Utility Locators

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Tracer Electronics LLC offers a variety of cable and pipe locators. Depending on your specific needs, we have a model that fits your application and budget. We focus on sales and support of industry-leading professional utility locating systems, including Vivax-Metrotech, Fisher Labs, Impulse Radar, and others. We repair most major brands.

  • Line Locators (multiple frequencies)

    Multi-Frequency locators are the premium products in the utility locating industry. They are usually full-featured and represent the best choice for most utility locating needs.

    vLoc3-Pro

    The vLoc3-Pro is our top-selling locator. It has set the industry standard for performance and features. Each vLoc3 is equipped with an exclusive 3D antenna architecture, a powerful and fast processor, a 4.3" high-visibility color LCD, and innovative software. The vLoc3-Pro offers essential locating modes, including Vector Mode, Plan View Mode, and Directional Sonde Mode. Available transmitters include 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt, 25-watt, and 150-watt.

    Additionally, all professional vLoc3-series locators can be equipped with an MLA adapter for EMS marker ball locating and an A-Frame for fault locating.

    vLoc3-5000

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

    vLoc3-9800

    The vLoc3-9800 is a user-friendly, fully automatic gain control instrument with left/right guidance. This guidance feature has been a key part of Metrotech's design and innovation over the years and is well known to VM-810 and VM-850 users. The vLoc3 series features an ultra-fast processor, a 3D Triaxial antenna platform, and a rugged thermoplastic housing with a 4.3-inch high-visibility LCD. Available transmitters include 1-watt, 5-watt, 10-watt, 25-watt, and 150-watt options.

    TW-9000

    The TW-9000 is the newest multi-frequency locator from Fisher Labs. It offers affordability, ease of use, and a high-powered transmitter that provides versatility in various soil conditions.

    vScan & vScan-M

    The vScan Pipe & Cable Avoidance System provides two active frequencies (33kHz / 131kHz) and features a power and radio mode. It can also be equipped with a built-in metal detector mode, Bluetooth, and GPS. With its affordable price, the vScan is the perfect locator system for contractors of all kinds.

    VM-585

    The VM-585 provides three active frequencies (512Hz / 8kHz & 83kHz), along with 60Hz power passive mode and Ferrous Metal mode. It also features 8KFF for use with the VM-510 stand-alone A-frame fault locator. The VM-585 is an ideal choice for an affordable, all-in-one locating system.

    800-HL

    The 800-HL multi-frequency locator offers both 9 kHz and ultra-high 480 kHz frequencies. The 800-HL is a popular industry choice for locating worn-out tracer wire, fiber-optic service drops, and complex streetlight setups.

    VM-560

    The VM-560 compact multi-frequency locator with 480kHz provides 512Hz, 8kHz, 480kHz, and 60Hz passive modes. It offers push-button depth measurement in both 512Hz and 8kHz. The VM-560 transmitter includes 8kFF for supporting fault locating. The VM-560 is an ideal companion locator for complex tracer wire applications in the GAS industry and challenging street light installations in the POWER industry.

    VM-550

    The VM-550 compact multi-frequency pipe and cable locator offers 512Hz, 8kHz, 83kHz, and 60Hz passive modes. It features push-button depth measurement in both 512Hz and 8kHz. The VM-550 transmitter includes 8kFF for fault locating support. The VM-550 is an ideal "drop" locator for CATV and TELECOM contractors.

  • Line Locators (single frequencies)

    Single-Frequency locators are user-friendly tools that provide high performance. The VM-810 is ideal for water and gas distribution, while the VM-850 excels in pipeline and long-distance cable applications.

    VM-850

    The VM-850 pipe and cable locator is a single-frequency (9.82kHz) system with left/right guidance and automatic gain control (AGC), designed for long-distance cable and pipeline locating. It features a 2-watt transmitter output.

    VM-810

    The VM-810 pipe and cable locator is a single-frequency (83kHz) system with left/right guidance and automatic gain control (AGC), replacing the legendary 810 in the locating industry for improved performance and ease of use. The 83kHz frequency is ideal for gas distribution, water pipe, and tracer wire applications. It provides a 1-watt transmitter output.

    800-H

    The 800-H ultra-high 480 kHz frequency locator is an ideal addition to your EM locating toolkit. The 480 kHz signal helps users solve complex locating problems, such as streetlight circuits, worn-out tracer wire and tape, and hard-to-find fiber optic service drops, as well as any utility locate where lower frequencies are not an option.

    TW-82 & TW-82P

    The new TW-82P pipe and cable locatoris a single-frequency (82.175kHz) system from Fisher Labs, using peak and null antennas for left/right guidance and automatic gain control for easy locating. It has up to 1 watt of transmitter output.

