SeekTech ST305R - Detector RIDGID - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL SeekTech ST305R RIDGID

• Do not expose equipment to rain or wet conditions. Water entering equipment will increase the risk of electrical shock.

• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling, or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, and moving parts. Dam- aged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

• If operating equipment in a damp loca- tion is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

• Keep all electrical connections dry and off the ground. Do not touch equipment or plugs with wet hands to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Personal Safety

• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operat- ing equipment. Do not use equipment while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating equipment may result in serious personal injury.

• Use personal protective equipment. The appropriate use of protective equip- ment such as safety glasses, a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, a hard hat, high vis- ibility clothing, and hearing protection will reduce personal injuries.

• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables bet- ter control of the equipment in unexpected situations.

• Dress properly. Do not wear loose cloth- ing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, and long hair can be caught in moving parts. General Safety Rules WARNING Read all safety warnings and instruc- tions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! Work Area Safety

• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

• Do not operate equipment in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Equipment can create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

• Keep children and bystanders away while operating equipment. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

• Avoid traffic. Pay close attention to mov- ing vehicles when using on or near road- ways. Wear visible clothing or reflector vests. Electrical Safety

• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radi- ators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

• An improperly grounded electrical out- let can cause electrical shock and/or severely damage equipment. Always check work area for a properly ground- ed electrical outlet. Presence of a three- prong or GFCI outlet does not ensure that the outlet is properly grounded. If in doubt, have the outlet inspected by a licensed electrician.ST-305/R – English – 5 Equipment Use and Care

• Do not force equipment. Use the correct equipment for your application. The correct equipment will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.

• Do not use equipment if the power switch does not turn it on and off. Any equipment that cannot be controlled with the power switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the equipment before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing. Pre- ventive safety measures reduce the risk of injury.

• Store idle equipment out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the equipment or these instructions to operate the equipment. Equipment can be dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

• Maintain equipment. Check for misalign- ment or binding of moving parts, missing parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the equipment’s operation. If damaged, have the equip- ment repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained equip- ment.

• Use the equipment and accessories in accordance with these instructions; taking into account the working con- ditions and the work to be performed. Use of the equipment for operations differ- ent from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

• Use only accessories that are recom- mended by the manufacturer for your equipment. Accessories that may be suit- able for one piece of equipment may be- come hazardous when used with other equipment.

• Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. This allows for better con- trol of the equipment. Battery Use and Care

• Use equipment only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of in- jury and fire.

• Recharge only with the charger speci- fied by the manufacturer. A charger suit- able for one type of battery pack may cre- ate a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.

• Do not probe battery with conduc- tive objects. Shorting of battery termi- nals may cause sparks, burns, or electri- cal shock. When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to anoth- er. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.

• Under abusive conditions, liquid may eject from battery; avoid contact. If con- tact occurs, flush with water. If liquid con- tacts eyes, seek medical help. Liquid eject- ed from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

• Do not cover charger while in use. Prop- er ventilation is required for correct opera- tion. Covering charger in use could result in fire.

• Use and store batteries and chargers in dry, appropriate temperature areas. Extreme temperatures and moisture can damage batteries and result in leakage, electrical shock, fire or burns.

• Properly dispose of batteries. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the batter- ies to explode; do not dispose of in a fire. Some countries have regulations concern- ing battery disposal. Follow all applicable regulations.

• See the Battery and Battery Charger Operator’s Manual for additional infor- mation.6 – English – ST-305/R Pre-Operation Inspection WARNING To reduce the risk of serious injury from electrical shock or other causes, and to prevent damage to your equipment, in- spect all equipment and correct any problems before each use. To inspect all equipment, follow these steps:

1. Power off your equipment.

2. Disconnect and inspect all cords, ca-

bles, and connectors for damage or modification.

3. Clean any dirt, oil, or other contami-

nation from your equipment to ease inspection and to prevent it from slip- ping from your grip during transporta- tion or use.

4. Inspect your equipment for any bro-

ken, worn, missing, misaligned, or binding parts, or any other condition which might prevent safe, normal op- eration.

5. Refer to the instructions for all other

equipment to inspect and make sure it is in good, usable condition.

