3M Electronic Marking System EMS Marker Locator 1420iD User Manual

							3M™ Dynatel™  
Electronic Marking System (EMS)
Marker Locator 1420-iD
Operator’s Manual
1420-iD Marker Locator 
1420E-iD Marker Locator
September 2015
78-8130-6741-6 Rev G3 
						

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Contents
1. Safety Information ........................................................................\
....................4
A. Intended Use ........................................................................\
........................4
3. Quick Start ........................................................................\
................................5
A. Locator Battery Installation ........................................................................\
.5
B. Cleaning the Locator Unit ........................................................................\
....5
C. Service and Accessories ........................................................................\
.......5
D. 3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marking System (EMS) Marker Locator 
1420-ID Keypad Definitions ........................................................................\
....6
3. Menu Displays ........................................................................\
..........................7
A. Main Menu ........................................................................\
..........................7
4. Locating 3M Electronic Markers and 3M iD Markers .....................................9
A. Activating the Marker Locate Feature (– E-Model Only) ...........................9 
B. E-Model Initial Configuration (Applies only to 1420E model.) ..................9
C. Enabling/Disabling Marker and Path frequencies .....................................10
D. Single Marker or Path marker Locate ........................................................10
E. Enabling/Disabling Frequencies ................................................................11
F. iD Marker Depth ........................................................................\
.................11
G. Passive Electronic Marker (Non-iD) Depth ..............................................12
5. Creating/Editing Templates for 3M™ iD Markers ...........................................13
A. Creating New Templates ........................................................................\
....13
B. Editing Templates  ........................................................................\
..............15
6. Writing 3M iD Markers ........................................................................\
..........16
A. Modifying Marker Data to be Written .......................................................17
7. Reading 3M iD Markers ........................................................................\
.........19
8. Reviewing Marker Read/Write History ..........................................................19
A. Read History ........................................................................\
......................19
B. Write History ........................................................................\
......................20
9. GPS Compatibility Operation ........................................................................\
.20
A. Communicating with the GPS Device .......................................................21
B. Capturing the GPS Coordinates (Capture Mode / Mode 1) .......................21
C. Sending 3M iD Marker Data to GPS (Capture-Transmit Mode / Mode 2) 22
10. Help Mode ........................................................................\
............................22
11. 3M Dynatel PC Tool Kit and Locator Software Upgrades  ...........................22
12. Self Test of Locator ........................................................................\
...............23
13. Locator Specifications ........................................................................\
...........24 
						

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Congratulations! You have just purchased one of the finest, Electronic Marker locating 
devices available today!
The 3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marker System (EMS) Marker Locators 1420-iD and 
1420E-iD are designed with all of the functionality of previous Dynatel models, with 
the enhanced capability to read from, and write user information into, 3M iD Markers. 
Information such as a pre-programmed unique identification number, facility data, 
application type, placement date and other details can all be read, stored and downloaded 
to your PC for enhanced resource management with this revolutionary equipment. The 
Dynatel Marker Locators 1420-iD and 1420E-iD will also search for two different 
types of utility markers simultaneously. When used in conjunction with a hand-held 
GPS device, the ability to transmit path and marker coordinates multiplies the potential 
to the mapping industry. This equipment provides a simple system for mapping utility 
information directly into CAD and GIS systems. 
3M is dedicated to bringing you premium equipment with outstanding reliability, backed 
by one of the best warranties in the business and outstanding service.
Visit our website at http://www.3M.com/dynatel for more application notes and product 
information.
Statement of Conformity
"Hereby, 3M Company declares that this Underground Locating Product is incompliance 
with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC."
www.3m.com/market/telecom/access/conformity/ 
						

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1. Safety Information
Please read, understand and follow all safety information contained in these instructions 
prior to the use of the 3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marking System (EMS) Marker 
Locators 1420-iD and 1420E-iD. Retain these instructions for future reference.
A. Intended Use
The 3M Dynatel 1420-iD and 1420E-iD Electronic Marker Locators are designed and 
tested for use in locating 3M Buried Markers. 3M markers are used to identify buried 
utilities and structures. The system must be installed as specified in the 3M Electronic 
Marker System 1420-iD Locator Operator's Manual. They have not been evaluated for 
other uses or locations. If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by 3M, the 
protections provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Explanation of Signal Word Consequences
!Warning:Indicates hazardous situation which if not avoided, could result in 
death or serious injury.
!Caution:Indicates hazardous situation which if not avoided, could result in 
minor or moderate injury.
Explanation of Product Safety Label Symbols
Do not throw away in normal trash.
F
Warning: Risk of electric shock
It is unlawful to operate this unit in any country with a configuration setting that is not specific to that country. In order to prevent the user from operating this unit with a configuration setting that is not specific to the country where it is operated, this unit is equipped with configuration software for installing country specific configurations. Please refer to the initial configuration setup sheet. 
						

