Measuring Depth - RIDGID NaviTrack Scout Operating Instructions Manual

3. Move back to the maximum signal strength. Mark this
point on the ground with the yellow hexagon marker
chip. Move the lower antenna ball slowly away from the
yellow marker in all directions while observing the signal
strength display. The signal strength should be highest
directly over the sonde.
4. Look to see that all three markers are aligned and that
the yellow hexagon marker is approximately halfway
between the Pole markers.
If the yellow marker is not in the middle, see the section on tilt-
ed sondes.
Important! – Being on the Equator does NOT mean you're
over the sonde! Remember that signal strength is the key fac-
tor in locating the sonde. You must be at the point of highest
signal strength.
For best accuracy use the bubble level. The mast MUST be
vertical when marking the Poles and Equator, or their locations
will be incorrect!

5.5 Measuring Depth

The Scout measures depth by comparing the strength of the
signal at the lower antenna to the upper antenna.
Depth is measured when the bottom antenna is touching the
ground directly above the signal source.
1. To measure depth, place the locator on the ground,
directly above the sonde or line. Make sure that the
angle indicator reads 5 degrees or less. Then slowly
rotate the unit in the direction of the arrow shown on the
bottom left of the screen until the depth appears.
The bubble level is useful when measuring depth to make sure
that the antenna mast is vertical.
In order to maximize signal and achieve a more accurate
depth reading, the Scout needs to be rotated to align the
antenna with the signal.
2. Depth will be shown in the lower left hand corner.
10
3. Force Depth Feature - If the angle indicator reads
higher than 5 degrees then the Scout will not give a
depth measurement. Press the down arrow key and
hold it. This will force the depth if depth can be meas-
ured (see the following section on tilted sondes).
When checking the depth always take a measurement,
then rotate the Scout 180 degrees (1/2 circle) and take
another depth measurement. Be sure that the lower ball
stays at the same position on the ground and the mast is
vertical. If the depth readings are not within about 10% of
each other then distortion is present and the depth read-
ing should be questioned.
.
5.6 Operating Tips for Locating a sonde
Use the sound when possible to help guide the Scout to
.
the maximum signal strength.
If the Equator is crossed, and the signal is not maxi-
mized, follow the Equator to the highest signal strength.
Simply finding the Equator of the sonde (the dashed
line on the screen) does NOT indicate that the sonde
has been found. The point of maximum signal strength
must also be found. If the sonde is steeply tilted, the
Equator will NOT lie directly above the sonde and the
distance from the sonde to each Pole will not be equal.
.
If the sonde is tilted, maximize the signal.
Always confirm the point of maximum signal strength.
Verify what the map is showing, unless it is known for a
fact that all the required conditions have been met. The
map assumes the following conditions:
1. The ground is level.
2. The sonde is level.
3. The Scout Locator is above ground level.
4. The Scout Locator is held approximately vertical,
antenna mast pointing straight down.
If these conditions are not met, pay close attention to maximiz-
ing signal strength. In general, if the above conditions are true
and if the Scout is within about two "depths" of the signal
source, the map will be useful and accurate. Be aware of this
when using the map if the target or signal source is very shal-
low. The useful search area using the map alone can be small
if the sonde is extremely shallow.