeable battery, the battery cover will extend past the main TRANSMITTER
housing shell by approximately half an inch. The CHARGER PLUG is located near the inner wall of the car-
rying handle on the TRANSMITTER housing. The rechargeable battery is a 12V 7 amp/hr sealed lead acid bat-
tery. The battery may be replaced by removing the back cover and the four nuts on each side of the bat-
tery bracket. Once the bracket is removed, the two red/black wires can be disconnected from the battery
terminals by pulling the forth-of-an-inch spade connector off.
An automatic shut down circuit protects the lead acid battery from excessive discharge. This circuit trips an
internal shutoff system that activates when the battery voltage discharges down to 8.2V. The auto shutoff
circuit can be reset by turning the power switch off. The LOW BAT icon located on the LED display turns
on when the battery discharges down to 10.5V. The time between a LOW BAT indication and an auto shut-
off, will vary from 30 minutes to 15 minutes depending on the charge level of the battery and when the LOW
BAT condition occurs. Also when the LOW BAT icon is activated, the output will cycle every 20 seconds on
the RECEIVER to inform the user a LOW BAT condition is present.
Note: Do not reset the TX after the auto shutoff has switched the TX off. Doing so will drain the bat-
tery to the point where it will not accept a charge.
*Load Values for Direct Connection
Note: When the load indicator does not blink in the 815 Hz mode, this indicates the
RED/BLACK CORD needs to be plugged in.
NUMBER OF BLINKS IMPEDANCE Ω
4 blinks per second 5 Ω-15 Ωcircuit
15 Ω-100 Ωcircuit
100 Ω - 400 Ωcircuit
400 Ω- 1800 Ωcircuit
1800 Ω - open circuit
1 blink per second
1 blink every 2 seconds
1 blink every 3 seconds
2 blinks per second
Recharging the Battery
AC Charger
A discharged battery can be fully charged in 24 hours or less with the use of the AC CHARGER. A partially
discharged battery should be charged for a shorter time. When charging the battery with the AC CHARGER,
the TRANSMITTER power switch must be in the OFF position. Do not attempt to power the TRANSMITTER with
the AC CHARGER. Possible damage could result to the charger if the switch is on when attempting to charge
the battery with the AC CHARGER.
External Power Pack
Automotive Charge
A discharged battery can be fully charged in 5 hours or less when using the AUTOMOTIVE CHARGER. Typically
every 10 minutes of charge time will give about 20 minutes of battery usage. When charging the battery
with the AUTOMOTIVE CHARGER, the TRANSMITTER switch must be in the OFF position. It is possible to power
the TRANSMITTER from the AUTOMOTIVE CHARGER, however, when the TRANSMITTER is turned on and the
charger plugged in, the battery can not be charged simultaneously.
4
Sealed lead acid batteries should be disposed of in accordance with your
companies policies, and/or city, state, or federal regulations and guidelines.

Direct Connection
Direct Connection is the most reliable method of signal application. This method is relatively free of inter-
ference. The greatest amount of signal strength can be achieved by this method. Both low and high fre-
quency may be used. The far end of the utility must be grounded.
Connect the RED TEST CORD to an existing ground point or an exposed metallic section of the utility . Place
the GROUND ROD approximately 10 feet from this point, at an angle of 90º to the buried cable or pipe. Push
the GROUND ROD into the ground 8 to 10 inches. Connect the BLACK TEST CORD to the GROUND ROD.
Plug the RED/BLACK TEST CORD into the TX OUTPUT JACK. Set the FREQUENCY switch to the 815 Hz, 8
kHz or 82kHz. The TX ON indicator will start blinking.
Flexicoupler Connection
The optional FLEXICOUPLER and HARD COUPLER are very easy to use, and services do not have to be inter-
rupted. The operation range is shorter than for Direct Connection methods. The tracing signal can be affect-
ed by neighboring cables and pipes. The RED/BLACK TEST CORD or the GROUND ROD are not needed for this
method.
Successful COUPLER operation requires an insulated conductor that is grounded on both near and far ends.
Loop the FLEXICOUPLER around the cable and connect the two ends, or clamp the HARD COUPLER around the
cable. It is important to connect the COUPLER around the cable needing to be traced, as shown below.
Connect the COUPLER around the wire closer to the outgoing cable not near the system ground. The result
will be a stronger signal. By connecting near the ground, the range will also be shorter, and difficulty may
arise determining one cable from another.
Plug the COUPLER TEST CORD into the TX OUTPUT JACK. The LOADING indicator will start blinking.
5
DO NOT CONNECT TO LIVE OR
ENERGIZED POWER CABLES
CAUTION

Inductive Connection
This method is convenient to use, and services are not interrupted. No test cords or connections are need-
ed. The cable or pipe must have good insulation or non-conductive coating, or the operating range will be
short.
Place the TRANSMITTER on the ground, as close as possible to the path of the cable or pipe. Align the
ARROWS on the TRANSMITTER CONTROL PANEL at a moderate angle to the cable or pipe. Set the
FREQUENCY switch to the 82 kHz position. Turn the TRANSMITTER ON. The LOADING indicator will start to
blink. First, locate the broad TRANSMITTER Null, then move toward the expected cable path while looking for
the signal carried by the cable.
Start tracing the path with the RECEIVER 25 feet (7.5 meters) from the TRANSMITTER. Search in the 90º zone
as shown above. Locate the cable or pipe, and follow the path. If the signal becomes weak, move the
TRANSMITTER to a point 25 feet behind the last strong signal, and continue searching.
The Blind Search locating techniques is used if the operator is not aware if a buried utility exists. Two peo-
ple are needed for this technique. The TRANSMITTER and the RECEIVER are placed 25 feet (7.5 meters) away
from each other. Each operator walks at the same speed keeping a distance of 25 feet (7.5 meters) from
each other. When the receiver gives an audio response, then a buried utility is present between the
RECEIVER and the TRANSMITTER.
Blind Search
6
Transmitter
25 Feet (7.5 Meters) Between Transmitter and Receiver
Receiver

