Utility Locators

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Tracer Electronics offers several models of cable and pipe locators. Depending on your specific need and application, we have a model that will fit your specific need and budget. We specialize in sales and support of industry leading professional utility locate systems, including Vivax-Metrotech, Fisher Labs, Impulse Radar and others. We repair most all major brands.

  • Line Locators (multiple frequencies)

    Multi-Frequency locators are the high-end products of the utility locating industry. They typically are full-featured and are the best choice for most utility locating applications.

    vLoc3-Pro

    The vLoc3-Pro receiver is the new industry benchmark. The vLoc3 series is built on an ultra-fast processor engine, 3D Triaxial antenna platform, in a ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD display. The vLoc3-Pro provides "Must Have" locating modes, i.e., Vector Mode, Plan View Mode and Directional Sonde Mode. Available transmitters include: 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt & 150-watt.

    vLoc3-5000

    The vLoc3-5000 receiver is built on the vLoc3 series platform featuring an ultra-fast processor engine, two 3D Triaxial antennas, ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD display and built-in GPS receiver The vLoc3-series provides "Must Have" locating modes, i.e., Vector Mode, Plan View Mode and Directional Sonde Mode. Available transmitters include: 10-watt w/SIS frequencies.

    vLoc3-9800

    The vLoc3-9800 receiver is the left/right guidance receiver in the industry. The vLoc3 series is built on an ultra-fast processor engine, 3D Triaxial antenna platform, in a ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD display. Available transmitters include: 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt & 150-watt.

    vLocPro2

    The vLocPro2 series offers lightweight & ergonomic design, 70+ frequencies, 3.52" TFT Sharp color display, line directional compass, simultaneous peak and null locating (left/right arrows), manual & automatic gain, dual Li-Ion rechargeable & alkaline battery solution, bluetooth for GPS integration, signal direction (SD), built-in cable fault locating and much more. These features make the vLocPro2 the newest and best multifrequency platform in the industry. Multiple transmitter options are available, including 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt & 150-watt.

    vScan & vScan-M

    The New vScan Pipe & Cable Avoidance System offer two active frequencies (33kHz / 131kHz) and power & radio passive. Also available is a built-in Metal Detector, Bluetooth, GPS. The vScan and its affordable pricing is the perfect locator system for contractors of all type.

    VM-585

    The New VM-585 offer three active frequencies (512Hz / 8kHz & 83kHz) and 60Hz power passive mode and Ferrous Metal mode. The VM-585 also includes 8KFF for use with the VM-510 stand-alone a-frame fault locator. The VM-585 is the perfect choice when an affordable all-in-one locating system is needed.

    VM-560

    The New VM-560 compact multi frequency locator w/480kHz provides 512Hz / 8kHz / 480kHz & 60Hz passive. It offers push-button depth in both 512Hz & 8kHz. The VM-560 transmitter includes 8kFF for supporting fault locating. The VM-560 is the perfect companion locator for difficult tracer wire applications in the GAS industry and difficult street light locating in the POWER industry.

    VM-550

    The New VM-550 compact multi frequency cable & pipe locator provides 512Hz / 8kHz / 83kHz & 60Hz passive. It offers push-button depth in both 512Hz & 8kHz. The VM-550 transmitter includes 8kFF for supporting fault locating. The VM-550 is the perfect "drop" locator for CATV & TELECOM contractors.

  • Line Locators (single frequencies)

    Single-Frequency locators are designed specifically to perform at the highest level on specific applications. E.g., The VM-810 is perfect for water and gas distribution and the VM-850 is excellent at pipeline and long distance cable applications.

    VM-850

    The VM-850 receiver is a single frequency (982kHz), left/right guidance, automatic gain control (AGC) system designed for long-distance cable & pipeline locating. 2-watt transmitter output.

    VM-810

    The VM-810 receiver is single frequency (83kHz), left/right guidance, automatic gain control (AGC) system that replaces the legendary 810 in the locating industry for both performance and ease-of-use. The 83kHz is ideal for gas distribution, water pipe, and tracer wire applications.1-watt transmitter output.

    VM-480B

    The VM-480 "Split-Box" locator system provides single frequency (83kHz) locating with 60Hz passive power mode. The VM-480 is the newest split-box locator on the market. 125mW transmitter output.

    TW-82 & TW-82P

    The New TW-82 receiver is a single-frequency (82.175kHz) system from Fisher Labs, utilizing peak & null antennas for left/right guidance and automatic gain control for user-friendly locating. Up to 1-watt transmitter output.

    TW-6

    The TW-6 "Split-Box" locator system provides single frequency (81.92kHz) locating.

  • RTK-GNSS & Line Locating

    vLoc3-RTK-Pro

    The vLoc3-RTK-Pro receiver is the industries first all-in-one utility locator with built-in RTK GNSS system providing centimeter level survey-grade accuracy. Perfect for producing utility mapping.

