SubSurface Instruments AQUA TRAC 300 User manual

Instructions, Functions and Warranty Information
User ManualUser Manual
Water Leak Detector
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Copyright © 2019 SubSurface Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of
the SubSurface Instruments, Inc.
Please contact SubSurface Instruments, Inc. to request permission for reproduction and use of this manual
for training purposes.
Copyright

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Table of Contents................................................................... 03
Introduction ........................................................................... 04
Disclaimer of Liability ............................................................. 04
Important Notices .................................................................. 04
Prepare for Use ..................................................................... 05
Warranty............................................................................... 05
Features ............................................................................... 06
Technical Description ............................................................. 07
Introduction ........................................................................... 08
Operation ............................................................................. 09
Main Screen Functions ........................................................... 10
Frequency Filters ................................................................... 12
Recommendations .................................................................. 14
Collecting Data Into the Unit's Memory................................... 15
Advanced Settings ................................................................. 16
Factory Service...................................................................... 17
What's included..................................................................... 18
Company Information ............................................................ 20
table of Contents
General InformatIon

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Congratulations on the purchase of your new SubSurface Instruments, Inc. AquaTrac™300 Water Leak
Detector. The AquaTrac™300 is specially designed to detect water leaks on buried pipes & conducts.
This device will detect water leaks through its highly sensitive microphone and its control board advanced
technology. You have chosen a quality product that is designed for years of field use without the need for
annual or periodic calibration and service.
The basic principle of the Water Leak Detector's operation is as follows:
The microphone/sensor is placed over the ground surface or directly over the pipe, the sound created by
the water leak frequency is detected and interpreted by the control Board and displayed on the screen
for the operator to determine the course of action.
To help ensure the best locating results, please read & understand the manual in its entirety before using
the product.
SubSurface Instruments, Inc. shall not be liable to Distributor, Re-Seller, or any other person for any
incidental, indirect, special, exemplary or consequential damages, or injury of any type whatsoever,
either caused directly or indirectly by products sold or supplied by SubSurface Instruments, Inc..
This manual contains basic advice for the operation of the AquaTrac™300. It is essential that the manual
is available for the trained operator to use as a reference. You must read this manual carefully.
• Do not drop the device, the electronic components might get damaged with strong impacts.
• Limits set in the technical data sheet must not be exceeded.
• Original accessories ensure the safe operation of the equipment. The use of non-original accessories
are not allowed and Void the warranty if used with this unit.
• Maintenance and repairs can only be performed by service centers authorized by SubSurface
Instruments, Inc.
Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious injury or death.
Only qualied and trained personnel should operate this water leak detector.
Follow appropriate safety procedures, your company's policies and applicable safety codes and/or laws.
Do not connect to utilities, cables or pipes without authorization and training.
Use this tool for intended purpose only as described in this manual
Do not expose to hazardous chemicals, hazardous gases or explosive environments.
This tool is designed to detect sound emitted from buried pipes and utilities. There might be water leaks on
buried pipes, and utilities that this instrument CANNOT detect.
LOCATING is not an exact science. The only certain way to be sure of the existence, location, or depth of
buried utilities is to carefully expose (dig up) the utility.
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
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WARNING!
WARNING!
introduCtion
disClaimer ofliability
important notiCes

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Unpack your new AquaTrac™300 Water Leak Detector. Make sure there is no shipping damage and that
all parts have been included.
This unit has a rechargeable Li-Ion battery, please charge for at least 5 hours before use.
Note: For longer battery life and reliable operation under adverse conditions, use only supplied charger
and accessories provided by SubSurface Instruments, Inc.
Connect the Sensor/Microphone into the unit and ensure — by screwing the connector until the nut is secure
against the unit— that the connection was successfully made.
Be aware of the headphones volume, the level is set to medium each time you re-start the unit. Avoid loud
noises or hard bangs when using the unit on higher volume levels, failure to do so may result in permanent
hearing damage.
this instrument is under warranty for 1 year (5 year*) from the date of delivery against
defects in material and workmanship. wewill repair or replace products that prove to Be
defective during warranty period.
*Byregistering your unit online at http://www.ssilocators.com/warranty-registration
within one month (30 days) of purchase, suBsurface instruments, inc. will extend the
warranty period from 1 year to 5 years.
this warranty is void if, after having received the instrument in good condition, it is suBjected to aBuse,
unauthorized alterations or casual repair.
noother warranty is expressed or implied. the warranty descriBed in this paragraph shall Be in lieu of any
other warranty, including, But not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantaBility or fitness for a
particular purpose. suBsurface instruments, inc. will not Be liaBle for consequential damages.
Please Fill out all of the fields on our online registration to keep better track of
your warranty and allow us to help you with any further questions or concerns.
SubSurface Instruments, Inc. Team
prepare for use
register Warranty
sCan the Qr Code to register online

