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 DCI Europe DCI India DCI China DCI Australia DCI Russia Kurmainzer Strasse 56 D-97836 Bischbrunn Germany Tel +49(0) 9394 990 990 Fax +49(0) 9394 990 999 DCI.Europe@digital-control.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED 3-1050-00-A © 2008 by Digital Control Incorporated. All rights reserved. November 2008 edition. Trademarks The DCI logo, CableLink®, DataLog®, DigiTrak®, Eclipse®, iGPS®, Intuitive®, look-ahead®, SST®, target-inthe-box®, Target Steering®, and TensiTrak® are U.S. registered trademarks and DucTrak™, FasTrak™, LT™, LT2™, SuperCell™, and TeleLock™ and are trademarks of Digital Control Incorporated.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Table of Contents SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS................................................................................................ 5 DEAR CUSTOMER:...................................................................................................................................... 7 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................... 9 RECEIVER ....................
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Table of Contents (Continued) BATTERY CHARGER................................................................................................................................. 39 General Description ............................................................................................................................... 39 AC/DC Power Setup ..............................................................................................................................
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Safety Precautions and Warnings IMPORTANT NOTE: All operators must read and understand the precautions and warnings given below before using the DigiTrak® LT2™ Locating System. 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.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Safety Precautions and Warnings (Continued) Prior to the start of each drilling run, test the LT2 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 transmitter depth, pitch, and roll information.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Dear Customer: We would like to thank you for choosing the DigiTrak LT2 Locating System. We are proud of the equipment that we have been designing and building in Washington State since 1990. We believe strongly in providing a unique, high-quality product and standing behind it with superior customer service and training. We ask that you take the time to read this entire manual—especially the section on safety.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Notes 8 DigiTrak® LT2™ Operator’s Manual
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Introduction Receiver Battery Charger Remote Display LT Transmitter Antenna for Remote LS2 Transmitter Rechargeable Battery Packs DigiTrak LT2 Locating System The DigiTrak LT2 Locating System is used to locate and track the transmitter in the drill head during horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations. The system consists of a handheld receiver, a transmitter that is placed in the drill head, and a remote display that is located at the drill rig.
Introduction The LT2 system is programmed to comply with global operating requirements. The receiver’s global designation number must match that of the transmitter for proper communication (see figure showing startup screen under “General Description” in the Receiver section and “Types of LT2 Transmitters” in the Transmitter section).
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Receiver Handle Display Screen Front Panel Battery Compartment Trigger Back Label DigiTrak LT2 Receiver (side view) General Description Display Screen The LT2 receiver is a handheld unit used for locating and tracking an LT2 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 To meet global requirements and for proper communication; the frequency designation shown on the receiver’s serial number label (see figure below) must match that shown on the remote display. To determine the remote display’s frequency designation, see the figure showing the remote’s serial number label in the “General Description” discussion in the Remote Display section.
Receiver Turning On the Receiver To turn the LT2 receiver on, pull and hold the trigger in for 2 seconds and release. When the trigger is engaged at startup, you will hear a short beep followed by a long tone. You will briefly see a series of three screens at startup, before the default locating screen appears. The first startup screen shows all of the display symbols illuminated. The second screen shows the firmware and software versions.
Receiver Main Display Screen When the LT2 receiver is on, the display screen shows the standard locating mode display (see figure below) as 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 above the ground symbol the height-above-ground function is on and shows the current height setting. when Ground – Represents the surface of the ground. 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).
Receiver Proper Handling of Receiver The receiver must always be held correctly to obtain accurate readings. You must hold the receiver level at all times and at a constant height above the ground (see “Height Above Ground” menu discussion later in this section). Level Receiver Not Level Receiver You can track the transmitter by holding the receiver while facing the drill or while facing away from the drill (see figures below).
Receiver Receiver Display Menus The front label on the LT2 receiver shows the display menus (see figure below). This section describes each menu function and gives instructions for how to change the menu settings. The menus are listed in the order that they appear on the front label of the receiver, starting with the height-above-ground menu. The locating mode is the standard default display that you will see when you turn on the receiver.
Receiver The default height-above-ground distances for the three depth options are 100 for 1 ft 0 in.; “12 in” for 12 inches; or 030 for 0 m 30 cm. When using the “Set” option described below, the units of measure will increase by 1-in. increments if you are using English units and by 2-cm increments if using metric units. The height-above-ground function can also be helpful when the depth of the transmitter is shallower than 24 in. (61 cm).
Receiver To turn on the height-above-ground function: 1. From the locating screen, click the trigger once to advance to the height-above-ground menu. You will see the “On” option displayed as the first setting option. You will also see the last height-aboveground number that was entered or the default value. If you want that number to remain the same, follow these instructions to turn on the height-above-ground function.
