Radiodetection Transmitters

Radiodetection Transmitter Buyer’s Guide

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Understanding cable‑location transmitters

Locating buried pipes and cables accurately requires more than just a receiver. A signal transmitter applies an AC signal onto metallic utilities so that a locator can detect and follow them. Because underground networks are congested and include high‑impedance lines, a transmitter must offer selectable frequencies, stable current control, and rugged construction. Radiodetection’s transmitter range has evolved to meet these demands, delivering constant‑current output, environmental protection, and smart features. This guide explains the key products in Eastcom’s transmitter category and helps you choose the right model for your application.

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Radiodetection TX Series – versatile precision transmitters

The TX series is designed to complement Radiodetection’s high‑precision RD‑series locators. All three models share a common digital platform and provide constant current across their entire bandwidth, whether you connect directly to a utility, use a clamp, or induce a signal. They also include a removable accessory tray, a high‑contrast backlit LCD, and an IP65‑rated enclosure for protection against dust and water. Automatic impedance matching and SideStepAuto technology optimize the frequency based on the target line, improving locating accuracy and battery life. A built‑in multimeter function allows operators to measure voltage, current, and impedance before starting a survey.

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Shared features 

All TX series transmitters use digital signal generation and maintain constant current across the chosen frequency band. They offer selectable induction levels (10 %, 20 %, 50 % and 100 % of maximum) and four direct‑connection power levels. An IP65 housing protects the transmitter from dust and water, and an optional lithium‑ion battery pack extends run‑time and improves cold‑weather performance. Fault‑Find mode works with an A‑frame to locate insulation failures on sheathed cables, while Current Direction mode helps distinguish the target utility in congested areas. The TX‑10B model’s iLOC remote function lets you adjust settings from the locator, minimising unnecessary travel.

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Genny4 signal generator – dual‑frequency cable avoidance

The Genny4 transmitter is designed to work with Radiodetection’s C.A.T4 cable‑avoidance tools. It transmits a simultaneous dual‑frequency signal: a 33 kHz tone for general cable location and a high‑frequency signal for finding small‑diameter cables such as telecom pairs and street‑lighting spurs. All C.A.T4 locators can detect both signals simultaneously. A Signal Boost function amplifies the output by up to ten times to allow detection over greater distances or depths. Genny4 is also compatible with previous C.A.T3 and Genny3 accessories.

Other safety features include Dynamic Overload Protection, which prevents interference from power cables and substations, and the ability to work with C.A.T Manager software for fleet monitoring and calibration. Genny4 is ideal for utility contractors who need a lightweight, easy‑to‑use transmitter for avoiding cable strikes and tracing small drop lines.

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PCMx Pipeline Current Mapper – Tx‑25 PCM and Tx‑150 PCM

Pipeline corrosion and coating defects can be difficult to locate because they occur on long, buried assets. Radiodetection’s PCMx system combines a receiver with either a Tx‑25PCM or Tx‑150PCM transmitter to perform ACVG (Alternating Current Voltage Gradient) and ACCA (Alternating Current Current Attenuation) surveys. The system helps corrosion‑control professionals identify coating holidays, shorts, and contact points. It can also generate survey records with depth of cover and GPS position information.

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Shared PCMx features

Both transmitters are housed in rugged thermoplastic enclosures compliant with EN 60950‑1, operate from –10 °C to +50 °C, and can be stored from –20 °C to +70 °C. They offer selectable modes for ELF, ELCD, LFCD, and 8 kHz to match survey requirements. In the PCMx system, these transmitters pair with a receiver that collects pipeline current, voltage, and GPS data at one‑second intervals. Users can perform surveys separately or simultaneously and export survey logs via an Android companion app or Windows PC software. Radiodetection’s Peak+ guidance mode provides arrows for quick location and null guidance to identify distortion. Enhanced self‑test and eCert functions verify the transmitter and receiver calibration on‑site.

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Choosing the right transmitter

1. General cable and pipe tracing: When tracing common utilities or working in moderately congested areas, the TX‑5 offers ample power with Fault‑Find capability. It is lighter and consumes less energy, making it suitable for day‑to‑day locating work.
   
   
2. Long‑distance or high‑impedance locating: Choose the TX‑10 when you need stronger signals. Its 10 W output and Current Direction mode improve performance on deep or high‑resistance lines. For large sites or situations where repeated adjustments would be time‑consuming, upgrade to the TX‑10B to use the iLOC remote control.
   
   
3. Cable‑avoidance and small‑diameter drops: For contractors focused on preventing strikes and quickly mapping drop cables, the Genny4 provides dual‑frequency output and a Signal Boost function to locate small conductors.
   
   
4. Pipeline integrity and corrosion surveys: Use the PCMx system. Select Tx‑25PCM for distribution networks and manageable survey lengths; its portable design and integrated Li‑ion battery pack make it easy to deploy. For long transmission pipelines or when extremely high current is needed, select Tx‑150PCM; its 150 W capability allows mapping signals to travel more than 30 km.
   

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Best‑practice tips

• Verify signal strength: Use the multimeter function in TX transmitters to check voltage, current, and impedance before leaving a connection.
  
  
• Match the frequency to the target: SideStepAuto in TX transmitters and the dual‑frequency output in Genny4 automatically adjust frequencies to improve coupling. You can also select specific frequencies based on the line type (low frequencies travel farther but may bleed onto adjacent lines; high frequencies are better for short, small‑diameter cables).
  
  
• Use Fault‑Find and Current Direction modes: When locating sheath faults or differentiating between adjacent lines, the TX series Fault‑Find and CD modes provide valuable feedback.
  
  
• Leverage remote control: On the TX‑10B, adjust frequency and power remotely from the locator to save time and reduce walking.
  
  
• Maintain equipment: Regularly perform self‑tests or eCert calibration on PCMx and C.A.T4 equipment to ensure accurate readings.
  

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