digiPHONE+2

Easy and precise electromagnetic and acoustic cable fault pinpointing

The digiPHONE+2 combines acoustic and electromagnetic pinpointing, with optional sheath fault pinpointing and cable tracing.

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Simple and precise fault pinpointing

The digiPHONE+2 combines acoustic and electromagnetic fault pinpointing in one intuitive system. The display supports the user with a cable compass, a fault arrow, and a time difference readout, helping faults be approached accurately and efficiently.

Hear the fault more clearly in noisy environments

Intelligent Background Noise Reduction filters and suppresses interference so the operator can focus on the real fault sound. The updated filter design can reduce background noise by up to 30 dB while amplifying the fault signal by up to 20 dB.

Improved operator comfort and safety

Automatic Proximity Mute stops sound before the user touches the handle, helping avoid cracking and popping noises in the headphones. A switchable 84 dB(A) acoustic limit and optional Bluetooth ANC headphones further enhance comfort.

Expandable platform for more locating tasks

The NT set enables sheath fault pinpointing using the voltage gradient method. The NTRX set adds routing and expert cable tracing with the Ferrolux receiver, including current direction detection, laying depth display, frequency scan and probe mode. If a GPS receiver is connected, tracing points and GPS coordinates can also be saved for later export and review.

Built for demanding field conditions

The ground sound sensor is designed for challenging environments, with selectable ground adapters for different soil conditions, an adjustable telescopic handle and IP-rated components for field use.

Full Product Details

About the product

digiPHONE+2 is a multifunctional platform for precise cable fault pinpointing in low-, medium- and high-voltage cable networks. It combines acoustic and electromagnetic fault location in one intuitive system, helping operators approach faults faster and with greater confidence. The colour display presents key guidance clearly, while the audio path is designed to help you focus on the actual fault signal rather than surrounding noise.

The system’s intelligent Background Noise Reduction (BNR) filters and suppresses interference so the flashover sound is easier to hear in difficult environments. Automatic Proximity Mute (APM) stops the sound before the operator touches the handle, reducing sudden noise and improving safety and comfort during use. Trigger thresholds for acoustic and magnetic channels are set automatically as standard, with manual adjustment available when expert fine-tuning is needed.

For guidance in the field, digiPHONE+2 combines a cable compass with a patented fault arrow. The cable compass shows whether you are left or right of the cable and the angle at which the cable runs to the sensor, helping keep you safely on route. The fault arrow indicates whether you are moving towards or away from the fault. Fault distance can be displayed in milliseconds, metres or feet.

The basis set includes the indicator unit, DPP-SU ground sound sensor, telescopic handle, sensor cable, multiple measuring tips, base plates and headphones. The tough ground sound sensor is designed for demanding conditions, while the ergonomic handle is height-adjustable for comfortable use. Optional Bluetooth headphones provide active noise cancelling, and if their battery runs out they can continue working via cable connection to the control unit.

digiPHONE+2 can be expanded to suit broader field applications. The NT set adds ESG earth rods for sheath fault pinpointing using the voltage gradient method. The NTRX set adds the Ferrolux receiver for routing and cable tracing, including current direction detection, laying depth display, probe mode and frequency scan. If a GPS receiver is connected, measurement points and GPS coordinates can also be saved during tracing for later export and review. This makes digiPHONE+2 a flexible solution for teams that need one platform for pinpointing, sheath fault work and tracing.

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

How does digiPHONE+2 pinpoint a cable fault?

A surge wave generator feeds surge voltage pulses into the faulty cable. These pulses cause flashovers at the fault location. digiPHONE+2 records the resulting acoustic signal in the ground together with the magnetic pulse and uses the time difference, sound level and direction guidance to help pinpoint the fault.

What do the NT and NTRX sets add?

The NT set adds ESG earth rods so sheath faults can be pinpointed using the voltage gradient method. The NTRX set includes the NT functions and adds the Ferrolux receiver for routing and expert cable tracing, including current direction detection, depth display, probe mode and frequency scan. If a GPS receiver is connected, tracing points and GPS coordinates can also be stored for later export and review.

Can I use Bluetooth headphones?

Yes. Bluetooth headphones are available and included in the NT and NTRX sets. The control unit also supports a wired connection, so work can continue if the headphone battery runs out.

What can the cable compass and fault arrow show me?

The cable compass shows whether you are left or right of the cable and the angle of the cable relative to the sensor. The fault arrow shows whether you are moving towards or away from the fault.

