Schonstedt XTpc Series User manual

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Instruction Manual
Model XTpc
Pipe & Cable Locator
Product Line
Manufactured By
Schonstedt Instrument Company
100 Edmond Road
Kearneysville, WV 25430
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Made in USA
February 2012

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Table of Contents
SECTION I: OPERATING MODES
Passive 50/60 Hz (P) .................................................................................................................. 4
Passive Cathodic (PC)................................................................................................................ 4
Conductive (C) ........................................................................................................................... 4
Inductive Clamp (IC) ................................................................................................................. 4
Inductive (I)................................................................................................................................ 4
Sonde (S).................................................................................................................................... 4
SECTION II: THE XTpc PRODUCT LINE
Products Covered By This Manual ............................................................................................ 6
Model Comparison Chart ........................................................................................................... 6
Automatic and Manual Gain ...................................................................................................... 7
Directional Indication................................................................................................................. 7
Depth Measurement ................................................................................................................... 7
Automatic and Manual Output Power........................................................................................ 7
Transmitter Current Measurement ............................................................................................. 7
Transmitter Time Out................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION III: OPERATING CONTROLS
Receiver ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Transmitter .................................................................................................................................10
SECTION IV: VISUAL AND AUDIBLE INDICATORS
Receiver .....................................................................................................................................11
Transmitter .................................................................................................................................12
SECTION V: CONNECTORS AND ACCESSORIES
Receiver Connector....................................................................................................................14
Transmitter Connector ...............................................................................................................14
Standard Accessories .................................................................................................................14
Optional Accessories..................................................................................................................14
SECTION VI: BATTERIES AND CHARGER
Receiver Battery.........................................................................................................................15
Transmitter Battery ....................................................................................................................15
Transmitter Battery Charger.......................................................................................................15
Recommendations for Battery Charging and Storage ................................................................16
SECTION VII: SPECIFICATIONS
Receiver .....................................................................................................................................17
Transmitter .................................................................................................................................17
SECTION VIII: OPERATING RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................18
SECTION IX: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE......................................................................................19
SECTION X: TECHNICAL SUPPORT ..................................................................................................19
SECTION XI: WARRANTY / SERVICE INFORMATION ..................................................................19

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Important Notice
Schonstedt believes the statements contained herein to be accurate and reliable. But their accuracy,
reliability, or completeness is not guaranteed.
Schonstedt's only obligation shall be to repair or replace any instrument proved to be defective within seven
years of purchase. Schonstedt shall not be responsible for any injury to persons or property, direct or
consequential, arising from the use of any instrument.
Important FCC Notice
This unit has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This unit generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this unit does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception the user is encouraged to to try
to correct the interference by reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna, or by increasing the separation
between the equipment and the receiver.

