Schonstedt GA-92XTd Magnetic Locator

GA‑92XTd Magnetic Locator: Technical Guide

Product Overview

The GA‑92XTd was introduced in 2002 and quickly became known for its portability and ease of use. The instrument detects ferromagnetic objects by measuring the difference in magnetic field between two sensors spaced about 9.5 inches (24 cm) apart. This guide explains how the GA‑92XTd works, highlights its features and specifications, and offers best‑practice tips for locating utilities, property markers, and other buried metallic objects. It also explains why Eastcom Associates is a trusted source for this equipment.

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Key Features and Benefits

The GA‑92XTd’s design focuses on portability, durability and user‑friendly operation. Its notable features include:

• One‑handed operation – The membrane switch and thumb‑operated controls allow users to operate the locator with one hand, leaving the other free for notes or tools. Fingertip controls adjust volume and sensitivity.
  
  
• Retractable design – The instrument extends for accurate locating and retracts for carrying or storage. A holster is supplied so it can be carried on the hip.
  
  
• Quick‑change battery compartment – A single 9 V battery housed in the handle powers the GA‑92XTd. The battery can be replaced quickly without exposing electronics.
  
  
• Audio and visual indicators – Operators can use a tone, bar‑graph display or both. The instrument shows battery life, sensitivity level, signal strength and polarity on the display.
  
  
• No response to non‑ferrous metals – The GA‑92XTd ignores aluminum, brass and copper, eliminating false signals from these materials.
  
  
• Robust construction – The unit is made of high‑impact ABS plastic and carries an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.
  
  
• Long warranty – Schonstedt backs the GA‑92XTd with a seven‑year warranty.

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Technical Specifications

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How the GA‑92XTd Magnetic Locator Works

Magnetic locators detect ferrous objects by sensing variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. The GA‑92XTd uses two HeliFlux® magnetic sensors whose readings are compared to measure a gradient. When the difference between the sensors’ readings (the “signal strength”) is not zero, the instrument produces an audio tone, displays a bar graph and shows a numeric reading in milligauss (mG). A positive or negative polarity indicator shows whether the stronger magnetic field is above or below the locator.

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Key aspects of how the GA‑92XTd functions include:

• Sensitive HeliFlux sensors – Schonstedt’s patented sensors provide higher sensitivity than conventional ring‑core sensors, enabling detection of deeply buried objects and allowing users to pinpoint the shape and extremities of ferromagnetic utilities.
  
  
• Audio/visual feedback – The device gives both audible tones and a visual bar‑graph display, allowing the operator to use whichever feedback method is most convenient. A higher tone frequency indicates stronger magnetic fields.
  
  
• Polarity indication – The bar graph shifts to the right or left depending on whether the magnetic field is positive or negative; this helps determine the orientation of an object.
  
  
• 4‑level gain control – Operators can increase sensitivity to detect small objects at greater depths or decrease it to ignore small surface debris. The gain indicator displays Low (L), Medium (M), High (H) or Extra High (XH).
  
  
• Volume control and mute – Pressing the volume button cycles through High, Medium and Mute settings.
  
  
• Compact, retractable design – The locator extends to 26 inches (66 cm) for maximum accuracy and retracts to 15.5 inches (39 cm) for storage. An internal detent locks the shaft in the open or closed position.

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Typical Applications 

Because it senses magnetic fields, the GA‑92XTd only responds to ferrous objects. Its sensitivity and depth capability make it versatile for many tasks:

1. Surveying & property markers – The locator pinpoints iron or steel stakes used for land boundaries. A small 1¼‑inch PK nail can be located up to 10 inches deep using an “X”‑pattern sweep, while an 18-inch piece of ¾‑inch rebar can be detected up to 8 feet.
   
   
2. Manholes & utility covers – Magnetic fields peak near the edge of a shallow manhole cover. The GA‑92XTd can locate manhole covers at depths up to 9 feet and trace the edges to determine orientation.
   
   
3. Well casings & valve boxes – The long vertical casing of a water well produces a strong magnetic field, making it easy to locate casings up to 16 feet deep. Iron valve boxes or plastic enclosures containing magnets are also easily found at depths up to 9 feet.
   
