RIDGID NaviTrack II - Manual (Page 24)

NaviTrack® II
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When signal strength is low. A strong signal is necessary
for accurate locating. A weak signal can be improved
by changing the grounding of the circuit, frequency or
transmitter connection. The wise locator also knows that
insulation will provide a better signal. Worn or damaged
insulation, bare-concentric cables, and iron pipes exposed
to ground will compromise signal strength through leakage
to ground.
• Far-end grounding will change signal strength significantly.
Where far-end grounding cannot be established a higher
frequency will provide a stronger signal. Improving ground
conditions for the locating circuit is a primary remedy to a
poor signal.
• When soil conditions vary. Extremes in moisture, either
too dry or overly saturated, may affect measurements. For
example, ground that is saturated with salty water will
shield the signal severely and be very difficult to locate in,
especially at high frequencies. But adding water to very dry
soil around a ground stake can make a major improvement
in signal.
• In the presence of large metal objects. Simply walking
past a parked car during a trace, for example, can cause an
unexpected increase in signal strength, which will revert
to normal when past the distorting object. This effect is
stronger at high frequencies, which “couple” more readily
onto other objects.
A receiver cannot change the underlying conditions of a
difficult locate, but changing frequency, ground conditions,
transmitter location or isolating the target line from a common
ground can change the results, by making a better ground
connection, avoiding signal splits, or reducing distortion.
Other receivers will indicate that they may be over a line, but
they have less ability to tell him the quality of the locate.
The NaviTrack® II provides more information. If all of the
indicators are aligned and in agreement, mark-outs can be
made with more confidence. If the field is distorted, it shows
immediately. This allows the operator to do something to
isolate the target line, change the grounding, connection
point, move the transmitter or change the frequency to get
better reception with less distortion. For extra certainty, take
steps to inspect the situation such as by requesting potholing.
In the final analysis there is one “most important” component
in the locating task – the operator. The NaviTrack® II gives a
locator an unprecedented amount of information to be able to
make the correct decision rapidly and accurately.
Maintenance of the NaviTrack® II
Transportation and Storage
Before transporting make sure that the unit is turned off to
preserve battery power.
When transporting make sure that the unit is secure and does
not bounce around or gets bumped by loose equipment.
The NaviTrack® II should be stored in a cool dry place.
NOTE: If storing the NaviTrack® II for an extended
period of time then the batteries should be removed.
If shipping the NaviTrack® II, remove the batteries from unit.
Installing/Using Accessories
The NaviTrack® II also comes with markers that can be used to
mark Pole or sonde locations above ground. There are two (2)
red markers to mark the poles and one (1) yellow marker to
mark the sonde. The markers can also be used to temporarily
mark points to come back to while scouting a target area or
tracing a line.
If further assistance is needed, please contact your distributor,
service center or Ridge Tool Europe direct (++ 32/16.380.211).
Replacements can be ordered from your RIDGID dealer.