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2. Quick Start
A. Battery Installation
1. Twist cap to open battery compartment.
2. Slide battery compartment out of handle. 
! Caution
To reduce the risks associated with fire and explosion:
•	Do not short, excessively heat, or dispose of batteries in fire.
•	Install batteries with proper polarity.
•	Use only Alkaline "AA" (LR 6) sized batteries.
•	Do not charge batteries.
•	Do not use leaking batteries.
To reduce the risks associated with environmental contamination:
•	 
Dispose of batteries and electronic components in accordance with all regulations.
•	Ensure batteries are installed with correct polarity.
•	Always remove batteries when storing the units for long periods of time.
The batteries are tested for two seconds every time the unit is turned on.
The Bar Graph [11] on the display screen will fill to the relative battery level.
The Battery Icon [8] on the screen will continuously indicate the battery level.
B. Cleaning the Unit
To clean the unit, wipe with a damp cloth.
C. Service and Accessories
Information regarding service, accessories, or replacement parts can be obtained by 
contacting 3M at 1-800-426-8688 in the U.S., or by contacting your local 3M Sales 
Office or 3M Sales Representative outside of the U.S.
8 'AA' (LR 6) size Alkaline Batteries 
						

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D. 3M™ Dynatel™ Electronic Marking System (EMS) Marker Locator 
1420-iD Keypad and Display Definitions
6
5
3
2
1
7
9
4
2A
11
8
10
12
[1] On/Off (Power): Turns unit on and off.
[2]  Speaker Volume Control: [2] Adjusts the volume of the locator (off, low, medium, 
and high).
[2A] Speaker Volume Icon: Indicates the relative volume level of the locator.
[3] Contrast: The arrows located above and below the contrast icon will adjust the 
contrast of the display.
[4]  Gain Adjust: Adjusts the sensitivity of the locator either up or down to maintain a 
satisfactory signal level.
[5] Locate/OK:  Sets the locator to trace mode for locating markers. Also acknowledges 
setup entries (OK).
[6] Menu: Displays setup screen for configuration of the unit, i.e.: clock, language, 
depth units, and marker data.
[7] Backlight: Toggles the backlight low, high, and off.
[8] Battery Icon: Indicates battery level.
[SK] Soft Keys: There are four soft keys (yellow keys) on the locator. The function 
of each key is shown above the key on the display screen. The functions will change, 
depending on the operation mode of the locator. For instruction purposes in this manual, 
the display command is followed by [SK] to identify it as a soft key.
[9] Soft Key Commands: Definitions for each of the four soft key functions. 
[10] Signal Strength: Digital reading of the signal strength that the locator is detecting 
from the marker.
[11] Bar Graph: Graphical representation of the received signal.
[12] Gain Level: Displays relative gain level.
[13] External Jack: Not active on this model.
[l4] Serial Port: RS232 port to connect the locator to a PC via serial cable or USB-to-
Serial Adapter  cable.
[15] Earphone Jack: Will fit standard 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) mini-jack mono earphone 
plug (not included).
14
13
15
Access panel on  bottom side of loca-tor under rubber cover 
						

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3. Menu Displays
A. Main Menu
When the Menu [6] button is pressed, the Main Menu display appears. 
The function appears on the display above each soft key.
1. Write Mode: System used to write information to 3M™ iD Markers
2. Data/Template: Displays marker history and 
template creation/selection displays:
a. Read History – 100 memory locations for 
Read 3M iD Markers.
b. Write History – 100 memory locations for 
Written 3m iD Markers.
c. User Templates – Create and edit 3M iD 
templates for iD Markers (max = 32).
d. Exit – Returns to prior menu.
3. COM Setup: Displays second level COM 
Port setting display to configure RS232 port 
communication with different devices – 
a. PC – 3M Dynatel™ Electronic Marking 
System Locator will communicate to a 
computer.
b. NMEA – Port is configured to accept 
coordinates from GPS device.
c. GIS – Port is configured to send iD marker 
information or path information to GPS 
device and receive coordinates from GPS 
device.
d. PDA – Locator will send iD marker and path 
information in ASCII string.
4. >>More: Advances to next menu display 
						

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5. More - Advances to next menu display.
e. 
						

