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Support: Glossary

Active Transmitter
A Transmitter that has batteries installed or a Cable Transmitter that is hooked up to power.

Battery Charger
Used to charge and condition (discharge) the DigiTrak batteries. May be used with AC or DC sources and is easily adapted for worldwide usage.

Cable Transmitter
Transmitter that is hard wired directly to the Remote Display unit and allows information to be obtained during very long and/or deep drilling runs.

Clicking vs. Holding Trigger
See Trigger Clicked, Trigger In, and Trigger Out.

DataLog System
The logging function hardware and firmware used for collecting the data about the drilling operation to produce plots of the borepath location.

Depth vs. Slant Distance vs. Range
Depth is the number displayed in the bottom window when the Receiver is positioned directly above the Transmitter (with the trigger released). Slant distance is the number in the bottom window when the Receiver is not positioned above the Transmitter (with the trigger released). Range is the maximum depth of a Transmitter; it can be affected by interference from both above- and below-ground sources, conductive soil, and salt water.

Drill Head or Tool
See Housing.

English Mode
The term used to describe depth measurements in inches.

Firmware
The software and hardware configuration programmed in the equipment as provided by the manufacturer. The firmware is not accessible to the user and can only be upgraded by the manufacturer.

Four Turn Technique
An alternative method for finding the FNLP or the RNLP using the plus/minus ("+/-") indicators. Usually performed when the Transmitter's position is unknown.

Front Negative Locate Point (FNLP) = Locate Point in Front of Transmitter
This location, used in conjunction with the positive locate line (above the Transmitter) and the rear negative locate point, provides the Transmitter's location information to the operator.

Height-Above-Ground Distance = Ultrasonic Distance = Ultrasonic Measurement
The height-above-ground or ultrasonic distance is used by the Receiver to calculate the depth/distance of the Transmitter.

Housing = Drill Tool = Drill Head
The downhole device into which the Transmitter fits.

Line in the box
Refers to a symbol on the Mark IV display that represents the PLL (transmitter location). When the Mark IV receiver is positioned directly over the transmitter, the line moves into the box.

Locate Line and Points
See Positive Locate Line, Front Negative Locate Point, and Rear Negative Locate Point.

Look-ahead locating
A locating technique that allows the operator to locate beyond the transmitter's current position to determine the future heading and depth of the transmitter (tool).

Magnetic Distance
The magnetic distance is used by the Receiver to calculate the depth/distance of the Transmitter.

Mark III
Designation used to delineate DigiTrak Receivers with an improved design over the Mark I and Mark II Receivers. The Mark III has special shielding that increases the range of any DigiTrak Transmitter and helps decrease the effects of some types of interference.

Mark III Self-Test
Procedure for completing a self-diagnostic test on all the components of the Receiver except the ultrasonic transducers (other ultrasonic components are tested). The self-test must be completed in an interference-free area and out of range of any active Transmitters.

Mark IV
DCI's latest version of the Mark series locating equipment. Primary features include a large, easy to read graphic display and menu driven operations for increased ease of training.

Metric Mode
The term used to describe depth measurements in centimeters.

Off-Track Guidance
A locating method where the position and heading of the transmitter are tracked from the side. This locating technique is useful in areas of interference or when the intended drill path is directly below a utility duct.

Pitch
The angle or inclination of the Transmitter relative to the horizontal displayed in percent (%) slope (rise divided by run). DCI Transmitters can measure and display pitch in both 1% and 0.1% increments.

Positive Locate Line (PLL) = Line Above Transmitter that Runs Perpendicular to the Transmitter
This location in conjunction with the FNLP and/or RNLP determines the position of the Transmitter below ground.

Predicted Depth
The predicted depth provides a prediction of the Transmitter's depth at the FNLP when the operator holds in the Receiver's trigger. The predicted depth is displayed in the bottom window as a flashing number and a solidly lit squiggle ("~") symbol. For more information see "5.0 Series Firmware Functions" in the Receiver Section and see the Locating Section.

