SubSurface Instruments PL-VF10 User manual

SERIESSERIESSERIES
Instructions, Functions and Warranty Information
Pipe & Cable Locator
Variable Frequency Series
User ManualUser Manual

[phone] www.ssilocators.com
Copyright © 2018 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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SERIES
Table of Contents............................................... 03
Introduction ....................................................... 04
Disclaimer of Liability ......................................... 04
Important Notices .............................................. 04
Compliance ....................................................... 05
Prepare for Use ................................................. 06
Register Extended Warranty............................... 06
Programming Frequencies .................................. 07
PL-VF3 Transmitter Controls and Indicators .......... 08
PL-VF10 Transmitter Controls and Indicators......... 09
Direct Connect................................................... 10
Hard Coupler Connection................................... 10
Inductive Connection.......................................... 11
Blind Search ...................................................... 11
Selecting the Tracing Signal................................ 12
Receiver Controls & Indicators ............................ 13
Remote Controls ................................................ 14
Selecting the Locating Mode .............................. 15
Peak Locating Mode .......................................... 15 - 16
Null Locating Mode ........................................... 16
Left/Right Auto-Gain Mode ................................ 17
Absolute Signal Strength .................................... 17
Gain Level Indication ......................................... 17
Passive 50/60 Hz Locating................................. 18
Passive Radio Frequency Locating....................... 18
Passive Rectifier CP Locating............................... 18
Push Button Depth.............................................. 19
Depth Measurement 45º Angle Method.............. 20
Current Measurement......................................... 21
Tilted Magnetic Field Identification...................... 21
Locating a Sonde or Camera Head..................... 22
Attaching a Push Device to the Sonde................. 22
Locating a Sonde............................................... 23
Depth Measurement Camera Head or Sonde...... 24
A-Frame Controls & Indicators ............................ 25
Fault Locating with A-Frame .............................. 26 - 27
Fault Beneath Paved Surface ............................. 28
PL-VF3 Transmitter & Receiver Specifications........ 29
PL-VF10 Transmitter & Receiver Specifications...... 30
Factory Service.................................................. 31
Warranty........................................................... 31
table of Contents
General InformatIon
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04 SERIES
Congratulations on the purchase of your new SubSurface Instruments, Inc. PL-VF Series Cable, Pipe &
A-Frame Locator. The PL-VF Locator is specially designed to detect conductors such as buried pipes &
cables. This device may detect buried power cables, CATV cables, gas and water pipes, sewer lines,
telecommunication lines, fiber optic cables with sheath, sondes, inspection camera transmitters. 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 locator's operation is as follows:
The TransmiTTer emits a signal to a conductive cable or pipe. The receiver detects the electromagnetic field
that is generated by the transmitted signal. You can locate the relative position of the buried utility by
following the tracing signal.
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, and
caused directly or indirectly by Products sold or supplied by SubSurface Instruments, Inc..
Failure to follow these warning could result in serious injury or death.
Only persons qualied and trained to operate cable & pipe locators may operate this equipment.
Follow appropriate safety procedure, your companies policies and applicable safety codes and/or laws.
Do not connect to utilities, cables or pipes without authorization and training.
Use tool only for intended purpose as described in this manual
Do not expose tool to rain or moisture.
Do not expose to hazardous chemicals, hazardous gas or explosive environment.
SHOCK HAZARD - Lethal voltages may be present at the transmitter's output. Turn off transmitter before
touching test lead or any un-insulated conductor. Make connection to ground and target conductor before
turning on transmitter.
SHOCK HAZARD - Do not connect to live voltage or active utility lines. De-energize any circuits in or around
the work area.
This tool is designed to detect electromagnetic eld emitted from cables and buried metallic utilities. There are
buried cables, pipes, and utilities this instrument CANNOT detect.
LOCATING is not an exact science. The only certain way to be sure of the existence, location, or depth of
buried utilities is to carefully expose (dig up) the utility.
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
WARNING!
introduCtion
disClaimer ofliability
important notiCes