    The RTK-GNSS allows for precision line marking and survey-grade accuracy mapping to occur simultaneously. Technicians simply can perform a normal utility line marking procedure with data collection logs by pressing a single button and aligning an on screen level. GPS data is stored to the cloud automatically via its built-in 4G LTE cellular connection. The technician's input is done when the locate is completed. The data is in the cloud in near real-time and ready for mapping use. In addition, the data is also stored onboard the locator available for export for review and use with compatible mapping software. Users also have the ability to connect to NTRIP RTK caster that can provide RTCM 3 correction data.

    PinPointR w/Reach RS2

    The PinPointR w/Reach RS2 allows for precision survey-grade accuracy mapping using the ViewPoint app and Reach RS2 GPS systems.

  • Line Locating for High Distortion & Deep Pipe

    vLoc3-XLF

    The vLoc3-XLF is the industries best tool for severe distorted locating and deep pipe & cable applications.

    No matter how many years experience a person has in this industry, one will eventually run across a pipe or cable locate where the invisible signal distortion is so severe that a conventional locator fails to pinpoint the utility accurately. In some cases it can even falsely indicate the utility several feet off target. It's these impossible situations that test our knowledge and challenge what we know about utility locating.

    Vivax-Metrotech has been studying these anomalies for years and sending engineers onto these difficult sites to investigate how the distortion affects the these locates and the locating equipment. This research has led engineers to several design innovations, including the all new 3D antenna standard used in the vLoc3 series locators that identifies distortion and intuitively displays in an easily read color format. When combined with xtra low frequencies the XLF locator can accurately locate utilities, even in severe distorted applications.

    The new vLoc3-XLF receiver is powered by the 3D antenna platform and provides frequencies up to 32.8kHz.

  • EM Ball Marker & Line Locating

    Locators with EM Marker capabilities make them unique for any users that deploy markers. The vLoc3-ML has the capability built-in and the other vLoc3-Series requires an optional accessory.

    vLoc3-ML

    The vLoc3-ML receiver is built on a new Triaxial 3D architecture providing the best in industry pipe & cable locating experience with built-in antenna for EM marker locating. Having the EM marker antenna permanently fixed to the instrument also allows the unit to be used as a dedicated EM marker locator. Optional features provide additional capabilities such as bluetooth for GPS mapping, TX LINK and cable fault locating.

    vLoc3-Pro w/MLA

    The vLoc3-Pro receiver is the new industry benchmark. The vLoc3 series is built on an ultra-fast processor engine, 3D Triaxial antenna platform, in a ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD display. The vLoc3-Pro provides "Must Have" locating modes, i.e., Vector Mode, Plan View Mode and Directional Sonde Mode. Available transmitters include: 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt & 150-watt.

    Adding the optional MLA-Marker Locator Adapter allows for EM marker locating.

    vLoc3-5000 w/MLA

    The vLoc3-5000 receiver is built on the vLoc3 series platform featuring an ultra-fast processor engine, two 3D Triaxial antennas, ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD display and built-in GPS receiver The vLoc3-series provides "Must Have" locating modes, i.e., Vector Mode, Plan View Mode and Directional Sonde Mode. Available transmitters include: 10-watt w/SIS frequencies.

    Adding the optional MLA-Marker Locator Adapter allows for EM marker locating.

    vLoc3-9800 w/MLA

    The vLoc3-9800 receiver is the left/right guidance receiver in the industry. The vLoc3 series is built on an ultra-fast processor engine, 3D Triaxial antenna platform, in a ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD display. Available transmitters include: 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt & 150-watt.

    Adding the optional MLA-Marker Locator Adapter allows for EM marker locating.

  • Fault & Line Locating

    Fault locating is an essential must-have feature for Power and Telecom users. The VM-510FFL is a dedicated instrument with line locating capabilities and the other models are more dedicated line locators with fault-find capabilities with optional accessory A-Frame.

    VM-510FFL+

    The VM-510FFL+ is the perfect all-in-one cable & fault find locator system w/push-button depth. The VM-510FFL+ works with newer 1-watt, 5-watt & 10-watt transmitters. These transmitters combine built-in fault-find modes (8kFF) and precise resistance measurement for quick, precise fault locates. Adding VM-510FFL to any new VM-550/VM-560/vLoc3-Pro/vLoc3-5000 kit allows for full cable fault-locating capabilities.

    vLoc3-Pro w/A-Frame

    The vLoc3-Pro receiver has built-in cable fault locating, featuring one-pass fault-find and cable locating, saving time and money on the job site. Both 10-watt and 5-watt offer fault find modes. Transmitters combine built-in fault-find modes and precise resistance measurement. Optional A-Frame accessory needed.

