Vivax Metrotech VM-480B Instruction Manual

VM-480B
User Handbook
(English Edition)
Version 1.3
P/N:4.04.000029
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Table of Content
General Safety & Care Information·············································································································1
1.1 Who Can Use This Equipment·····································································································1
1.2 Work-site Safety···························································································································1
1.3 Equipment Safety························································································································1
1.4 Batteries and Environmental Safety·····························································································1
1.4.1 Alkaline Batteries (Non Rechargeable)··················································································1
1.4.2 General Rules Regarding Disposal of Batteries·····································································1
1.5 Care of Equipment·······················································································································2
1.6 Care When Interpreting the Information Provided by the Locator·················································2
1.7 American & Canadian Safety Notices··························································································2
Service & Support·······································································································································4
2.1 Serial Number and Software Revision Number············································································4
2.2 Distributors and Service Centers Closest to You··········································································5
Introduction················································································································································6
3.1 VM-480B······································································································································6
3.2 Controls and Indicators of the Model VM-480B Transmitter·························································7
3.3 Controls and Indicators of the VM-480B Receiver········································································8
Checkout Procedure···································································································································9
4.1 To Check the 50/60Hz Power Mode·····························································································9
Operation·················································································································································10
5.1 To Start Locating························································································································10
5.2 Direct (Conductive) Connection··································································································11
5.2.1 Transmitter···························································································································11
5.2.2 Peak Method·······················································································································12
5.2.3 Null Method·························································································································12
5.3 Inductive Coupling with the 4820 Metroclamp···········································································13
5.4 Inductive (Indirect Method)·········································································································13
5.5 VM-480B 50/60Hz Power Line Locating·····················································································14
5.6 Estimating the Depth of a Conductor··························································································15
5.7 Using the Carrying Handle for Blind Searching, Ground Surveys, and Metal Mass Location···16
5.7.1 Mounting the VM-480B Transmitter and Receiver to the Carrying Handle···························16
5.7.2 Locating with the Handle-Mounted VM-480B·······································································17
5.7.3 Blind Search, Metal Mass Location, Ground Survey with the Carrying Handle····················18
5.8 Conductor Identification Using a Second 4820 Metroclamp·······················································18
5.9 Marking the Conductor···············································································································19
Tracing Factors and Helpful Information···································································································20
6.1 Soil Conditions···························································································································20
6.2 Field Strength of the Signal········································································································20
6.3 Verifying Versus Tracing·············································································································20
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

6.4 Adjacent Conductors··················································································································20
6.5 Deep Conductor·························································································································21
6.6 Tracing Long Runs·····················································································································21
6.7 Locating a Service Lateral -Active Range/Inductive Mode························································21
6.8 Locating a Bend or Dead End·····································································································22
6.9 Valves, Manhole Covers, Tees and Risers·················································································22
6.10 Common Bonded Conductors····································································································22
6.11 CongestedAreas·····················································································································22
6.12 Pipes with Insulated Junctions···································································································22
6.13 Metroclamp Ground Requirements····························································································23
6.14 Grounding Safety·····················································································································23
6.15 Distribution Systems·················································································································23
Maintenance·············································································································································24
7.1 Checking and Replacing the VM-480B Transmitter and Receiver Batteries·······························24
7.2 Basic Preventive Maintenance···································································································24
Glossary···················································································································································25
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 1 of 26
1 General Safety & Care Information
General Safety & Care Information
1.1 Who Can Use This Equipment
• This equipment must only be used by people suitably trained in the use of pipe and cable
locators.
1.2 Work-site Safety
• Use your companies, or other applicable safety code and rules when using this equipment.
• Unless having the required authorization, license and appropriate training – do NOT make
connections to any pipe, cable or conductor.
• The equipment should not come in contact with corrosive or hazardous chemicals, or gases,
dust.
• Do NOT directly connect this equipment to cables or pipes that have a potential difference to
ground of greater than 25V AC.
1.3 Equipment Safety
• Do NOT open the enclosures (housings) of either the transmitter or receiver.
• Place the ground stake rmly in the ground before connecting the cable from the transmitter.
• Do NOT hold any uninsulated portion of the connection leads & clips when the transmitter is
switched on.
1.4 Batteries and Environmental Safety
Vivax-Metrotech products use four types of batteries:
• Alkaline batteries
1.4.1 Alkaline Batteries (Non Rechargeable)
• When replacing the alkaline batteries – use only the size and type specied – do NOT mix
battery types (rechargeable and alkaline).
