® ™ Directional Drilling Locating System Operator’s Manual DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED 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 H H DCI Europe Kurmainzer Strasse 56 D-97836 Bischbrunn Germany Tel +49(0) 9394 990 990 Fax +49(0) 9394 990 999 DCI.Europe@digital-control.
® V3-1000-00-B1 Copyright © 2005-2007 by Digital Control Incorporated. All rights reserved. August 2007 Edition. Trademarks The DCI logo, DataLog®, DigiTrak®, and target-in-the-box® are U.S. registered trademarks and LT™ is a trademark of Digital Control Incorporated. Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company. Patents The DigiTrak® LT™ Locating System is covered by one or more of the following U.S.
® Table of Contents SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS................................................................................................ 5 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................... 7 Power Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 8 Environmental Requirements ...............................
® Table of Contents (Cont.) BATTERY CHARGER................................................................................................................................. 31 LOCATING INSTRUCTIONS...................................................................................................................... 33 Depth or Slant Distance .........................................................................................................................
® Safety Precautions and Warnings IMPORTANT NOTE: All operators must read and understand the precautions and warnings given below before using the DigiTrak® LT™ Locating System. 1 Serious injury and death can result if underground drilling equipment makes contact with an underground utility, such as a high-voltage electrical cable or a natural gas line.
® Safety Precautions and Warnings (Continued) ¾ Prior to the start of each drilling run, test the LT system with the transmitter inside the drill head to confirm that it is operating properly and check that it is providing accurate drill head location and heading information (see Receiver section) and accurate drill head depth, pitch, and roll information.
® Introduction Receiver Battery Charger Remote Display LX Transmitter LS Transmitter Mini Adapter DCI NiCad Battery Packs DigiTrak LT Locating System The DigiTrak LT Locating System is used to locate and track the drill head during horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations. The system consists of a handheld receiver, a transmitter, which is placed in the drill head, and a remote display.
Introduction Power Requirements Device Voltage Current DigiTrak LT Receiver 14.4 V DC (nominal) < 0.4 A DC DigiTrak LT Remote Display 14.4 V DC (nominal) < 0.4 A DC DigiTrak LT Battery Charger 12–28 V DC 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz < 2.0 A DC Environmental Requirements Altitude < 16,404 ft (< 5000 m) Temperature -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) Relative Humidity < 90% Equipment Maintenance 8 ¾ Turn off all equipment when not in use.
® Receiver Display Screen Handle Trigger Front Panel Battery Compartment Vermeer DigiTrak LT Receiver (side view) The LT receiver is a hand-held unit used for locating and tracking an LT transmitter emitting a signal at 12 kHz. The receiver converts signals from the transmitter and displays the following information: depth, pitch, roll, and temperature of the transmitter, and battery status of both the transmitter and the receiver.
Receiver Main Display Screen When the LT receiver is on, the display screen usually shows the standard locating mode display (see figure below), which is the default display. The display symbols that appear on the locating screen are identified in the figure below and described in the “Standard Display Screen Symbols” table on the next page. Note that the height-above-ground setting will only appear if the height-above-ground function is enabled.
Receiver Standard Display Screen Symbols Height-Above-Ground Icon – Appears when the height-above-ground function is on and shows the current height setting. Locating Icon – Represents a bird’s-eye view of the receiver. This icon is referred to as the “box” when using the target-in-the-box and line-in-the-box locating techniques. Target – Represents the front and rear locate points (FLP and RLP). When the receiver is positioned directly above a locate point, the target will be in the box.
Receiver Power On/Off On – To turn the LT receiver on, pull and hold the trigger in for 2 seconds and release. You will briefly see a test screen, followed by a set of numbers that represent the firmware version in the receiver. Then you will go to the standard locating mode display screen. Off – To turn the unit off, you must first access the menu choices (see “Receiver Display Menus”).
