In 1953, Erick O. Schonstedt, a pioneering inventor of that time with over 80 patents to his name, founded Schonstedt Instrument Company. 70 years later, what began as a small operation in Silver Spring, Maryland is now a globally recognized company at the forefront of underground locating. This journey is made more remarkable by the fact that Schonstedt has fiercely protected its core values of product quality and commitment to customer service while pushing the boundaries of technology at the same time.
The Schonstedt headquarters in Kearneysville, West Virginia in 2023. The old wooden sign still stands as a tribute to the original brand.
The Founder
Erick O. Schonstedt was one of the dedicated scientists whose efforts gave shape to the rapid industrialization of post-war America. The son of Swedish immigrants, Mr. Schonstedt’s work in magnetism led him to develop instruments and technology that would be deployed on several NASA satellites and be used for crucial detection and surveillance purposes. He worked with NASA on numerous interplanetary space missions, including Mariner and Explorer, and supplied magnetometers for over 400 satellites, including the Hubble Space Telescope.
This plaque reads “In deep appreciation to Erick Schonstedt from his friend Clive Cussler & The National Underwater & Marine Agency for his generosity and his gradiometer that led to the discovery of the following historic shipwrecks”
Introduction of the Magnetic Locator
“The Earth is a huge tape recorder that uses magnetic tape,” according to Mr. Schonstedt. His scientific study of the earth’s natural force of magnetism led to the invention of the HeliFlux® sensors, a revolutionary development for professional land surveyors. It meant the end of hours of pointless digging based on metal detector pings. HeliFlux® sensors are extremely sensitive to the distortion of the earth’s magnetic field around ferrous metals, enabling Schonstedt to manufacture a tool that would only detect objects made of ferrous metals, such as steel and iron.
How Magnetic Locators Work: A Brief Explanation
Very few brands in the Utility industry have become synonymous with a general class of products, and “Schonstedt” is one such; being often used in place of an underground locator. “Can I see your best Schonstedt?” is a question the company’s retail partners are known to face often.
Making the best even better, with every iteration.
The first magnetic locator was the blue Schonstedt GA-22, introduced in 1972. The next evolution of the magnetic locator was the orange GA-32, and it was not until the late 1970s that the GA-52 was launched, in the now-iconic yellow color. It rapidly became the industry standard for land surveyors, with professionals affectionately referring to their trusty locator as “Schoney,” “pin finder,” or “whistle stick.”
The modern-day range of Schonstedt magnetic locators are a triumph of advanced science, engineering, and mechanical design. Abandoning the one-size-fits-all approach, Schonstedt now offers multiple iterations of the magnetic locator, each one tailored to the needs of professionals in different industries. Be it surveying, construction, gas, oil, electric or telecom – there is a Schonstedt for everyone.
Introduction of Pipe & Cable Locators
With the launch of the TraceMaster in 2002, Schonstedt expanded its product line to include Pipe & Cable Locators. While magnetic locators detect distortions in the earth’s magnetic field, pipe & cable locators find and trace underground metallic pipes and cables by detecting the electromagnetic field created by an electrical current.
Today, Schonstedt Pipe & Cable Locators are known for their robustness and dependability in locating buried utilities like water pipes, sewer pipes, cable, and gas lines easily. Learn about the difference between magnetic locators and pipe & cable locators here.
Schonstedt Humanitarian Demining Initiative
The Schonstedt Humanitarian Demining Initiative (SHDI) definitely holds a place of pride in the company’s chronicles. Born out of the company’s innate mission to make the world a safer place, SHDI was started in 2007 in partnership with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and The US State Department. Schonstedt works to deploy magnetic locators around the world in places of strife to aid in the detection of landmines, cluster bombs, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and other unexploded ordnance (UXO). The rugged GA-72Cd magnetic locator is well-suited for this purpose and is used by trained mine clearance personnel to sweep contaminated areas.
The threat of unexploded ordnance and ERW is persistent and real, even decades after the conflict. Civilians, including children, are the main victims of these indiscriminate devices of war. Recently, thousands of buried explosives were discovered in a Cambodian high school while digging to expand a school garden.
Individuals and businesses are invited to purchase the GA-72Cd magnetic locator for donation, with Schonstedt pledging to match every donation unit-for-unit. To date, over 650 locators have been deployed around the world and have contributed tremendously to peacekeeping efforts. For more information and details of how to donate, visit the SHDI page.
Global Expansion
2018 saw Schonstedt become part of the globally acclaimed Radiodetection and SPX Technologies family of products and brands. A world leader in the management of critical infrastructure and utilities, Radiodetection manufactures state-of-the-art equipment designed to prevent damage, manage assets, and protect lives. Schonstedt products beautifully complement and expand its capabilities. It was also an opportunity for Schonstedt to make a bigger impact on the lives of utility professionals worldwide.
Dear Customers, Thank You
Celebrating 70 years is a feat made possible only by the unwavering support of our customers and our worldwide dealer network. We would like to dedicate this milestone to you.
Timeline of Schonstedt History
A full timeline of Schonstedt’s illustrious 70-year-old history.