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SECTION I: OPERATING MODES
Pipe and cable locators in general can operate in a variety of modes and frequencies. The following is a
brief description of the basic operating modes supported by the XTpc line of pipe and cable locators
Passive 50/60 Hz (P)
In the passive mode the transmitter is not used at all. Instead, the receiver searches for an appropriate
harmonic of 60 or 50 Hz signals (factory preset). These signals are typically present in energized power
cables, making it possible to locate them without the use of a transmitter to impose a tracing signal on
them.
Passive Cathodic (PC)
Long pipelines usually have to deal with the issue of corrosion. A known group of techniques used to
control corrosion involves the use of periodic cathodes along the pipeline and the circulation of low-level
currents rectified from the power grid. The passive cathodic mode does not use the transmitter at all.
Instead, the receiver searches for an appropriate harmonic of rectified 60 or 50 Hz from the power grid,
therefore making it possible to trace pipelines for long distances without the use of a transmitter to impose
a tracing signal on them.
Conductive (C)
In the conductive mode the transmitter imposes a signal of the "active" frequency onto the pipe or cable to
be traced. It does so by making direct contact with the pipe or cable at a point where it comes up to the
surface (a transformer box, a water hydrant, a telephone switch box, a gas meter, etc.). The circuit is closed,
providing a return path, by a ground stake that is buried in the ground in the vicinity of the transmitter.
Inductive Clamp (IC)
In the inductive clamp mode the transmitter imposes a signal of the "active" frequency onto the pipe or
cable to be traced. It does so by energizing a "clamp" that is placed completely encircling the pipe or cable
at a point where it comes up to the surface (a transformer box, a telephone switch box, a gas meter, etc.).
The clamp then induces a current on the pipe or cable. In this mode it is not necessary to provide a return
path for the induced current to the transmitter. The induced current will travel on the pipe or cable for a
distance making it possible to trace it.
Inductive (I)
In the inductive mode the transmitter imposes a signal of the "active" frequency onto the pipe or cable to be
traced. It does so by radiating a signal through the inductive antenna, which is placed on the ground in a
direction perpendicular to the pipe or cable being traced. The inductive antenna then induces a current on
the pipe or cable. In this mode it is not necessary to provide a return path for the induced current to the
transmitter. The induced current will travel on the pipe or cable for a distance making it possible to trace it.
Sonde (S)
In the sonde mode the transmitter is not used at all. This mode is used to trace non-metallic pipes, or
metallic pipes where the other modes are inapplicable or inefficient. A small sonde or "beacon transmitter"
is pushed through the pipe by some means. The receiver searches for the signal emitted by the sonde. Since

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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. 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.

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SECTION II: THE XTPC PRODUCT LINE
The XTpc line of pipe and cable locators offers several choices to suit just about any type of locating
challenge, while emphasizing portability, size, and convenience. The unique ability of XTpc locators to
collapse for portability and expand for greater sensitivity and full functionality is unparalleled in the
industry.
Schonstedt has incorporated in the design of this line of locators more than fifty years of experience in
producing the world's finest locating products for aerospace, military and civilian applications. All
Schonstedt products are manufactured following high standards of reliability, durability and performance.
Products Covered by this Manual
This manual covers in detail all the current versions and models in the XTpc line with features including
various passive, active, and sonde modes. Feature description and specifications in this manual are
applicable to all models and versions in the line, unless otherwise noted.
As of this publishing the XTpc line includes the following locators:
XTpc-33 XTpc-82 XT512
XTpc-33-PC XTpc-82-PC
XTpc-33-512 XTpc-82-512
Next section provides a quick comparative overview of the main features and characteristics of each of
these locators. Detailed operation is covered elsewhere in the text.
Model Comparison Chart
Model P PC C IC (*) I (*) S (freq.) TX Freq. Depth
XTpc-33 Y N Y Y Y Y (33 kHz) 33 kHz Y
XTpc-33-PC Y Y Y Y Y N 33 kHz Y
XTpc-33-512 Y N Y Y Y Y (512 Hz) 33 kHz Y
XTpc-82 Y N Y Y Y Y (82 kHz) 82 kHz Y
XTpc-82-PC Y Y Y Y Y N 82 kHz Y
XTpc-82-512 Y N Y Y Y Y (512 Hz) 82 kHz Y
XT512 Y N N N N Y (512 Hz) N/A Y
(*) Requires optional accessory
Note: P = passive mode, PC = passive cathodic mode, C = conductive mode, IC = inductive clamp mode,
I = inductive mode, S = sonde mode. See SECTION I: OPERATING MODES for a description of these
modes.