Receiver 3. Continue to hold the trigger in through the countdown/beep 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 display accompanied by three short confirmation beeps indicating this option has been selected. The height-above-ground function has now been turned off, and the display will return to the locating screen.
Receiver POWER This display menu allows you to turn off the receiver. 1. Click the trigger to advance to the power menu. 2. Hold the trigger in through the countdown/beep sequence from 3 to 0. Power Off Screen 3. When the counter reaches 0, you will see a checkmark at the bottom of the display accompanied by four short confirmation beeps. 4. Release the trigger and the unit will shut off. TELEMETRY This display menu allows you to change the telemetry channel setting.
Receiver 3. When the counter reaches 0, you will see a checkmark at the bottom of the display accompanied by four short confirmation beeps. 4. While still holding the trigger in, the channel setting will cycle through all five settings—Off, 1, 2, 3, 4. You will hear four short beeps each time the setting changes. 5. Release the trigger when the correct setting is displayed, and the display will then automatically return to the locating screen.
Receiver 1-PT CALIBRATION This display menu allows you to calibrate the receiver using the 1-point calibration procedure. The 1-point calibration procedure is performed with the transmitter in the housing, as described later in this section. DCI recommends that you verify that the receiver’s depth readings are accurate at several locations using a tape measure before you drill. Calibration is necessary prior to first-time use and whenever a different transmitter, receiver, or housing is going to be used.
Receiver 10 ft (3.05 m) Transmitter in Housing LT2 Receiver (top view) Transmitter Centerline Setup for 1-Point Calibration 2. Hold the trigger in on the receiver, and verify that roll and pitch readings are present and that the signal strength is stable. Then, click the trigger to advance to the 1-point calibration screen. 3. Hold the trigger in while holding the receiver steady through the countdown/beep sequence from 5 to 0. 4. Release the trigger when the counter reaches 0.
Receiver DEPTH UNITS This display menu allows you to set the LT2 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. Hold the trigger in through the countdown/beep sequence from 3 to 0. Depth Units Display Menu 3.
Receiver PITCH UNITS This display menu allows you to set the LT2 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/beep 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 accompanied by four confirmation beeps. 4.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Transmitter Types of LT2 Transmitters DCI manufactures two different battery-operated transmitters for use with the LT2 system—the standardrange LT transmitter (bright-green tube) and the short-range LS2 transmitter (brown tube). The transmitter fits inside the drill housing and transmits information regarding the drill head location, position, and heading. An index slot at the front end assists in properly aligning the transmitter in the housing.
Transmitter NOTE: The range of any transmitter with any DCI receiver is largely dependent upon the amount of interference at a job site. The range decreases as interference increases. Transmitter Batteries The standard-range LT transmitter is powered by two C-cell alkaline batteries or one DCI SuperCell lithium battery, and the short-range LS2 transmitter is powered by one AA alkaline battery.
Transmitter For the short-range LS2 transmitter (8.00 in./203 mm long), each slot should begin at least 1.25 in. (32 mm) and not more than 2 in. (51 mm)from the front of the transmitter and must be at least 3.75 in. (95 mm) long (see figure below). Front End Slot Position Back End 3.75 in. 95 mm 1.25 in.
Transmitter If the transmitter reaches 118°F (48°C), the receiver will emit warning tones at regular intervals (see table below), and the transmitter temperature symbol will change to indicate the transmitter has reached a dangerous temperature—three curved lines will be seen extending from the top of the thermometer, and the thermometer symbol will appear full, as shown in the figure to the right.
Transmitter If the temp dot is black, the transmitter should be considered unreliable. If the transmitter overheats, it may appear to operate normally; however, exposure to excessive temperatures greatly increases the likelihood of inaccurate information and will contribute to premature failure of the transmitter. The DCI warranty does not apply to any transmitter that has been overheated or that has had its temp dot removed. Avoid transmitter overheating by practicing proper drilling techniques.
Transmitter Notes 32 DigiTrak® LT2™ Operator’s Manual
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Remote Display Antenna Speaker Thumb Screw Function Button Mounting Bracket Battery Compartment Display Window Thumb Screw DigiTrak LT2 Remote Display General Description The DigiTrak LT2 remote display, which is located at the drill rig, receives signals from the LT2 receiver and displays that information on the remote display window. The remote comes with an antenna that must be attached before drilling.
