DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED F5 Directional Drilling Locating System User Guide Digital Control Inc. Customer Service Contact Information: DCI Headquarters 19625 62nd Ave. S., Suite B-103 Kent, Washington 98032 USA Tel 425 251 0559 / 800 288 3610 Fax 253 395 2800 E-mail DCI@digital-control.com www.digitrak.com DCI Europe DCI India Kurmainzer Strasse 56 D-97836 Bischbrunn Germany Tel +49(0) 9394 990 990 Fax +49(0) 9394 990 999 DCI.Europe@digital-control.com DCI China No.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED 3-XXXX-00-P © 2010 by Digital Control Incorporated. All rights reserved. September 2010. Trademarks Trademarks The DCI logo, DataLog®, DigiTrak®, Eclipse®, MFD®, SST®, target-in-the-box®, Target Steering®, and TensiTrak® are U.S. registered trademarks and DucTrak™, F Series™, FSD™, FasTrak™, F5™, SE™, and SuperCell™ are trademarks of Digital Control Incorporated. Patents The DigiTrak® F5™ Locating System is covered by one or more of the following U.S.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Battery Disposal This symbol on equipment indicates that the equipment must not be disposed of with your other household waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of such equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of batteries or electrical and electronic equipment. If the equipment contains a banned substance, the label will show the pollutant (Cd = Cadmium; Hg = Mercury; Pb = Lead) near this symbol.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED The battery charger provided with the DigiTrak F2 system is designed with adequate safeguards to protect you from shock and other hazards when used as specified within this document. If you use the battery charger in a manner not specified by this document, the protection provided may be impaired. Do not attempt to disassemble the battery charger. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Table of Contents System Components ................................................................ 7 Getting Started ......................................................................... 9 Battery Pack and Charger .................................................... 9 Checking Battery Status ................................................... 9 Charging a Battery Pack ................................................... 9 Removing Battery Pack or Brace Insert .............
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Settings Menu ..................................................................... 39 Standard Display Screens...................................................... 41 Main Display Screens ......................................................... 41 Depth Display Screens ....................................................... 42 Predicted Depth Display Screens ....................................... 43 Locating ...................................................................
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED System Components 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 DigiTrak F5 Locating System 1 – AC Power Cord for Battery Charger 12 2 – AC Adapter for Battery Charger (AC source 100-240V, 50-60 Hz, 1.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Getting Started Battery Pack and Charger Checking Battery Status Press the battery status LEDs button. Each of the 5 LEDs Indicate represents 20% of the Charge Level battery charge. The battery (Shown charge status can be Full) checked even if it is installed in a unit. A fully charged FBP will power an F5 Battery receiver for approximately Status Button 10 hours or an FSD remote (Press) for approximately 14 hours before recharging is F Series Battery Pack (FBP) necessary.
Getting Started adapter and then plug the cord into an AC power receptacle (wall outlet). If using the DC power cord, plug it directly into the DC power source. Once powered, the orange LED (D) on the battery charger will begin to flash. To begin charging, install the battery pack in the orientation shown below. Push to Secure The battery pack is properly installed when the red LED (E) on the battery charger illuminates indicating active charging.
Getting Started Storing a Battery Pack If you plan to store the battery packs for any period of time, please follow the guidelines listed below. Do not store the battery pack at temperatures greater than 113°F (45°C). Do not store the battery pack in a fully discharged state. Do not store the battery pack in the battery charger.
Getting Started Receiver Toggle Switch Display Screen Grip Trigger Switch Front Panel Handle Battery Tab Boot F5 Receiver – Side View Power On 1. Install a charged battery pack as shown ensuring the tab is securely latched once the battery is installed. 2. Pull in and hold the trigger switch for at least one full second to turn on the receiver. 3. A warning screen will then appear.
Getting Started 5. If all items of the self-test pass, the startup screen will display as shown below. Regional Designation Number (Must Match that of Transmitter) Model Name Serial Number Software Version Web Address Customer Service Phone Numbers F5 Start Up Screen If an item of the self test fails, the failure will show in place of the Model Name and a warning symbol will appear in place of the Regional Designation Number.
