Rycom STICK Locating Series User manual

800.851.7347 www.rycominstruments.com
Powered By RYCOM Instruments' Pathfinder Locator Technology
Cable & Pipe Locator
Manual Part # 030-00086-10
User Manual
STICK Locating Series
82
kHz

800.851.7347 www.rycominstruments.com
Copyright
Copyright © 2015 RYCOM Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written
consent of the RYCOM Instruments, Inc.
Please feel free to contact RYCOM Instruments, Inc. to request permission for reproduction and use of
this manual for training purposes.

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Table of Contents
General InformatIon
Warranty ..................................................2
Introduction ...............................................2
Prepare for Use.............................................2
Transmitter Controls and Indicators ............................3
Direct Connect ............................................4
Flexicoupler Connection.....................................4
Inductive Connection .......................................5
Blind Search ...............................................5
Selecting the Tracing Signal ..................................6
Receiver Controls and Indicators .............................6
Locating the Cable or Pipe ..................................7
Peak Locating Mode........................................7
Depth Measurement 45 Degree Angle Method .................8
Tilted Magnetic Field Identification ............................8
Ferrous Metal Detection ....................................11
Stick Receiver Specifications ................................12
Stick Transmitter Specifications...............................13
1

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Introduction Congratulations on the purchase of your new Stick Pathfinder Locator. The
Stick Locator is specially designed to detect buried utilities. This device may
detect buried power cables, CATV cables, gas and water pipes, sewer lines,
telephone cables, fiber optic cables with sheath, sondes, inspection camera
transmitters.
The TransmiTTer emitts a signal. The receiver detects the signal. You can locate the rel-
ative position of the buried utility, sonde or camera by following the tracing signal.
STICK Cable, Pipe Locator KIT...................001 00482 00
Stick Receiver Specifications .......................100 00483 00
Stick Transmitter Specifications......................100 00493 00
User Manual .....................................030 00101 00
Red/Black Cord ..................................151 00078 00
Ground Rod .....................................211 00032 00
Prepare for Use
Unpack your new Stick Pathfinder Cable & Pipe Locator . Make sure there is no
shipping damage and all the parts are included.
Locate the battery compartment on the top of the receiver. Open the com-
partment by uncrewing the gray cap. Install the six Duracell®“AA” batteries
as marked.
Locate the battery compartment inside the TransmiTTer. Open the compart-
ment using a phillips screwdriver. Install the eight Duracell “C” batteries as
marked.
Note: For longer battery life and reliable operation under adverse conditions,
use only Duracell®alkaline batteries.
Part Numbers
Electric shock hazard:
• Tool is designed to detect electromagnetic eld emitted from Camera Sondes
and buried metallic utilities. There are buried cables, pipes, and utilities this
instrument CANNOT detect.
• LOCATING is not an exact science. The only certain way to be sure of the ex-
istence, location, or depth of buried utilities is to carefully expose (dig up) the
utility.
• De-energize any circuits in or around the work area.
• Do not expose tool to rain or moisture.
• Use tool only for intended purpose as described in this manual
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe injury or death.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
RYCOM INSTRUMENTS, INC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO DISTRIBUTOR, RESELLER, OR ANY
OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR INJURY OF ANY TYPE WHATSOEVER, AND CAUSED DIRECT-
LY OR INDIRECTLY BY PRODUCTS SOLD OR SUPPLIED BY RYCOM INSTRUMENTS, INC.
!WARNING
2

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note: thIs setup procedure Is not requIred unless the user desIres to chanGe factory settInGs.
The STICK operating programs and frequency sets are user programmable
and can be changed at anytime through a quick selection process.
To select the desired frequency set on the RECEIVER:
• Press, and hold depressed, the Power onBuTTon.
• Pressing the FreQuencY BuTTon will toggle through available frequencies.
Passive 50Hz, 60Hz, cP50Hz, cP60Hz, 512Hz, 815 8kHz, 9kHz, 33kHz, 65kHz, 82kHz,
200kHz, 478kHz
• To select a frequency, press the MODE BuTTon toggle. At the top of the LCD
the count of frequencies selected will tally up one each time a frequency is
selected.
• Pressing the GAIN UP BuTTon will change the depth reading from inches/feet to
centimeter.
• A long press of the mode BuTTon will toggle on and off the optional ferrous locating
feature (Fe).
• Releasing the Power onBuTTon will exit the setup menu and save
the selected frequencies for availability during normal operation.
To select the desired frequency set: on the TRANSMITTER
• Press and hold depressed the Power onBuTTon.
• Pressing the inFormaTion BuTTon will toggle through available configurations. Repeat
pressing until U3 is displayed in the FreQuencY indicaTor section of the LCD.
• Press and hold depressed the Power onBuTTon.
• Without releasing the Power onBuTTon, press the FreQuencY BuTTon to toggle through
the available frequencies.
• To select and store the desired frequency press the inFormaTion BuTTon. The count
of the selected frequency will be displayed on the LCD.
• Continue to toggle through and select the desired frequencies,
• Releasing the Power onBuTTon will save the selected frequencies for availability
during normal operation.
Changing Operating Modes & Frequency Sets

