RIDGID SeekTech ST-305 - Manual (Page 7)

Ridge Tool Company 
Tools For The Professional TM
SeekTech ® ST-305
WARNING! NEVER CONNECT TO LINES KNOWN TO BE
ENERGIZED WITH A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL
CURRENT. To increase safety, the ground lead should be
attached first. If there were an unknown high voltage
running through the target line, this would allow a means
of redirecting the current away from the transmitter and
operator.
Power the ST-305 up.
Select a Frequency on the Transmitter.
Available frequencies are:
1 kHz
8 kHz
33 kHz
93 kHz
The selected frequency is shown by a lit LED. The 93 kHz
is shown by a rapid flashing of the 33 kHz LED. To set the
unit on 93 kHz, press the Frequency Key for more than one
second (long press). The 33 kHz LED will start flashing rapidly,
indicating a 93 kHz frequency.
2. Check the Circuit and Adjust Power
Level
Confirm the circuit is grounded by checking the connection to
the ground stake is secure and the stake is firmly embedded
in the ground. To adjust the power level, press the power
button briefly. The ST-305 will cycle through the low, medium
and high power levels.
NOTE: Higher power settings produce more current, which
gives a stronger signal. Less current prolongs battery life. Signal
strength measured by the receiver is directly proportional to
the amount of current on the line. More current will produce
a stronger signal received by the receiver.
Use only as much current as is needed to get a strong reading
on the receiver.
Generally the lower the resistance the more efficiently current
can be added. A lower resistance indicates an efficient circuit
and requires less voltage to charge the line. Things that
increase resistance include paint or dirt on the connection
points, very dry soil, poor ground connection, poor insulation
on a wire, or breaks in the conductor.
Power Settings
There are 3 power settings available:
• Low power (approximately .5 watt)
• Medium power (approximately 2.0 watts)
• High power (approximately 5 watts)
Low power will provide the least current with the longest
battery life. Actual power output will vary with circuit
resistance and frequency used. These values assume a
nominal 320-ohm load.
The transmitter’s maximum current output depends on the
amount of resistance in the circuit.
CAUTION: If the transmitter is showing low or no current
(low or no beep rate), the signal may be too low to be detected
by the receiver locator and inadequate for tracing.
3. Check the Receiver
Confirm that the transmitter and receiver are set to the same
frequency. Hold the receiver near the transmitter cables and
confirm a signal is being received.
FCC Limits
47 CFR 15.213 requires that from 9 kHz up to (but not
including) 45 kHz, peak output power shall not exceed 10 W.
From 45 kHz to 490 kHz, it must not exceed 1 W. When the
ST-305 is set to 262 kHz (European version: 93 khz), the power
output levels are limited:
Low: 0.3 watt
Medium: 0.6 watt
High: 1 watt
These values assume a nominal load of 320 ohms.