DigiTrak Falcon F1 Operator's Manual
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DigiTrak Falcon F1 Operator's Manual

Directional drilling guidance system
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Directional Drilling Guidance System
Operator's Manual
dci@digital-control.com
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Summary of Contents for DigiTrak Falcon F1

  • Page 1 Directional Drilling Guidance System Operator’s Manual dci@digital-control.com www.DigiTrak.com...
  • Page 2 DCI’s existing Limited Warranty applicable to all DCI products. DCI may update or correct the information in this manual from time to time. You may find the most recent version of this manual on DCI's website, www.DigiTrak.com.
  • Page 3 49.9391.810.6109 Fax dci.europe@digital-control.com India DTJ 203, DLF Tower B Jasola District Center New Delhi 110025 91.11.4507.0444 91.11.4507.0440 fax dci.india@digital-control.com Russia Молодогвардейская ул., д.4 стр. 1, офис 5 Москва, Российская Федерация 121467 7.499.281.8177 7.499.281.8166 факс dci.russia@digital-control.com DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 4: Dear Customer

    NCORPORATED Dear Customer, Thank you for choosing a DigiTrak guidance system. We are proud of the equipment we have been designing and building in Washington State since 1990. We believe in providing a unique, high-quality product and standing behind it with world-class customer service and training.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    So I Just Paired, Now What? Power Off Height-Above-Ground (HAG) Turn HAG On Turn HAG Off Set HAG Value Calibration and AGR 1-Point Calibration Above Ground Range (AGR) 50 Foot Calibration (Optional) Settings Depth Units Menu Pitch Units Menu DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 6 Installing Batteries / Power On (15-inch) Transmitter Battery Strength Transmitter Current Draw Warning Sleep Mode Transmitter Drill Head Requirements Temperature Status and Overheat Indicator Transmitter Temperature Warning Tones Transmitter Overheat Indicator (Temp Dot) Transmitter Warranty Timer DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 7 Appendix C: Projected Depth Versus Actual Depth and the Fore/Aft Offset Appendix D: Calculating Depth Based on Distance Between FLP and RLP Appendix E: Reference Tables Depth Increase in Inches per 10-foot Rod Depth Increase in Inches per 15-foot Rod WARRANTY DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 8 IGITAL   ONTROL   NCORPORATED viii DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 9: Important Safety Instructions

    The following warnings relate generally to the operation of DigiTrak guidance systems. This is not an exhaustive list. Always operate your DigiTrak guidance system in accordance with the manual and be aware of interference that may affect efforts to retrieve accurate data with this guidance system.

  • Page 10: Pre-Drilling Testing

    NCORPORATED Pre-Drilling Testing Before each drilling run, test your DigiTrak guidance system with the transmitter inside the drill head to confirm it is operating properly and providing accurate drill head location and heading information. During drilling, the depth will not be accurate unless: The receiver has been properly calibrated and the calibration has been checked for accuracy so the receiver shows the correct depth.

  • Page 11: Battery Pack Storage

    Do not store or ship this equipment with batteries inside. Always remove the batteries from the equipment before shipping or periods of non-use. The battery charger provided with your DigiTrak guidance system is designed with adequate safeguards to protect you from shock and other hazards when used as specified within this document. If you use the battery charger in a manner not specified by this document, the protection provided may be impaired.
  • Page 12 Send in the Product Registration Card or register online at access.DigiTrak.com within 90 days of purchase to enable the warranty on your equipment, including a 3-year/500-hour warranty on your transmitter. Ask your dealer about our extended 5-year/750-hour transmitter warranty. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 13: Getting Started

    The Falcon approach involves dividing a wide range of frequencies into bands, then selecting the frequencies that are least susceptible to the interference in each band. Falcon F1 uses a single band (Band 11) that encompasses frequencies identified as performing best around interference at the highest number of jobsites.

  • Page 14: Using This Manual

    This manual is an important tool for you as the operator of a Falcon guidance system. You can find it on the flash drive that accompanied your system or at www.DigiTrak.com. We encourage you to load it onto your mobile device and keep it handy so the information you need is always close at hand.

  • Page 15: Receiver

    Setup Summary Getting started with a Falcon F1™ receiver is easy: run the frequency optimizer, walk and scan the bore path, pair the receiver with the transmitter, calibrate, check Above Ground Range, and check for active interference.