Notes on Selecting the Tracing Signal
The choice of 815 Hz, 8 kHz or 82 kHz Frequency is dependent on the conditions of the locate.
The 815 Hz, 8 kHz and 82 kHz signals each have their advantages. It is recommended to begin by using
the 815 Hz signal, and continue as long as you are confident in the results. If the signal is very weak try to
adjust the connection or grounding. If there is no improvement in signal then try 8 kHz. Repeat adjustments
of ground and connection point again until switching to 82 kHz.
815 Hz (lower frequency) signal is usually preferred to the 8 kHz (mid-range frequency) and 82 kHz (high
frequency) signal, because it is much less susceptible to locating errors caused by nearby cables or pipes.
The 815 Hz locating range is also much longer than the 82 kHz signal. The 815 Hz signal will not travel
well through disconnected shield bonds or insulated pipe bushing.
8 kHz takes the best of both high and low frequency. This mid range frequency is not very susceptible to
bleed off or coupling, but it can jump impedance on the utility better than the 815 Hz. It is still best to use
815 Hz, but 8 kHz is one of the most common frequencies used to locate coaxial cable and telecom pairs.
The 82 kHz (higher frequency) is sometimes better than the 815 Hz (lower frequency) for locating sharp
corners in cables or pipes. The 82 kHz signal is also better for “jumping” disconnected shield bonds or
grounds, or tracing signal may indicate one of these characteristics. The locating range is quite short for
the 82 kHz signal so the TRANSMITTER must be repositioned more often during the tracing operation. This
FREQUENCY is also useful for applying a signal using the FLEXICOUPLER OR THE HARD COUPLER.
Both the 815 Hz and the 82 kHz may be transmitted simultaneously. When this option is selected the user may
change frequencies on the receiver aiding in tracing verification.
7

8879 Receiver Controls and Indicators
ON OFF
Press the ON OFF button to turn the RECEIVER on or off. Upon turning the unit on, it will
load the settings from the previous usage. Upon turning the unit off, the settings will be
saved within the unit to be recalled next time the unit is used.
Note: Unit will automatically shut off if no keys are pressed within a 10 minute period.
FREQUENCY
Press the FREQ button to switch the RECEIVER frequency from
82 kHz, 8 kHz, 815 Hz, 50/60 Hz and RF. With each press of the key, it
will toggle through the frequencies in order.
DEPTH
Pressing the DEPTH button will cause the RECEIVER to first display the mode of the
depth (Line or Sonde) and then the depth will be measured. To change the Depth
Measurement from English to Metric, hold SHIFT and press FREQUENCY. To change
LINE and SONDE use the LINE/SONDE key.
GAIN Button (Up or Down)
Used to adjust the gain level for the receiver. When the GAIN button is pressed, the
RECEIVER will adjust the gain up or down. If the signal strength shows as “ --- ” on
the display and a GAIN up or down key is pressed, the unit will automatically
adjust to 90 on the scale display.
BUBBLE LEVEL
(For 45 Degree Depth)
DISPLAYS ABSOLUTE
SIGNAL STRENGTH OR
DEPTH
FREQUENCY
INDICATOR
ADJUSTS GAIN UP OR DOWN OR SETS
OPTIMUM GAIN WHEN SIGNAL IS OFF
BARGRAPH SCALE
ON/OFF BUTTON
SELECTS
FREQUENCY
(with SHIFT key
selects either
english or metric depth measurement)
MEASURES DEPTH
MEASURES TRANSMIT-
TED SIGNAL FLOW IN
CONDUCTOR
(Using SHIFT KEY for turn-
ing on and off BACK-
LIGHT)
USED WITH
OTHER BUTTONS
TO SELECT
ADVANCED
FEATURES
SELECTS
PEAK, PINPOINT
PEAK OR NULL
INDICATES
BATTERIES NEED
TO BE REPLACED
MODE INDICATOR
RELATIVE
SIGNAL STRENGTH BAR-
GRAPH
(single bar
shows gain setting)
SELECTS
VOLUME
Off, Low,
Medium,
or High
SELECTS LINE OR SONDE
DEPTH MODES
8
RF

SHIFT with the FREQUENCY (ENGLISH/METRIC)
Press the SHIFT and the FREQUENCY buttons to toggle the units for display
of the device. When pressed it will toggle between English and Metric units.
When in Metric the display will show - cm - in the top of the display. When in
English, the display will show - ’“- in the top of the display.
LINE/SONDE
Press to toggle the depth mode from Line to Sonde modes. When in Line mode
the display will show LIN in the top of the display. When in Sonde mode the dis
play will show SON in the top display.
CURRENT
Press the CURRENT button to measure the amount of current that is flowing
while in the 815 Hz, 8 kHz or 82 kHz frequency modes.
Note: The CURRENT button will not work when in the 50/60 Hz frequency
modes.
MODE
Press the MODE button to toggle between PEAK, PINIPOINT PEAK and NULL
locating modes.
VOLUME
Press VOLUME button to toggle the volume of the device from High, Medium,
Low and Off. When this key combo is pressed, the volume level will be toggled
through the four volume levels in order.
BACKLIGHT
Hold the SHIFT Key and press the CURRENT key to toggle on and off the back
light.
8879 Receiver Controls and Indicators Continued
9
8879 Head Phone Jack
The 8879 can be used with headphones. The jack is located on the back of the receiver head and is
labeled with earphone insignia.