Takachiho Sangyo GUIDER 6 PLUS User manual

Operation Manual
Boring Head Locating System
TAKACHIHO SANGYO CO., LTD

For your safety
■Please read manual carefully before attempting to operate and use only as directed.
■After reading, please keep manual where it is easy to find.
■For the purposes of quality control and product improvement,
we have placed control numbers on some units. We appreciate your understanding.
・Do not place batteries near an open flame or attempt to take apart or modify them.
・Take care not short circuit the batteries, or place them in the wrong direction.
・Do not expose the internal components to water or foreign objects.
・Do not attempt to take apart or modify the unit.
・Do not sit, stand or place heavy objects on top of the unit.
Danger
・The locator and monitor are not 100% waterproof. Please do not submerge in water.
If the inside components become wet, please dry thoroughly before use.
Using before it is completely dry may result in operating errors.
・Please avoid dropping, strongly bumping or shaking the unit.
・Please remove batteries when not in use for long periods of time.
・Please replace batteries immediately when battery power is too low.
Using the unit with low battery power may result in inaccurate scan results.
・Please do not mix old and new batteries, or batteries of different types.
・Please remove batteries after they have died.
・Please do not leave unit in areas with excess dust, steam, extreme temperatures, or
near an open flame.
・If unit is malfunctioning, please do not continue using it.
・If unit is dirty, please do not wash with water or other cleaning agents.
Furthermore, please refrain from using solvents as they may damage the machine.
To remove dirt, please wipe with a damp cloth or towel.
Caution

1. Product Summary ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 1
2. Product Specifications ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 2
1) Locator ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 2
2) Monitor ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 3
3) Probe ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 4
3. List of Part Names ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 5
3-1. Locator ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 5
1) List of part names ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 5
2) Replacing the batteries ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 5
3) Explanation of control panel ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 6
3-2. Monitor ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 7
1) List of part names ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 7
2) Replacing the batteries ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 7
3) Attaching and removing the
antenna
・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 7
4) Explanation of control panel ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 8
3-3. Probe ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 9
1) List of part names ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 9
2) Replacing the batteries ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 9
3) Slit manufacturing dimensions ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 9
4. Operating the Locator ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 10
1) Settings ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 10
2) Selecting the measurement mode ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 12
3) Depth correction (Calibration) ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 13
4) Measuring noise ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 14
5) Measuring position ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 15
6) Near distance mode
(Detailed explanation)
・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 17
Table of Contents

1
This product measures the position, angle and depth of the drill head for Horizontal Directional Drilling.
The product is composed of a locator, a monitor and a probe (transmitter).
Component Explanation
Locator This part measures the position, depth and angle of the boring head.
Monitor This part receives and displays the transmitted data from the locator.
It uses in a place to operate drill unit.
Probe
Placed inside the boring head, the probe transmits an electromagnetic signal that
informs the locator
of the depth and location of the boring head, as well as information
about the angle of the drill. There are several probes available to suit the various
environmental conditions.
Locator
Monitor
Probe
Monitor Locator
Boring Head (drill)
Drill Unit Electromagnetic
(EM) field
1. Product Summary
Product Exterior

2
1) Locator
Item Standard
Receiving frequency 38 kHz, 14.4 kHz, 9.5 kHz
Power source 6 Alkaline “C” batteries
Battery life 12 hours (at 25°C, using alkaline batteries)
Power saving function Power turns off after no signal for 10 minutes or more
Operating temp. range -20 ~ 60°C
Signal reception range 0 ~ 39.9m
Display screen Color LCD (with backlight)
Wireless
transmission
Channel 1ch ~ 4ch
Frequency
CH. 1 469.500 MHz
CH. 2 469.550 MHz
CH. 3 464.500 MHz
CH. 4 464.550 MHz
※ Error within 3 ppm (1.4 kHz)
Output 70 mW (standard value), BNC connector 50 Ω
Wireless range 500 m or more
(with no interference between locator and monitor)
Probe
information
Pitch angle Displayed in degrees
Displayed as %
：↑50.0°~ ↓50.0°
：↑119.0% ~↓119.0%
Roll angle 360° (divided into 24ths)
Temperature -20°C ~ 90°C
Remaining
Battery life 0% ~ 100%（displayed in 20% increments）
Digital level 4 levels（approx. 4 degrees per level）
Dimensions (H)660 mm × (W)150 mm × (D)270 mm
Weight 2.3 kg (including batteries)
Material ABS (Waterproof, impact resistant)
Dust - proof・Waterproof Conforms to IP65 standards
2. Product Specifications