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The Stick Locator Series
Transmitter Controls and Indicators
TX OUTPUT JACK
The red/Black cord, Coupler and FlexicouPler connects here to create a circuit on the
buried utility.
FREQUENCY SELECTOR
Pressing the frequency button will toggle through the available frequencies. This
model operates at 82 kHz and 8kHz.
The 82 kHz frequency is a high frequency and can be applied by direct connection,
coupler induction and transmitter induction. High frequencies are capable of jumping
disconnected shield bonds, faults, insulated couplings and other interruptions of the
conductor. The 82 kHz may induce or couple (bleed off) onto non-target conductors
within close proximity.
The 8 kHz is mid-range frequency that can be applied via direct connection. The 8kHz
is less likely to couple to adjacent conductors.
LOAD INDICATOR
The Load Rate Indicator symbol flashes to indicate signal transmission and 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.
OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL
The OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL adjusts the power output from the TransmiTTer. The
three selections include: LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH.
REALATIVE RELATIVE RESISTANCE, VOLTAGE, CURRENT
The transmitter measures both the output of the frequency and the feed back from
the transmitted frequency. Pressing the "i" button will toggle through the voltage,
current and relative resistance dispayed at the bottom of the LCD.
Power On & Off
Tx Output
Jack
Frequency
Selector
8869
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
Battery Condition
Indicator
Load Rate
Indicators
Output Signal
Level Control
Relative Resistance,
Voltage, Current
3

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Direct Connection
Direct Connection is the most reliable method of signal application. This method
is relatively free of interference. The greatest amount of signal strength can be
achieved by this method. All frequencies 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 sec-
tion 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. Press the FREQUENCY Button
for 82kHz or 8kHz. The Power Output Indicator and the Frequency Indicator of the
chosen frequency is displayed.
Coupler Connection
The optional FlexicouPler and Hard couPler are very easy to use, and services do not
have to be interrupted. The operation range is shorter than for direcT connecTion
methods. The tracing signal can be affected 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. Connect the couPler around the wire closer to the
outgoing cable not near the system ground. The result will be a stronger signal.
Plug the couPler TesT cord into the Tx ouTPuT Jack. Always use the 82 kHz FreQuencY
on the receiver and the TransmiTTer.
TRANSMITTER
BLACK
BURIED CABLE
RED
FLEXICOUPLER
BURIED CABLE
TRANSMITTER
8869
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
8869
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
DO NOT CONNECT TO LIVE POWER
OR ENERGIZED POWER CABLES
CAUTION
4

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Inductive Connection
This method is convenient to use, and services are not interrupted. No test cords
or connections are needed. The cable or pipe must have good insulation or non-
conductive coating, or the operating range will be short.
Turn the TransmiTTer ON. Press the 82 kHz button. Place TransmiTTer on iTs side as close
as possible to the path of the cable or pipe. Align the ARROWS on the SIDE OF THE
TRANSMITTER in line with the cable or pipe. 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 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 bur-
ied utility exists. Two people are needed for this technique. The TransmiTTer and the
receiver are Held 25 feet away from each other. Each operator walks at the same
speed keeping a distance of 25 feet from each other. When the receiver gives
an audio response, then a buried utility is present between the receiver and the
TransmiTTer.
Blind Search
TRANSMITTER
25 Feet (7.5 Meters) Between Transmitter and Reciever
RECEIVER
TRANSMITTER
25 Feet (7.5 Meters) Between Transmitter and Reciever
RECEIVER
TRANSMITTER
25 Feet (7.5 Meters) Between Transmitter and Reciever
RECEIVER
8869
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
8869
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
82
kHz
5

