When you think about locators, “Sonel” is the first word that comes to mind. This manufacturer of measuring instruments has been offering professional solutions for cable tracing and fault detection for over a decade. The well-known LKZ-720, LKZ-1000 and LKZ-2000 models have just been joined by a new locator set – Sonel LKZ-2500. The solutions introduced in the new set are unique on a global scale, and they include functions that were previously only found in much more expensive locators.

The Sonel LKZ-2500 series, designed and manufactured in Poland, has been given a brand-new form. The core of the system is the innovative Sonel LKD-2500 detector integrated with the Sonel LKZ Mobile application – the application enables access to current readings and all configuration options. The set also includes the Sonel LKN-2500 transmitter and all the necessary accessories.

Photograph 1. Measurements using Sonel LKZ-2500

Advanced Sonel LKD-2500 detector

The detector is a small device contained inside a tightly sealed triangular housing. It has three 3D antennas, which is equivalent to nine antennas that can be used to track objects – this is downright revolutionary in this price segment. However, that is not the only interesting solution – thanks to interchangeable handles and adjustable inclination, Sonel LKD-2500 is much more flexible than conventional devices. It can be used with a short handle (on the level of your hand) and with a long, fully adjustable handle (on the ground level). This ergonomic feature is convenient not only when the device is used but also when it is transported or stored.

Photograph 2. Sonel LKD-2500 detector with a short and long handle

The Sonel LKZ-2500 detector has special digital algorithms to automatically select the right settings, including the relevant coefficients, reducing the need for operator intervention. This way, even beginners will be able to easily locate cables or underground infrastructure.

As regards the presentation of results, the detector sends information about the traced object to the control unit in several ways:

• graphically, by the height of the bargraph,
• digitally, showing the strength of the received signal,
• visually, displaying a line visualising the traced object on the compass,
• visually, displaying the waveforms of the received signal vs. time on the compass.

The following additional parameters are measured and displayed sequentially: depth and distance from the object, detector rotation angle relative to the route of the object, current passing through the object or current leading frequency (depending on the selected mode) and GPS coordinates of route points saved by the user. The detector can function in the passive mode and active mode. In the first mode, the objects are traced based on signals already passing in the objects: 50/60 Hz mains frequency (in the Power mode) or in a frequency range from 2 to 65 kHz (in the Radio mode). In the active mode, the device uses a specific frequency, emitted directly from the LKN transmitter.

Sonel LKN-2500 – a brand new transmitter

The second module of Sonel LKZ-2500 is the Sonel LKN-2500 signal transmitter, enclosed in a case housing. It can be connected directly to the traced object (after it has been de-energised), indirectly – using an induction clamp – to trace energised objects and by induction (using an integrated antenna to broadcast the signal in the relevant direction to all the objects located under the transmitter).

Each set with the Sonel LKN-2500 transmitter is normally supplied with the accessories required to earth the second end of the cable – this feature has been introduced in response to the requests submitted to Sonel S.A. by users of previous LKZ models.

Photograph 3. Sonel LKN-2500 transmitter

Many more possibilities with the Sonel LKZ Mobile application

The location set is complemented by the Sonel LKZ Mobile application, which can be used to pair the LKD detector with any mobile device via Bluetooth. The application uses the GPS of the mobile device to save the routes of the objects by correlating the geographic coordinates with the results sent from the LKD. The saved routes can be combined to create maps that can be shared with other users of the free application. Also, the routes saved by the user can be viewed without the Sonel LKZ-2500 locator set. Users of the application can also add comments concerning specific measurement points and create photo reports (using the camera of the mobile device). Sonel LKZ Mobile can also show the waveforms of the received signal on the compass vs. time to make it easier to determine the actual situation during tracing.

Photograph 4. Control panel with the Sonel LKZ Mobile application

Pick the best set to suit your needs

The complete line will consist of four sets:

1. Sonel LKZ-2500
   • LKD-2500 detector with a long handle
   • LKN-2500 transmitter and a cable earthing set
   • 8″ control panel with a handle and a harness
   • Sonel LKZ Mobile application
   • large carrying case and other accessories
2. Sonel LKZ-2500 Start
   • LKD-2500 detector with a long handle
   • LKN-2500 transmitter and a cable earthing set
   • Sonel LKZ Mobile application
   • large carrying case and other accessories
3. Sonel LKZ-2500 Lite
   • LKD-2500 detector with a short handle
   • LKN-2500 transmitter and a cable earthing set
   • Sonel LKZ Mobile application
   • carrying case and other accessories
4. Sonel LKD-2500
   • LKD-2500 detector with a short handle
   • Sonel LKZ Mobile application
   • carrying case and other accessories

Photograph 5. Differences between individual Sonel LKZ-2500 sets

Author: Bartosz Fijałkowski, Sonel S.A.

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