Ridge Tool Company Elyria, Ohio U.S.A www.seektech.com 23
SeekTech SR-60
Figure 34: Dipole Field
When locating a Sonde, first set up the locate:
• Activate the Sonde before putting it in the
line. Select the same Sonde frequency on the
SR-60 and make sure it is receiving the
signal.
After the Sonde has been sent into the pipe, go to the
suspected Sonde location. If the direction of the pipe
is unknown, push the Sonde a shorter distance into
the line (~15 feet (5m) from the access is a good
starting point).
Location Methods
There are three major parts to locating a Sonde.
The first step is to localize the sonde. The second
part is pinpointing. The third is verifying its
location.
Step 1: Localize the sonde
• Hold the SR-60 so the mast is pointing
outward. Sweep the antenna mast in the
suspected direction of the Sonde while
observing the Signal Strength and listening to
the sound. The signal will be highest when
the mast is pointing toward the Sonde.
• Lower the SR-60 to its normal operating
position (antenna mast vertical) and walk in
the direction of the Sonde. Approaching the
Sonde, the Signal Strength will increase and
the audio tone will rise in pitch. Use the Signal
Strength and the sound to maximize the
signal.
• Maximize the Signal Strength. When it
appears to be at its highest point, place the
SR-60 close to the ground over the high-
signal point. Be careful to hold the receiver at
a constant height above the ground as
distance affects Signal Strength.
• Note the Signal Strength and move away
from the high point in all directions. Move the
SR-60 far enough in all directions to verify
that the Signal Strength drops significantly on
all sides. Mark the point of highest Signal
Strength with a yellow Sonde Marker (clipped
to antenna mast for convenience). This is the
suspected Sonde location.
Figure 35: Poles and Equator of a Sonde
If while “getting closer” the Equator appears on the
screen, follow it in the direction of an increasing
Signal Strength to localize the Sonde.
If a Pole appears before the Equator appears, localize
the Sonde by centering the Pole in the cross-hairs.
Step 2: Pinpoint the Sonde
The Poles should appear on either side of the
maximum signal point, an equal distance on either
side if the Sonde is level. If they are not visible on the
screen at the point of maximum Signal Strength,
move from the maximum point perpendicular to the
dotted line (Equator) until one appears. Center the
locator over the Pole.
Where the Poles occur depends on the Sonde’s
depth. The deeper the Sonde, the further away from it
the Poles will be.
The dotted line represents the Equator of the
Sonde. If the Sonde is not tilted, the Equator will
intersect the Sonde at maximum Signal Strength
and minimum Measured Depth.
Note: being on the Equator does not mean that
the locator is over the Sonde. Always verify the
locate by maximizing Signal Strength and
marking both Poles.