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The Leak Detector's circuitry is housed in a highly resistant engineered grade plastic box. The monitor features a backlit
LCD touch screen with a clear display, even in extremely sunny conditions.
The connections to the ground microphone and headset are within easy access and the unit can be easily turned ON and
OFF with a switch located on the front side of the box.
The AquaTrac™300 Water Leak Detector is an electroacoustic sound listening device, the equipment registers the vibrations
of an object or pipe where a water leak is presumed to be found, the AquaTrac™300 reproduce a specific frequency that
can be interpreted by a trained operator.
Some of the applications are locating leaks in water distribution networks and locating leaks in service and utility pipes.
• Do not use the equipment at excessive volume, this may result in permanent hearing damage.
• Do not drop the equipment, the circuitry and components inside of the casing can get damaged. The sensor/microphone
is also a delicate piece of electronic equipment, do not drop it or hit it, this can cause damage to the microphone
and internal connections and will not be covered under warranty. NEVER open the housing of the unit, this will also
automatically void the warranty.
• The unit leaves our facility in the original factory configuration, no need for calibration or special settings besides
options available on the menu.
The AquaTrac™300 has all the necessary functions for the acoustic detection of water leaks in buried pipes. Through its
potent ground microphone, the sounds can be detected directly from the pipe as well as on the ground surface. The sound
level is displayed on the equipment's screen in graphical form, as well as numerically. The unit identifies frequency of
the audio collected which is then transmitted into the headset, this process is an intrinsical part of the whole system. The
headphones are equipped with noise isolating features to allow the user to acquire the best audio possible to pinpoint the
water leak location.
The AquaTrac™300 features several specific functions for the interpretation of the results:
• The filters can be customized to limit the bandwidth by setting high frequency and low-frequency parameters
(Ex: 100 Hz to 1200 Hz or 101 Hz to 2500 Hz)
• The sound level indicator represents the live audio with a graph and a numeric value on the screen
• The screen also displays the Battery Life indicator
• 15 memories to record current reading and recall it later for further consultation.
Version summary
aQuatraC™300 struCture
basiC information
safety Warnings
features

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teChniCal desCription
Type: Electronic water leak detector with electronic sensor attached to the amplifier to find
water leaks on buried pipes or above ground meters & hydrants
Operating frequency: 0-3000 Hz (others on request)
Filters: 6 noise filters are pre-set in the unit and also can be customized by the user,
allowing infinite combinations
Amplifier: 65dB provides high performance
Ingress Protection Class: IP65 rated (unit & attachments)
Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable, charger included
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of continuous use (others on request), with multi-voltage charger jack
Display: Touch Screen LCD, back-lit display, color identification of filters, sound readings,
operation buttons and access to the equipment settings
Geophone Sensor: Piezo electronic sensor, high sensitivity and resistance with protection against
wind and weather. 5 feet (1.5 meters) contact cable, rubber protected sensor base
for unpaved ground and impacts
Activation of Sensor: Activates by pressing the "trigger" button on the handle attached to the sensor cable,
press the button to transmit audio to the headphones, depress to mute the audio.
Sensor sensitivity: 0,7 V / g
Headset: Professional stereo headset with full over the ears soft pads. Impedance of 8 ohms
Headset Volume control: Press the UP and DOWN arrows on the unit's touch screen
Microphone Sensitivity control: Press the UP and DOWN arrows on the unit's touch screen
Contact rod: 3 section rod, screw the three 16" sections together to have get a 48" rod.
Distortion: Less than 1% (1 mV)
Operating temperature: 0º F to 140º F (-17.8º C to 60º C)
Carrying Case: Padded case for shock and weather protection. Neck strap for field operation
teChniCal data sheet

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introduCtion
aQuatraC™300
eleCtroniCs box
aQuatraC™300
Complete system
The AquaTrac™300's electronic components and control board are inclosed inside of an engineer grade plastic box. It is
equipped with an advanced and extremely responsive Color Touch Screen LCD and connections that are easily identifiable,
allowing a very quick setup time. The unit has connections on the left, front and right side of the box, leaving the top face
of the instrument exclusively to the LCD touch screen. Our engineers eliminated the extra malfunction/damage related to
physical buttons on this unit, making it almost maintenance free.
identifying the aQuatraC™300'sphysiCal features
Power ON/OFF button
David Clark headphones
Piezo Geophone
Microphone/Sensor
Hand-held trigger
3 section rod
Power charger plug-in
Touch screen LCD
Sensor/Microphone Connection
3.5mm Headphone
Jack Connector