  • Page 16: Pair With Transmitter

    A successful pairing is indicated by a beep and a check mark. Why can't I select other bands? The Falcon F1 is set to use Band 11 because its range of frequencies provide the best performance in a variety of different interference environments. Interference varies with time and location, and no band works perfectly in all conditions.

  • Page 17: Receiver

    Falcon F1 Receiver – Side and Back Views Overview The DigiTrak Falcon F1™ receiver (locator) is a handheld unit used for locating and tracking a Falcon wideband transmitter. It converts signals from the transmitter to display depth, pitch, roll, temperature, and battery level, plus sends this information to the remote display on the drill rig.

  • Page 18: Audible Tones

    5. Regional designation number must match that of transmitter Receiver Startup Screen Click to exit the startup screen. The Falcon F1 receiver proceeds to the Locate Screen Page 30 Locate screen. If an item of the self-test fails, a "Fail" warning displays on the startup screen instead of "Pass".

  • Page 19: Adjusting Screen Contrast

    Aurora - AP8, AF8, AF10 Falcon F1, F2 A remote display that accompanied your Falcon F1 receiver will already be set to communicate with your receiver. If you purchased your Falcon receiver by itself, your existing remote display may not include the required option.

  • Page 20: Receiver Menus

    Locating Basics. Come back and visit later as needed for reference. If this is your first DigiTrak, keep reading. To access the Main menu from the Locate screen, click the trigger. Click repeatedly to move through the menu, then hold the trigger briefly and release to make a selection. The Frequency Optimizer icon is shown selected below;...
  • Page 21 3. With the receiver parallel to the bore path, select Frequency Optimizer from the Main menu. The Falcon F1 receiver scans and measures the background noise (active interference) in multiple frequencies. The display will cycle through each band for about 15 seconds as shown below while it is scanning.
  • Page 22 6. Select to assign this as the Up band. Regardless of whether the batteries are loaded with the transmitter facing up or down, the transmitter will always power on in Band 11. Falcon F1 does not have a Down band.
  • Page 23 FO results and go back to step 5. If the pairing doesn't complete, no new optimized frequencies are stored in the receiver. Upon exiting the Frequency Optimizer screen, the receiver remains paired to the transmitter with the last optimized frequencies. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 24: So I Just Paired, Now What

    Safety section on page 1. Measure the distance from the bottom of the receiver to the ground. HAG may be set from 12 to 36 inches. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 25: Turn Hag On

    Hold the trigger briefly to turn HAG off. The receiver beeps and confirms with a check mark to indicate HAG is now off, then returns to the Locate screen. The receiver must now be placed on the ground to obtain accurate depth readings. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 26: Set Hag Value

    Calibrate after optimizing If your optimized band has not been calibrated yet, appears in the roll indicator. After optimizing, calibrate and verify Above Ground Range prior to each job. Calibration affects depth readings, but not roll/pitch. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 27: 1-Point Calibration

    3. Move the locator within 2 ft. of the transmitter to enable signal attenuation, indicated by an A at the bottom left of the roll indicator. Move the locator back to 10 ft. away and verify attenuation turns off. If it does not, excessive noise may be present. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 28 6. The display counts down to zero while the receiver records the calibration point. Do not move the receiver. 7. A successful calibration yields a check mark above the transmitter icon and four beeps. An unsuccessful calibration yields an X above the transmitter icon and two beeps. Successful Unsuccessful Unsuccessful DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 29: Above Ground Range (Agr)

    . The procedure will default to the AGR screen after several seconds. Note that because AGR intentionally does not consider pitch when Pitch Assumed Zero Page 30 calculating range, it displays a symbol indicating "Warning, pitch is unknown, assume zero". It also ignores any HAG setting. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 30: Foot Calibration (Optional)

    Use this menu to set the following options: Depth Units Menu Pitch Units Menu Roll Offset Menu Transmitter Options Menu System Timer Menu Telemetry Channel Menu Bubble Level Signal Strength Values 9. Page 2 Settings Menu DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 31: Depth Units Menu

    1. Roll the drill head to the 12:00 position. The transmitter will display its actual roll value. 2. From the Settings menu, select Roll Offset 3. Select Activate Roll Offset. 1. Activate Roll Offset 2. Disable Roll Offset Roll Offset Menu DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 32 To disable roll offset, select Disable Roll Offset from the Roll Offset menu. The receiver beeps four times as the screen returns to the Locate screen. The roll value on the Locate screen will now be that of the transmitter, not necessarily the drill head. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 33: Transmitter Options Menu

    4. Tx information and runtime Transmitter Options Menu Falcon F1 Band 11 Sets the receiver to use Falcon F1 Band 11. DucTrak Sets the receiver to use a DucTrak transmitter. DucTrak is used for tracking existing ductwork and piping only, not for drilling. A DucTrak transmitter does not require pairing but must be calibrated to provide correct depth readings.