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Automatic and Manual Gain
XTpc receivers have the ability to operate in automatic gain mode or in manual gain mode. In automatic
gain mode the sensitivity of the receiver is adjusted automatically, based on the strength of the detected
signal, to produce a relatively constant and strong signal strength indication. In the manual gain mode the
user has the ability to adjust the sensitivity up or down to suit different locating scenarios.
Directional Indication
XTpc receivers are equipped with directional indicators. These visual and audible indicators help the user
locate the pipe or cable by showing in what direction he/she should move to get closer to the target. These
indicators are not available in Sonde mode.
Depth Measurement
XTpc receivers have the ability to measure the approximate depth of the target pipe or cable being traced.
The bottom tip of the receiver must touch the ground when depth measurement is made, and best results are
obtained when the receiver is in a fully extended position. Depth measurements should only be made when
the directional indication says that the target is directly below the receiver and the signal strength is
adequate. Special considerations are required for the Sonde mode (see SECTION VIII: OPERATING
RECOMMENDATIONS for details).
Automatic and Manual Output Power
XTpc transmitters deliver power to the "load" connected to them. In the conductive mode the load is the
circuit formed by the cable or pipe being traced, the soil return and the ground stake. In the inductive
clamp and inductive modes the loads are the clamp and the antenna, respectively. The inductive clamp and
inductive modes require the maximum power that the transmitter can deliver. Therefore the transmitter
automatically operates at maximum power output and there is no need for manual power adjustment.
In the conductive mode the power delivered to the load is highly dependent on the external elements (soil,
type of conductor, stake placements, etc.). The transmitter defaults to an automatic output power mode and
tries to maintain a medium output current through varying conditions. But in some cases more power is
desired to achieve more distance or depth, in others less power is desired to avoid bleeding to nearby
conductors. Therefore in this mode the user has the ability to adjust the output power manually.
Transmitter Current Measurement
XTpc transmitters operating in the conductive mode measure and display the amount of current flowing out
of the transmitter and into the utility being traced. This is very useful in determining how good a circuit
has been established by the operator, and whether or not some improvements can be made by relocating the
ground stake or improving metal to metal contact of the conductive clips. A low current reading can
indicate a poor trace conductor, poor soil conductivity or poor ground stake contact or placement. Higher
current readings indicate a better circuit and therefore a better chance to trace longer distances and deeper
conductors.
If the current reading is low, you should try to improve the connection (check the cables, the clips, the
ground stake, wet the ground, clean rust or dirt, etc.) to see if the current increases. However, in many
cases the reason for the low current is the soil itself (sandy or very dry) and/or the composition of the pipe
or cable you are trying to trace (cast iron pipes, rusted or broken wires, heavy insulation to ground, etc.). In
that case you may not be able to improve the connection. This does not mean that you won't be able to

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locate, it just means that there is a smaller amount of current circulating in the circuit. You may try to
increase the output power manually and/or increase your receiver gain.
Transmitter Time Out
The XTpc transmitter will turn itself off under the following conditions:
1) The charger, conductive clips, inductive clamp or inductive antenna are NOT plugged in
In this case the time out is 15 minutes from the last time the power was turned on or a button was
pressed.
2) The conductive clips, or the inductive clamp, or the inductive antenna ARE plugged in:
In this case the time out is 4 hours from the last time the power was turned on, a button was pressed,
or an accessory was changed (i.e. if two hours have passed with the inductive clips plugged in, and
now the clips are unplugged and replaced with the inductive clamp, the 4-hr timer will restart).
3) When the battery voltage has reached 6.0 V and the charger is NOT plugged in. This low voltage
cutoff will occur regardless of the timeout conditions listed above.
This is done in order to protect the battery from an extremely deep discharge.
These deep discharges can reduce the number of recharge cycles the battery can sustain before replacement
is required, and can make recharging difficult.