• Do NOT mix partially discharged and fully charged cells in the same battery pack – do NOT
mix old with new.
• Never attempt to charge alkaline batteries.
1.4.2 General Rules Regarding Disposal of Batteries
• NEVER disassemble a battery, or battery pack.
• Never dispose of in a re or water.
• Dispose of batteries in accordance with your Company’s work practice/environmental
standards, the prevailing laws, or recognized best practice. Always dispose of batteries
responsibly.
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 2 of 26
IMPORTANT
Remember – Batteries contain dangerous chemicals – They can be affected
by many things such as water ingress or heat – In some circumstances
they can explode. They also can cause electric shocks!
1.5 Care of Equipment
• Use equipment only as directed in this User Handbook.
• Do NOT immerse any part of this equipment in water.
• Store in a dry place.
• Keep equipment in the case provided when not in use.
• If left for prolonged period of time – remove alkaline batteries.
• Keep unit clean and free of dust and dirt.
• Protect against excessive heat.
1.6 Care When Interpreting the Information Provided by the
Locator
• Like all locators – this instrument is locating, and providing depth and current readings
based on electromagnetic signals that radiate from the buried cable or pipe. In most cases
these signals will enable the locator to pinpoint both position depth and current correctly.
• BEWARE – in some cases other factors will distort electromagnetic elds radiating from cable
or pipe being located, resulting in incorrect information.
• Always locate responsibly, and use information learned during your training to interpret
the information provided by the locator.
• Do NOT provide information regarding depth of cable or pipe to anyone unless authorized to
do so by your company.
• REMEMBER that depth measurements are to the center of the electromagnetic eld or pipe –
In the case of pipes this may be signicantly deeper than the top of the pipe.
1.7 American & Canadian Safety Notices
USA
• This transmitter and receiver comply with the general conditions of operation, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules.
• CFR 47 Part 15
• Changes or modications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s
authority to operate the products.
CANADA
• Equipment is for use by trained operators only, and not for general household or consumer
use.
• Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
1 General Safety & Care Information
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 3 of 26
EUROPE
• Vivax-Metrotech confirms that the location system is compliant with relevant provision of
European directive 1999/5/EC.
• EN 55011
• EN 61000-4-2: A1 & A2
• EN 61000-4-3
• EN 61000-4-8: A1
1 General Safety & Care Information
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 4 of 26
2.1 Serial Number and Software Revision Number
Always quote your receiver and transmitter model number, serial number and software revision
number when requesting product support. They can be found as follows: (for reference only)
NOTE
The transmitter Model & Serial Number can be found on the receiver.
2 Service & Support
Service & Support
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 5 of 26
2 Service & Support
2.2 Distributors and Service Centers Closest to You:
World Headquaters, United State of America
Vivax-Metrotech Corporation
3251 Olcott Street,
Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Website : www.vivax-metrotech.com
Sales & Sales Support:
T/Free : 800-446-3392
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Email : [email protected]
Service & Repairs:
T/Free : 800-638-7682
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Email : [email protected]
United Kingdom
Free Phone: [phone]
Vivax-Metrotech Ltd.
Unit 18-19, Woodside Road,
South Marston Industrial Estate,
Swindon, SN3 4WA, UK
Website : www.vivax-metrotech.com
Email : [email protected]
Canada
Vivax Canada Inc.
41 Courtland Ave Unit 6,
Vaughan, ON L4K 3T3, Canada
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Website : www.vivax-metrotech.com
Email : [email protected]
Europe
SebaKMT
Seba Dynatronic
Mess-und Ortungstechnik GmbH
Dr.-Herbert-Iann-Str. 6,
96148 Baunach, Germany
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Website : www.sebakmt.com
Email : [email protected]
Australasia
China
Vivax-Metrotech AUS
Unit 1, 176 South Creek Road,
Cromer NSW 2099, Australia
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Website : www.vivax-metrotechaus.com
Email : [email protected]
[email protected]
Central/South America and the Caribbean
Ventas para América Latina
3251 Olcott Street,
Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Website : www.vivax-metrotech.com
T/Free : 800-624-6210
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Email : VentasparaAmé[email protected]
France
Vivax-Metrotech SAS
Technoparc - 1 allée du Moulin Berger,
69130 Ecully, France
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Website : www.vivax-metrotech.com
Email : [email protected]
ALLFIND Ltd.
