The Magna-Trak 100® Magnetic Locator is a flux-gate type magnetometer designed to locate ferromagnetic objects. It utilizes a unique patented technology that allows the factory to balance the magnetic sensing coils to a finite condition, representing an advanced state in magnetic balancing technology. The device implements a "peak response" system, where an increasing audio signal is emitted as a ferromagnetic object is approached and passed over, helping to pinpoint its exact location.
Function Description:
The Magna-Trak 100 operates by sensing the magnetic field radiated by ferromagnetic objects. It contains two precisely spaced and electronically balanced sensor coil assemblies. In a uniform magnetic field, such as the Earth's magnetic field, these coils maintain a magnetically-balanced status. However, when a ferromagnetic object is approached, the magnetic field strength and angle at each sensor differ, causing an imbalance that produces an audible signal. When no ferromagnetic objects are present, the speaker emits a steady low-frequency tone. As an object is approached, the audio frequency increases, peaking when the object is directly beneath the locator's lower tip sensor, and then decreases as the object is passed. This peak precisely indicates the object's location. The locator is specifically designed to ignore nonferrous objects such as brass, aluminum, copper, and other non-magnetic materials.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power: Six "AA" (1½ volt) batteries.
- Battery Life: Approximately 100 hours of intermittent operation (with alkaline batteries).
- Output: Features a powerful magnetic speaker with a waterproof Mylar cone.
- LCD Display: Includes a numeric digital display, an analog Bar-graph, and a low battery indicator.
- Weight: Approximately 3 lbs. (1.3 kg) with batteries.
- Operating Temperature: 0°F to 120°F (-18°C to 49°C).
- Length: 40 inches (101.6 cm).
- Construction: Made from high-impact water-resistant plastic with an epoxy-painted aluminum sensor tube. The sensor tube is waterproof up 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.
Usage Features:
- Rugged Design: Housed in a high-impact plastic enclosure with an aluminum sensor pole.
- Portability: Lightweight and comfortably balanced for easy handling.
- Visual Display: An easy-view LCD display provides visual signal strength and battery information. This includes a two-digit numeric signal indicator, an expanding analog Bar-Graph signal indicator, and a flashing "Low Battery" indicator.
- Battery Operation: Uses six "AA" (1½ volt) batteries, offering approximately 100 hours of battery life.
- Quick-Access Battery Compartment: Designed for easy battery replacement.
- Adjustable Controls: Features adjustable sensitivity and volume control knobs.
- Single-Hand Operation: Power ON/OFF is controlled by a single touch-switch.
- Audio Feedback: Provides a deep tone audio under search conditions, with signals "peaking" over magnetic objects.
- Full Depth Capability: Capable of detecting objects at various depths.
- Carrying Case: Includes a padded carrying case with a shoulder strap or a hard case for transport.
- Power ON/OFF Switches: Press "ON" once to activate the locator circuitry and "OFF" once to turn off the battery power.
- Volume and Sensitivity Control Knobs: The volume knob adjusts the audio level, with full volume achieved when turned fully clockwise. The sensitivity knob varies the depth range, with maximum range at full clockwise rotation. Optimal sensitivity depends on the application; reduced sensitivity is useful in areas crowded with undesired ferrous objects, while higher sensitivity is needed for deeply buried objects. A decal provides reference markings for future settings.
- Speaker Function: Emits a low-frequency tone when no ferrous metal is present, and the audio tone increases as ferrous metals are approached.
- LCD Visual Display Functions:
- "Ferrous" Indicator: A fixed indicator defining the locator's basic function.
- Digital Signal Indicator: A two-digit numeric display showing the signal level, correlating with the audio response. Numbers range from "0" to "5" with no ferrous metal, increasing to "99" at maximum peak. Lower peak numbers can aid in pinpointing deeply buried objects or with lower sensitivity settings.
- Analog Bar-Graph Signal Indicator: Expands outward from a center "diamond" in relation to the audio signal response.
- Field Operation:
- Search Position: Recommended search position is a 45° angle from the Earth's surface. Users should scan the locator pole side-to-side in a slow sweeping motion while walking steadily, maintaining a consistent height above the ground.
- Pinpointing: Once an object is located, hold the locator vertically and sweep it in an "X" pattern until the absolute signal peak is found. Both audio and visual LCD display provide pinpointing results.
- False Signals: The locator is sensitive to ferrous objects in the user's possession (e.g., steel-tipped shoes, pocket knives, wristwatches, key chains), which can cause false signals.
- Nonferrous Immunity: The locator is unaffected by nonferrous objects (copper, aluminum pull tabs, foil) or other trash. Environmental factors like snow, ice, water, wood, plastic, concrete, stones, and the ground itself do not affect performance.
- Water Locations: The pole section can be submerged in water up to just under the plastic case.
- Locating Near a Steel Fence: Move or slide the locator across the ground, holding it perpendicular to the fence. Do not roll the locator. Maintain a consistent distance between the tip and the fence. The object will be directly below the tip (approx. ¼" from the tip).
- Signal Response:
- No Object: LCD shows "0" and a low-frequency audio tone.
- Small Deeper Metal Target: LCD shows a moderate numeric value (e.g., "53") and a corresponding bar-graph expansion, with increased audio frequency.
- Larger Shallower Metal Object: LCD shows a higher numeric value (e.g., "99") and a larger bar-graph expansion, with a peak audio frequency.
- Septic Tank Covers: Metal handles on septic tank covers provide a usable signal for location.
- Large Metal Objects: May cause double signals. The center of the cover is found by sweeping the locator back and forth to create a ring pattern response, with the center null designating the cover's center.
- Iron Pipes: Joints, elbows, and ends of iron pipes create the strongest signals. Holding the locator vertically is recommended for best results.
Maintenance Features:
- Battery Replacement: The LCD will display a flashing "Low Battery" warning when batteries fall below a predetermined voltage. Several hours of battery life remain, though less in cold temperatures.
- Turn power off.
- Unscrew the thumb screw on the battery cover (2-5 turns) and lift the cover until the tab clears its slot.
- Remove batteries by raising them at the contact point of each pair. Dispose of used batteries properly.
- Insert new batteries, observing polarity labels inside the battery well.
- Important: Do not mix old and new batteries; replace all batteries at the same time. Do not replace batteries under wet or rainy conditions to prevent water entry into the compartment.
- Reinstall the cover, being careful not to overtighten the thumb screw.
- Dead Batteries: If the "Low Battery" indicator is not displayed, and there are no visual indications or sound after pressing ON, the batteries may be dead. Check the compartment immediately. Dead batteries should be removed promptly to prevent leakage and permanent damage.
- Storage: Always remove batteries before storing the locator.
Warranty & Service:
The Magna-Trak 100® magnetic locator is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for five years from delivery to the original user. Liability is limited to replacing defective parts, adjusting/servicing the instrument, or replacing the instrument (at the company's option), with transportation charges prepaid to the company. Repairs due to misuse or abnormal operation will be billed to the user, with a cost estimate provided beforehand. Batteries and the battery holder are not covered by this warranty. Out-of-warranty repairs carry a 90-day warranty on replaced parts. For service, return the locator to the dealer or directly to CST, 450 S. CIPS Street, Watseka, IL 60970 USA. Include model number, serial number, proof and date of purchase, contact information, and a written description of the problem. The Magna-Trak is made in Watseka, Illinois, USA.
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