CST/BERGER Magna-Trak 102 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Magna-Trak 102®

Magnetic Locator

Introduction

The Magna-Trak 102 magnetic locator is a ﬂux-gate type of mag-

netometer 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 more advanced in the state-of-

the-art technology.

The Magna-Trak 102 implements “peak response” over

ferromagnetic objects by yielding on increasing audio signal as the object

is approached and passed over.

This instrument is the product of many years of experience and ser-

vice provided by Chicago Steel Tape to the industry.

Table of Contents

Introduction ..............................................................................2

Theory of Operation ..................................................................3

Features....................................................................................4

Pictorial Description .................................................................5

Basic Operation and Description .......................................... 6-9

Field Operation .......................................................................10

Signal Responses ............................................................. 11-13

Locating Near a Steel Fence...................................................14

Speciﬁcations, Warranty & Service.........................................15

Theory of Operation

The Magna-Trak 102 locator ﬁnds ferromagnetic objects by sensing

the magnetic ﬁeld radiated by the object. The locator contains two sen-

sor coil assemblies that are precisely spaced and electronically balanced

to achieve a near magnetic balanced operating condition. In a uniform

magnetic ﬁeld, such as the earth’s ﬁeld, the two sensor coils maintain

a magnetic 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.

When no ferromagnetic objects are present, the speaker emits a steady

low frequency tone. As the object is approached, the audio frequency in-

creases until the center of the object is directly beneath the locator’s lower

tip. The frequency peaks and then decreases as the object is passed. The

peak indicates the exact location of the object.

Nonferrous objects do not effect the locator. Objects made of brass,

aluminum, copper, etc. are ignored.

Sensor coils unbalanced by iron stake’s magnetic ﬁeld.

Features

1. Instrument Control Panel

a) LCD Visual Display

b) Water-repellant push button switch operation

2. LCD Visual Display

a) Two digit numeric signal indicator

b) Expanding analog bar graph signal indicator

c) “Low Battery” alert ﬂashing indicator

d) Displays “ferrous” model operation

e) “Caution: Power Line” alert ﬂashing indicator

3. Water-repellant push button operation, single action

a) “ON” – power ON

b) “OFF” – power OFF

c) “ERASE” – Interferences such as a nearby fence are virtually

erased allowing the signal to return to the normal audio tone.

4. Rugged high impact plastic enclosure with aluminum sensor pole.

5. Powerful magnetic speaker constructed with waterproof Mylar cone.

6. Six AA 1-1/2 volt battery operation.

7. Approximately 25 hours battery life under typical conditions.

8. Sensitivity control, single turn, continuously variable wide range

depth adjustment.

9. Volume control, single turn continuously variable adjustment for

selection of audio intensity.

10. Ergonomically designed for light weight, comfortable balance for

easy handling.

11. Flip out battery compartment cover for easy battery access.

12.Signal “peaks” over magnetic objects.

13.Excellent depth capability.

14.Includes padded carrying case with shoulder strap or hard case.

15.Deep tone audio under search conditions.

16.Water-resistant construction.

Basic Operation and Descriptions

Power On Button: Press once to activate the locator

circuitry. Simultaneously, the circuitry is automatically set to the proper

audio tone.

Power Off Button: Press once to turn the battery

power off.

Volume Control: Rotate the knob to the desired audio sound level. Full

volume is achieved when the knob is turned

full clockwise.

Sensitivity Control: The sensitivity or depth range can be varied with

the rotation of the sensitivity knob. Maximum range is provided at full

clockwise rotation. The optimum setting is determined by each particular

application. Areas crowded with various undesired ferrous metal may

require a reduced sensitivity level. Deeply buried objects being searched

will require the higher sensitivities.

Control Knob Decal: The markings for both the sensitivity and volume

control knobs are provided as a reference for future settings

or comparisons.

Speaker: When no magnetic metal is present the audio sound heard will

be a low frequency tone. As ferrous metals are approached the audio tone

will increase.

LCD Visual Display: Several visual display functions are

provided for ease of operation as deﬁned below.

Ferrous–Deﬁnes the basic function of the locator as a “ferrous

locator” (ﬁxed indicator).

Digital Signal Indicator–A two digit numeric display shows the

relative signal level related to the audio signal response being

heard from the speaker. At the lowest signal level when no mag-

netic metal is present a small number will be viewed between

“0” and “5”. As metal is approached, the numbers will increase

until “95-99” is viewed. Deeply buried objects or lower sensitivity

levels will yield a lower peak number to aid in pinpointing.

