3M Electronic Marking System EMS Marker Locator with iD ReadWrite 7420 User Manual

							3M™ Dynatel™ 
Electronic Marking System (EMS) 
Marker Locator with iD Read/Write 7420 
Operator’s Manual
7420 EMS Marker/Tape Locator with iD Read/Write 
7420E EMS Marker/Tape Locator with iD Read/Write
September 2012
78-9000-0431-4-C
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Contents
1. Safety Information ........................................................................\
...................................4
A. Intended Use ........................................................................\
.......................................4
2. Quick Start  ........................................................................\
...............................................5
A. Locator Battery  ........................................................................\
...................................5
B. Cleaning the Locator Unit  ........................................................................\
..................6
C. Service and Accessories ........................................................................\
.....................6
D. 7420 EMS Locator Keypad and Display Definitions  .................................................7
3. Menu Displays ........................................................................\
.........................................8 A. Main Menu ........................................................................\
.........................................8
4. Locating 3M
™ Electronic Markers and 3M™ iD Markers ..............................................10
A. 7420E-Model Initial Configuration  ........................................................................\
..10
B. Activating the Marker Locate Feature (7420E-Model Only)  ...................................10
C. Enabling/Disabling Marker Types  ........................................................................\
... 11
D. Single Marker Locate (EMS/iD Markers)  ................................................................11
E. Path Marker Locate (7600 Series EMS Caution Tape) ............................................ 11
F. Sweeping and Locating the Tape/Pipe  ......................................................................12
G. Estimating Depth  ........................................................................\
..............................13
5. Creating/Editing Templates for 3M
™ iD Markers ..........................................................14
A. Creating New Templates  ........................................................................\
..................14
B. Editing Templates  ........................................................................\
.............................16
6. Writing to 3M
™ iD Markers ........................................................................\
...................17
A. Modifying Marker Data to be Written  .....................................................................19
7. Reading to 3M
™ iD Markers  ........................................................................\
..................21
8. Reviewing Marker Read/Write History  ........................................................................\
.21
A. Read History ........................................................................\
.....................................21
B. Write History  ........................................................................\
....................................22
9. GPS Compatibility Operation  ........................................................................\
................22
A. Activation  Key ........................................................................\
.................................22
B. Serial Number and Software Version .......................................................................22
C. Inputting the GPS Activation Key  ........................................................................\
....23
D. Communicating with the GPS Device  .....................................................................23
E. Capturing GPS Coordinates (Capture Mode / Mode 1)  ...........................................23
F. Sending to 3M
™ iD Marker Data to GPS (Capture-Transmit Mode / Mode 2) .........24
10. Help Mode ........................................................................\
...........................................24
11. 3M
™ Dynatel™ PC Tool Kit and Locator Software Upgrades  ......................................25
12. Memory Self Test  ........................................................................\
.................................25
13.  Replacement Accessories ........................................................................\
.....................26
13. 3M
™ Dynatel™ EMS Marker/Tape Locator 7420 Product Specifications  ....................26 
						

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Congratulations! You have just purchased one of the finest, most advanced Electronic 
Marker locating devices available today!
The 3M
™ Dynatel™ EMS Marker/Tape Locators 7420/7420E are designed to locate 
3M™ EMS Caution Tape 7600 Series, EMS Markers, and will read and write unique 
user information to 3M iD Markers. iD markers allow information such as a unique 
serial number (preprogrammed), facility data, application type, placement date and 
other details to be read, stored and transmitted back to your PC for enhanced resource 
management with this revolutionary equipment.
Enhancements also include single push button depth and powering bluetooth dongles 
used for data retrieval and GPS data transmission.
3M is dedicated to delivering 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 in 
compliance 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™ EMS Marker/Tape Locators 7420/7420E. Retain 
these instructions for future reference.
A.  Intended Use
The 3M™ Dynatel™ EMS Marker/Tape Locators 7420/7420E are designed and tested for 
use in locating 3M™ EMS Caution Tape 7600 Series, 3M™ EMS Markers and 3M™ iD 
Markers. 3M caution tape and markers are used to identify buried utilities and structures. 
If this equipment is used in a manner not specied by 3M, the protections provided by the 
equipment may be impaired.
Explanation of Signal Word Consequences
m Warning: Indicates hazardous situation which if not avoided, could result in 
death or serious injury.
m 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.
cWarning: 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.  Locator Battery
1. Twist cap to open battery compartment.
2. Slide battery into handle. 
1 Lithium Ion battery 
pack or 8 'AA' (LR 6) 
size Alkaline Batteries
Use the AC charger to charge the Lithium Ion battery pack. 
1. Plug the AC charger into a power outlet. 
2.  Plug the charging cord into Lithium Ion battery cable. Make sure that the key on the 
plug fits properly into the slot in the connector. 
The AC charger is meant for charging the Lithium Ion battery pack only.
m  WARNING
To reduce the risks associated with fi re and explosion when using Lithium Ion batteries:
•  Do not short, excessively heat, or dispose of batteries in fi re;
•  Do not pierce, modify or damage the battery, circuitry or packaging;
•  Do not allow the battery to get wet;
•  Only use the supplied charger or purchase a new charger from 3M;
•  DO NOT DOUSE A BURNING BATTERY! USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER!
To reduce the risks associated with fi re and explosion when using Alkaline batteries:
•  Install batteries with proper polarity.
•  Use only Alkaline "AA" (LR 6) sized batteries.
•  Do not charge batteries.
•  Do not use leaking batteries.
m CAUTION
To reduce the risks associated with environmental contamination:
•  Dispose of batteries and electronic components in accordance with all federal, state and 
local regulations.
ATTENTION
Shipping issues regarding batteries:
• In many cases the outside of the packaging must have an appropriate warning label and the 
package may have weight restrictions;
•  Transportation regulations continuously change so please seek the advice of shipping 
agencies. 
						

