DCI Unveils DigitTrak Ares: A New Era in HDD Locating Technology

Digital Control Inc. (DCI) has introduced the DigitTrak Ares, its first locator built from the ground up in nearly 20 years. The new system combines advanced digital technology with a sleek, modern design. It aims to improve accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crews in the field.

The Ares, developed over several years, made its official debut at the Utility Expo. There, DCI’s next-generation leadership team — Colin Hambling and Matt Mercer — revealed the system.

Team members Amanda Hamms, Kam Thorum, Joshua Spray, and Jesus Alderete joined them. The launch reflected a generational milestone for the company. The team showcased a product that embodies both DCI’s legacy of innovation and its commitment to advancing HDD locating technology.

Founded in 1990 by trenchless technology pioneers John Mercer and Peter Hambling, DCI has played a pivotal role in shaping the HDD industry. The company introduced its first DigiTrak locating system in 1991 and has since released several influential product lines. These include the Mark Series, the Eclipse Series, and later the Falcon F2 and F5 in 2015. While the Falcon line incorporated numerous refinements, the Ares represents DCI’s first fully reengineered system since the Eclipse Series. Therefore, it marks a new chapter in the company’s product evolution.

According to the DCI team, the DigitTrak Ares is designed to set a new benchmark for locating performance and operator experience.

Key Features

• AI-Powered Scanning: Incorporates AI-based automatic full-spectrum frequency scanning. It maps and remembers the entire bore path, using three times more frequencies than the Falcon system.
• Improved User Interface: Features a larger, brighter, vertically oriented display. The system provides on-screen step-by-step guidance and warnings to assist both new and experienced operators.
• Over-the-Air Updates: Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to download major software upgrades and new capabilities. This includes the Steering Past the Locator feature.
• Enhanced Ergonomics: Includes an adjustable, lightweight Trakstand designed to reduce bending. It also features a redesigned ergonomic handle and a universal saddle mount compatible with other tripods. The screen is twice the size of previous models and angled for optimal visibility.

With these advancements, DCI positions the Ares as the future of HDD locating. It is a system built to evolve alongside the industry it helped pioneer.

For more information, visit www.digital-control.com.

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