Tough wiring problem

[Wet_Boots]

I was trying to find more crappy Flo-Pro valves, and was getting lots of AC hum (stoopid buried powerlines) Most of the false leads were at least semi-logical if you assumed 'coupling' from one conductor to another, as I could see the Malibu lights, and the blue mark at the curb for the water supply.

[CAPT Stream Rotar]

did you put the black lead on the common and red on valve wire?

[Wet_Boots]

Didn't get anywhere that way. There were enough extra conductors in two additional cables to make for many dead ends. I think the water line showed because my earth-ground wire was parallel to it. I was trying to finesse things by using lower output levels (less coupling that way, theoretically) ~ found the last group with output maxed, and connected to a valve wire.

[1idejim]

Originally Posted by CAPT Stream Rotar

Not to get off topic here, Jim, the other day I was trying to find a valve.

Since when did anyone think any of our ramblings were topic specific?

after 30 mins I put the MM back on the each of the commons on the clock..and found something odd. the valve wire its respective common were on 2 different wires...Meaning when I was putting my 521a ground lead on common and red lead on the valve wire I got nothing..

The valve wire is supported by 1 common Ed, along with any other common that is tied into the supporting common. You haven't a clue what people prior to you have done to the wiring to make it work or not. That is why i am such a bear about gathering information. I could also interpret the lack of signal part of your statement as, aint supposed to hear anything in a closed loop until you're over the valve.

And boy was I pissed ...

You are a little high strung my friend, it's what makes you want to be the best you can be.

I admit I was moving to fast..

I hope that is more of a hindsight observation than an excuse. There is nothing wrong with analyzing your process as long as you aren't looking for an excuse. Many times have i screwed the pooch and turned it from negative to positive. Next time take a couple of extra breaths, you'll end up with a more harmonious outcome.

Next time you have an issue, call me. 24/7 for you Ed
Posted via Mobile Device

[CAPT Stream Rotar]

The problem I had the other guy with me, who is a great worker, but i had nothing for him to do, I need to keep the return per man @ 100$ or as close as possible so the pressure is always on me with a 2 man service crew.....

I am High strung...
Thank god for smokes and swear words.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by CAPT Stream Rotar

The problem I had the other guy with me, who is a great worker, but i had nothing for him to do, I need to keep the return per man @ 100$ or as close as possible so the pressure is always on me with a 2 man service crew.....

I am High strung...
Thank god for smokes and swear words.

Seems like you work in a small market, as I did. Do you charge "portal to portal?"

[1idejim]

Originally Posted by Wet_Boots

Didn't get anywhere that way.

You wouldn't get anywhere unless you had pretraced the path or were sweep searching.

There were enough extra conductors in two additional cables to make for many dead ends.

Situations like these teach one that the earth ground is critical.

I think the water line showed because my earth-ground wire was parallel to it.

Possible but not probable unless you were crossing the water line with the return path and the water line was much shallower than the wire path. You're in cold country Boots, water should be fairly deep.

I was trying to finesse things by using lower output levels (less coupling that way, theoretically)

Good for you Boots, somebody does listen. The less voltage that you place on a conductor the farther the signal will travel. The more voltage you place on a conductor the more it bleeds and the easier it couples. The problem with irrigation locators is the lack of frequencies which allow you to punt when required.

found the last group with output maxed, and connected to a valve wire.

The ability to adapt is paramount. Glad you found your targets.

I am sending you a pm, read it. It may help next time.

BTW what type of locator does Harbor Freight sell?
Posted via Mobile Device