C.A.T4
The C.A.T4 represents the latest stage of development of the extremely popular cable damage avoidance tools originally designed by Radiodetection. It enables companies to work more efficiently and safely while managing their C.A.T4 device fleet more effectively.
Locate Cables and Utilities Faster
The new C.A.T4 features sophisticated locating capabilities and was specifically developed for detecting buried utilities. With the C.A.T4 Avoidance Mode™, the user can check an intended excavation area for power, radio, and Genny signals with a single sweep and locate the associated utilities. Features such as the bar graph with peak hold allow the user to quickly identify maximum signal strength and accurately pinpoint a buried utility.
Safer Excavation Work
The patented StrikeAlert™ function from Radiodetection has been enhanced to further reduce the risk posed by shallow buried cables.
With the optional SWING™ function for detecting swing rate and the service due warning, the C.A.T4 helps users adopt better and safer working practices.
C.A.T4 is a safety-critical precision instrument. The optional 30-day countdown to the service date, CALSafe™, and the innovative online system calibration and validation service eCert™ support company maintenance policies as well as recommended best practice guidelines.
Data Logging and Analysis
The optional data logging capabilities of the eC.A.T4 and gC.A.T4 models enable equipment managers to manage their fleet more safely and effectively by providing comprehensive logs of C.A.T4 usage for analysis and personnel training.
gC.A.T4 models are equipped with a built-in GPS/GNSS receiver to record the usage locations of the C.A.T devices. File formats such as CSV, XLS, or KML can be easily exported to mapping services like Google Earth.
APPLICATIONS
The C.A.T4 and Genny4 series from Radiodetection offers a comprehensive range of cable damage avoidance tools, equipping users with an easy-to-operate receiver. They also provide a variety of options and features to improve speed and accuracy during surveys.
- The simultaneous dual frequency makes it easier to locate small-diameter cables.
- The dynamic overload protection allows the receiver to be used in areas with strong electrical interference.
- The Avoidance Mode speeds up surveys by searching simultaneously for power, radio, and Genny signals.
The safety-critical C.A.T4 series also offers a range of features designed to support a safe working environment and reduce cable strikes.
- StrikeAlert warns of shallow buried utilities
- SWING warns the user of incorrect handling, while CALSafe disables the device if calibration has expired
- Built-in data logging and GPS/GNSS receiver enable usage and location analysis with reporting
- The service due indicator and CALSafe™ help prevent use of the instrument beyond its calibration due date
The eCERT online service allows the validity of the calibration period to be extended on-site for an additional year
| C.A.T4 | |
| Dynamic range | 120 dB at 40Hz |
| Dynamic overload protection | 40 dB at 50Hz (automatic) |
| Depth accuracy** | Cables: ± 5% tolerance 0.1m at 3m Sondes: ± 5% tolerance 0.1m at 7m |
| Locating accuracy | ± 10% of depth |
| Horizontal GPS position accuracy | 3m CEP (Circular Error Probable - radius of error circle) |
| Batteries | 2x D cells (LR20) alkaline batteries |
| Weight | 2.3kg (including alkaline battery) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 710x255x65mm |
| Material | Injection-molded plastic |
| Protection class | IP54 (dust and splash-water protected) |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +50°C |
| Storage temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Data interface | USB 2.0 |
| Data storage capacity | 2 GB |
| Calibration due warning | Countdown starting 31 days before expiry |
| C.A.T4 Technical Data | Depth guidance (m) | |||
| Locating performance | Frequency range | Sensitivity at 1m | Good conditions | Poor conditions |
| Power signals (P) | 50Hz - 1.5kHz | 3 mA | 3 | 2 |
| Radio signals (R) | 15kHz - 30kHz | 25 µA | 2 | 1 |
| Genny4 signal (G) | 32.768kHz ± 20Hz 131.072kHz ±20Hz |
5 µA | 4 | 2 |
| Avoidance Mode (A) | P + R + G As above |
As above | 4 | 2 |
| Passive frequencies: | C.A.T4 | C.A.T4+ | eC.A.T4 | eC.A.T4+ | gC.A.T4 | gC.A.T4+ |
| Power | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Radio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Active frequencies: | C.A.T4 | C.A.T4+ | eC.A.T4 | eC.A.T4+ | gC.A.T4 | gC.A.T4+ |
| Genny4 signal locating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Functions: | C.A.T4 | C.A.T4+ | eC.A.T4 | eC.A.T4+ | gC.A.T4 | gC.A.T4+ |
| Avoidance Mode™ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Genny™ signal locating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power signal locating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Radio signal locating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Locating frequency for small-diameter cables | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| eCert™ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dynamic overload protection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Depth measurement | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| StrikeAlert™ | ● | ● | ● | ● | ✔ | ✔ |
| Data logging | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Service due indicator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| SWING™ warning | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| CALSafe™ | ● | ● | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Bluetooth® | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| GPS/GNSS | ✔ | ✔ |
● Optional
Dynamic Overload Protection
Thanks to Radiodetection’s unique digital signal processing, C.A.T4 devices can filter out electrical interference. Dynamic overload protection allows C.A.T4 series devices to operate in areas with strong electrical fields, for example near substations and beneath high-voltage cables, where the detection circuits of other locators become overloaded and stop working.