No. 780, Tianshan Rd,
Shanghai, China 200051
T/Free : 4006-288-062
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Website : www.allfind.com.cn
Email : [email protected]
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 6 of 26
3 Introduction
Introduction
3.1 VM-480B
The Vivax-Metrotech Model VM-480B Pipe and Cable Locator is a versatile locating instrument
designed for locating and tracing the path of pipes and cables; detecting energizing 60Hz power
lines; and when mounted on an optional carrying handle, conducting blind searches, ground
surveys, and locating underground metal masses. Depth measurement is accomplished using the
triangulation method.
The VM-480B is of split-box design, half being the transmitter and half being the receiver.
The transmitter generates a signal which is applied onto the pipe or cable to be traced - referred
to from now on as the "conductor". The signal travels along the conductor, becoming weaker as it
gets farther away from the transmitter. The distance that the signal travels before it becomes too
weak to be detected depends on the method of connection, the type of conductor, the surrounding
soil, and the depth of the conductor.
When you position the receiver over the targeted conductor, it will detect the signal from the
conductor, enabling the operator to trace the path of the pipe or cable. The signal strength reading
on the meter and the audio tone directs the operator to the path of the conductor.
As with all electromagnetic locating systems, this unit is designed to locate metallic conductors
only. The word "conductor, pipe, or cable" refers to a metallic conductor throughout this manual.
VM-480B
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 7 of 26
3 Introduction
3.2 Controls and Indicators of the Model VM-480B Transmitter
VM-480B Transmitter: Controls and Indicators
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
POWER INDICATOR LAMP
Indicates power is on. Blinks steadily if battery power is good, will slow down according
to power left in batteries. When it stops blinking, replace the batteries.
COND/AUX OUTPUT JACK
Insert either the direct connect cable or the 4820 Metroclamp cable into this jack. The
transmitter’s internal antenna is automatically disconnected when a plug is inserted into
this jack.
BATTERYACCESS
PUSH/PULL POWER SWITCH
Pull this switch to turn the transmitter on. Power Indicator lamp will blink.
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 8 of 26
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
FIELD STRENGTH METER
The meter indicates the strength of the signal being received by the receiver. The
reading will vary according to how close the receiver is to the conductor. The receiver
displays the highest reading when it is directly over the target conductor.
BATTERY TEST INDICATOR
When the receiver is turned ON, the needle should move into the BATT test area of the
meter. If it does not, the batteries need to be replaced.
CARRYING HANDLE THREADED BUSHINGS
Connection point for Carrying Handle screws.
SPEAKER
Emits audio tone which guides operator toward the targeted conductor.
MODE SWITCH
Two operating positions:
Active – Direct Connect, Inductive coupling and inductive
Passive – For tracing energizing 50/60Hz power lines
AUX INPUT Jack
Plug in second 4820 Metroclamp (when using two clamps) into this jack.
BATTERYACCESS
HEADPHONE JACK
Plug in point for headphones.
DEPTH ANGLE BUBBLE
Position the bubble in the indicated area to estimate the depth.
RANGE KNOB
Changes the ratio of the signal amplication.
SENSITIVITY KNOB
Controls the signal gain. Set as low as possible to avoid receiving signal from conductors
other than your target conductor.
3.3 Controls and Indicators of the VM-480B Receiver
VM-480B Receiver: Controls and Indicators
3 Introduction
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 9 of 26
To insure proper operation of the VM-480B Pipe and Cable Locator, use the checkout procedure
at the following times:
• Upon receiving the equipment
• Before each job, preferably before you leave for the site
• If problems arise during a locate
1. Turn the transmitter on by pulling the PUSH/PULL POWER SWITCH and place the transmitter
on the ground. If the batteries are working, the battery lamp will blink.
2. Turn the receiver ON (if the batteries are working, the meter will move to the BATT section of
the meter) and set to the Active/Norm Mode.
3. Set the SENSITIVITY knob to the “SET” line.
4. Hold the receiver in a position parallel to the transmitter. The meter needle should move all the
way to the right side of the meter, and the audio tone should be loud.
5. Move away from the transmitter, holding the receiver in the same parallel position. At 10-20ft
the signal level should start to drop - the meter needle will move to the left and the audio tone
will begin to fade.
6. Turn the receiver perpendicular to the transmitter - both the meter reading and the audio tone
should suddenly drop.
If either the receiver or the transmitter does not respond to the above tests, check the batteries.