Analog Bar-Graph Signal Indicator–the bar graph corresponds di-

rectly to audio frequency by expanding outward from the center

“diamond” as the signal increases due to magnetic metals.

Low Battery Indicator–Although not visible under normal conditions

the LCD will display a ﬂashing “Low Battery” warning when the bat-

teries fall below a predetermined voltage. This alerts you to replace

the batteries soon. Several hours of battery life remains. However,

in cold temperatures this usable time may be shorter.

Power Line Indicator Feature–The electromagnetic ﬁelds

radiated from buried or overhead power lines are picked up by the

new sensitive electronic circuitry and internally transformed into

a visually ﬂashing indicator in the display window as shown:

The distance or detection

range from the cables where

the locator responds depends

on the energy being carried

by the electrical conductors.

The higher the energy, the

greater the distance the lo-

cator will respond to it. If the

cables are dead (no electrical

connection or energy trans-

fer), then no visual indication

will appear.

When the locator is

turned ON, this feature is

activated immediately. This feature only responds to 50 or 60Hz

power line frequencies and not to telephone or TV cables. This

feature is intended as an aid only and not to be used

for locating or pinpointing electrical cables.

The magnetic detection operation and performance of the

magnetic locator are completely independent from the power line

indicator feature.

Erase Button: This is an optional button that is primarily used in locations

where large metal objects normally interfere with the desired operation of

magnetic locators. Cyclone fences, metal buildings, vehicles and other large

magnetic objects can be electronically erased with this button.

The operation of this feature is best deﬁned by explaining the typical

locator without this feature. For example, typical magnetic locators will

normally yield a screaming audio tone when they are being operated in close

proximity to a metal fence. The magnetic ﬁeld from this fence will usually

override the signal being sought from the buried object in search of. The only

option is to reduce the the sensitivity until the interference from the fence

is minimized. However, the locator’s sensitivity to the buried object is also

minimized and usually undetectable.

The new Magna-Trak 102 and its “Erase” feature solves this problem

by providing an Erase button; simply press this button when the interference

is annoying and the metal structure is electronically erased. The audio tone

returns to the “no metal” tone; the search continues and the buried object

is located.

This erasing action is functional within a reasonable circular area around

the position of the locator in which the erase button was pressed. This circular

area, referred to as the erase zone, may be affected by the magnitude of the

magnetic ﬁeld of the fence and the distance from the fence when the button

was pressed. In extreme cases, there may be a point where you may have to

press the Erase button again as you approach the fence.

If you inadvertantly erase the object you are directly over, simply move

the locator to one side and activate the Erase button and return to a normal

search procedure.

Battery Replacement: Turn the power off. Unscrew the thumb screw on

the battery cover between 2-5 turns. Lift the cover off until the tab at the rear

of cover clears the slot it is located in. Remove the batteries by raising the

ERASE ZONE

batteries at the junction or contact point of each set of two batteries. This is

the point where the two batteries contact each other. You may prefer other

methods of your choosing. Dispose of the weak batteries properly. Insert the

new batteries observing the polarity markings located inside the battery wells.

Install the cover in the reverse manner. Do not over tighten the thumb screw.

Do not replace the batteries under raining conditions, whereby allowing water

to enter the battery compartment.

Dead Batteries should be removed immediately-especially before stor-

age of the locator. Dead batteries are prone to leakage and may potentially

damage the locator.

Replace all six batteries at once. Never selectively replace batteries.

In the event the “Low Battery” indicator is not displayed, no visual indi-

cations appear on the LCD window and no sound is heard after pressing the

power ON Switch–the batteries may be completely dead. Check the battery

compartment immediately.

Personal Items: Your magnetic locator is not only sensitive to buried magnetic

objects–it will also respond to items in your possession. Ferrous objects such

as steel tipped shoes, a pocket knife, some wrist watches, key chains and

other magnetic objects will cause false signals during your search.

Field Operation

The recommended search position is a 45 degree angle from the earth’s

surface. Scan the locator pole from side-to-side in a slow sweeping motion

while walking in a uniform direction. Once the object being searched is lo-

cated, pinpointing the objects location can be accomplished by holding the

locator vertical and sweeping it in an “X” pattern until the absolute peak is

found. Maintain a consistent height above the ground during the side-to-side

sweeping motion. The audio sound and visual LCD display will provide the

pinpointing results shown.

Physical “X” Motion Shown

Locator’s Electrical

response

representation

Table of contents

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