Vivax 9800 XT User manual

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Utility Line Locator
9800 XT™ OPERATIONS MANUAL
Warranty: One year. Specifications Subject to change without notice, ISO 9001:2000 Certified. Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved. Rev 12/01/07 E
SERVICE CENTER, SALES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION
Vivax-Metrotech Corporation
3251 Olcott Street,
Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA
Website : www.vivax-metrotech.com
Sales & Sales Support:
T/Free : [phone]
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Email : [email protected]
Application Support:
T/Free : [phone]
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Email : [email protected]
Service & Repairs:
T/Free : [phone]
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Email : [email protected]
All Other Department:
T/Free : [phone]
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Australasia SebaKMT AUS
Unit 1, 176 South Creek Road,
Cromer NSW 2009, Australia
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Website : www.sebakmtaus.com
Email : [email protected]
[email protected]
Leidi Utility Supply (Shanghai) Ltd.
Rm405 3rd Building No. 641, Tianshan
Rd,
Shanghai, China 200336
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Website : www.leidi.com
Email : [email protected]
CanadaVivax Canada Inc.
400 Esna Park Drive,
Unit 17, Markham,
Ontario, L3R 3K2, Canada
Tel : [phone]
Website : www.vivax-metrotech.com
Email : [email protected]
EuropeSebaKMT
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]

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ISO 9001 CERTIFIED
Metrotech has received ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification.
Metrotech adheres to the quality standard guidelines of ISO 9001 and ensures quality in
its design/development, production, installation, and servicing disciplines.
© Metrotech Corporation -2008
Metrotech Corporation
3251 Olcott Street
Santa Clara, CA 95054
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.metrotech.com
Revision E; 12/11/07

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Illustrations 4
1 Introduction 6
2 Safety Precautions 6
3 9800XT Quick Start Guide for the
Experienced User 6
4 Model 9800XT Equipment 7
4.1 Standard Equipment 7
4.2 Optional Features on Standard
Equipment 7
4.3 Accessories 8
4.4 Technical Specifications 9
4.5 Transmitter:Controls,
Indicators, and Features 12
4.6 Receiver: Controls and Indicators,
Features 16
5 Checkout Procedure 18
6 Operation 19
6.1 Transmitter Set-up 20
6.2 Receiver Operation 25
7 Advanced Techniques 32
7.1 Ground Survey 32
7.2 Adjacent Conductors 34
7.3 Deep Conductor 34
7.4 Tracing Long Runs 34
7.5 Locating a Service Lateral 34
7.6 Locating a Bend or Dead End 34
7.7 Valves, Manhole Cover, T’s and
Risers 35
7.8 Common Bonded Conductors 36
7.9 Conductor Identification Using a
Second Metroclamp 36
7.10 Congested Areas 36
7.11 Determining If You Have a “Ghost”
Conductor 38
7.12 Pipes with Insulated Junctions 38
7.13 Distribution Systems 39
7.14 Non-Metallic Pipes 39
7.15 Tracer Wire 39
8Maintenance 39
8.1 Replacing the 9800XT Non-
rechargeable D-Cell Transmitter
Batteries 40
8.2 Recharging the 9800XT Transmitter
NiCd Rechargeable Battery 42
8.3 Replacing the 9800XT Receiver

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Batteries
8.4 Service Center Information 43
Appendix 44
Copyright Notice 45
Warranty 45
List of Illustrations
Figure 4-1: Model 9800XT Utility Line
Locator - Standard and Optional Equipment 7
Figure 4-2: 9800XT Transmitter: Controls
and Indicators 12
Figure 4-3: 9800XT Receiver - Controls
and Indicators 15
Figure 4-4: 9800XT Receiver LCD Display 16
Figure 4-5: 9800XT Receiver LCD Display:
Depth Measurement Mode 16
Figure 5-1: Connect Transmitter Leads 19
Figure 5-2: Aim Receiver at Transmitter 19
Figure 6-1: Direct (Conductive) Connection 21
Figure 6-2: Inductive Coupling with the
Metroclamp 24
Figure 6-3: Transmitter Position for
Inductive Tracing 25
Figure 6-4: Receiver Position for Tracing 27
Figure 6-5: Receiver Position When
Determining Depth 29
Figure 6-6: Principle of Triangulation 30
Figure 6-7: Receiver Position for Triangulation 31
Figure 6-8: Locate Centerline 31
Figure 6-9: Multiple Conductors in a
Common Trench 32
Figure 7-1: Blind Search Parallel Pattern 33