Getting Started Trigger Switch – Used to turn on the unit, adjust the screen contrast, select menu options, and to change the screen view for depth readings. See the Navigating Menus and Locating sections for more information. Adjusting Screen Contrast Hold the trigger in with the receiver held vertical. Release the trigger when the screen contrast is adjusted.
Getting Started Transmitters DCI manufactures several different styles of transmitters for use with the F5 system. The most common style, FX, is shown below and is available in a range of transmitting frequencies. Transmitter Serial Number Battery Cap End Front End Cap with Temp Dot and Index Slot Regional Designation Number (Must Match that of Receiver) Long-Range FX Transmitter The FX transmitter is 15” (38.1 cm) long and 1.25 in. (3.175 cm) in diameter and must fit snugly in the housing.
Getting Started Power On 1. Remove the battery cap from the transmitter. 2. Insert battery or batteries positive terminal first as shown. C-Cell C-Cell SuperCell™ Install Transmitter Batteries Positive Terminal First 3. Replace the battery cap. Use the F5 receiver to verify data from the transmitter. All readings should be stable unless the transmitter or receiver is moved.
Getting Started Transmitter Temperature The transmitter temperature is displayed on the F5 receiver and FSD remote next to the thermometer icon. The receiver and remote will emit warning tones with every 4°C temperature increase as defined in the following table. Temperature Warning Tones 61–97°F (16– 32°C) Double-beep sequence (beep-beep) 104–111°F (36–44°C) Two double-beep sequences. NOTE: Action is required to cool the transmitter.
Getting Started Remote Display Removable Visor Keypad Direction Buttons Execute Button Display Screen Magnetic Base DigiTrak F Series Display (FSD) Power Options The FSD remote can be powered with an F Series Battery Pack or through a 14.4 V DC source using the DC power cable (10). When the DC power cord is used, the “brace insert” must be installed in place of the battery pack for structural integrity.
Getting Started Antenna Port Antenna Connector Serial Number Label DC Port Protective Cap Battery or Brace Insert Tab Antenna Installation The battery pack/brace insert is secure when the tab is latched and a slight pull on it does not dislodge the battery. DC Power Cable To install the DC power cable, remove the protective cap from the DC power port on the back of the FSD remote. The DC power port is keyed to mate with the DC power cable.
Getting Started Power On Press the execute button for a half second or more to turn on the FSD remote. You will hear a tone and the main display screen will appear. If a transmitter and receiver are powered on, the locating data should display. If no locating data displays, verify the receiver is displaying locating data and that the receiver and remote are set to the same telemetry channel. See Navigating Menus for more information on setting the telemetry channels.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Navigating Menus Receiver Main Menu To access the receiver main menu, click the trigger from the start up screen or from the locate mode screen, toggle down (push toggle switch toward the handle). The toggle switch is then used to highlight different menu options and the trigger switch is used to select menu items. The main menu is shown below followed by a description of each numbered menu option.
Navigating Menus 1 – Locate Mode (Shown Highlighted for selection. Opens the locating screen. See the “Standard Display Screens” section.) 2 – Power Off (Powers off the receiver.) 3 – Calibration Menu (Opens the Calibration menu. See “Calibration Menus” later in this section.) 4 – Height Above Ground (HAG) Menu (Opens Height Above Ground Menu (HAG) for setting the height the receiver will be held above ground during depth readings. See HAG Menu later in this section.
Navigating Menus Calibration Menu The calibration menu shows two calibration options, 1 Pt Calibration (one point calibration) and 2 Pt Calibration (two point calibration). When the calibration option has been selected in the main menu, the following screen will appear. 2 Point Calibration 1 Point Calibration (Shown Highlighted) Exit (Cancels Calibration) Receiver Calibration Menu To select the 1 Point Calibration option from this screen, click the trigger.
Navigating Menus Calibrating the Receiver to the Transmitter A tape measure is required for both calibration methods. The 1 Pt Calibration is the preferred calibration method and is used to calibrate the receiver to the transmitter when the transmitter is above the ground. When using this method, the receiver and transmitter should be parallel and level with each other. The 2 Pt Calibration is for calibrating the receiver to the transmitter when the transmitter is below ground.
