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

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7. Reading 3M™ iD Markers
The operator can retrieve the data from the iD marker by pressing Read [SK] on the 3M 
Dynatel™ Electronic Marking System (EMS) Marker Locate screen.
The locator tip should be lowered to the ground to reach maximum read depth.
If more than one 3M iD Marker of the same utility is detected, the locator will read the 
first marker and display the data from the marker.
The fourth yellow command key will be labeled 
“Read Next”. Press this key to extract the data from 
the other marker.
All the information retrieved from the marker, including the date and time read, is 
saved into the ‘Read History’ file of the locator. If a hand-held GPS device is used in 
conjunction with the locator, coordinates can be saved into the Read History. (See 8. 
Reviewing Marker Read/Write History)
8. Reviewing 3M Marker Read/Write History
A. Read History
The Read History mode is a historical file of all information that has been read from 
targeted markers (100 memory locations).
Menu [6] + Data/Templat [SK:2] + Read History [SK:2a]
The Read History screen displays the date and 
time that each marker was read, and its unique 
identification number.
• Select the marker data to be viewed by pressing 
the up/down arrows [SK].
• Press Marker Details [SK] to view all data that 
was retrieved from the marker.
• Press Read History [SK] to return to the list or 
press Exit [SK] to return to Data/Template review 
display. 
						

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B. Write History [SK]
Menu [6] + Data Templat [SK:2] + Write History [SK:2b]
• Select the 3M™ Marker data to be viewed by 
pressing the up/down arrows [SK].
• Press Write Details [SK] to view all data that was 
sent to the marker.
• Press Write History [SK] to return to the list of 
written data.
• Press Exit [SK] to return to Data/Template review 
display.
For additional information concerning writing to 3M™ iD Markers, refer to 
www.3M.com/dynatel - Instruction Manual M-Series Locator PC Tools.
9. GPS Compatibility Operation
A. Communicating with the GPS Device
Menu [6] + COM Setup [SK:3]
The COM Setup [SK:3] key will toggle through several options to configure the Serial 
Port [14] of the locator (depending on the application, or capabilities of the GPS device). 
Select from the following options.
NMEA – The Serial Port is configured to receive NMEA signals from a GPS device 
(4800 Baud Rate). (Capture Mode/Mode 1)
GIS – The Serial Port is configured to send and receive data to a GPS device that has 
GIS mapping capabilities. (Capture/Transmit Mode/ Mode2)
PC – The Serial Port is configured to communicate with a computer for the Dynatel PC 
Tool Kit application.
PDA - The Serial Port is configured to only send information if the GPS device only has 
the ability to receive information.
TRSync - Serial Port is configured in PDA mode but the data is transmitted in an 
abbreviated .CSV (Comma Separated Value) format.
B. Capturing the GPS Coordinates (Capture Mode / Mode 1)
Menu [6] + COM Setup [SK:3] + NMEA
If the GPS device is not configured properly, there is an error communicating with the 
locator, or the GPS has not acquired enough satellites to pinpoint the location, the locator 
will display the message “Insert External Device”. 
						

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When the locator is communicating with a GPS 
device, the LAT and LONG coordinates received from 
the device will appear on the marker locate display.
Step 1. Locate a marker. (See 4. D. Single Marker Locate.)
Step 2. Press Read [SK].
The information from the 3M™ iD Marker, as well as the GPS coordinates, will display 
on the locator display. This information is saved automatically in the Read Marker 
History. (See 8.A. Reviewing Marker Read/Write History.)
If the marker is a passive marker (rather than iD) the locator will display “No iD Marker 
Found”. The GPS coordinates of the attempt to read the non-iD marker are stored in 
the Read Marker History as serial number # 0000-0000-0000. The marker details will 
indicate “not an iD marker”, but will display the GPS coordinates.
C. Sending 3M iD Marker Data to GPS (Capture-Transmit Mode / Mode 2)
Menu [6] + COM Setup [SK:3] + GIS
3M Dynatel™ Electronic Marking System (EMS) Marker Locators that have marker 
locating capability (indicated by ‘iD’ in the model number) can be configured to send 
3M iD Marker data directly to some GPS devices. When an iD marker is located and 
read, the information read from the iD marker, with feature and attribute data, is sent 
to the GPS device and is stamped with latitude, longitude and date/time data. The data 
acquired during this logging process can be uploaded to GIS mapping software. For\
 
