Have you ever had that creeping feeling of doubt when your CAT starts beeping? You trace the signal, but something about it just doesn’t sound right. That’s likely a ghost signal, an incorrect reading that can fool even the most seasoned professionals.
In cable avoidance, these phantom signals are always a problem. We all understand the fundamentals of cable avoidance, but what about the more advanced techniques that distinguish the professionals from the novices? That is why thorough cable avoidance training from Sygma Solutions Ltd. is essential.
Learning about ghost signals is where you start. They are produced by a wide range of things: power lines close by, metal objects, and even radio frequencies. Basically, anything that can produce an electromagnetic field will wake up your CAT.
But how do you identify the genuine article from these phantoms?
The key is part observation and proper handling of gear. Tightly watch the signal’s behaviour first. Is it wildly oscillating? Is it diffused and nebulous, as distinct from defined? These are red flags. Real utility signals are more regular and localised in character.
Second, experiment with changing your CAT’s settings. Some adjustments to frequency and sensitivity can often eliminate unwanted signals. Try lowering the frequency to eliminate interference from aerial power cables. Some of the newer CAT models have specialised filtering built into them to cut out ghost signals.
Never rely on your CAT readings only. Verify your findings with utility maps and plans. Look for inconsistencies and discrepancies. If a signal does not agree with the mapped utilities, be cautious.
Use other equipment, like ground-penetrating radar (GPR), to verify your findings. GPR can provide you with a visual representation of what lies beneath the earth, and it is simpler to differentiate between real utilities and ghost signals.
Finally, achieving mastery over ghost signal detection is a matter of having a “sixth sense.” It is something that you acquire over time, yet you may speed up the process by:
Accuracy is key in the cable avoidance world. By learning these sophisticated techniques, you can reduce the likelihood of false positives and protect the safety of your projects. It’s not all about detecting cables; it’s about detecting the correct cables. That’s why continued education and advanced cable avoidance training from Sygma Solutions Ltd. is so important.
If the course you are looking for has no dates or you would like a course built for your company please contact
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form
Open Days
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PAS128 Utility Mapping Training Modules mapped to CICES competencies
– 2 days
Module 1 – Pas 128 Level D &C training to include level 3 assessment – CICES GEUS01 A-D
– 3 Days
Module 2 – PAS128 Level B Training – can include Level 4 assessment – CICES GUES01 E-I
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2 Day Advanced EM Course (RD8100/8200 & VIVAX)
In depth course covering electromagnetic locators, theory and intensive practical on our real world training site.
Cost: £295 per person
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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1 Day Mala GPR Module 1 – Theory & Practical
Cost: Contact us for price (2 spaces F.O.C. with Mala GPR Purchase)
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
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1 Day Mala GPR Module 2 – Post processing
Cost: Contact us for price (2 spaces F.O.C. with Mala GPR Purchase)
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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2 Day GPR – All Manufacturers
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates: Contact Us
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5 Day TSA & ICES Approved 5 Day Utility Mapping Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
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Location: Worcester
Dates: Contact Us
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1 Day Public Genny & CAT Course
Cost: £175 plus VAT
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
Dates:
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Level 3 Utility Mapping Qualification – All Online
Cost: £275 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Online
Dates: To suit
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – Online Workbooks – followed by assessment
Cost £1100 PLUS REG FEE
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre or your site
Dates: To suit
Open level 5 assessment dates at Sygma Solutions, Wigan
Level 5 Diploma Utility Mapping Qualification – in 5 days
Cost – contact us
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
2nd – 6th June 2025 Limited Availability
28th July – 1st August 2025 Limited Availability
Sygma PAS 128 Utility Surveyor Training Including Proqual Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
28th April – 2nd May 2025 Limited Availability
12th – 16th May 2025 Limited Availability
14th – 18th July 2025 Limited Availability
11th – 15th August 2025
8th – 12th September 2025
29th September – 3rd October 2025
27th – 31st October 2025
24th – 28th November 2025
8th – 12th December 2025
Level 3 Utility Mapping and Surveying Public Course
Location: Sygma Solutions training centre, Wigan
28th – 29th April 2025 Limited Availability
12th – 13th May 2025 Limited Availability
14th – 15th July 2025 Limited Availability
11th – 12th August 2025
8th – 9th September 2025
29th – 20th September 2025
27th – 28th October 2025
24th – 25th November 2025
8th – 9th December 2025
GPS Course & Total Station Introduction
This is a 2 day dedicated GPS course with an introduction to Total Station
Please contact us for future dates and a booking form
Please contact enquires@sygma-solutions.com for future dates and a booking form
Please contact:
enquiries@sygma-solutions.com for current availability and booking form for any course