3
2) Monitor
Item Standard
Power source 4 Alkaline “C” batteries
Battery life 12 hours (at 20oC using alkaline batteries)
Power saving function Power turns off after no signal for 5 minutes or more
Operating temp. range -20 ~ 60°C
Display screen Color LCD (with backlight)
Display data Probe information, lateral position (right and left),
linear position (front and back), yaw angle, depth
RF specs
Antenna Collapsible, BNC connector (50 Ω)
Channel 1ch ~ 4ch
Wireless freq.
CH. 1 469.500 MHz
CH. 2 469.550 MHz
CH. 3 464.500 MHz
CH. 4 464.550 MHz
Range 500 m or more
(with no interference between locator and monitor)
Dimensions (H)176 mm × (W)163 mm × (D)125 mm
Weight 2.4 kg (including batteries)
Material Stainless steel, Waterproofing
Dust - proof･Waterproof Conforms to IP65 standards

4
3) Probe
General Specifications
Item Standard
Power source 2 Alkaline “C” batteries
Battery life 10 hours or more (at 25°C, using alkaline batteries)
Power saving function Automatically turns off after 10 minutes without rotating
Operating temp. range -20 ~ 60°C
Meas.
functions
Pitch angle
Displayed in degrees
Displayed as %
Resolution:
↑50.0°~ ↓50.0°
↑119.0% ~↓119.0%
Below 22.5°: 0.1°
Above 22.5°: 0.5°
Roll angle 360° divided into 24ths
(Angle of rotation relative to direction of travel)
Temperature Temperature range
Resolution:
-20oC ~ 90oC
30°C ~ 70°C: 5°C
Otherwise: 10°C
Remaining
battery life 0% ~ 100%（displayed in 20% increments）
Transmitting output 1 W or less
Range 25 m (with no interference of noise）
Dimensions Diameter: 31.5 mm × length: 380 mm
Weight Approx. 1 kg (including batteries)
Material Body: Glass fiber battery portion: BSBM（Ni coated）
Waterproofing W.R. 3 bar (3 atmosphere), water will not seep into the probe
ۦ
Individual Specifications (for each probe)
Item Standard
VPL-G9P Body color: Teal
Frequency 9.575 kHz
VPL-G7P Body color: Brown
Frequency 38.075 kHz
VPL-G4P Body color Green
Frequency 14.375 kHz
VPL-G74P
Body color: Purple
Frequency 38.075 kHz / 14.375 kHz
※Change between frequencies by rotating the probe
VPL-G79P
Body color: Red
Frequency 38.075 kHz / 9.575 kHz
※Change between frequencies by rotating the probe

5
3-1. Locator
1) List of part names
2) Replacing the batteries
Ⅰ) Turn the knob on the lid of the battery compartment on the back of the receiver.
counterclockwise to open it.
Holding down on the lid while turning the knob allows the knob to turn more easily.
Ⅱ) Put in 6 new “C” type, alkaline batteries
Insert the batteries in the direction displayed on the label in the battery case.
Ⅲ) Close the battery lid and turn the knob clockwise until it is tight.
Battery compartment lid
Knob
Control panel
Collapsible antenna
Battery
compartment
Antenna that receives
the signal from the
probe is contained here
6 “C” type alkaline batteries
(Arranged in 2 rows of 3)
Waterproof
Buzzer
3. List of Part Names