more information and detailed instructions pertaining to specific GPS devices, refer to 
www.3M.com/dynatel for GPS instruction sheet.
10. Help Mode
Menu[6] + >>More [SK:4] + Help [SK:8]
The help screen contains basic information about the locator and its operation. It is 
designed to be a quick reference guide.
• Press the double up/down arrows [SK] to navigate between sections.
 −The single up/down arrows [SK] will scroll the display line by line.
11. 3M™ Dynatel™ PC Tool Kit and 
Locator Software Upgrades
Locator software upgrades are periodically released and can be downloaded, free of 
charge, at www.3M.com/dynatel. Located under the Software Updates section, the 
software link is titled 3M Dynatel M-Series Locator PC Tools.  To download the 
software, click on the link and then select 3M Dynatel M-Series Underground Locator  
						

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PC Tools.  Selecting this link will display the latest software downloads as well as any 
Release Notes related to the current software release.
Once downloaded to your PC, double click the file and an auto-installer will install the 
C Tool desktop software. Double click the 3M™ Dynatel™ PC Tool Kit icon on the 
desktop. Using the provided RS232 cable, or RS232-to-USB adapter cable, connect the 
Serial Port [14] on the locator to the PC and power the locator on. Click the Upgrade 
Software button in PC Tools to begin upgrade. Do not disconnect or power off the 
locator while the upgrade is in progress. Wait until the software indicates that the 
installation was successful. This will take approximately 6 to 7 minutes to complete.
The Dynatel PC Tool Kit provides the user an excellent interface between the locator and 
a PC. This software utility provides the tools by which the user can:
• Upgrade the locator to the latest software revision.
• Program one or multiple locators to best suit specific user configurations.
• Load an alternate language into the locator.
• Utilize the 3M™ iD Marker utility to:
 −Create templates for writing data to iD markers, or create Trace Templates for 
GPS path tracing when connected to a GPS device.
 −Download iD marker data that has been written or read by the locator for 
documentation databases.
Embedded in the desktop software is the most current software for the locator, which 
affords the user the option of upgrading the unit without returning the unit to the 
3M Service and Repair Center.
Please refer to the operating instructions included with the software.
12. Self Test Of 3M Dynatel™ Electronic Marking 
System (EMS) Marker Locator
Menu [6] + >>More [SK:4] + Self Test [SK:7]
This operation performs a self-test on the locator.
The locator will display current information about the unit (model number, serial 
number, software revision, and hardware revision).
1. Press Run [SK] to start the self test.
 −A status bar will appear while the self test is running.
 −Results will appear on the display when the test is complete.
 −Press Exit [SK] to return to the Menu. 
						

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13. Locator Specifications: 3M™ Dynatel™ 
Electronic Marking System (EMS) Marker Locator 
1420-iD
ItemSpecification
Frequencies / MarkersTelephone, Power, Gas, Water, Waste Water, Communication (CATV), General Purpose
Maximum Writing Range 3M iD Markers:
 Near-Surface
 Ball Marker
 Full-Range
 
6 in (15 cm)
12 in (30 cm)
24 in (61 cm)
Maximum Read Range 3M iD Markers:
 Near-Surface
 Ball Marker
 Full-Range
 
3 ft (0.9 m)
5 ft (1.5 m)
8 ft (2.4m)
Maximum Detection Depth 3M Passive Markers:
 Near-Surface
 Ball Marker
 Mid-Range
 Full-Range
2 ft (0.6 m)
5 ft (1.5 m)
6 ft (1.8 m)
8 ft (2.4 m)
Marker Depth Accuracy+/- 15% +/- 2 in (5 cm)
Dual Marker Locate ModeAny two markers types
Weight w/batteries4 lbs (1.8 kg)
Average Battery Life20 hours*
14. Environmental and Regulatory Specifications
ItemSpecification
RegulatoryFCC compliant, FCC Part 15
Environmental StandardIP54
Operating Temperature-4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
Storage Temperature-4°F to 158° F (-20°C to 70°C) 
						