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fCC ComplIanCe Statement
This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) The equipment may not cause harmful interference.
(2) The equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at this own expense.
Modifications: Any modifications made to this equipment not approved by SubSurface Instruments, Inc.
may void the authority granted to the user by the FCC to operate this equipment.
InduStry Canada ComplIanCe Statement
CAN ICES-3(A) Class A Notice:
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Avis NMB-003, Classe A:
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada
ComplianCe

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06 SERIES
Unpack your new PL-VF Locator. Make sure there is no shipping damage and all the parts are included.
Locate the battery compartment on the back of the of the receiver and on the bottom of the TransmiTTer.
Open the compartments using a Phillips screwdriver. If your unit is a rechargeable system, remove the
terminal isolation paper to allow the battery spring to contact the battery terminal.
If the unit is configured for alkaline batteries, Install the six alkaline “C” batteries as marked in the receiver
and twelve “D” (10W TX) or 8 "C" (3W TX) batteries as marked in the TransmiTTer.
For rechargeable units, please charge for at least 5 hours before use. Remove the terminal isolation paper
inside the battery compartments to allow the battery spring to contact the battery terminal.
Note: For longer battery life and reliable operation under adverse conditions, use only alkaline batteries.
Note: The battery type used must be selected in the programming menu of the transmitter and the receiver.
For instructions on how to navigate through the menu, please see page 7.
This instrument is under warranty for 1 year from the date of delivery against defects in
material and workmanship (EXCEPT BATTERIES). We will repair or replace products that
prove to be defective during warranty period.
By registering 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 4 years.
This warranty is void if, after having received the instrument in good condition, it is subjected to abuse,
unauthorized alterations or casual repair.
No other 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. We are not liable for consequential damages.
Please Fill up all the fields on our online registration to keep better track of your
warranty and allow us to help you with any questions or concerns in a better and
accurate way.
SubSurface Instruments Team.
prepare for use
register extended Warranty
sCan the Qr Code to register online

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To select the desired frequency set for Software verSIonS 3.43 and Greater:
• Press and hold depressed the power onButton.
• Pressing the frequenCy Button will toggle through available configurations. Repeat pressing until 'U5' is displayed in
the Frequency Indicator section of the LCD.
• Release the power onButton. 'PRO' will be displayed on the LCD.
• Press the frequenCy Button to toggle through the available frequencies.
• To select and store the desired frequency press and hold the frequenCy Button for 2 seconds. The count of the
selected frequency will be displayed on the LCD.
• Continue to toggle through and select the desired frequencies,
• Press the power onButton to shut the unit off. This will save the selected frequencies for availability during normal
operation.
The PL-VF operating modes, frequencies and other functions are user programmable and can be changed at anytime
through a quick selection process in the programming menu.
To select the programming options for Software verSIonS 5.7 and Greater:
• With the unit on, press and hold the power onbutton for 2 seconds. Once released "PRO"' will be displayed
at the top of the LCD.
• To scroll through the main menu headings, press the frequenCy Key.
• To enter a selection's sub-menu press the uparrow (GaIn up) Key.
• To browse a selection’s menu, press the frequenCy.
• Once the desired option is selected, exiting the sub-menu will save the selection.
• To exit a selection's sub-menu use the down arrow (GaIn down)button.
• Exit the programming menu from the main menu by pressing the power onbutton. This returns the receiver to
the normal operation mode.
Changing preset funCtions, modes & freQuenCies
reCeiver
transmitter

