Ditch Witch UtiliGuard - Manual (Page 45)

Locate - 44
UtiliGuard™ Series Operator’s Manual
Common Signal Problems
CMW
®
Common Signal Problems
Distortions in the electromagnetic field around a cable can affect location accuracy. Tees, bends, parallel
cables, crossing cables, or large metallic objects can distort signals.
Learn to recognize the following kinds of distortion:
Shadows
Shadows, also called blind spots, often happen when a metallic object partially obstructs the signal, or a
signal from a parallel cable interferes with target signal.
Secondary (Ghost) Signals
A typical beacon signal pattern shows a main signal and two weaker secondary signals. Identify beacon
location at the main signal. Familiarity with beacon signal patterns will lessen the effect of ghost signals.
Using the Total Field antenna mode will eliminate ghost signals. See “Select Antenna Configuration” on
page 27.
IMPORTANT: If target depth and location are critical, confirm by hand-digging or vacuum excavation.