Monday 22 September 2014

Protimeter Digital Mini

Protimeter Digital Mini

Protimeter has officially announced the newly anticipated Protimeter Digital Mini – the third generation digital moisture meter.

If you want to achieve a high precision moisture reading combined with Protimeter’s outstanding quality, the Protimeter Digital Mini is an instrument you need to get your hands on.

Protimeter has been the leading manufacture of moisture measuring instruments, bring to market the very best instruments for the detection of damp within structures.


Digital Technology
The Protimeter Digital Mini builds upon the outstanding heritage of the Protimeter range by providing an accurate pin type instrument with digital technology. The user can read the measurements through a large LCD display and interpret the moisture level at a glance through the colour-coded LED scaled display.

The colour coded LEDs are synchronised with the digital display to provide information on the moisture condition of the material at the point of measurement. 60 colour LEDs display the severity of the moisture condition in three bands;
Green - Dry
Air dry moisture content

Amber - Borderline
Excess of moisture is present. This moisture cannot be attributed to high atmospheric humidity but to a definite source. If the reading in this zone persists or increases, remedial action is needed. Decay likely.

Red - Damp
A serious moisture condition exists and immediate remedial treatment must be effected. Decay inevitable.


Measure Moisture Below The Surface
Sub-surface measurements can be obtained by using the Protimeter Digital Mini with optional probes, such as the Hammer Electrode for wood, Deep Wall Probes for solid walls and the EIFS probe for exterior insulation and finishing systems.

Protimeter Digital Mini Design
The Protimeter Digital Mini follows the major revisions of Protimeter’s overhaul of the range. Incorporating a new, ergonomic designed case to improve comfort and handling, the Protimeter Digital Mini now features a large digital LED screen.

The reference mode is very useful when you have to compare measurements taken at numerous points in the building to a selected reference or baseline value.


Protimeter Quality Lasting Years
As a leading retailer and honest seller of equipment, we like to provide customers with the best instruments from all leading manufacturers. But all Protimeter products provide a lot more. Their very high quality means that you only need to purchase one instrument which will last for years. When we say years we do mean a long time.

In the unlikely event that your Protimeter receives a fault, the instrument’s is covered by a Protimeter 2 year warranty!


Verify Readings
Cheaper instruments may detect moisture, but you can’t guarantee their accuracy. With the Protimeter Digital Mini, you will receive a Calibration Check device that allows the user to verify that the readings are within the Protimeter’s high tolerance band.

After selling the Protimeter range for over 15 years, I have not received an instrument back that is not measuring within the specified tolerance. This can not be said for cheaper alternatives!

Often we hear from customers discussing their disastrous encounters with alternative manufactures. In one case their client challenged the readings which could not be supported, so losing credibility of the survey and having to refund the days fee.

So cheaper instruments will be cheaper, but they won't last as long, provide the same level of quality, provide you with verified accuracy and you will not receive the protection of a 2 year warranty!


Friday 19 September 2014

10 Things About Cable Detection Ezicat



10 Things About Cable Detection Ezicat


Cable Detection’s range of cable avoidance tools have been the main stay for the detection of buried services. Their digital technology incorporates the latest functions and features to ensure pin-point accuracy.

Since the launch of the Cable Detection EZiCAT system, leading civil engineering and utility companies have converted over to the world of digital buried cable detection.

So what are some of the best features to lookout for?

1 Digital Technology
Cable Detection developed the EZiCAT system to benefit from state-of-the-art full digital signal processing technology (DSP). This ensures that users obtains the highest accuracy, receiving detailed information about the location of buried utilities, essential to protect employees and equipment during any excavation project.

Non digital cable avoidance tools are designed with numerous internal boards, controlled by variable resistors, which need constant adjustment by trained service technicians. These older devices cannot self-monitor their internal settings, nor indicate to the user if there is a problem with the device. Equipment which functions incorrectly will return incorrect signals without the user knowing.