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08 SERIES
TX OUTPUT JACK
The Red/Black Cord and Hard Coupler connects here to create a circuit on the buried utility.
FREQUENCY SELECTOR
This button toggles through the available frequencies. The selected frequency is displayed on the LCD.
When dual frequency transmission options are selected, indicated by the F1 & F2 icons to the right
large numeric segments, the frequencies will flash from one to another.
SIGNAL INDICATOR (visual & audible)
The Signal Indicator symbol flashes to indicate signal output.
The quick triple beep audible tone indicates the circuit is open and no signal is being transmitted. A
steady continuous beep indicates a closed circuit and signal is transmitted . When the indicator blinks
4 times per second, it is indicating a nearly short circuit. When the indicator blinks 1 time every 10
seconds, it is indicating a nearly open circuit.
ON/OFF & OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL
The ON/OFF & OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL turns the unit on. With a short press it will adjust
the power output from the Transmitter. There are 3 selections on the standard power settings. Holding
down the Output Signal Level button for 2 Seconds will turn the unit off.
High Power Output is a SHOCK HAZARD - Lethal voltages at the transmitter's output. Turn off
transmitter before touching test lead or any un-insulated conductor. Make connection to ground and
target conductor before turning on transmitter.
SIGNAL INFORMATION SELECTOR
The unit can display the relative resistance, current and voltage of the transmitted signal. The resistance
is based on the feed back from the selected frequency and is not an actual impedance meter. The
selections can be toggled by pressing the SIGnal InformatIon button.
WARNING!
Output Signal Indicator
Inactive Port
SERIES
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F. 1
F. 2
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
Frequency Selector
Battery Condition Indicator
Signal Indicators
Power On & Off &
Output Signal
Level Control
Tx Output Jack
Frequency
Indicator
Relative Resistance,
Voltage, Current
pl-vf3 transmitter Controls & indiCators
CAUTION
Lethal Voltages May Be Present

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CAUTION
Lethal Voltages May Be Present
OUTPUT JACK
SERIES
TX OUTPUT JACK
The Red/Black Cord, Hard Coupler connects here to create a circuit on the buried utility.
FREQUENCY SELECTOR
This button toggles through the available frequencies. The selected frequency is displayed on the LCD.
When dual frequency transmission options are selected, indicated by the F1 & F2 icons to the right
large numeric segments, the frequencies will flash from one to another.
SIGNAL INDICATOR (visual & audible)
The Signal Indicator symbol flashes to indicate signal output.
The quick triple beep audible tone indicates the circuit is open and no signal is being transmitted. A
steady continuous beep indicates a closed circuit and signal is transmitted . When the indicator blinks
4 times per second, it is indicating a nearly short circuit. When the indicator blinks 1 time every 10
seconds, it is indicating a nearly open circuit.
ON/OFF & OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL
The ON/OFF & OUTPUT SIGNAL LEVEL CONTROL turns the unit on. With a short press it will adjust
the power output from the Transmitter. There are 3 selections on the standard power settings. Holding
down the Output Signal Level button for 2 Seconds will turn the unit off.
High Power Output is a SHOCK HAZARD - Lethal voltages at the transmitter's output. Turn off
transmitter before touching test lead or any un-insulated conductor. Make connection to ground and
target conductor before turning on transmitter.
SIGNAL INFORMATION SELECTOR
The unit can display the relative resistance, current and voltage of the transmitted signal. The resistance
is based on the feed back from the selected frequency and is not an actual impedance meter. The
selections can be toggled by pressing the SIGNAL INFORMATION button.
WARNING!
pl-vf10 transmitter Controls & indiCators
Load Rate IndicatorOutput Level IndicatorLi-Ion Battery AC Recharge Port
Tx Output Jack
Frequency Selector
Power On &
Output Signal
Level Control
Relative Resistance,
Volt, Current
Battery
Condition Indicator

