September 2010 Vol. 65 No. 9
Equipment Spotlight
Equipment Spotlight: Walkover Locators
Details on walkover locators from Radiodetection/SPX Corp., Digital Control Inc. and Ditch Witch.
Radiodetection/SPX Corp.
The itrack system provides accurate walkover guidance information for horizontal directional drilling machines. The system comprises an itrack receiver, a DataView unit, one or more DataSondes and Radiodetection’s Borelog software. The itrack DataView uses a row of nine LEDs to provide remote steering information to the machine operator. The large LCD also displays real-time data transmitted from the DataSonde via the itrack Receiver. This provides machine operators with accurate information on tilt angle, roll position, depth, remote left/ right steering and alarm conditions. This enables drilling machine operators to accurately steer a drill head left and right, maintaining a safe and precise drilling operation. The DataSonde – when housed in the drill head–emits a locate signal and transmits information about its position and status, including tilt angle, roll position and temperature information. The Borelog software package allows the user to download drilling data stored in the itrack Receiver. 877.247.3797, www.radiodetection.com
Digital Control Inc.
The DigiTrak F2 uses 3-dimensional field view directional locating system with a single button user interface and graphically driven menu. It operates at depths up to 85 feet with 0.1 percent sensitive pitch. An active display enables DCI’s exclusive look-ahead capability with target-in-the-box locating for Intuitive transmitter tracking. Includes basic locating capabilities of directional tracking and depth and advanced features of Off-Trak locating and Target Steering to accurately navigate the drill even when obstacles prevent tracking over the drill head. An enhanced Target Steering function on the menu allows the operator to place the receiver in front of the drill head, along the bore path, using a target on the remote display to steer. The operator can view in real-time the distance and depth of the transmitter relative to the receiver. A 4-channel radio enables multiple F2 locators to be in the same vicinity and work up to distances of 1,800 feet plus, making it suitable for maxi rigs. The system includes a handheld receiver, transmitter, remote display, battery charger, and rechargeable 12-hour lithium-ion batteries to power the receiver and remote display. 800.288.3610, www.digitrak.com
Ditch Witch
For locating ground-faults in direct-buried, unshielded power and communications cables, use the Ditch Witch 980 fault system. Minimal training is required to master operation of the 980 fault system, and its simplicity is complemented by an affordable price tag. The 980 fault system replaces (but is compatible with) the FT14/AF2 fault-locating system previously marketed by the company. 800.645.6481, www.ditchwitch.com
Comments