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SECTION III: OPERATING CONTROLS
The product controls are designed to be intuitive and require a minimum of training for effective use. The
receiver can easily be operated with one hand. To operate the transmitter in the automatic power
adjustment mode the user needs only to connect the conductive clips, optional inductive clamp, or optional
inductive antenna and then turn the unit ON. The transmitter will then automatically recognize which
accessory is plugged in and adjust its operating mode and settings accordingly.
Receiver
ON/VOLUME - This switch powers up the receiver and automatically sets the volume to
High. Additional depressions of this switch will cycle the volume through Off (no sound),
Medium, and High settings.
OFF - This switch removes power from the receiver.
UP/DOWN Arrows - When the receiver is operating in manual gain mode, pressing the UP
or DOWN arrows will increase or decrease the gain from its current setting. When the
receiver is operating in the automatic gain mode, the first press of the UP or DOWN arrow
will switch the receiver to the manual gain mode.
AUTO - When the receiver is operating in the manual gain mode, pressing the AUTO button
will switch the receiver to operate in the Automatic gain mode. In this mode the receiver
adjusts its sensitivity as a function of the strength of the detected signal.
DEPTH - When the proper conditions to measure depth are present, pressing this switch will
display the target's depth on the LCD, after a delay of 2.0 seconds. The depth will continue
to be displayed on the LCD, along with the word "DEPTH", for as long as the switch is
depressed. If the switch is pressed and quickly released, the depth will show on the LCD
momentarily. The XTpc can be factory set to display depth in feet and inches or in meters. If
the depth cannot be determined due to a weak or noisy signal the LCD will show 3 dashes
"---".
SONDE - If the sonde mode is available and the receiver is not operating in sonde mode,
pressing this switch will cause the receiver to go to the sonde mode of operation. If the
receiver is already operating in sonde mode, pressing this switch will cause the receiver to
stop the sonde mode of operation.
PASSIVE - If the receiver is not operating in passive mode, pressing this switch will cause
the receiver to go to the passive mode of operation. If the receiver is already operating in
passive mode, pressing this switch will cause the receiver to stop the passive mode of
operation.
PC - If the passive cathodic mode is available and the receiver is not operating in passive
cathodic mode, pressing this switch will cause the receiver to go to the passive cathodic
mode of operation. If the receiver is already operating in passive cathodic mode, pressing
this switch will cause the receiver to stop the passive cathodic mode of operation.

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Transmitter
ON/OFF - This is a momentary push-button switch that toggles the power to the transmitter
on and off. When the transmitter power is off, press this switch until the LCD indicators
come on then release it, to turn the transmitter on. When the transmitter power is on, press
the switch until the LCD indicators go off then release it, to turn the transmitter off.
UP/DOWN Arrows - In the conductive mode the output power can be adjusted manually up or
down using these controls. After the first press of an arrow, the power adjustment mode switches to
manual and it can be adjusted to go above or below the setting of the Auto mode. To return the
transmitter to auto power, turn it OFF and then ON again.

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SECTION IV: VISUAL AND AUDIBLE INDICATORS
The information display areas for the receiver and the transmitter are large and easy to understand. In
addition, the receiver has audible indicators as well, to facilitate operation in heavy traffic areas.
Receiver
All visual indicators for the receiver are on the LCD display, which has six general areas to display
information to the user: a Battery Indicator, a Gain Indicator, a Frequency/Mode Indicator, a Direction
Indicator, a Numeric Display and a Volume Indicator.
BATTERY INDICATOR - The "Battery" symbol indicates the receiver's battery status. When all 3
segments inside the battery symbol are present, the battery is fully charged. When only the 2 bottom
segments are present, the battery has a medium charge. When only the bottom segment is present,
the battery has a low charge and should be replaced. If there are no segments present, the battery is
extremely low and you should replace it immediately.
GAIN INDICATOR - The "(Auto)" legend next to the "GAIN" legend indicates that the gain is in the
automatic mode. In this mode the receiver adjusts its sensitivity as a function of the strength of the
detected signal. No bar graph is shown in this mode.
If the "(Auto)" legend is not visible the receiver is operating in the manual gain mode, and therefore a
means to show the user the gain setting is necessary. The bar graph indicates the relative strength of
the gain, with each bar roughly representing one tenth of the full scale available. It takes
approximately 2 presses of the UP arrow to add one bar to the graph, and approximately 2 presses of
the DOWN arrow to delete one bar from the graph.
FREQUENCY/MODE INDICATOR - This LCD area consists of 4 icons:
"SONDE", "33 kHz", "82 kHz", and the "Passive Arrow". These icons are used by
themselves or in various combinations to indicate different operating modes, as
shown in the following table.
SONDE 33 kHz 82 kHz PASSIVE ARROW
C, IC, I at 33 kHz Off On Off Off
C, IC, I at 82 kHz Off Off On Off
Sonde at 33 kHz On On Off Off
Sonde at 82 kHz On Off On Off
Passive 50/60 Off Off Off On
Passive Cathodic (*) On Off On Off
Sonde at 512 Hz On Off Off Off
(*) Models with Passive Cathodic support do not support sondes
Note: C = conductive mode, IC = inductive clamp mode, I = inductive mode, See SECTION I:
OPERATING MODES, for a description of these modes.
DIRECTION INDICATOR - The arrows and center bar in this indicator tell the operator in which direction
to move the receiver in order to be directly over the target (see also "Alternate Directional Indication"
Section). The direction indicator does NOT work in the Sonde operating mode.
Right Arrow - Receiver should be moved to the right to get closer to the target.
Left Arrow - Receiver should be moved to the left to get closer to the target.
Both Arrows and Bar - Receiver is placed directly over the target. This is also accompanied
by a beeping sound.