Navigating Menus 1Pt Calibration (Above Ground) Before Calibration: Ensure that the transmitter is in its housing, parallel to, and level with the receiver at the appropriate distance, 10 ft (or 3 m), and that the receiver is displaying stable transmitter data. To Calibrate: Select the 1 Pt Calibration option from the calibration menu, the receiver will detect the signal from the transmitter and the following screen will display.
Navigating Menus 2 Pt Calibration (Below Ground) Before Calibration: A. The receiver must be level and positioned directly above an approximately level transmitter. See the locating section for instructions on aligning the receiver directly above the transmitter. B. Verify the signal strength at both calibration points (on the ground and raised 3 ft or 1 m) is between 300 and 950 points.
Navigating Menus After selecting the checkmark, the screen will show that the receiver is calibrating. Do not move the receiver while it is calibrating. The second point calibration screen will then appear. 2 Point Calibration, 2nd Point 2. Lift the receiver 3 ft (or 1m) directly up and click the trigger to initiate calibration of the second point or toggle right and select the exit option to be returned to the main menu with no change to the calibration. 3.
Navigating Menus Calibration Failed Screen You may click the trigger to try the calibration again or toggle right and select exit to be returned to the main menu. Verify the setup and try again or contact DCI for support.
Navigating Menus Height-Above-Ground (HAG) Menu The HAG menu shows three Height Above Ground options (Disable, Enable, and Set). Set HAG (See Using Keypad Below) Disable HAG Exit Enable HAG (Shown Highlighted) Highlighted Selection Description with Current HAG Setting Height Above Ground (HAG) Menu Selecting the enable HAG option will turn on the Height Above Ground function to the value shown at the bottom of the screen (the default value or the last value set).
Navigating Menus Settings Menu The settings menu has six options shown below. Depth Units (Shown Highlighted) Time and Calendar Telemetry Channel Current Setting of Highlighted Option Pitch Units Exit Roll Offset Settings Menu Use the toggle switch to highlight an option, and then pull the trigger to select it. The function for each item is discussed below. Depth Units Menu The options that appear in the depth units menu are: xx” (Sets units to inches) x.
Navigating Menus Pitch Units Menu The options that appear in the pitch units menu are: x% (Sets pitch units to percent) x⁰ (Sets pitch units to degrees) Exit (Exits the menu with no change to the setting) Select the pitch units you wish to use. The confirmation signal will sound and you will be returned to the settings menu with the exit option highlighted. Time and Calendar Setting After selecting the “Set Time and Calendar” option from the settings menu, the following screen will display.
Navigating Menus trigger, then highlight the “3” and pull the trigger, then highlight the “9” and pull the trigger. Confirm the time reads as desired and then highlight the return button and pull the trigger. The confirmation tone will sound as the screen returns to the settings menu. Setting the Date To set the date, open the Time and Calendar setting menu and select the calendar icon on the Date and Time Keypad.
Navigating Menus Telemetry Channel Menu The telemetry channel menu has five telemetry setting options (1, 2, 3, 4, 0) and an exit button. Selecting the exit button will return the screen to the settings menu with no change to the telemetry channel setting. Selecting “0” will turn off the telemetry function. For communication to occur between the receiver and remote display, both devices must be set to the same telemetry channel.
Navigating Menus Clock Face Showing Transmitter’s Uncompensated Roll Position Set Roll Offset (Shown Highlighted) Exit Button Enable Roll Offset Menu With the set roll offset option highlighted (as shown), ensure that the transmitter is on (showing a roll value on the screen), the transmitter is in its housing, and that the drill head is at its 12 o’clock position, and then pull the trigger to set the roll offset. The confirmation tone will sound as the screen returns to the settings menu.
Navigating Menus Using the Keypad The keypad shows anytime the keypad icon is selected. It is used for setting a height above ground for the HAG function and setting a target depth for the Target Steering function. The keypad screen will appear slightly differently depending on which units are active. Inches and Decimal Distance Keypad The decimal keypad will appear when the receiver units are set to meters (x.xx m) or feet (x.xx’). The inches keypad appears when the receiver units are set to inches (xx”).
Navigating Menus Feet Setting Display Window Inches Setting Backspace Exit Return Arrow Feet/Inches Keypad When the feet setting is active as shown in the image above, numbers entered on the keypad will be for the foot value. To activate the keypad for inputting inch values, use the toggle switch to highlight the inches setting option, , and pull the trigger to select it. The “ft” option will inactivate (change from yellow to black) and the “in” option will show active.