6. Check your work area for the follow-

• The presence of flammable liq- uids, vapors, or dust that may ig- nite. If present, do not work in area until sources have been identified and corrected. The equipment is not explosion proof. Electrical connections can cause sparks.

• A clear, level, stable, and dry place for the operator. Do not use the equipment while standing in water.

7. Examine the job to be done and de-

termine the correct equipment for the task.

8. Observe the work area and erect bar-

riers as necessary to keep bystanders away. See additional product specific safety in- formation and warnings starting on 9.ST-305/R – English – 7 Product Overview Description ST-305/R is used to refer to both the ST-305R and the ST-305 throughout this manual. The ST-305R and ST-305 are functionally identical. The only differ- ence is the ST-305R can be used with a rechargeable battery and internal C-cell batteries. The ST-305 is only operational with internal C-cell batteries. The RIDGID

ST-305 and ST- 305R are compact yet powerful multi-fre- quency transmitters that can be used, in conjunction with a RIDGID SeekTech re- ceiver, to find buried conductors such as pipes, cables, and wires. This allows the line’s location to be correctly marked so it can be exposed for repair or avoided during excavation. ST-305R Specifications Weight without batteries

Dimensions Length 198 mm [7.8 in] Width 116 mm [4.6 in] Height 104 mm [4.1 in] Cable lead length 3 m [10 ft] Output power 0.5, 2, 5 W Nominal Power Source 18 V Li-Ion rechargeable battery, six C-cell batteries (1.5 V alkaline or 1.2 V NiMH or Ni-Cad rechargeable), or AC adapter Current settings Internal batteries 25 mA – 400 mA 18V Li-Ion battery ≤ 1,000 mA AC adapter ≤ 1,000 mA Default frequencies 1 kHz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz, and 262 kHz Operating environment Temperature -10°C to 50°C [14°F to 122°F] Storage temperature -20°C to 60°C [-4°F to 140°F] Relative humidity 5% to 95% Altitude 4,000 m [13,120 ft]8 – English – ST-305/R Components Battery Case Connection Leads and Clips Battery Shoe (ST-305R) Grounding Stake Inductive Clamp Jack Battery Shoe Dust Cover ST-305 Specifications Weight without batteries

Dimensions Length 198 mm [7.8 in] Width 116 mm [4.6 in] Height 76 mm [3 in] Cable lead length 3 m [10 ft] Output power 0.5, 2, 5 W Nominal Power Source Six C-cell batteries (1.5 V alkaline or 1.2 V NiMH or Ni-Cad rechargeable) Current settings Internal batteries 25 mA – 400 mA Default frequencies 1 kHz, 8 kHz, 33 kHz, and 262 kHz (US) or 93 kHz (Europe) Operating environment Temperature -10°C to 50°C [14°F to 122°F] Storage temperature -20°C to 60°C [-4°F to 140°F] Relative humidity 5% to 95% Altitude 4,000 m [13,120 ft] Standard Equipment

• 6 C-cell batteries (Alkaline)ST-305/R – English – 9 Operating Instructions WARNING This section contains important safe- ty information that is specific to the ST- 305/R. Read these precautions carefully before using the ST-305/R to reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or other se- rious injury.

• Read and understand this operator’s manual, and the instructions for any other equipment in use and all warn- ings before operating the ST-305/R. Fail- ure to follow all instructions and warnings may result in property damage and/or seri- ous personal injury. Keep this manual with the equipment for future use.

• Operating the equipment while in water increases the risk of electrical shock. Do not operate the ST-305/R if the opera- tor or equipment are standing in water.

• The ST-305/R is not designed to pro- vide high voltage protection and isola- tion. Do not use where a danger of high voltage contact is present.