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When all three elements of this indicator are OFF, the signal strength is not adequate to make a directional
determination or you are not close to the pipe or cable being traced. Keep searching based on the signal
strength indication (see below) and the audio feedback, until one of the arrows comes ON
ALTERNATIVE DIRECTION INDICATOR (ADI) - The XTpc receiver is capable of presenting
directional information to the user in a different way than the one described above. This alternate method
can be accessed at any time by simultaneously pressing the ON button and the UP arrow button. When
ADI is active the sound emitted by the speaker is continuous when the Right Arrow is on, and interrupted
or "beeping" when the Left Arrow is on. When both arrows and the center bar are on, the speaker is
silenced. The speaker is also silenced when the signal strength is too weak to make an accurate directional
indication.
The advantage of this mode is that the user can use the sound to know in what direction the instrument
should be moved without looking at the display. A continuous tone means: "move to the right", a beeping
tone means: "move to the left", and silence means: "you are right on the utility" (unless the signal is too
weak to make a determination).
The XTpc can be returned to the normal directional indication mode by simultaneously pressing the ON
button and the Down arrow button.
NUMERIC DISPLAY - The numeric display is used to display signal strength and depth.
Signal Strength - This is an indication of the relative signal level detected by the receiver and is a
function of the gain setting. Good signal strength will typically be between 200 and 800. The display
range for signal strength is 0 to 999.
Depth Reading - When measuring depth the word DEPTH lights up above the numeric display and the
depth of the target in feet and inches (or meters) is displayed as shown below:
12 4 Ft - in (factory set) or 4.10 m
The display range for depth in ft and inches is 0" to 19 ft 11", and in meters is 0.00 m to 5.99 m.
See also SECTION III: OPERATING CONTROLS/Receiver/DEPTH.
VOLUME INDICATOR - The volume indicator consists of a speaker symbol with 3 sound wave bars. If
the volume is off, the speaker symbol with NO bars is shown, for medium volume the speaker symbol with
2 bars is shown and for maximum volume the speaker symbol with 3 bars is shown.
The speaker produces an audible indication of signal strength. The pitch of the sound will increase with
increasing signal strength. However, the volume is determined only by the VOLUME control, as explained
above.
Volume OFF Medium Volume High Volume
Transmitter
All visual indicators for the transmitter are on the LCD display, which has four general areas to display
information to the user: a Battery Indicator, a Power Indicator, a Numeric Display, and a Mode Indicator.
There are no audible indicators for the transmitter.

