Figure: A DigiTrak Falcon F2 locator system, including the handheld F2 receiver (right), a DigiTrak FSD remote display (left), battery packs, charger, and transmitter sondes (foreground). The Falcon series offers advanced interference mitigation for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations.
The DigiTrak Falcon series by Digital Control Inc. (DCI) represents a line of advanced HDD locating systems designed to tackle one of the biggest challenges in horizontal directional drilling: signal interference. These locators use innovative frequency optimization technology (the Falcon technology) to scan and adapt to noisy environments, ensuring reliable tracking of the drill head even in conditions that would confuse older locators. There are several models in the Falcon series – notably the Falcon F1, Falcon F2, and Falcon F5 (with newer “Plus” variants) – each tailored to different project needs. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between these types of DigiTrak Falcon locators, focusing on technical specifics and capabilities (with minimal fluff), so you can understand which model best fits your drilling projects.
DigiTrak Falcon F1 – Single-Band Entry-Level Locator
The Falcon F1 is the most accessible model in the Falcon lineup, intended for smaller-scale or less complex drilling jobs. It operates on a single frequency band (around 9–13 kHz) and uses DCI’s Falcon frequency optimization within that band. In practice, the F1’s receiver can scan over 60 frequencies in its range and automatically select an optimal set to minimize active interference. In fact, the Falcon F1 transmitter can utilize 17 frequencies simultaneously in its signal, giving it a spread-spectrum advantage over older single-frequency locators. This means the F1 is far more resilient to interference than legacy one-frequency systems – even though it’s “entry-level,” it leverages the same Falcon technology to ensure a clean signal.
Performance: The Falcon F1 is rated for approximately 100 ft depth and 125 ft data range (with a standard transmitter). This makes it suitable for shallower bores and shorter utility installs – for example, “projects such as house drops from street to home” where maximum depth is limited. Its compact single-band design and “friendly price” point also mean it’s an economical choice for contractors who do a lot of everyday service-line drilling.
Key Features of Falcon F1:
- Interference Mitigation: Scans and selects the cleanest frequencies in its 9–13 kHz band to avoid noise. This is invaluable near power lines or other active signals that could otherwise drown out the transmitter.
- Ease of Use: Offers Quick Scan Pair – with just two clicks you can scan, pick, and pair the F1 with the optimal frequencies for the job site. The interface is menu-driven and user-friendly, which helps in training new operators quickly on this unit.
- Power Modes: Even the F1 supports dual power modes on its transmitter (standard and high power), allowing either extended battery life or deeper penetration when needed. This flexibility is helpful for managing different bore conditions without swapping equipment.
- Use Case: Ideal as a starter or training locator. Crews often use the Falcon F1 for straightforward jobs like short utility drops, where its single-band system is simple and quick to deploy while still handling moderate interference on that band.
In summary, the Falcon F1 is a single-band workhorse – it brings modern interference-fighting tech in a simplified package. It’s not meant for deep, large-diameter river crossings or highly congested industrial sites, but for everyday small bores it gets the job done efficiently. Many contractors appreciate that they can train new crew members on the F1’s one interface and then later move them up to more complex systems, building confidence on a solid foundation.
DigiTrak Falcon F2 – Versatile Dual-Band Mid-Range Locator
Moving up the lineup, the Falcon F2 is a step above the F1 in both capability and complexity. The “2” in F2 hints at its dual-band nature – the Falcon F2 can utilize two distinct frequency bands (within a much wider frequency spectrum) to combat interference. In fact, the F2’s transmitter is a wideband transmitter that covers frequencies from 4.5 kHz up to 45 kHz. How it works is innovative: on each job, the F2 receiver performs a scan of the ambient noise across that broad range and then displays a chart of the noise levels in several bands. The operator then selects two of the quietest bands for that job – one as the primary operating frequency and one as a secondary (backup) band. The Falcon F2 will transmit using the frequencies in the chosen band, and if interference conditions change during drilling, the user can switch on-the-fly to the alternate band without pulling out of the bore. This dual-band agility is a game-changer for tackling interference “hot spots” mid-bore.
