SPX CUES ACCUPOINT MS611 User manual

Sewer and storm industry sonde
and line locator kits
User Guide

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Preface
About this guide
CAUTION: This guide provides basic operating instructions for the ACCUPOINT
MS611 locator and MS620 transmitter. It also contains important safety
information and guidelines and as such should be read in its entirety before
attempting to operate the ACCUPOINT locator and transmitter.
This guide is intended as a quick reference guide only. For detailed instructions,
including the use of accessories, help with eCert™, please refer to the ACCUPOINT
locator Operation Manual and ACCUPOINT Manager™ Online manuals, which are
available for download from www.cuesinc.com.
Certicates of conformity for the ACCUPOINT locators and transmitter ranges can be
found at www.cuesinc.com.

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WARNING! Direct connection to live conductors is POTENTIALLY LETHAL.
Direct connections to live conductors should be attempted by fully qualied
personnel only using the relevant products that allow connections to energized
lines.
WARNING! The transmitter is capable of outputting potentially lethal
voltages. Take care when applying signals to any pipe or cable and be sure to
notify other technicians who may be working on the line.
WARNING! Reduce audio level before using headphones to avoid damaging
your hearing.
WARNING! This equipment is NOT approved for use in areas where
hazardous gases may be present.
WARNING! When using the transmitter, switch o󰀨 the unit and disconnect
cables before removing the battery pack.
WARNING! The ACCUPOINT MS611 locator will detect most buried
conductors but there are some objects that do not radiate any detectable signal.
The ACCUPOINT MS611, or any other electromagnetic locator, cannot detect
these objects so proceed with caution. There are also some live cables which the
ACCUPOINT MS611 will not be able to detect in Power mode. The ACCUPOINT
MS611 does not indicate whether a signal is from a single cable or from several
in close proximity.
WARNING! Batteries can get hot after prolonged use at full output power.
Take care while replacing or handling batteries.
WARNING! Only use charging equipment provided by CUES. The use of
alternative chargers may cause a safety hazard and/or reduce the life of the
battery.
CAUTION: Do not let your battery completely discharge as this may reduce its
life or damage it permanently. If you are not using your equipment for a long
period do charge them at least once a month.
WARNING! Batteries can get hot after prolonged use at full output power.
Take care while replacing or handling batteries.
WARNING! Do not tamper with, or attempt to disassemble the battery packs.
CAUTION: If battery failure is suspected or if the battery shows any sign of
discoloration/physical damage return the entire unit to an authorized repair
center for investigation and repair. Local, national or IATA transport regulations
may restrict the shipment of faulty batteries. Check with your courier for
restrictions and best practice guidelines. Your local CUES representative will be
able to direct you to our authorized repair centers.
NOTE: The charging temperature range is 0 to 45 °C, 32 to 113°F. Do not attempt
to recharge your batteries outside this temperature range.

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3 Year Extended Warranty
ACCUPOINT locators and transmitters are covered by a 1 year warranty as
standard. Customers can extend their warranty period to a total of 3 years by
registering their products within 3 months of purchase.
To register your product:
Visit https://portal.radiodetection.com to create your portal account* and
use the Product page to register your locator or transmitter.
Visit https://support.radiodetection.com for instructions on how to create a
portal account or register your product.
*A valid email address and mobile number are required.
eCert and Self-Test
The ACCUPOINT locator is safety equipment which should be regularly
checked to ensure its correct operation.
eCert provides a thorough test of the ACCUPOINT's locating circuitry, and
supplies a CUES Calibration Certicate when a positive test result is obtained.
To run an eCert, the locator should be connected to an internet-enabled PC on
which the ACCUPOINT Manager software is installed.
Refer to the ACCUPOINT Manager operation manual for further details.
Additional purchase may be required.
ACCUPOINT locators incorporate an Enhanced Self-Test feature. In addition
to the typical checks for display and power functions, the ACCUPOINT MS611
locator applies test signals to its locating circuitry during a Self-Test to check
accuracy and performance.
We recommend that a self-test is run at least weekly, or before each use.

