3M Dynatel 1420-iD - User Manual

3M
™
Dynatel
™
Electronic Marking System (EMS)
Marker Locator 1420-iD
Operator’s Manual
1420-iD Marker Locator
1420E-iD Marker Locator
September 2015
78-8130-6741-6 Rev G 3

Summary

1. Safety Information

A. Intended Use

Describes the purpose and limitations of the locator.

2. Quick Start

A. Battery Installation

Instructions for installing batteries into the locator unit.

B. Cleaning the Unit

Guidelines for cleaning the locator device.

C. Service and Accessories

Information on obtaining service and replacement parts.

3 M Dynatel 1420-iD Keypad and Display Definitions

Keypad Controls and Functions

Details on buttons like On/Off, Volume, Gain, Menu, and Soft Keys.

Display Indicators and Ports

Explanation of icons, signal strength, and connection ports.

3. Menu Displays

A. Main Menu Navigation

Overview of the main menu and its options for device configuration.

6. Setup: Locator Configuration Options

Options for setting depth units, clock, language, and marker types.

7. Self Test Procedure

Steps to perform a self-check on the locator unit.

8. Help Mode Overview

Accessing basic on-screen information and guides.

4. Locating 3 M Electronic Markers and 3 M ID Markers

A. E-Model Initial Configuration

Initial setup steps required for the 1420E model.

B. Activating Marker Locate Feature (E-Model Only)

Enabling the electronic marker location feature for E-Model locators.

C. Enable;Disable Marker Frequencies

Procedure to enable or disable marker and path frequencies.

D. Single Marker or Path Locate

Steps for locating a single marker or path.

E. Dual 3 M Marker Locate

Procedure for locating two markers simultaneously.

F. 3 M ID Marker Depth Measurement

How to measure the depth of an iD marker.

G. Passive (Non-iD) Marker Depth

Procedure for measuring the depth of passive markers.

5. Creating;Editing Templates for 3 M iD Markers

A. Creating New Templates

Steps for creating new data templates for iD markers.

B. Editing Templates

How to modify existing data templates for iD markers.

6. Writing 3 M ID Markers

Configuring Write Mode Options

Settings for overwrite, X-Type, marker type, and lock status.

Entering and Verifying Marker Data

Data preparation and confirmation before writing.

Writing Data to Marker

Steps to perform the actual data write operation to the marker.

A. Modifying 3 M Marker Data to be Written

Procedure to alter information within existing marker data templates.

7. Reading 3 M ID Markers

Extracting Marker Data

Steps to retrieve data from an iD marker.

Saving Read Data to History

How retrieved marker data is saved in the locator's history.

8. Reviewing 3 M Marker Read;Write History

A. Read History

Viewing the historical file of marker data that has been read.

B. Write History

Viewing the historical file of marker data that has been written.

9. GPS Compatibility Operation

A. Communicating with the GPS Device

Configuring serial port settings for GPS device communication.

B. Capturing GPS Coordinates

Procedure for capturing GPS coordinates using NMEA mode.

C. Sending Marker Data to GPS

Sending 3M iD marker data directly to GPS devices.

10. Help Mode

Help Mode Overview

Accessing basic on-screen information and guides.

11. 3 M Dynatel PC Tool Kit and Locator Software Upgrades

12. Self Test Of 3 M Dynatel EMS Marker Locator

Performing the Self-Test

Steps to execute and interpret the locator's self-test results.

13. Locator Specifications: 1420-iD

15. Locator Specifications: 1420 E-ID

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Marker Locating and Depth Measurement
4. Template Management
5. Writing 3M iD Markers
6. Reading 3M iD Markers
7. Reviewing Marker Read/Write History
8. GPS Compatibility Operation
9. Help Mode
10. Maintenance Features

The 3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marking System (EMS) Marker Locator 1420-iD and 1420E-iD are advanced electronic marker locating devices designed for identifying buried utilities and structures. These locators combine the functionality of previous Dynatel models with enhanced capabilities to read from and write user information into 3M iD Markers. This allows for comprehensive resource management by reading, storing, and downloading information such as pre-programmed unique identification numbers, facility data, application types, and placement dates to a PC. The 1420-iD and 1420E-iD models can simultaneously search for two different types of utility markers, and when integrated with a hand-held GPS device, they can transmit path and marker coordinates, significantly enhancing mapping capabilities for CAD and GIS systems.

Function Description:

The primary function of the 3M Dynatel 1420-iD and 1420E-iD Marker Locators is to accurately locate 3M Buried Markers and read/write data to 3M iD Markers. The device operates by detecting specific frequencies emitted by these markers. The 1420E-iD model requires an initial configuration to enable the electronic marker location feature, which involves selecting the country of operation to comply with local regulations regarding marker operating frequencies. The locator supports both single marker and dual marker locate modes, allowing users to pinpoint individual markers or simultaneously search for two different utility marker types.

Usage Features:

The locator features a user-friendly interface with a keypad and display for easy operation.

