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Attempting to Locate with Professional Equipment

1:04
8:37
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At 1:04 in

The Utility Locator Had Us Pulling Out Our Hair!...Dowsing Rods Saved Us!

What happens here

To test the Metrotech VM-810, first, connect the transmitter unit's red cable to the main water pipe (likely at the water meter or shutoff valve) and the black cable to a separate grounding rod. Position the receiver wand upright near the connection point. Turn on the receiver and observe the display. The professional locator successfully identifies the line's position and estimates its depth (around 5-6 inches) at the connection point. However, when attempting to trace the line further from the meter, the signal becomes inconsistent, displaying an 'FS' (Full Scale) error, indicating an unreliable reading or being on the wrong side of the signal. The professional locator fails to provide a clear, continuous trace across the yard, leading to scattered and unreliable marks on the ground.

Goal: Demonstrate the limitations of the professional electronic utility locator.

Tools and materials

  • Cables — Connecting components of the locator
  • Grounding Rod Metrotech — Grounding the transmitter
  • Receiver Wand Metrotech — Receiving the signal and displaying location/depth
  • Transmitter Box Metrotech — Sending the signal