    TW-6

    The TW-6 "Split-Box" locator system provides single-frequency (81.92 kHz) locating. The split-box design has been utilized for decades because of its compact size and handle kit, making it ideal for locating pipes when direct connection isn't available.

  • 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 that delivers centimeter-level survey-grade accuracy. It’s ideal for utility mapping.

    The RTK-GNSS enables precise line marking and survey-grade accuracy mapping simultaneously. Technicians can perform standard utility line marking and log data by pressing a single button and leveling the on-screen display. GPS data is automatically stored in the cloud via its built-in 4G LTE cellular connection. The technician completes the mapping once the locate is done. The data is available in the cloud nearly in real-time and ready for mapping purposes. Additionally, the information is also stored onboard the locator, allowing export for review and use with compatible mapping software. Users can also connect to an NTRIP RTK caster that supplies RTCM 3 correction data.

    No 3rd part mapping applications are required.

    PinPointR w/Reach RS2

    The PinPointR with Reach RS2 provides 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 top tool for severe distorted locating and deep pipe and cable applications.

    No matter how many years of experience a person has in this field, they will eventually encounter a pipe or cable locate where the signal distortion is so severe that a conventional locator cannot accurately identify the utility. Sometimes, it can even falsely indicate the utility several feet off target. These impossible situations test our knowledge and challenge what we know about utility locating.

    Vivax-Metrotech has studied these anomalies for years and sent engineers to complex sites to investigate how distortion affects these locates and the equipment used. This research has led to innovative designs, including the new 3D antenna standard in the vLoc3 series locators, which detects distortion and displays it clearly in a color-coded format. When combined with extra-low frequencies, the XLF locator can precisely locate utilities even in heavily distorted conditions.

    The new vLoc3-XLF receiver, powered by the 3D antenna platform, operates at frequencies up to 32.8 kHz.

  • EM Ball Marker & Line Locating

    Locators with EM Marker capabilities are unique for any users deploying markers. The vLoc3-ML has this feature built-in, while other vLoc3-Series models need 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. Users who locate EMS markers every day often prefer to have the EMS antenna available.

    vLoc3-Pro w/MLA

    The vLoc3-MLA (Marker Locator Adapter) is designed for quick, easy, and accurate detection of buried EMS markers. After locating a marker, the MLA instantly displays its depth at the push of a button.

    The MLA attaches to the bottom of the vLoc3-Pro, vLoc3-XLF, vLoc3-RTK, vLoc3-9800, and vLoc3-5000 receivers. When attached and plugged into the receiver, two marker modes are activated. In the dedicated marker mode, the receiver screen shows a peak bar graph, the marker's signal strength, the marker type, and its depth. In the dual marker mode, all of these are displayed along with the standard utility locate screen, which includes left/right arrows and a compass.

    vLoc3-5000 w/MLA

    The vLoc3-MLA (Marker Locator Adapter) is designed for quick, easy, and accurate detection of buried EMS markers. After locating a marker, the MLA instantly displays its depth at the push of a button.

    The MLA attaches to the bottom of the vLoc3-5000, vLoc3-XLF, vLoc3-RTK, vLoc3-9800, and vLoc3-Pro receivers. When attached and plugged into the receiver, two marker modes are activated. In the dedicated marker mode, the receiver screen shows a peak bar graph, the marker's signal strength, the marker type, and its depth. In the dual marker mode, all of these are displayed along with the standard utility locate screen, which includes left/right arrows and a compass.

    vLoc3-9800 w/MLA

    The vLoc3-MLA (Marker Locator Adapter) is designed for quick, easy, and accurate detection of buried EMS markers. After locating a marker, the MLA instantly displays its depth at the push of a button.

    The MLA attaches to the bottom of the vLoc3-9800, vLoc3-XLF, vLoc3-RTK, vLoc3-Pro, and vLoc3-5000 receivers. When attached and plugged into the receiver, two marker modes are activated. In the dedicated marker mode, the receiver screen shows a peak bar graph, the marker's signal strength, the marker type, and its depth. In the dual marker mode, all of these are displayed along with the standard utility locate screen, which includes left/right arrows and a compass.

  • Fault & Line Locating

    Fault locating is a crucial feature for Power and Telecom users. The VM-510FFL is a specialized instrument with line locating capabilities, while the other models are primarily line locators with fault-finding features and optional accessory A-Frame.

