Locating in the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry was initially based on locating a buried cable by sweeping the locator back and forth to find the highest signal strength (peak signal), indicating that the locator was over the cable. Unfortunately, this method did not always guarantee an accurate location of the cable, nor did it provide any depth information.

This “peak signal” method was adapted to HDD with the introduction of a transmitter that provides information on the position and depth of the drill head. However, this method is unreliable and inaccurate because the peak signal strength is not always directly above the transmitter housing.

In addition, peak signal locating doesn’t show where the drill tool is headed. Think of drilling like driving a car: it is more effective to look ahead through the windshield to see where you are going than to look down at the road through the floorboard to keep the car (drill tool) on the road (drill path).

DCI’s design uses a “locate point” in the transmitter signal. The Front Locate Point (FLP), which is out ahead of the transmitter, shows where the transmitter housing is heading.

DCI invented the Ball-in-the-Box user interface to make it quick and intuitive to find a locate point, speeding up drilling jobs: just move the locator so the ball moves into the box on the screen.

Finding a locate point also helps you find the drill head itself.

There is a second locate point behind the transmitter called the Rear Locate Point (RLP). The two locate points, combined with a Locate Line (LL), pinpoint the precise location of the transmitter housing below ground.

They are arranged like an airplane, where the Front Locate Point is the plane’s nose, the Rear Locate Point is the tail, and the Locate Line is the wings.
 

If your drill path requires a consistent depth or to maintain a constant pitch, use the predicted depth feature at the Front Locate Point. This eliminates the need for depth readings over the transmitter, speeding up the drilling process.
 

Interference can cause incorrect locate data that reduces locating accuracy. There are two different types of interference that can distort the transmitter signal: active and passive.

Active interference, or “noise”, consists of anything that emits a signal that interferes with the transmitter signal. Example sources include power lines, radio towers, cathodic protection, fiber tracer lines, invisible dog fences, security systems, and traffic signal loops. Falcon’s frequency optimizer finds the best frequencies to avoid noise.

Passive interference consists of anything that blocks or distorts the transmitter signal resulting in incorrect depths or missing data. Example sources include rebar, guard rails, bridge abutments, chain link fencing, salt/saltwater, and soil high in metal ore. The Falcon sub-kHz transmitter (available for Falcon F5 and F5+ only) helps cut through passive interference without distorting the signal.

An A on the screen can indicate signal Attenuation due to the presence of excessive interference, which can make depth readings inaccurate. Attenuation is normal in shallow depths less than 8 feet (2.4 m). If the signal strength is also flashing, this indicates extreme interference. Depth and locate points may be compromised and the locator will not calibrate.

Noise varies by amount and frequency depending on where you are and even the time of day. That’s why it’s important to find the best frequencies for every bore.

This is called frequency optimization, and only Falcon has it. Using frequencies with the highest probability of success against noise increases locating accuracy and reduces the risk of tripping out.

Falcon’s frequency optimizer scans through hundreds of frequencies, then bundles those with the lowest noise into finely-tuned bands that work best for the current job.

Select two bands and switch between them mid-bore if needed (not available on the Falcon F1 with singleband).

The Falcon Plus locators with Quick Scan Pair offer features to make the selection of bands faster and easier. Two clicks select the two preset bands selected for your region.

Use the trigger switch under the handle of your Falcon F1/F2 to navigate the menu system and select options.

Click to open the Main menu and move between options.

Hold briefly and release to make a selection.

Hold while over the Locate Line (LL) for a depth reading.

Do nothing in a menu for five seconds to return to the Locate Mode screen.

The Locate Mode, Depth, and Predicted Depth screens are the primary screens you will use for locating.

When the locator is detecting a signal from a transmitter, the Locate Mode screen provides real-time data about the transmitter’s location, temperature, pitch, roll, and signal strength.

Depth data appears when the trigger is held at the Locate Line (LL) and predicted depth appears when held at the Front Locate Point.

1. Locating ball (FLP or RLP)
2. Locator
3. Roll indicator
4. Roll value
5. Roll/pitch update meter
6. Transmitter pitch
7. Power Mode (not available in legacy F1/F2) and Transmitter signal strength
8. Transmitter temperature

The Depth screen displays when the trigger is held with the locator at the Locate Line (LL).

