Radiodetection has launched a new range of cable avoidance tools, the CAT4 and Genny4. Evolving from the previous market leading CAT3 range, the new Radiodetection CAT4 incorporates a new range of ground breaking safety features which enhance cable detection searching.
In an ever more safety-focused industry, operators require precision instruments to find buried utilities, faster and safer than before.
Detect more, detect faster
With the Radiodetection CAT4 is a true digital cable avoidance tool, delivering highly refined location capabilities, specifically designed to help the operator find more buried utilities.
The enhanced Avoidance Mode allows the operator to check an intended excavation area for Power, Radio and Genny signals simultaneously, pinpointing buried utilities in a single scan. Once identified, the separate scanning modes should be utilised to re-enforce their locations especially undertaking a search with a signal generator.
All readings are supported by the bargraph ‘tidemark’ enable an operator to quickly spot a peak response and zero-in on a buried conductor with ‘Real Sound’ providing audio feedback derived directly from the utility located.
A new development incorporated from the higher specification Radiodetection RD7000 and RD8000 models, is the 131kHz frequency which provides a strong trace signal for small bore cables and pipes. When a signal is inducted by the Genny4, the operator using a CAT4 can trace the signal at longer distances.
eCAT4
Developed as part of the CAT4 design is the revolutionary eCAT4 option, which incorporates a range of digital enhancements that support both the operator and fleet mangers alike.
For the first time, onboard systems will record the instruments usage to help establish if the instrument is performing correctly and more importantly if the operative is performing a utility search correctly.
Detect safer
Radiodetection has over 30 year’s expertise in the development of high specification cable avoidance tools. Every product development enhances the safe search of utility services, so it would be no surprise that the new range of Radiodetection CAT4 is packed with improved safety features.
The Radiodetection CAT4 guides users towards better and safer working practices through its StrikeAlert, SWING detector and Service Due date warning.
Dynamic Overload Protection
Radiodetection‘s unique digital signal processing capabilities equips the Radiodetection CAT4 with the ability to reject electrical interference. The cutting edge Dynamic Overload Protection feature provides the CAT4 cable avoidance tool the ability to continue operating in electrically challenging areas, such as near substations and under power cables, where other locators’ detection circuitry may be overloaded and no longer function.
StrikeAlert
Minimise the risk of hitting a shallow cable with the optional StrikeAlert which has been enhanced and optimised to reduce the instances of false warnings.
SWING Warning
A new improvement incorporated into the Radiodetection eCAT4, is the introduction of a swing warning device which warns the operator if the cable avoidance tool is not correctly point to the ground.
Why is this important?
In order for any cable avoidance tool to detect the precise location of buried utilities, the base of the instrument should be pointed to the ground. If pointed away from the ground, the instrument will not detect correctly and the operator can miss vital utilities.
Radiodetection’s research into underground signal detection has shown that the ability of an operator to identify these buried utilities is directly affected by careless working practices such as excessive or rapid swinging.
To further reduce utility strike risks, eCAT4 units are equipped with sensors to detect such incorrect usage and warn the operator with an alert that is also stored in the data log.
Data Acquisition
The Radiodetection eCAT4 series products are equipment with enough onboard memory to store over a year’s worth of the key measurements and modes of operation. When hooked up to a computer running the CAT Manager, fleet managers can access the data and export the instruments log files. Multiple benefits are provided through identifying training and development needs, whilst independent historical records of the instrument’s usage can be maintained.
To match individual preferences or intended use, CAT Manager can disable or enable CAT4 features such as depth estimation and warnings. User-editable fields enable plant/fleet codes and other details to be stored on the unit, simplifying records and traceability.
Signal Generators
When undertaking a utility search, it is vital to conduct the search with a signal generator. The main purpose of a signal generator is to induce a signal in utilities if they are not carrying a power signal i.e. street lamps, BT lines and pipes. For more information, read our article on – Simply Way To Improve Utility Detection.
Radiodetection Genny4
To complement the enhanced digital features of the Radiodetection CAT4, the Radiodetection has developed the Genny4 to provide a new integrated logic design, a class-first simultaneous dual-frequency signal output design.
Alongside the familiar 33kHz locate signal for general purpose locates, the Genny4 transmits a second frequency (131kHz) designed to facilitate location of small diameter cables such as telecoms and street lighting, including spurs. For tricky locates, the new power boost function enables the locate signal to travel further and deeper, and couple onto utilities more easily.
Genny4 Signal Boost
The Radiodetection Genny4 offers, alongside its standard power mode, a Signal Boost feature which increases the output signal by up to 10 times allowing you to locate over extra distance and depth. Additionally, the simultaneous Small Diameter Locate frequency design aids detection of smaller cables including spurs.
Click to view Radiodetection CAT4 Range
Click to view Radiodetection eCAT4 Range
Click to view Radiodetection Genny4
This article has been developed by Survey Express Services Copyright 2012 Survey Express Services. All rights reserved.
All images supplied by Radiodetection Ltd. Copyright 2012 Radiodetection Ltd. - SPX Corporation. All rights reserved.