   
4. Septic tank covers & reinforcing bars – Handles or rebar on septic tank lids can be located to about 4 feet. For cast‑iron pipes, set sensitivity to Extra High, hold the locator 1–1.5 ft above the surface, walk along the line and mark peaks; a second pass at reduced sensitivity improves accuracy. Pipes can be traced at depths up to 9 feet.
   
   
5. Barbed wire & fences – The locator can detect barbed wire just under the surface—even when the wire has mostly rusted. Tilt the instrument slightly lower (but not parallel to the ground) to enhance detection. When searching along a chain‑link fence, reduce gain, orient the locator horizontally with its long axis perpendicular to the fence, and move slowly forward while scanning side‑to‑side; a drop in signal indicates a buried stake.
   
   
6. Steel drums & ordnance – A 55‑gallon drum can be detected at depths of 4 – 9 feet. The GA‑92XTd can also help Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians find ordnance: a 175 mm projectile up to 3 ft deep, an 81 mm mortar at 10 inches, a MK81 bomb at 7 ft and a discarded handgun at 10 inches.
   
   
7. Unexploded ordnance & weapons – Because of its sensitivity and portability, the GA‑92XTd is used by law enforcement and military teams to search for unexploded ordnance and weapons. The instrument does not respond to non‑ferrous metals such as gold, silver, copper or aluminum, reducing false alarms.
   

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Maintenance and Best Practices

• Keep the headphone jack plug inserted whenever headphones are not in use; this helps maintain water resistance.
• Protect the sensors by storing the unit in its provided holster when not in use.
• Keep magnets and ferrous tools away from the sensors during transport to prevent accidental magnetization.
• Replace batteries correctly – The battery is in the handle. Turn the screw counter‑clockwise, tip the handle downward to slide out the battery and insert a new 9 V battery, observing the orientation marking; the unit will not power on if the battery is reversed.
  
  
• Interpret unusual sounds – A burbling sound indicates an energized power line; the GA‑92XTd will ignore the line unless it is associated with a magnetic structure.

By following these manufacturer‑recommended practices, operators can maximize the  GA‑92XTd’s accuracy and efficiency when locating buried metallic objects.

Operating Instructions and Best Practices

Following proper procedure helps users get accurate results and avoid interference:

1. Prepare the locator – Turn on the GA‑92XTd; volume defaults to high. Adjust volume and gain as required. Remove wristwatches and keep the unit away from shoes, as these can contain magnetic materials that may affect the reading.
   
   
2. Sweep for targets – Sweep the locator from side to side at a consistent height. As you approach a ferrous object, the signal strength, audio tone and bar‑graph display will peak. If multiple peaks occur in one area, raise the locator or reduce gain; the strongest signal usually indicates the main object.
   
   
3. Pinpoint using the “X” pattern – Once a general location is found, hold the locator vertically and move it in an “X” pattern. The peak reading occurs directly over a vertical target or the ends of a horizontal target; this technique allows precise location of small objects such as survey nails or pins.
   
   
4. Differentiate vertical vs. horizontal objects – Over a vertical target, the bar graph shows a single peak; over a horizontal object, there are two peaks of opposite polarity. This helps distinguish between two nearby vertical pipes and a single horizontal pipe.
   
   
5. Operate near fences – When working near a chain‑link fence, lower the sensitivity, hold the locator horizontally with the long axis perpendicular to the fence and move forward while sweeping side‑to‑side. An abrupt drop in the signal indicates the target is directly under the lower sensor.
   

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Why Choose Eastcom Associates for the GA‑92XTd

Eastcom Associates, Inc. is a trusted distributor of utility‑location equipment. Since 1972, we have supplied a complete line of products for utility location, leak detection, fault location and pipeline inspection. Eastcom goes beyond sales; we help protect people, assets and communities by delivering expert service and technical support. Customers in the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic states (from Maine to Georgia) rely on Eastcom for on‑site product demonstrations, training and fast repair services.

Our mission is to provide high‑quality products at competitive pricing while delivering exceptional customer service. Their values—integrity, trust, commitment, quality and teamwork—align with the reliability of Schonstedt equipment. When you purchase a GA‑92XTd through Eastcom, you gain access to our knowledgeable team, free training and local support.

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Contact Eastcom Today

Schedule a demonstration or discuss how the GA‑92XTd Magnetic Locator can improve your productivity and safety.

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