1. Locate point (front or rear)
2. Bird's-eye view
3. Locate Line (LL)
4. Height-Above-Ground (HAG) setting on
5. Ground level
6. Transmitter depth
7. Transmitter battery strength

The Predicted Depth screen displays when the trigger is held with the locator at the Front Locate Point (FLP).

1. Ball-in-the-Box at FLP
2. Reference Lock indicator *
3. Transmitter battery strength
4. Horizontal distance between transmitter and FLP
5. Predicted depth * of transmitter

The predicted depth is the depth the transmitter is calculated to be at when it reaches the FLP if it continues on its current path.

In this example, if the drill head travels an additional 6'0" (1.82 m) at -0.2% pitch, it will be directly below the locator at 8'7" (2.62 m).

You have two options for scanning and pairing with your transmitter.

Basic - Quick Scan Pair (QSP) – At jobsites with minimum interference, bypass the Frequency Optimizer (FO) to scan and pair band 11.

Advanced - Manual Pick – At jobsites with challenging interference, scan the jobsite to view the FO and find the spot with the highest noise. You can then scan and assign band 11.

After using either method to optimize the band, you will pair with the transmitter and then calibrate.

Calibration is required anytime you perform a new frequency scan or change any of the following:

• Transmitter
  
• Power mode of the transmitter
  
• Locator
• Drill head

Calibrate with the transmitter in the housing flat, on the ground, in a low-noise, metal-free environment immediately after pairing.

When a transmitter is level (zero pitch) underground:

• the locate points (FLP and RLP) are at equal distances from the transmitter
• depth displayed on the locator is the actual depth, and
• the Locate Line (LL) indicates a position above the transmitter.

1. RLP
2. LL
3. FLP

When the transmitter is pitched up or down, the transmitter signal field also tilts.

When the transmitter is pitched down (negative pitch), the locate line on the screen reflects a future position of the transmitter, assuming the transmitter stays on the same trajectory (projected depth).

When the transmitter is pitched up (positive pitch, shown below), the locate line on the screen reflects a position behind the transmitter.

The depth reading on the locator is based on the projected depth point, which is not the same as the actual depth of the transmitter.

1. RLP
2. FLP
3. LL
4. Fore/aft offset
5. Projected depth
6. Transmitter at positive pitch
7. 30% (17°)

The differences in position and depth between the projected depth point and the actual location of the transmitter can be relatively small at low pitch and/or shallow depth.

When drilling at a steep pitch and/or significant depth, the differences are greater.

For example, if the transmitter is at a plus or minus 30% pitch and a 33'1" (10.1 m) depth, the locator depth reading will be 35' (10.7 m) (just under 6% difference from actual depth) and the locate line will be 6'6" (2 m) from being directly above the transmitter (-30% places the LL ahead and +30% places the LL behind).

You can use the pitch and the projected depth reading on your locator to determine the actual depth and the position (fore/aft) of the locate line:

Actual Depth

Fore/Aft Offset

For a given pitch, you can calculate actual or projected depth:

When used with Falcon F1 locators, V2 transmitters have two power modes (Standard and Low) to balance signal strength and battery life.

V2 transmitters are etched with a "V2" on the stainless battery compartment (not on the label) and have a multipower mode sticker around the IR port.

If used with a Falcon locator without the programmable power mode, the mode selected while pairing the Tx determines the signal range and the battery life.

Falcon locators with programmable power mode override any other selection method when used with a V2 transmitter.

Model Numbers: Modellnummern

Power Mode: Power-Modus

DCI SuperCell: DCI SuperCell

LiR w/FTA: LiR mit FTA

Alkaline: Alkalisch

Li CR 123: Li CR 123

Depth: Tiefe

Data Range: Datenreichweite

1 For Falcon locators with programmable power mode, Low power also gives you a faster pitch update rate

2 Range is based on SAE Standard J2520 in AGR mode and Max Mode. Actual range and battery life will vary based on interference, transmitter housings, and frequencies.

The battery types listed are the only types recommended for that model and size. DCI does not recommend using other battery types. *Lithium Rechargeable (LiR) battery life is based on 21700 battery with 5000 mAh rating. with a max 4.2 volts. Battery life while asleep is 400 hours for SuperCell and 200 hours for alkaline. Sleep mode starts 15 minutes after last roll change.

You can see the power mode selected for each band on the Transmitter Info screen. See "Get Transmitter Info" for steps.