Can digiPHONE+2 be used for cable tracing as well as pinpointing?

Yes, with the NTRX set. Adding the Ferrolux receiver extends the platform for routing and expert cable tracing, including depth and current display, current direction detection, frequency scan and probe mode. If a GPS receiver is connected, tracing points and GPS coordinates can also be stored alongside the measurement data.

Troubleshooting

No acoustic signal is detected

Confirm that the surge wave generator is connected correctly and producing a stable flashover. Stay on each position for several pulses so Background Noise Reduction can adapt. Also double-check that the correct measuring tip is fitted and making proper contact with the ground, and check the cable connection between the digiPHONE+2 unit and the sensor to make sure it is connected correctly and not interfering with operation. If there is still no useful signal, continue the search in the opposite direction from the starting point.

The cable compass does not stabilise

This usually means the signal strength is too low for reliable route measurement. Rotate the sensor around its own axis or move slowly in different directions until the compass remains visible and stable.

Readings stay grey or fluctuate heavily

Wait for a few more pulses at the same position so the device can build a more stable assessment. Also check whether background noise is masking the fault signal. Reset Background Noise Reduction by briefly lifting and replacing the sensor if needed.

The indicated fault position may be false

A phantom fault can occur when knocking inside a duct or pipe is heard at the surface. In that case the magnetic level does not drop significantly after passing the indicated point. Trace and mark the exact route before pinpointing, especially where several buried cables are present.

Cannot connect with Bluetooth headphones

If the Bluetooth headphones cannot connect, first check pairing and battery status. If the headphone battery is depleted, connect the headphones to the control unit with a cable and continue working. Also check that the headphone cable is not touching the handle in a way that affects headphone behaviour or causes the sound to cut out unexpectedly.

Weak line-tracing performance in Ferrolux mode

Check that the correct frequency is selected and, if a transmitter is being used, perform a SignalSelect reset near the connection point. Sensitivity can also be reset or manually adjusted if levels have dropped significantly during tracing.

Interpreting test results

digiPHONE mode

When pinpointing a cable fault, compare the current time difference with the previous reading. As you move towards the fault, the time difference decreases and the fault arrow confirms that the position change is positive. When you pass the fault, the time difference rises again. The most reliable fault point is the minimum absolute reading.

Use the cable compass to stay aligned with the cable. If the compass jumps or does not stabilise, improve signal strength by rotating the sensor or moving slightly until the cable route is measured reliably.

Grey readings indicate either the first reading at a new position or a reading that differs by more than 10% from the previous reading. Black readings indicate better measurement stability. If readings remain grey for a prolonged period, listen carefully to the audio signal and allow Background Noise Reduction time to build after each position.

ESG mode

In sheath fault pinpointing, the key interpretation point is polarity change. The step voltage rises while both earth spikes are still before the fault. Once the fault position is passed, polarity changes and then reduces again as distance increases. In suitable low-voltage applications, this method can also be used for 50/60 Hz faults to ground.

Ferrolux mode

For line tracing, choose the measurement method that best suits the application. Maximum mode gives a broad signal peak directly above the line. Minimum mode gives a drop directly above the line. Super maximum mode gives a very pronounced peak that helps distinguish neighbouring lines. Depth and current values are meaningful when the receiver is correctly positioned above the line and the proper active frequency is selected.

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

How do I switch digiPHONE+2 off after completing the job?

Press and hold the button for 3 seconds. After that, switch off and disconnect the surge wave generator while following all applicable safety procedures.

How can I improve results in a noisy environment?

Activate Background Noise Reduction, remain in position for several pulses so the filter can adapt, and select the filter setting that best suits the expected fault distance and ground conditions. It is also important that the rubber lip around the measuring tip closes properly against the ground so outside noise is reduced as much as possible.

What should I do if the connected accessory is not detected?

Check the connection first. If the accessory is still not detected, the indicator unit will show a selection screen so the required software mode can be selected manually.

When should I use different ground probes on the DPP-SU sensor?

Use the 3-point foot for uneven, solid ground, the 75 mm sensor rod for grassland and loose ground, and the 18 mm sensor rod for smooth, solid ground such as asphalt. On very hard smooth surfaces, one of the base plates should be used.

How do I keep comparing line-tracing measurements over time?

In Ferrolux mode you can save measurement points and build measurement series. If a GPS receiver is connected, the associated GPS coordinates are stored alongside the measurement values for later export and review. This helps document the traced cable route and compare measurements over time.