Sonde catcher SC39 (microducts 7-22 mm)

Threads (F = female/internal, M = male/external):

• NanoSonde VMS3-33: 2 × M2 (F) for shock absorber, sail and calibre
• NanoSonde MPL4-33: M3.5 (F)
• MicroSonde MPL6-33 and VMS6-33: M5 (F)
• MicroSonde MPL7-33 and MiniSonde MPL9-33: M5 (F) or M6 (F), depending on the battery compartment fitted
• Sondes PL18-33, PL18-33R and PL18-05: M6 (F), M10 (M) and M12 (F)
• MegaSonde PL42-05: M12 (F)

Accessories for the push rod:

• Spring joint FM55 (V14805): M5 (M) to the sonde, M5 (F) for the push rod; FM56 (V14800): M5 (M) to the sonde, M6 (F) for the push rod. Recommended for MPL6-33, VMS6-33 and MPL7-33; possible but not recommended on the MPL9-33.
• PL18-FM (V14194): flexible mounting that replaces the battery compartment of the PL18 sondes, with M12 (F) and M6 (F) for the push rod; not compatible with the PL42-05.
• PL-MSA5 (V14057): adapter with M12 (M) to the sonde and M10 (F) and M5 (F) for the push rod; intended for PL18-33, PL18-33R, PL18-05 and PL42-05. PL-MSA6 (V14058): M12 (M) and M6 (F).

The receiver must operate on the same frequency as the sonde: 33 kHz (32,768 Hz) or 512 Hz. Most professional cable locators can be used to locate the sondes.

With the VESALA CL43 compact locator the antenna is decisive:

• 33 kHz sondes: SA43 rod antenna (effective range up to 10 m) or LA43 proximity antenna (up to 2 m for sondes; for larger sondes and for pinpointing in exposed ducts)
• 512 Hz sondes PL18-05 and PL42-05: SA05 rod antenna (up to 10 m)

Before use, test sonde and receiver together at the intended distance.

For the SC39 the microduct is inserted about 6 cm into the duct port and secured with the locking screw; the catcher stands on a stable surface or is fixed via its attachment hole.

1. Approximate location: hold the CL43 at about 45°, sweep left and right and move in the direction of the stronger signal (accuracy approx. 1 m).
2. Longitudinal position: hold the unit vertically and find the signal minimum line, which runs across the duct; mark it on the ground.
3. Transverse position: hold the unit horizontally at right angles to the minimum line and move along this line to find the signal maximum – this is where the sonde is.
4. Depth: keep the unit horizontal and at right angles to the minimum line and move it towards the sonde nose until a second minimum appears. Depth = distance between the two minima × 1.4.

If the sonde lies next to an interfering cable, duct or rail, turn the rod antenna parallel to the source of interference and approach the sonde in this position until a signal maximum appears.

Each sonde takes one battery (MegaSonde PL42-05: eight cells). The operating times apply at +20 °C; lower temperatures shorten them.

The 10-packs V14007 (BR211), V14027 (BR425) and V14047 (BR535) match these sondes; the operating time under load drops to 2 h (BR211, BR535) or 6 h (BR425) at 0 °C. A sonde starts transmitting as soon as the battery is inserted; it is switched off by removing the battery after use. On MPL6-33, VMS6-33, MPL7-33, MPL9-33 and the PL sondes a flashing LED indicates operation; when it goes out, the battery must be replaced.

• The light sondes VMS3-33, MPL4-33, MPL6-33, VMS6-33, MPL7-33 and MPL9-33 can be jetted. PL18-33 and PL18-33R only at low speed (max. 5 m/s); PL18-05 and PL42-05 are not intended for jetting because of their weight.
• Maximum jetting speed with shock absorber 20 m/s (VMS3-33: 15 m/s), without shock absorber 10 m/s. Always use the VMS3-33 and MPL4-33 with a shock absorber.
• Maximum air pressure: 5 bar (VMS3-33, MPL4-33), 6 bar (MPL6-33, VMS6-33, MPL7-33), 10 bar (MPL9-33, PL18-33, PL18-33R).
• Procedure: fit a sonde catcher at the end of the duct, attach shock absorber and calibre to the sonde, insert the sonde shock absorber first, increase the air flow gradually and cut it as soon as the sonde reaches the catcher.
• Wear a face shield and head protection when jetting.

33 kHz sondes are intended for non-conductive ducts and pipes (e.g. plastic); they do not transmit through cast iron. 512 Hz sondes can also be used in cast iron and non-magnetic stainless steel pipes with a slightly reduced range; other metals reduce it further.

That depends on the marker type. For ball markers with the power limiter in place the following typical maximum detection depths apply; in the EU the limiter must not be removed:

With ring markers the signal pattern also depends on their orientation in the ground. Inductive loops, devices containing transformers, large cable reels or large metal objects nearby can cause false or missed detections.