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10 SERIES
Direct Connection is the most reliable method of signal application. This method is relatively free of
interference. The greatest amount of signal strength can be achieved by this method. Low, mid, and
high frequency may be used. The far end of the utility must be grounded.
Connect the red teSt Cord to an existing ground
point or an exposed metallic section of the utility.
Place the Ground rod approximately 10 feet
from this point, at an angle of 90º to the buried
cable or pipe. Push the Ground rod into the
ground 8 to 10 inches. Connect the BlaCK teSt
Cord to the Ground rod.
Plug the red/Black TesT cord into the tX
output JaCK. Select the desired frequency. The
Signal Output Indicator will flash once signal is
established.
The Hard Coupler is very easy to use, and services do not have to be interrupted. The operation range
is shorter than for Direct Connection methods. The tracing signal can be affected by neighboring cables
and pipes. The Red/Black Test Cord or the Ground Rod Prove (GPR) are not needed for this method.
Successful coupler operation requires an insulated conductor that is grounded on both near and far
ends.
Clamp the Hard Coupler around the cable.
It is important to connect the coupler around
the cable needing to be traced. Connect the
coupler around the wire closer to the outgoing
cable not near the system ground. The result
will be a stronger signal. By connecting near
the grounding, the range will also be shorter,
and difficulty may arise determining one cable
from another.
Plug the Coupler into the tX output JaCK.
Some couplers are frequency specific, others can operate on medium and high frequencies.
CAUTION DO NOT CONNECT TO LIVE OR
ENERGIZED POWER CABLES
Transmitter
Red cord connects to utility
(unbond this end for best results)
Buried Utility
to Locate
Far end of
buried utility
must be bonded
Black cord connects
to transmitter ground rod
Transmitter
Inductive Coupler
Wraps Utility
Buried Utility
to Locate
Far End of
Buried Utility
Must Be Bonded
Near End of
Buried Utility
Must Be Bonded
direCt ConneCtion
hard Coupler ConneCtion

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This method is convenient to use, and services are not interrupted. No test cords or connections are
needed. The cable or pipe must have good insulation or non-conductive coating, or the operating
range will be short.
Turn the tranSmItter on. This method of signal application only works on frequencies from 33kHz
through 478 kHz. Place tranSmItter on iTs side as close as possible to the path of the cable or pipe.
Align the arrowS on the side of the tranSmItter in line with the cable or pipe. First, locate the broad
TransmiTTer Null, then move toward the expected cable path while looking for the signal carried by
the cable.
Start tracing the path with the receiver 25 feet from the tranSmItter. Search in the 90º zone as
shown above. Locate the cable or pipe, and follow the path. If the signal becomes weak, move the
tranSmItter to a point 25 feet behind the last strong signal, and continue searching.
The Blind Search locating techniques is used if the operator is not aware if a buried utility exists. Two
people are needed for this technique. The tranSmItter and the reCeIver are Held 25 feet away from
each other. Each operator walks at the same speed keeping a distance of 25 feet from each other.
When the receiver gives an audio response, then a buried utility is present between the reCeIver and
the tranSmItter.
TRANSMITTER
25 Feet (7.5 Meters) Between Transmitter and Reciever
RECEIVER
SERIES
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
SERIES
kM
v
mA
DFF
kHz
F.1
F.2
induCtive ConneCtion
blind searCh

