RD8100 Cable and Pipe Locator

Discontinued Products

RD8100® cable locator is engineered to deliver high precision for damage prevention when locating buried cables and pipes. This advanced range of underground utility locators offers optional integrated GPS and usage logging, and is backed with a 3‑year warranty.

RD8100 is our most advanced range of high-precision cable locators, and builds on over 40 years of pedigree to deliver performance, quality and durability. Containing a unique arrangement of 5 custom-manufactured, precision-ground antennas, it allows you to choose the best method to locate specific pipes and cables. Read our guide to cable and pipe locators to understand more about how locators work.

With utility infrastructures becoming more complex, locate professionals require more powerful, flexible tools. Features such as Current Direction and iLOC™ on the cable locator combine with the versatile Tx Transmitter range to deliver high-precision locates even in tough conditions

Integrated GPS and usage-logging options automatically generate data for customer reports, or in-house quality and safety audits to promote best working practices. The RD Map app for Android is a real time map and share tool that creates maps of buried utilities, while the RD Manager PC program provides a suite of useful tools to the user such as installing the latest software for their locator, remotely certifying their locators' calibration using eCert™ and registering their products for an additional  2 years warranty for free.

Quickly follow lines with Guidance Mode

Guidance Mode allows you to rapidly follow the path of a buried utility. Intuitive proportional arrows, a directional ‘needle’ and differentiated audio tones guide you along the target pipe or cable.
 

Trace high impedance utilities with 4 kHz (supports CD)

The 4 kHz locate frequency is designed for tracing high impedance lines such as twisted pair telecoms or street lighting.  Since such utilities are often found in areas of dense infrastructure, you can combine 4 kHz with CD to ensure you follow the right line.
 

Customize the locator to your network frequencies

Up to 5 additional frequencies can be programmed into all RD8100 pipe and cable  locators to match it to the signals found on your target networks.
 

Fault Find

Combine the RD8100 cable and pipe locator with an accessory A-frame to identify and pinpoint insulation sheath faults to within 4" (10cm).
 

Use Power Filters™ to pinpoint and discriminate between power cables

When a signal transmitter can’t be connected, tracing individual underground power lines through complex networks can be a real challenge: conflicting or powerful signals can confuse the operator, or combine to create a broad wash of signal.

With a single key press you can now utilize the harmonic properties of power signals to establish if a signal comes from one source, or from multiple cables, then trace and mark their routes.

RD Map™ app

RD Map™ uses Bluetooth to create, in real time*, detailed maps of buried utilities: each survey measurement parameter is appended to the GPS positional information obtained by the locator, external or Android device to map the route of the tracked utility. Map files (CSV or KML) can then be shared via e-mail or any compatible messaging system.

 * Requires data connectivity and availability of Google Maps.

Combine accuracy with speed – Peak+ mode

Combine the accuracy of Peak locating with the rapid ground coverage of Guidance arrows in the new Peak+ mode. A single key press lets you check for distortion by comparing Null with Peak.

Peak mode locating is more accurate and less prone to distortion - that's why it's always been at the heart of Radiodetection's cable and pipe locators.  Null mode locating can be faster, but is inherently less accurate.  Peak+ combined these modes, giving the accuracy of Peak and the speed of null.
 

Current Direction (CD)

Current Direction is a powerful tool that augments the capabilities of pipe and cable locators to help operators pick out their target line from others nearby. Using fundamental properties of electromagnetism, CD allows you to locate your utility quickly, and eliminate wasted time following false trails.
 

Automatic usage logging with GPS positioning

GPS equipped RD8100 cable and pipe locators (models ending with a 'G') automatically log key locate parameters every second, providing a comprehensive picture of individual locates, or allowing you to assess usage patterns over periods of a year or more.

The data generated can be used to ensure compliance with best-practice, or to identify training needs before poor work habits develop. Additionally, the data can be used for internal audits, or shared with partners or clients to evidence task completion, or compliance to their requirements.

Usage data can be exported in multiple file formats – for example KML for Google Maps to confirm where and when work was performed.

Advantages

  • A unique arrangement of five custom-manufactured, precision-ground antennas deliver locate accuracy and repeatability. The RD8100 cable and pipe locator can use its 5 high-precision antennas in different configurations to tailor its locate performance to the task in hand.

  • Save up to 1,000 survey measurements, capturing utility depth, and send to a mobile device using Bluetooth®. Add positional data with the integrated GPS option, or combine with external GNSS device using the wireless Bluetooth link to get the accuracy that you need.

  • Designed for on-site use, with IP65 ingress protection against dust and water.

  • iLOC is an advanced Bluetooth link between the RD8100 locator and TX-10B transmitter, which allows you to control the transmitter’s signal power and frequency from up to 1400’ / 450m away.  Less time walking and more time locating.

  • StrikeAlert reduces the risk of accidents by warning of the presence of shallow cables and pipes with both visual and audio warnings.

  • Dynamic Overload Protection filters out interference, enabling use in electrically noisy environments such as substations or in the presence of overhead power cables.

  • Verify and certify the calibration of your locator over the internet using the RD Manager™ PC software package – without returning the unit to a service center. Have confidence that the RD8100 is ready for action whenever you are.

  • The integrity of the measurement system can be confirmed on-site. Self-Test applies signals to the locating circuitry in the pipe and cable locator as well as checking display and power functions.

  • Download usage logging and survey measurement data for analysis, and set-up, calibrate and update your locator from a PC.

  • Over 40 years of working alongside users on-site gives us the confidence to back our product with a 3 year warranty, supported by our global service network. Our experienced teams and partners provide comprehensive technical support and training tailored to your needs.