Technical Questions

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Technical Questions

How deep can you locate?
Depth is an estimate and is dependent on soil conditions and the environment at the time of the measurement.

Maximum depth estimation indication for the 9800 XT series is 20 feet; on the 810 and 850 it is 13 feet.

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What factors effect how far you can locate?
Typical distances, which will vary depending on:


Frequency selected

Condition of the line

Soil conditions

Effects of bleedover

Sensitivity of the receiver

Current on the line

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Where is the best place to attach the conductive lead?
Directly to the pipe or cable you are locating. Use the safest point offering a good metal connection i.e. valves, bolts.

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How do I know my instrument is working?
Check the batteries, all associated cables and clamps, and perform the quick test described in the manual (9800XT manual, page 20). In addition having a known test site is helpful in determining if the instrument is working properly.

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How do you know when you have bleed over?
This is most common with the use of high frequency and induction. Judgment is used to examine the following factors:


Inconsistent depth with the utilities being traced

Large variation in signal strength over a short distance

Distorted fields as determined by triangulation

Terminating at a different utility

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What is the difference between the 810 and 850 locator?
Frequency: The 810 is 83kHz, the 850 is 9.820 kHz. The 850 also has two power levels and rechargeable batteries.

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What is the difference between the 9860 XT and 9890 XT?
The 9860 has two active frequencies, 9.8 kHz and 82 kHz.
The 9890 XT has three active frequencies, 982 Hz, 9.8 kHz and 82 kHz

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Can you use the transmitter while it is recharging?
No, the chargers are not designed to supply power for locating.

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Why does my 810/850 depth reading go blank after pushing the depth switch?
You are picking up a ghost signal or the signal is not strong enough to compute a depth. This is an error indication.

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Why doesn`t my 810-transmitter lamp illuminate when I press the power test switch?
No power is being transmitted. This could be caused by:

Low batteries

Batteries not properly seated

Transmitter resting on or near a large metallic surface

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Can I get accurate results when inducing a signal onto a water main?
Yes, however, this is not the recommended method; direct connection is. Paying close attention to the receiver`s signal strength will ensure an accurate locate can be achieved.


With the 800 series a signal strength reading of 500 or higher on the LCD is desirable.

With the 9800XT series if you are getting a good smooth Left/Right and a signal strength reading of 300 or higher.

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What must I consider when using a Metroclamp on a cable?
The cable must be grounded at both ends for a successful locate when using the Metroclamp.

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What can I do in poor soil conditions to get a stronger locate signal?
Pour water around the ground stake or try moving it to an area where more moisture is present. Running an `extension` from the black lead to a near by stop sign, fence or other similar metal object, may increase your signal.

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Do I need a RMA # to send my equipment in for repair?
No. We do not require RMA #`s but we do request that you include your PO# or preferred payment method, name, contact phone #, symptoms if known, `ship to` street address and `bill to` address. Please indicate if an Estimate, Pre-Approved limit and/or Priority Service is required. Note: that there is no charge for priority repair service, other than corresponding shipping costs, such as overnight instead of ground.

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My unit is not working, is there any repair I can do to fix it?
We only recommend changing the batteries and checking the conductive attachment leads. Any other repairs should be performed by a qualified Metrotech Repair Center.

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Where do I send my unit for repair, What address?
If the dealer you purchased the Metrotech locator from has a service center, that would be the first choice. If they do not have service at your dealer, visiti our technical support centres. For additional information, please visit our Metrotech Repair Center. For your nearest authorize dealer, please contact Metrotech West Coast Service Center.

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My Metroclamp has a gap at the back, is this a problem?
No, the Metroclamp is designed to have a gap, it is roughly the thickness of a business card, and may be cleaned by using a business card as a gauge.

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Ecommerce Questions

Will I be notified of shipping date?
In stock items will ship within 1 business day of receiving the order. If the item is not in stock, you will be notified by a customer service representative, who will notify you of the expected shipment date.

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If I have a problem with my order or shipment whom do I contact?
Please email sales@metrotech.com with any question or call 1-800-446-3392

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How may I pay?
You order on line with a credit card, send a check, or apply for credit by calling 1-800-446-3392.

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Can I cancel an order after it has been submitted?
Cancellations are accepted up to one business day before the shipment date.

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Is it safe to use my credit card?
Yes. We use the SSL encryption technology to keep your information safe. Click here for the Privacy/Security page.

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When will I be billed?
Your credit card will only be billed when the product is shipped.

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How do I get a credit application?
Call 1-800-446-3392 or e-mail sales@metrotech.com and our customer sales representatives will be happy to assist you.

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When will I be billed?
Your credit card will only be billed when the product is shipped.

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What is Metrotech`s return policy?
An item in new condition may be returned. Please contact our customer service at 1-800-446-3392 for authorization for a return RMA#.

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