  • Page 34: System Timer Menu

    Transmitter information Transmitter Information Click to return to the Main menu. Your locator may need an upgrade to series 5000 software to read Active Runtime. System Timer Menu This menu option is for dealer use only. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 35: Telemetry Channel Menu

    Telemetry Channel icon on the Main menu. Bubble Level Use this digital bubble level to find level or establish the slope of terrain. The readings will be in percent or degrees slope depending on your pitch units selection. Bubble Level DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 36: Signal Strength Values

    3. Time since last calibration Signal Strength Values Target Steering ® The last item on the Main menu is for using the DigiTrak Target Steering locating Target Steering Page 48 method, which is discussed later in the Advanced Locating section of this manual.

  • Page 37: Locating Basics

    If you're new to locating and first want to know everything about the locating screens, you've come to the right place. If you already know locators and want to jump right in and start locating with your Falcon F1 system, skip to Interference. Locating in a High-Interference Area...

  • Page 38: Locating Screens

    Zero pitch of zero, as indicated by the image to the right appearing on the Depth or Predicted Depth screen. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 39: Locate Screen Shortcuts

    7. Tx battery strength Depth Screen at LL with HAG On When the HAG setting is disabled, the receiver will be shown on the Height-Above-Ground (HAG) Page 16 ground and must be placed on the ground during depth readings. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 40: Predicted Depth Screen

    Hold the trigger at the front locate point (FLP) to display the Predicted Depth screen. The predicted depth is the depth the transmitter is calculated to be at when it reaches the front locate point if it continues on its current path. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 41: Depth Screen, Invalid Location

    To best overcome interference, find and deal with it above ground, before you start drilling. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 42: What Is Interference

    I thought the Frequency Optimizer did all this for me? The Frequency Optimizer finds the lowest-noise frequencies to use in each band. Falcon F1 is preset to use Band 11. As best practice, now test the band above ground to ensure the receiver can receive data for the entire length of the bore.

  • Page 43: Roll/Pitch Check

    Note any locations where the receiver or remote display information becomes unstable or disappears. If roll/pitch data or signal strength become unstable, hold the trigger to see if Max Mode can stabilize the data. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 44: Suggestions For Dealing With Interference

    A (Attenuation) will display at the bottom left of the roll indicator. This will also occur when the locator is too close to the transmitter (less than five feet). Do not rely on depth, data, or locate information obtained when the signal strength is flashing and the A icon is present. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 45: Locate Points (Flp & Rlp) And Locate Line (Ll)

    8. Side view 9. Surface of ground Geometry of FLP, RLP, and LL from Top (Bird’s-Eye) and Side Views Note how the RLP and FLP are equal distances from the LL when the transmitter is level. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 46: Effects Of Depth, Pitch, And Topography On Distance Between Flp And Rlp

    For a detailed explanation of how to track the transmitter when it is steep and deep, see Appendix C page 64. To calculate depth (for comparison to the receiver’s depth reading) using the distance between the locate points and the pitch of the transmitter, see Appendix D on page 68. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 47: Marking Locate Points

    1. Move forward 2. FLP 3. LL 4. RLP 5. Drill Standard and Curved Path Locating If desired, set Height-Above-Ground (HAG) and Roll Offset. Height-Above-Ground Roll Offset (HAG) Page 23 Page 16 DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 48: Finding The Front Locate Point (Flp)

    The locate line (LL) will not display later without this reference. Drill rig Bore path 1. Target Ball-in-the- Box™ 2. Reference lock indicator Receiver Predicted Depth Screen at FLP Actual Position of Receiver with HAG On and Transmitter DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 49: Finding The Locate Line (Ll)