    VM-510FFL+

    The VM-510FFL+ is an all-in-one cable and fault finder locator system with push-button depth. The VM-510FFL+ is compatible with newer 1-watt, 5-watt, and 10-watt transmitters. These transmitters feature built-in fault-find modes (8kFF) and precise resistance measurement for quick, accurate fault location. Adding VM-510FFL to any new VM-550, VM-560, vLoc3-Pro, vLoc3-9800, vLoc3-5000, or vLoc3-RTK kit provides full cable fault-locating capabilities.

    vLoc3-Pro w/A-Frame

    The vLoc3-Pro receiver features built-in cable fault locating, with one-pass fault-finding and cable locating, saving time and money on the job site. Both 5-watt and 10-watt offer fault-finding modes. Transmitters combine built-in fault-finding modes and precise resistance measurement. An optional A-Frame accessory or "stand-alone" is 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 SIS 10-watt offers fault-finding modes. The SIS Transmitter combines built-in fault-find modes and precise resistance measurement. An optional A-Frame accessory or "stand-alone" is needed.

    vLoc3-9800 w/A-Frame

    The vLoc3-9800 receiver features built-in cable fault locating, with one-pass fault-finding and cable locating, saving time and money on the job site. Both 5-watt and 10-watt offer fault-finding modes. Transmitters combine built-in fault-finding modes and precise resistance measurement. An optional A-Frame accessory or "stand-alone" is needed.

  • Plastic Pipe Locating

    Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is arguably the best method for detecting non-metallic pipes. It is an essential tool for any professional locator.

    PinPointR

    The PinPointR design offers easy-to-use locate and mark features along with GPS data collection for mapping and survey work. It is a full-featured GPR system equipped with mapping capabilities. Additionally, the PinPointR delivers enhanced performance through its dual-channel GPR with Real-Time Sampling.

    When duct rodding isn't feasible and GPR isn't effective, the acoustic method is the best option for locating a plastic pipe.

    Combiphon

    The Combiphon pulse generator system from Sewerin offers a way to locate non-metallic plastic pipes using a Sewerin acoustic leak detector to listen for sounds produced by the Combiphon "Stopper" or "Striker." When installed around a pipe, the Striker functions like an electric hammer, continuously striking vibrations onto the pipe. The Stopper sends a pulse into the water column via its electric-controlled piston. The Stopper is installed 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 were a cable or pipe.

    Duct Hunter Series Locatable Rodders

    Jameson Duct Hunter rodder systems can be inserted into non-locatable pipes and ducts. When used with pipe and cable locators, the rod can be located. Rod diameters range from 3/16" to 7/16", and rod lengths range from 100' to 1,500'.

    Gas Tracer Locatable Rodders

    Jameson's Gas Line Tracer Systems are designed for pressurized natural gas service lines. Once inside the pipe, the rod can be connected to a pipe and cable locator transmitter via the reel, enabling technicians to locate "un-locatable" gas services. Available diameters are 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4". Lengths range from 100' to 600', depending on the diameter.

    Sondes are devices that can be attached to the end of a rodder or, in some cases, connected to a pipe inspection camera. Sondes are miniature transmitters that send a signal, allowing locators to pinpoint their underground position using an EM locator with sonde mode, while above ground.

    Sondes

    We offer a comprehensive catalog of sondes. Sondes can be used with camera systems that lack this feature or on rod ends to locate non-metallic pipes. Available frequencies include 512Hz, 8.19kHz, 9.82kHz, 33kHz, and 83.1kHz.

  • Sonde Locators

    vLoc3-Cam (graphical sonde mode)

    The vLoc3-Cam receiver is primarily designed to locate sondes. Users can also use passive power and radio mode to detect signals coming from nearby pipes and cables. These passive modes enable sweeping an area to find both known and unknown utilities. The active mode (83 kHz) helps users locate the full length of the pushrod with an optional transmitter.

    vScan & vScan-M (sonde mode)

    The vScan receiver is a comprehensive sonde and camera locator. It includes features such as push-button depth, line compass, 512Hz and 33kHz sonde frequencies, 60W power, Radio mode, and much more.

  • (PDM) Pipe Defect Mapper

    Pipe Defect Mappers (PDMs) are crucial tools for pipeline corrosion specialists, providing current mapping surveys, locating coating defects, and detecting shorts.

    vLoc3-DM

    The vLoc3-DM Pipe Defect Current Mapper is a professional multi-tool for pipelines that detects coating defects and contact shorts with other structures, which can make cathodic protection ineffective. Using the attached magnetometer (foot), users can locate areas where the coating is damaged or shorts exist. When combined with the A-Frame (ACVG), users can precisely identify these defects for excavation and repair. When used alone with just the receiver, the vLoc3-DM functions as a comprehensive deep pipe locator. Available transmitters include 10-watt, 25-watt, or 150-watt options.

2026 Tracer Electronics LLC

Utility Locators