Troubleshooting – No Sonde Signal

If your receiver isn't picking up the signal from your SeeSnake sonde it could be one of the issues noted below. The causes are ranked in order from most to least common based on support calls. We also have a 2-min video that walks through common troubleshooting steps (link at bottom of page).

1. Sonde is out of range (most common BY FAR)
   1. The line isn’t running where you think it is (#1 cause)
   2. Depth, pipe material, soil type, and sonde output affect signal range
   3. FleXmitter (Standard, Mini, rM200, Compact) has the greatest range
   4. microREEL and microDRAIN sondes are less powerful
2. Receiver not set to 512 Hz sonde mode
   1. Press the Frequency key until you see 512 Hz with the sonde symbol below it
      
   2. If 512 Hz sonde mode is not in the Frequency menu you add can it:
      Where Did My Frequency Go?: https://youtu.be/ACDCMHXp7Og
      Setting Up SR-20/SR-24 Frequencies: https://youtu.be/7AJDBKhv-uw
3. Sonde not ON/Faulty sonde
   1. Look at your monitor: if the sonde is putting out a signal you will see faint noise lines  on the camera video 
   2. If you don’t see faint noise lines pull the camera out of the pipe and test for a signal with the camera laying on the ground
   3. CA-350 monitor:
      1. Press the Left arrow on the CA-350 keypad to dim the lights and activate the sonde
      2. If you use the Sonde key on the microREEL keypad you still want to dim the lights to ensure the sonde receives sufficient power
      3. If the sonde won't activate try a fresh battery or try with a SeeSnake monitor (the CA-350 is not a SeeSnake monitor)
4. Faulty receiver
   1. If your sonde is transmitting (faint noise lines on monitor) and your receiver is set to 512 Hz sonde mode, and the sonde is within range (pull the camera out of the pipe and set it on the ground) and the receiver still can’t lock onto the signal call our repair center to obtain service: +1-858-244-6689

Troubleshooting video – No Sonde Signal: https://youtu.be/WY0m4rcFJqk?si=LLV6m49vnWlmzETF