• Always attach leads before turning the ST-305/R on and always power off the ST-305/R before disconnecting the leads to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

• Follow local guidelines and call before digging. Locating equipment uses elec- tromagnetic fields that can be distorted and interfered with. More than one utili- ty may be present in a given area. Follow local guidelines and service procedures. Confirm location of utilities before digging. High Voltage Indicator The ST-305/R is designed to withstand up to 240 VAC between the two leads. This protection is not intended to be used continuously and excess current may be forced through the ST-305/R. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not touch the transmitter, cords, or connec- tions during this time. Use high voltage precautions to disconnect the ST-305/R. If the ST-305/R senses excess current, a warning beep sounds and the High Voltage LED on the keypad is lit.10 – English – ST-305/R Operation Overview WARNING Wear eye protection when appropriate to protect your eyes against dirt and other foreign objects. Follow operating instructions to reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock and other causes. The default frequencies that come with the ST-305/R are:

• 93 kHz [93,623 Hz] or 262 kHz [262,144 Hz] Note: High frequency is 93kHz or 262kHz depending on your region. The ST-305/R has three operating modes that can be used during a locate. Which mode you use depends on the circumstanc- es of the locate. Direct Connect — The leads con- nect directly to the target conductor and a suitable ground. Inductive Clamp — The optional in- ductive clamp encircles the target conductor when metal-to-metal con- tact is not possible or unable to pro- duce the desired result. Inductive — The ST-305/R is placed over a conductor. The internal anten- na induces a signal on to the target conductor. Powering the ST-305/R WARNING Disconnect external leads from any en- ergized utility before opening the bat- tery compartment. To prevent overheat- ing and leakage, do not mix battery types or brands and do not combine new and used batteries. Always remove the bat- teries before shipping or storing the ST- 305/R. Li-Ion 18 V Battery A Li-Ion 18 V rechargeable battery can be used simultaneously with the internal C-cell batteries. If the voltage falls below 15.4 V or if the battery dies, the ST-305R switches to internal batteries. C-Cell Batteries To install C-cell batteries, rotate the knob on the battery holder counter-clockwise until the battery compartment releases. Pull straight back on the knob to remove the cover. Insert the 6 batteries as shown on the inside decals. Note: Rechargeable C-cell batteries do not recharge in the ST-305/R. AC Adapter For indoor use only, the ST-305R can also be powered by an external AC adapter no less than 35W. Read and follow the instruc- tions as specified by the manufacturer of the AC adapter before using it with the ST-305R. Note: The AC adapter does not recharge the 18V battery.ST-305/R – English – 11 Keypad Overview Keypad Keys and Functions Inductive Mode Key Toggle between Inductive Mode and Direct Connect Mode. Frequency Key Cycle through frequency options. Power/ Select Key Power the unit on or off (long press, >3 seconds, to power off). Cycle through power levels. Keypad Graphics and LEDs High Voltage Warning On when high voltage is encountered. Power/ Battery Indicator At start-up, displays the estimated battery level. During use, indicates the relative level of output power. Frequency Indicator Indicates frequency in use or when expanded frequency settings are active. High frequency is 93kHz or 262kHz depending on your region.12 – English – ST-305/R Cable Lead Clips The ST-305/R features cable lead clips that can be attached mechanically or magneti- cally. Before connecting the leads, use the teeth on the clip to scrape off rust or paint. When the metal is exposed you can either clip onto the target with the teeth or use the magnet to make the connection. NOTICE The cable lead clips con- tain strong magnets. Do not place the clips near data storage de- vices, credit cards, or other magnetically encoded data. Sounds of the ST-305/R Sounds are associated with specific events or states. Sounds may be toggled on or off by pressing the Frequency key and Power key simultaneously. Sounds of the ST-305/R Power on 4 short beeps Power off 3 short beeps Inductive Clamp 2 short beeps Inductive Mode 1 long beep, 2 short beeps Low battery warning Rapid series of beeps Direct Connect Mode Direct Connect Mode is most commonly used when the target utility is readily acces- sible. Do not use Direct Connect Mode on energized (live) conductors. The transmitter is not designed to connect to live conduc- tors.

1. Choose connection locations for the

ground stake and the target conduc- tor. Place the transmitter, powered off, on the ground between these two lo- cations.