Interference Fighting: The Falcon F2 is “packed with over 500 frequencies” spread across its wide spectrum. In essence, it has a huge pool of channels to choose from, compared to older locators which might have only a handful of fixed frequencies. By selecting the optimal frequency bands for each job, the F2 dramatically improves the odds of a clear signal. As DCI’s documentation puts it, “choose two of the quietest bands and complete more HDD projects at greater depths in the noisiest environments.” This technology addresses active interference sources (like radio signals, power lines, etc.) head-on by simply moving the locator’s operating frequency away from the noise.
Notably, while the Falcon F2 scans a huge range, when actually transmitting it uses a cluster of frequencies within the selected band (rather than a single tone). It may not use as many simultaneous frequencies as the Falcon F5 does (more on that later), but it still transmits a complex signal. For context, older DigiTrak systems or competitors might only transmit on one frequency at a time, whereas the Falcon series uses multiple frequencies at once for redundancy. (The Falcon F5, for example, uses 25 simultaneous frequencies in its signal; the F2 uses slightly fewer, but still well into the teens or more.)
Performance: Originally, the Falcon F2 had a rated depth of about 100 ft with a standard 15″ transmitter and ~125 ft data range. However, an updated model known as the Falcon F2+ (Plus) was later introduced, boosting the range to roughly 160 ft depth and 200 ft data range under optimal conditions. The F2+ also introduced Multi-Power transmitters (allowing three power settings for balancing depth vs. battery life). Many Falcon F2 systems in the field have since been upgraded to the F2+ specifications. In any case, the F2-class locator is squarely aimed at medium-depth, medium-length bores – think street crossings, neighborhood utility runs, and light commercial work. It is widely considered the “everyday hero” of HDD locating for utility contractors. It’s not as expensive or complex as the Falcon F5, but it covers most jobs that come up on a day-to-day basis.
Key Features of Falcon F2:
- Dual-Band Frequency Optimization: Scans 4.5–45 kHz spectrum and lets you pick two clean bands to avoid interference. This dual-band approach means fewer interruptions – if one band encounters interference, you can swap to the other preset band mid-bore to maintain a stable signal.
- Multi-Frequency Transmission: Utilizes a wideband transmitter that can broadcast multiple frequencies simultaneously within the chosen band cluster. This spreads the signal out, so even if some frequencies get noise, others get through. The result is more reliable depth and pitch readings even in noisy environments.
- Increased Range (F2+): The Falcon F2 (Plus version) extended the depth capability to ~160 ft and telemetry (data) range to ~200 ft, giving extra headroom for deeper bores. It also added three selectable power modes on the transmitter (low, standard, high) to either push for depth or conserve battery as needed.
- Rugged and User-Friendly: The F2 receiver unit is built for tough jobsite conditions (weather-resistant, sturdy housing) and retains familiar DCI features like the Ball-in-the-Box™ target steering guidance on the interface. The menu system is intuitive, and crews find it easy to standardize on the F2 across multiple rigs. In fact, many contractors use the F2 as their standard kit on every drill crew because it’s reliable and simplifies training and maintenance fleet-wide.
- Use Case: Ideal for bread-and-butter HDD projects. As one industry article noted, most everyday HDD revenue comes from jobs that “don’t require wideband complexity – they require a clean signal, predictable readings and minimal downtime.” The Falcon F2 fits this bill almost perfectly, offering just the right balance of simplicity and advanced interference-fighting for routine bores. Contractors often equip every drill rig with an F2 to handle typical short and medium runs, reserving the high-end locators only for the rare exceptionally deep or interference-heavy bores.
It’s easy to see why the Falcon F2 has a great reputation as a workhorse – it delivers stable performance and “boringly reliable” guidance that keeps projects on schedule. If you’re looking for an F2 Falcon locator for sale, it’s likely because you need that dependable everyday productivity. With the F2, you standardize your fleet on one proven locator and avoid the chaos of mixing and matching random gear on each job. In short, the Falcon F2 is the versatile mid-range choice that can cover the majority of HDD jobs while significantly reducing headaches from signal interference.