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ACCUPOINT MS611 locator
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Locator features
1. Keypad.
2. LCD with auto backlight.
3. Haptic (vibration) feedback.
4. Speaker.
5. Battery compartment.
6. Accessory connector.
7. Headphone connector.
8. Swing alert system.
9. Optional Lithium-Ion battery pack.
10. USB port
(inside battery compartment).
Locator keypad
11. Power key.
12. Frequency key.
13. Up and down arrows.
14. Antenna key.
Locator screen icons
15. Signal strength bargraph with peak
marker.
16. Signal strength readout.
17. Proportional Guidance arrows.
18. Battery level.
19. Sensitivity readout
20. Volume level.
21. Power Mode icon.
22. Accessory / Measurement icon.
23. Frequency / current / menu readout.
24. Antenna modes icon:
Indicates antenna mode selection:
Peak+™/ Guidance.
25. Sonde icon: Indicates that a sonde
signal source is selected.
26. Line icon: Indicates that a line signal
source is selected.
27. Compass: Shows the orientation
of the located cable or sonde relative
to the locator.
28. Depth readout.

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MS620 transmitter
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Transmitter features
1. Keypad.
2. LCD.
3. Removable accessory tray.
4. D-cell battery tray.
5. Optional Lithium-Ion battery pack.
Transmitter keypad
6. Power key.
7. Frequency key.
8. Up and down arrows.
9. Measure key.
Transmitter screen icons
10. Battery level indicator.
11. Operation mode readout.
12. Standby icon.
13. Output level indicator.
14. Clamp icon: Indicates when a
signal clamp or other accessory is
connected.
15. DC Power connected indicator.
16. Induction mode indicator.
17. Voltage warning indicator: Indicates
that the transmitter is outputting
potentially hazardous voltage levels.
18. Volume level indicator.

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Keypad actions and shortcuts
Switch the locator or transmitter on by pressing the key. Once powered up, the
keys function as follows:
Locator keys
KEY ● SHORT PRESS ●■■■● LONG PRESS
Enter the menu. Switch power o󰀨.
Scroll through locate frequencies
from low to high. –
When using active frequencies:
Toggles Peak+ and Guidance antenna
modes.
Power Mode:
Scrolls through Power Filters™for
improved discrimination of parallel or
strong power signals.
–
and
Increase and decrease gain.
Accupoint automatically sets gain to
mid-point when pressed.
Rapidly increase and decrease gain
steps in 1dB increments.
KEY ● SHORT PRESS ●■■■● LONG PRESS
Enter the menu. Switch Power o󰀨.
Scroll through locate frequencies
from low to high. –
Take voltage and impedance
measurements using the currently
selected frequency.
Take voltage and impedance
measurements at a standardized
frequency.
and Adjusts the output signal. Select standby /maximum standard
power .
Transmitter keys
Tip: to scroll through frequencies from high to low, hold while pressing the
button (applies to both locators and transmitters).

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Before you begin
IMPORTANT!
This guide is intended to be a quick reference guide. We recommend you read
the full operation manual before you attempt to operate the ACCUPOINT locator.
First use
The ACCUPOINT locators and transmitters can be powered by D-cell alkaline
batteries, D-cell NiMH batteries, or by an accessory Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack.
To t the D cell batteries in the locator, open the battery compartment and insert two
D-Cell Alkaline or NiMH batteries, taking care to align the positive (+) and negative (-)
terminals as indicated.
To t the D cell batteries in the transmitter, unlatch the accessory tray. The battery
compartment is located underneath the transmitter body. Use the turnkey to unlatch
the battery compartment. Insert eight D-Cell Alkaline or NiMH batteries, taking care to
align the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals as indicated.
Alternatively, you can power the transmitter from a mains or vehicle power source
using a CUES supplied optional accessory adapter.
System setup
It is important that you set up the system according to regional / operational
requirements and your personal preferences before you conduct your rst survey. You
can set the system up using the menus as described below.
Setting up your system
The ACCUPOINT locator and transmitter menus allow you to select or change system
options. Once entered, the menu is navigated using the arrow keys. Navigation is
consistent on both the transmitter and the locator. When in the menu, most on-screen
icons will temporarily disappear and the menu options will appear in the bottom left-
hand corner of the display. The right arrow enters a submenu and the left arrow returns
to the previous menu.
Note that when browsing the locator menu, the and keys act as left and right
arrows. When browsing the transmitter menu, the and keys act as left and
right arrows.
To navigate menus:
1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Use the or keys to scroll through the menu options.
3. Press the key to enter the option’s submenu.