2. Insert the ground stake into the earth

as far as possible. Wet the earth around the ground stake to improve grounding and to lower the resistance of the ground. With the ST-305/R still powered off, attach the lead clip to the ground stake. Instead of using the provided ground- ing stake, the lead clip can be at- tached to other objects such as a shovel blade or a metal rod sunk into the earth. Using larger grounding ob- jects may improve grounding by in- creasing the surface area in contact with the earth. Note: Always connect the lead to the ground stake before connecting an- other lead to the target line to direct any current within the target conduc- tor away from the user.ST-305/R – English – 13

3. At the target conductor, scrape away

any dirt, paint, corrosion, or other coatings and attach the other cable lead clip with either the teeth or the magnet. Good contact between the cable lead and the target conductor lowers the resistance of the circuit and produces a stronger tracing signal. Note: Non-conductive pipes, such as those made of clay or plastic, cannot carry a tracing current without a trace wire. Plastic pipes typically have a trace wire installed with the pipe for tracing purposes. Clip the cable lead to the trace wire to enable tracing. Expanded Frequency Settings While in Direct Connect Mode, the transmit- ter can be used with high or dual frequen- cies.

1. Long press (>3 seconds) the Fre-

quency key to set the transmitter to high frequency.

cycle through dual frequency options or return to the high frequency. Ex- panded frequency options include:

• 262 kHz or 93 kHz only.

• 33 kHz and 1 kHz dual frequency transmission.

• 33 kHz and 8 kHz dual frequency transmission. The LED associated with each fre- quency is lit when that frequency is in use.

3. Long press the Frequency key

again to return to standard frequency options. Note: High frequency is 93kHz or 262kHz depending on your region. Expanded fre- quency settings are only available in Direct Connect Mode.14 – English – ST-305/R Inductive Clamp Mode Read the Operator’s Manual for the Induc- tive Clamp before using it with the ST-305/R. It includes important safety information and operating instructions. Use the ST-305/R with an inductive clamp by following these steps:

1. Before connecting the inductive

clamp, confirm that the target conduc- tor is not live and grounded on both ends, and that the ST-305/R is pow- ered off. The ST-305/R is not designed to be connected to live conductors.

2. Insert the inductive clamp plug into

the jack on the ST-305/R below the keypad.

3. Place the jaws of the inductive clamp

around the target conductor, ensuring that they close completely. The LEDs on the clamp are lit when the jaws are closed and the ST-305/R is powered on.

4. Press the Power key . The ST-

305/R automatically switches to In- ductive Clamp Mode and disables the cable leads. Note: In Inductive Clamp Mode, the ST-305/R defaults to 50 per- cent power level to conserve battery power.

5. Select and set the same frequency on

both the receiver and transmitter.

6. Check the connections and adjust the

current as needed during the locate.

7. When finished, press the Power key

to power off the ST-305/R before disconnecting the inductive clamp.ST-305/R – English – 15 Inductive Mode Disconnect the lead clips from any external conductors before switching the ST-305/R to Inductive Mode. If the lead clips are con- nected to an external conductor and the ST-305/R is switched to Inductive Mode, a warning appears and operator override is required. Do not use clips and leads in Inductive Mode. The ST-305/R automatically sets the frequency to 33kHz the first time Inductive Mode is used. After the first use, the ST- 305/R automatically uses the frequency last used in Inductive Mode. The two frequen- cies available in Inductive Mode are 8kHz and 33kHz. NOTICE Do not place two ST-305/ Rs in Inductive Mode with the power on within 3m [10ft] of each other. The output of each ST-305/R can over- load the electronics and damage one or both units. Use the ST-305/R in Inductive Mode by fol- lowing these steps:

1. Place the ST-305/R so the white ori-

entation arrows located on top of the ST-305/R are aligned with the target conductor.

2. Press the Power key to power on

the ST-305/R. Press the Inductive Mode key to toggle the ST-305/R between Direct Connect Mode and In- ductive Mode. Ground both ends of the utility for the best signal induction.

3. To power on and use the receiver,

refer to the receiver’s Operator Man- ual. Ensure the frequency on the re- ceiver matches the ST-305/R. If the receiver signal increases when held near the ST-305/R, it is correctly pick- ing up the transmitted frequency.