DigiTrak Falcon F5 – Multi-Band Flagship Locator for Challenging Jobs
At the top of the Falcon series is the Falcon F5, which is DCI’s flagship locator system for the most demanding HDD projects. The Falcon F5 builds upon the concepts in the F2, extending them to a wider frequency range and adding advanced capabilities for extreme interference conditions and greater depths. This locator is truly designed for “no-compromise” performance: “the most versatile and advanced HDD locating system available in the world,” as one dealer describes it. Here’s what sets the Falcon F5 apart:
Ultra-Wide Frequency Range: The Falcon F5 covers the entire spectrum from 0.33 kHz (330 Hz) up to 45 kHz. This includes an ultra-low Sub-kHz band (0.33–0.75 kHz, nicknamed Sub-k™ Rebar band by DCI) specifically to combat passive interference sources like rebar in concrete, mesh, and other metal that can attenuate higher-frequency signals. Lower frequencies penetrate such obstacles better (with some tradeoff in depth resolution), so the F5 gives you that tool in the toolbox when needed. It literally has the lowest frequency options and the highest of any HDD locator on the market. DCI divided this broad spectrum into 9 bands for manageability – similar to F2’s band concept but more granular.
Massive Frequency Optimization: With the F5’s wider range comes a huge pool of frequencies. The Falcon F5 can scan over 1000 distinct frequencies during its interference scan procedure. By comparison, many competitors’ locators offer at most a dozen frequencies to pick from. After scanning, the F5’s system will identify and recommend the best frequencies; in fact, the Falcon F5 selects the 25 best frequencies to use simultaneously in its transmission signal. This is a critical point – 25 frequencies at once means the Falcon F5 transmitter sends out a complex, robust signal that is highly resilient to interference (since an interfering noise might only hit a few of those frequencies, the rest get through). Lesser systems usually use one frequency at a time (or only a couple), which is why the Falcon series has a reputation for being an “interference slayer.” Each extra frequency is “an opportunity to get the job done on the first pass,” as DCI says. The F5 essentially employs a spread-spectrum strategy akin to having 25 backup plans running concurrently, whereas an older locator with one frequency has zero backup if that channel is noisy.
Selectable Bands and On-the-Fly Switching: Similar to the F2, the Falcon F5 allows the operator to choose two bands (out of those 9) to lock in as the “up” and “down” frequencies on the receiver. You can then toggle between them during the bore if needed. For example, you might use a higher-frequency band for most of the bore for best precision, but when you approach an area under a reinforced concrete slab, you could switch to a Sub-kHz band to punch through the rebar interference. The Falcon F5’s ability to “drill with two bands, and switch between them mid-bore” is a huge advantage in complex environments. And when things get really tough, the F5 also features a MAX Mode that further boosts signal decoding to extend range and stabilize readings under extreme interference.
Performance: The Falcon F5 (especially the latest F5+ model) boasts the greatest range of all. The F5+ is rated up to 180 ft depth and about 220 ft data range with standard transmitters, making deep bores and long crossings achievable. Even at those ranges, the precision remains high – pitch resolution is 0.1% (very fine) when close, only slightly decreasing at max depth. The F5 system also supports downhole fluid pressure monitoring (via special transmitters) and advanced logging features. For instance, with DCI’s Aurora display or DataLog system, an operator can log bore data and even GPS positions of the bore path in real time. These are features geared toward large infrastructure bores where documentation and real-time data are important.
Key Features of Falcon F5:
- Unmatched Interference Mitigation: Scans 1000+ frequencies across 9 bands and uses the best 25 frequencies concurrently. In practice, users find the Falcon F5 can reliably work in environments that would overwhelm other locators – for example, crowded urban corridors with lots of utilities, or near power plants and cell towers. It “cuts through jobsite interference like a champ,” as one supplier put it.
- Sub-kHz Rebar Mode: Unique to Falcon F5 is the Sub-k™ rebar transmitter capability, broadcasting in the 0.33–0.75 kHz range. This ultra-low frequency mode is “proven to be most effective for jobsites with passive interference such as rebar-reinforced sidewalks, roadways, or runways.” It’s a specialized tool – using it does reduce the achievable depth to some extent, but for many jobs the depth needed under a road isn’t huge, and the benefit of stable readings under rebar is worth it. Essentially, Falcon F5 users can handle both forms of interference: active interference by picking high/clean frequencies, and passive interference by dropping to sub-kHz when necessary.
- Advanced Features: The Falcon F5 supports Multi-Power transmitters with multiple power settings (use higher power for deep drills or lower power to extend battery life on shallow shots). It also can use Fluid Pressure Transmitters to monitor annular pressure (early kick-loss detection) during pilot bores – a feature useful in certain HDD applications to prevent hydrofracture. Additionally, the F5 can integrate with Log-While-Drilling (LWD) via Bluetooth to mobile devices and the iGPS module for mapping bores with GPS coordinates. These high-end functions make the F5 a complete package for big projects where stakeholders might require detailed bore logs and precision.