You can also see the Power mode of the current band on the Locate Mode screen and the TX Info pairing screen.

FTA2 Falcon Transmitter Adapter is designed specifically for a single 21700 LiR (Lithium Rechargeable) battery with built-in protection. Falcon transmitter runtime estimates are based on use of a 5,000 mAh battery with a max 4.2 volts. This adapter incorporates a lockout and is designed to fit the Blue DCI Falcon Transmitters.

Battery Life

15-inch Blue V2 MultiPower Transmitters

• High power: 8 hours
• Standard power: 30 hours
• Low power: 60 hours

Lithium Rechargeable (LiR) battery life is based on 21700 battery with 5000 mAh rating with a max 4.2 volts.

For more information on MultiPower transmitters, see "V2 Transmitters MultiPower Mode Introduction."

DCI suggests the following top tier manufacturers for LiR batteries. Diameter should not exceed 22mm with a length of 75.5mm +/-1mm. Other LiR models may not fit or be as likely to survive the rigors of HDD.

Recommended Manufacturers

Klarus Part number: 21GT-50

Fenix Part number: ARB-L21-5000

Acebeam Part number: IMR21700NP-510A

DigiTrak transmitters (Tx), with the exception of DucTrak, have temperature overheat indicators (temp dot) on the front end cap.

1. Black temp dot (voids warranty)
2. Normal white temp dot

The temp dot has an outer yellow ring with a temperature-sensitive 1/8" white dot in the center. If the center temp dot is black, the transmitter has been exposed to excessive heat and should no longer be used.

Product ID: FF1

Model number: FAR2

Receiving frequencies: 9.0–13.5 kHz

Accuracy (1): ±5% of depth reading

Telemetry channels (2): 4

Telemetry range (3): Up to 3000 ft (900 m)

Target steering range (4): 35 ft (10.6 m)

L/R steering range: Range of transmitter

Power source: NiMH battery pack

Battery life: 5-7 hrs

Functions: Menu-driven

Controls: Trigger switch

Graphic display: Monochrome

Audio output: Beeper

Voltage, current: 14.4 VDC nominal, 390 mA max

Operating temperature: -4 to 140° F (-20 to 60° C)

Dimensions: 11 x 5.5 x 15 in (27.94 x 13.97 x 38.1 cm)

Weight (with battery): 8.4 lb (3.8 kg)

Compatible transmitters: See the article "List of Compatible Transmitters."

Compatible remote displays: Aurora and FCD

(1) Over specified depth range for each transmitter model.

(2) Local telemetry frequencies and power levels are available at digital-control.com.

(3) Telemetry range is dependent upon the remote display and optional external receiving antenna.

(4) Requires an Aurora Display.

COMPLIANCE

This equipment complies with the following: Part 15 of the Rules of the FCC; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's license exempt RSS(s); ACMA Radio Communications Standard (2021) as found in ACMA Radio Communications Equipment General Rules (2021). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this equipment may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

L’émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : 1. L’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; 2. L’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement

Digital Control Incorporated

19625 62nd Ave S, Suite B103, Kent WA 98032;

Phone +1.425.251.0559 or +1.800.288.3610 (US/CA).

To find a regional office, tap Contact on the DigiGuide menu bar or on the last page of the PDF version of the DigiGuide.

DigiTrak locators are classified as Class 2 radio equipment per the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU and may not be legal to operate or may require a user license to operate in some countries. For a list of restrictions, see the article “Product CE Declarations of Conformity” can be found at www. digital-control.com or upon request to productcompliance@digital-control.com.

Patents - https://www.digital-control.com/patents/

Trademarks - https://www.digital-control.com/trademarks/

Limited Warranty

All products manufactured and sold by Digital Control Incorporated (DCI) are subject to the terms of a Limited Warranty. A copy of the Limited Warranty is at https://www.digital-control.com/warranty/.

*Individual user license required–check with your local authority. Unless otherwise noted, the maximum radiated power output is limited to 100m WERP. Please contact DCI at productcompliance@digital-control.com, if additional technical information or translation is required.