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6
RELATIVE SIGNAL
STRENGTH BARGRAPH
(single bar shows gain
setting)
OPERATION MODE
Displays selected
operation and or
selected frequency
avaiable to model
FREQUENCY ADJUSTS GAIN UP OR
DOWN
ON / OFF
DISPLAYS ABSOLUTE
SIGNAL STRENGTH
Absolute Signal Strength
The Stick Locator receiver provides the operator with a direct measurement of the
receiver’ssignal strength. The measurement is displayed with two numerical
digits (ex: 85) located at the top of the LCD display. The measurement range is
from 0 to 99 indicating a very weak signal (0) to a very strong signal (99). Absolute
Signal Strength is independent of the GAIN setting or meter reading. It gives the
operator information about the actual amount of signal being radiated from the
conductor and received by the receiver.
The Absolute Signal Strength will not be displayed if the gain is too high or too low.
Adjust the GAIN to move the meter reading to mid-scale. The numerical display will
change from ‘--’ to a valid measurement.
The GAIN up and down buttons are used to increase and decrease the gain in
small amounts.
Gain Change Indication
Low Battery
The Stick Locator will indicate low battery condition by displaying the low battery
icon on the LCD screen.
LOW BATTERY ICON
ON/OFF Button
The unit will load settings from previous usage.
FREQUENCY Button
Toggles through avaiable frequencies (model specific) 8kHz, 33kHz & 82kHz.
MODE Button & DEPTH Button
Mode selects between 3 modes, peak locating mode, left-right guidance mode
and ferrous metal detection mode. Depress and hold for 3 seconds for depth
reading.
GAIN Button (Up or Down)
Adjusts the gain up or down. Gain level displayed as solid or missing bar on bar
graph.
The Stick Receiver Controls and Indicators
FREQUENCY
MODE

Locating the Cable or Pipe
Make sure the TransmiTTer is connected and in the ON position. Then move approxi-
mately 15 feet (4.5 meters) away from the TransmiTTer along the path. (Move about
25 feet (7.5 meters) for the Inductive search mode.)
Hold the receiver so that you can see the LCD bargraph and controls easily. Make
sure the receiver and the TransmiTTer FreQuencY are both set for the same FreQuencY,
8kHz, 33kHz or 82kHz.
Peak Mode Locating
Keep the receiver in a vertical position. Move the receiver left to right across the
path. When the receiver is directly above the cable or pipe, rotate the receiver for
a maximum signal. As you move the receiver away from the cable path, the meter
reading (and audio frequency response) will drop off.
If you rotate the receiver while over the cable, a sharp NULL will identify the cable’s
direction. It is aligned with the flat side of the receiver.
CABLE
PATH
MAXIMUM
RECEIVER
SIGNAL DIRECTION
CABLE
NULL SHOWS
PATH
CABLE
Null Mode
Buried cable
Buried cable
Signal over cable
Peak Mode
(End view)
Receiver Max
(End view)
Receiver Min
Signal over cable
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If you can no longer trace the path, even with the GAIN set to maximum, connect
the TransmiTTer to the far end of the path and trace back to the point where you
lost the signal.
Mark the straight sections of the path every few feet. Mark sharp curves, loops,
and cable bundles every few inches. Sharp changes in the path cause the receiver
PEAK and NULL indications to behave differently than when tracing a straight path.
Practice on the path that you know has turns and laterals in it. This will help you to
recognize the conditions within the field.
Trace the path by walking away from the TransmiTTer at a moderate pace. Move
the receiver to the left and right while walking, following the PEAK indications.
As you trace the path, the PEAK meter reading may slowly fade as you move away
from the TransmiTTer. Press and release the GAIN buttons as needed to compensate
for changes in level (higher or lower). One of the following may occur:
a) a junction where the signal divides and goes several directions.
b) a break in the cable or shield.
c) a change in the depth of the cable or pipe.
d) an insulated pipe fitting.
e) a slack loop of cable.
7