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4. Use the or keys to scroll through the submenu options.
5. Press the key to conrm a selection and return to the previous menu.
6. Press the key to return to the main operation screen.
NOTE: When you select an option and press the key, the option will be
enabled automatically.
Locator menu options
• VOL: Adjust the speaker volume from 0 (mute) to 5 (loudest).
• UNITS: Select metric or imperial units.
• LANG: Select menu language.
• POWER: Select local power network frequency: 50 or 60Hz.
• ANT: Enable or disable any antenna mode with the exception of Peak.
• FREQ: Enable or disable individual frequencies.
• ALERT: Enable or disable StrikeAlert™.
• BATT: Set battery type: Alkaline or NiMH.
• ARROW: Select proportional Guidance arrows in Peak+ mode
• COMPA: Enable or disable display of the Compass feature.
• VALRT: Enable or disable the vibration feature.
• AUDIO: Select High or Low sound levels.
• SWING: Enable or disable Swing warning.
• INFO: Shows the software version, run a Self-Test, display the date of the most
recent service recalibration (M CAL) or the most recent eCert calibration.
Transmitter menu options
• VOL: Adjust the speaker volume from 0 (mute) to 3 (loudest).
• FREQ: Enable or disable individual frequencies.
• BOOST: Boost transmitter output for a specied period of time (in minutes).
• LANG: Select menu language.
• BATT: Set battery type: ALK, NiMH and enable / disable Eco mode.
• MAX P: Set the transmitter to output its maximum wattage.
• MODEL: Match the transmitter setting to the model of your locator.
• MAX V: Set the output voltage to maximum (90V).
• INFO: Shows the software version

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Examples of using the menu, selecting options and
making changes:
Locator mains power frequency
To select the correct frequency (50 or 60Hz) for your country or region’s power supply:
1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the POWER menu using the or keys.
3. Press the key to enter the POWER menu.
4. Use the or keys to select the correct mains frequency.
5. Press the key twice to accept your selection and return to the main operation
screen.
Batteries
It is important to set the system to match the currently installed battery type to ensure
optimal performance and correct battery level indication.
To set your battery type:
1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the BATT menu using the or arrows.
3. Press the key (on the locator) or the key (on the transmitter) to enter the
BATT menu.
4. Scroll up or down to select the correct battery type (Alkaline or Nickel-metal
Hydride).
5. Press the key twice to accept your selection and return to the main operation
screen.
Transmitter Eco Mode
When using alkaline batteries, Eco mode can be selected to maximize run time. When
Eco mode is selected the transmitter automatically reduces its maximum power output
as battery levels run low. Eco mode is switched o󰀨 by default. To Enable Eco Mode:
1. Press the key to enter the menu.
2. Scroll to the BATT menu using the or arrows.
3. Press the key to enter the BATT menu.
4. Select the ALK Battery type using the or arrows.
5. Press the key to enter the ECO sub menu
6. Select ECO using the or arrows.
7. Press the key three times to accept your selection and return to the main
operation screen.

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Locating pipes and cables
The ACCUPOINT locator is designed
to operate with the ‘blade’ of the locator
perpendicular
to the path of the cable or
pipe being located.
Locating with active
frequencies
Active frequencies are applied to the
target pipe or cable using the transmitter,
and provide the most e󰀨ective way of
tracing buried pipes or cables.
Generally speaking, it is better to use a
low frequency on larger, low impedance
utilities, and move to a higher frequency on smaller, high impedance utilities.
The lowest power setting required to trace the target utility should always be used to
minimize the risk of false trails.
The transmitter can apply a signal using three di󰀨erent methods:
Direct connection
In direct connection, you connect the transmitter directly to the pipe or cable you wish
to survey using the red Direct Connect lead supplied. The black lead is generally
connected to earth using the supplied ground stake.
The transmitter will then apply a discrete signal to the line, which you can trace using
the locator. This method provides the best signal on an individual line and enables the
use of lower frequencies, which can be traced for longer distances.
WARNING! Direct connection to live conductors is POTENTIALLY LETHAL.
Direct connections to live conductors should be attempted by fully qualied
personnel only using the relevant products that allow connections to
energized lines.
Induction
The transmitter is placed on the ground over or near the survey area. You select the
appropriate frequency. The transmitter will then induce the signal indiscriminately
to any nearby metallic conductor. In induction mode, using higher frequencies is
generally recommended as they are induced more easily onto nearby conductors.