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12 SERIES
The choice of frequency is dependent on the conditions of the locate. It is generally accepted that
lower frequencies provide a more accurate locate. Therefore it is generally advised to use the lowest
frequency that effectively conducts on the target line. Lower frequencies are less likely to bleed onto
adjacent non-target lines, but low frequencies are less effective at locating higher-resistant conductors.
FREQUENCY RANGES
Frequencies are classified into three major categories, Low, Medium and High and they are classified
as follows:
• Low Frequencies < 1 kHz (1000 Hz) e.g. 512 Hz, 640 Hz, 815 Hz
• Medium Frequencies 1 kHz to 44 kHz e.g. 4 kHz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz
• High Frequencies 44 kHz to 480 kHz e.g. 65 kHz, 82 kHz, 200 kHz
FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS
The low, medium and high frequencies each have their advantages. It is recommended to begin by
using a low frequency, and continue as long as you are confident in the results. If the signal is very
weak try to adjust the connection or grounding. If there is no improvement in signal then try mid-
range frequencies. Again, if there is weak or absent signal, repeat adjustments of the grounding and
connection point before switching to a high frequency.
The method of signal application may dictate the frequencies used. While direct connection can be
performed on any frequencies, coupler induction will only work with medium and high frequencies
and transmitter induction will only work on the highest of the medium frequencies (33kHz) and high
frequencies.
Low Frequencies are usually preferred to the mid-range frequencies and high frequencies because
they are less susceptible to locating errors caused by coupling of signal to adjacent conductors, cables
or pipes. The low frequency locating range is also much longer than the medium and high frequencies.
Low frequencies will not travel well on highly resistive lines or conductors that have interruptions in
their continuity (e.g. disconnected shield bonds or insulated pipe bushing). Low frequencies may only
be applied via direct connection.
Medium Frequencies take the best of both high and low frequencies. Medium frequencies are not as
susceptible to bleed off or coupling as the high frequencies, and medium frequencies can jump minor
breaks in continuity and conduct on higher resistant lines better than low frequencies. It is still best to
use low frequencies whenever effective, but 8 kHz and 33kHz are of the most common frequencies
used in locating. Medium frequencies may be applied via direct connection and via coupler induction
[Note: 33kHz may be applied via transmitter induction].
High frequencies are sometimes better than the low frequencies for locating highly resistant lines as
well as conductors that have breaks in their continuity (e.g. disconnected shield bonds or insulated
pipe bushing). The locating range is quite short for the high frequencies so the Transmitter must be
repositioned more often during the tracing operation. High frequencies may be applied via direct
connection, coupler induction and transmitter induction.
seleCting the traCing signal

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ON/OFF Button
This is a multi-use button that controls power on/off and enters the programming mode
allowing the user to customize the operations of the system.
UNIT ON/OFF - When off press once to turn the unit on. The unit will load settings from previous usage.
The automatic shut off will turn the unit OFF after 10 minutes of inactivity.
PROGRAMMING MODE - A long press of 3 seconds will enter the programming menu. A short press will
exit the programming mode from the main menu.
FREQUENCY - A short press of the Frequency button toggles through available selected active and passive
frequencies.
Note: Some frequencies are only available in certain modes and some modes will only be
available with certain frequencies. The available selectable frequencies can be edited within
the programing menu.
MODE SELECT - A short press of the Mode button will toggle through available modes. Peak, Pinpoint
Peak, Null, Left/Right, and Sonde locating modes.
Note: The available selectable modes can be edited within the programing menu.
GAIN BUTTONS (UP OR DOWN)
Adjusts the gain up or down. If the graph shows signal strength off scale, pressing the gain will automatically
adjust to 50% on the scale display.
ABSOLUTE SIGNAL STRENGTH
DEPTH
RELATIVE SIGNAL STRENGTH
BAR GRAPH GAIN LEVEL INDICATOR
LEFT RIGHT GUIDANCE
Displays direction to
null point of e.m. field.
ANTENNA LOCATE MODE
Displays selected
antenna mode.
Displays Selected Frequency
BATTERY LIFE
Displays receiver's
battery life.
OPERATION MODE
Displays selected operation
mode
"Special Included Feature"
REMOTE CONTROL
Displays remote connection
to transmitter & transmitter
output power.
pl-vf reCeiver Control & indiCators

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14 SERIES
Changing the transmitted frequency with the Remote Control
Select the desired active frequency by pressing the Frequency key. Once the desired
frequency is selected, the icon of the transmitter will flash momentarily then it
becomes solid confirming the selected frequency has been set at the transmitter. If
the transmission is incomplete or if the frequency requested is not available, then
the symbol will continue to flash and 'err' will display momentarily on the receiver's
screen.
Note: In P-Link mode the manual digital depth engaged by the shifT/loG/depTh key is disabled and
the automatic depth function is enabled.
Turning On and Off Remote Control
To turn ON the remote control feature, start by turning the unit ON.
Press and hold depressed the power on/off for 4 seconds.
"PRO"' will display at the top of the LCD.
Using the frequenCy key scroll through the primary menu to "P-Link".
Use the GaIn upkey to select the P-Link Menu.
Use the frequenCy key to select the to select P-Link "on" or "off".
Exit the P-Link Menu submenu by pressing the GaIn down.
To exit the Programming menu and return to locating, short press the on/off Key.
In a moment the remote Control Indicator will be displayed on the receiver LCD indicating the unit
has linked with the transmitter.
The Remote control feature enables the user to remotely control the transmitter with the receiver. The
frequency and power output of the transmitted signal can be controlled up to 800 meters (874 yards).
The PL-VF comes with the remote control feature active on the menu options. If your unit does not have
the Remote Control module, the program will not allow the menu to select the option.
remote Control feature

