RIDGID 1822-I Operator's Manual download pdf (Page 21)

Ridge Tool Company

When line tracing, it is important to remember that Tees,

curves, other conductors in the vicinity, and nearby

masses of metal can add distortion to the field requiring

closer scrutiny of the data to determine the path of the

target. These distortions are likely to be worse when trac-

ing passively.

For best accuracy, use directly connected Active Line

Tracing whenever possible.

WARNING

In Passive Line tracing, or when signals are ex-

tremely weak, the Measured Depth will generally

read too DEEP and the actual buried depth may be

MUCH shallower.

Operating Tips for Active Line and

Passive Line Tracing

• The NaviTrack II quickly identifies distorted fields. If the

lines are not centered on the map, when the Proximity

Signal or Signal Strength is maximized, distortion is

creating a complex non-circular field. To improve the

tracing circuit:

1. Try changing the frequency used to a lower one.

2. Move the ground stake position away from the line

being traced.

3. Make sure that the line is not commonly bonded to

another utility. Undo common bonds only if safe to

do so.

4. Move the transmitter to a different point on the line,

if possible.

• If the tracing lines will not center or if they move

across the screen erratically, then the NaviTrack II

may not be receiving a clear signal. The Measured

Depth and the Proximity Signal may also be unstable

under these circumstances.

1. Check the transmitter to be sure that it is operating

and well grounded.

2. Test the circuit by pointing the lower antenna at ei-

ther transmitter lead.

3. Check that the NaviTrack II and transmitter are op-

erating on the same frequency.

4. Try different frequencies, starting with the lowest,

until the line can be picked up dependably.

5. Re-locate the ground connection for a better cir-

cuit. Ensure there is enough contact (ground stake

is sufficiently deep) especially in dryer soils. When

soil is dry, soak the earth around the ground stake to

improve signal.

• Using the Signal Angle Indicator is another way to

check for distorted signals. Move the NaviTrack II

perpendicularly to both sides of the traced line until the

Signal Angle Indicator reads 45 degrees. Be sure to

keep the lower Omnidirectional antenna node at the

same height and the locator level. If there is little or no

distortion the traced line should be in the middle and

the distance to each 45 degree point should be ap-

proximately the same on either side.

Another variation of this technique is to move the same

distance to the right and left of the traced line, say 24

inches (60 cm) and check that the Signal Strength read-

ings are similar.

Figure 30 – Checking for Distortion

• While tracing, the Proximity Signal and Signal Strength

should maximize, and the Measured Depth should

minimize at the same place where the lines center

on the display. If this is not the case, the utility may be

changing direction or other coupled signals may be pre-

sent.

• Higher frequencies bleed over to adjacent utilities more

readily, but may be needed to jump breaks in tracer

wires or go over insulating couplers. If the line is un-

grounded at the far end, higher frequencies may be the

only means to make the line visible

(See on page 28).

• When using the transmitter inductively, be sure to

begin the locate about 30 feet (10m) away to avoid “di-

rect coupling”, also known as air coupling. This occurs

when the NaviTrack II picks up the signal from the

NaviTrack

Same Distance

45° Point

Energized Pipe

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RIDGID 1822-I Operator's Manual Page 21

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