Navigating Menus Remote Display Menu Push the down arrow with the remote display powered on to access the main menu. Remote Mode (Shown Highlighted) Settings Menu Contrast Adjustment Power Off Information Description of Highlighted Option Cable Transmitter Mode FSD Main Menu Screen Use the arrow buttons to highlight an option, and press the execute button to select that option. The table below lists the main menu options and the result of selecting each item. FSD Main Menu Options .
Navigating Menus Cable Box Operator’s Manual Information – Displays system information such as the software version, serial number, and current settings. Contrast Adjustment Option When this contrast adjustment option is selected from the main menu, the following screen will appear.
Navigating Menus Settings Menu Telemetry Channel (Shown Highlighted) Telemetry Frequency Designation Depth Units Receiver Model Exit Function of Highlighted Option Pitch Units FSD Settings Menu Screen The table below shows the menu options as they appear on the display with descriptions of their uses. Any changes that are made to the settings will be saved when the FSD unit is turned off. DCI recommends that you program the FSD settings to match the settings on your receiver.
Navigating Menus the temperature will display in degrees Celsius (°C). Pitch Units – Allows you to select pitch angle units. The options are percent (%) or degree (°). Exit – Exits the settings menu and returns to the main menu screen. After a setting is changed, the exit option is automatically highlighted for selection.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Standard Display Screens The receiver and remote each have three standard display screens: the Main Display Screen, Depth Display Screen and Predicted Depth Display Screen. All are described below.
Locating Depth Display Screens “Reference Lock” Indicator Bird’s-eye-view Locate Line (LL) HAG Setting Depth of Transmitter Transmitter Pitch Transmitter Battery Status Receiver Depth Screen at LL When the HAG setting is disabled, the receiver is show on the ground. The receiver must be placed on the ground for depth readings.
Locating Predicted Depth Display Screens Predicted depth is the depth the transmitter is calculated to be at when it reaches the front locate point (FLP) if it continues on its current trajectory. Distance Along Borehole Between Transmitter and FLP Predicted Depth of Transmitter Receiver Predicted Depth Screen All other screen symbols have the same meaning as previously described.
Locating Locating The F5 receiver aides in locating the transmitter by detecting three specific places in the transmitter’s magnetic field: the front and rear locate points (FLP and RLP) and the locate line (LL). The most accurate tracking requires the use of all three locations to determine the position, heading, and depth of the transmitter. Aligning the FLP and RLP reveals the heading and left/right position of the transmitter. The LL determines the central position and depth of the transmitter.
Locating NOTE: If the transmitter pitch exceeds ±30% (or ±17°) and/or the transmitter depth exceeds 15 ft (4.5 m), see Appendix B for more detailed transmitter location information.
Locating Standard Locating Procedure For accurate transmitter locating and tracking, it is important to accurately find and mark the locate points and the locate line. The standard locating procedure requires you first find and mark the FLP. Then find and mark the RLP. Then connect the FLP and RLP with a line. Depth readings are taken where this line crosses with the LL. Finding and Marking Locate Points To find the FLP: 1.
Locating Reference Lock Target-in-the-box at FLP Predicted Depth of Transmitter Receiver Predicted Depth Screen (HAG on) Telemetry Update Meter (indicates the Amount of Telemetry Data Being Received From the Reciever) Target-in-the-box at FLP Distance Along Borehole to FLP Remote Predicted Depth Screen (HAG on) 5. Mark the location of the FLP by standing with the receiver held level and the target in the box (the trigger may be held in or released).
Locating Signal Strength Higher than Value at FLP Receiver Locate Mode Screen (Passing LP) If the signal strength decreases, you may have just found the RLP. Position yourself further away from and facing the drill or last known transmitter location to locate the FLP. 2. As you approach the location of the transmitter, the LL will appear and the locating target will flip to the top of the screen in the direction of the rear locate point.
Locating Receiver Locate Mode Screen (Approaching LP) 5. Position the locating target in the box. To verify the signal is balanced through the receiver’s antennae, rotate the receiver about the center of the display, keeping the receiver level, and observe that the target stays centered in the box. Contact DCI if there is a problem. 6. With the locating target in the box, mark the location directly below the center of the receiver’s display as the RLP.