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Transmitter clamp
An optional signal clamp can be placed around an insulated live wire or pipe up to
8.5" / 215mm in diameter to transfer the transmitter signal to the utility. This method
of applying the transmitter signal is particularly useful on insulated live wires and
removes the need to disconnect the supply to the cable.
WARNING! Do not clamp around uninsulated live conductors.
WARNING! Before applying or removing the clamp around a power cable
ensure that the clamp is connected to the transmitter at all times.
Locating with passive frequencies
Passive frequency detection takes advantage of signals that are already present on
buried metallic conductors. The ACCUPOINT supports Power Mode. You can detect
these signals without the aid of the transmitter.
Power lters
ACCUPOINT locators allows operators to take advantage of the harmonic signals
found on power networks. Once in Power Mode, press the key to switch out of
CUES’s sensitive Power Mode and scroll through ve individual Power Filters. This
enables operators to establish if a single large power signal comes from one source
or from the presence of multiple cables. The di󰀨erent harmonic characteristics of the
detected lines can then be used to trace and mark their route.
Additionally the use of an individual harmonic can allow you to locate power lines in
situations where the total signal would otherwise be too large.
Locate modes
The ACCUPOINT o󰀨ers 2 locate modes, each of which is designed for specic uses,
depending on what task is being carried out.
To scroll between locate modes, press the key.
PEAK+: Choose to combine the accuracy of the Peak bargraph with Null
arrows, which can indicate the presence of distortion, or with proportional
Guidance arrows for rapid line tracing – switch between them by holding the key.
GUIDANCE: Proportional arrows and a ballistic ‘needle’ combine with audio
left / right indication for rapidly tracing the general path of a buried utility.

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Locating the pipe or cable
Having chosen the method of applying the transmitter signal to the pipe or cable, the
locator is now ready to use.
NOTE: When the locator is positioned at a specic distance from the target line, the
depth and current values will automatically display, although these values will not
be accurate until the locator is directly over the target line and correctly orientated.
When directly over the target line, both depth and current readings will be at their
minimum. This can be a very useful feature when attempting to pinpoint the target line.
NOTE: To display depth and current readings, the locator must be orientated in
line with the target by using the compass and left / right arrows. The compass
feature and left / right arrows in Figure 2 show the locator directly in line with
the target.
Figure 1 shows the locator in Guidance
Mode with the locator positioned to the
left of the target line. In this position the
Proportional Left arrow is displayed,
indicating the direction in which the
locator should be moved towards the
target line. The target position indicator
indicates the target positioned to the right
of the locator and can be used to guide
the locator towards the target line. The
signal strength value will be displayed,
indicating the strength of the signal from the target line. In this position the tone from
the speaker of the locator will be continuous.
With the aid of the compass, the locator can be positioned in line with the target line
enabling both depth and current readings to be displayed.
As the locator is moved towards the right, the tail on the proportional left arrow will
reduce, the target position indicator will move from the right, towards the centre, the
speaker tone will reduce and the numerical signal strength value will increase.
Use the proportional arrows, target position indicator and signal strength value to
guide the locator directly over the target line.
Figure 2 shows the locator in Guidance
Mode and directly over the target line. In
this position the left and right arrow heads
will be displayed simultaneously, target
position indicator in the centre, the signal
strength value at its maximum, speaker
tone silent and both depth and current
readings at their minimum.
Figure 1
Figure 2

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Figure 3 shows the locator in Guidance
Mode and positioned to the right of the
target line. In this position the Proportional
Right arrow is displayed, indicating the
direction in which the locator should be
moved towards the target line. The target
position indicator indicates the target
positioned to the left of the locator and
can be used to guide the locator towards
the target line. The signal strength value
will be displayed, indicating the strength
of the signal from the target line. In this
position the tone from the speaker of the locator will be pulsed.
With the aid of the compass, the locator can be positioned in line with the target line
enabling both depth and current readings to be displayed.
As the locator is moved towards the left, the tail on the proportional right arrow will
reduce, the target position indicator will move from the left, towards the centre, the
pulsing tone from the speaker will reduce and the numerical signal strength value will
increase.
Use the proportional arrows, target position indicator and signal strength value to
guide the locator directly over the target line.
With the locator powered up in guidance
mode, a momentary press of the mode
key will change the mode of operation to
power mode. In this mode, the bar graph
signal strength indicator, numerical signal
strength (%), numerical gain setting
and depth (m / ft) are available. The
proportional left/right arrows and target
position indicator will not be available
(Refer to Figure 4). Figure 4
Figure 3

