Waterproof Magnetic Locator Offers One-Hand Operation

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Resembling a brightly colored walking stick, the ML-3 magnetic locator from SubSurface Instruments is fully waterproof (readings can be heard under water) with internally mounted controls for one-hand keypad control.

Available in 40- (short) and 55-inch (long) models, the locator is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. It has an LCD meter with bar graph that expands according to signal strength and a “+” or “-” that illuminates above the graph to indicate polarity.

Other features include speaker pitch that increases in frequency in proportion to gradient field intensity, auto-zero setting that lets users cancel or compensate for ambient magnetic or magnetic gradient in soil, and an on/off button and gain up/gain down controls that store settings in memory for future use.

“It’s built for any kind of weather, hot or cold, but most important, water,” says Jim Hokanson, general manager. “It can actually be used while submerged. So if it gets left in the rain, or if it’s used in a thunderstorm, you can’t get water damage in the unit.”

The stick-like design also makes it easy to use. “It’s extremely ergonomic,” says Hokanson. “There aren’t any meters or anything on the outside to offset the balance. And it’s durable. You have an aluminum tube with a waterproof seal that has all the components inside. So if you drop it or it gets banged, or it’s rolling around in the back of the truck, none of that will affect it. You don’t have to handle it with tender loving care.”

Waterproof to a depth of 75 feet, the unit has a soft case with carrying straps and inside pocket for batteries and user’s manual. An aluminum hard case is available. The basic difference between the 1.8-pound short unit and the 2.8-pound long version is user preference.

“Some people are shorter and some people are taller,” Hokanson says. “Taller people don’t want to bend over to get the unit down to the ground. Some, depending on the application, want a much wider sweep as they’re walking. And for some, instead of holding it at the end with their hand, the longer unit allows them to cradle it from the wrist to the elbow. If you’re out on a long project, you’re not holding all the weight on one hand.”

Both versions have a temperature operating range of -13 to 140 degrees F, sensor operating frequency of 16.5 kHz, and low-battery indicator with flashing LCD. They can locate corner markers (iron or steel), nails, valve and curb boxes, iron and steel pipes, well casings, manhole and utility box covers, steel drums and tanks, septic tank handles, energized electric cables, and marker magnets. The units are powered by three 9-volt alkaline batteries that last up to 60 hours. 920/347-1788; www.ssilocators.com.



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