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BATTERY INDICATOR - The "Battery" symbol indicates the transmitter's battery status. When all 3
segments inside the battery symbol are present, the battery is fully charged. When only the 2 bottom
segments are present, the battery has a medium charge. When only the bottom segment is present, the
battery has a low charge and should be recharged as soon as possible. If there are no segments
present, the battery is extremely low and it should be recharged immediately. In addition, the battery
indicator is used to show that the charger is plugged in correctly. The battery box will be on, with all 3
segments rolling. See SECTION VI: BATTERIES AND CHARGER for additional information on the
battery charging visual indicators.
POWER INDICATOR - The power indicator consists of a 10-bar graph located to the right of the
word "POWER" on the faceplate, plus the legend (Auto) at the bottom and to the right of the bar
graph. Its objective is to provide an indication of what type of power adjustment mode the transmitter
is operating at and, if operating in manual adjustment mode, provide a relative indication of the output
power being delivered to the circuit.
NUMERIC DISPLAY - The numeric display consists of 3 digits and it is used to display the measured
output current delivered to the circuit, as well as mode indications in the other operating modes. The output
current is displayed in mA (milliamperes) and it can range from 0 to 180 mA (internally limited for safety
and battery life considerations).
MODE INDICATOR - The transmitter operates only at its factory set active frequency (see Model
Comparison Chart). When the transmitter is on and operational, the operating frequency will be displayed
at the top left corner of the LCD.
The transmitter automatically detects the operating mode when an accessory is plugged in (conductive
clips, inductive clamp, inductive antenna, or battery charger). Once detected, the mode is indicated to the
user by a combination of display indicators and legends, as shown in the following table:
Accessory
Plugged In
Operating Mode Mode Indicator
None Not operational - Idle Numeric Display Legend says "On"
Battery Symbol = Lit
Frequency Indicator = Lit
Arrow indicators pointing to mode printed on the faceplate,
along the right side edge of LCD, are all flashing
Battery
Charger
Not operational - Charging Numeric Display Legend says "CHA"
Battery Symbol = Rolling bars inside battery box
Frequency Indicator = Lit
Arrow indicators = All OFF
Conductive
Clips
Conductive Numeric Display Legend = Shows output current in mA
Battery Symbol = Lit
Frequency Indicator = Lit
Arrow indicator = Pointing to CONDUCTIVE
Inductive
Clamp
Clamp Numeric Display Legend says "CLP"
Battery Symbol = Lit
Frequency Indicator = Lit
Arrow indicator = Pointing to CLAMP
Inductive
Antenna
Inductive Numeric Display Legend says "Ind"
Battery Symbol = Lit
Frequency Indicator = Lit
Arrow indicator = Pointing to INDUCTIVE

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SECTION V: CONNECTORS AND ACCESSORIES
Receiver Connector
This 2.5mm phone plug accepts any mono or stereo earphones or headphones. The receiver automatically
detects the insertion of the plug and routes the audio signals to the earphones or headphones, silencing the
internal speaker.
Transmitter Connector
This circular, lock-type, 8-pin connector is used to connect the conductive clips, the optional inductive
clamp, optional inductive antenna, or the battery charger to the transmitter. The transmitter automatically
detects what accessory has been plugged in and adjusts its operation and indicators accordingly. It is
recommended that you turn the transmitter's power OFF before removing or inserting accessories from/into
the connector.
A - Inductive Signal Out
B - N/C
C - Signal GND
D - Conductive / Clamp Signal Out
E - Battery Charger +V
F - Battery Temperature Sensor
G - Battery Charger GND
H - Accessory ID Resistor
Standard Accessories
The following accessories are included with all XTpc models:
Hard carrying case
Belt receiver holder cup
Ground stake
Conductive clips
Disposable Battery for Receiver
Battery charger for Transmitter Battery

Instruction manual
Locating 101 Book
Locating DVD
Universal power supply for battery charger w/
country-specific power cord
Vehicle power supply for battery charger
For the XT512 model, the following accessories are included:
Soft carrying bag
Belt receiver holder cup
Disposable Battery

Instruction manual
Locating 101 Book
Locating DVD
Optional Accessories
Many optional accessories are available for the XTpc Pipe and Cable locator line. The following list
includes the most common ones, please contact Schonstedt for details and additional optional accessories
not listed below.
Inductive antenna (33 kHz or 82 kHz)
Inductive clamp (3-1/8" ID, 5" ID and 7" ID)
Sondes (33 kHz, 82 kHz and 512 Hz)
"Carry All " duffel bag