Cable Detection has incorporated a built-in test function, verifying the hardware and software. This ensures that before the instrument is utilised onsite, the device is checked and if a problem has been found, replaced with a workable instrument.


2 Depth indication
The Cable Detection EZiCAT models feature utility depth indication, when used in conjunction with a signal generator (EZiTEX) or Sonde. Operators can determine the depth of the buried utility, providing an advantage when conducting ground surveys.

Available on models Cable Detection EZiCAT i550, i550xf, i650, i650xf and i750


3 Current measurement
The Cable Detection EZiCAT Current Measurement indicates the amount current flowing through a service applied by a transmitter.

The transmitter is used to apply a signal (current) to the required service. The signal can also couple to additional services making it hard to distinguish by conventional locating techniques.

The highest current reading (mA) will be obtained when the locator is positioned over the service which has the transmitter attached to it.

Available on models Cable Detection EZiCAT i550xf, i650xf and i750xf


4 Wireless data communication
Cable Detection has incorporated Bluetooth wireless connectivity into their range of EZiCAT cable locators. Wireless connectivity allows the EZiCAT to integrate seamlessly with mobile mapping technology to log survey data, in addition to enabling wireless Bluetooth data transfer.

Available on models Cable Detection EZiCAT i550, i550xf, i650, i650xf and i750xf


5 Datalogging
Cable Detection EZiCAT system a fully digital datalogging system, which stores the instrument’s activity and function usage.

Information is recorded every second and held within the locator’s internal memory. This data can be retrieved and transferred via Bluetooth to a PC or other electronic device for analysis. Storage time is approximately 80 hours use.

Available on models Cable Detection EZiCAT i550, i550xf, i650, i650xf and i750xf


6 Hazard zone
Buried utilities close to the surface pose a safety risk to site works. The Cable Detection Hazard Zone function provides an additional warning of the close proximity of buried services, alerting users to the immediate danger.


7 Peak Hold
When activated, the Peak Hold function shows the highest peak reading obtained during the pinpoint process.

To find the direction of the service, first find the highest peak reading, and then rotate the EZiCAT locator on its axis. When the blade of the Locator is in line with the service, the signal strength indicator is at its minimum.


8 Tilt sensor
A common problem when searching for buried services, is the way an operator utilises the cable avoidance tool. Swinging the locator is common whilst undertaking a sweep search.

The correct way is to hold all cable avoidance tools in a vertical / upright position and close to the ground.

The tilt sensor indicates if the user has ‘tilted’ or ‘swung’ the instrument during use. The datalogging system will record the tilt sensor activity alongside function data. This shows the equipment / office manager if the readings could be affected by misuse.


8 Internal GPS
A new addition to the advanced settings of Cable Detection’s EZiCAT range, an internal GPS module tracks the geographical position (Latitude and Longitude). The geographical GPS data is stored in the log file and provides information on where the locator was utilised.

The internal GPS system allows equipment managers the ability to verify that the correct area of land has been surveyed for buried cables and if a problem occurs, can pin point the exact location.


9 Xf version
The Cable Detection EZiSYTEM xf range has been specifically designed with long distance tracing in mind. The ability to trace low transmitter frequencies provides a greater tracing range as well as the ability to locate camera inspection systems.

The EZiSYSTEM xf range makes locating underground utilities including power cables, street lighting, telecoms, conductive pipework and camera inspection systems easier than ever before, increasing your on-site safety and ultimately saving you time and money.


10 Dual frequency sonde
Cable Detection has developed a dual frequency sonde allowing the surveyor or engineer to carry a single unit instead of a range of sondes.

Both 33kHz and 8kHz frequencies can be emitted by the Sonde, extending the operational capabilities to include the tracing of drains, sewers and other non-conductive services.




Wednesday 10 September 2014

Protimeter Aquant2 - How To Measure Moisture



Protimeter Aquant2 - How To Measure Moisture

Protimeter is the leading manufacturer of moisture detection instruments. At the centre of Protimeter’s range is the Protimeter Aquant2, a non-invasive moisture meter.