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SERIES
If you rotate the receiver while over the cable, a sharp NULL will identify the cable’s direction. It is
aligned with the flat side of the receiver.
CABLE
PATH
MAXIMUM
RECEIVER
SIGNAL DIRECTION
CABLE
NULL SHOWS
PATH
CABLE
Peak and Pin Point Peak modes have less error rates than the null locating mode in most circumstances.
The peak mode location indication should be verified by the null to ensure locating accuracy.
With the receiver in a vertical position. Move the receiver left to right across the path. When the
receiver is directly above the cable or pipe, rotate the receiver for a maximum signal. As you move the
receiver away from the cable path, the meter reading (and audio frequency response) will drop off.
The Left/Right arrows operate off of the Null reading. By utilizing the Left/Right arrows while in Peak
mode the user can simultaneously locate in both modes thus quickly identifying the match or discrep-
ancy between the Peak and the Null reading.
There is a variety of locating modes available in the PL-VF unit. PEAK, PINPOINT PEAK, NULL LEFT/
RIGHT GUIDANCE, SONDE, DFF & ACC. To toggle through PEAK, PINPOINT PEAK & NULL simple
press the mode button. To toggle to SONDE mode hold the MODE button for 5 seconds and release.
DFF and ACC modes are only selectable when an appropriate accessory is plugged into the accessory
port in the handle of the receiver.
loCating modes
peak mode loCating

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16 SERIES
If you can no longer trace the path, even with the GaIn set to maximum, connect the tranSmItter to
the far end of the path and trace back to the point where you lost the signal.
Mark the straight sections of the path every few feet. Mark sharp curves, loops, and cable bundles
every few inches. Sharp changes in the path cause the reCeIver Peak and Null indications to behave
differently than when tracing a straight path. Practice on the path that you know has turns and laterals
in it. This will help you to recognize the conditions within the field.
Trace the path by walking away from the tranSmItter at a moderate pace. Move the reCeIver to the
left and right while walking, following the Peak indications.
As you trace the path, the Peak meter reading may slowly fade as you move away from the
tranSmItter.Press and release the GaIn buttons as needed to compensate for changes in level (higher
or lower). One of the following may occur:
a) aJunCtIon wHere tHe SIGnal dIvIdeS and GoeS Several dIreCtIonS.
B) aBreaK In tHe CaBle or SHIeld.
C) aCHanGe In tHe deptH of tHe CaBle or pIpe.
d) an InSulated pIpe fIttInG.
e) aSlaCK loop of CaBle.
Move the reCeIver left to right across the cable path. When the reCeIver is directly above the cable or pipe,
a Null (lowest meter reading and lowest audio tone) will occur. When moving the reCeIver to left or right
of the Null point, the meter reading will rise to a maximum point (Peak). The audio tone will also be at its
highest pitch. When the reCeIver is moved beyond the Peak, the meter reading will begin to fade.
Trace the path by walking away from the tranSmItter at a moderate pace. Move the reCeIver to the
left and right when walking, following the Null indications.
It is expected that in areas of distortion and interference the Null locating mode will have a greater
error rate than the Peak locating mode.
Null Mode
Buried cable
Buried cable
Signal over cable
Peak Mode
(End view)
Receiver Max
(End view)
Receiver Min
Signal over cable
null mode loCating

