This field manual explains how to operate the FX-1219 transmitter with an F2 walkover locator, how to switch between 19 kHz and 12 kHz, why the four second initialization matters, and how orientation during battery changes affects frequency memory. The routine below is written for crews who want repeatable steps at the entry pit and quick diagnostics when readings do not look right.
Many HDD teams standardize on DigiTrak F2 Transmitters (Sondes) for day to day municipal work, and they often reference the FX family
What You Are Working With
The FX-1219 is a dual frequency sonde designed for use with F2 receivers. It supports 19 kHz and 12 kHz. The receiver converts the coded field into depth, pitch, and roll as a clock position. If the reference mark is up, the unit reads near 12 o’clock. Power is supplied by batteries that load from the bottom end. After power is applied, the sonde performs a short self check before telemetry starts to flow to the F2.
Prerequisites Before You Start
- An FX-1219 sonde that is mechanically sound and dry
- Fresh batteries of the correct type with clean contacts and O-rings
- An F2 locator set to 19 kHz or 12 kHz as required by the plan
- A clean spot above ground with minimal metal to verify readings
- The drill head and housing ready to accept the sonde in horizontal orientation
Powering Up at 19 kHz
- On the F2 locator select 19 kHz and verify the setting on screen.
- Install the batteries from the bottom of the sonde. Confirm polarity, clean O-rings, and tight seating of the cap.
- Hold the sonde steady and wait four seconds. This is the initialization period.
- Confirm that the F2 shows a stable signal and a sensible clock value. With the reference mark up you should see about 12 o’clock.
- Lay the sonde and head horizontal, install the assembly in the housing, and continue with your standard setup and surface baseline checks.
Frequency Memory During Battery Changes
The FX-1219 remembers the last selected band when batteries are changed if the body stays near horizontal. In practice you lay the sonde flat, open the cap, swap cells, close the cap, and keep the orientation similar while you wait for initialization. The unit restarts on the previous band after four seconds. This behavior is useful when you must refresh power mid pilot and want to avoid an extra step in frequency selection.
Switching to 12 kHz and Verifying
- On the F2 select 12 kHz and confirm the change on the display.
- Cycle the sonde according to the manufacturer sequence if required, or power it up from off with the batteries installed.
- Hold the sonde steady and wait four seconds for initialization to complete.
- Verify that the F2 reads a clean signal at 12 kHz and that the roll responds correctly as you rotate the sonde.
- Place the unit horizontal, install it in the head, and continue with horizontal checks and logging.
Crews who rely on DigiTrak F2 Transmitters (Sondes) often keep a simple card in the tool case that lists the entry band, the backup band, and the battery change procedure. For deeper or wetter ground where lower bands help with propagation, operators may also compare behavior to a baseline they know from a DigiTrak FX12 Transmitter Sonde or another unit with similar band characteristics.
The Four Second Initialization
The short delay after power application is normal. The sonde stabilizes its oscillator, checks internal conditions, and starts a valid telemetry frame. Movement during this time can delay a stable reading. The best practice is to hold the unit still for the full four seconds before you attempt to read depth or clock. If you need to demonstrate the behavior for a trainee, power cycle and point out the moment when the receiver begins to display depth rather than only signal strength.
What Happens With Mismatched Frequencies
Operators often ask what occurs if the sonde transmits at 12 kHz while the locator listens at 19 kHz, or the reverse. In that case the F2 may show a raised noise floor because a nearby transmitter is active, but it will not decode telemetry. There will be no valid depth or roll data on the screen. The fix is simple. Set both devices to the same band and wait for the frame to lock. If you still see activity without data, verify battery health and repeat calibration on clean ground.
Good Practice Before Installing the Head
- Verify the band on both the F2 and the sonde before you lay the assembly down.
- Wait the full four seconds for the sonde to settle after a power cycle.
- Rotate the sonde through known clock positions and confirm the roll reading follows as expected.
- Record a baseline depth at a fixed receiver height for later comparison.
- Write the active band in the by rod log so a later reader can follow your setup.
Routine Checks During Drilling
- At bends, tie ins, and crossings stop and confirm that the sonde is still on the intended band.
- Keep receiver height consistent for comparable depth values along the run.
- Reposition early if daylight distance grows and the signal weakens.
- Consider a switch from 19 kHz to 12 kHz in wet or conductive soils, or from 12 kHz to 19 kHz in cleaner ground where sharper peaks improve positioning.
Troubleshooting Quick Reference
- No data on screen. Verify matching bands, wait for initialization to finish, and replace batteries if needed.
- Depth bouncing. Redo calibration, hold receiver height steady, take the reading away from metallic clutter, and check the band.
- Roll drifting. Inspect battery seating, cap tightness, and housing indexing. Repeat the clock test.
- Weak or choppy signal. Shorten daylight distance, step laterally to escape a local interference node, and consider using the alternate band.
- Overheating. Increase fluid flow, reduce dwell on hard faces, let the head cool, and clear fines from vents.
Battery Handling That Supports Frequency Memory
- Change cells with the sonde lying flat and keep the body undisturbed.
- Clean and dry the cap and O-rings so seating does not disturb electronics.
- After the swap wait four seconds before judging whether the band was remembered.
- If memory fails, repeat the swap in horizontal orientation and confirm the band on the F2.
Why 19 kHz and 12 kHz Both Matter
The 19 kHz band is a common choice for urban work where crews want crisp peaks and predictable navigation around moderate interference. The 12 kHz band often reaches farther in wet or conductive soils and holds up when uneven terrain forces the locator to stand back. The ability to move between these two settings without changing hardware is one reason that DigiTrak F2 Transmitters (Sondes) and the broader FX family, including a unit like the DigiTrak FX12 Transmitter Sonde, are discussed together during planning meetings. The discussion is not about brand names. It is about frequency strategy that matches soil and geometry on the map.
A Short Operating Checklist
- Set the F2 to the intended band and note the backup band.
- Install batteries, hold the sonde still, and wait four seconds.
- Verify signal and clock at the surface and record a baseline depth.
- Lay the assembly horizontal and install the head.
- Drill and log by rod with depth, pitch, clock, soil notes, pump rate, and band.
- Hold at crossings and take redundant readings when required.
- Verify mid bore and adjust stance or band if the noise picture changes.
- Verify at exit and finalize the as built with comments on any deviations.
Key Reminders
- The four second wait is required and normal for a stable frame.
- Frequency memory depends on a horizontal body during battery changes.
- Mismatched bands produce activity on the meter but no decoded data.
- Documenting band selection in the log helps future readers and auditors.