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15. Locator Specifications: 3M™ Dynatel™ 
Electronic Marking System (EMS) Marker Locator 
1420E-iD
ItemSpecification
Frequencies / MarkersTelephone, Power, Gas, Water, Waste Water, Communication (CATV), General Purpose
Maximum Writing Range 3M iD Markers:
 Near-Surface
 Ball Marker
 Full-Range
15 cm (6 in)
30 cm (12 in)
61 cm (24 in)
Maximum Read Range 3M iD Markers:
 Near-Surface
 Ball Marker
 Full-Range
60 cm (24 in)
1.2 m (48 in) (Telephone, CE Power, Gas, Waste Water, Communications (CATV), General Purpose)
1.0 m (40 in) (US Power, Water)
2.0 m (78 in)
Maximum Detection Depth 3M Passive Markers:
 Near-Surface
 Ball Marker
 Mid-Range
 Full-Range
60 cm (24 in)
1.5 m (60 in)
1.8 m (72 in)
2.4 m (96 in)
Marker Depth Accuracy+/- 15% +/- 5 cm (2 in)
Dual Marker Locate ModeAny two markers types
Weight w/batteries1.8 kg (4 lbs)
Average Battery Life20 hours*
RegulatoryCE
Environmental StandardIP54
* Note: The battery life is measured at 73ºF / 23ºC, with 5% usage of the backlight 
at normal level and audio at medium level. The ratio of Marker Read operations to 
Marker Locate is assumed to be 1:1..
16. Environmental and Regulatory Specifications
ItemSpecification
RegulatoryCE
Environmental StandardIP54
Operating Temperature-20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F)
Storage Temperature-20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158° F) 
						

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Electrical Markets Division6801 River Place Blvd.Austin, TX 78726-90001-800-200-0265FAX: 1-877-601-1305www.3M.com/dynatel 
Please Recycle. Printed in USA.© 3M 2015. All Rights Reserved.78-8130-6741-6-G
This product is in accordance with the requirements of the 
European directive 99/5/EC.
This is the EU symbol for equipment that is covered 
under the W aste from Electr ical and Electronic 
Equipment (WEEE) directiv e per CENELEC 
Specification 5041.  It indicates that cert ain products 
should not be discarded in the trash,  but rather 
should be recycled.   This applies to all electronic 
pluggab le and batter y powered product s.This is the EU symbol for equipment that is covered under the Waste 
from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive per CENELEC \
Specification 5041. It indicates that certain products should not be 
discarded in the trash, but rather should be recycled.  This applies to all 
electronic pluggable and battery powered products
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sed on information believed to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. Before using the 3M Product, you must evaluate it and determine if it is suitable for your intended applicatio\
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Limited Product Warranty 3M Locators (except accessories), will conform to 3M’s published specifications and will be free from defects in material and manufacture for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase. Dry cell batteries included in any of 3M’s products are warranted only to the extent the battery manufacturer determines such batteries are covered by its warranty. Locating accessories are warranted for ninety (90) days after purchase. 3M’s obligations and liability under this warranty are limited to repairing, replacing or refund of the purchase price, at 3M’s option, any of 3M’s products which, after normal and proper usage, are determined by 3M to be defective. This warranty does not extend to any of 3M’s products which have been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident or improper applications, nor shall it extend to products which have been repaired or substantially altered outside 3M’s manufacturing or repair facility, nor to any associated instruments, equipment or apparatus. Before utilizing any of 3M’s products, BUYER should determine the suitability of the product for BUYER'S intended use. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. In no case shall 3M be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages based upon breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict liability or any other legal theory. This limitation does not apply to claims for personal injury. 
Special Condition: Shipments into authorized distributor/supplier locations will have an a\
dditional ninety (90) day warranty period.