Most HDD locators resemble each other on paper. They are guaranteed to be deep, to have a range of data and a certain degree of interference management. Working live on power lines, rebar, traffic loops and narrow utility paths, those spec sheets begin to be divisible into two categories, those systems that work, and those that do not work.
The Digital Falcon F5+ is an extremely obvious part of the former. It is the highest-tech walkover locator of the Falcon+ series and was designed with the specific needs of the modern, interference heavy HDD work.
DigiTrak Falcon F5+ Locator is based on the same Falcon concept in hundreds of usable frequencies banded and pushed even further by having more range, more tools and a more comfortable workflow to the locator hand and driller.
A realistic examination of what this system provides and where it is reasonable in an actual fleet will be provided below.
Wideband and Sub k: frequency selection rather than frequency fortuitousness.
Falcon F5+ is centered on its frequency engine. The locator operates over wideband over a range of approximately 4.5 to 45 kHz, as well as a Sub kilohertz range of approximately 0.33 to 0.75 kHz with Sub k rebar transmitters.
Why that matters:
- Wideband frequencies allow you to evade active interference of such objects as power lines, traffic loops and cell towers.
- Sub k frequencies are aimed at driving under heavy passive interference as steel reinforced concrete and rebar.
Falcon F5+ does not pass on those ranges and leave you wondering. It checks over a thousand possible frequencies, breaks them down into bands and assists you in choosing bands which are actually silent on your current job site.
When the conditions on a bore vary in mid flow you can change bands instead of struggling against a signal that keeps going dead. Practically, that would imply spending less time running around chasing after interference (that is considered a mystery) and spending more time with rods.
Deep and data range constructed to accommodate hard-duty bores.
Another factor about the F5+ of Falcon is regarding raw reach. Official specs list:
- Depth ranges up to 180 ft (about 55 m).
- Data range up to 220 ft (about 67 m).
These are the numbers that make an assumption of appropriate transmitters and conditions, but inform you what the design is intended to be: the longer and deeper bores where the older locators begin to feel uncomfortable.
Just range is insufficient and Falcon F5+ integrates the range with:
- 0.1 percent grade critical work.
- Max Mode style The bit stabilizing noise filtering of fringe data in high interference.
In the case of crews, this relationship manifests itself through a reduced number of depth spikes along the edges of the range and flatter pitch indications when in control of grade over a highway or river.
Falcon F5+ unique tools: Quick Scan, Multi Power and so on.
There is more than branding in the Plus in Falcon F5+. The spec sheet has a number of features that make the daily work easier than in the previous Falcon systems.
Key ones:
- Quick Scan Pair
One or two clicks and the locator scans and suggests frequency bands and matches with your transmitter. That saves set up time and minimizes guesswork particularly on newer locator hands.
- Multi Power transmitters
Combined with Falcon F5+ transmitters, you receive three choices of power mode to enable deeper bore, higher battery life or higher-rate data to suit the job.
- Sub k rebar capability
Sub k transmitters are industry exclusive and can be steered correctly with heavy reinforcement in areas where traditional frequencies do not pilot.
- Fluid pressure monitoring
Real time down hole fluid pressure assists in identifying issues in their early stages and mitigating the threat of unwanted returns.
- Data logging and data drilling Log While Drilling and Data log.
Falcon F5+ also allows recording rod by rod data to subsequently be produced as built documentation and analysis following the job.
Collectively, these tools transform Falcon F5+ to be more than just a locator to a guidance platform that can be used to support planning, production and reporting.
One locator of mixed and changing sites.
DCI positions Falcon F5+ as a system that is supposed to be a single locator to all jobsites, and the specs can substantiate that claim.
The situations where it is best suited include:
- Active and passive interference of urban street work.
- Deep/long shots of range and stability of Max Mode are important.
- Sensitive grade sewer and water bores where the 0.1% pitch resolution is important.
- Undertakings that demand proper documentation to the owners or regulators.
The Falcon F5+ had become the flag fleet guidance system in many fleets. Others in service work deal in less difficult jobs, this one is working on a crossing, in the middle of the city work and in any other place where the cost of a failed pilot would be high.
That is why, nowadays, a specific Digital Falcon F5+ Locator package is regarded more as a strategic resource than as another equipment by many contractors. It is the ringworm’s eyes on the work where you just can not afford to be blind.
Falcon F5+ Payoff in your fleet.
The purchase of a high end locator is just the beginning. In order to actually capture the value Falcon F5+ is offering it is helpful to:
- Couple it with a carefully drawn investment in a pool of Falcon F5+ transmitters, with Sub k models of rebar transmitters and wideband general work transmitters.
- Train locator: Train locator hands should be used to use Quick Scan Pair and frequency bands intentionally, and not simply leave the system on a default band.
- Smart Use Multi Power instead of operating with maximum power at all times.
- use LWD and Datadog so that your as built are not an independent project.
- F5+ performance is being lost to preventable transmitter breakages! Implement simple, repeatable sonde care routines so you are not losing F5+ performance.
In such a form, the Falcon F5+ ceases to be an entry on an equipment list, and is the silent secret why your most difficult bores owe their feeling of control rather than disorder to it. It allows your crews to work on drilling good holes, hitting exits where they are desired, and the locator takes care of the interference, depth issues, which keep everyone up all night.