6
3) Explanation of Control Panel
Outline of Display Panel
Ⅰ) Wireless channel Displays the wireless channel used between monitor and locator
Ⅱ) Digital level Displays the level of tilt of the locator
Ⅲ) Locator battery
indicator Displays the remaining battery life of the locator itself
Ⅳ) Position and
depth of probe
Displays EM field intensity of probe, Yaw angle, Linear position
(front/back), lateral position (left/right), and depth
Ⅴ) Posture
info of probe
Drill angle (as measured by probe), temperature, remaining battery of the
probe
POWER
ON/OFF switch
L/R
(▼)
· Moves ▼ for menu navigation
· In manual mode（MANU）this
button selects long distance
lateral position location
LOCATE
(▲)
· Moves ▲ for menu navigation
· Adjusts gain in bar graph display
· In manual mode（MANU）this button
locates the position directly above drill
Ⅳ) Position and
depth of probe
Ⅴ) Posture info
of probe
Ⅰ) Wireless
channel
Ⅱ) Digital
level
12:00
VPL-G7P
12.5%
30°C
Pitch angle of the drill
Roll angle of the drill
Drill temp.
Name of
selected
probe
Line for aligning with yaw angle
Ⅲ) Locator
battery
indicator
MODE
Button for
various settings
Probe battery
indicator

7
3-2. Monitor
1) List of part names
2) Replacing the batteries
Ⅰ) Release the latch on the side of the monitor to open the rear hatch.
Ⅱ) Put in 4 “C” type alkaline batteries.
Insert the batteries in the direction displayed on the label in the battery case.
Take care not to pinch fingers or other extremities while replacing batteries.
Ⅲ) Close the back hatch and the fasten the latch.
3) Attaching and removing the antenna
Connect the antenna to the BNC connector on the top of the monitor.
Hold the antenna by the base and align it with the hole, then turn clockwise to attach.
When removing the antenna, carry out this process in reverse order.
The antenna is collapsible and can be folded down in any direction.
Latch
4 “C” type alkaline
batteries
Rear Hatch
Latch
Control Panel
BNC Connector
Collapsible antenna

8
4) Explanation of control panel
Outline of LCD display
Ⅰ) Wireless channel Displays wireless channel used between locator and monitor
Ⅱ) Monitor battery indicator Displays the remaining battery power of the monitor itself
Ⅲ) Probe location and depth Displays yaw angle, linear position (front and back),
lateral position (right and left) and depth
Ⅳ) Reception condition Displays reception condition between locator and monitor
Ⅴ) Probe posture information
Displays drill angle (measured by probe), temperature,
and remaining battery life of probe
※For more details, see explanation of locator display
Outline of buttons
a) POWER Power ON/OFF button
b) CH. SELECT
（▲▼）
Selects wireless channel（ch. 1～ch. 4）
▲: Select higher channel ▼: Select lower channel
c) MODE Setting button（Select angle units）
a) POWER
c) MODE
b) CH. SELECT（▲▼）
Ⅲ) Probe
location
and depth
Ⅰ)
Wireless
channel
Ⅳ) Reception
condition
RX ERROR
Ⅱ) Monitor
battery
indicator
Ⅴ) Probe
posture
information

9
3-3. Probe
1) List of part names
2) Replacing the batteries
Ⅰ) Remove the battery cap from the rear of the probe.
Ⅱ) Insert two “C” type alkaline batteries, making sure the batteries are in the proper direction.
Ⅲ) Refasten the battery cap.
3) Slit manufacturing dimensions
The portion of the boring head (drill) containing the probe has slits
to allow the probe to transmit a magnetic field. For best results,
ensure that slits are as indicated in the diagram below.
※ Suggested dimensions. Please contact maker for details.
Battery cap
Probe body
To help distinguish between products, each probe is
colored differently according to frequency
For best results, ensure there are 3-4 slits
located uniformly around the body
+ − + −
25mm
225mm
Probe Head
Contains a slot to that determines the
position within the boring head

