gC.A.T4+
The C.A.T4 represents the latest development stage of the extremely popular cable 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 has been specifically developed for detecting buried utilities. With the C.A.T4 Avoidance Mode™, users can check an intended excavation area for power, radio and Genny signals with a single scan and locate associated utilities. Features such as the bar graph display with peak hold indicator allow users to quickly identify maximum signal response and accurately pinpoint buried lines.
Safer Excavation Work
The patented StrikeAlert™ function from Radiodetection has been enhanced to further reduce the risk posed by shallow buried cables.
The optional SWING™ feature detects excessive swing rate and warns the user of improper handling, supporting safer and more effective working practices.
The C.A.T4 is a safety-critical precision instrument. The optional 30-day countdown to the service date, CALSafe™, and the innovative online calibration validation system eCert™ support company maintenance policies and recommended service guidelines.
Data Logging and Analysis
The optional data logging capabilities of the eC.A.T4 and gC.A.T4 models allow equipment managers to operate their fleet more safely and efficiently by providing comprehensive C.A.T4 usage logs for analysis and personnel training.
gC.A.T4 models are equipped with a built-in GPS/GNSS receiver to record and display the locations where C.A.T devices are used. 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 offer a comprehensive range of cable avoidance tools, equipping users with an easy-to-operate receiver. They also provide various options and features to improve speed and accuracy during surveys.
- Simultaneous dual frequency simplifies the detection of small-diameter cables.
- Dynamic overload protection enables operation in areas with strong electrical interference.
- The Avoidance Mode speeds up surveys by simultaneously searching for power, radio and Genny signals.
The safety-focused C.A.T4 series also offers a range of features to support a safe working environment and reduce cable strikes.
- StrikeAlert warns of shallow buried utilities.
- SWING warns users of incorrect handling, while CALSafe disables the device if calibration has expired.
- Built-in data logging and GPS/GNSS receivers enable usage and location analysis with reporting.
- The service due indicator and CALSafe™ help prevent operation of instruments after the calibration due date.
The eCERT online service allows the calibration validity period to be extended for an additional year directly on site.
| gC.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 |
| Locate accuracy | ± 10% of depth |
| Horizontal GPS position accuracy | 3m CEP (Circular Error Probable) |
| Batteries | 2x D-cells (LR20) alkaline batteries |
| Weight | 2.3kg (including alkaline battery) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 710x255x65mm |
| Material | Injection-moulded plastic |
| Ingress protection | 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 | Locating depth guidance (m) | |||
| Locating mode | 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 enables C.A.T4 series devices to operate in areas with strong electrical fields, for example near substations and under high-voltage power cables, where the detection circuits of other locators can become overloaded and stop functioning.
Avoidance Mode™
This mode allows an area to be surveyed quickly and efficiently for power, radio and Genny signals at the same time. Users can adjust the sensitivity for each mode / each signal on the C.A.T4, enabling buried utilities to be detected in a single pass. Real Sound provides acoustic feedback derived directly from the detected utility signal, making locating easier and increasing 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 warnings.
SWING™
Radiodetection C.A.T devices are designed to respond extremely quickly to even the smallest detectable underground signals. Radiodetection studies on underground signal detection have shown that a user’s ability to locate buried utilities is directly influenced by the way they handle the device—for example, swinging too fast or carelessly.
To further reduce the risk of cable strikes, eC.A.T4 devices are equipped with sensors that detect incorrect handling and warn the user with a message that is also stored in the data log.
Maintenance and calibration
Service due indicator and CALSafe™
The risks of delaying a survey due to expired C.A.T4 calibration can be minimized. Devices in the eC.A.T4 series provide a 30-day countdown to the expiry date of the calibration certificate. The optional CALSafe function can be configured to prevent use of the device if calibration has expired, ensuring compliance with company policies. In addition, the service interval can be customized within a period of one year using the C.A.T Manager software.
eCert™
eCert enables a fast and thorough test of the key circuit elements within the C.A.T4 and validates 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 reproduce the original factory calibration certificate or any eCert certificate issued for the device, if required.
As part of a complete service package, Radiodetection also offers comprehensive factory servicing 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 the most important measurement and operating data for a full year.
gC.A.T4 devices are equipped with an internal GPS/GNSS receiver that captures position data every second, logs it to the device’s internal memory, and displays the user’s working location.
C.A.T Manager™ can be used to export log files, enabling extensive usage data analysis that can help identify training and development needs and provide independent historical records of device use.
gC.A.T4 data logs can be exported in CSV, XLM or KML formats, which can easily be imported into mapping services such as Google Maps® or Google Earth®.
By backing up the data on a PC, there are effectively no limits to logging over the product’s lifetime.
The C.A.T Manager™ software
C.A.T4 locators 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 the preferred working method or intended application, C.A.T Manager can enable or disable C.A.T4 functions such as depth estimation and warnings. Editable fields allow operating/fleet codes and other information to be stored in 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.