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Figure 7-2: Adjacent Conductors - Position
of Ground Lead 34
Figure 7-3: Locating Service Laterals 35
Figure 7-4: Locating a Bend 35
Figure 7-5: Locating a Dead End 36
Figure 7-6: Incorrect Coupling for
Congested Area 37
Figure 7-7: Correct Coupling for
Congested Area 38
Figure 8-1: Replacing the Non-
rechargeable D-Cell Transmitter Batteries 40
Figure 8-2: Recharging the Rechargeable
NiCd Transmitter Battery with the Wall
Mount Charger 40
Figure 8-3: Recharging the Rechargeable
NiCd Transmitter Battery with the Vehicle
Mount Charger 41
Figure 8-4: Replacing the 9800XT
Receiver Batteries 42

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1 INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the Metrotech Model 9800XT Utility Line Locator. Included is an
equipment description, product specifications, checkout procedures, operating
procedures, application information and maintenance instructions.
The Model 9800XT is a series of state-of-the-art utility line locators precisely designed
with many powerful features to provide you with optimum information about your locate
situation.
2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1 Metrotech Utility Line Locators are intended for use by utility and contractor
professionals. Safety hazards for underground utility access areas include
electrical shock, explosive gases, and toxic fumes as well as potential influence
on communications and control systems such as traffic control and railroad
crossings.
2 Familiarize yourself with all required safety practices of the local utility company,
or other owner of the plant before entering an access area or connecting a
Metrotech transmitter.
3 Before connecting the transmitter directly to any conductor, make sure that the
line is de-energized and out of service. Never make a direct connection to a live
power cable.
4 If you use the Metroclamp on energized electrical or control lines follow
appropriate safety procedures to avoid the risk of injury.
5 Pay special attention when using a locator in high traffic areas.
3 9800XT QUICK START GUIDE FOR THE EXPERIENCED USER
1 Check Batteries – Turn Transmitter to “L”. If the battery status is low (less than
5 bars) replace or recharge the battery. Turn Transmitter “ON”. Check battery
status. If low (less than 1 bar) replace or recharge batteries. CAUTION: Do
NOT attempt to recharge non-rechargeable D-cell batteries. Damage to the
transmitter will occur.
2 Connect Transmitter to Conductor - Turn Transmitter “OFF”. Plug the
Conductive Attachment into Transmitter. Clamp red lead to target conductor.
Stretch black lead 90 degrees away from conductor. Push ground rod into the
earth. Clamp black lead to grounding rod. Turn Transmitter “ON”. Select power
output and frequency.