Receiver Accessing and Changing Menu Settings To access the LT menu functions, you simply click the trigger. Each trigger click advances you to the next menu item. When you stop at a menu, you will see a number that indicates a countdown sequence. To change a menu setting, you hold the trigger in while the counter goes down to 0. Once the counter reaches 0, release the trigger and the menu setting will be changed, which is indicated by a checkmark at the bottom of the screen (9).
Receiver HEIGHT ABOVE GROUND This display menu allows you to enter a height-above-ground measurement so that you can measure the transmitter depth without having to place the LT receiver on the ground. If the height-aboveground function is not on, then you must place the receiver on the ground to take depth measurements. The height-above-ground value can be set from a distance of 1 ft (12 in. or 30 cm) up to a maximum value of 3 ft (36 in.
Receiver There are three options in the height-above-ground menu: ¾ ¾ ¾ “On” turns on the height-above-ground function and sets it to the last value that was used. “Off” turns off the height-above-ground function. “Set” allows you to set or change the height-above-ground value. When you enter the height-above-ground menu, the “On” option is the first of the three settings for the height-above-ground function. To turn on the height-above-ground function: 1.
Receiver Height-Above-Ground “Off” Screen 3. Continue to hold the trigger in through the countdown sequence from 2 to 0. 4. Release the trigger when the 0 is displayed, and a checkmark will briefly appear at the bottom of the screen indicating this option has been selected. The height-above-ground function has now been turned off, and you will be returned to the locating screen. With the height-above-ground function off, you must place the receiver on the ground for accurate depth readings.
Receiver 6. Continue to hold the trigger in through the countdown sequence from 2 to 0. 7. Continue to hold the trigger in, and the height-above-ground measurement will display starting at 12 in. (30 cm) and then counting up in 1-inch (2-cm) increments. 8. Once you see the desired height, according to the measurement you made in step 2, release the trigger, and a checkmark will appear at the bottom of the screen indicating you have reset the heightabove-ground value.
Receiver Telemetry Channel Setting 3. When the counter reaches 0, you will see a checkmark at the bottom of the display. 4. While still holding the trigger in, the channel settings will cycle through all nine settings—Off, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. 5. Release the trigger when the correct setting is displayed, and you will return to the locating mode display screen. BACKLIGHT This display menu allows you to turn on or off the display backlight. 1.
Receiver 3. When the counter reaches 0, the light bulb will either light up as the backlight comes on or it will become unlit and the backlight will turn off. 4. Release the trigger to return to the standard locating mode screen. NOTE: The backlight automatically comes on for a few seconds at startup, and then it defaults to the off setting, even if you have reset it previously. 1-PT CALIBRATION This display menu allows you to calibrate the receiver using the 1-point calibration procedure.
Receiver To calibrate the receiver: 1. Using a tape measure, place the receiver on the ground parallel to the transmitter (in housing) so that the distance from the centerline of the transmitter to the inside edge of the receiver is 10 ft (3.05 m), as shown in the figure given below. 10 ft (3.05 m) Transmitter in Housing LT Receiver (top view) Transmitter Centerline Setup for 1-Point Calibration 2.
Receiver 7. You should see a depth reading that matches this measured distance, which in our example would be 6 ft (1.83 m). * 8. Repeat the above two steps in at least two more locations. F F DEPTH UNITS This display menu allows you to set the LT system to display values (depth and temperature) in either English units (FTIN or “in” and °F) or metric units (MCM and °C). 1. Click the trigger to advance to the depth units menu. The display will indicate the current setting. 2.
Receiver PITCH UNITS This display menu allows you to set the LT system to display pitch values in either degrees or percent of slope. 1. Click the trigger to advance to the pitch units menu. The display will indicate the current setting. 2. Hold the trigger in through the countdown sequence from 3 to 0. Pitch Units Display Menu 3. When the counter reaches 0, you will see the unit setting change and a checkmark appear at the bottom of the display. 4.
® Transmitter Types of LT Transmitters The LT transmitter fits inside the drill housing and transmits information regarding the drill head location, position, and heading. The transmitter emits electromagnetic signals at a frequency of 12 kHz that the receiver “hears” and converts into the information shown on the receiver and remote display screens.