    FLP Receiver Locate Screen, Moving Toward LL, FLP Behind If the signal strength decreases, you may actually have just located the RLP. Position yourself farther away from the drill and start over at step 2. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 50 9. Take a depth reading and mark the LL directly below the receiver’s display screen. If the FLP is to the left or right of the previous marks—indicating some steering action—locate the RLP as described in the next steps to verify proper positioning of the LL between the Locate Points. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 51: Finding The Rlp To Confirm Transmitter Heading And Position

    Bore path Receiver Locate Screen at RLP Actual Position of Receiver and Transmitter 12. Mark the ground directly below the receiver’s display screen as the RLP. A line between the RLP and FLP represents the transmitter’s heading. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 52 If HAG is not being used, note the depth on the ground and then raise the receiver exactly 3 feet. The depth reading should increase this same distance. In the example above, the depth would be 11'7". Appendix C on page 64 and Appendix D on page 68 for more information on depth. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 53: Advanced Locating

    FLP, in line with the path created by the FLP and RLP. Turn HAG off. 1. One rod length 2. FLP 3. LL 4. RLP 5. Drill Tracking "On-the-Fly" with a Straight and Curved Path DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 54: Off-Track Locating

    (P1). Move the receiver forward and backward until the ball jumps between the top and bottom of the screen, then mark this location and note the signal strength. While still holding the receiver in the same orientation, do this two more times for off-track points P2 and P3. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 55 Differences in pitch and topology elevations will also affect the signal strength and LL position as the drill head progresses. Using three (or more) off-track points gives you more information to help recognize the potential adverse effects of interference at any one point. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 56: Target Steering

    The Falcon Compact Display supports Remote Steering, which provides left/right steering guidance but not depth. For Target Steering at the drill, DCI recommends the Aurora touchscreen remote display. Go watch some TV You can find a training animation on Target Steering at www.youtube.com/dcikent. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 57: Feasible Target Steering Area

    (where the battery pack is inserted) facing the drill. Use the three screens in the Target Steering menu on the receiver to turn Target Steering On, turn Target Steering off, or set the target depth, as described in the following sections. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 58: Turning Target Steering On And Off

    Turning Target Steering Off Hold the trigger briefly to turn Target Steering off. A check mark appears briefly next to the receiver icon. The receiver beeps four times to confirm and returns to the Locate screen. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 59: Setting The Target Depth

    If you click past 11 in. in the inches field, the number in the ft. field will automatically increase. To maintain the most accurate readings on the remote display, never set the target steering depth more than 3 ft. from the current depth. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 60: Positioning The Receiver As The Target

    Positioning the Receiver for Target Steering For the Falcon remote display that supports only Remote Steering, the 35 ft. maximum distance from the transmitter shown below is instead limited only to the maximum range of the transmitter. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 61: Steering To The Target With The Remote Display

    In areas of passive and/or active interference, it may help to physically elevate the receiver above the ground. If raising the receiver above the ground, adjust the target depth to include the elevated height. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 62: Transmitter

    The transmitter must be paired to the receiver prior to use. The standard Falcon F1 wideband transmitter measures 15 in. long and 1.25 in. in diameter, provides pitch readings in as low as 0.1% or 0.1° increments at level, and displays roll in 12 clock positions (CP). The transmitter broadcasts on one band encompassing frequencies from 9.0 to 13.5 kHz.

  • Page 63: Batteries And Power On/Off

    SuperCell battery will last up to 70 hours. 8-inch Transmitters DigiTrak Falcon 8-inch wideband transmitters require a single lithium 123 3V battery. Insert the positive end first. This battery will last up to 12 hours. Never use damaged or non-DCI lithium batteries. Never use two C-cell lithium batteries providing a combined voltage above 3.6 VDC.

  • Page 64: Transmitter Battery Strength

    This feature does not work with 8-inch transmitters. Sleep Mode All battery-powered DigiTrak transmitters go into sleep mode and stop transmitting to conserve battery power if they are stationary for longer than 15 minutes. To wake the transmitter, rotate the drill string a half turn;...

  • Page 65: Temperature Status And Overheat Indicator

    Temperature Status and Overheat Indicator Most DigiTrak transmitters are equipped with an internal digital thermometer. The temperature displays on the bottom right of the receiver and remote display screens next to the transmitter temperature symbol .

  • Page 66: Transmitter Temperature Warning Tones

    8-inch – None: transmitter overheat indicator (temp dot) turns black. Transmitter Overheat Indicator (Temp Dot) Most DigiTrak transmitters have a temperature overheat indicator (temp dot) on the front end cap. The temp dot has an outer yellow ring with a in.

