Fisher TW-82 Digital Line Tracer
This document is the operating manual for the Fisher TW-82 Digital Line Tracer.
Introduction
The TW-82 Digital Line Tracer system includes a Transmitter, Receiver, ground-rod assembly, carrying case (soft or optional hard case), and an operator's manual. The TW-82 is a single-frequency line tracer.
The TW82 is an active locating line tracer. It offers three methods for tracing utilities:
- 1. Conductive Method: This is the preferred method, transmitting a strong signal directly through the intended target.
- 2. Inductive Method: This is the easiest method but may not yield the best results. It is used when a direct connection is not available, but the operator knows the approximate location of the utility. The Transmitter is placed on the ground over the utility.
- 3. Coupling Clamp Method: This method uses an optional accessory, the coupling clamp. It is suitable for electrical or communication lines that are in service, not pipes or tracer wires. The clamp is used when the utility is exposed but a direct connection is not possible. The clamp jaws are opened and placed around the utility without making a direct connection.
Transmitter
The TW-82 Transmitter is designed for tracing utility lines.
Controls
The Transmitter has two primary controls:
- POWER Button: This button has a dual function.
- MODE Button: Used to switch between power output settings.
Power Button Functionality
When Powered On
Pressing the [MODE Button] switches the device between normal (1/4 watt) and high (1.0 watt) output.
When Powered Off (Auto Power-Down Programming)
Pressing and holding the [POWER Button] programs the Auto Power-Down feature. Successive presses of the [POWER Button] will cycle through display indicators: a flashing battery indicator, followed by a blank screen or an illuminated battery indicator.
- An illuminated battery indicator signifies that Auto Power-Down is activated.
- A blank screen signifies that Auto Power-Down is deactivated.
After releasing the [POWER Button], the transmitter will turn on.
With Auto Power-Down activated, the Transmitter automatically turns off 60 minutes after the last key-pad press, serving as a battery-saving feature.
Accessory Output
The Accessory Output allows connection for conductive tracing:
- Flip up the black protective cover to expose the Accessory Output.
- Plug in the Cable Jack for conductive tracing.
When the conductive tracing cable is connected, the Signal Current is displayed. The Signal Current Bar Graph indicates the quality of the connection.
The Transmitter features Automatic Load Impedance Matching, which adjusts output to provide full rated power across a wide range of loads and conditions, tolerating both dry (high resistance) and shunted (low resistance) ground connections.
The Transmitter has a built-in antenna for inductive locating. When the Cable Jack is not connected, the inductive antenna automatically engages. In inductive mode, the Signal Current Bar Graph is not displayed as there is no conductive trace load to measure.
Warnings
⚠️ WARNING: Do not handle output leads unless power is off.
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD: Servicing should only be performed by qualified personnel.
NEVER connect conductive cables to an energized power line.
Receiver
The TW-82 Receiver is used to detect and trace the signal from the transmitter.
Single Button Operation
- Power-Up: Press the [Press Button] to turn the unit ON.
- Volume Control: Tap the [Tap Button] to cycle through volume levels: Mute, Very Low, Low, Medium, High. Continued presses cycle back to Mute.
- Power-Down: Press-and-Hold the [Tap Button] to turn the unit OFF.
Display Indicators
- Signal Strength: Indicates proximity to the center of the electromagnetic field emitted by the utility. A reading of 999 is maximum, 0 is minimum. Higher readings suggest the utility's location. Signal strength is influenced by the utility's depth.
- Battery Strength: When battery life is less than 1 hour, the indicator flashes. Expect approximately 40 hours of battery life from two D-cell alkaline batteries.
- Left/Right & Over-Target Indicators: These indicators show the user's position relative to the center of the electromagnetic field.
- "Move to the left" indicates the user is to the right of the utility.
- "Move to the right" indicates the user is to the left of the utility.
- "You are over the target" indicates the user is centered over the utility.
Audio Cues: Within a 45° angle of the utility's center, the audio pitch changes. The pitch increases when approaching the utility and is highest directly overhead. Outside this 45° zone, pitch and volume remain constant. A constant tone is heard when to the right of the utility, and a pulsating sound when to the left.
Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates that the highest pitch and volume are directly over the utility. Pitch increases as the user approaches the utility. Volume decreases with distance. A 45° zone is indicated where audio cues change.
- Azimuth Indicator: These arrows indicate the utility's path relative to the user's position. Rotating the device when close to or over the target helps determine the utility's direction.
- Current Measure: Displays the current (in mA) flowing on the conductor. This is useful for distinguishing utilities in close proximity, generally being highest on the directly connected utility, regardless of depth.
- Depth Measurement: This reading is accurate only if the electromagnetic field is perfectly round and has sufficient energy. Weaker signal strength leads to less reliable depth readings, especially for inductively located utilities. The depth is measured from the Receiver blade tip to the center of the electromagnetic field (generally the utility's center). Hand-excavation is the only 100% reliable method for determining depth.
