TAKACHIHO MPL-21-E User manual

Pipe Locator MPL-21-E
Operation manual

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Table of Content
1. SAFETY......................................................................................................................................................2
2.Introduction...............................................................................................................................................4
3. Composition.............................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Main equipment & standard accessories ................................................................................6
3.2 Optional equipment.........................................................................................................................6
4. Description of parts & basic operation ...........................................................................................7
4.1 Transmitter.........................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Receiver ..............................................................................................................................................9
5. Operation of Transmitter....................................................................................................................11
5.1 Direct connection mode ..............................................................................................................11
5.2 External coil mode.........................................................................................................................12
5.3 Indirect (Inductive) mode.............................................................................................................13
6. Operation of Receiver .........................................................................................................................14
6.1 Null mode..........................................................................................................................................14
6.2 Peak mode........................................................................................................................................15
6.3 Depth measurement .....................................................................................................................16
6.4 Depth measurement using Triangulation ..............................................................................16
7. Inspection method...............................................................................................................................17
8. Specification ..........................................................................................................................................19
8.1 General specification....................................................................................................................19
8.2 Accuracy specification.................................................................................................................20

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1. SAFETY
Always locate with proper respect and caution. Equipment
misuse or carelessness can result in serious injury or damage to
property. Always follow safety rules.
HAZARD ALERT INFORMATION
BE AWARE OF SAFETY INFORMATION
This is a safety-alert sign. This is placed in the manual and on your
equipment to alert you to the potential for bodily injury or death.
SIGNAL WORDS
The safety-alert icon is used with the following signal words :
DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION. When you see these words in the manual or on decals on your
equipment, carefully read and follow all instructions. Watch for these words and learn their meanings.
DANGER – Imminent hazards which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
WARNING – Potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION – Potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor personal injury or property damage.
OPERATOR PREPARATIONS
Important : Read and understand this manual before using cable locator MPL element.
Successful use of MPL element depends on good locating skills and correct understanding of receiver
response.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION

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GENERAL SAFETY
DANGER Do not attempt to connect to live power without proper protective equipment
and training.
DANGER ELECTRIC SHOCK Death or serious injury will result
NOTICE: Do not apply more than 250 volts across clips. More than 250 volts will damage
transmitter.
DANGER High Voltage. Cutting high voltage cable can cause DEATH or
ELECTROCUTION. Expose lines by non-destructive means before excavating.
DANGER Traffic hazards can result in death or serious injury. Avoid moving vehicles.
Wear high-visibility clothing.
WARNING Buried lines. Always confirm your depth estimate by exposing target line by
non-destructive means.
WARNING Jobsite hazards can cause DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY. Wear proper
safety equipment.
NOTICE : Remember this before searching and attempting any excavation activity.
NOTICE: Use only alkaline batteries in MPL element receiver and transmitter.
Batteries contain acid, which may leak if the batteries are allowed to remain in the equipment
when low or completely discharged. This acid can cause equipment damage.

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2.Introduction
This product is a high-performance digital measurement tool used to
measure the location and the depth of buried cables / metal pipes
from the ground. By adopting a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), the
digital correction of the measured data provides measurements with
high precision and stability.
- Principle of measurement method -
When current flows through a buried cable/pipe, an alternating magnetic field is generated
around it.
Location, depth, and current value of the buried pipe can be measured using the Receiver at
the surface.
- Features -
• There are two modes of location measurement (with error detection / protection function)
Null mode: This method detects the point of minimum sensitivity indicated with an arrow.
Two horizontal coils connected differentially allow you to locate the position
of the buried object without error.
Button input from operator is not necessary
Signal
Magnetic field
Pipe / Cable
Signal
Magnetic field
Pipe / Cable
Receiving level
Pipe / Cable
High
Low
Vn
Differential coil
V
n

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Peak mode: This method detects the point of maximum sensitivity.
Two horizontal coils connected differentially allow you to locate the position
of the buried object without error.
• Two depth measurement modes
A) Standard Depth Measurement: Method of calculating depth from sensitivity received by
upper and lower coils
Measure the depth in real time by pressing the Depth key above the buried object.
This method also measures the strength of the current of the signal.
B) Triangulation method: Method to measure using received sensitivity at Peak mode
Differential coils allow low-error depth measurements in noisy locations or using indirect
methods.
• The frequency of the signal used is 82kHz, as this frequency can transmit a signal efficiently
and can be received with good sensitivity.
• When using this locator for non-metallic pipes, please use the Locating rod (optional accessory).
Receiving level
Pipe / Cable
High
Low
V
p
Differential coil
V
p

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3. Composition
3.1 Main equipment & standard accessories
Description
Q’ty
Remark
Transmitter Unit
1pc
Used as a signal generator.
Receiver Unit
1pc
Digital locator
Connecting cable
1pc
Used for Direct connection mode
Ground rod
1pc
Used for Direct connection mode
Operating manual
1pc
English version
Carrying bag
1pc
3.2 Optional equipment
Description
Q’ty
Remark
External coil
1pc
Used for External coil mode
Locating Directional Rod (LDR)
1pc
Used for non-conductive pipes such as
PVC, HDPE or fiberoptic ducts

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4. Description of parts & basic operation
4.1 Transmitter
Connector cover
Battery compartment
Output connector
Control panel
Battery indicator
Output power level
When external coil is
connected, top lamp
is blinking.
Power on/off key
Output select key
Low (10%)
Medium (30%)
Full (100%)
Sound select key
2: Sound on (Initial setting)
1: Transmitter sound off, Function sound on.
0: Sound off
Signal current Indicator for Direct connection mode
4: more than 45mA
3: 15mA~45mA
2: 5mA~15mA
1: 2mA~5mA
When Signal current is less than 2mA , bottom lamp will be blinking
2) Key function & Indicator lamp
1) Appearance
1
Beeping sound emitted for Good signal loop
Retaining screw

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3) Connector
While pressing the lock button, pull
out the plug to remove
4) Battery indicator & Battery replacement
Green Lamp indicates the battery status.
Continuous lighting：Battery condition is good.
Slow blink：Remaining battery life is low.
Fast blink：Batteries can no longer be used.
Replace all batteries when the remaining life is low.
Always ensure that the batteries are inserted
correctly before closing the compartment
Connect the plug with the lock
button facing upwards
Unscrew to open the cover of battery compartment and replace all batteries.
Use six D (LR20 / 13A) Alkaline batteries.

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4.2 Receiver
Null Null mode
Left / Right position locating mode
Peak Peak mode
Signal peak position locating mode.
Press “PEAK” key to set signal level to 70.0%.
Power on / off
Depth Depth measurement mode
Single press measures depth. Holding down
depth button measures the signal current.
1) Appearance
2) Control panel & Display
Battery
compartment
Control
panel
Speaker
Antenna part
When in use, set the antenna part as shown in the figure below
When storing the
receiver in the bag, turn
the antenna part in the
same direction as the
figure.
Bar-graph
Left or Right indicator
for Null mode
Sound setting
Back Light setting
Battery indicator
Gear-Icon
Locating mode
Receiving sensitivity /
Depth / Signal current value