Locating NOTE: If the locate line does not appear, move the receiver in a forward/aft direction over where you think the transmitter is located. You will see the locating target jump from the bottom of the screen to the top (or vice versa). Then hold the trigger in; this should re-reference the receiver to the transmitter's signal and bring up the locate line. 3.
Locating Receiver Depth Mode Screen Remote Display Depth Mode Screen Continue by a positioning yourself on the bore path one rod length ahead of the last found FLP and repeat the procedure. Tracking on the Fly If you are running at 0% (0°) pitch over level ground, the predicted depth will be the actual depth. In this case, all locating can be done at the FLP even while the tool is moving. Use this procedure once the transmitter location has been found and its heading has been determined to be online. 1.
Locating 2. As the tool advances, the FLP should travel along the receiver’s vertical crosshairs indicating that the tool is still online. 3. Once the FLP is in the box, hold the trigger in and confirm that the predicted depth reading is as expected. 4. Continue by again positioning yourself one rod length ahead of the FLP and repeat the method. Off-Track Locating Use this procedure when it is not possible to walk above the transmitter due to a surface obstruction or interference.
Locating path. This information will be used to determine if the transmitter has maintained its heading or moved toward or away from the intended bore path. Rather than track depth readings, you may choose to track signal strength, in this case make note of the signal strength at the location you mark. 7. Walk further to the side of the obstruction with the locate line in the box. 8. Again move the receiver in a fore/aft direction to find where the ball flips.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED The Target Steering Function The Target Steering function is useful when it is not possible to walk above or to the side of the transmitter such as in the case of road and river crossings. Unlike the Off-Track locating method, the Target Steering function allows for pitch changes and steering making it useful for a variety of drilling situations.
Target Steering Positioning the Receiver as a Target and Setting a Target Depth To activate the receiver as a target, a target depth must be set on the receiver. The target depth is the depth you want the drill head to be at when it reaches the location below the receiver. Be sure that the bend radius of both the drill stem and the product you will install allows for the steering required to reach your target depth.
Target Steering Otherwise, toggle right to highlight the keypad and pull the trigger. Enter the target depth using the keypad. See “Using the Keypad” in the Navigating Menus section. 3. After a target depth is selected, the confirmation tone will sound and you will be returned to the locate screen with Target Steering activated. The following screen will display.
Target Steering Steering to the Target The Target Steering screen will display on the remote when a target depth has been programmed in the receiver. Center of Crosshairs Steering Indicator Horizontal Distance Between Transmitter and Receiver Predicted Depth of Transmitter Target Steering on Remote Display The steering indicator in this case shows that the drill head is to the left and too low for the intended path.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Appendix A: System Specifications and Maintenance Requirements The power requirements, environmental requirements, and equipment maintenance requirements for the DigiTrak F2 Locating System are listed below. Power Requirements Device (Model Number) DigiTrak F5 Receiver (F5R) DigiTrak F Series Display (FSD) DigiTrak F Series Battery Charger (FBC) DCI Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (FBP) DCI F Series Transmitters (FX, FXL) 59 Operational Voltage Operational Current 14.
Appendix A Environmental Requirements Device Altitude DigiTrak F5 Receiver <16,404 ft (<5000 m) <90% DigiTrak F Series Display DigiTrak F5 Transmitters <16,404 ft (<5000 m) <90% <16,404 ft (<5000 m) <100% DigiTrak F Series Battery Charger DCI LithiumIon Battery Pack <13,123 ft (<4000 m) <99% for 0-10°C <95% for 10-35°C <99% for <10°C <95% for 10-35°C <75% for 35-60°C ® <13,123 ft (<4000 m) DigiTrak F5 User Guide Relative Humidity Operating Temperature -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C) -4° to 140°
Appendix A General Transmitter Care Instructions Periodically clean the spring and threads inside the battery compartment as well as the spring and threads of the battery cap to ensure a proper power connection with the batteries. An emery cloth or wire brush can be used to remove any oxidation that has built up. Be careful not to damage the battery cap O-ring; remove it while cleaning if necessary.
Appendix A ® DigiTrak F5 User Guide 62