Operating Instructions
Inductive Locating
Inductive locating is most effective when the Transmitter straddles the utility, perpendicular to its batteries. If the utility's direction is unknown, place the Transmitter on the ground, power it on, and sweep the Receiver 360° around the Transmitter at a distance of at least 25 feet (8 meters). If unsuccessful, reposition the Transmitter. The Receiver's azimuth indicator will show the utility's direction once located.
In inductive mode, the Transmitter's LCD does not display Signal Current. Signal Current display illuminates only when the ground rod is plugged in.
Conductive Locating
- Connect the Ground Rod assembly to the Transmitter.
- Insert the Ground Rod into the earth at a 90° angle to the utility's direction.
- Connect the red clip to the non-energized utility.
- Connect the black clip to the Ground Rod. Ensure wires do not cross other utilities.
- Move at least 25 feet (8 meters) away from the connection point.
- Sweep the Receiver in a circle around the connection point.
- Use the display information to identify areas to trace and analyze the situation to locate the buried utility.
Specifications
Receiver
- Frequency: 82.175 kHz
- Left/Right Guidance: Audible and visual
- Azimuth Indicator: Audible and visual
- Over-Target Indicator: Visual and audible
- Battery Status: Visual
- Signal Strength Indicator: Numeric display & audible
- Signal Current Measurement: Numeric display, automatic
- Depth Measurement: Numeric display, automatic
- Battery Type: Two D-cell batteries (included)
- Battery Life: 40 hours
- Weight, with batteries: 3.60 lbs
Transmitter
- Output Frequency: 82.175 kHz
- Output Power (nominal): Normal Setting = 0.25 watt, High Setting = 1.0 watt
- Conductive Tracing Magnetic Strength: 2 to 3,000 ohms, normal power-6dB
- Conductive Tracing Magnetic Strength (High Power): 2 to 8,000 ohms, high power-6dB
- Inductive Tracing Magnetic Strength: 15 Vm², normal power
- Inductive Tracing Magnetic Strength (High Power): 25 Vm², high power
- Battery Type: Four D-cell batteries (included)
- Battery Life: 160 hours in normal power mode
- Weight, with batteries: 4 lbs
Environmental
- Ingress Protection Rating: IP65 (stands up to water jets)
- Operating Temperature Range: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to +60°C)
- Relative Humidity: 0 to 95% noncondensing
- Shipping Weight (packaged): 17.5 lbs
- Field Carry Weight, w/accessories: 15.5 lbs* (*Includes Carry Case, Batteries, Ground Rod and Conductive Tracing Cables)
Company Information and Support
Quality, Performance, and Reputation
Fisher detectors are renowned for their quality, hand-crafted in the USA with pride. The worldwide underground utility industry relies on Fisher instruments for their durability, dependability, and ability to locate deeper. Fisher produced the first patented metal detector in 1931, and for over 80 years, the Fisher logo has been a mark of excellence.
Warranty
2-Year Limited Warranty
Proof of purchase is required to make a claim under this warranty.
Note for Customers Outside the U.S.A.
This warranty may vary in other countries; check with your distributor for details. Factory warranty follows the channel of distribution. Warranty does not cover shipping costs.
Service and Contact
Should you have any questions or problems, contact:
FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY
1465-H Henry Brennan, El Paso, Texas 79936
Tel: 1800-685-5050
Fax: 915-225-0336
Website: www.fisherlab.com
Email: info@fisherlab.com
According to FCC part 15.21, changes or modifications made to this device not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
Accessories
The TW-82 system is compatible with several accessories:
3 Inch Coupling Clamp (CCLAMP-3)
Useful for in-service and electrical power line tracing when a metal-to-metal hookup is not possible.
5 Inch Coupling Clamp (CCLAMP-5)
Useful for in-service and electrical power line tracing when a metal-to-metal hookup is not possible.
Hard Carry Case (1802050000)
Shock-absorbent protective hard carrying case with a contoured foam insert, custom-made to house the TW82. Dimensions: 35" x 7" x 16".
Fisher Sonde Signal Transmitter 82kHz (SONDE-82.175)
A small transmitter used to trace the path of non-metallic pipes and locate blockages. The Sonde is inserted into a pipe or duct via a push rod and located using a Fisher receiver.
- ✔️ Rugged Design
- ✔️ Long Battery Life
- ✔️ Outstanding Distance & Depth (Locates up to 15' deep)
- ✔️ Operating Frequency: 82 kHz
- ✔️ Weight: 6.4 oz
- ✔️ Length: 6"
- ✔️ Diameter: 2"
- ✔️ Battery Life: 70 hrs
- ✔️ Operating Temperature: -20 to +60°C (4° to 140°F)
- ✔️ End Cap Thread: 3/8"-16 x 3/4"
