Introduction

SPOT Magnetic Locator detects the magnetic field of ferromagnetic objects. It responds to the difference in the magnetic field between two sensors that are spaced approximately 20 inches apart. This difference, referred to as the “signal strength” throughout this manual, is represented in the instrument by an audio tone that changes its frequency to help you pinpoint a target and determine its orientation.

The below figure illustrates SPOT detecting an iron marker that is used for property line identification. As shown, the magnetic field of the iron marker is stronger at sensor A than it is at sensor B. This creates a signal strength that is larger than zero (which would occur when the field strength is the same at both sensors).

The audio response of SPOT is designed so that the frequency of the audio tone increases as the detected signal strength increases. As a result, the frequency of the audio output is higher than the idling frequency (~ 30 Hz), which exists when the signal strength is approximately zero.

Following in the steps of Schonstedt’s iconic magnetic locator, the GA-52Cx, SPOT retains the “yellow stick” look, the sturdiness of the Aluminum tube and the exact same performance (including the same gain settings). However, SPOT adds modern ergonomics and functionality, plus improved environmental performance.

Operating Instructions

Operating Controls

The controls on SPOT are designed to be intuitive and require minimal training for effective use. The locator can easily be operated with one hand.

• ON / OFF: Push this button to turn the unit on or off. Upon turn ON, the unit emits a number of short beeps indicating the current gain setting (1=Extra Low, 2=Low, 3=Medium, 4=High and 5=Extra High). The gain setting is memorized when the unit is turned off.
• – (Sensitivity Down): Push this button to decrease the sensitivity (to detect larger objects at shallower depths). The unit emits a number of short beeps (1 to 5) indicating the new gain setting. The sensitivity mirrors that of the GA-52Cx: 1=Extra Low, 2=Low, 3=Medium, 4=High and 5=Extra High.
• + (Sensitivity Up): Push this button to increase the sensitivity (to detect smaller objects at greater depths). The unit emits a number of short beeps (1 to 5) indicating the new gain setting. The sensitivity mirrors that of the GA-52Cx: 1=Extra Low, 2=Low, 3=Medium, 4=High and 5=Extra High.

Signal Strength

The signal strength — defined as the difference, or delta (Δ), between the magnetic field detected at the top and bottom sensors — is indicated by the frequency of the audio signal. A higher audio frequency tone indicates a stronger signal; a lower audio frequency tone indicates a weaker signal.

Battery Level

When the battery level gets to be too low (6.8 V), the unit starts to beep for approximately ½ second, every 13 seconds, to remind the user that the battery needs to be replaced. When you hear this tone, replace the battery as soon as possible. Battery life varies with usage and ambient temperature. Cold temperatures reduce battery life. When the battery level reaches 6.0 V, the unit turns off to protect the electronic circuits inside.

Replacing the Battery

SPOT is powered by one 9-volt disposable battery. The battery compartment is located near the top of the locator, as shown in Figure 3. To remove the battery, simply unscrew the two flat head screws holding the battery door. The screws are captive and will not come off the battery door. Once you have removed the battery door, gently pull the battery from its compartment and unplug the connector.

Connect a new battery, place it back in the compartment, and replace and screw in the battery door. As a safety measure, the unit will not turn on if the battery connector is not inserted correctly. You should never have to force the battery door closed. If the battery does not sit easily and flat in place, check the battery and the connector for proper seating in the battery compartment.

Operating Recommendations & Application Notes

Search Procedure

Turn the instrument ON. The gain defaults to Extra Low (#1), as indicated by one beep emitted upon turn ON. Depending on the size and orientation of your target, you may have to increase the gain. A typical operating range for the gain is #2 or #3.

Because the upper sensor is near the top of the locator, wristwatches may produce unwanted changes in the audio signal and should be removed. Keep the locator away from your shoes and any keys that may be in your pockets; these items may contain magnetic material.

To obtain maximum area coverage, sweep the locator from side to side. When the locator comes within range of an iron object, the signal strength will peak, causing the frequency of the audio signal to peak.

NOTE: The frequency of the audio signal will depend on the signal strength, which is affected by the type of iron object detected, its orientation and the gain setting.

Basic Signal Patterns

When SPOT is positioned directly over a vertical target, the signal strength will peak (audio signal will be at highest frequency, depending on the gain setting). The audio signal also peaks over each end of a horizontal target.

After you have detected the presence of a target, hold the locator vertically, slowly move it back and forth in an “X” pattern and listen to the audio response. The audio peak will occur when the locator is directly over a vertical target, or it will occur over the ends of a horizontal target. The “X” pattern is ideal for pinpointing small objects. By using this technique, a 1-1/4 inch PK nail buried up to 12 inches can be precisely located.

If you are looking for a corner marker and detect two or three signals in the same general vicinity, raise the locator several inches above the ground or decrease the gain setting. Any signal that disappears (either when the locator is held higher or when the gain is decreased) is likely coming from a smaller target. The signal from a rusty bolt or other small item is much weaker than the signal from a larger target, such as an 18-inch length of 3/4 inch rebar, which can be located at depths up to 9 feet.

Strongly Magnetized Markers

A strongly magnetized marker, at or near the surface, provides a weaker indication on both sides of the marker that could be mistaken for the marker.

In the below figure, the heavy line represents the increase and decrease in the audio signal frequency as you move the locator over a marker. Between points A and B, the signal increases slightly and then decreases. Just beyond B, the signal increases rapidly, peaks directly over the marker and then decreases at point C. From C to D, the signal increases and decreases again. Therefore, if you do not move the locator completely across the marker, you may assume that the weaker indication on either side of the marker is its location. The two weaker indications occur because the locator is extremely sensitive to the magnetic field components parallel to its long axis. At points B and C, the field is perpendicular to the locator, so no significant audio indication is produced at these points.

