This page serves as a brief instruction for individuals who have previous experience using equipment similar to the one you have purchased. We strongly recommend that prior to using your equipment, you carefully read the manual that accompanies it. It is essential that you keep the manual with the equipment at all times for future reference. In the event that you require a replacement copy of the manual, please contact your dealer.
The DigiTrak Eclipse InGround Positioning System (iGPS) is a powerful tool for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) locating equipment. This guide will walk you through the steps of using the iGPS system, from setting up the components to troubleshooting common issues.
Step 1: Safety Precautions
Before using the iGPS system, it is important to read carefully the Safety Precautions and Warnings section at the front of this manual. This section provides important information about potential hazards and how to protect yourself and others while using the system.
Step 2: Setting Up Components
The iGPS system consists of several components, including the receiver, remote display, transmitter, and battery charger. The first four sections of this manual provide detailed instructions for setting up each component correctly.
To set up the receiver, you will need to connect it to a power source and attach an antenna. The remote display can be connected to the receiver via a cable or used wirelessly. The transmitter should be attached to your drilling equipment and powered on before use. Finally, the battery charger can be used to charge your transmitter batteries when they are low.
To ensure that your iGPS system is working properly, it is important to calibrate it before each drilling run. This involves checking that the receiver is showing the correct depth and that the drill head has been located correctly and accurately. The calibration should be checked for accuracy so that the receiver shows the correct depth.
If you find that your depth readings are not accurate, there are several things you can do to adjust the system. First, make sure that the Eclipse receiver has been properly calibrated and that the calibration has been checked for accuracy. Second, ensure that the drill head has been located correctly and accurately and that the receiver is directly above and parallel to the transmitter in the tool underground or above the front locate point (FLP).
Step 3: Locating and Steering to a Target
The locating procedure for using your iGPS system assumes you are facing away from your drilling equipment with your transmitter out ahead of you. However, it is possible to locate your transmitter while facing either toward or away from your drilling equipment.
To locate your transmitter while facing away from your drilling equipment, follow these steps:
- Select a mode on your remote display that matches your transmitter frequency.
- Hold the receiver at waist height with both hands.
- Walk slowly in a straight line away from your drilling equipment.
- Watch for changes in signal strength on your remote display.
- When you reach a point where signal strength begins to decrease, turn 90 degrees to either side.
- Walk slowly in a straight line until signal strength increases again.
- Repeat steps 5-6 until you have located your transmitter.
If you need to locate your transmitter while facing toward your drilling equipment, simply reverse steps 5-6 above.
To steer towards a target, you can use DCI's new Target Steering feature. This allows you to program the intended position of your transmitter for easier remote steering.
Step 4: Using Eclipse Cable Transmitter System
If you need to use an Eclipse cable transmitter system with your iGPS, follow the instructions provided in this manual for setting it up and using it correctly. This section provides detailed instructions for connecting the cable transmitter to your drilling equipment and using it with the iGPS system.
Step 5: Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while using your iGPS system, refer to the final section of this manual for quick-reference troubleshooting information. This section provides a list of common problems and solutions that can help you identify and fix issues quickly.