Vivax Metrotech vLoc3 Series User manual

vLoc3 Series Sonde Locating Quick Guide V1.4
P/N:4.04.000125
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Sonde Range
Model Depth and Dimensions Frequency Battery Type
D18 Sonde
D22 Sonde
D38 Sonde
D64 Sonde
D23 Sonde
Depth: 15ft / 4.5m
0.72" x 3.2"
18.5 x 79mm
Depth: 8ft / 2.4m
0.87” x 4.5”
22 x 114mm
Depth: 16ft / 5m
1.4" x 5.2"
38 x 132mm
Depth: 26ft / 8m
2.5” x 7.1”
64 x 179mm
Depth: 22ft / 7m
0.90" x 17.3"
23 x 440mm
33kHz 2 x SR44 Button cells
4 x LR43 Button cells
1 x AA Alkaline
1 x 9 Volt Alkaline
1 x AA Alkaline
9.8kHz
83kHz
9.8kHz
83kHz
33kHz
9.8kHz
83kHz
33kHz
512Hz
640Hz
Please visit our website for full specifications on our sonde range.
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Sondes
Sondes are small self-contained battery powered transmitters that are propelled through pipes
and ducts and can be located on the surface by a sonde locator or buried utility locator with a
sonde mode. Sondes are also built into other products such as a sewer camera, robotic crawler
camera, or attached to a jetter hose. Low-frequency versions (512Hz/640Hz) can transmit
through some metallic pipes such as cast iron which is why they are frequently used with sewer
inspection cameras.
Sondes are available in a variety of sizes and depth ranges. Different frequencies are available to
suit different locator models.

Locating sondes with a vLoc3 series receiver
Interpreting the sonde signalsInterpreting the sonde signals
The vLoc3-Cam Keypad
1
2
3
4
5
6
On/Off button
Reduce sensitivity
Select frequency
Increase sensitivity
Information button,
Short press = depth reading and logging
Long press = enter setup menu
Return button,
Short press = change locate modes
The vLoc3-Cam Display
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Peak signal detector
Signal strength bar graph
Sonde icon
Null point
Direction to sonde
Frequency selection
Numeric signal level (mirrors the bar graph)
Depth Reading
Gain setting
67.2
25dB
8kHz
3’9’’
2 2
3 4 5
6
8 7
1
9
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1 2 543
6
The main peak with null points
before the small peaks
The display shows different icons
for the main peak and null points
NULL NULL
MAIN PEAK
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65.3
27dB
640Hz
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Insert the activated sonde into the pipeline. In the case of an inspection camera, switch on the
sonde using the control unit's appropriate controls. Push the sonde or camera head about 10
to 12 feet (3 to 4m) into the pipe.
Switch on the vLoc3-Cam and use long presses on the Return button to enter the sonde
mode.
Press the fkey to select the sonde frequency that matches the sonde or camera sonde.
Hold the locator vertically and stationary with the tip on the ground.
If the locator is within the range of the sonde the screen similar to the below will appear, the
arrow will be pointing in a particular direction and will be still and steady. The bar graphs on
either side of the screen are identical and indicate the sonde's signal strength. Use the + and
– keys to alter the receiver gain to keep the signal within the bar graph's limits.
If the bar graph is not steady it will most likely be because the sonde is not within range. Hold
the locator at approximately 45 degrees to the ground and rotate the locator around a full 360
degrees around you.
Note the direction of the strongest signal and walk toward it until the arrow is steady and the
bar graph shows a steady signal.
Walk slowly in the direction of the arrow.
A double circle will appear on the screen. This indicates the position of a null signal. Walk
toward it and position it over the cross hairs of the screen. Now rotate the locator so that the
arrow is pointing forward.
A Sonde is a transmitting coil that transmits three distinct peaks. The main peak with two smaller
peaks on each side. A null is seen between each smaller peak and the main peak. The sonde
position will always be located under the center of the main peak.
The vLoc3 series receivers detect the presence of the two null signals and the main peak
position. It uses this information to provide a reliable and efficient method of sonde location.
Method
88.1
32dB
32.8kHz
4’1’’
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3’8’’

9.
10.
11.
Keeping the null indicator on the vertical line, walk toward the arrow.
A Sonde icon will soon appear replacing the arrow. Keeping the locator vertical, carry on
walking toward the sonde until it is positioned on the crosshairs. The locator is now directly
over the sonde.
Press the iinformation button for a depth reading and logging options or if the receiver is setup
for continuous depth the depth will be shown.
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Vivax-Metrotech Corp. (Headquarters)
3251 Olcott Street, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
T/Free: 1-800-446-3392
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vivax-metrotech.com
Visit us at www.vivax-metrotech.com to view our full product line and worldwide locations.
82.9
22dB
32.8kHz
3’6’’
The diagram below provides an overview of the sonde locating process
When directly over the sonde it may be necessary to confirm the sonde left/right
position. To do this, move the locator left to right to identify the strongest signal
position as indicated on the bar graph.
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