10
1) Settings
Before use, it is necessary to adjust settings and perform depth calibration.
Pressing the MODE button from the measurement screen will bring up the settings screen.
(indicated in the diagram below)
Navigate the menu by pressing the locate (▲) and L/R (▼) button.
(The current selected setting will appear in red)
To make your selection, Press the MODE button.
Ⅰ) Pitch angle unit selection
Pitch angle can be displayed either in degrees or as a gradient (percentage).
Ⅰ) Select units
for pitch angle
Ⅱ) Select
wireless channel
Ⅲ) Select probe
Return to
measurement
screen
a) Navigate to the icon in the top
left corner of the screen and
press the MODE button.
b) Use the locate (▲)
and L/R (▼) button to select
degrees or percentage.
c) Press the MODE
button and return to
measurement screen.
4. Operating the Locator
Ⅳ) Depth calibration

11
Ⅱ) Selecting a wireless channel
Set the locator and the monitor to the same wireless channel.
※The minus mark [-] as indicated in the figure below means that the transmission is off.
In the case of poor reception quality or interference, please change to a different channel.
Ⅲ) Selecting the probe
The probe has three available frequencies. Select the most suitable frequency for your jobsite.
For details, please refer to section 4) - “Measuring noise”.
Ⅳ) Depth Correction (Calibration)
Navigate to the calibration icon in the top right corner of the screen and press MODE to select.
For details, refer to section 3) - “Depth correction (Calibration)”.
a) Navigate to the wireless icon
in the menu and press
MODE button to select.
b) Toggle between channels
using the locate (▲) and
L/R (▼) button.
a) Navigate to the probe icon
in the bottom right corner
and press MODE to select.
b) Toggle between
frequencies using locate
(▲) and L/R (▼) button.
1 2
3
4
c) Press MODE again
and return to the
measurement screen.
c) Press MODE again
and return to the
measurement screen.
VPL-G4P
VPL-G９P

12
2) Selecting the measurement mode
There are two scanning methods available:
One for measuring the lateral position (L/R) of the drill from a long distance (long distance
mode), and one for measuring the position from directly above the drill (Near distance mode).
There are two settings to switch between scanning methods:
AUTO mode switches automatically, and MANU mode allows the user to switch between
methods manually. For example, if the measuring conditions (distance, depth) do not change,
it may be more convenient to keep the machine in MANU mode.
Ⅰ) How to choose
Ⅱ) Confirm settings
Pressing the MODE will enter the measurement screen. Verify that mode selected (AUTO or MANUAL)
is displayed in the top left corner of the screen.
a) Press and hold the POWER
and locate (▲) button until
the selection screen appears.
b) When the selection screen appears, release the POWER
and locate (▲) button. Then use the L/R (▼) button to
make your selection.
Choose between:
*Automatic mode
(AUTO: switch automatically)
*Manual mode
(MANU: switch manually)
Press MODE to make selection
AUTO
9999
0
.
65m
0
Verify the selected mode displayed in the
top left corner of the screen. (The figure to
the right is in AUTO mode)
MANU mode will appear as: MANU

13
3) Depth correction (Calibration)
Ⅰ) Set-up
From a position of 3m from the boring head, place the locator as indicated in the diagram below.
Ⅱ) Starting calibration Turn the locator ON and begin depth calibration.
Ⅲ) When the calibration is finishes with no errors
Ⅳ) In the case of an error
3 m
b) Place the boring head so that the axis of the locator
and the axis of the boring head are parallel to each other
a) Insert the probe inside the boring head
a) Select “Calibration” from
the menu and press and
hold MODE for 1 second.
c) Depth calibration will begin.
b) Press the
locate (▲) button.
・After receiving a display screen like the diagram to the left, return to
standard measurement mode.
・The measurement value should be displayed as 2.82m: the initial 3m
minus the distance from the ground to the coil (18cm).
・When measuring a real drill under the ground, 3m will be displayed
as 3.00m.
An error message will be displayed when the signal cannot be received normally.
Please perform the following checks:
・Is the batteries in the probe
・That the batteries are aligned properly in the probe
・The probe selected on the locator matches the probe being used
2.82m O K
3m
--- Finished ---
ERROR
3m
***NO SIGNAL***
3m
--- STEP1 ---
Do not move the locator until
this step is finished.