Refer to Section 7, Maintenance for instructions.
4.1 To Check the 50/60Hz Power Mode
1. Test the receiver only (the transmitter is not required for passive locating). Stand under an
indoor AC powered light future.
2. Set the range to “HIGH” and the sensitivity to the 12 o’clock position.
3. Hold the receiver in a vertical position and raise the receiver upward toward the light xture. The
meter reading and audio tone should increase as the receiver gets closer to the light xture.
If either the receiver or the transmitter does not respond to the above tests, check the batteries.
Refer to Section 7, Maintenance for instructions.
NOTE
The VM-480B receiver features a 30-minute automatic shut-off to prevent
the receiver from being accidentally left on. A beep will sound to alert the
operator that the receiver is about to shut off. Reactivate the receiver by
turning the RANGE KNOB back to “OFF” and then to “NORM” or “HIGH”.
4 Checkout Procedure
Checkout Procedure
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 10 of 26
5 Operation
Operation
Follow the checkout procedure described in Section 4 before operating the equipment.
To operate the VM-480B pipe and cable locator, use the transmitter to apply the signal to the
conductor, and use the VM-480B receiver to trace the signal coming off the conductor.
For a successful locate you must be sure that you have the best possible connection to the target
conductor and that the conductor is well grounded. If there is a break in the circuit path, very
little transmitter signal will reach the receiver. Look for disconnected leads, circuit breakers, open
switches, insulators, etc.
Power lines and telephone sheaths are assumed to be grounded. If you are tracing a conductor
with an exposed insulated joint, such as a gas pipe with a gas meter, use the jumper cable
to bypass the meter (insulator). Attach each end of the jumper cable to opposite sides of the
insulator.
To trace non-metallic pipe (sewer line) or duct send the signal through the conductor by inserting
a snake or sh tape into the pipe and connecting the Direct Connect Cable from the transmitter to
one end of it.
WARNING
Never make a direct connection to a live power cable. Use a voltmeter to
check for active electrical power. Always make sure the power to a cable is
turned off before you make a direct connection to it. (Live secondary power
can be located safely using an Inductive clamp.)
5.1 To Start Locating
There are three different methods of applying the signal to the conductor with the transmitter
- Direct Connection, Inductive Coupling and Inductive. A description of each method and use
instructions follow below.
In addition to three different methods of inducing the signal onto the conductor, there are two
methods - PEAK and NULL by which to locate your conductor.
The PEAK method is generally used to follow the path or direction of a line. It is the preferred
method for general locating because the sensitivity or gain can be kept to a minimum which
prevents bleed-off onto nearby lines.
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 11 of 26
5 Operation
The NULL method is used for more accurate locating of the centerline of a conductor. You
would want to get an accurate locate of a conductor centerline before determining the depth of a
conductor.
PEAK and NULL procedures are described below.
5.2 Direct (Conductive) Connection
This is the preferred mode of operation because the transmitter is connected directly to a
metallic part of the conductor (hydrant, meter, riser, valves, sheath, tracer wire) allowing a strong
maximum signal to reach the conductor. In this operating mode the receiver can be closer to the
transmitter, and adjacent buried conductor interference is reduced.
5.2.1 Transmitter
1. With the transmitter OFF, plug the Direct Connect Cable into the jack labeled COND/AUX
OUTPUT on the VM-480B transmitter.
2. Attach the RED lead of the Direct Connect Cable to an electrically clean metallic part of the
targeted conductor.
3. Extend the BLACK lead of the Direct Connect Cable as far as possible from the conductor, at
a right angle. Look for a convenient existing ground, such as a metal street sign. Be careful
not to get close to or cross any adjacent buried conductors. If no existing ground is available,
use the ground spike as far into the Ground as possible, and attach the BLACK lead. If the
ground surface is too hard, place the ground plate on the ground and attach the BLACK lead.
To improve conductivity, put water and /or a weight on it.
Direct (Conductive) Connection
4. Pull the transmitter POWER Switch ON. Set the MODE switch to POWER TEST. The POWER
TEST LAMP should blink steadily, indicating a charged battery.
5. Set the receiver MODE switch to “Active”.
6. Set the receiver SENSITIVITY KNOB to a low setting on the left of the dial, adjusting as
needed for good signal reception. As you move farther away from the transmitter, you will
need to increase the sensitivity. It is important to tune the sensitivity as low as possible in
order to sharpen the reception and reduce signal bleed-off onto adjacent conductors.
