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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Magna-Trak 101
®
Magnetic Locator
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Thank you for purchasing the Magna-Trak 101® Magnetic Locator. Please read this
manual thoroughly before operation.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 3
2. Theory of Operation ................................................................................................ 3
3. Features...................................................................................................................... 4
4. Basic Operation and Description .......................................................................... 5
4.1 Volume/Power and Sensitivity Control Knobs .......................................................... 5
4.2 Speaker ......................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 Battery Replacement ................................................................................................... 5
5. Field Operation ......................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Water Locations ........................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Locating Near a Steel Fence ....................................................................................... 7
6. Signal Response ........................................................................................................ 8
6.1 Typical Signal Responses ............................................................................................. 9
7. Specifications .......................................................................................................... 10
8. Warranty & Service ................................................................................................ 10
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1. INTRODUCTION
The Magna-Trak 101® magnetic locator is a flux-gate type of magnetometer which
incorporates a unique patented technology that enables the factory to balance the
magnetic sensing coils to a finite condition. This patented method of magnetic
balancing is advanced in the state of the technology.
The Magna-Trak 101 implements “peak response” over ferromagnetic objects by
yielding an increasing audio signal as the object is approached and passed over.
This instrument is the product of many years of experience and service provided by
CST to the industry.
2. THEORY OF OPERATION
The Magna-Trak 101 locator finds ferromagnetic objects by sensing the magnetic field
radiated by the object. The locator contains two sensor coil assemblies that are
precisely spaced and electronically balanced to achieve a near magnetically-balanced
operating condition. In a uniform magnetic field, such as the earth’s field, the two
sensor coils maintain a magnetically-balanced status, because both of the coils
experience the same magnetic lines of force. However, when a ferromagnetic object
is approached, the field strength and angle of the magnetic lines upon each sensor is
different. This difference, although minute, is enough to offset the critical balance
and produce an audible indicating signal (Fig. 1).
When no ferromagnetic objects are present, the speaker emits a steady low frequency tone. As the object is approached, the audio frequency increases until the
center of the object is directly beneath the locator’s lower tip sensor. The frequency
peaks and then decreases as the object is passed. The peak indicates the exact
location of the object.
Nonferrous objects do not affect the locator. Objects made of brass, aluminum,
copper, etc. are ignored.
Fig. 1
Sensor coils unbalanced by magnetic field of iron stake.
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3. FEATURES
• Rugged high-impact plastic enclosure with aluminum sensor pole
• Powerful magnetic speaker with waterproof Mylar cone
• Lightweight, comfortably balanced for easy handling
• Six “AA” (11⁄
2
volt) battery operation; ±100 hour battery life
• Quick-access battery compartment
• Adjustable sensitivity dial and volume with power ON/OFF dial
• Deep tone audio under search conditions; signals “peak” over magnetic objects
• Full depth capability
• Includes padded carrying case with shoulder strap or hard case
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4. BASIC OPERATION AND DESCRIPTION
4.1 Volume/Power and Sensitivity Control Knobs
Rotate the volume knob clockwise to turn the unit on and set to the desired audio
volume level. Full volume is achieved when the knob is turned fully clockwise. Power
off position is fully counterclockwise.
The sensitivity or depth range can be varied using the sensitivity knob. Maximum
range is provided at full clockwise rotation. The optimal setting is determined by each
particular application. Areas crowded with various undesired ferrous objects may
require a reduced sensitivity level. Deeply buried objects being searched will require a
higher sensitivity level.
A decal with markings for both the sensitivity and volume control knobs is provided
as a reference for future settings or comparisons.
4.2 Speaker
When no ferrous metal is present, the audio sound heard will be a low frequency
tone. As ferrous metals are approached, the audio tone will increase.
4.3 Battery Replacement
An irregular or weak audio signal may indicate weak batteries. Replace the batteries as
follows:
1:
Turn the power off.
2:
Unscrew the thumb screw on the battery cover (2-5 turns) and lift the cover off until
the tab at the rear of the cover clears the slot it is located in.
3:
Remove the batteries by raising the batteries at the contact point of each pair.
Dispose of used batteries properly.
4:
Insert new batteries, observing the polarity labels located inside the battery well.
NOTE: Do not mix old and new batteries. Replace all batteries at the same time
with new batteries. Also, do not replace the batteries under wet or rainy
conditions, allowing water to enter the battery compartment.