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Depth Measurement 45º Angle Method
Move to the location you want to measure depth. Stay at least 15 feet away
from the TransmiTTer. Move the receiver left to right across the path until the cable is
located. Mark the path on the ground as precisely as possible.
Position the unit so that the sight lines on the lower tube are straight up and down
thus orinting the unit at a 45º angle. Pull the receiver away from the cable path
(at 90º to the cable path) keeping the unit at 45º. When the receiver indicates a
NULL reading, mark the location of the receiver’s foot. The distance between the
receiver and the cable path is the depth of the pipe or cable.
A false depth reading may be caused by nearby buried metallic objects, such as
a second cable, pipe, sewer, fence and railroad tracks or from signal conducting
on multiple lines. Confirm the depth measurement by repeating the above steps
on the opposite side of the pipe or cable.
A variance greater than 5 inches in depth measurement may indicate a skewed
electomagnetic field caused by the presence of additional buried cables, pipes
or other objects.
Buried cable or pipe
Earth
locate
Path 1st
Null
Null
centered
Bubble level
2nd
(end view)
Depth
Depth
45°
When adjacent cables or pipes are present, they will sometimes create
locating errors. Some of the TransmiTTer signal is picked up by the adjacent
conductors and is redirected so that it combines with the original signal. The
result is a Tilted Magnetic Field. This is often the reason that numeric depth
readouts are sometimes created in error.
The operator can verify the accuracy of path locate by performing the 45º
Angle Method locate on both sides of the cable path. If the right and left side
depth readings agree to within 5 inches, the path locate is accurate. If the
two depth readings do not agree, then dig with care. A closer locate would
be halfway between the two outside depth locate marks.
This is an important technique that should be used to ensure the most accurate
location possible.
Tilted Magnetic Field Identification
82
kHz
82
kHz
Buried cable or pipe
Earth
locate
Path 1st
Null
Null
centered
Bubble level
2nd
(end view)
Depth
Depth
45°
Signal Null Point
Depth
Buried cable or pipe
(end view)
82
kHz
Buried cable or pipe
Earth
locate
Path 1st
Null
Null
centered
Bubble level
2nd
(end view)
Depth
Depth
45°
Signal Null Point
8

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Before you begin, you must choose a sonde or camera Head that will match the
same frequency as the receiver. You will need a sonde with a frequency of 512kHz
to use with the Stick Receiver.
The key to sonde locating success is practice and patience. Before going out
on your first locate, it is a good idea to take your receiver and sonde out and try
locating the sonde and calculating the depth.
Locating a Sonde or Camera Head Using the Stick
Attaching a push rod to the sonde can be accomplished by using the coupling
on the end of the sonde. A spring coupling is recommended to allow the sonde
to move easier. Or, if you need to attach the sonde to a sewer auger, it is recom-
mended you use duct tape and apply as the shown in the figure below. If taping
the sonde on a metal pushing device, it is recommended to place the battery side
of the sonde closest to the device. This will allow for the best performance. Wrap
the snake for approximately 1 foot in the location where the sonde is going to be
attached. Also attaching the sonde 18 inches behind the cutting head is recom-
mended. First, wrap the sonde in the duct tape and then attach the sonde to the
snake using the duct tape.
Attaching a Push Device to the Sonde
Pre-Tape
Push Rod 12” Attach 18”
From End
Use the Supplied 3/8”x 16 unc and
5/16“ x 18 unc Push-Rod Adaptors
or
Pretape the Push device for 12”
leaving 18”from the end
Wrap Tape Completely Around Sonde
Attach Wrapped Sonde to Pre-Taped
Section of Push Device
Push-Rod Adaptor
1
2
3
9
SIDE
SIDE
FRONT
BACK
SONDE
Use the supplied 3/8" x 16 unc
and 5/16" x 18 unc push-rod
adaptors or pre-tape the push
device for 12" leaving 18" from
the end
Wrap tape completely around sonde
Attach wrapped sonde to pre-taped
section of push device

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Hold the receiver antenna directly above and in line with the sonde, as shown
below with the receiver sensitivity adjusted for a meter reading within scale.
The radiation pattern of the sonde is shown below. The PEAK signal is when the
receiver is held directly over the sonde with the antenna in line with the sonde. Both
Ghost signals can be located behind and in front of the sonde. By locating the
ghost signals, the user is confirming the accuracy of the locate.
Locating a Sonde
Start by following the suspected path of the pipe and use the Stick Locator to
locate the sonde. Stop locating when the PEAK reading is found. Then rotate the
receiver as shown in the figure below. When pivoting the receiver, do not change
the vertical position. The receiver will indicate a PEAK when the receiver antenna is
in line with the sonde.
Now move the receiver side to side (across the path of the pipe) as shown below. When
the PEAK if found, the receiver is directly over the sonde. Mark this location. Next,
check for ghost signals in front of and in back of the sonde to confirm the location.
GHOST GHOST
NULL NULL
PEAK
PATH
SIDE
EARTH
PIPE
MOVE THE RECEIVER
SIDE TO SIDE AND
WHEN A PEAK
SIGNAL IS FOUND,
THE RECEIVER IS
OVER THE SONDE
EARTH
PIPE
PIVOT THE RECEIVER
SO THE ANTENNA
ROTATES NOT CHANGING
THE VERTICAL POSITION
FEED THE SONDE 10 FEET INTO THE PIPE
82
kHz
82
kHz
82
kHz
10

