The FX12/19 locating probe has been created by combining two frequencies 12 and 19.2 kHz in one probe. Now you do not need to have two types of probes with different frequencies, FX12 and FX19, to drill with the DIGITRAK F2 location system in high interference conditions. At the same time, the probe’s operating time on a single battery has been extended by twice that of a single frequency probe.
How a dual frequency probe was developed for the DIGITRAK F2/F5 location system
During a pilot drill in Moscow, it was necessary to descend diagonally about 50 metres under power lines. However, the locator was losing the FX12 probe signal even in close proximity to power lines. The technician asked what to do? He was advised to first walk along the future drilling route with a locator and compare the level of interference at different frequencies. As it turned out, the interference below the power lines at 12 kHz exceeded 500 units, while at 19 kHz the interference was at 180 units. The F2 locator was losing signal from the FX12 probe when drilling under power lines. So the customer bought the FX19 and drilling under power lines was no longer a problem for him.
What if we already have a universal dual-frequency probe for the F2 locator, the same as the F5D 19/12 for the F5 locator? Simply compare the interference along the drilling path, select the necessary frequency and start working. But in the case described, this probe variant for the F2 locator was not provided.
Since 2009, when the F2 locator was developed, the manufacturer has regularly been asked for an additional renewed probe with a different frequency. An engineering solution was therefore developed to convert any FX probe into a dual frequency FX12/19 – a proprietary product.
Before turning on the probe, select the FX12/19 frequency
The FX12/19 frequency is selected during initial probe power-up, installation or battery replacement.
If the probe is tilted head down, it will start to operate at 12 kHz when the battery is inserted and the probe is jerked in about 3-4 seconds.
If the probe is tilted head up, it will start to operate at 19 kHz when the battery is inserted and the probe is jerked in about 3-4 seconds.
