Schonstedt Instrument TraceMaster User manual

TraceMaster¤
Pipe and Cable Locator
Multi-Frequency Receiver
and
Radio Linked to Transmitter
Instruction Manual
Schonstedt Instrument Company
100 Edmond Road
Kearneysville, WV 25430
Customer Service
888-32-TRACE (888-328-7223)
Tel.: [phone] zFax: [phone]
Web: www.schonstedt.com zE-mail: [email protected]
September 2011

Important Notice
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesirable operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Additional information, tutorial videos and basic locating
instructions, service information and instructions are
available on our website at:
www.schonstedt.com
27

Table of Contents
Page
SECTION I: GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1- Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.1- Passive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.2- Active Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.2.1- Conductive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.2.2- Inductive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
1.2.3- Inductive Clamp Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
1.3- Sonde Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2- The Remote Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
SECTION II: RECEIVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1- Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2- Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
3- LCD Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
4- Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
5- Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
6- Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
SECTION III: Tx5 TRANSMITTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
1- Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
2- Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3- LCD Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
4- Transmitter Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
5- Transmitter Time Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
6- Battery and Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
6.1- Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
6.2- Recommendations for Battery Charging and Storage . . . .16
7- Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
SECTION IV: OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
1- Operating Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
2- Locating a Sonde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
2.1- Setting the Receiver for Sonde Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
2.1.1- Receiver Only or Receiver Without Remote Link . . .21
2.1.2- Receiver with Transmitter and Remote Link . . . . . . .21
2.2- Searching for the Sonde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
2.3- Measuring Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
SECTION V: ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
1- Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
2- Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
3- Optional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
SECTION VI: TECHNICAL SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
SECTION VII: WARRANTY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
SECTION VII: WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty
The Schonstedt Instrument Company (Schonstedt) warrants each
product of its manufacture to be free from defects in material and
workmanship subject to the following terms and conditions. The warranty
is effective for 3 years after the shipment by Schonstedt to the original
purchaser.
Schonstedt's obligation under the warranty is limited to servicing or
adjusting any product returned to the factory for this purpose and to
replacing any defective part thereof. Such product must be returned by
the original purchaser, transportation charges prepaid, with proof in
writing, to our satisfaction, of the defect. If the fault has been caused by
misuse or abnormal conditions of operation, repairs will be billed at cost.
Prior to repair, in this instance, a cost estimate will be submitted. Service
or shipping information will be furnished upon notification of the difficulty
encountered. Model and serial numbers must be supplied by user.
Batteries are specifically excluded under the warranty.
Schonstedt shall not be liable for any injury to persons or property or for
any other special or consequential damages sustained or expenses
incurred by reason of the use of any Schonstedt product.
Warranty voided if serviced/repaired by unauthorized repair facility and/or
individual.
26
FOR SERVICE OR REPAIR
Please ship TraceMaster¤to:
Schonstedt Instrument Company
100 Edmond Road
Kearneysville, WV 25430
Attn: Customer Service Dept.

2
SECTION VI: TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Schonstedt offers technical support and sales. For any reason regarding
usage and application please contact our technical support team at 888-
32-TRACE (888-328-7223).
25
Tested to Comply with FCC Standards.
This Class A device complies with Canadian ICES-003
Cet appareil de la classe A est conforme a la norme
NMB-003 du Canada
This device contains RF modem MHX-910 from
Microhard Systems, Inc.
FCC ID: NS999P2 CANADA: 3143 102 1527A
This device contains RF modem MC4490 200M from
Laird Technologies, Inc.
FCC ID: KQLAC4490-100 / KQLAC4490 / KQL-4x90200
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
TOLL-FREE 888-32-TRACE
(888-338-7223)