Padded transmitter and accessory belt-pouch w/ belt
Shoulder strap
Medium size conductive clips
Large size conductive clips

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SECTION VI: BATTERIES AND CHARGER
Receiver Battery
The XTpc receiver is powered by one 9-volt disposable battery. The battery is located in the handle of the
instrument and can be accessed by turning the screw counterclockwise by hand or with the use of a
screwdriver or coin. To remove the battery, simply tilt the unit so that the handle is pointing down, and the
battery will slide out. When replacing the battery, look at the inside of the battery door for the proper
battery orientation. (The positive terminal should be on the right on the inside of the unit) As a safety
measure the unit has been "keyed" so that the battery will only make contact when it is inserted in the
correct orientation. For this reason you should never have to force the battery door closed. If the battery
does not seem to be going in all the way, remove the battery, reverse its orientation and then replace it.
Transmitter Battery
The batteries for the transmitter are 6 rechargeable NiMH cells packed to provide 7.2- volt, and need not be
replaced. It is recommended to first charge the batteries for at least 4 hours before the initial use. If you
suspect that the batteries are malfunctioning please contact Schonstedt Instrument Company.
Transmitter Battery Charger
The battery charger is especially designed to charge the internal NiMH, 7.2-volt battery pack that powers
the transmitter. It will typically charge a fully discharged battery in under 4 hrs and it has smart safety
features to monitor the charge process. The charger can be powered by the included AC power supply or
the included vehicle power supply. The AC power supply operates from a range of input voltages and
frequencies to suit most countries. The vehicle power supply allows the battery to be recharged while
driving from job to job. Its input voltage is 12 to 14.4 VDC from a car battery.
After plugging the charger into the XTpc transmitter and connecting the AC power to it, allow a few
minutes for it to settle the LED indicators as follows:
FULL (Green): The charger has determined that the battery is fully charged
CHARGING (Yellow): The charger is charging the battery
FAULT (Red): See explanation below
Conditions Under Which the FAULT LED Will Come On:
The FAULT LED indicates that the battery charger is not charging the battery successfully. This can be for
a number of reasons: The battery may be overcharged; the battery may not be taking a charge in a
reasonable amount of time; the battery may be too warm to be charged without causing damage to its
internal cells; or, the battery charger may have an internal fault.

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The FAULT LED may also come on if power is applied to the charger, but the charger is not connected to
the instrument. This is because the charger cannot distinguish between a missing battery and a battery that
is not responding to charging correctly.
If the FAULT LED comes on, take the following steps to try to clear the condition:
1. Make sure that the charger is properly connected to the XTpc transmitter and wait a few minutes (2-5)
to see if the FAULT LED comes off.
2. If the FAULT LED does not come off after a few minutes, remove the power connector from the
charger, and reconnect it to start the charger.
3. If the XTPC transmitter is warm, move it to a conditioned space and allow it to cool for several hours
before attempting a charge again.
4. If the FAULT LED remains on after the steps above, contact Schonstedt Instrument Company for
further instructions.
Recommendations for Battery Charging and Storage
Due to battery composition and safety features built into the charger, it may be necessary to do two or more
full-charging cycles to bring the battery back up to full capacity if it has been completely discharged. If
you suspect the battery has been fully depleted, such as when it has been in storage for a long time, or when
the transmitter won’t even turn on, it is recommended to do at least two consecutive charging cycles before
resuming normal use of the battery. Make sure you unplug the charger from the battery in between the two
cycles.
The higher the storage temperature, the faster the battery will self-discharge, reducing its shelf life. The
recommended storage temperature is 50° to 70°F (10° to 20°C). Storing the battery at higher temperature
can reduce its overall life, storing at colder temperatures is preferred and beneficial.