Remote Display The remote display has a main display screen and four menu options (power off, telemetry channel settings, backlight on/off, and hour meter). The power on/off functions, including instructions for installing the battery, the main display screen, and the remote display menu options are explained in this section. Power On/Off Installing the Battery Pack 1. Remove the battery compartment cover from the side of the remote display by rotating the thumb screws counterclockwise. 2.
Remote Display Main Display Screen The main remote display screen shows information sent from the receiver in a format very similar to the display on the receiver. However, the battery status symbol displays the status of the remote display battery rather than that of the receiver, as shown in the following drawing.
Remote Display By holding in the function button for 2 seconds or more, the transmitter temperature will display in place of the pitch information and the telemetry channel will display in place of the height-above-ground setting, as shown in the following figure. Telemetry Channel Replaces Height-Above-Ground Setting Transmitter Temperature Replaces Pitch Reading Function Button Held In Remote Display Menus To access the remote display menus, click or press the function button.
Remote Display Telemetry Channel Settings The telemetry channel menu allows you to change the telemetry channel setting and is accessed by clicking the button twice. With the telemetry channel menu displayed, as shown in the following picture, hold the button in to cycle through the four channel options (1, 2, 3, 4), and release when the desired setting is selected. You will hear three short confirmation beeps and see the channel number change on the display.
Remote Display Hour Meter The hour meter menu option displays the amount of time that the remote display unit has been running (turned on) and is accessed by clicking the button four times. In the following picture, the hour meter shows that the remote display unit has been running for 2,145 hours, 35 minutes, and 12 seconds. Click the function button once to exit the hour meter and return to the main information screen.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Battery Charger Rechargeable Battery Pack Unexposed Terminal DO NOT EXPOSE Control Panel AC Adapter AC Power Cord DC Power Cord Negative Terminal Positive Terminal Battery Charger General Description The DCI battery charger unit, which includes AC and DC power cords and an AC adapter, is provided with the LT2 system, along with three rechargeable DCI battery packs. The battery packs are used to power the LT2 receiver and the remote display.
Battery Charger AC/DC Power Setup To install either the AC adapter or the DC power cord, insert the charger plug into the power port on the back of the battery charger (see photo to right) and rotate a quarter turn in either direction to lock it in place. If using AC power, connect the AC power cord to the power adapter, then plug the cord into the AC power receptacle (wall outlet). If using DC power, plug the DC power cord directly into the DC power receptacle. Your battery charger is now ready to use.
Battery Charger NOTE: If a battery becomes drained below 4 V, the charger will not immediately recognize the battery. Leave the battery in the charger and press the charge button. Within a few minutes, the red light will begin to blink indicating the charger has recognized the battery. The red light will illuminate solidly within 30 seconds to 1 minute indicating that the battery is charging on a full cycle. 2.
Battery Charger Notes 42 DigiTrak® LT2™ Operator’s Manual
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Locating Instructions Introduction The DigiTrak LT2 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 Locate Points (FLP & RLP) and Locate Line (LL) Two of the three locations used for locating are points that represent extensions of the transmitter. One point is in front of the transmitter (the front locate point or FLP), and the other is behind the transmitter (the rear locate point or RLP). The third location is a line that represents the position of the transmitter. This line, referred to as the locate line or LL, is perpendicular to the transmitter at 0% slope.
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. (For more information on these topics, please see Appendix B: Projected Versus Actual Depth and Fore/Aft Offset.
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 Standard Method for Locating the Transmitter With the LT2 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 The first position to find is the front locate point or FLP. The FLP gives you the transmitter heading. The FLP’s distance ahead of the transmitter is dependent upon the transmitter depth and pitch; the deeper it is, the further in front the FLP will be. The FLP is represented as a target ( ) on the receiver display. Target in Top Left Corner 1. Stand out in front of the drill head (facing the drill) at a distance of approximately one drill rod length. 2.
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 Finding the Transmitter and the LL Once you have found the FLP, then you will find the LL, where you can determine the depth of the ) on the receiver display. The receiver must be held transmitter. The LL is represented by a short line ( level and in alignment with the transmitter when over the drill head to obtain an accurate depth reading. 1. At the FLP, turn again to face the drill head (and drill) and walk forward toward the last locate point. 2.
Locating 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. NOTE: If the transmitter pitch exceeds ±30% (or 17°) and/or the transmitter depth exceeds 15 ft (4.5 m), you may not get reliable depth information. Refer to Appendix B: Projected Versus Actual Depth and Fore/Aft Offset, for information regarding this situation.
Locating FLP LL RLP Drill Target in the Box at the RLP 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. FLP LL RLP Drill Target in the Box at the RLP Turn Receiver 90° and Move Back and Forth to Center Target in Box at RLP 4. Mark this location as the RLP. 5. Connect the RLP to the FLP by a line. This line represents the actual transmitter heading.