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The locator 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 Locate Screen will continuously indicate the battery level 
remaining for the locate mode that you are using.
B.  Cleaning the Locator Unit
To clean the locator unit, wipe with a damp cloth.
C. Service and Accessories
Information regarding service, accessories, or replacement parts can be obtained by 
contacting 3M at 1-800-200-0265 in the U.S., or by contacting your local 3M Sales 
Representative outside of the U.S. 
						

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D. 7420 EMS Locator Keypad and Display Definitions
1
2
3
4
5
6
9
7
13
14
Access panel 
on bottom side 
of locator under 
rubber cover
[1] On/Off (Power): Turns unit on and off.
[2]   Locate:  Sets the locator to trace mode for locating markers. 
[3A]  Speaker Volume Icon : Indicates the relative volume level of the locator.
[3]   Speaker Volume Control: [2] Adjusts the volume of the locator (off, low, medium, 
a nd h ig h).
[4]  Gain Adjust: Adjusts the sensitivity of the locator either up or down to maintain a  satisfactory signal level.
[5]  Depth:  Displays the depth of EMS/iD markers or EMS caution tape.
[6]   Menu/OK:  Displays setup screen for configuration of the unit, i.e.: clock, language, 
depth units, and marker data. Also acknowledges setup entries (OK).
[7] Backlight: Toggles the backlight low, high, and off.
[8] Battery Icon: Indicates battery level.
[9]  Soft Key Commands: Definitions for each of the four soft key functions.
      [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.
[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 the relative gain level when locating EMS/iD markers.
        Threshold Level: Displays the threshold level where audio is cut off when locating  EMS caution tape.
[13]  Serial Port: RS232 port to connect the locator to a PC via serial cable or USB-to- Serial Adapter cable.
[14]   Earphone Jack: Will fit standard 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) mini-jack mono earphone plug 
(not included).
11
12 10
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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 iD markers
b.  Write History – 100 memory locations for 
Written iD markers
c.  User Templates  – Create and edit 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  – Locator will communicate to a 
computer
b.  NMEA  – Port is configured to accept 
coordinates from GPS device according 
to NMEA (National Marine Electronics 
Association)
c.  GIS  – Port is configured to send iD marker 
information or path information to GPS 
device and receive coordinates from GPS 
device according to GIS (Geographic 
Information System).
d.  PDA  – Locator will send iD marker and path 
information in ASCII string. 
						

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4. >>More:  Advances to next menu display
5.  More  - Advances to next menu display
e. 
						

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4. Locating 3M™ Electronic Markers and 
3M
™ iD Markers
A.  7420E-Model Initial Configuration
Attention: All 7420E-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 
section; 2550/2573/2250M/2273M/7420 Locator PC Tools xx.x.x (EXE xx.xMB).
Note: 7420 Model Locators ship with all marker types enabled (). 7420 model users 
can skip to Section C.
B.  Activating the Marker Locate Feature (7420E-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 7420E locator models only.
Some countries do not allow all marker operating frequencies. Therefore, the 7420E 
model locators are shipped with all the marker types/frequencies disabled.
ATTENTION
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 section; 
2550/2573/2250M/2273M/7420 Locator PC Tools xx.x.x (EXE xx.xMB).
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.