Answer:    Pinpoint the conductor and get a steady tone on the receiver (not beeping). Raise the receiver and point it at the transmitter. If you are too close, the tone will become stronger (deeper). Move away from the transmitter a few more feet and try this process again. When you are far enough away from the transmitter,  the tone will become weaker (more shrill) or go away completely.

Answer:    Depth depends on more than just the locating equipment you are using.  Conductor size, type, age, and the ground around it all play a factor in how much signal can be received.  But let's assume all conditions are ideal...we have had Pipehorn users report back to us saying they have located telephone cables as deep as 17 feet.

Answer:    Locate distance is dependent on the quality and type of line, as well as its diameter. Ideally, well-insulated conductors (telephone, cable TV, etc.) will hold a tracer signal for a longer distance than larger non-insulated conductors such as water lines. Inductive locating (no hook up) with the High Frequency Pipehorn Transmitter allows you locate for unlimited distance. When your signal becomes weak, simply move the transmitter closer and start locating again.

Answer:    PVC pipe is generally buried with a traceable source such as tracer wire or detectable tape to make it locatable. You can also insert a fish tape inside the pipe and locate it with you Pipehorn. While still uncommon at this time, some PVC pipe is blended with conductive material to make it traceable.

Answer:   Utilities are becoming more congested every day. In our Locating Tips section we address several ways to avoid bleed over, or signal transfer, from one line to another.  We recommend that you visit this link to get the best information to make a successful locate.

Click here for more on avoiding bleed over

Answer:   It depends on the locate conditions.

High frequency is used most often in situations where you cannot hook directly to the target line, when performing a search and sweep, and if the target is a poor conductor, such as cast iron pipe.

Low Frequency is best for distance and target isolation when you can hook directly to a good conductor. 

Answer:   Here is where Pipehorn can become your best friend.  Using Pipehorn's High Frequency Transmitter you can do a one or two person search and sweep of the area to find your target line as well as other lines you want to avoid.  Then, using the pinpointing technique outlined in this site and in your User's Manual, you can even determine which direction your line runs.

Click here for more on searching and sweeping

Answer:   Model 100 or 500 High Freq. Transmitter:    56 hrs (continuous use)

                Model 100 Receiver:    14 hrs (continuous use)

                Model 500 Receiver:    22 hrs (continuous use)

                Model 500 Low Freq. Transmitter:    14 hrs (continuous use)

                Model 450 Mag-Horn:   39 hrs (continuous use)