5:
Reinstall the cover in the reverse manner, being careful not to overtighten the thumb
screw.
In the event no sound is heard after turning the unit on, the batteries may be dead;
check the battery compartment immediately. Dead batteries should be removed
immediately as they are prone to leakage and can cause permanent damage.
Always remove batteries before storing your locator.
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5. FIELD OPERATION
The recommended search position is a 45° angle from the earth’s surface. Scan the
locator pole from side-to-side in a slow sweeping motion while walking in a steady
direction. Maintain a consistent height above the ground during the side-to-side
sweeping motion.
Once the object being searched is located, pinpointing the object’s location can be
accomplished by holding the locator vertically and sweeping it in an “X” pattern until
the absolute signal peak is found (Fig. 2). The audio sound will provide the pinpointing results.
Please note that your magnetic locator is not only sensitive to buried ferrous objects,
but also to items in your possession. Ferrous objects such as steel tipped shoes, a
pocket knife, some wrist watches, key chains or other objects containing ferrous
material can cause false signals during your search.
The locator is not affected by the presence of nonferrous objects, such as copper,
aluminum pull tabs or foil, and other forms of trash that may be present in the
ground. Snow, ice, water, wood, plastic, concrete, stones, and the ground itself have
no effect on the performance of the locator.
Locator’s Electrical response
representation
Physical “X” Motion Shown
Fig. 2
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5.1 Water Locations
The pole section of the locator can be submerged into water, up to just under the
plastic case (Fig. 3).
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5.2 Locating Near a Steel Fence
Move or slide the locator across the ground while holding the length of the locator
body perpendicular to the fence. Do not roll the locator on the ground. Maintain a
consistent distance between the tip of the locator and the fence.
The object will be directly below the tip of the locator (approx. 1⁄4" from the tip).
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Buried iron stake
Consistent
distance
Slide locator
back and forth
Signal
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6. SIGNAL RESPONSE
Figure 5 shows audio signal response to:
1: no object,
2: one small deeper metal target, and
3: a second larger and shallower metal object.
(1) (2) (3)
Fig. 5
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Sewer Cover
Signal Response
Signal Response
Signal Response
6.1 Typical Signal Responses
The metal handles on
the septic tank cover
will provide a usable
signal to determine
the location of the
actual cover (Fig. 6).
Large metal objects
may cause double
signals as indicated
(Fig. 7).
The center of the
cover is found by
sweeping the locator
back and forth to
create a ring pattern
response. The center
null will designate the
cover’s center.
The joints, elbows and ends of
iron pipes will create the
strongest signals (Fig. 8). Hold
the locator in a vertical
position while searching to
produce the best results.
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
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7. SPECIFICATIONS
Power: Six “AA” (11⁄2 volt) batteries
Battery life: ±100 hours of intermittent operation (alkaline batteries)
Output: Powerful magnetic speaker with waterproof Mylar cone
Weight: Approximately 3 lbs. (1.3kg) with batteries
Operating temperature: 0°F to 120°F (-18°C to 49°C)
Length: 40 inches (101.6 cm)
Construction: High-impact water resistant plastic, epoxy painted. Aluminum sensor
tube waterproof to just under the plastic case.
Patent: United States #4,439,732.
Nominal Sensor: 20 inches (50.8 cm)
Specifications subject to change without notice.
8. WARRANTY
The Magna-Trak 101® magnetic locator is warranted to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of five years after the delivery of the product
to the original user. Our liability under this warranty is limited to replacing any
defective parts, adjusting and servicing any instrument or, at the company’s option,
replacement of the instrument returned by the original user, transportation charges
prepaid, to the company. If the malfunction has been caused by misuse or abnormal
conditions of operation, repairs will be billed to the user, with a cost estimate
submitted prior to commencing repair work.
Batteries and the battery holder are not covered by this warranty.
All Magna-Trak 101 locators repaired out of warranty carry a warranty on replaced
parts for a period of 90 days.
Service
If your magnetic locator needs service, you may return it to the dealer from which it
was purchased or send it, transportation prepaid, directly to CST, 450 S. CIPS Street,
Watseka, IL 60970 USA. Include model number, serial number, proof and date of
purchase, your address and phone, and a written description of the problem
encountered with the instrument with the return of the locator.
Magna-Trak made in Watseka, Illinois, USA
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