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Depth, current and compass readouts
WARNING! Never use the depth measurement readout as a guide for
mechanical or other digging activity. Always follow safe digging guidelines.
The ACCUPOINT locator can measure and display the utility depth, locate signal
current and the relative orientation of the cable or pipe to the locator. This helps you to
make sure that you are following the right cable or pipe, especially when other utilities
are present.
The ACCUPOINT locator features TruDepth™, a feature that helps you to ensure the
accuracy of your locates. The depth and current are automatically removed from the
display when the locator is at an angle of more than 7.5° from the path of the cable or
pipe being located, or when the locator determines that signal conditions are too poor
for reliable measurements.
Using accessories
Sondes, Flexrods and FlexiTrace
Sondes are transmitters that are useful for tracing non-metallic pipes and sewer and
storm pipelines. Battery powered sondes can be xed to Flexrods to allow them to
be pushed through pipes or conduits, and some are suitable for blowing through
ductwork. Sondes integral to pipeline inspection systems are suitable for the location
and assessment of sewer and storm pipeline systems during inspection.
A FlexiTrace is a traceable berglass rod incorporating wire conductors with a sonde
at the end. It is connected to the output of the transmitter and is typically used in small
diameter, non-metallic pipes. The user has the option of locating the entire length of
the cable or choosing to locate only the tip of the cable.
The FlexiTrace has a maximum power rating of 1W. When using the FlexiTrace with
a ACCUPOINT MS620 transmitter, the output limit must be set to 1W in the MAX P
menu and the output voltage limit set to LOW in the MAX V menu.

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Locating pipes with a sonde
NOTE: The 'blade' of the locator must be in-line with the central axis of the sonde.
A new battery or a freshly recharged battery should be used at the beginning of each
day and preferably at the start of a job. Check that the locator and sonde are working
correctly.
A quick test for both sonde and locator
is to position the sonde at ground level
at a distance equal to its rated depth
range from the locator. Point the locator
at the sonde with its blade in-line with
the sonde, and check that the bar graph
on the locator displays more than 50%
with the sensitivity of the locator set to
maximum.
With the sonde in place at the survey
location, hold the locator vertically and
directly over the sonde's estimated position. Make sure the blade is in-line with the
sonde. Adjust the sensitivity (gain) of the locator to give a bar graph display reading
between 60% and 80%.
A sonde radiates a peak radio frequency
eld from the center of its axis with
weaker signal (ghost) lobes at each
side. Ghost lobe identication helps to
conrm the accuracy of the peak (center)
position. Move the locator a little way to
one side and then along the axis of the
sonde iteratively forwards and backwards
to detect the ghost lobes. Reduce the
sensitivity of the locator until the ghost
lobes are no longer detected.
With the locator sensitivity set as desired,
propel the sonde along three to four
paces and stop.

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Place the locator over the estimated position of the sonde:
1. Refer to Figure 1.
Move the locator backwards and
forwards with the blade in-line with
the sonde. Stop when the locator
display indicates a clear peak
response.
2. Refer to Figure 2.
Rotate the locator as if the blade
were a pivot, stop when the display
indicates a clear peak response.
3. Refer to Figure 3.
Move the locator from side to side
until the display indicates a clear peak
response.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 in smaller
increments with the locator blade
resting on or near the ground. The
locator should now be directly above
the sonde with the blade in line with
the sonde. Now mark the position.
5. Propel the sonde a further three to
four paces along the drain or duct
and pinpoint and mark. Repeat this
procedure along the route at similar
intervals. It should only be necessary
to change the locator sensitivity while
tracing the sonde if there is a change
in the depth of the drain or duct, or
the distance between locator and
sonde.
Figure1
Figure2
Figure3