The FAR5 contains a BLE Radio with the following specifications: Frequency Bands: 2402-2480 MHz Transmit Power: 0.00135 W EIRP

The AEO2 contains Wi-Fi/BT and Cellular/GPS radios which operate on the following bands: 

CE BANDS

GSM900: 880.2 – 914.8 MHz GSM1800: 1710.2 – 1784.8MHz

LTE Band 1: 1920 – 1980 MHz

LTE Band 3: 1710 – 1785 MHz

LTE Band 5: 824 – 849 MHz

LTE Band 7: 2500 – 2570 MHz 

LTE Band 8: 880 – 915 MHz 

LTE Band 20: 832 – 862 MHz 

LTE Band 28: 703 – 748 MHz

LTE Band 38: 2570 – 2620 MHz 

LTE Band 40: 2300 – 2400 MHz 

LTE Band 41: 2496 – 2690 MHz

For maximum transmitter range and battery life, the slots in the drill head must meet minimum size requirements and be correctly positioned. DCI's transmitters require a minimum of three slots equally spaced around the circumference of the drill head. DCI transmitters fit standard housings but may require a battery cap adapter in some cases.

Measure slot lengths on the inside of the drill head; slots must be at least 1/16th inch (1.6mm) wide.

1. Battery cap
   
2. Slot position
   
3. Front end cap

A. Slot length

B. Slot position

C. Transmitter length

Description: Falcon F1 TX Singleband 15-inch transmitter

Product ID: FT1

Model number: BTW

Label color: Aqua/blue tube

Features

• Singleband
• V2 multipower
• FTA battery adapter compatible
• Made in USA

Compatible Falcon locators: F1

Transmitting frequencies

• Band 11: 60+ 9.4 - 13.1 kHz

Length/diameter: 15in/1.25in (38.1 cm/3.2 cm)

Clock resolution: 12

Depth/data range by power level (1) (2)

• Standard: up to 100ft/125ft (30.4 m/38 m)
• Low: up to 65 ft/80 ft (20 m/ 24 m)

Battery types

• Li DCI SuperCell - Double C-cell size lithium non-rechargeable 3.6v
• LiR 21700 5,000mAh - Li rechargeable 4.1v (requires a DCI FTA adapter and specific size 21700)
• Two alkaline C-cell 1.5v

Battery life by power level and battery type (2)

• Standard: alkaline/LiR*/SuperCell Up to 20 hrs/30 hrs/80 hrs
• Low: alkaline/LiR*/SuperCell Up to 36 hrs/60 hrs/140 hrs
• Sleep Mode: alkaline/LiR*/SuperCel Up to 200 hrs/400 hrs

Pitch resolution (3): Standard Mode: ±0.1 % at level decreasing with increased pitch

Temperature readout/resolution: -4 to 219°F @ 7°F res (-20 to 104°C @ 4°C res)

Voltage/current: 1.6V - 4.2V/0.4A Max

Weight (without batteries): 1.7lbs (771 g)

Operating environment

• Altitude: up to 6562 ft (2000 m)
• Temperature: -40 to 220°F (-40 to 104°C)
• Warranty canceled if above 220°F (104°C)

Warranty period: 3 years or 500 hours depending on which comes first. Optional extended warranty 5 years or 750 hours.

(1) Data Range is based on using Falcon Max Mode.

(2) Range figures based on SAE Standard J2520. Actual ranges and battery life will vary based on interference, transmitter housing, frequency, and other factors.

(3) Standard Pitch resolution:

• 0 - 3% (0-1.7°) ±grade is 0.1% resolution;
• 3 - 9% (1.7-5.1°) is 0.2%;
• 9 - 30% (5.1-16.7°) is 0.5%;
• 30 - 50% (16.7-26.6°) is 2.0%;
• 50 - 90% (26.6-42.0°) is 5.0%

COMPLIANCE RATINGS

This equipment complies with the following: Part 15 of the Rules of the FCC; Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standards; ACMA Radio Communications (Short Range Devices) Standard (2014). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this equipment may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Description: Falcon F1 8-inch Singleband, short-range transmitter

Product ID: FT1S

Model number: BTS

Label color: Aqua/blue tube

Features

• Singleband
• Short-range depth/data
• V2 multipower
• Made in USA

Compatible Falcon locators: F1

Transmitting frequencies: Band 11 60+ frequencies 9.4-13.1 kHz

Length/diameter: 8 in/1.0 in (20.3 cm/2.5 cm)

Clock resolution: 12

Depth/data range by power level (1) (2)

• Standard: Up to 40 ft/40 ft (12.2 m/12.2 m)
• Low: Up to 25 ft/25 ft (7.6 m/7.6 m)