- Use Case: The Falcon F5 is generally reserved for the toughest jobs: long river crossings, deep installations, and projects in extremely noisy electromagnetic environments. Many contractors employ a two-tier strategy: they use Falcon F2 systems for routine daily work (Tier 1) and keep one Falcon F5 system ready for the hard jobs (Tier 2) where lesser locators might fail. The F5’s higher cost and complexity are justified when a job has zero margin for error – as one might say, it’s the locator you bring out when “failure is expensive.” It provides maximum confidence that you can complete the bore accurately despite adverse conditions.
In summary, the DigiTrak Falcon F5 is the go-to locator for complex and high-stakes directional drills. It offers technical capabilities far beyond standard locators, ensuring that even in interference-heavy, deep drilling scenarios, you can maintain a lock on your bore path. The Falcon F5 embodies the cutting edge of HDD locating technology with its combination of an ultra-wide frequency range, simultaneous multi-frequency signal, and smart features like sub-kHz mode and data logging. It’s the pinnacle of the Falcon series and a crucial tool for contractors who regularly push the boundaries of where and how HDD can be done.
Choosing the Right DigiTrak Falcon Locator
All three Falcon models – F1, F2, and F5 – share the same core philosophy of fighting interference by optimizing transmitter frequencies, but they scale up in complexity and capability. Here’s a quick recap to help in choosing the right one for your needs:
- Falcon F1: Best for simple or shallow jobs (service lines, short bores) and for those on a tighter budget. It provides modern interference avoidance on a single band and is very user-friendly. If you mostly drill in residential or light commercial settings without extreme depth or interference, the F1 might be all you need. It’s also a great training unit or backup locator.
- Falcon F2: The all-purpose workhorse. Suitable for the majority of HDD projects like utility distribution runs, road crossings, and city infrastructure bores. It handles moderate interference with dual-band scanning and has ample depth range for most everyday jobs (100–160 ft). The F2 strikes a balance between performance and cost. It’s often the first choice for contractors who want to standardize their fleet because it’s reliable, widely applicable, and simpler than the F5. The Falcon F2 is a smart investment if you need a locator that will be used day-in, day-out on typical jobs to keep the revenue flowing.
- Falcon F5: The problem-solver for extreme cases. You’ll want the Falcon F5 (or F5+) if you frequently encounter high interference areas (dense urban downtowns, industrial sites), need to drill long and deep (under rivers, highways, runways), or if your projects demand advanced capabilities like downhole pressure monitoring or detailed bore logging. The F5’s ability to adapt to virtually any environment gives you confidence on challenging bores. It’s a more significant investment and has more features to learn, but it pays off when a project’s difficulty is beyond the reach of ordinary locators. Many owners of an F5 will still use an F2 for routine work and reserve the F5 for those critical bores where “project failure is not an option.”
In the end, all these models benefit from DCI’s Falcon technology – meaning whichever Falcon you choose, you’re getting a state-of-the-art interference mitigation system that can dramatically reduce downtime and erratic readings on the job. The introduction of the Falcon series was a major leap forward in HDD locating, turning what used to be a guessing game in interference (trying a few fixed frequencies, hoping for the best) into a smart, data-driven process of scanning and selecting the best signal. Contractors who have upgraded from older DigiTrak models (or competitor locators) to Falcons often report much more stable performance and confidence in their guidance.
Finally, if you are in the market for a locator, consider your typical jobs: For straightforward work, an F1 might suffice; for a reliable everyday solution, the F2 Falcon locator for sale is a popular choice due to its balance of cost and capability; and for tackling the toughest conditions, the F5 is unmatched. By understanding the differences in these Falcon models, you can make an informed decision and ensure you have the right tools to “keep your bore on track” regardless of what lies underground.
Sources:
- Digital Control Inc. – Falcon F1 Product Page
- Digital Control Inc. – Falcon F2 Spec Sheet
- Digital Control Inc. – Falcon F5 Spec Sheet
- Melfred Borzall (Mark Gallucci, DCI) – Article on Interference and Falcon Technology
- Vermeer Mountain West – Falcon Series Overview
- World Business Outlook – “Why DigiTrak F2 is Still the Best Everyday HDD Locator”
- StraightLine HDD – Product description of DigiTrak F2 System
