CS-8000
Using the Features (cont'd)
There is overlap between the gain ranges of the Breaker Mode and Search Mode. The
recommended mode usually gives the desired results. Some applications may be found where
the alternate mode is preferred.
Using Gain Modes
Automatic Gain is the default mode for the CS-8000 receiver. The receiver gain is initially set
to maximum. When the transmitter signal is detected, the gain is automatically decreased in
proportion to the signal strength. At the reduced gain, the largest detected signal does not result
in an overrange display. The detected signal is constantly monitored, and the gain is reduced
further if a stronger signal is detected. Gain is never increased in the Auto Gain mode. The actual
signal strength will decrease when tracing long conductors, or when the distance between the
receiver and conductor is increased. It is possible to lose the signal if the receiver is moved too
far from the actual path of the conductor. In these cases, momentarily press the Power/Signal
Reset button to return the gain to maximum. This will restore maximum signal strength on the
display and allow location of the true path of the conductor. This step may be repeated several
times when tracing a circuit.
Manual Gain is useful when the gain must be held constant, such as when making comparisons
between the signals on two different circuit breakers. It can also be used while tracing.
Varying signal strength sometimes requires frequent resetting of the Auto Gain, which can be
inconvenient.
To switch from Auto Gain to Manual Gain, press either the Increase Manual Gain h or Decrease
Manual Gain i button on the receiver. The Gain Mode indicator will change from "AUTO GAIN" to
"MANUAL GAIN." The receiver gain will remain at its present value. A wide black segment on the
Absolute Signal Strength bar graph indicates the signal level that will produce four arcs on the
Relative Signal Strength display. Press the Increase Manual Gain h button to increase the signal
strength. Note that this will move the black bar to the left. Press the Decrease Manual Gain i
button to decrease the signal strength. Note that this will move the black bar to the right.
The CS-8000 Manual Gain feature requires several thousand steps to cover its full range. This
allows very precise control of the gain. To make large changes in the Manual Gain setting,
momentarily press the Power/Signal Reset button to align the Manual Gain value with the
current signal level. To establish a wide search window, momentarily press the Power/Signal
Reset button when the receiver is a distance away from the traced conductor. A greater distance
will produce a wider window. To establish a narrow search window, momentarily press the
Power/Signal Reset button when the receiver is close to the traced conductor.
Low Battery Indication: The receiver places "Low Battery" at the top of the LCD. The indication
appears when approximately one hour of battery life is remaining under typical use conditions.
The display backlight will dim to maximize the remaining battery life.
Automatic Power Off: The receiver will turn off after 30 minutes of inactivity. Activity means a
change in signal level or pressing of the Power/Signal Reset button. The backlight will turn off
after two minutes of inactivity. The backlight will automatically turn on again when a change in
the signal is detected, or if a button is pressed.
7