Battery life, 123 3V Lithium: Up to 18 hrs

Battery types

• Lithium 123 cell

Battery life by power level and battery type (2)

• Standard: Li 123 up to 16 hrs
• Low: Li 123 up to 18 hrs
• Sleep Mode: Li 123 up to 150 hrs

Pitch resolution (3): ±0.1 % at level decreasing with increased pitch

Temperature readout/resolution: -4 to 219°F @ 7°F res (-20 to 104°C @ 4°C res)

Voltage/current: 1.6V - 4.2V/0.4A Max

Weight (without batteries): 0.6lb (272g)

Operating environment

• Altitude: up to 6562 ft (2000 m)
• Temperature: -40 to 180°F (-40 to 82°C)
• Warranty canceled if above 180°F (82° C)

Warranty period: 90 Days

(1) Data Range is based on using Falcon Max Mode.

(2) Range figures based on SAE Standard J2520. Actual ranges and battery life will vary based on interference, transmitter housing, frequency, and other factors.

(3) Standard Pitch resolution:

• 0 - 3% (0-1.7°) ±grade is 0.1% resolution;
• 3 - 9% (1.7-5.1°) is 0.2%;
• 9 - 30% (5.1-16.7°) is 0.5%;
• 30 - 50% (16.7-26.6°) is 2.0%;
• 50 - 90% (26.6-42.0°) is 5.0%

COMPLIANCE RATINGS

This equipment complies with the following: Part 15 of the Rules of the FCC; Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standards; ACMA Radio Communications (Short Range Devices) Standard (2014). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this equipment may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Description: Falcon F1 6-inch Wideband Short-range transmitter

Product ID: FT1XS

Model number/label: BTM

Label color: Aqua/blue tube

Features

• Wideband
• Short-range depth/data
• Made in USA

Compatible Falcon locators: F1

Transmitting frequencies

• Band 11 60+ frequencies 9.4-13.1 kHz

Length/diameter: 5.9 in / 0.71 in (15 cm / 1.8 cm)

Clock resolution: 12

Depth and data range (1)(2): 20 ft / 25 ft (6.1 m/7.6 m)

Battery types

• Lithium DCI SuperCell 1.5 AA
• NiMH AA
• Alkaline AA cell

Battery life by battery type

• Lithium 1.5 AA: up to 36 hours
• NiMH AA: up to 18 hours
• Alkaline AA up to 20 hours

Pitch resolution (3): Standard Pitch ±0.1 % at level decreasing with increased pitch

Temperature readout/resolution: -4 to 180°F @ 7°F res (-20 to 82°C @ 4°C res)

Voltage/current: 1.0 -3.0v/400mA Max

Weight (without battery): 0.2lb (90gr)

Operating environment

• Altitude: up to 6562 ft (2000 m)
• Temperature: -40 to 149°F (-40 to 65°C)
• Warranty canceled if above 180°F (82°C)

Warranty period: 90 days

(1) Data Range is based on using Falcon Max Mode.

(2) Range figures based on SAE Standard J2520. Actual ranges and battery life will vary based on interference, transmitter housing, frequency, and other factors.

(3) Standard Pitch resolution:
0 - 3% (0-1.7°) ±grade is 0.1% resolution;
3 - 9% (1.7-5.1°) is 0.2%;
9 - 30% (5.1-16.7°) is 0.5%;
30 - 50% (16.7-26.6°) is 2.0%;
50 - 90% (26.6-42.0°) is 5.0%

COMPLIANCE RATINGS

This equipment complies with the following: Part 15 of the Rules of the FCC; Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standards; ACMA Radio Communications (Short Range Devices) Standard (2014). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this equipment may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Depth Increase in Inches (cm)

Slopes between 50% and 100% are provided for reference only and do not represent typical drilling conditions. All numbers are based on math only and do not take into account extremely soft or extremely hard soil conditions, which may cause depth values to vary.

Depth Increase in Inches (cm)

Slopes between 50% and 100% are provided for reference only and do not represent typical drilling conditions. All numbers are based on math only and do not take into account extremely soft or extremely hard soil conditions, which may cause depth values to vary.

Depth Increase in Inches (cm)

Slopes between 50% and 100% are provided for reference only and do not represent typical drilling conditions. All numbers are based on math only and do not take into account extremely soft or extremely hard soil conditions, which may cause depth values to vary.