Which detector is best for me?
The DD Series of locators is geared towards enabling equipment operators to avoid hitting buried utilities within a defined area. The UI and functions are set up to support a grid search pattern.
The DT100 Cable Tracer is geared towards tracing a utility from point A to point B. The UI helps the user stay on the path of a buried utility over distance.
The two use cases are not mutually exclusive: You can use a DD locator to trace utilities (the 300, 230, and 130 have tracing modes) or a DT cable tracer to avoid them. It boils down to what you need to do most often.
cable locator comparison
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DT100 |
DD300 |
DD130 |
DD120 |
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Passive ModesPassive mode is the easiest and quickest way to locate energized cables and metallic pipes. You can either select the power or radio modes. •Power Mode: Locates power signals radiated by energized cables which pose the most significant risk to excavation teams •Radio Mode: Traces signals originating from distant radio transmitters. These signals penetrate the ground and are reradiated by buried conductive utilities |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Active ModesA signal transmitter and the locator are used in conjunction with each other. The transmitter is used to apply a signal to a utility, enabling it to be traced and depth estimation acquired. •Standard avoidance modes: 8kHz, 33kHz, 131kHz |
✓ |
✓ |
✓* |
✓* |
Long Distance TracingThe lower frequencies of 512Hz and 640Hz allow tracing distances to increase. |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
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Transmitter ModesExtra Active Modes-multiple frequencies from ranging from low to high to complete a wide number of locate applications. |
28 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
Depth Estimationis used in conjunction with the signal transmitter or sonde. With a single press of the button operators can determine the depth of a buried utility. |
36 ft |
23 ft |
10 ft |
10 ft |
Current Measurementdisplays the amount of current flowing through a utility helping to trace and verify the utility to which the signal transmitter is connected. |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
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Depth Accuracyis the accuracy range of depth estimations. |
±5% |
±5% |
±10% |
±10% |
| Compass |
✓ |
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| Li-Ion |
✓ |
optional |
No |
No |
| * No 131kHz |
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