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operation
At power up the AquaTrac™300 will perform a self-diagnostic and will show the following screens:
Diagnostics in progress Satisfactory diagnostics result
If the screen displays a fail diagnostics message, you must re-start the equipment to run diagnostics again and clear the
error.
initializing
Follow this suggested steps to get your AquaTrac™300 ready for use in the field:
• Connect the Ground Microphone to the trigger handle and the unit's main box and secure the connection by tightening
the threaded washers
• If you need to use the extension rod, thread it to the bottom of the sensor
• Plug-in the 3.5mm headphone jack to the unit, use the converter jack for 1/4" headphone plug
• Turn the power on with the ON/OFF button located at the front of the unit.
The main screen shows the sound graph, and its frequency numerical high value representation, enabled frequencies and
frequency limits defined by filters, memory access, as well as the access points to the instrument's main controls.
main sCreen desCription
Access to audio levels stored in
the unit's memory
Mike's sensitivity
Access to the
Filters' configuration
Enabled frequencies bar
Headphones sound on/off
Trigger overwrite
Trigger on/off
Graphical representation of
all sounds detected
Numerical value of
frequency's lower point
Low filter value
High filter value
Battery charge
indicator
Digital control of
headphones' volume
Access to the
system's configuration

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main sCreen funCtions
The main screen displays all the information needed for the operator to successfully locate water leaks.
numeriC Values
At the top of the screen, there is a bar that constantly moves left and
right, at the same time that the numeric value located next to it changes
accordingly. This bar is an indicator of the measured minimum noise level,
used by the operator to find the exact point of the leak.
exploded graph
In the center of the main screen is the exploded graphic analysis of the
captured sound. From left to right, the graph represents the intensity of
the captured sound displayed as frequency range levels. The analysis of
this graph allows the user to select the best filter to muffle unwanted noise
during operation.
filters
The AquaTrac™300 electronic geophone allows infinite combinations of
filters. Generally, in the case of tubes made of hard material, such as cast
iron, the tendency is to have the sound at a high frequency, and in tubes
made of soft material, such as PVC, the sound is most likely to be found
at a low frequency.
Choosing the right combinations of filters increases the ability to accurately detect water leaks, so it is advisable that the operator
has knowledge of the pipe's material to accurately choose the correct filter.
memory
This button gives you access to the AquaTrac™300’s database. You can
record up to 15 frequency levels and create a graph on the screen to
facilitate the interpretation of the data acquired.
miCrophone’ssensitiVity
Adjust the sensitivity of the microphone by pressing the plus and minus
buttons on the left side of the screen, the bar in-between shows the
current sensitivity level. The user must adjust the instrument's sensitivity to
a comfortable hearing level.
Adjusting the sensitivity allows the default fixed gain of the instrument
to be modified by different gain values that vary between 40 to 65 dB.
Caution: Sensitivities that are too high can lead to sound distortion.
information on the main sCreen

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main sCreen funCtions
headphones Volume
Adjust the value of the headphones by pressing the plus and minus buttons
on the right of the screen, the bar in-between shows the current volume
level. The volume varies the amplitude with which the sound is sent to the
headphones, when turning the equipment ON, the volume is reset to a
default level, adjusting the volume so that it is safe for the user’s hearing.
toggle buttons
Mute ON/OFF button allows the user to enable/disable the headphones’
sound, but it still allows the sound picked up by the microphone to be
displayed on the screen.
Trigger control allows the user to enable or disable the external
handheld trigger.
battery Charge indiCator
Gives the user a readout of the unit's remaining charge by percentages.
4 charge indicators:
76% to 100%
26% to 75%
06% to 25%
Charge below 5%

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The audio filters are electronic circuits designed to amplify or attenuate a certain range of frequency components. This helps
eliminate the unwanted noise from the audio signal and improves the tone of the output audio. Filters play a major role in the
accurate detection of the water leak, meanwhile improving the time of the locate.
filters sCreen
While on this screen the user chooses the predetermined filters for the Low and High Frequency filters, as well as makes custom
changes to either side of the frequency. The amplification of the noise produced by the filters is reproduced instantaneously,
providing the most accurate sampling of the sound, and facilitating this way the timely detection of the leak.
In addition, the central graphic is also tactile and multi-touch allowing the user to select using the pinch movement.
1. Low Frequency predetermined filters
2. Basic/Advance Filtering System
3. High Frequency predetermined filters
4. Blue: Advanced filtration system especially for leaks that generate
little noise and in places with greater external noise.
5. Green: Amplified Sound
6. Yellow: Attenuated Sound
7. Custom Low Frequency Filters
8. Custom High Frequency Filters
9. Saves your selection and returns to the main screen
10. Returns to the main screen without saving changes
100 200 400
Basic
ReturnOk
400
LF HF
1200
-
+
-
+
600 800 1200
freQuenCy filters
about the filters
1
2
6
8
4
7
3
5
10
9