SECTION V: ACCESSORIES
1- Receiver
Included with the receiver are:
- Padded Receiver carrying case
- Batteries
2- Transmitter
Included with the transmitter are:
Shoulder strap
Ground stake
Conductive clips
Operation Manual
The ground stake and conductive clips are located in the accessory
compartment of the transmitter.
3- Optional
The Inductive Clamp is an optional accessory. Three different clamp
sizes are available for the TraceMaster¤, a 3" ID, 5" ID and 7" ID. .
Other accessories available are:
Large Heavy Duty Conductive Clips
Small Heavy Duty Conductive Clips
Sondes* (512 Hz & 82Khz).
Please contact Schonstedt for details.
* Software must be installed in receiver unit to operate sonde.
1
SECTION I: GENERAL
1- Modes of Operation
The TraceMaster¤has several operating modes. A combination of
factory configuration and the way the transmitter is connected to the
target utility determines what particular modes and frequencies are
available. The following is a brief description of each mode. More details
and references to these modes can be found throughout this manual.
1.1- Passive Mode
In this mode the transmitter is not active (either turned off or with its
output shut down). The receiver searches for the AC power signal
(factory selected to be either 50 or 60 Hz) off buried cables and pipes.
1.2- Active Modes
In the active modes the transmitter is turned on and it is used to impose
a tracing signal on the target utility. Three basic active modes are
available: Conductive, Inductive and Inductive Clamp. They differ on the
method used to impose the tracing signal.
The TraceMaster¤is capable of operating in the following active
frequencies:
Low Frequency (575 Hz) - This frequency will not jump to adjacent
conductors and is typically used with good conductors, in congested
areas, or when a long distance trace is required.
Mid-range Frequency (8 kHz) - This frequency will not usually jump to
adjacent conductors, but may jump across non-conductive joints in a pipe
for longer tracing. It is a good general-purpose frequency for medium
length tracing in areas with low congestion.
High Frequency (82 kHz) - This frequency can typically jump to adjacent
conductors and is commonly used for short tracing in poor conductors,
such a cast iron and other similar pipes.
1.2.1- Conductive Mode
In this mode the transmitter is connected directly to access points on the
utility to be traced using the red and black conductive clips and the
ground stake. The transmitter current circulates out of the transmitter into
24

Once in the surroundings of the sonde, it is important to differentiate
whether you are positioned along the axis of the sonde (the direction of
the pipe) or off to either side. In the sonde mode the arrows are not
functional, so the signal strength is the only indication available, and it will
be "null", very close to zero (see Figure 1), if the receiver is placed on
the axis of the sonde with the plane of the sensors perpendicular to it.
Move away from the axis and follow the direction that results in increasing
signal strength. Rotate the receiver back and forth and move in the
direction that produces the maximum or “peak”. As the receiver gets
closer to the sonde the signal strength increases to a maximum when
directly over the sonde.
2.3- Measuring Depth (see Figure 2)
To measure depth simply place the tip of the unit on the ground and press
the DEPTH button when the signal strength is at a maximum. Reliable
depth readings depend on a number of factors, but typically it is possible
to read depth up to 15 ft, depending on the sonde frequency and the
application.
2
the target utility, from where it
leaks to ground and returns
to the transmitter via the
ground stake, forming a
closed circuit with strong
coupling of the signal. The
following frequencies are
available when the
TraceMaster¤is operating in
this mode: 575 Hz, 8 kHz and
82 kHz.
1.2.2- Inductive Mode
In this mode conductive clips are not used and must be disconnected
from the transmitter jack. The transmitter emits a signal using a built-in
inductive antenna. When the transmitter is placed on the ground, and in
accordance with the orientation indicated on the label, the signal emitted
by the antenna induces a current in the utility being traced. It is very
important that at least one end of the utility is grounded to facilitate
current flow. The utility and the soil around it form a closed circuit that
allows the current to circulate, but the current is much smaller than that
induced in conductive mode. This translates into shorter tracing distances
and shallower depths, when using this mode. The following frequencies
are available when the TraceMaster¤is operating in this mode: 82 kHz.
1.2.3- Inductive Clamp Mode
This mode uses the optional inductive clamp, which is available in 3
different sizes (3", 5" and 7" diameter) and is plugged into the transmitter
jack. The transmitter drives a signal through the clamp, which has to be
placed around the utility to be traced, completely surrounding it, and
making sure that it closes so that the two ends touch. It is also very
important that at least one end of the utility is grounded to facilitate
current flow. When the clamp is placed correctly the signal driven by the
transmitter induces a current in the utility being traced. The utility and the
soil around it form a closed circuit that allows the current to circulate.
Although the current is much smaller than that induced in conductive
mode, it typically is larger than that induced in the Inductive Mode,
therefore this is a preferred method over the Inductive Mode, if available.
The following frequencies are available when the TraceMaster¤is
operating in this mode: 8 kHz and 82 kHz.
23
Figure 2
Showing receiver orientation in
“Peak” or maximum signal strength
detection. (Orientation needed for
depth measurement)

