Radiodetection gCAT4 GPS Cable Locator

Radiodetection has announced that they have extended their market leading CAT4 cable avoidance range to include fully integrated, automatic GPS and enhanced logging and data analysis capabilities.

Radiodetection gC.A.T4 incorporates an internal Global Navigation Satellite System receiver capable of acquiring multiple satellite systems to provide positional data which are logged every second into the locator’s internal memory.

Accurate Records
The enhanced logging capabilities of the RD gCAT4 allows accurate records to be kept and analysed, showing not only how an operator was working, but also where a C.A.T was being used.

No Operator Input
The new GPS feature needs no operator input to function. The Radiodetection gC.A.T4 locator starts acquiring a satellite lock when the trigger is first pressed, and once acquired maintains the fix for a set time even if the trigger is released, to be ready when next used.

Enhanced Data For Fleet Managers
The comprehensive data logging capabilities of the RD gC.A.T4 allow fleet managers to review one year or more of usage data which can then be used to assess individual locate operations in order to ensure compliance with best-practice, or to identify training needs.

By using the C.A.T Manager PC Software users can export CSV, XLS or KML files that can be quickly imported into map services like Google Earth.

Location of search area through Google Maps

Revolutionised Locating Industry
The Radiodetection C.A.T4 range, launched in 2012, has revolutionised the way the locating industry operates thanks to innovative features such as dual frequency small diameter cable locating and built in data logging, that have helped to improve the quality of locate operations and reduce cable strikes.

As detailed below, the Radiodetection gCAT4 incorporates the full range of features including datalogging, StrikeAlert, Swing alert, CALSafe and Bluetooth. The Radiodetection gCAT4+ features depth location.

Radiodetection CAT4 Options List

Authorised Dealer
Survey Express Services are the leading authorised dealer and service centre for all Radiodetection products. Being an authorised distributor, we maintain the highest standards befitting the quality of Radiodetection. Our support technicians are supplier trained to meet the manufacturer’s high standards. You will find a purpose built calibration centre in all our offices capable of maintaining your fleet of Radio detection cable locators. Read more

Approved Radiodetection Dealer

Survey Express Services, are the leading authorised Radiodetection distributor, offering sales, hire and support for the full range of cable avoidance equipment.

Radiodetection range is designed to detect signals whether generated by a signal generator, inherently radiating from metallic services, or from the complimentary range of Sondes (Mice) and accessories designed to enable the location of non-conductive services.

Cable avoidance equipment are classed as safety products which require maintenance and calibration. Failing to maintain equipment can mean services are missed or damaged during excavation with the possibility of injury to site personnel.

Annual calibration is essential to maintain your precision Radiodetection’s instrument within its original specifications. Every time a piece of equipment is utilised in the field, it should be accompanied with a traceable valid calibration certificate.

Being an authorised distributor, we maintain the highest standards befitting the quality of Radiodetection. Our support technicians are supplier trained to meet the manufacturer’s high standards. You will find a purpose built calibration centre in all our offices capable of maintaining your fleet of Radio detection cable locators.


About Radiodetection
Radiodetection are a global multi-technology company making your next construction project safer, quicker and more cost effective.

Founded in 1970, Radiodetection is headquartered in Bristol, UK, with worldwide sales and service network across the globe.

Utilities worldwide rely on Radiodetection Cable Avoidance Tools (C.A.T) to prevent accidental damage to underground services when excavating, and on Radiodetection’s RD7000+ and RD8000 products to accurately locate buried services. Radiodetection's cable test products quickly locate problems such as breaks or deteriorating insulation.

Every product in the Radiodetection range is designed and manufactured to the highest standards. Radiodetection’s manufacturing operations are ISO 9001 accredited, and our products benefit from a range of approvals in specific industries.


Brief History of Radiodetection
1970’s
Radio detection launched their first cable avoidance tool in the 1970s. The C.A.T (Cable Avoiding Tool) was a basic rugged locator designed for use by construction workers.

1980s
The RD400 Locator was launched and wins an international award at the Hanover Fair in West Germany selects the RD400 for its ‘outstanding industrial design’. The RD400 combined performance in an easy to use, rugged and ergonomic package.

1990s Radio detection’s C.A.T and Genny (MK2) launched, building on the success of the original C.A.T the new unit has many advantages while retaining its ease of use and ruggedness.

2000s – present
Radiodetection launches the RD7000™ and RD8000™ cable and pipe locator. The RD7000™ and RD8000™ are powerful successors to the industry standard RD4000 family of cable and pipe locators.

Radiodetection launches the new C.A.T and Genny MK4 offering groundbreaking features - delivering improved safety, faster surveys and simpler operation.

Radiodetection becomes part of the SPX corporation

Radiodetection CAT4 and Genny4 Network Rail Approved

Radiodetection’s recently launched Radiodetection C.A.T4 and Genny4 cable avoidance tools, together with a wide range of their accessories, have gained authorisation for use on the UK’s national rail infrastructure, managed by Network Rail.

In order for an instrument to be utilised in and around the United Kingdom's rail infrastructure, Network Rail has to grant product acceptance.

The product acceptance process provides assurance to Network Rail that products when accepted for use on or about our infrastructure are:
a) Safe
b) Fit for purpose
c) Do not export unacceptable risks to Network Rail infrastructure


Detect more - faster, smarter, safer
The new Radiodetection Radiodetection C.A.T4, Radiodetection eCAT4 and Genny4 have been designed to help operators find more buried utilities, more quickly and more safely. Providing a mix of familiarity and innovation, Radiodetection’s new range of Cable Avoidance Tools help operators to detect smaller and deeper cables, faster.

Radiodetection eC.A.T4 series products are designed to assist in locate task management, featuring automatic data logging key locate parameters at one-second intervals, calibration due warnings and SWING, which warns operators of incorrect usage patterns.

Advanced features extend locate capabilities - Dynamic Overload Protection, allows operators to locate in electrically noisy areas, such as beneath overhead power lines trackside, while Avoidance Mode lets the operator check an intended excavation area for Power, Radio and Genny signals, and pinpoint located utilities in a single scan.

For more information on Radiodetection's range of CAT4 and ECAT4

Radiodetection CAT4, eCAT4 and Genny4

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 Range

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.