The Protimeter Aquant2 has been designed for professionals to detect moisture in a wide range of materials from wood, brick to fiber glass ship hulls.

The Non-invasive design means that during the surveying process, no holes will need to be drilled or pins to be pushed into the material. A search mode detects the moisture levels below the surface.

Search Mode—Non-Invasive
The Protimeter Aquant2 search mode is used to assess the moisture level beneath the surface, independently of surface conditions. When held against the surface, the instrument transmits a signal into the material. The relative moisture level is shown on the digital display and its moisture condition is shown on the accompanying scale of color-coded lights.

The Protimeter Aquant2 search model allows the user to undertake moisture readings quickly, easily and more important accurately.



Taking the readings
The Protimeter Aquant2 features a digital LCD display supported by the Protimeter’s revolutionary colour display which is a collection of 60 LEDs divided into colour-coded zones signify moisture readings of the material under investigation. The green, yellow, and red color-coded zones indicate the following:
• Material in the green zone is in a safe air-dry condition.
• In the yellow zone, moisture levels are higher than normal but not critical; further investigation is recommended.
• The red zone represents excessive moisture levels. If sustained, red zone moisture levels will lead to decay in materials.

The LCD display will provide a digital reading of the moisture content whilst the LEDs provide a guide to the severity of the moisture reading.


How To Measure
Undertaking moisture readings with the Protimeter Aquant2 is very simple. The search mode requires the instrument to be held against the surface of the material.

The shape of the Protimeter Aquant2 case ensures that the instrument is held correctly for optimal reading. When held against the surface, the instrument transmits a signal into the material. The relative moisture level is shown on the digital display and its moisture condition is shown on the accompanying scale of colour-coded lights.

The search mode is used to assess the moisture level beneath the surface of solid walls and floors independently of surface conditions. The nominal depth of the measurement is 20 mm this depends on the density and other characteristics of the material.


This measurement presentation helps the user to:
• Look for moisture behind wall and floor coverings, such as tile and vinyl
• Assess, in relative terms, if the material is in a dry, borderline or damp
• Map the extent of the problem numerically
• Non-invasive pin less radio frequency finds moisture at depth where moisture is not always
  directly visible up to 20 mm below the surface
• This mode of measurement is not adversely affected by the presence of surface moisture

Applications: Shower pans, behind ceramic tile, fine finishes, water stains, tile and vinyl floor coverings, joists, around toilets, drywall, below grade floors and walls, plaster, masonry, concrete and concrete block, fibreglass ship hulls


Leica Lino L2G+ Green Bean Cross Line Laser



Leica Lino L2G+ Green Bean Cross Line Laser

Leica Geosystems have introduced a new cross line laser, the Leica Lino L2G+. This high performance, high accuracy cross line laser has been designed to projecting a visible and clear green laser beam. Plain and simple, this laser will make it easier for you to see your reference line.

The Leica Lino L2G+ cross line laser features best-in-class visibility with new green beam technology!

Green lasers typically consume more power than red beam lasers, but the Leica Lino L2G+ has optimized electronics that reduce battery consumption and extend battery life. When compared to similar green cross line lasers, the Leica Lino L2G+ has up to more than 3 times longer working times.

4 times higher visibility
Green laser beams are up to four times more visible to the human eye. So it is much easier to see, especially in very bright conditions or over distances, both of which are common on job sites.

Best laser line quality
The Leica Lino L2G+ uses the latest direct emitting green laser technology, which provides less speckle and projects clearer, crisper laser lines. This allows for maximum of accuracy for interior finishing tasks.

Longer Working Distances
Combining the higher visibility of the green laser beam and the excellent laser line quality, the Leica Lino L2G+ provides a longer working distance of up to 30 meters without using a receiver!


Wide Emergence angle
The Leica Lino L2G+ provides a true 180° emergence angle to ensure outstanding visibility and extension of the laser lines and allow perfect levelling and alignment at long distances.