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SERIES
The pl-vf reCeIver provides the operator with a direct measurement of the ReceiveR’ssignal strength.
The measurement is displayed with three numerical digits (ex: 485) located at the top of the LCD
display. The measurement range is from 0 to 999 indicating a very week signal (0) to a very strong
signal (999). Absolute Signal Strength is independent of the GAIN setting or meter reading. It gives
the operator information about the actual amount of signal being radiated from the conductor and
received by the receiver.
Measuring Absolute Signal Strength at any time is done by reading the number at the top of the LCD
display. The Absolute Signal Strength will not be displayed if the meter reading is too high or too low.
Adjust the GAIN to move the meter reading to mid-scale. The numerical display will change from ‘---’
to a valid measurement.
Absolute Signal Strength measurements are more sensitive to signal changes than the meter display.
PEAKS and NULLS can be more precisely pin-pointed. This measurement can also be used to monitor
signal loss as the conductor is being traced.
The GaIn up and down buttons are used to increase and decrease the gain in small amounts. If the
meter reading is very low, pressing the GaIn up button will center the meter reading to mid-scale.
Likewise, if the meter reading is very high, pressing the GAIN down button will center the meter reading
to mid-scale.
In this mode the unit will display directional arrows to the
conductor. The audio indicator will provide a solid tone on one
side of the conductor and a pulsed tone on the opposite side of
the conductor. When the unit is centered in the electromagnetic
field the tone will null and the depth will briefly display at the top
of the LCD. This mode is gain independent.
The Left/Right arrows operate off of the Null reading and will
have the same error rate as the Null locating mode. By utilizing
the Left/Right arrows with the absolute signal strength reading
the user can simultaneously locate with both Peak and Null
modes, thus quickly identifying the match or discrepancy between
the Peak and the Null reading.
left/ right auto gain direCtional loCating
absolute signal strength
gain level indiCation

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18 SERIES
The reCeIver is capable of locating power utility frequencies. This mode is useful for locating
underground primary and secondary power utilities. In certain circumstances, this mode will also
locate water pipes, sewer lines, cable television, and telephone. The reason is that common electrical
grounds are sometimes found among these various utilities. Select 50Hz or 60Hz frequency on the
Receiver. PINPOINT Peak mode will automatically be selected as the preferred method to locate the
conductor in passive power mode.
This method is useful because of its speed and convenience. Start at a known reference point and keep
in mind that other conductors in the area may produce this same locating signal.
The Transmitter is not required to locate in this mode.
note:The unit of depth measurement determines the selection of either 50Hz or 60Hz passive
mode. The unit is configured for 50Hz when in Metric Measurement mode and 60Hz when in English
Measurement Mode. To change unit of measurement press and hold the frequency button for 10
seconds, when released the unit will toggle measurement units.
The pl-vf reCeIver is capable of passively locating metallic utilities where radio frequencies have
coupled to the utility. This mode is useful for sweeping a green area for utilities. In certain circumstances,
this mode will locate water pipes, cable television, gas lines and telephone. This locating option does
not always detect buried utilities even when radio frequencies are present. This method is useful
because of its speed and convenience. Start at a known reference point and keep in mind that other
conductors in the area may produce this same locating signal.
The tranSmItter is not required to locate in this mode.
The pl-vf reCeIver is capable of locating the rectified signal of Cathodically Protected utilities at
120Hz and 100Hz. This method is useful because of its speed and convenience. Start at a known
reference point and keep in mind that other conductors in the area may produce this same locating
signal.
Note: The unit of depth measurement determines the selection of either 100Hz or 120Hz passive mode.
The unit is configured for 100Hz when in Metric Measurement mode (for 50Hz power) and 120Hz (for
60Hz power) when in English Measurement Mode. To change unit of measurement press and hold the
frequency button for 10 seconds, when released the unit will toggle measurement units.
The tranSmItter is not required to locate in this mode.
passive 50/60 hzloCating
passive radio freQuenCy loCating
passive reCtifier Cp loCating