Transmitter Transmitter Housing Requirements To achieve maximum range and battery life for all of DCI’s transmitters, the slots in the housing must be long enough and correctly positioned. Slot measurements should always be taken from the inside of the housing. DCI recommends at least three slots equally spaced around the circumference of the housing. The slots should be at least 1/16 or 0.0625 in. (1.6 mm) wide. For the long-range LX transmitter (15 in./38 cm long), each slot should begin at least 2.0 in.
Transmitter Transmitter Battery Power The LT transmitters are battery powered. The long-range LX transmitter is powered by two C-cell alkaline batteries, and the shortrange LS transmitter is powered by one AA alkaline battery. Transmitter Battery Status Display Symbol The transmitter battery icon at the bottom of the display screen continuously shows the status of the transmitter battery power using progress bars that decrease as the battery power is used.
Transmitter The transmitter also has a temperature overheat indicator (temp dot) that has an outer yellow ring with a 1/8-inch (3-mm) white dot in the center. This temp dot is located on the stainless-steel front end cap. The temp dot should be white if the transmitter has not been exposed to excessive heat. If the temp dot is silver or gray, it indicates the transmitter has been exposed to heat but not in excess of the specifications.
® Remote Display Mounting Bracket Display Window On/Off Button DigiTrak LT Remote Display The DigiTrak LT remote display, which is located at the drill rig, receives signals from the LT receiver and displays that information on a screen very similar to the receiver display screen. The remote display has a main display screen and five menu options (power on/off, telemetry channel settings, backlight on/off, depth unit selection, and pitch unit selection).
Remote Display The main display screen indicates when the receiver is over the transmitter or the locate line (LL) by showing arrows above and below the depth value, as shown below. The receiver display will show the line in the box. Arrow pointing to tool head indicates the line is in the box and the receiver is above the transmitter or the LL.
Remote Display Remote Display Menus Power On/Off With the power on/off menu displayed, as shown in the picture below, hold the button in for the countdown sequence from 3 to 0 to turn the unit off. The remote display will automatically shut itself off if no data is received for 15 minutes. Telemetry Channel Settings The telemetry channel menu, shown in the picture below, allows you to change the telemetry channel setting.
Remote Display Depth Units The depth units menu, shown in the picture below, allows you to set the remote display to show values (depth and temperature) in either English (FTIN for feet/inches or “in” for inches only and °F) or metric (MCM for meters/centimeters and °C) units. Hold the on/off button in to see the current unit setting; to change the setting, hold the button in for the countdown sequence from 3 to 0. NOTE: The depth units can be set on both the remote display and the receiver.
® Battery Charger Unexposed Terminal DO NOT EXPOSE DCI NiCad Battery Pack DC Power Cord AC Power Cord Negative Terminal Positive Terminal Control Panel Battery Charger Both the LT receiver and the remote display use a rechargeable NiCad battery pack that is provided with the system along with a battery charger. The battery pack should be fully discharged before recharging; this is known as conditioning the battery. A fully discharged battery measures 14.
Battery Charger No standard off-the-shelf battery will physically fit in the battery charger, and no nonrechargeable batteries are provided in that physical format. NOTE: Charge only DCI NiCad batteries in the battery charger. Charging or using other types of batteries may damage the charger, the receiver, or the remote display and will void the warranty. To charge a battery, place the battery into the charger with the terminal end making contact with the springs.
® Locating Instructions The DigiTrak LT Locating System is easy to use, but there are basic principles that must be understood before you begin to operate the system. This section gives important information regarding the depth or slant distance; the locate points and locate line; the geometry of these elements with respect to the transmitter; and the proper method for marking locate points once they are found.
Locating Effects of Depth, Pitch, and Topography on Distance Between FLP and RLP Because of the transmitter’s field shape, the deeper the transmitter is, the further apart the FLP and RLP will be. The distance between the FLP and RLP with respect to the location of the LL is also a function of the transmitter pitch and the topography. When the transmitter pitch is negative, the FLP will be further from the LL than the RLP (see figure below).