Throughout the laser line, the beam is clean and crisp to ensure true readings are obtained.

It is possible, e.g. to transfer reference points from one wall to the next. Leave your spirit level and string in your tool box.

Very high accuracy
With projection and levelling accuracy of ±1.5mm, the Leica Lino L2G+ is one of the most precise instruments in its class.

Very easy to use
With only one button operation, the Leica Lino L2G+ is quick and easy to operate. Setting the instrument up is child's play, with the magnetic multifunction adapter supplied.


What can I do with the target plate?
You can use the target plate to more easily see the laser beam. For example, you can use the target plate if there is no wall on which you can project the laser line or dot. There also is a magnet on the top of the plate that helps it to attach to magnetic surfaces. This feature is particularly useful when installing suspended ceilings. Note: Please use green target plates with the Leica Lino L2G+ and red target plates for red lasers, as the matching colour has a strong impact on visibility.

How does the self-levelling work?
The Leica Lino’s automatically compensate whenever they are set down on uneven surfaces, with a range of +/-4°. If the automatic self-levelling range is exceeded the laser beam blinks on and off, signalling to the user that it is out of the self-levelling range. So basically, if you set the tool down and the beams don’t blink, the reference line is level with an accuracy defined per product in the user manual. This means that costly measuring errors can be prevented.

What can I do with the lock function?
The lock function locks the self-levelling mechanism. This feature is useful when the lines are not to be projected horizontally or vertically, but rather at an angle, as for alignment of handrails on staircases. We also recommend using the lock function during transport to extend the life of your Lino by allowing the pendulum to be better protected against shocks and drops.

Package Options
The Leica Lino L2G+ is provided in two package options. The Standard package provides most accessories required to undertake a levelling application within a house. Whilst the Professional package incorporates the lightweight TRI70 tripod and rechargeable battery pack.

Both packages are delivered with a hard carry case, holster, Leica Lino magnetic adapter and green target plate.

Leica Lino L2G+ Green Cross Line Laser


Thursday 4 September 2014

Cable Location With Integrated GPS Technology



Cable Location With Integrated GPS Technology

Location of buried services provides a constant strain to all building and civil engineering related projects. In today’s congested environment, it is imperative to locate services accurately and record these locations with pin point accuracy.

It’s pin point accuracy that is the key to saving lives. Cable avoidance tools are now powerful enough to trace a single service, provide depth estimation and warn if the instrument has been tilted, causing an error in their readings.

But, detailing the service and marking areas of a search has always been left to pen and paper. That is to say, a hand drawn diagram of the area surveyed is often sketched, not to scale or precise. Misinterpretation of the diagram can cause people to dig in areas that contain buried services, resulting in a cable strike and damage to the utility.

Recent upgrades to the utility infrastructure has required all services to be located to the highest accuracy and records kept digitally for historical reference. Until now the only way to record the location of a buried service, is first locate with a cable avoidance tool and then use a separate GPS device to log the location.

Cable Detection has overcome these problems by incorporating high accuracy, digital cable avoidance equipment with built-in GPS location technology.

GPS Positioning
The intelligent Cable Detection EZiCAT i700, EZiCAT i750, EZiCAT i750xf are the first cable locators to feature fully integrated internal GPS technology, which is used to record the geographical position of use.

The geographical position (Latitude and Longitude) is stored in the log file and provides information on where the locator was used. This information can then be transferred via Bluetooth to LOGiCAT software, making downloading and analysing the data quick and easy.

The GPS co-ordinates are recorded at second intervals and stored within the instruments internal memory. This ensures that all data relating to location of the service, activity of the instrument and geographical location is recorded.

Utilising the LOGiCAT software, managers can investigate and analyse the data. Points of interest can be identified and the service location can be recorded into a central database.

The recorded data can help identify training needs of users and for trace-ability of locating following a near miss, utility strike or similar incident.




For more information on the Cable Detection EZiCAT i700 series, visit our website