Model 450 Mag Horn Ferromagnetic Locator User’s Manual Manufactured Exclusively By: Utility Tool Company, Inc.
DANGER! SHOCK HAZARD CONNECTING DIRECTLY TO ANY CONDUCTOR CAN BE HAZARDOUS AND RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK, INJURY, OR DEATH. ONLY LICENSED OR AUTHORIZED PERSONS SHOULD MAKE DIRECT CONNECTIONS TO POTENTIALLY ENERGIZED CONDUCTORS. 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.
Contents Page Section 1: Frequently Asked Questions ------------- 4 Section 2: Manual and terminology ------------------- 4 Section 3: Operation --------------------------------------- 5 Power On/Off Setting and Using Sensitivity Control Detecting the Magnetic Field Section 4: Locating Techniques ----------------------- 7 Searching and Pin Pointing Property Markers Valve Box Covers Cast Iron Pipe Joints Manhole Covers Septic Tanks and Well Casings Metal Drums Locating in Snow and Water Searching Along
1 Frequently Asked Questions • What is the Model 450 Mag Horn? It is a stand-alone locator specifically designed to detect ferrous (iron) objects, such as property pins, curb boxes, manhole and valve covers. It is not necessary to own a Pipehorn Pipe and Cable Locator. • What is it designed to do? The Mag Horn is designed to locate concealed ferrous (iron) object’s magnetic field. It responds to the difference in magnetic field strength detected by two sensors in the locator.
3 • Object - An object is the buried item you are trying to locate, such as a manhole cover, valve box lid, property stake, etc. It is required that the object have iron (ferrous) content to be detected by the Mag Horn.
The power On/Off and SensitivitySettings are controlled by rotating the knob located on the side of the Mag Horn. The unit has been shipped with the Sensitivity Knob in the “off” position or turned fully counter-clockwise. To turn on, rotate the knob clockwise until you feel it click. The Mag Horn will emit a very high pitch tone and then settle to a lower tone of about 40 kHz. Turn the Mag Horn off by rotating the knob to its full counter-clockwise position.
interference from smaller objects in the ground. When Sensitivity is set in the high range you will experience tone changes based on the locators position in the earth’s magnetic field. Moving or rotating the Mag Horn will generate changes in the tone. 3.3 Detecting the Magnetic Field As you can see from the drawing above, the Mag Horn has two sensors used to detect the magnetic field of ferrous objects.
eliminate unwanted signals from interfering objects. Lower the tip of the Mag Horn near the surface of the ground and begin a slow sweep from left to right. Based on the depth and position of the object, more sensitivity may be required. It is up to the locator to make this determination and properly set the sensitivity. As you near a ferrous object the tone of the Mag Horn will respond by increasing its pitch, becoming more shrill. This is an indication that you are near a ferrous object.
4.2 Locating Property Markers When locating property markers, the peak signal will occur when the Mag Horn is directly over the marker or pin. This is assuming the marker is in a vertical or near vertical position. If the marker is lying in a horizontal position you will receive two peak signals, one at each end of the marker. After you have located the marker, use the “X” pattern described earlier in the manual to better pinpoint the center of the marker.
4.3 Valve Boxes and Covers Valve Boxes and/or Covers made of ferrous materials can provide excellent signal response. Based on the size of the Valve Box you may experience a wider signal peak than with smaller objects like a property pin. Plastic valve boxes may have a strong magnet inside to make them easy to locate. In this situation you should use caution because the magnet will produce weak signals to each side of the box and a stronger peak signal over the center of the box.
4.4 Cast Iron Pipe Joints Locating the pipe first will make joint location easier and faster. Because of its high metal content, cast iron pipe can be located with a Mag Horn but it is more efficient to use a Pipehorn Pipe and Cable Locator to trace and mark out the pipe location. Set the Mag Horn sensitivity to maximum, fully clockwise, and position the Mag Horn probe tip approximately 1 foot above the ground over the pipeline you have marked. Do not sweep, turn or tilt the Mag Horn.
sensitivity and begin searching the area as described in the search and sweep section of this manual. Generally the larger the pipe the deeper it can be located. 4” diameter cast iron pipe joints can be located at depths up to 10 feet assuming there is no significant interference from foreign objects. In pipelines that run east and west, you may find that the location of the joints can be slightly off from the point where you detect the peak signal. 4.
4.6 Septic Tanks and Well Casings Septic Tanks can be found by locating the iron handle and/or the rebar used to reinforce the tank. Well Casings are long and produce a strong magnetic field making them easy to locate. Signal response will be very much like that of a manhole cover. Strong at the outer edges with possibly two peaks as you sweep across the casing. 4.7 Metal Drums Metal drums made with ferrous material can be located with your Mag Horn.
Laying on its side the drum will present two weaker and more seperated peaks while in an upright position the peaks will be closer together and possibly stronger. Most drums can be located up to 8 feet in depth. 4.8 Locating in Snow and Water The probe on your MagHorn has been sealed to prevent water entry. You can insert the probe in water and snow up to 1’0” without harm. However, the electronic components located in the cast body must be kept dry. 4.
Set the sensitivity to its maximum, fully clockwise. Sweep the Mag Horn left and right as you slowly move forward in a line along the fence or building. Moving forward in small increments will prevent passing over the target. When you are over a ferrous object the signal output will drop dramatically. When this happens the object has been located at approximately 1 ½” from the end of the probe. Moving the probe even slightly from this position will create an immediate increase in signal.
Batteries should be replaced periodically based on the battery manufacturer’s requirements to prevent corrosion in the battery chamber. 5.1 Battery replacement Two # 522 standard 9-volt alkaline batteries power the Model 450. To access to the batteries, remove the two screws at the bottom of the handle and withdraw the battery cover plate. The battery bracket is attached to the cover plate and will come out when you remove the cover.
5.2 Warranty THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, BEYOND THOSE STATED BELOW: Utility Tool Company, Inc. warrants the MD450 Mag Horn to be free from defects in workmanship or material under normal and proper use and service for three years from the date of purchase by the original user. Batteries are not included in this Warranty. Unauthorized repair, alteration, or improper maintenance will nullify this Warranty.
5.3 Repair Service When sending your Model 450 to us for repairs, please provide details related to the problem with your unit. This will help us expedite your repair and provide our technicians with the information they need to do the best job possible. For fast service (usually less than 48 hours), return the Model 450 Mag Horn locator to: Utility Tool Company, Inc. Attn: Repair Dept. 2900 Commerce Blvd.
6 “User’s Hotline” 1-800-952-3710 Should you ever have questions or comments concerning the operation or use of the Model 450 Mag Horn, please call us at the number listed above. We value your opinions and want to hear from you. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. You may also contact us via e-mail at: info@pipehorn.com.
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