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SECTION II : SPECIFICATIONS
(Specifications are subject to change without notice)
Receiver
Operating Frequency: Active and passive frequencies depending on model
(see Model Comparison Chart)
Battery: 9 V Alkaline single battery
Battery Life: 12 hrs intermittent use
Audio Output: 10 - 1500 Hz determined by signal strength
0 - 70 db SPL (Sound Pressure Level), volume controlled
Weight (incl. batteries): Under 2.8 Lbs
Operating Temp.: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 70°C)
Overall Dimensions:
Closed: 17.5 in x 3 in x 8.5 in (44 cm x 7.6 cm x 21.5 cm)
Extended: 27.7 in x 3 in x 8.5 in (70 cm x 7.6 cm x 21.5 cm)
Max. Depth Capability: Approximately 19' (5.8 m)
Sonde mode approximately 5'- 8' (1.5m - 2.5m)
Transmitter
Operating Frequency 33 kHz or 82 kHz, depending on model
(see Model Comparison Chart)
Output Power: 33 kHz - 1.8 W maximum (conductive mode)
82 kHz - 1.0 W maximum (conductive mode)
Dimensions: 7.2 in x 2.2 in x 1.5 in
(18.3 cm x 5.6 cm x 3.8 cm)
Battery Type: Rechargeable NiMH pack (7.2 V)
Battery Life: 8 hours intermittent operation
Charging: Smart charger powered by AC supply or vehicle supply
Outputs/Inputs: Circular "smart" connector to:
1) Inductive antenna
2) Inductive clamp
3) Conductive clips
4) Battery charger
Weight: Under 1.5 lbs
Operating Temp.: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 70°C)

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SECTION VIII : OPERATING RECOMMENDATIONS
Follow these tips and recommendations to operate your XTpc Pipe and Cable Locator:
1) Whenever possible, use the conductive mode, which provides the strongest and best-coupled signal.
2) When operating in conductive mode:
The ground stake should be buried on a line perpendicular to the utility to be traced and as far
from it as possible.
Verify that a good circuit has been established by checking the output current from the transmitter.
If necessary, make adjustments to the ground stake or clips to improve the connection.
You can also manually adjust the output power to affect the output current.
3) If using the inductive mode, place the antenna tube (attached to the transmitter) over the buried cable
or pipe in the direction indicated by the arrows on the antenna tube label.
4) If using the inductive clamp mode, place the clamp so that it completely encircles the desired cable or
pipe. Make sure the clamp can fully close so that both ends touch.
5) When operating in the passive mode, or the passive cathodic mode. Be aware of your surroundings and
possible interference from overhead power lines or nearby transformers or substations.
6) In all operating modes, always set the gain at the minimum setting that shows a clear "peak" over the
target. Optimum results will most likely be obtained with a signal strength reading between 200 and
800. A reading of 999 indicates the signal is saturating the amplifiers and the gain should be reduced.
7) Searching for a sonde:
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) 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. As the receiver gets
closer to the sonde the signal strength increases to a maximum when directly over the sonde, if the
plane of the sensors is parallel to the axis of the sonde (approaching from a direction that is
perpendicular to the direction of the pipe). A rotation of 90 degrees from this position should produce
a null. 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. The achievable depth depends on a number of factors, but
typically it is possible to read depth up to 5 to 8 feet.

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SECTION IX: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Symptom Possible Cause Action
Receiver Inoperative Discharged or faulty battery
Incorrect battery polarity
Replace battery
Check bottom of battery door for correct
polarity, and re-insert battery.
No Audio Audio turned off Press the “ON” button on the receiver to
cycle through the audio volume options.
Transmitter Inoperative Discharged battery Charge battery as described in manual.
Transmitter battery life is
short
Battery not fully charged Charge battery until the green light on the
charger comes on. Then unplug the charger,
reconnect, and repeat charging cycle.
SECTION X: TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Schonstedt offers technical support and sales support. For any reason regarding usage and application
please contact our technical support team at 888-32-TRACE (888-328-7223).
FOR SERVICE OR REPAIR
Please ship locator to:
Schonstedt Instrument Company
100 Edmond Road
Kearneysville, WV 25430
Attn: Customer Service Dept.
SECTION XI: WARRANTY INFORMATION
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 (with the return of the Customer Registration Card) 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.