7. Set the receiver RANGE knob to “NORM”, adjusting to “HIGH” when necessary.
Tx
1 Target Conductor
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 12 of 26
8. When starting a locate, you need to “prelocate” the targeted conductor by using the broad
range PEAK method rst to nd the general location of the line. Then hone in on the exact
location of the conductor with the precision NULL method.
5.2.2 Peak Method
The PEAK method gives a maximum (loud tone) signal. Hold the receiver by the handle in a
vertical position and move it from side to side. The audio tone and eld strength will increase as
you approach the location of the conductor.
Peak VM-480B Receiver Response
5.2.3 Null Method
To pinpoint the location of the conductor use the NULL method by holding the VM-480B receiver
in a at, horizontal position. The audio tone will increase and then go silent at the exact location
of the conductor.
Null VM-480B Receiver Response
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
Rx Tx
volume of receiver
tone as pipe is
crossed.
Locating Pipe
MAX
Rx Tx
MIN
MAX
MIN
volume of receiver
tone as pipe is
crossed.
Pinpointing Pipe
5 Operation
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 13 of 26
WARNING
Do not hold the receiver at an angle – Incorrect information will result!
1. To determine the direction of the conductor, stop and vertically rotate the receiver to the left
and right. The highest signal strength reading indicates the direction of the conductor.
Continue to trace the conductor in the direction indicated by the indicators on the receiver. If
the signal strength drops abruptly, the conductor may have changed direction or stopped.
2. When you have pinpointed the conductor's location, mark it as required. See Section 5.6 for
APWA color markings.
3. When you have nished the locating, turn the transmitter and receiver off and disconnect the
accessories.
5.3 Inductive Coupling with the 4820 Metroclamp
Use this method if Direct Connection is not possible, but you can position a Metroclamp around
the conductor you want to trace. The Inductive Coupling method uses the 4820 Metroclamp to
induce a signal onto the conductor when direct metallic contact is not possible. The clamp is
placed around the target conductor. The transmitter then induces a signal through the clamp.
When using the Metroclamp the conductor must be well grounded, i.e. with sheaths and neutrals.
When tracing lines that have insulators, the insulators should be bypassed, using the supplied
jumper cable.
1. With the transmitter OFF, plug the 4820 Metroclamp cable into the COND/AUX jack on the
VM-480B transmitter.
2. Place the Metroclamp around the conductor, below the electrical ground. Make sure that the
clamp jaws are completely closed.
Inductive Coupling with the Metroclamp
3. Continue your locating by following steps 4 through 11, Section 5.2 Direct Connection.
5.4 Inductive (Indirect Method)
If you cannot make a direct connection onto the conductor, or use the Metroclamp, use the
antenna that is mounted on the transmitter case to induce signal onto the conductor.
1 Insulator
2 Pipe
Couplers must be placed below
the electrical ground.
5 Operation
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 14 of 26
This is the least preferred method of inducing signal onto a conductor because the signal is
broadcast through the soil and air and can be picked up by other conductors in the area. In this
mode the signal radiates from the antenna mounted on the transmitter case and couples to the
conductor by electromagnetic induction.
If no direct connect cable or Metroclamp is attached to the DIRECT/4820 CLAMP jack, the
transmitter automatically broadcasts the signal through the antenna mounted on the transmitter
case.
No ground connection is needed when a signal is induced onto the target conductor.
WARNING
Do not operate the transmitter in the Inductive Mode while it is resting on
or near a metal surface or large metal object. Incorrect test readings and
damage to the transmitter may result.
1. Position the transmitter over the buried conductor making sure that the transmitter is parallel
or in line directly over the targeted conductor.
2. When using the Inductive method, the receiver must be 35-50 ft. away from the transmitter
depending on how high the sensitivity is set. The higher the sensitivity, the farther from the
transmitter the receiver must be to avoid picking up the transmitter signal traveling through the air.
3. Continue your locate by following steps 4 through 11, Section 5.2 Direct Connection.
5.5 VM-480B 50/60Hz Power Line Locating
When locating a power line the VM-480B transmitter is not required as you are locating the power
line by tracking the path of the 50/60 current coming off the line (the line must be loaded).
This method gives a maximum (loud tone) signal. The VM-480B receiver is held in a vertical
position at right angles to the line for maximum signal. (Note the logical path of the line from the
source).
