Utility Locators

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Tracer Electronics offers several models of cable and pipe locators. Depending on your specific application, we have a model to fit your particular need and budget. We specialize in sales and support of industry-leading professional utility locating systems, including Vivax-Metrotech, Fisher Labs, Impulse Radar, etc. We repair almost 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 is our best-seller locator. It has become the industry benchmark for performance and features. Every vLoc3 is powered by an industry-exclusive 3D antenna architecture, powerful and fast processor engine, 4.3" high visibility color LCD, and innovative software. 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, 25-watt & 150-watt.

    In addition, all professional vLoc3-series locators can be equipped with TX Link for remote transmitter control, an MLA adapter for EMS marker ball locating, and A-Frame for fault locating.

    vLoc3-5000

    The vLoc3-5000 is utilizing all the same features as the Pro but with the addition of an internal GPS, SIS (Signal Select™) frequencies, and its unique vLoc3-5000 classic display featuring a real-time distortion meter that changes color when signal distortion is detected. Available transmitters include 10-watt w/SIS frequencies.

    vLoc3-9800

    The vLoc3-9800 is an easy-to-use left/right guidance, fully automatic gain control instrument. The left/right guidance has been a hallmark of Metrotech design and innovation throughout the years and is very familiar with VM-810 and VM-850 users. The vLoc3 series is built on an ultra-fast processor engine, a 3D Triaxial antenna platform, in a ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD. Available transmitters include: 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt, 25-watt & 150-watt.

    vLocPro2

    The vLocPro2 series offers a 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. Multiple transmitter options are available, including 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt & 150-watt.

    vScan & vScan-M

    The vScan Pipe & Cable Avoidance System offers 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 types.

    VM-585

    The VM-585 offers 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 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 complex tracer wire applications in the GAS industry and difficult street light in the POWER industry.

    VM-550

    The 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 easy-to-use instruments and offer performance at the highest level. 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 a single frequency (83kHz), left/right guidance, automatic gain control (AGC) system that replaces the legendary 810 in the locating industry for performance and ease of use. The 83kHz is ideal for gas distribution, water pipe, and tracer wire applications. It offers 1-watt transmitter output.

    VM-480B

    The VM-480 "Split-Box" locator system provides a 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 industry's first all-in-one utility locator with a 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 co-occur. Technicians can perform a regular utility line marking procedure with data collection logs by pressing a single button and aligning an on-screen level. GPS data is stored in the cloud automatically via its built-in 4G LTE cellular connection. The technician completes the mapping when they complete the locate. The data is in the cloud in near real-time and ready for mapping use. In addition, the information is also stored onboard the locator, available for export for review and use with compatible mapping software. Users also can 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 industry's best tool for severe distorted locating and deep pipe & cable applications.

    No matter how many years of 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 studied these anomalies for years and sent engineers onto these complex sites to investigate how the distortion affects these locates and the locating equipment. This research has led engineers to design innovations, including the all-new 3D antenna standard used in the vLoc3 series locators that identify distortion and intuitively display in an easily read color format. When combined with extra-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 is identical to a Pro model except for having the EMS marker antenna built-in to the housing. Having the EMS antenna always available is often preferred by users who locate EMS markers every day.

    vLoc3-Pro w/MLA

    The vLoc3-Pro receiver is the new industry benchmark. The vLoc3 series is built on an ultra-fast processor engine, a 3D Triaxial antenna platform, in a ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD. 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, 25-watt & 150-watt.

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

    vLoc3-5000 w/MLA

    The vLoc3-5000 receiver features an ultra-fast processor engine, two 3D Triaxial antennas, ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD, and a built-in GPS receiver. The vLoc3-series platform 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, a 3D Triaxial antenna platform, in a ruggedized high impact thermoplastic housing with a 4.3" high visibility LCD. Available transmitters include: 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt, 25-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 with 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, accurate fault locates. Adding VM-510FFL to any new VM-550/VM-560/vLoc3-Pro/vLoc3-9800/vLoc3-5000/vLoc3-RTK 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 or "stand-alone" 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. Both 10-watt and 5-watt offer fault-find modes. The SIS Transmitter combines built-in fault-find modes and precise resistance measurement. Optional A-Frame accessory or "stand-alone" 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. 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 or "stand-alone" needed.

  • Plastic Pipe Locating

    Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is easily the best solution for locating non-metallic pipes. 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. It is a full-featured GPR system with mapping capabilities. In addition, the PinPointR provides the added performance of dual-channel GPR with Real-Time Sampling.

    When duct rodding is not possible, and GPR will not work, the acoustic 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 acoustic leak detector to listen for the sound provided by the Combiphon "Stopper" or "Striker." When installed around a pipe, the Striker acts like an electric hammer, where it steadily strikes a vibration onto the pipe. The Stopper provides a pulse into the water column via its electric-controlled piston. The Stopper installs at a nearby fire hydrant.

    Locatable rodders are a perfect companion for users needing to locate plastic ducts or pipes. Use any line locator system to find the rodder as if it was a cable or pipe.

    Duct Hunter Series Locatable Rodders

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

    Gas Tracer Locatable Rodders

    Jameson's 3/16" Gas Line Tracer System is designed for pressurized natural gas service lines. Once inside the pipe, the rod via the reel can be connected to a pipe & cable locator transmitter, allowing technicians to locate "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 complete catalog of sondes. Sondes can be used with other camera systems lacking this feature or rodders' end for locating non-metallic pipes. 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 passive and radio modes to find signals radiating from adjacent pipes and cables. These passive modes provide the ability to sweep an area for both known and unknown utilities. The active mode (83 kHz) allows users to locate the entire pushrod length using an optional transmitter.

    vScan & vScan-M (sonde mode)

    The vScan receiver is a fully-featured sonde & camera locator. It offers the 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 essential equipment for corrosion specialists in the Pipeline industry, providing current mapping surveys, locating coating defects, and finding shorts. Older designs, i.e., PCM and PCM+ (Pipe Current Mapper), are limited on features, especially when compared to PDM. 

    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. Using the attached magnetometer (foot), users can identify areas of the pipeline where coating defects or shorts are present. When used with the A-Frame (ACVG), users can pinpoint these defects for excavation and restoration. When using just the receiver alone, then the vLoc3-DM becomes a full-featured deep pipe locator. Available transmitters are 10-watt, 25-watt, or 150-watt.

2021 Tracer Electronics LLC

Utility Locators