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100 200 400
Basic
ReturnOk
400
LF HF
1200
-
+
-
+
600 800 1200
Inside of the filters screen, the middle graph gives the user a great deal of information about the noise that is being amplified and
the one being attenuated.
In the ADVANCED filters option, in addition to applying a greater amount of digital filters, an extra gain is also applied only to
the Amplified Sound (green band), thus altering the audio levels and creating a highlight in the sounds heard. Adjust the Advanced
Gain sensitivity by going into the system's configuration, through the main screen CONFIG access, choose the gain levels from 1
to 10.
Amplified Sound (Green)
Attenuated Noise (Yellow)
freQuenCy filters
analyzing the filter'smain graph
The AquaTrac™300 Leak Detector allows you to have multiple custom frequency configurations. However, it's
recommended for beginners to take advantage of the PREDEFINED FILTERS offered with the unit. The next
table can be used as a reference depending on the job and conditions.
seleCting predefined filter shortCuts
FREQUENCY 100 200 400 600 800 1200
UTILITY TYPE
Iron Pipes &
Carbon Steel
PVC Pipes
Service Pipe in HDPE
Service Pipe in CI
LOWER BAND HIGHER BAND
amplified sound

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reCommendations
• Whenever possible, perform the detection at a time when there is little external noise that may interfere
with the detection
(e.g. footsteps, machines that emit vibrations, people's conversations, road traffic, etc.)
• Do not move the ground microphone during measurements.
• Always take several measurements to better qualify the suspected point of the water leak.
• Check the pressure of the water network, using a manometer, the minimum pressure required with this
equipment is 55 psi (plastic pipes) and 20 psi (metal pipes), because you won't be able to hear any
distinctive sound from a water leak without this minimum pressure. Very important, the greater the
pressure on the water network, the deeper a water leak can be found in the supply network and the
easier it is to find its location.
Note: Make some test measurements to get used to the outside or external noises and repeat the process
several times at the point where a suspected leak is located, this will give you a better understanding of the
sound that the leak produces against external unrelated sounds.
faCtors that Can influenCe the sound Quality
using the ground miCrophone
The AquaTrac™300 can capture the noise collected by the ground microphone.
It is advisable to know the location of the pipe underneath the pavement or floor where you suspect there is
a water leak, this will shorten the time to locate the leak and will eliminate the need to have other locators on
hand (e.g. Pipe and Cable Locator).
If it is necessary to use a listening rod, or there is the need for a greater range of detection; it's possible
to extend the tip of the sensor and work the same as if it was an electronic listening stick. Screw the three
collapsible extension rods provided with equipment to the bottom of the ground microphone.

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ColleCting data into the unit'smemory
The AquaTrac™300, has memory positions for the smallest hidden noise values, and it is possible to build a
graph of minimum values to identify the exact location of the leak.
The screen below is an example:
The example in the graph shows that the highest reading was taken at position 12, with an intensity of 497.
However, it is important to note that this is just an indicator, soil conditions, pavement and pipe position may
lead to different readings.
For example, when leaving the asphalt and going to concrete, we are comparing the sound on two different
floor materials, therefore with different noise intensities.
The same happens with pipe extensions, as they normally leave the network at a depth and become
shallower until reaching the customer's easel, this causes the signal strength to unevenly vary from point to
point
faCtors that Can influenCe the sound Quality
ClearAll
8
4
7
3
6
2
1
5
9
1. Live feed from the microphone
2. Clear all the memory
3. Current memory position
4. Graph with 15 entries
5. Current memory position graph
6. Previous/Next memory position
7. Save the current live value and move to
next position
8. Clear the selected memory position
9. Return to the main screen

