User's Handbook
™
Page 27 of 66
3 Using the vLoc3 RTK-Pro
To make a direct connection, insert the direct connection connector to the transmitter. Insert the ground stake into the ground
a few meters perpendicular to the line. Connect the black lead to the ground stake. Now take the red lead and connect to the
target line.
Switch on the transmitter by pressing and holding the on/o button down for a couple of seconds. Select the desired frequency,
depending on the application. Check for a good connection by either noting the mA output on the display or noting the change in
tone rate when disconnecting and then reconnecting the red lead (depending on the transmitter model).
Things that can aect the quality of the connection are:
1. Rusty pipe connection point: clean the connection area with a wire brush.
2. Poor grounding: try inserting the stake into damp ground. Dampen the surrounding ground with water. If still an issue, try
connecting to a manhole cover surround. Avoid connecting to fence railings as these may create return signal currents
along with the fencing that will interfere with the locating signal.
Always start with low output and increase the output if the received signal is not strong enough. Setting the output to high when
it is not required may result in some of the signal “bleeding o” onto other services and will drain more power than necessary
from the battery.
It is sometimes impossible to nd a suitable projection to apply the connection clip to a ferrous material. If this is the case, use
a magnet to contact the line and then clip the red clip to the magnet. A good example of this is to make a connection to a street
lighting circuit. Usually, it is the practice to connect the sheath of a lighting cable to a street lamp's metallic inspection cover.
Making a connection to the inspection plate will energize the cable via the plate and sheath. Usually, there is no projection on
which to clip, so using the magnet on the plate provides a suitable clipping point.
3.2.2 Transmitter Signal Clamp (for frequencies above 8kHz)
In many situations when it is not possible to make a direct connection to a cable, a signal clamp will provide an ecient and safe
method to apply a locate signal.
Note that for the best results, the cable should be grounded at both ends. The clamp should be fully closed for optimal current
induction. A small amount of current will still be induced if the jaws are open.
When clamping around a cable, make sure the clamp is placed below the grounding point, as shown below.