Two active frequencies for pipe, cable and line tracing Passive operation for locating iron and steel targets and energized 50/600Hz power lines Inductive and conductive signal coupling Extra Heavy Duty Clips and Cable Peak and null operation for precise locating Discrete sensitivity settings

Receiver supplied with two environmentally friendly 9-volt lithium batteries Piezoelectric speaker 45 deg Depth Measurement Patented Heliflux Sensors Modular construction 3-Year warranty

System Description

The MAC-51Bx (the most cost-effective, all-purpose locating system on the market) consists of a receiver and a transmitter that simultaneously transmits on two frequencies - 571 Hx (LF) and 82.5 KHz (HF). The receiver has a three position switch that lets you change modes, "on-the-fly", between LO, HIGH and MAG for cable and line tracing with break locating, pinpointing a ferrous metal target, or identifying and pinpointing an energized 50/60 Hz power line.

In the LO and HI modes, the receiver's audio signal provides a sharp null when its tip is directly over the target. In the MAG mode (no transmitter required) the audio signal peaks when the receiver's tip is over the target.

You can trace the 571 Hz LF signal conductivity applied to any continuous metal conductor up to 4000 feet. The receiver's on-the-fly mode-changing feature lets you locate complete break using the LO mode, the then continue on to trace beyond the break in the HI mode, or trace beyond the break in the HI mode, or trace a metal pipe joined with non-conductive gaskets.

SC-MAC-51BX	Schonstedt MAC-51BX Underground locator	$1925.00
Accessories
SC-MAC-51BXCLAMP	Inductive Signal Clamp increases the versatility of the MAC-51Bx by providing a convenient method of selectively applying the trace signal to conductors covered with non-metallic insulation.	$275.00
SC-MAC-51BXMT2	MT-2 Mini-Transmitter (Mole) is used to trace non-metallic pipes, pinpoint obstructions and locate concrete septic tanks. When attached to a plumber's snake, the Mole emits a signal detectable at depths of 18 feet using the MAC-51Bx Receiver.	$350.00

 

Magnetic Locating Mode

Only the MAC-51Bx receiver is required when operating in the magnetic mode. Just set the Mode switch to MAG, the Gain control to midrange, and you're ready to locate underground ferrous pipes, water meters, water valves. and property markers -- or anything that has a magnetic field generated by energized power lines.As you walk along without encountering any iron or steel items, the receiver's two magnetic-field sensors (A and B) balance out the Earth's magnetic field and the frequency of the audible indication will remain at 40 Hz.

However, as you approach a buried vertical piece of iron pipe, for example, the frequency of the audio indication begins to increase as the strength of the magnetic field becomes stronger at sensor A than at sensor B. When the tip of the receiver is directly over the pipe, the strength of the magnetic field at sensor A is maximum which causes the frequency of the audio signal to peak.

After you've outlined the target area, reduce the sensitivity level and slowly move the receiver back and forth in an X pattern over the area. You'll be amazed at how quickly the well defined peak of the audio signal will pinpoint the target.

 

Basic Signal Patterns Provide You With Valuable Information

Signal Pattern from Vertical and Horizontal Targets	Signal Pattern Provided by Cast-Iron Pipes
Raising Locator Eliminates Unwanted Signals	Signal Pattern Provided by Septic Tank Handles

Dual-Frequency Cable and Line Tracing Modes

The MAC-51Bx simultaneously transmits 82.5 kHz (HF) and 571 Hz (LF) signals. This feature lets you select and compare received audio signals from both frequencies along with magnetic information without having to return to the transmitter.

Setting the Receiver's mode switch to HI allows you to trace the 82.5 kHz signal applied to a continuous metal conductor. The HF signal also jumps gaskets between pipe sections, bad telephone cable bonds and small breaks in a cable's sheath.

 

Transmitter Inductive Mode (HF only)
Induction is achieved by placing the transmitter over the target cable/pipe or by using the optional Inductive Signal Clamp. It's the earliest and quickest way to applying a trace signal that is strong enough for tracing most lines. The trace signal generates an alternating magnetic field around the cable, which induces a signal into the receiver's cable sensor. You will hear a steady beeping from the transmitter to indicate the power switch is set to on, unless the batteries must be replaced. Moving the receiver back and forth as you walk along causes the audio signal to increase in pitch as the receiver is moved to either side of the cable. A sharp null in the audio signal between the two peaks occurs when the receiver's tip is directly over the cable.

With a little practice, selecting the proper gain level to keep the locator's tip directly over the cable will become second nature to you.

As illustrated, the width of the null is the key to tracing a cable. The width of the null will cover too large an area when the gain is set too low, making it difficult to trace the line. If you set the gain too high, the null will be too narrow to be easily identified.

An induced signal is not as strong as a conductively applied signal. If the line you are tracing is electrically poor or is a leaky conductor, such as a gas or water pipe, the signal will become weak as the distance from the transmitter increases sooner than if you were tracing a copper line which is a good conductor.

Transmitter Conductive Mode
If an exposed section of a target gas or water pipe is accessible, conductive coupling is the most reliable method for applying the trace signal. This mode has to be used to apply both HF and LF frequencies so that you can use all three features on-the-fly. Providing a good electrical contract between the clip and the conductive portion of the target line by removing rust or paint before attaching the clip is very important. As illustrated, the width of the null is the key to tracing a cable. The width of the null will cover too large an area when the gain is set too low, making it difficult to trace the line. If you set the gain too high, the null will be too narrow to be easily identified.

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