Correct Stake Orientation

When placing stakes, correct orientation is important. For verification purposes, the orientation of the pin relative to the locator. Check the pin with one orientation, and then rotate the pin 180°. The orientation that gives the largest reading is the one that should be used.

An iron pin has two types of magnetization. One is the magnetization induced by the Earth’s magnetic field; the induced magnetization is always downward in the Northern Magnetic Hemisphere. The other type of field is the permanent magnetization, which is fixed to the pin. For maximum detection, the stake should be driven into the ground so that the permanent magnetization is in the same direction as the induced magnetization.

Locating Manholes, Septic Tanks and Well Casing

The magnetic field is strongest at the edge of a shallow manhole cover. You can easily trace the edges of covers near the surface. The locating depth for manhole covers ranges up to 10 feet. The great length of a well casing provides a strong field at the surface that makes it easy to locate casings buried up to 18 feet deep.

SPOT can be used to precisely locate the metal handles or reinforcing bars on septic tank covers at depths of up to 5 feet.

Locating and Tracing Barbed Wire

You can often trace barbed wire (from old fence lines) buried just beneath the surface. Even if the wire is only a trail of rust, it can still be detected near the surface. Tip the locator a little lower than usual (but not parallel with the ground).
First, examine trees for bench marks and bits of embedded barbed wire. Then, hold the locator parallel with the direction of the wire.

Searching Areas along a Chain Link Fence

Searching in the vicinity of a chain link fence requires a reduced sensitivity setting and some control over the orientation of the locator. Position the locator horizontally with its long axis perpendicular to the fence. This ensures that the upper sensor is kept away from the fence.

Along the fence, perform the search by slowly moving the locator forward while also moving it to the right and to the left. As you move forward, this technique will allow you to search an area that is several feet wide. Listen for an abrupt drop in the signal that will occur when the lower sensor, located 1-5/8 inches from the end of the locator, is directly over the stake. Any variation in the position of the locator will produce an abrupt rise in the frequency of the signal.

Locating Valve Boxes

Both the valve and its casing, when iron, provide strong magnetic fields that make them easy to locate. Plastic enclosures containing magnets (which are typically used with non-ferrous valve boxes) are easily located at depths of up to 10 feet.

Locating Cast-Iron Pipes

Cast-iron pipes produce the strongest magnetic signals at their joints.

After an initial sweep search identifies the general direction of the pipe, the steel pipe joints or transition points can be more accurately traced by the following procedure:

1. Set the sensitivity control to maximum (#5).
2. Hold the locator vertically approximately 1 to 1-1/2 feet above the surface.
3. Walk without turning or tilting the locator.
4. Mark the locations where the maximum signal levels occur.
5. Return to an area of maximum signal strength and hold the locator several inches above the surface. The sensitivity will probably have to be reduced during this second pass. Four-inch pipes can be located at depths of up to 10 feet.

Locating Steel Drums

The signal pattern will vary, depending on the vertical or horizontal orientation of the drum and how deep it is buried. A 55-gallon drum can be located at depths of up to 10 feet.

Additional Notes

1. SPOT can detect buried ordnance and discarded weapons. SPOT is a viable tool for use by the military and local/state police departments.
2. People drilling in an area where hazardous materials might be encountered can use SPOT to search the area prior to drilling.
3. A burbling sound indicates the presence of an energized power line or the presence of50/60Hz.
4. The instrument will not respond to non-ferrous metals such as gold, silver, copper, brass, and aluminum.

Specifications & Regulatory Compliance

Specifications:

FCC:

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FCC Part 15B, Class B This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Industry Canada:

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CAN ICES-003 (B)/NMB-003(B)

CE Mark:

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Application of Council Directives:
Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC)
Standard to which conformity is declared:
EN 61326-1:2013
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2)
Standard to which conformity is declared:
EN 50581:2012

International Protection Marking (IEC 60529):
+++++++++++++++

Service & Repairs

Schonstedt offers technical support and sales support. For any reason, regarding usage and application, please contact our technical support team at 888-367-7014.

For Service or Repairs, please ship unit to Schonstedt, 100 Edmond Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430. Attn: Customer Service Dept.

Return instructions and the Return Form are located online at schonstedt.com/support/repair-department/

Warranty

Radiodetection, LLC warrants Schonstedt products of its manufacture to be free from defects in material and workmanship subject to the following terms and conditions. The warranty for SPOT is effective for 7-years* after the shipment by Schonstedt to the original purchaser. Please complete the warranty registration card online at schonstedt.com/welcome.

Radiodetection’s obligation under the warranty is limited to servicing or adjusting any product returned to the factory for this purpose and to replacing any defective part thereof. Such product must be returned by the original purchaser, transportation charges prepaid, with a description of the defect in writing. If the fault has been caused by misuse or abnormal conditions of operation, repairs will be billed. Specifically, this warranty does not cover product that has been subject to inundation by fire, water or other liquid intrusion, or units that have been damaged or compromised due to repair, alteration or modification by anyone other than an authorized repair representative. Prior to a repair being performed by Schonstedt, a cost estimate will be submitted and no work will be completed until authorized by the customer. Batteries are specifically excluded under the warranty and should be addressed to the manufacturer of batteries in question.

Radiodetection shall not be liable for any injury to persons or property or for any other special or consequential damages sustained or expenses incurred by reason of the use of any Schonstedt product.

*For Military & EOD applications, the warranty is 1 year.