• Power Control: An On/Off button [1] controls the unit's power.
• Speaker Volume Control: A dedicated control [2] adjusts the locator's volume (off, low, medium, high), with the current volume level indicated by the Speaker Volume Icon [2A].
• Display Contrast: Arrows [3] allow users to adjust the contrast of the display for optimal visibility.
• Gain Adjust: The sensitivity of the locator can be adjusted using the Gain Adjust [4] feature to maintain a satisfactory signal level. When a marker is detected, the gain should be adjusted down until the bar graph opens, the audio becomes steady, and the Signal Strength [10] is maximized, indicating precise location.
• Locate/OK: This button [5] sets the locator to trace mode for locating markers and acknowledges setup entries.
• Menu: The Menu button [6] displays the setup screen for configuring various unit settings, including clock, language, depth units, and marker data.
• Backlight: A toggle [7] controls the backlight intensity (low, high, off).
• Soft Keys: Four yellow soft keys (SK) have functions displayed above them on the screen, which change based on the locator's operation mode. Soft Key Commands [9] define these functions.
• Signal Strength and Bar Graph: The Signal Strength [10] provides a digital reading of the detected signal, while the Bar Graph [11] offers a graphical representation.
• Gain Level: Displays the relative gain level [12].
• External Jack: Not active on this model [13].
• Serial Port: An RS232 port [14] allows connection to a PC via a serial or USB-to-Serial Adapter cable for software upgrades and data transfer.
• Earphone Jack: A standard 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) mini-jack mono earphone plug can be connected [15].

Marker Locating and Depth Measurement:

• 3M iD Marker Depth: To determine the depth of a 3M iD Marker, the locator's tip is lowered to the ground over the target. Pressing the Depth [SK] button initiates the measurement, displaying the marker's depth and serial number. Up to five depth readings can be saved with time, date, and identification number.
• Passive 3M™ Electronic Marker (Non-iD) Depth: For passive markers, the locator's tip is lowered to the ground, and after an initial examination, the operator is instructed to raise the unit 6 inches (15.2 cm) from the ground for an accurate depth reading. Five depth readings can be saved.

Template Management:

The locator allows users to create and modify templates for writing to iD markers. This can be done directly on the unit or more easily using the 3M™ Dynatel™ PC Tool Kit software on a PC. Templates can include various fields such as date, depth, and description, with options for UserEdit, selecting common compressed terms, or deleting rows.

Writing 3M iD Markers:

The Write Mode enables users to write information into 3M iD markers.

• Template Selection: Users select a template from a list, which can be 'Last Written/Read' or a custom template.
• Write Mode Options: Options include Overwrite (to replace existing data on an unlocked marker), X-Type (for Gen 1 or Gen 2 markers), Marker type selection, and Lock/Unlocked (to permanently lock marker data).
• Writing Process: The locator is held directly over the marker within specified writing ranges (e.g., 6 in for Near-Surface, 12 in for Ball Marker, 24 in for Full-Range). A verification screen appears if the marker is to be locked.

Reading 3M iD Markers:

The operator can retrieve data from iD markers by pressing the Read [SK] button. The locator tip should be lowered to the ground for maximum read depth. If multiple markers are detected, the "Read Next" key can be used to extract data from other markers. All retrieved information, including date, time, and GPS coordinates (if connected), is saved in the 'Read History' file.

Reviewing Marker Read/Write History:

The 'Data/Template' menu provides access to Read History (100 memory locations for read iD Markers) and Write History (100 memory locations for written iD Markers). Users can view marker data, details, and return to the main display.

GPS Compatibility Operation:

The locator can communicate with GPS devices through its Serial Port [14].

• NMEA Mode: Configured to receive NMEA signals from a GPS device (4800 Baud Rate) for capturing GPS coordinates.
• GIS Mode: Configured to send and receive data to a GPS device with GIS mapping capabilities, allowing 3M iD Marker data to be stamped with latitude, longitude, and date/time data for GIS mapping software.
• PC Mode: Configured for communication with a computer for the Dynatel PC Tool Kit application.
• PDA Mode: Configured to send information to GPS devices that only receive data.
• TRSync Mode: Similar to PDA mode but transmits data in an abbreviated CSV format.

Help Mode:

The Help Mode [10] provides basic on-screen instructions and serves as a quick reference guide, with sections navigable via double up/down arrows and line-by-line scrolling via single up/down arrows.

Maintenance Features:

• Battery Installation: The unit uses 8 'AA' (LR 6) size Alkaline Batteries. Users are cautioned to install batteries with proper polarity, use only specified battery types, and remove batteries during long storage periods to prevent environmental contamination. The battery level is continuously indicated by the Battery Icon [8] and Bar Graph [11] on the display.
• Cleaning: The unit can be cleaned by wiping it with a damp cloth.
• Service and Accessories: Information regarding service, accessories, or replacement parts can be obtained by contacting 3M customer service.
• Software Upgrades: Locator software upgrades are periodically released and available for free download from the 3M website. The 3M Dynatel PC Tool Kit software facilitates these upgrades, allowing users to update the locator to the latest software revision, program multiple locators, load alternate languages, and utilize iD Marker utilities for template creation and data download.
• Self Test: The Self Test [12] performs a self-check on the locator, displaying current unit information (model number, serial number, software revision, hardware revision) and showing a status bar during the test. Results appear on the display upon completion.

3M Dynatel 1420-iD Specifications