Tools Menu; Useful Information - RIDGID NaviTrack Scout Operating Instructions Manual

7. Tools Menu

7.1 Change of Depth Units
The Scout can change the units that it measures depth in to
either Feet or Meters. To change these settings simply high-
light the depth icon in the Tools Menu and then press the
select key to toggle between feet or meters.
7.2 Auto Back Light
Low light levels are sensed by a light detector built into the
upper left corner of the keypad. The backlight can be forced on
by blocking the light to this sensor with a thumb.
The automatic LCD backlight is factory set to only turn on
under fairly dark conditions. This is to conserve battery power.
As the batteries near depletion, the backlight will appear dim.
Near the end of battery life, the backlight operates at a very
low level to conserve battery power.
To turn the backlight off, highlight the light bulb icon in the tools
section of the menu and press the select key to toggle
between Auto and OFF.
7.2.1 LCD Contrast
When this is highlighted and selected the LCD contrast can be
adjusted with the up and down arrows.

8. Useful information

8.1 Signal Interference
8.1.1 Distorted Fields
Sometimes a single field may encounter metal or other ferrous
material in the ground that may distort the field lines. It may be
another utility, buried scrap or old unused lines that can shunt
or shorten the field lines. In this case the Scout may display a
14
weaker signal around the object and a stronger signal directly
above it. The object may act as a lens that amplifies or weak-
ens signal unpredictably.
8.1.2 Composite Fields
Composite fields are also possible. Where a single field meets
another, the two, or more, may create a stronger signal. It is
important for operators to understand this around "Ts" or right
angles in the line, where composite fields are often encountered.
Composite field shown around a connection in
the line.
8.1.3 Noise
Interfering signals (noise) are simply part of the locating chal-
lenge. Interference can either be at the same frequency being
used, or it can be "out of band" at other frequencies. Some of
the largest interfering signals are generated by power trans-
mission equipment. Power transformers, large electric motors
or generators and lines can be the source of very large noise
signals. Areas that are particularly noisy should be avoided if
possible.
If the angle display is unstable and not steady, and/or if the
signal levels are not steady, this is a good indication of either
no target signal present (sonde or energized line), or a high
level of interfering noise.
8.2 Notes on Accuracy
Depth and Signal Strength measurements rely on a strong sig-
nal being received by the Scout. Remember that the Scout is
used above ground to sense electromagnetic fields emitted
from underground lines (electrical conductors like metal wires
and pipes) or sondes (actively transmitting beacons). When
the fields are simple and undistorted, then the sensed fields
are representative of the buried object.
If those fields are distorted and there are multiple interacting
fields, it will cause the Scout to locate inaccurately. Locating is
not an exact science. It does require the operator to use judge-
ment and look for all the information available beyond