J.W. Fisher's CT-1 Cable Tracker

JW Fishers CT-1 cable tracking system was specifically designed to locate, and track deeply buried power and communications cables. The cable tracker will locate cables on land or underwater. The CT-1 will not only track cables, but also identify faults or break points that are exposed to water.

The CT-1 system consists of a shore-based Signal Injector box and the Cable Tracker Probe. The Signal Injector is connected to the shore end of the cable and the Cable Tracker Probe is used to track the electromagnetic signal along the length of the cable. A 25 Hz or 1,024 Hz signal is induced into the cable. The operator carries or swims with the Cable Tracker Probe along the length of cable receiving the transmitted signal. Typically, the lower frequency 25 Hz signal is initially used to locate the cable as it can be detected from greater distances.

Once the approximate location of the cable is determined the 1,024 frequency is used to precisely pinpoint the exact location of the cable. When searching for power cables or multi-conductor communications cables, it is not generally necessary to use the Signal Injector as the Probe can detect the frequency of the AC signal (50, 60, or 1024 Hz.). A switch on the Probe allows the operator to select the frequency.

So effective is the Cable Tracker 1 system at tracking and pinpointing cables that in many cases the cable can be located and tracked in shallow water from a small boat on the surface. The operator places the nose of the probe in the water and sweeps it back and forth until the signal is received. Once the cable is located it can easily be tracked from the surface. If necessary, a diver can be deployed to precisely pinpoint the cable position.

The CT-1 cable tracking system is so effective that in many cases the cable can be located and tracked from a small boat on the surface as the operator holds the nose of the probe in the water. Power is supplied by six internal AA rechargeable batteries that will power the CT-1 probe for 2-3 hours. The included battery charger connects to any 120AC voltage source (a 220AC charger transformer is optional). Disposable alkaline batteries can also be used to power the Probe. The CT-1 is constructed of corrosion proof urethane and PVC to give many years of trouble free performance. The modular construction allows for easy field repair should it ever be necessary.