Locating Marking Locate Points The front and rear locate points (FLP and RLP) and the locate line (LL) must be found and accurately marked during the locating procedure. To mark a locate position after you have found it, stand with the receiver level directly above the locate point. Look down the vertical axis that runs through the center of the display to project a plumb line to the ground. The point where this plumb line hits the ground is the location that you should mark.
Locating Locating the Transmitter – Standard Method With the LT system, you can locate the transmitter and its heading while it moves, whether standing in front of it, behind it, or toward the side. You can also locate the transmitter facing either toward or away from the drill rig. The standard method described in this section guides you to the transmitter while standing out in front of it, facing the drill rig. This is the recommended method for locating.
Locating Finding the FLP 1. Stand out in front of the drill head (facing the drill) at a distance of approximately one drill rod length. 2. As you approach the FLP, the target appears in the top left corner of the display and the depth number decreases. Target in Top Left Corner Target Moving Toward the Box 3. Continue to walk forward until the target moves into the locating icon (box).
Locating 4. Turn the receiver 90° from the transmitter heading while holding the receiver steady and level, and again center the target in the box by moving the receiver forward or backward as needed. This is the FLP, which is where the transmitter will end up if it does not get a steering command. 5. Mark the location directly below the display screen as the FLP.
Locating Arrow pointing to tool head indicates the line is in the box and the receiver is above the transmitter or LL. LL Moving Toward the Box Line in the Box NOTE: The arrow that appears below the depth measurement and that points to the transmitter also appears on the remote display. 5. Mark this location as the LL. You should now be standing above the transmitter.
Locating Finding the RLP 1. While standing above the transmitter still facing the drill, continue walking toward the drill; the target will appear in the top left corner of the display and the depth will increase. Target in Top Left Corner 2. Walk forward until the target moves into the box. Target in the Box 3. Turn the receiver 90° from the transmitter heading while holding the receiver steady and level, and again put the target in the box by moving the receiver forward or backward as needed. 4.
Locating Plus/Minus ("+/–") Locating Method The plus/minus method is the same as that used in DCI’s Mark series receivers for finding the front and rear locate points. This method is similar to the standard locating method except here you hold the trigger in and use the signal strength and plus/minus signs for locating. In general, the plus sign ("+") means move the receiver forward, and the minus sign ("–") means move it backward, to find the locate point.
Locating 3. Continue to walk forward until the "+" sign changes to a "–". Note that the target has moved into the box and the signal strength has increased. Target in the Box 4. Turn the receiver 90° from the transmitter heading while holding the receiver steady and level, and again find the point where the "+" sign changes to a "–" by moving the receiver forward or backward as needed; the target should be in the box.
Locating 4. Release the trigger to see the depth display. Height-Above-Ground Setting Replaces Telemetry Channel Setting Transmitter Pitch Replaces Temperature Reading Arrow pointing to tool head indicates the line is in the box and the receiver is above the transmitter or LL. Depth Screen NOTE: The arrow that appears below the depth measurement and that points to the transmitter also appears on the remote display when the line is in the box. 5. Mark this location as the LL.
Locating 2. Walk forward until the "+" sign changes to a "–" sign. Note that the target has moved into the box. Target in the Box 3. Turn the receiver 90° from the transmitter heading while holding the receiver steady and level, and find the point where the "–" sign changes to a "+" by moving the receiver forward or backward as needed; the target should be in the box. This is the RLP. Release the trigger. 4. Mark this location as the RLP. 5. Connect the RLP to the FLP by a line.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED 19625 62nd Ave. S., Suite B-103 y Kent, WA 98032 USA y (425) 251-0559 or (800) 288-3610 y FAX (253) 395-2800 www.digitrak.com (Web Site) DCI@digital-control.
DCI reserves the right to make changes in design and improvements upon DCI Products from time to time, and User understands that DCI shall have no obligation to upgrade any previously manufactured DCI Product to include any such changes.