3
1.3- Sonde Mode
This mode is not strictly an active mode, since the transmitter is not
active. However, an alternate source of signal is necessary. That
alternate source is a mini transmitter or "sonde" that is battery operated
and small enough to be attached to devices that are sent through sewer
pipes or water pipes. The emitted frequency penetrates the walls of such
pipes, making it possible to be detected by the TraceMaster¤receiver.
If your TraceMaster¤unit is fitted with the sonde option then it supports
the detection of one or more of these sondes:
- Schonstedt's 512 Hz sonde
- 512 Hz sondes from any other manufacturer
- Schonstedt's 82 kHz sonde
See SECTION IV, OPERATION - Locating a Sonde, for details about
locating a sonde.
3” 5” 7”
If the RF link is not disabled and the transmitter is OFF, you will not be
able to change the receiver to a sonde mode frequency if it is currently
set for a non-sonde mode frequency, or the passive mode.
Access the sonde mode by pressing the "FREQ" switch a few times, until
the dots next to the "Passive" and either the "575 Hz" legend (for a 512
Hz sonde) or the "82 kHz" legend (for an 82 kHz sonde) on the display
are BOTH lit.
NOTE: Make sure to re-enable the RF link when you are finished with the
Sonde Mode.
2.2- Searching for the Sonde
Due to the nature and strength of the sonde signal, it is necessary to have
some idea of where the sonde is, to narrow the search area to a circle of
several feet radius centered at the sonde. This is usually not much of a
problem, since the sonde is "guided" by a device under control of the
work crew, often with a camera attached to it.
22
512 Hz Sonde (4-1/2" long x 1-5/8" diameter)
512 Hz Mini-Sonde
(2-1/4" long x 3/4" diameter) 82 kHz Sonde (3-1/2” long x 1” diameter)
Figure 1
Showing receiver orientation in
“Null” or lowest signal strength
detection.

4
2- The Remote Link
The TraceMaster¤includes a Remote Link between the transmitter and
the receiver. The link is accomplished through a radio frequency (RF)
two-way communications channel, and makes it possible to change the
transmitter's frequency from the receiver. The link also allows the
receiver to monitor the transmitter battery status and other operating
parameters, such as whether the transmitter is operating in conductive
mode or not.
It is possible to defeat the Remote Link to allow the setting of the receiver
and transmitter frequencies independently. This may be needed in
situations where the environment prevents a reliable RF link to be
established or under other circumstances when it is desirable to set the
receiver and transmitter operating modes manually. The Radio Link can
be toggled between active and inactive by the following sequence:
a- Turn master ON/OFF switch off (click CCW)
b- Hold the unit by the handle so that the trigger is activated
c- Press and hold both the DEPTH and the FREQ controls before
you turn the master ON/OFF switch CW.
d- When the Radio Link is disabled, the antenna symbol will blink
about once per second
Optionally, the TraceMaster¤can be purchased without the Remote Link.
In that case the TraceMaster¤system preserves all of its locating
features. However, the frequency has to be changed manually for both
the receiver and the transmitter, and there is no monitoring of transmitter
status from the receiver.
11) Depth Measurement - Place the bottom of the receiver against the
ground, and then push the DEPTH button. The digital display will
indicate the approximate depth. For more accurate measurements,
make sure that both arrows and the center bar are ON.
2- Locating a Sonde
Since the signal being traced by the receiver is produced by the sonde,
and not travelling along the pipes, there are some differences in the way
the receiver is used. The following paragraphs explain how to use the
Tracemaster¤receiver for sonde operation.
2.1- Setting the Receiver for Sonde Mode
How you set your receiver for sonde operation will vary slightly depending
on whether you have purchased a receiver-only unit or a complete
TraceMaster¤unit (receiver and transmitter). In both cases, you will
know you are in the sonde mode because the dot next to the "PASSIVE"
and the dot next to another frequency legend on the display will BOTH be
lit. The frequency legend with a dot next to it will either be 575 Hz (for a
512 Hz sonde) or 82 kHz (for an 82 kHz sonde).
2.1.1- Receiver Only or Receiver Without Remote Link
If your TraceMaster¤is a "Receiver Only" system, or was purchased
without the remote link, then pressing the "FREQ" button will cycle
through the "Passive" mode, "Sonde" modes and the active frequencies
(if any are available). That simple!
2.1.2- Receiver with Transmitter and Remote Link
To use the sonde mode, first make sure the RF link is disabled (see
Section I: General, 2- Remote Link) or the transmitter is ON.
If the RF link is disabled the transmitter is irrelevant, it does not matter if
its ON or OFF.
If the RF link is not disabled and the transmitter is ON, the receiver
frequency can be changed to the sonde frequency because it knows it is
in sonde mode and will not try to synchronize with the transmitter at those
frequencies.
21

