User's Manual
Table Of Contents
- Mark III Directional Drilling Locating System
- Table of Contents
- Table of Contents (Cont.)
- Table of Contents (Cont.)
- Safety Precautions and Warnings
- Safety Precautions and Warnings (Continued)
- Dear Customer:
- 3-3000-00b-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00c-F.pdf
- Receiver
- Display Window Icons
- On/Off
- Receiving the Transmitter’s Signals
- Clicking vs. Holding the Trigger
- Changing the Receiver’s Channel Setting
- Changing the Depth Measurement Units (English vs. Metric)
- Battery Status Display for Receiver and Transmitter
- Warning Tones for Transmitter Overheat
- Ultrasonic Function
- Calibrating the Receiver
- Using Depth Antenna Plumb Line to Mark Locate Points
- Finding Firmware Version
- 5.0 Series Firmware Functions
- Receiver
- 3-3000-00d-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00e-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00f-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00g-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00h-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00i-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00j-F.pdf
- Locating
- Locating Mode
- Locate Points (FNLP & RNLP) and Locate Line (PLL)
- Handling the Receiver
- Distance Between FNLP and RNLP Due to Depth, Pitch, and Topography
- Using Plus/Minus Indicators for Locating
- Locating the Transmitter from the Drill
- Locating the Transmitter from the Front
- Method for Confirming Position
- Locating on the Fly
- Off-Track Locating
- Splitting the Front and Rear Negative Locate Points
- Four-Turn Technique
- Calculating Depth Based on Distance Between FNLP & RNLP
- Running off Pitch or Calculating Depth from Pitch
- Transmitter’s Signal Shape
- Antenna Configuration
- Signal Reception
- Front and Rear Negative Locate Points
- Positive Locate Line Above Transmitter
- Locating
- 3-3000-00k-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00l-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00m-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00n-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00o-F.pdf
- 3-3000-00p-F.pdf
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DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED
Signal Interference
Before drilling (preferably before bidding on a project) the interference potential at your site(s) should be
evaluated. Interference can reduce the transmitter’s range or cause variable readings and possibly result
in job slowdowns. Interference comes from two different types of sources: active and passive.
Active interference is also known as electrical interference or noise and can have varying effects upon
the DigiTrak locating equipment. Most electrical devices emit signals. Because DCI receivers have two
types of antennas in them (depth and roll/pitch), it is possible to have interference that affects one or both
signals. Some examples of active interference are traffic signal loops, buried dog fences, cathodic pro-
tection, radio communications, microwave towers, cable TV, fiber-trace lines, utility data transmissions,
security systems, power lines, and phone lines.
Passive interference sources (listed below) can reduce the amount of signal received or reradiate the
transmitter’s signal. This can cause erroneous depth readings or, in extreme cases, no signal, i.e., “1999”
in the bottom window. In addition, the FNLP and RNLP (discussed in the Locating Section) may be
affected. Some examples of passive interference are:
¾ Metal (pipes, rebar, trench plate, chain-link fence, engine blocks, etc.) – Metal acts as an antenna
and can therefore draw the receiver to erroneous locations.
¾ Saltwater – Saltwater affects conductivity and can contribute to signal degradation. Before drilling in
saltwater or brackish water, conduct a range test in the salt or brackish water to determine the
amount of signal loss (see “Transmitter Salt Water Range Test” in the Operational Tests Section).
Depth error will be increased and roll/pitch range will be reduced. A 2-point calibration can help
reduce the error (see “2-Point Calibration Procedure” in the Receiver Section).
¾ Conductive earth – Drilling through formations with high metal ore content can degrade the trans-
mitter’s signal and cause depth errors and reduced roll/pitch range. Again, a 2-point calibration can
be used to reduce the depth error (see “2-Point Calibration Procedure” in the Receiver Section).
To install your product accurately and safely, the location of every below-ground structure proximal to the
intended borepath should be confirmed by potholing. This task is the first step in familiarizing yourself
with the interference potentials near the intended borepath. The next step is to conduct an electrical
interference/background noise check, as described below.
Electrical Interference/Background Noise Check
An electrical interference check will familiarize you with your site conditions and help determine potential
locations along the borepath where the transmitter’s signal may encounter interference. Things that can
cause interference include the following: traffic signal loops, cable TV, saltwater, microwave towers, utility
data transmissions, power lines, fiber-trace lines, security systems, invisible (buried) dog fences, large
metal objects, rebar, and cathodic protection.
DigiTrak
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Mark III Operator’s Manual 35