Noise measurement in a locating receiver
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- coordinating frequencies between a signal transmitter and a utility locator;
taking a first measurement with the utility locator at a plurality of frequencies with no signal transmitted by the signal transmitter;
placing a signal on a buried utility with the signal transmitter;
taking a second measurement with the utility locator at at least one frequency while the signal is placed on the buried utility by the signal transmitter;
calculating a signal-to-noise ratio using the first and the second measurement;
choosing a favorable frequency with a favorable quality indicator based upon the first and the second measurement;
thereafter, placing a locate signal on the buried utility with the signal transmitter at the favorable frequency; and
locating the buried utility by detecting the locate signal with the utility locator.
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Abstract
A method for choosing a frequency to locate an underground object. A locating receiver is provided with a display. The locating receiver scans multiple pre-selected frequencies to determine a noise level, or a signal-to-noise ratio. The locating receiver transmits the chosen frequency to a transmitter, which places the chosen frequency on the underground object to provide an optimal locating frequency.
15 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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coordinating frequencies between a signal transmitter and a utility locator; taking a first measurement with the utility locator at a plurality of frequencies with no signal transmitted by the signal transmitter; placing a signal on a buried utility with the signal transmitter; taking a second measurement with the utility locator at at least one frequency while the signal is placed on the buried utility by the signal transmitter; calculating a signal-to-noise ratio using the first and the second measurement; choosing a favorable frequency with a favorable quality indicator based upon the first and the second measurement; thereafter, placing a locate signal on the buried utility with the signal transmitter at the favorable frequency; and locating the buried utility by detecting the locate signal with the utility locator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification