Triplett Fox & Hound HotWire – PN: 3388 - Manual (Page 24)

Page 23
Helpful Hints
It is usually best to start with the RF Level control all the way up on the HotWire Fox, adjusting the Sen-
sitivity on the HotWire Hound so the tracer signal produces a comfortable loudness. If it is found that the
Sensitivity of the HotWire Hound is turned almost all the way down, it may be hard to detect the peak or
null of the target wire. In this case, reduce the RF Level setting on the HotWire Fox, and increase the Sen-
sitivity setting on the HotWire Hound. Doing so can improve the ability to find a null over the target wire.
The HotWire Hound may null over several breakers in the panel. Experimentally turn the breaker off. If the
null effect disappears and tracer signal drops dramatically in level, its likely that the correct breaker has
been found. For positive indication, remove the battery from the HotWire Fox before connecting it to the
target wires. The voltage on the wires will power the HotWire Fox unit. If the breaker is experimentally
turned off, the HotWire Fox looses its power and tracer signal is completely gone.
For more accurate breaker identification, use a Triplett Breaker Sniff-It.
While tracing along the length of the target wire, it may be found that at some places the signal nulls and
at other places, it peaks. This normal behavior and is affected by the orientation of the wire.
In some cases, adjusting the Sensitivity of the HotWire Hound can improve the null effect. When a null is
found, adjust the Sensitivity to see it the null becomes ‘sharper’, allowing more precise locating ability.
Using Null to Locate ‘Invisible Fence’
‘Invisible Fences’ are used to contain animals within a designated grassy area. The area is outlined with
a ‘boundary wire’ that is usually buried 3 or 4 inches below the surface of the ground. The ends of the
boundary wire are connected to a generator unit usually located in a garage or basement. At times, it may
be necessary to locate the wire (when doing excavation). While the ‘radio collars’ detect the presence
of the boundary wire, they are not very useful for actually locating the wire. The HotWire will locate the
boundary wire quickly and accurately.
Disconnect the boundary wire from the invisible fence generator unit. Connect the wires of the HotWire
Fox. The polarity is not important. Locate the boundary wire by holding the HotWire Hound close to the
ground and locating the null. See following pictures.