Electronic line locators are essential tools for accurately detecting and mapping buried utilities in the municipal sewer and water industry. Devices like those below offer advanced features like multi-frequency support, GNSS integration and ergonomic designs to enhance precision, safety and ease of use in diverse locating applications.
Hathorn Inspection Cameras Utili-Track
The Hathorn Inspection Cameras Utili-Track sonde and cable locator allows users to adapt the locator to their specific needs. It offers a 512Hz sonde and line trace locating indicating direction of the sonde and its depth. Ergonomically designed and balanced, it provides depth reading of up to 25 feet and current measurement to help identify target utilities and sondes in crowded areas. A large, high-contrast LCD offers a visible signal response. Automatic depth, automatic current, and proximal directional arrows are readable in the brightest sunshine or backlit for viewing in dimmer conditions. The unit comes with six C-cell batteries. 866-428-4676; www.hathorncorp.com
MyTana Complete Pipe Locator Package
MyTana bundles the MT 512+ Locator and LineFinder Transmitter in a convenient Complete Pipe Locator Package to give expanded locating capabilities beyond detecting 512 Hz signals from sondes and inspection camera transmitters. The MT 512+ has multi-frequency support and multiple operating modes for a wide range of applications. With the LineFinder Transmitter, it can trace signals along buried utilities, cast iron pipes and more with minimum interference, all while maintaining the ability to continue locating past faults and around conduit bends. The locator/receiver has a large digital display with real-time graphic and audio indicators. Both products are powered by a long-lasting lithium-ion battery. 800-328-8170; www.mytana.com
Radiodetection RD8200SG Survey-Grade Precision Locator
Locate and map buried utilities in a single operation with Radiodetection’s RD8200SG Survey-Grade Precision Locator. Equipped with an integrated GNSS antenna, users can simultaneously view and build maps with survey-grade accuracy on a mobile phone while locating. It excels in locating buried utilities, with features such as technology that rejects strong interfering signals, current direction to identify targets among a number of parallel utilities, and StrikeAlert to warn of shallow cables, reducing the risk of accidents or damage to buried infrastructure. An ergonomic, lightweight design ensures comfort during extended use, while automatic usage logging and swing warnings promote proper handling and enhance safety. 877-247-3797; www.radiodetection.com
Schonstedt u-LOCATE Pipe & Cable Locator
Schonstedt’s u-LOCATE Pipe & Cable Locator is ideal for plumbers, electricians, landscapers, site managers and facilities maintenance techs who occasionally need to detect and trace a buried utility on a job site. With features like a high-contrast screen and shock-resistant casing, it is built to withstand challenging field conditions. Its 82 kHz active frequency, 1 W transmitter, depth estimation, left/right guidance arrows and passive power locating capabilities make it versatile for various locating tasks. It is available in two models — the u-LOCATE and the u-LOCATE+. The latter includes dual frequencies (33 and 82 kHz) and 512 Hz sonde capability for more complex needs. Both models support additional accessories, such as signal clamps and sonde tracers, to extend the capabilities of the locator and transmitter. 888-367-7014; www.schonstedt.com
Subsite Electronics UtiliGuard 2 RTK receiver
The UtiliGuard 2 RTK (real-time kinematic) receiver from Subsite Electronics is designed with survey-grade technology and dual-band antennas to deliver centimeter-grade accuracy, making it an ideal solution for locating abandoned and untracked utilities that are often difficult to pinpoint. Its high-precision capabilities provide insights into underground infrastructure, helping crews avoid cross bores during future projects. Like the UtiliGuard 2 Standard and Advanced units, the RTK receiver features integrated data capture, GPS positioning and an intuitive user interface to improve work quality and maximize locate awareness. Additional enhancements include dead-reckoning capabilities, which help operators maintain accurate locates in heavy tree canopy or areas where GPS signals falter. A multi-frequency fault-finding capability also allows contractors to accurately identify and locate faulted power lines using a broad spectrum of customizable frequencies, up to 10 kHz. 800-846-2713; www.subsite.com
Vivax-Metrotech vLoc3 RTK-Pro
The vLoc3 RTK-Pro utility locator from Vivax-Metrotech adds RTK GNSS accuracy. Using the internal cellular module with 4G LTE capabilities, the operator can connect to an NTRIP RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) caster that provides RTCM 3 corrections. By utilizing these corrections, the operator can collect both utility location data and the utility’s geographical location with survey-grade accuracy. All field data is sent to the cloud and retained in the receiver’s onboard storage for review and exporting to mapping programs. The user-configurable receiver contains eight passive locate modes, fault find mode, Signal Direction and a range of frequencies from 98 Hz to 200 kHz. Users can also configure visual and mechanical vibration alerts for shallow depth, overload, overhead cables and excessive swinging. 800-446-3392; www.vxmt.com