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adVanCe settings
Config. sCreen
The AquaTrac™300 allows the user to change advanced settings under the configuration menu, some of these
settings control how the unit's sound performs, so please be aware of the changes you make on this screen.
The available settings are:
Brightness
The brightness control has a direct impact on the equipment's battery consumption, with the backlight at
minimum the equipment has approximately 15 hours of battery life, and with the light at most 7 hours. The
AquaTrac™300's display is able to be read even in direct sunlight, adjust the brightness as needed.
Auto-mute
The AquaTrac™300 has built-in feature in it's electronic circuit that attenuates loud noises that could cause harm
to the operator's hearing. But in addition to this feature, the equipment also has a digital auto-mute function,
which turns off the audio in case of very loud sounds, and keeps it off until these sounds disappear, regardless
of the trigger or sound control. The auto-mute is disabled by default, and can be enabled through this menu.
With auto-mute activated, in case of a loud sound, the equipment is completely muted, only enabling the sound
again after the noise returns to safe levels
Advance Gain
As explained in the filters section, the AquaTrac™300 has the advanced filters function, this function applies a
new amplification to the post-filtering sounds, enhancing the noises heard. This control changes the intensity of
this highlight, the value varies from 1 to 10, multiplying the sound by the corresponding value.

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The SubSurface Instruments, Inc. AquaTrac™300 was designed for dependable operation without periodic
adjustment and/or calibration. If, however, your Detection Unit is not working properly, return it to the factory
for repair. A RMA (Return Material Authorization) is not required, but there is some necessary information
needed to ensure your unit is repaired and returned properly. The required information may be obtained by
phone, e-mail, fax or through our website.
Telephone: [phone] or 855.422.6346
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.ssilocators.com/service
Send It prepaId to:
SubSurface Instruments Inc.
Attn.: Service Department
1230 Flightway Dr.
De Pere, WI 54115 USA
We will repair and ship the instrument back, or advise you if the instrument is irreparable.
note: There is a minimum charge for repair and handling for units not under warranty.
When shipping your instrument, be sure to include:
1. Your contact information: name, address, e-mail and phone number.
2. A brief description of the problem.
3. A return shipping address & billing mail address & any special shipping instructions.
packInG InStructIonS:
Place the unit to be repaired in the original shipping carton, or equivalent sturdy container. Add packing
material around all sides of the unit. Seal the shipping container with strong tape. Failure to package the
equipment properly may result in a voided warranty. Mark the shipping container:
FRAGILE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
faCtory serViCe
The AquaTrac™300 uses a rechargeable battery. To recharge the battery, simply plug the charger that is
supplied with the equipment in the unit's AC power input, located on the side of the plastic enclosure. Contact
SubSurface Instruments, Inc. if you have any problems re-charging the Li-Ion Battery
The total charging time is between 7-9 hours.
Attention:
Never leave the charger connected to the device for longer than 12 hours due
to the risk of equipment damage, battery damage and loss of warranty.
Charging the li-ion battery
WARNING!

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The AquaTrac™300 ships inside of a hard padded case for shock and weather protection.
Includes:
• The "AquaTrac™300" Amplifier • Electronic sensor with 5' (1.5m) of cable
• David Clark Headphones with 3.5mm jack • Collapsible contact rod (3 pieces)
• Hand-held Trigger • Magnet
• Li-Ion battery Charger • Shoulder strap
• User Manual
What'sinCluded
Placeholder

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What'sinCluded
Hard IP68 Certied ABS custom
carrying case included.
aQuatraC™300
Complete system
David Clark headphones
Piezo Geophone
Microphone/Sensor
Hand-held trigger
3 section rod

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www.ssilocators.com
SubSurface Instruments is an innovating force that engineers, manufactures and
distributes high-frequency and magnetic locators, pipe and cable locators, water leak
detectors, leak correlators, bore hole gradiometers, pipe inspection cameras and specialty
locators.
SSI’s most recent innovation, the AML or All Materials Locator, locates buried PVC pipes, PE
Pipes, plastic or nearly any other subsurface object more eciently than ever before. Using
patent-protected technology re-engineered by SSI, the AML detects buried PVC pipes and
almost every object that other locators can’t nd.
SSI features a vast line of professional underground and underwater locator products
for every need including surveying, construction, ordnance removal, excavation and
exploration. Our customers from the petroleum, water, sewer, power, telecom, cable and
gas industries rely on SSI’s high quality and dependability to make crucial measurements
in the world’s most challenging conditions. SubSurface Instruments’products are proudly
made in the U.S.A. and oer an industry-leading warranty.
AN INNOVATIVE DESIGN FORCE
IN SUBSURFACE DETECTION & LOCATION
SubSurface Instruments, Inc.
1230 Flight Way Drive
De Pere, WI 54115 USA
855.422.6346 toll free
920.347.1791 fax
[e-mail]
www.ssilocators.com
Scan to go to our Website
Revision 07/26/2022