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3 Adjust Receiver Controls - Turn Receiver “ON” and select frequency. By
default, the unit will operate in “Auto” gain mode.
4 Sweep Area Around Transmitter – Circle Transmitter with Receiver at a
distance of 10 feet (3 m). Left/Right display and Receiver signal strength will
indicate location of buried conductors.
5 Locate Line - Follow your target conductor, sweeping left and right as you walk
away from the Transmitter. Mark the centerline on the ground.
6 Measure Depth - Hold the Receiver over the centerline and push the depth
button. The LCD will display the depth and current measurement.
4 MODEL 9800XT EQUIPMENT
4.1 Standard Equipment
Part/Model # Description Remarks
9860XT* 9.82kHz, 82kHz Transmitter
9890XT* 982Hz, 9.82kHz, 82kHz Transmitter
9860XT 9.82kHz, 82kHz, 50/60Hz, Receiver
14-22kHz
9890XT 982Hz, 9.82kHz, 82kHz, Receiver
50/60Hz, 14-22kHz
400A139 Conductive Attachment Direct Connect
Assembly Ground Rod
Ground Plate
500B524 Safety Flag
400C299 Carrying Case
10162 Operation Manual
* All models are available with optional 4.8Hz transmitting capability for sheath fault
locating.
4.2 Optional Features on Standard Equipment - Any standard model can be
ordered with any combination of the following optional features:
Rechargeable Transmitter Batteries -
US/Canada: Includes Wall Mount charger P/N
500A717. International versions available - please contact factory.
Sheath Fault Locating Capability -
Includes SFL-2 Receiver and output cables

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Figure 4-1: Model 9800XT Utility Line Locator - Standard and Optional Equipment
12
34
5
6
8
10 11 12
Standard:
1. 9800XT Receiver
2. 9800XT Transmitter
3. Conductive Attachment
4. Ground Rod
5. Ground Plate
6. Safety Flag
7. Carrying Case
Options:
8. SFL – 2 Receiver
Accessories:
9. MetroClamp
10. Flex-Sonde
11. High Power Sonde
12. Standard Power Sonde
4.3 Accessories
Part/Model # Description Remarks
4290 2” Metroclamp and For Inductive
jumper cable Coupling or

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CableID
4490 4” Metroclamp and For Inductive
jumper cable Coupling or
CableID
4890 8” Metroclamp and For Inductive
jumper cable Coupling or
CableID
400B246 Conductive Attachment Telephone style Clips
400A132 100’ Ground Lead Extension
400B252 Vehicle Mount Charger For use with rechargeable
transmitter batteries
183048 Head Phones For use in
high noise
levelareas
10126 Live Power Connector Use at 9.8kHz
158084 Search Coil For Cable and
PairID
4.4 Technical Specifications
TRANSMITTER
Output Frequencies:Model Frequencies
9860XT* 9.82kHz, 82kHz
9890XT* 982Hz, 9.82kHz,
82kHz
* Optional 4.8Hz for simultaneous sheath fault locating
available on all models.
Automatic ”Best” Frequency Selection
Ohmmeter: 0-2 kOhm
Nominal Output Power
Conductive Mode: Model Watts
9860XT 3*
9890XT 3*
* Output power limited to
.7W at 82kHz
Power Settings: Low, Medium, High (all models)
Battery Type: Ten D Cells

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Optional Rechargeable NiCd
Battery Life: Alkaline 28-70 hours
NiCd 9-22 hours Continuous use,
depending on power and Frequency selection.
Battery Check: Automatic at start up
Operation
Temperature: -4º to +122º F (-20º to +50º C)
Dimensions: 14.25”L x 9.25”W x 5.25”H
(36.2 cm x 23.5 cm x 13.3 cm)
Weight: 8.9 lbs. (4 kg)
Technical Specifications (4.4 cont’d)
RECEIVER
Receiving
Frequencies: Model Frequencies
9860XT Active - 9.82kHz, 82kHz
Passive - 50/60Hz, 14-22kHz
9890XT Active - 982Hz, 9.82kHz, 82kHz
Passive - 50/60Hz, 14-22kHz
Depth
Readout
Accuracy: Passive-+(5% + 2”) under normal conditions
Active-+(
5% + 2”) under normal conditions
Distance Sensitive Left/Right GuidanceTM
Real-Time Continuous Gain AdjustmentTM and Manual Gain Control
Simultaneous Peak and Null DisplayTM
Current Measurement
Backlighting: Standard on all 9800XT receivers
Serial link: RS232
Battery Type: Six AA Cells
Battery Life: 30 hours continuous use
24 hours continuous backlit use
Battery Check: Continuous Automatic Operation
Temperature: -4º to +122º F (-20º to +50º C)