Locating Plus/Minus ("+/–") Method for Locating the Transmitter 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-AboveGround 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.
Locating In the figure shown below, a building exists over the intended borepath and the transmitter is just about to go under the building. Borepath Obstruction Path Around Obstruction LL P1 P2 P3 Predetermined Distances Drill Preparing for Off-Track Locating 1. Find the LL of the transmitter by putting the line in the box. 2. Walk a predetermined distance to the side of the transmitter (P1), sufficient to avoid the obstruction, and find the LL.
Locating 5. After finding the three locations to the side of the transmitter, P1, P2, and P3, connect these locations with a line. This is the locate line. Because the LL runs perpendicular (or at a 90° angle) to the transmitter, it is possible to determine the heading of the tool. By comparing the slant distances at the predetermined distances of P1, P2, and P3, as the transmitter progresses you can verify if the tool is moving away from or closer to the intended borepath.
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Appendix A: System Specifications and Maintenance Requirements The power requirements, environmental requirements, and equipment maintenance requirements for the DigiTrak LT2 Locating System are listed below. Power Requirements Device Voltage Current DigiTrak LT2 Receiver 14.4 V DC (nominal) 0.25 A DC DigiTrak LT2 Remote Display 14.4 V DC (nominal) 0.25 A DC DigiTrak LT2 Battery Charger 12–28 V DC 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz 2.
Appendix A Notes 60 DigiTrak® LT2™ Operator’s Manual
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Appendix B: Projected Depth Versus Actual Depth and the Fore/Aft Offset What Happens When the Transmitter Is Steep and Deep The signal field emitted by the transmitter, as shown in Figure B1, consists of a set of elliptical signals or flux lines. The flux lines indicate the position of the transmitter.
Appendix B Due to the shape of the transmitter’s signal field (flux lines), when it is at a pitch greater than ±30% (±17°) and/or a depth of 15 ft (4.5 m) or more, the position of the locate line will be some distance ahead of or behind the transmitter’s actual position. In this case, the depth displayed on the receiver becomes what is called the projected depth. The transmitter’s distance ahead of or behind the locate line is called the fore/aft offset.
Appendix B The locate points are also shown in Figure B2. These points are located at the vertical components of the signal field, as illustrated with short vertical yellow lines in the figure above. Note that the locate points are not the same distance from the LL when the tool is pitched. Again, this situation requires compensation for the projected depth and the fore/aft offset.
Appendix B Table B2. Determining Fore/Aft Offset from Displayed (Projected) Depth and Pitch Pitch→ Displayed Depth ↓ 5' (1.52 m) 10' (3.05 m) 15' (4.57 m) 20' (6.10 m) 25' (7.62 m) 30' (9.14 m) 35' (10.67 m) 40' (12.19 m) 45' (13.72 m) 50' (15.24 m) ±10% (5.7°) ±20% (11°) ±30% (17°) ±40% (22°) ±50% (27°) ±60% (31°) ±75% (37°) ±90% (42°) ±100% (45°) 4" (0.10 m) 8" (0.20 m) 1' (0.30 m) 1' 4" (0.41 m) 1' 8" (0.51 m) 2' (0.61 m) 2' 4" (0.71 m) 2' 8" (0.81 m) 3' (0.91 m) 3' 4" (1.02 m) 8" (0.
Appendix B Table B4 allows you to calculate the exact projected depth reading as well as the actual depth using a multiplier. Values for the multiplier, or conversion factor, are provided at different transmitter pitches. Table B4. Conversion Factors for Calculating Exact Projected Depth or Actual Depth Pitch → From Actual to Projected Depth From Projected to Actual Depth ±10% (5.7°) ±20% (11°) ±30% (17°) ±40% (22°) ±50% (27°) ±60% (31°) ±75% (37°) ±90% (42°) 1.005 1.025 1.06 1.105 1.155 1.
Appendix B Notes 66 DigiTrak® LT2™ Operator’s Manual
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED Appendix C: Calculating Depth Based on Distance Between FLP and RLP It is possible to estimate the transmitter depth should the information displayed on the receiver become unreliable. This is only possible if you know the transmitter pitch and the positions of the front locate point (FLP) and the rear locate point (RLP) and if the ground surface is level. To estimate the transmitter depth, first measure the distance between the FLP and the RLP.
Appendix C Notes 3-1050-00-A 68 DigiTrak® LT2™ Operator’s Manual
DIGITAL CONTROL INCORPORATED 19625 62nd Ave. S., Suite B-103 Kent, WA 98032 USA (425) 251-0559 OR (800) 288-3610 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.