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4. Locating 3M™ Electronic Markers and 3M™ iD 
Markers
A. E-Model Initial Configuration (Applies only to 1420E model.)
Attention: All E-Model (Export) iD Locators must run the initial configuration setup 
found in the 3M™ Dynatel™ Locator PC Tools software. The 3M™ Dynatel™ PC 
Tools software is available free of charge at www.3M.com/dynatel under the Software 
Updates section by clicking the Dynatel(TM) M-Series Locator PC Tools link..
Note: U-Model Locators ship with all marker types enabled (). U-model users can 
skip Section B.
B. Activating the 3M Marker Locate Feature (E-Model Only)
In order to enable the electronic marker location feature of this locator, you must identify 
the country in which the locator will be used. This initial configuration is required for 
the 3M Dynatel Electronic Marking System (EMS) Locator 1420E models only.
Some countries do not allow all marker operating frequencies. Therefore, the E-model 
locators are shipped with all the marker types/frequencies disabled.
! WARNING
It is unlawful to operate this unit in any country with a configuration setting that is not specific to that country. In order to prevent the user from operating this unit with a configuration setting that is not specific to the country where it is operated, this unit is equipped with configuration software for installing country specific configurations.
Step 1. Download the 3M™ Dynatel™ Locator PC Tools software from www.3M.
com/dynatel and install it on your computer. The 3M™ Dynatel™ PC Tools 
software is available free of charge at www.3M.com/dynatel under the Software 
Updates section by clicking the Dynatel(TM) M-Series Locator PC Tools link.
Step 2. Close any programs that may be using the COM ports.
Step 3. Start the software program; Dynatel PC Tool kit.
Step 4. Connect the locator to the PC via the provided RS232 serial cable or RS232-to-
USB Adapter  cable.
Step 5. Power the locator on.
Step 6. From the main screen, select the country in which the unit will be operating. (If 
the country is not listed, select ‘All other countries’.)
Step 7. A communication window will appear. (Baud rate 38400 / Com Port x; select 
PC COM Port that is connected to the locator.)
Step 8. Click OK.
Step 9. Click Initial Configuration.
Step 10. Click Download. 
						

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Step 11. The prompt line will display: Download Completed Successfully, when 
finished. The marker types legally allowed in the country selected in Step 6 
above will be activated at this time.
Step 12. Multiple units may be configured at this point by simply connecting the next 
locator, powering it on, and clicking Download.
Step 13. Click Exit when all locators have been updated.
C. Enabling/Disabling 3M™ Marker and Path Frequencies 
Menu [6] + >>More [SK:4] + Setup [SK:6] + >>More [SK:6d] + Marker Type [SK:6f]
Note: 3M Dynatel™ Electronic Marking System (EMS) Locator U-Model will default 
with all marker types enabled (✓) 
Step 1. Press the up/down arrows [SK] to highlight 
a utility to enable or disable.
Step 2. Press Enabl/Disabl [SK].
 −Only the markers that are enabled () 
will be available in the locate mode.
Step 3. Press Locate/OK [5] to save settings or Exit 
[SK] to cancel.
D. Single Marker or Path Locate
Step 1. Press Locate/OK [5].
Step 2. Press Marker [SK].
Step 3. Press Markr 1 [SK Toggle] to select 
desired utility.
Step 4.  Markr 2 should be OFF.
Note: Only the marker types enabled in the setup 
menu will be shown. (See 4.C. Enabling/Disabling 
Marker types). When scanning for markers, the 
Gain Level [12] should be set high.
 −When a marker is detected, adjust the 
Gain [4] down until the bar graph opens.
 −The bar graph will close, the audio will 
be steady, and the Signal Strength [10] 
will be maximum when the locator 
detects a marker of the specified utility 
and has pinpointed its location..