14
4) Measuring noise
As the levels of outside noise varies between job sites, the range of transmission will change.
For this reason it is useful to take a reading of the noise level of the jobsite before beginning.
Ⅰ) Perform calibration as described in section 3) - Depth Correction (calibration)
Ⅱ) Remove the batteries from the probe so that there is no signal coming from it.
Ⅲ) Take a depth measurement.
Confirm the measured depth on the locator of the jobsite at which you will be using the unit.
Ⅳ) Calculate the transmission range of your site based on the measured depth.
Formula: Transmission range = Measured depth × 0.8
（e.g. for a measured depth of 30.0 m, the transmission range would be 24.0 m）
The frequency and magnitude of noise varies depending on the jobsite.
For example, strong noise may be emitted from nearby power transformers or the lights from a large retail
store.
For users with multiple probes, please measure the noise of your jobsite and select the probe that is best suited
for that environment.
Features of each probe type
· VPL-G7P: Frequency – 38 kHz
When the noise level is good, this probe has the longest range.
· VPL-G9P: Frequency – 9.5 kHz
This probe has the lowest frequency, making it less susceptible to
interference from metal plating or other obstructions.
· VPL-G4P: Frequency – 14.4 kHz
This is a more balanced, midrange probe.
26.5m
VPL
-
G7P
--
.
-
%
---
°
C
Take a depth reading
Check the settings of the probe

15
5) Measuring position
There are two methods for measuring location, as indicated in the diagram below.
The way of measuring varies based on if the unit is in AUTO mode or MANU mode.
a) Near distance mode b) Long distance mode (L/R position)
Ⅰ) For AUTO mode (Automatically changes between methods）
Scan method changes automatically based on the position of the drill/probe,
as indicated in the diagram below.
9999
0
.
65m
AUTO
12:00
VPL-G7P
2.5%
30°C
0
0
.
65m
AUTO
12:00
VPL-G7P
2.5%
30°C
In front of probe Behind probe
Red circle Blue circle
Drill direction
Inter-
mediate
state
Inter-
mediate
state
L/R
Measurement
Weak
signal
area
L/R
Measure-
ment
Front/back and yaw
angle measurement
Bar graph and sensitivity
9999
0
0.65m
Depth
mark
Near distance mode
Long distance
mode
(L/R position)
Long distance mode
(L/R position)
Red
c
ircle
Adjust
sensitivity

16
Ⅱ) For MANU mode (Manually change between methods)
a) Pressing the LOCATE button (▲) will enter near distance mode.
Conduct scan as indicated in the diagram below (Side view).
b) Pressing the L/R button (▼) will begin long distance L/R scanning mode.
Conduct scan as indicated in the diagram below (Top view).
In front of the probe Behind the probe
Front/back and yaw angle
measurement
Bar graph and sensitivity
Drilling direction
Inter-
Mediate
state
Inter-
mediate
state
Outside of
scan range
Outside
of scan
range
0
0.65m
9999
Depth
mark
Drill
Span between the red
dots widens as user
gets closer to drill
Red dots will overlap when locator is in
proximity to the drill. Accurate L/R scanning is
not possible in this vicinity.
Please change to near distance mode
Change in L/R
position decreases
as
distance from drill
increase.
Span
※ Depth will change to distance
from drill to locator.
Drill is to the right
of the locator
Drill is to the left
of the locator

17
6) Near distance mode (Detailed explanation)
Ⅰ) Direction of locator
In near distance mode ensure that
the locator is facing in the same direction as the drill is moving in.
Ⅳ) Measuring Lateral position (Left/Right)
Measure the point at which reception sensitivity (bar graph display) is at its peak.
Peak sensitivity point＝Position directly above drill
3
0
Ⅱ) Measuring linear position
(front/back)
Drilling
direction
Direction of
locator
NOTE:
If locator is facing the opposite direction,
position errors related to pitch angle cannot
be corrected properly.
Ⅲ) Measuring tilt (yaw angle)
* First, conduct a linear (front/back) scan.
Then align locator with reference line.
Locator is
in front of the drill
Locator is
behind the drill
0
3
0
Reference line
Drill
position
9000
8030 7819