    vLoc3-5000 w/A-Frame

    The vLoc3-5000 receiver has built-in cable fault locating, featuring one-pass fault-find and cable locating, saving time and money on the job site. The 10-watt transmitter combine built-in fault-find modes and precise resistance measurement. Optional A-Frame accessory needed.

    vLoc3-9800 w/A-Frame

    The vLoc3-9800 receiver has built-in cable fault locating, featuring one-pass fault-find and cable locating, saving time and money on the job site. Transmitters combine built-in fault-find modes and precise resistance measurement. Optional A-Frame accessory needed.

    vLocPro2 w/A-Frame

    The vLocPro2 receiver has built-in cable fault locating, featuring one-pass fault-find and cable locating, saving time and money on the job site. Both 10-watt and 5-watt offer fault find modes. Transmitters combines built-in fault-find modes and precise resistance measurement. Optional A-Frame accessory needed.

    vLocML2+ w/A-Frame

    The vLocML2+ receiver has built-in cable fault locating, featuring one-pass fault-find and cable locating, saving time and money on the job site. Both 10-watt and 5-watt offer fault find modes. 5-watt transmitter combines built-in fault-find modes and precise resistance measurement. Optional A-Frame accessory needed.

  • Plastic Pipe Locating

    Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is easily the best solution for locating non-metallic pipe. GPR is a must have piece of equipment for any professional locator.

    PinPointR

    The PinPointR design provides ease-of-use locate & mark features and grid collection for mapping & survey work. In addition the PinPointR provides the added performance of dual-channel GPR.

    When duct rodding is not possible and GPR will not work, then the acoustical method would be the best choice to locate a plastic pipe.

    Combiphon

    The Combiphon pulse generator system from Sewerin provides a method of locating non-metallic plastic pipe using a Sewerin acoustical leak detector to listen for the sound provided by the Combiphon "Stopper" or "Striker". The Striker, when installed around a pipe acts like an electric hammer, where it steadily strikes a vibration onto the pipe. The Stopper provides a vibration into the water column via its electric controlled piston. The Stopper is usually installed at a nearby fire hydrant.

    Locatable rodders are a perfect companion for users needing to locate plastic duct or pipe. Simply use any line locator system to locate the rodder as if it was a cable or pipe.

    Duct Hunter Series Locatable Rodders

    The Duct Hunter traceable rodder systems from Jameson can be pushed into non-locatable pipes and ducts and when used with pipe & cable locators, can be located the length of the rod. Rod diameters range from 3/16" to 7/16" and rod lengths range from 100' to 600' lengths.

    Gas Tracer Locatable Rodders

    The Gas Line Tracer System from Jameson is a 3/16" rodder designed to be pushed through pressurized natural gas service lines. Then the rod can be connected to a pipe & cable locator transmitter allowing technicians the ability to easily locate previously un-locatable gas services. Lengths from 100' to 325' are available.

    Sondes are devices that can be attached to the end of a rodder or in most cases attached to a pipe inspection camera and provide a signal for locators (with sonde mode) to locate the exact location of the sonde above ground.

    Sondes

    We offer a full catalog of sondes. Sondes can be used with other camera systems lacking this feature, or on the end of rodders for locating non-metallic pipe. Available frequencies include: 512Hz, 9.82kHz, 33kHz, 83.1kHz.

  • Sonde Locators

    vLoc3-Cam (graphical sonde mode)

    The vLoc3-Cam receiver is designed primarily for locating sondes (most frequencies). Users can also use the passive power and radio modes for locating signals radiating from adjacent pipes and cables. This allows users the ability to sweep an area for known and unknown utilities. The Pushrod and Line Trace mode allows users to locate the entire length of pushrod using an optional transmitter.

    vScan & vScan-M (sonde mode)

    The vScan receiver is a fully featured sonde & camera locator. It offers push-button depth, line compass, 512Hz & 33kHz sonde frequencies, power 60, Radio mode and much more.

    VM-540

    The VM-540 is our most affordable sonde locator. Perfect for anyone on a tight budget. While features and pricing are minimal, performance is excellent.

  • (PDM) Pipe Defect Mapper

    Pipe Defect Mappers (PDM) are an essential piece of equipment for corrosion specialist in the Pipeline industry. Sometimes referred to PCM (Pipe Current Mapper)

    vLoc3-DM

    The vLoc3-DM Pipe Defect Current Mapper is a professional pipeline multi-tool designed to identify pipeline coating defects and contact shorts to other structures that can render cathodic protection ineffective and also as a standard EM pipe locating system. Using with the attached magnetometer (foot) users can identify areas of the pipeline where coating defects are present. When used with the A-Frame (ACVG) users can pinpoint defects for excavation and restoring.

2020 Tracer Electronics LLC

Utility Locators