Avoidance Mode™
This mode allows an area to be surveyed simultaneously and efficiently for power, radio, and Genny signals. Users can adjust the sensitivity for each mode/signal on the C.A.T4. This makes it possible to detect buried utilities in a single pass. With Real Sound, the user receives acoustic feedback derived directly from the signal of the detected utility. This makes locating easier and increases locating speed while maintaining safety.
StrikeAlert™
The optional StrikeAlert™ function minimizes the risk of missing shallow buried cables. The function has been improved and optimized to reduce the number of false alarms.
SWING™
Radiodetection C.A.T devices are designed for exceptionally fast response to even the smallest detectable underground signals. Radiodetection investigations into detecting underground signals have shown that a user’s ability to locate buried utilities is directly influenced by how the device is handled, such as swinging the device too quickly or carelessly.
To further reduce the risk of cable strikes, eC.A.T4 devices are equipped with sensors that detect such improper handling and warn the user with a message that is also stored in the data log.
Service and Calibration
Service Due Indicator and CALSafe™
The risks of delaying a survey because a C.A.T4 calibration has expired can be minimized. eC.A.T4 series devices provide a 30-day countdown to the expiry date of the calibration certificate. The optional CALSafe function can be set to prevent use of the device when calibration has expired. This ensures compliance with company policies. In addition, the service interval can be customized by the user within a one-year period using the C.A.T Manager software.
eCert™
eCert enables a fast and thorough check of the key circuit elements within the C.A.T4 and validates their performance over the internet against the original factory calibration.
eCert™ is activated via the C.A.T Manager software and provides a fast, thorough, and practical test of the core locating circuit within the C.A.T4, validating device performance against the original factory calibration. After an eCert test run, a Radiodetection calibration certificate for the relevant C.A.T4 can be printed or saved.
In addition, C.A.T Manager can, if desired, reproduce the original factory calibration certificate or any eCert certificate issued for the device.
As part of a complete service package, Radiodetection also offers comprehensive factory service and recalibration options, including a full inspection of mechanical integrity and functional testing.
Data Logging/Analysis and Software Updates
Built-in Data Logging
Devices in the eC.A.T4 and gC.A.T4 series can store key measurement and operating data for a full year.
gC.A.T4 devices are equipped with an internal GPS/GNSS receiver that records position data every second, logs it in the C.A.T4 device’s internal memory, and displays the user’s work location.
C.A.T Manager™ can be used to export log files. This enables extensive usage data analysis, which can be helpful in identifying training and development needs and provides independent records of device usage history.
gC.A.T4 data logs can be exported in CSV, XLM, or KML file formats, which can be easily imported into mapping services such as Google Maps® or Google Earth®.
By backing up the data on a PC, there are no limits to recording over the entire lifetime of the product.
The C.A.T Manager™ Software
C.A.T4 locating devices are supported by the dedicated C.A.T Manager software package. With this Windows® PC program, operations, fleet, and site managers can minimize downtime through regular software updates, reproduced calibration certificates, and online calibration via eCert.
To tailor the device to preferred working practices or intended use, C.A.T Manager allows C.A.T4 functions such as depth estimation and warnings to be disabled or enabled. Editable fields allow operations/fleet codes and other information to be stored on the device, making recording and traceability easier.
C.A.T Manager is also used to manage data logs created by eC.A.T4 and gC.A.T4 models.
Data logs from individual C.A.T devices are retrieved and stored in a local database. The export function enables users to review and analyze usage data or view the surveyed area in mapping services such as Google Earth.