4. After completing the locate, press the

Power key to power off the ST- 305/R.16 – English – ST-305/R Air-Coupling Any transmitter in Inductive Mode gener- ates a field through the air around it; includ- ing the ground underneath. If within air-cou- pling range of the ST-305/R, the receiver will measure this field instead of the target conductor. Air-coupling will distort readings and misconstrue the location of the target conductor. Air-coupling effects can dominate the re- ceived signal over a wide range (great- er than 20m [70ft]) if the induced utility is deep and poorly grounded. Very weak in- duction and deep utilities will result in great- er air-coupling distances. Always confirm the detection of utilities and the readings of depth measurements. Air-coupling does not depend on the output power of the transmitter and cannot be re- duced by turning down the power. Air-cou- pling only depends on the ratio of the field from the transmitter compared to the in- duced field in the target utility. The effect of air-coupling can vary continu- ously so be aware of the difference between the transmitter’s field and the induced field of the utility being traced. While both will have the same frequency, the transmitter’s field is only strong enough to obscure the utility’s signal in the region around the trans- mitter itself. Be sure to look overhead for power lines that could also confuse the locate. Testing for Air-Coupling To test for air-coupling, tilt the receiver at a 45 degree angle towards the ST-305/R and ensure the lower antenna of the receiver touches the ground. Afterwards, tilt the re- ceiver 45 degrees away from the ST-305/R and observe the depth reading. If the depth reading changes significantly, air-coupling may be affecting the accuracy of the locate. Alternatively, test for air-coupling by stand- ing 6m [20ft] away from the ST-305/R. With the lower antenna on the ground, take note of the indicated depth measurement on the receiver. Raise the receiver vertically 45cm [18in] and observe the change in the depth indication. If the receiver only reads the con- ductor, the depth should increase accord- ingly. If the receiver is air-coupling, the depth indication does not change by 45cm [18in], but changes disproportionately.ST-305/R – English – 17 Locating WARNING To reduce the risk of electrical shock, power off the ST-305/R before discon- necting the leads and remove the lead from the target conductor before remov- ing the lead from the ground stake. Note: When the ST-305/R is powered on and in Direct Connect Mode, only hold the cable leads by the plastic sheathing. Do not touch the metal scraper tip, teeth, or magnet.

1. With one cable lead attached to the

ground stake and the other attached to the target conductor, press the Power key to power on the ST-305/R. Upon start up, the ST-305/R mea- sures the current flowing through the target conductor and beeps to indicate output. Faster beeps indicate a higher output current.

2. Select a frequency by pressing the

Frequency key until the desired frequency is selected. Long press (>3 seconds) the Frequency key to se- lect the expanded frequency option for dual or high frequencies.

3. Follow the instructions in the receiv-

er’s Operator’s Manual to power on and use the receiver. Ensure the fre- quency on the receiver matches the ST-305/R. If the receiver signal in- creases when held near the ST-305/R, it is correctly picking up the transmit- ted frequency.

4. After completing the locate, press the

Power key to power off the ST- 305/R. Maintenance Product Support For support and additional information about using your ST-305/R, visit support. seesnake.com/st305r. Cleaning WARNING Disconnect all cords and cables and re- move batteries prior to cleaning the ST- 305/R to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Do not use liquid or abrasive cleaners on the ST-305/R. Clean the ST-305/R with damp cloth. Do not allow any liquid to enter the ST- 305/R. Transport and Storage

• Store in a locked area out of the reach of children and people unfamiliar with its purpose.

• Store in a dry place to reduce risk of electrical shock.

• Store away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, and other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

• Storage temperature should be -20°C to 60°C [-4°F to 140°F].

• Do not expose to heavy shocks or im- pacts during transport.

• Remove the battery before shipping and before storing for extended peri- ods of time.18 – English – ST-305/R Service and Repair WARNING Improper service or repair can cause the ST-305/R to be unsafe to operate. Service and repair of the ST-305/R must be performed at a RIDGID Independent Autho- rized Service Center. To maintain the safe- ty of the tool, make sure a qualified repair person services your equipment using only identical replacement parts. Discontinue using the ST-305/R, remove the batteries, and contact service personnel under any of the following conditions:

• The equipment does not operate nor- mally when operating instructions are followed.

• The equipment exhibits a distinct change in performance.

• The equipment has been dropped or damaged.

• Liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the equipment. For information on your nearest RIDGID In- dependent Service Center or any service or repair questions:

• Contact your local RIDGID distributor.

• Go to www.RIDGID.com.

• Contact Ridge Tool Company Technical Service Department at [e-mail] or, in the U.S. and Canada, call 1-800-519-

• Visite www.RIDGID.com.