5
SECTION II: RECEIVER
1- Introduction
The receiver's front panel is designed to be intuitive and require a
minimum of training for effective use of the instrument. The controls and
the information display area are large and easy to understand. The
receiver's front panel includes everything necessary to use the Remote
Link effectively. In addition, the receiver can determine the approximate
depth of the target, and has the ability to operate in manual or automatic
gain modes.
2- Controls
MASTER ON/OFF SWITCH -
This switch is built into the
VOLUME control. When the
VOLUME control is in the full
CCW position, past its "click", power to the unit is removed, and the
ON/OFF TRIGGER SWITCH is disabled. The intention of this switch is
to prevent accidental turn on by depression of the ON/OFF TRIGGER
SWITCH when the unit is stowed away.
ON/OFF TRIGGER SWITCH - The trigger switch is located in the handle
of the receiver and it applies power when the unit is picked up and held
by the handle, if the MASTER ON/OFF SWITCH is on. When the trigger
is released (the receiver is put down or stored away), power is removed
from the instrument. There is a 5-second delay to prevent premature
power removal when changing hands or letting the handle go
momentarily. This switch helps to conserve battery power by preventing
the user from leaving the power on accidentally
VOLUME - The volume control adjusts the volume of the tones coming
from the speaker. The volume increases as the control rotates in the CW
direction.
GAIN - When the gain control is in the full CCW position, past its "click",
the receiver is in the automatic gain mode. In this mode the receiver
adjusts its sensitivity as a function of the strength of the detected signal.
When the control is rotated CW, the receiver is in the manual gain mode.
The sensitivity of the receiver increases as the control rotates in the CW
direction.
20
6) Turn on the transmitter power by pressing the ON/OFF button and
observe the LCD for important information that is dependent on the
mode of operation chosen. If in conductive mode you will be able to
determine if there is DC or AC voltage present on the line, the line
resistance (which will give you an indication of how good your
connection is), and you will be able to select the output power
(frequency dependent). Operating the transmitter when AC or DC
voltage is present on the line is not recommended and can be
hazardous to the transmitter and the operator.
7) Make sure the master ON/OFF switch built-in the receiver's volume
control is ON, and pick up the receiver by its handle. The hand
pressure action on the trigger switch will turn its power ON.
8) Verify that you have established a good remote link by observing the
antenna symbol on the receiver's LCD display and the transmitter's
LCD display.
9) Gain- When the gain control is in the fully CCW direction, the gain is
set automatically. For best results, the experienced operator has the
option to set the gain manually by rotating the control in the CW
direction, beyond the "click". As the control is rotated in the CW
direction, the gain increases. As a guideline, always operate at the
minimum gain that shows a clear "peak" over the target. It is not
important what the signal strength number is at the peak, as long as
it clearly decreases on each side of the target. It is NOT necessary
to operate with signal strength close to 99, in fact, if "99" appears on
the numeric display, the signal is saturating the amplifiers and the
gain should be reduced. For best results keep between 20 and 80.
10) Locating Target with arrows - As the operator moves toward the
buried target, one of the arrows will indicate in which lateral direction
to move (right or left). If the operator moves beyond the target, the
other arrow will indicate that the operator should reverse direction.
When the operator is right over the target the tone will reach
maximum pitch and the digital reading will reach a maximum. Both
arrows and the center bar on the display will be ON, and the receiver
will start beeping.
NOTE: When tracing a target in congested areas and/or with
strong interference, the directional arrows and center bar may
not be precisely over the target. This will be noticed because the
peak signal strength will not coincide with the arrows and bar. In
that case rely on the peak signal strength, rather than the
arrows.