You will notice a different audio tone when using the 50/60Hz mode, this is normal.
50/60 Power Line Locating Operation:
1. Move the VM-480B receiver a few feet away from where you want to start searching.
2. Turn the receiver MODE Switch to “Passive 50/60Hz”.
3. Hold the receiver in a vertical position. Then adjust the SENSITIVITY knob to bring the needle
within the “SET” zone. If the meter does not adjust to “SET”, turn the SENSITIVITY knob
all the way to the right (clockwise) and/or move closer to the conductor. If you still cannot
adjust to the “SET” position, switch the RANGE knob to “HIGH”:, and then attempt to adjust
the SENSITIVITY to “SET”. (If no current is present you will be unable to adjust to “SET”).
4. Hold the receiver in an upright, vertical position with the face of the receiver facing you, and at
right angles to the targeted conductor.
5 Operation
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 15 of 26
5. Move the receiver from side to side over the targeted conductor location until you obtain the
maximum PEAK response. For better signal reception, hold the receiver close to the ground.
As you move closer to the targeted conductor, the speaker tone will gradually get louder. The
loudest tone will indicate you are over the conductor in the PEAK mode.
6. If the needle is at or close to the end of the meter scale, adjust the SENSITIVITY knob to bring
the needle back to the middle of the meter. (Decreasing the SENSITIVITY will give a sharper
receiver response as you move closer to the target conductor.) Then move to a new position
and note the meter response. The meter reading will increase if the signal gets stronger (closer
to the conductor), or decrease if the signal gets weaker (further from the conductor).
7. Keep adjusting the SENSITIVITY knob and the position of the receiver until you nd a place
that gives a maximum reading. (This will occur when the receiver forms an angle of 90
degrees with the target conductor.)
5.6 Estimating the Depth of a Conductor
Follow this procedure to estimate the depth of a buried conductor:
1. Using the NULL method, nd the exact location of the conductor. At a minimum distance of 35
feet from the transmitter (to prevent air coupling between the transmitter and receiver), locate
and mark the conductor.
2. Then, still in the same mode of operation (NULL), tilt the receiver to 45 degrees (aligning the
bubble), and move off to the side of the conductor. See below graphic.
Estimating the Depth of a Conductor
3. When you "locate" the conductor a second time, with the receiver at a 45 degree angle, mark
the spot on the ground. The distance between this second spot and the true location of the
conductor (A), less the distance between the center of the receiver and the ground (B), is
equal to the depth of the conductor (C). See graphic above.
4. Measurement accuracy is affected by the ratio of the conductor diameter compared to how
deep the conductor is buried. (The larger the pipe the less accurate the depth measurement.)
Depth measurements are also affected by soil conditions, overhead lines, and adjacent
conductors.
Rx
45°
BA
C = A·B
PIPE
C
C (Depth of Conductor) = A-B
Second “Location”
Pipe Location
5 Operation
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]

Page 16 of 26
5.7 Using the Carrying Handle for Blind Searching, Ground
Surveys, and Metal Mass Location
To conduct a blind search, a ground survey, or to locate an underground metal mass, the VM-
480B transmitter and receiver must be mounted on a carrying handle (Part# 200766). The handle
positions the receiver and the transmitter in correct relation to each other.
5.7.1 Mounting the VM-480B Transmitter and Receiver to the Carrying Handle
1. Assemble the Carrying Handle as shown below. Do not insert the end pieces beyond the stop
pins. Secure the screws on the center section.
Carrying Handle Assembly
2. Mount the VM-480B transmitter onto the Carrying Handle by placing the single screw-end of
the handle into the transmitter and securing it to the transmitter with the handle screw. See
below graphic, Step 1.
3. Place the mounted transmitter on the ground as shown and attach the VM-480B receiver to
the handle, screwing the two handle screws into the two threaded bushings on the receiver.
The receiver should be perpendicular to the transmitter as shown below, Step 2.
Mounting the Transmitter and Receiver onto the Carrying Handle
4. Pull the transmitter POWER switch on.
5. Set the receiver RANGE switch to "Norm" (the Receiver will turn on).
6. Set the receiver SENSITIVITY Switch to "11 o'clock position."
1 Stop Pin
Step 1 Step 2
1 Receiver
2 Transmitter
5 Operation
[email protected] | 13309 Beach Ave. Marina del Rey, CA 90292
wctproducts.com | Phone: 800-WCT-PROD (928-7763) | Fax: [phone]