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Ferrous Metal Detection
The STICK offers a ferrous metal detection capability. To select this mode press
the Mode key until the Fe is shown on the LCD. The gain controls will adjust the
sensitivity. This mode will only detect ferrous metals; metals containing iron.
This mode may need to be calibrated after shipment from the factory due to the
change in the earth's magnetic field.
To calibrate first move a location free of any metal and select the Fe mode.
Then press and hold the Frequency button until CAL appears on the LCD. Turn
the gain to about half scale on the bar graph. With the STICK held at a 45degree
angle to the ground rotate in a circle. Pause every quarter turn and press the
Frequency key, continue around the full circle. Do one additional sweep pressing
the frequency one more time at any points of high signal. Now turn the unit off, the
calibration procedures is finished and the unit is ready to locate.
82
kHz
82
kHz
Buried cable or pipe
Earth
locate
Path 1st
Null
Null
centered
Bubble level
2nd
(end view)
Depth
Depth
45°
Fe Calibration
Side View
Fe Calibration
Overhead View
82
kHz
82
kHz
82
kHz
Press the Frequency Button every
quarter turn to calibrate.
11

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Stickv3 Specifications
Receiver
Operating Frequency
Antenna Mode
Audio Indication
Operating Temperature
Battery Type
Battery Life
Dimensions
Weight
Signal Strength
Gain Control
Dynamic Range
Depth Measurement
476kHz • 200kHz • 82kHz • 65kHz • 33kHz • 8kHz •
Variable pitch audio
-4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC)
Continuous 40 hours
Digital Depth Estimate
Manual Triangulation
Intermittent 82 hours (10 minute auto shut off)
6 - “AA” Duracell alkaline batteries
Tube 33.0” x 1.38” Tee 1.38" X 3.25"
LCD bar graph
Absolute Signal Strength readout 0-99
up/down button for manual control
126 dB
1.62 pounds (0.734 kg)
Peak (horizontal coil) Null (Left/Right)
12

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Transmitter
Operating Frequency
Hook-up Method
Output Power
Load Matching
Battery Types
Dimensions
Weight
476kHz • 200kHz • 82kHz • 65kHz • 33kHz • 8kHz
automatic from 5 Ωto 20,000 Ω
Operating Temperature -4°F to 133º (-20ºC to +55ºC)
Battery Life greater than 30 hours*
3 Watt (High) 500 Milliwatts (Low)
8 - “C” Duracell alkaline batteries
8.4” x 5.57” x 2.6”
2.2 lbs (2.8kg)
*depending on load, frequency and power setting
Direct Connection
Inductive Coupling (with optional coupler)
Transmitter Induction
STICKv3 Pathfinder Specifications
13

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Factory Service
Warranty THis insTrumenT is under warranTY For one Year From THe daTe oF deliverY
aGainsT deFecTs in maTerial and workmansHiP (eXcept BatterIes). we
will rePair or rePlace ProducTs THaT Prove To Be deFecTive durinG war-
ranTY Period.
THis warranTY is void iF, aFTer HavinG received THe insTrumenT in Good con-
diTion, iT is suBJecTed To aBuse, unauTHorized alTeraTions or casual rePair.
nooTHer warranTY is exPressed or imPlied. THe warranTY descriBed in THis
ParaGraPH sHall Be in lieu oF anY oTHer warranTY, includinG BuT noT limiTed
To, anY imPlied warranTY oF mercHanTaBiliTY or FiTness For aParTicular
PurPose. weare noT liaBle For conseQuenTial damaGes.
STICK Cable, Pipe Locator KIT...................001 00482 00
Stick Receiver Specifications .......................100 00483 00
Stick Transmitter Specifications......................100 00493 00
User Manual .....................................030 00101 00
Red/Black Cord ..................................151 00078 00
Ground Rod .....................................211 00032 00
Parts List
If your Stick Locator is not working properly, first call RYCOM Instruments, Inc.
Support at 800-851-7347 for assistance. If the locator is in need of repair, RYCOM
will provide instructions and a Return Material Authorization (RMA) for returning
your locator to the service center. The instrument will be repaired and shipped
back with an invoice or you will be advise if the instrument is unrepairable.
Send it prepaid to:
RYCOM Instruments, inc.
Attn: Repair (include RMA #)
9351 East 59th Street
Raytown, MO 64133
800-857-7347
Note: There is a minimum charge for repair and handling.
14