  • Page 67: Transmitter Warranty Timer

    Runtime hours accrue whenever the transmitter is sending data; they do not accrue when the transmitter is in Sleep mode. The 3-year/500-hour warranty requires that the transmitter be registered at access.DigiTrak.com within 90 days of purchase. See the warranty at the end of this manual for additional information. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 68: Appendix A: System Specifications

    1.2 – 4.2 V 0.4 A max Environmental Requirements Device Relative Humidity Operating Temperature DigiTrak Falcon F1 Receiver (FAR2) and Falcon Compact Display  (FCD) <90%    with NiMH Battery Pack 14 – 149 °F    with Lithium Battery Pack -4 – 140 °F DigiTrak Aurora Remote Display (AF8/AF10) <90%...

  • Page 69: Equipment And Battery Disposal

    0 – 3% 0 – 1.7° 0.1% 3 – 9% 1.7 – 5.1° 0.2% 9 – 30% 5.1 – 16.7° 0.5% 30 – 50% 16.7 – 26.6° 2.0% 50 – 90% 26.6 – 42.0° 5.0% DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 70: Appendix B: Receiver Screen Symbols

    – Indicates a reference signal has been obtained for displaying the locate line. Displays at the top of the Locate screen.  Page 40 Roll Offset – Indicates roll offset is enabled. Displays at the bottom right of the roll indicator.  Page 23 DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 71 – Appears on the calibration screens to indicate that a trigger click is required. Allowing this screen to time out opens the AGR screen.  Page 20 Warning – This error symbol indicates a failure in a self-test or a need to calibrate the receiver.  Page 31 DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 72: Appendix C: Projected Depth Versus Actual Depth And The Fore/Aft Offset

    The projected depth and fore/aft offset must be accounted for when the transmitter is steep and/or deep. See Table C1 Table C2 to determine the actual depth and fore/aft offset when you know the displayed (projected) depth and pitch of the transmitter. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 73 – Table C4 These "steep and deep" calculations for projected depth are important when using a bore plan that has specified target depths on steeper and deeper bores. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 74 17' 8" 20' 11" 23' 8" Table C2: Determining Fore/Aft Offset from Displayed (Projected) Depth and Pitch Use the projected/displayed depth values in the first column and transmitter pitches in the first row to find fore/aft offset values. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 75 For example, if your pitch is 30% and your projected depth reading is 24 ft., multiply depth 24 by conversion factor 0.943. The result, 22 ft. 8 in., is the actual depth of the transmitter. DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 76: Appendix D: Calculating Depth Based On Distance Between Flp And Rlp

    62 / 31.8 1.69 96 / 43.8 2.02 30 / 16.7 1.48 64 / 32.6 1.71 98 / 44.4 2.04 32 / 17.7 1.49 66 / 33.4 1.73 100 / 45.0 2.06 Depth Estimation Table DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 77: Appendix E: Reference Tables

    42" 13" 43" 14" 44" 15" 45" 17" 46" 18" 46" 19" 47" 20" 48" 21" 49" 22" 50" 24" 51" 25" 54" 26" 58" 27" 62" 28" 69" 29" 75" 30" 80" 31" 85" DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...

  • Page 78: Depth Increase In Inches Per 15-Foot Rod

    62" 20" 64" 21" 65" 23" 67" 25" 68" 27" 70" 28" 71" 30" 72" 32" 74" 34" 75" 35" 77" 37" 80" 39" 87" 40" 93" 42" 103" 44" 112" 45" 120" 47" 127" DigiTrak Falcon F1™ Operator's Manual...
  • Page 79 19625 62nd Ave S, Suite B103 Kent Washington 98032, USA 425.251.0559, 800.288.3610 dci@digital-control.com, www.DigiTrak.com DCI Standard Warranty DCI warrants that it will either repair or replace any product that fails to operate in conformity to DCI’s published specifications at the time of shipment due to a defect in materials or workmanship during the warranty period for that product, subject to the terms set forth below.
  • Page 80 IGITAL   ONTROL   NCORPORATED DCI may make changes in design and improvements to products from time to time. DCI shall have no obligation to upgrade any previously manufactured DCI product to include any such changes. THE FOREGOING IS THE SOLE WARRANTY FOR DCI PRODUCTS (OTHER THAN THE 5-YR/750-HR EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR FALCON 15/19”...

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