6
FREQ - An operating frequency can be selected by depressing this
button consecutively until the desired frequency is indicated on the
display of the receiver. Some frequencies are uniquely associated with a
certain mode of operation, others are available in more than one of the
modes of operation. The passive mode(s) and sonde mode(s) are also
accessible via this button. What modes and what frequencies are
available is determined by the system configuration and the way the
transmitter is connected to the target utility.
NOTE: When the FREQ control is depressed, the "Antenna" symbol comes on
while the receiver sends the new frequency command to the transmitter and
awaits for confirmation that the frequency has changed. Because of this, a delay
of up to 2-3 seconds will occur before the new operating frequency is indicated
on the display. If the new frequency is not indicated on the display shortly after the
"Antenna" symbol goes off, then try to depress the FREQ control again.
DEPTH - To determine the depth of the target place the receiver directly
over the target, as indicated by the arrows and center bar, then press the
depth button. If locating a sonde see Section IV: Operation - Locating a
Sonde for additional considerations. There is a delay of 2.0 seconds
between pressing the depth button and displaying the depth on the LCD.
The measured depth will continue to be displayed on the LCD for as long
as the button is depressed, otherwise (if the button is pressed and quickly
released), the depth will show on the LCD momentarily, along with the
word "DEPTH" on top of the LCD. Then the LCD will revert back to
display signal strength. The TraceMaster¤can be factory set to display
depth in feet and inches or in meters.
3- LCD Display
The LCD display has five general
areas to display information to the
user: a Receiver (RX) Window, a
Transmitter (TX) Window, a Frequency
Indicator, a Direction Indicator, and a
Numeric Display.
The TraceMaster¤has an ambient light sensor located right under the "s"
of the word "TraceMaster". Under very dim or dark lighting conditions,
this sensor activates backlighting of the LCD to improve readability.
RX WINDOW - This window groups a symbol (BATTERY) and a legend
concerning the receiver status.
19
SECTION IV: OPERATION
1- Operating Hints
1) Determine which is the best method to induce the transmitted signal
into the cable or pipe. The choices are one of the active modes
(conductive, inductive, or inductive clamp) or the passive mode. In
the passive mode the TraceMaster's transmitter does not transmit the
signal, but it is already there due to AC power lines. Whenever
possible, use the conductive mode, which provides the strongest and
best-coupled signal.
2) For Conductive Mode plug the conductive clips into the transmitter
jack BEFORE TURNING THE POWER ON. Connect the red clip to
the access point for the cable or pipe. Connect the black clip to the
ground stake, which should be buried on a line perpendicular to the
utility to be traced and as far from it as possible.
3) For Inductive Mode make sure nothing is plugged into the transmitter
jack. It is recommended that the conductive clips or the inductive
clamp be removed while the transmitter power is OFF. Place the
transmitter case over the buried cable or pipe in the direction
indicated by the arrows on the transmitter case. In this mode best
results are achieved when the cable or pipe to be traced is grounded
at one or both ends.
4) For the optional Inductive Clamp Mode insert the plug into the
transmitter jack BEFORE TURNING THE POWER ON, open the
jaws of the clamp and place it so that it completely encircles the
desired cable or pipe. Make sure the clamp can fully close so that
both ends touch. In this mode best results are achieved when the
cable or pipe to be traced is grounded at near end or both ends.
5) For Passive mode it is not necessary to turn the transmitter on.
However, the receiver always remembers the last frequency it was
operating at when it was turned off. Therefore it is possible for the
receiver to power up in a frequency other than "Passive". If that is the
case it is necessary to turn the transmitter on to allow the RF link to
be established and the receiver frequency to be changed to
Passive". The transmitter will also change to the Passive mode (via
the RF link), then you can turn it back off or leave it in the very low
power consuming Passive mode. Alternatively, the RF link can be
defeated as explained in Section I: General - The Remote Link.