Rear Negative Locate Point (RNLP) = Locate Point Behind Transmitter
This location is used in conjunction with the positive locate line and the FNLP to provide the Transmitter's lateral location and direction of movement. For more information see the Locating Section.

Receiver
Also referred to in the HDD industry as a locator, it is the portable device which is used above ground to receive the Transmitter's signals, process the signal information, and display the Transmitter's status to the operator. The Receiver may also be equipped with a telemetry transmitter to send information back to a Remote Display at the drill rig.

Reference Line
A predetermined line or set of surface characteristics generally along the intended path of the bore (used for reference during drilling). Mainly used when mapping bores using the DataLog System.

Remote Display
A device at or near the drill rig used to display the Transmitter's information communicated from the Receiver. This device can be used for remote steering when walkover locating is not possible.

Remote Steering
Uses the receiver as a target, which provides the drill operator with left/right steering information. This locating technique is useful for road and stream crossings or in areas of interference.

Roll
The rotation about the longitudinal axis of the Transmitter.

Set the Ultrasonics
To set the ultrasonics, click the trigger once and observe the bottom window. The number displayed for 2 seconds will now be subtracted from the total magnetic distance. The ultrasonics can be set an unlimited number of times without affecting the calibration. The ultrasonic measurement is used to accommodate the different heights of drillers.

Slant Distance
See Depth vs. Slant Distance vs. Range.

Start-up = Power-up = Boot-up
This occurs when a battery is placed in the Receiver or Remote Display and the unit is turned on. Power on initiates a start-up sequence of display information. Calibration or locating cannot be initiated until the start-up sequence is complete.

Start-up Sequence
The progression of Receiver start-up displays that provide information such as the firmware version in the Receiver, the depth measurement mode, the voltage of the Receiver's battery (if 5.07 firmware), the channel the Receiver will use to send signals to the Remote Display at the drill; and an LCD symbol test.

Target in the box
Refers to a symbol on the Mark IV display that represents the locate points. When the Mark IV receiver is positioned directly overr a locate point, the target moves into the box.

Telemetry
The signal by which the Receiver communicates to the Remote Display. There is a telemetry transmitter in the Receiver and a telemetry receiver in the Remote Display.

Transmitter
The Transmitter (also known in the industry as a sonde, beacon, or probe) fits inside the housing/drill tool and emits electromagnetic signals to aboveground surface that allow the locator to determine position, orientation, and other parameters affecting the operation. The range of the Transmitter is variable and can be increased by using a Mark III Receiver.

Trigger Clicked
Clicking the trigger is pushing in and then releasing the trigger in less than ½ second. Generally, this action will initiate an ultrasonic measurement. For more information see "Clicking vs. Holding the Trigger" and "Ultrasonic Function" in the Receiver Section.

Trigger In
When the trigger is held in, the system is in "locating mode." Different types of information are available when the trigger is held in during normal locating as well as at start up. For more information see "Clicking vs. Holding the Trigger" in the Receiver Section.

Trigger Out
When the trigger is out or released, the system is in "tracking mode." The Transmitter's pitch, roll, and distance/depth are displayed and continuously updated. The information displayed on the Receiver immediately after a held-in trigger is released is dependent upon the firmware installed in the Receiver.

Ultrasonic Distance = Ultrasonic Measurement = Height-Above-Ground Measurement
The Receiver's height above the ground, which is displayed in the bottom window for 2 seconds after the trigger is clicked. The ultrasonic measurement is used to accommodate the different heights of drillers.

Ultrasonic Function
Determines the elevation the Receiver is above a surface (up to a distance of 90 inches) and displays this "ultrasonic distance" in the bottom window of the Receiver for 2 seconds any time the trigger is clicked (after the unit is powered up). The Transmitter does not need to be active for operation of the ultrasonic function.

Ultrasonic Transducers
Sensors located in the two openings on the bottom of the Receiver that measure the height of the Receiver or the ultrasonic distance.

V AC
Volts alternating current.

V DC
Volts direct current.