Vivax Metrotech VM-540 User manual

™
P/N: 4.04.000037
VM-540 User Guide V1.4
Introduction
This guide describes the operation of the VM-540 Sonde locator. Sondes
are small transmitters that are inserted into non-metallic pipes and ducts
for the purpose of locating its path. Sondes are also built into push
camera and crawler camera systems. The lower sonde frequencies of
512Hz or 640Hz can be located in metallic pipes. The radiated signal
from the Sondes are detected with the VM-540 receiver along with its
depth of cover. The receiver can also passively detect the presence of
50Hz 60Hz which radiate from some live power, Cable TV or Telephone
lines.
What’s in the box – each VM-540 is supplied with:
Receiver Display Functions
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VM-540 receiver
Battery holder
2 x AA alkaline battery
Mini-USB cable
User guide
Soft carry bag
Battery level indicator
Speaker level indicator
Percentage signal level
Selected sonde frequency
Signal level indicator
Sensitivity setting indicator
Service Center Information
If the equipment does not function properly, replace the batteries as
described above. If the equipment still malfunctions, contact one of the
Vivax-Metrotech Customer Service departments, or call the factory for
the nearest authorized Vivax-Metrotech repair center.
Disclaimer: Product and accessory specification and availability information
is subject to change without prior notice.
Changing Batteries
NOTE
The depth measurement is an approximation. Depth
indications can be affected by field distortion caused
by interference from in-band signals or metal structures
such as re-bar. An aid to determining if the depth is
correct is to repeat a depth measurement with the
locator a known distance (for example 1ft./30cm) above
the ground) and to note if the depth has increased
by this amount. If it is different from what is expected
treat the data as suspect.
A low battery is indicated by the icon of the receiver display.
To replace the batteries, unscrew the end cap on the handle end of
the VM-540.
Remove and replace both batteries with fresh 1.5V alkaline AA
(LR6).
Replace end cap.
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NOTE
Moving the locator further left and right will result in
detecting smaller “ghost” signals either side of the
main one. This is normal. Always be sure to locate
all three peaks when locating the position of the
Sonde as the ghost signals are not directly over the
Sonde. The largest one is the true position.
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Depth Measurements
To take a depth measurement pinpoint the position and direction as
previously described, pinpointing left/right, forward/back and also
rotating on its axis. Hold the locator vertically over the position of
maximum signal. Now press the “target” pushbutton. There will be a
short delay before a depth estimate will be displayed.
Moving forward and back across the Sonde will not detect ghost signals.
Now push the Sonde a couple of meters (yards) into the pipe. Stop and
re-locate the Sonde. The direction of the Sonde can be confirmed by
holding the locator vertically and rotating it on its axis until the largest
signal is detected. The Sonde will then be pointing at right angles to the
display.
Continue pushing a short distance and relocating as the Sonde is
pushed into the pipe. Do not be tempted to push the rod too far into the
pipe without locating the Sonde as this will make finding the Sonde more
difficult.
Ghost Peak Ghost Peak
Main Peak
Vivax-Metrotech Corp. (Headquarters)
3251 Olcott Street, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
T/Free: [phone]
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.
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Receiver Operational Controls
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Depth measurement /
frequency selection
Sensitivity control
(increase sensitivity)
On/Off control
Sensitivity control
(reduce sensitivity)
Increment sensitivity down, or auto scale
down to 60% if off scale. When in frequency
select menu use this button to scroll
backwards through available frequencies.
Long press to switch on/off. Short press to
change speaker volume.
Increment sensitivity up, or auto scale to
60% if off scale. When in frequency select
menu use this button to scroll forwards
through available frequencies.
Short press to initiate depth measurement.
Long press to enter frequency select menu
then short press to exit menu.
D18-33kHz Sonde
• 0.75in (18mm) x 3.1in (80mm) long,
33 kHz, range 15ft (4.5m)
• 2 x button cell batteries
D38-33kHz Sonde
• 1.5in (38mm) x 4.1in (105mm) long,
33 kHz, range 16.3ft (5m)
• 1 x AA battery
D64-33kHz Sonde
• 2.5in (64mm) x 7.3in (186mm) long,
33 kHz, range 26ft (8m)
• 1 x LR61 battery
D23F Flexible Sonde.
Available in 512Hz or 640Hz
• 1in (23mm) x 18in (456mm) long,
range 20ft (6m)
• Flexible (3 section) Sonde for use in
metallic or non-metallic pipes
• 1 x AA battery
Optional Accessories Sondes
NOTE
The battery condition is indicated on the battery icon.
Replace batteries if necessary. See Changing Batteries
Section.
Power Mode Operation
Switch on the receiver by pressing the On/Off pushbutton. Allow the unit
a few seconds to switch on.
The frequency selected is shown on the display. If this is not the desired
locate frequency (i.e. 50 or 60Hz) change as instructed below.
Changing the Locate Frequency
Press and hold the depth measurement/frequency selection pushbutton
until the frequency menu is entered. The display will show the present
frequency selected in large numbers in the center of the screen. Use the
“+” or “–” pushbuttons to select the desired frequency. Press the depth
measurement/frequency selection pushbutton to re-enter the locate
screen.
Locating a Cable in the Power (50/60Hz) Mode
Hold the locator vertically in the area that is required to be searched.
Adjust the sensitivity of the locator by pressing the “+” or “–” pushbuttons
to keep the locator response on scale.
Hold the locator in front of you in the orientation shown below.
Sweep the locator left to right along the suspected route of the cable. As
the locator approaches the cable the meter reading will increase.
Pinpoint the position by detecting the largest signal.
To confirm the direction of the cable, rotate the locator until the largest
signal is detected. The direction of the cable is then directly ahead,
pointing forward, away from the display.
Continue to locate the cable along the route. Depth measurements are
not possible in the power (50/60Hz) mode, if pressed by accident it will
show N/A.
WARNING
The power mode is used to detect signals radiating
from cables or services that are carrying a 50 or
60Hz load. It is possible for a cable to be live but not
carry a load. In this case there may not be a signal to
be detected.
Similarly, if a cable is exactly balanced the resulting
signal radiating from the cable may be zero and
therefore not detectable.
Do not use the VM-540 to identify cables if they are
live. Always dig with caution.
Sonde Locating
Connect the Sonde to a suitable push rod. There is typically a 10mm
thread on the end of the Sonde for this purpose.
Switch on the Sonde and position it within the pipe access chamber
leaving it still visible.
Hold the locator above the Sonde at ground level. Adjust the sensitivity
of the locator by pressing the “+” or “-” pushbuttons to keep the signal on
scale. Rotate the receiver until the maximum signal is detected.