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The only way to be sure of the depth of a utility is to expose the utility.
At any given time, the depth readout may be inaccurate.
The pl-vf reCeIver can perform digital depth measurement. The depth is displayed at
the top of the LCD display in centimeters or feet and inches. Push button depth is useful
in quickly estimating the depth of the conductor during path locating.
Begin this measurement by locating the path of the cable or pipe. Stay at least 15
feet (4.6 meters) away from the tranSmItter. Pin-point this location as accurately
as possible (see Peak Mode Locating page 15, Null Mode Locating page 16 and
Absolute Signal Strength page 17). Place the Receiver vertically over the conductor
and rest the foot of the locator on the ground. While holding the Receiver vertical,
press and release the DEPTH button. The Receiver will briefly indicate a measurement
is being performed and then display the depth at the top of the LCD display.
Caution must be exercised when using the push button depth feature, as tilted
magnetic fields and adjacent conductors can significantly influence this measurement.
The operator should periodically check for adjacent conductors and tilted magnetic
fields when taking push button depth readings. For information on identifying tilted
magnetic fields, refer to Tilted Magnetic Field Identification and Depth Measurement
45º Method.
Depth is determined by reading the electromagnetic field radiating from the conductor.
The field must be even and circular for the most accurate reading. Interference of this
field may be caused by bends in the cable, faults on the target conductor and signals
radiating from adjacent non-target conductors. Interference will warp the field and
skew the depth reading. The only way to be sure of the depth of a utility is to expose
the utility. At any given time, the depth readout may be inaccurate.
The following are methods and procedures that will aid in increasing the reliability and
testing the accuracy of the depth reading:
• Take depth readings at least 5 yards from cable bends or depth changes. Follow the
cable both forward 5 yards and backward 5 yards, ensuring the line is straight and
there is a consistent signal strength reading.
• Check for non-target conductors within 5 yards of the target cable. Sweep the area
looking for coupled signals into both the tracks and adjacent cables. Adjacent
conductors carrying the locate signal can result in a 50% error rate of the depth
reading.
• Test for interference in the magnetic eld by comparing the PEAK location to the Null
location. The determined cable position by these methods should be within 3 inches
of each other. A greater disparity will indicate interference resulting in inaccurate
depth.
• Place the receiver vertically over the conductor and perpendicular to the conductor.
Rest the foot of the locator on the ground. Take several depth readings moving
slightly across the perpendicular plane to the conductor looking for the lowest depth
reading.
• Once the lowest depth reading is found, take several readings. Each reading should
be within one inch of the other reading. Wider variation will indicate interference
resulting in inaccurate depth.
• Lift the receiver up 12 inches and take a depth reading. The reading should reect
the change in distance accordingly. If not, interference is present resulting in
inaccurate depth.
Verify the depth reading using the triangulation method as described on the next page.
• Peak & Null readings match
• From the Peak/Null location take several
readings across cable.
• Mark position indicated by lowest depth
reading.
• While stationary take multiple depth readings.
• Reading should be consistent.
Depth Reading (A)
Depth Reading (A + 12")
Lift 12"
push button depth

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20 SERIES
Move to the location you want to measure depth. Stay at least 15 feet away from the tranSmItter.
Move the reCeIver left to right across the path until the cable is located.
1. Mark the path on the ground as precisely as possible using the Null method.
2. Place the reCeIver on the ground with the LCD meter facing up. Position the unit so that the
Bubble Level on top of the meter is centered (45º).
3. Pull the reCeIver away from the cable path (at 90º to the cable path) keeping the Bubble Level
centered.
4. When the receiver indicates a Null reading, mark the location of the receiver’s foot.
5. The distance between the reCeIver and the cable path is the depth of the pipe or cable. A false
depth reading may be caused by nearby buried metallic objects, such as a second cable, pipe,
sewer, fence or railroad track.
6. Conrm the depth measurement by repeating the above steps on the opposite side of the pipe or
cable.
7. A variance greater than 5 inches in depth measurement may indicate interference from adjacent
cables, pipes or other objects.
Buried cable or pipe
Earth
locate
Path 1st
Null
Null
centered
Bubble level
2nd
(end view)
Depth
Depth
45°
depth measurement 45º angle method