Maggie Magnetic Locator

Maggie Magnetic Locator: Technical Guide

Product Overview

The Maggie magnetic locator is a high‑sensitivity instrument designed by Schonstedt Instrument Company and distributed by Eastcom Associates. It combines the sensitivity and precision of the GA‑52Cx locator with the single‑handed, pistol‑grip operation of the GA‑92XT. This instrument detects the magnetic field of ferromagnetic objects (iron, steel, and other magnetic metals) by comparing the field strength at two sensors spaced approximately 20 inches apart. It responds with both audio and visual signals; the tone frequency increases as the detected magnetic gradient increases, and an expanding bar graph shows the polarity and signal strength. The Maggie is optimized for locating survey pins, markers, nails, valve boxes, manhole covers, and other buried iron/steel objects, making it an essential tool for surveyors, utility contractors, and excavation professionals.

Eastcom Associates, a trusted distributor of utility locating equipment since 1972, stocks a complete line of products for utility location, leak detection, fault location, and pipeline inspection. With decades of experience, Eastcom’s mission is to provide the highest‑quality products and exceptional customer service while helping protect people, assets, and communities. Eastcom offers on‑site product demonstrations, training, and technical support, ensuring that customers get the most from their Maggie magnetic locators.

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Key Features and Benefits

• Highest Sensitivity: The Maggie provides the highest sensitivity among Schonstedt magnetic locators. Its HeliFlux® sensors detect small ferromagnetic objects at depths up to 20 ft (6.09 m), allowing users to find survey markers or valve boxes that other locators might miss.
  
  
• Ergonomic and Durable Design: A pistol‑grip handle and balanced form allow single‑handed operation. The housing is made from high‑impact ABS plastic for durability and longevity. The modular construction uses high‑performance components, and a padded case and sling are included for hands‑free transport.
  
  
• Dust & Water Resistant (IP54): The Maggie is rated IP54 for dust and water protection, meaning it is resistant to dust ingress and can withstand water splashes. The manual notes that the instrument remains water-resistant when operated with the earphone jack plug installed.
  
  
• Audio and Visual Feedback: An adjustable‑gain audio output increases in frequency as the magnetic field intensity increases. The LCD display shows an expanding bar graph indicating signal strength and polarity, along with a digital readout of the gradient field (in milligauss).
  
  
• Adjustable Gain with Memory: Users can select one of four gain levels—Low, Medium, High, and Extra High—on the 4‑segment LCD indicator. Gain defaults to Medium when the unit is switched off and on again.
  
  
• Easy Battery Removal and Long Life: A single 9‑volt battery powers the device. It provides roughly 24 hours of intermittent use, and the battery compartment allows quick access for replacement.
  
  
• Lightweight and Compact: With a weight of about 2.6 lb (1.2 kg) and an overall length of 32.5 in (83 cm), the Maggie is easy to carry and maneuver. The nominal sensor spacing of 20 in (50 cm) enhances its ability to detect field gradients accurately.
  
  
• HeliFlux® Sensors: Schonstedt’s patented HeliFlux sensors provide consistent performance and allow the locator to work effectively even in challenging environments.
  
  
• Expanding Bar Graph for Polarity: The display indicates whether the detected object produces a positive or negative magnetic field and shows relative signal strength, helping users distinguish between the north and south ends of targets.
  
  
• Seven‑Year Warranty: Schonstedt warrants the Maggie for seven years. This extended warranty underscores the manufacturer’s confidence in the instrument’s reliability.
  
  

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Technical Specifications

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How the Maggie Works

Power and Volume Control

To turn the locator on, press the ON/Volume button. The unit defaults to High volume upon startup. Subsequent presses cycle the volume through Medium and Mute, then back to High. To switch the unit off, press the OFF button.

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Gain Adjustment

Maggie’s sensitivity can be increased or decreased using the UP or DOWN buttons on the faceplate. A four‑segment LCD indicates the current gain level (L, M, H, XH). Higher gain levels improve detection of small or deep objects, whereas lower levels help isolate larger objects near the surface.

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Visual and Audible Indicators

• Audio Signal: The frequency of the audio tone increases as the detected magnetic gradient increases. This allows users to home in on targets by listening for tone changes.
  
  
• Bar Graph & Polarity: A horizontal bar graph expands left or right to indicate the polarity of the detected field and the relative signal strength. A + or – sign shows whether the north or south end of the target is detected.
  
  
• Digital Readout: The display also shows the gradient field intensity in milligauss (0–500 mG range), providing quantitative feedback when pinpointing targets.
  
  
• Battery Level Indicator: A four‑segment LCD shows the remaining battery life, so users know when to replace the battery.
  
  

Locating Procedure

1. Sweep the Area: Hold the Maggie in a comfortable position and sweep it in a gentle side‑to‑side motion close to the ground. Listen for changes in tone and watch the display for bar‑graph movements.
   
   
2. Adjust Gain: Increase sensitivity if searching for small or deep objects; decrease it to isolate large or shallow objects. Use the visual indicators to confirm the signal and polarity.
   
   
3. Pinpoint the Target: Slowly move the locator toward the area with the strongest signal. When the bar graph peaks and the audio tone reaches its highest frequency, you are directly over the target. Use the polarity indicator to determine the orientation of the object.
   
   
4. Mark the Location: Once the target is pinpointed, mark the location for excavation or documentation.

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Typical Applications

The Maggie magnetic locator is optimized for locating buried ferromagnetic objects. Common applications include:

• Survey Pins, Markers, and Nails: Locate property corner markers and survey stakes quickly and precisely.
  
  
• Water and Gas Valves: Detect valves concealed below grade.
  
  
• Manhole Covers and Cast‑Iron Lids: Find manhole covers or valve boxes obscured by dirt or pavement.
  
  
• Deep Iron/Steel Objects: Identify drums, tanks, well casings, and other large ferromagnetic objects at greater depths.
  
  
• Pipeline and Utility Locating: Complement pipe and cable locators by pinpointing iron or steel pipes or tracer wires.
  
  

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Maintenance and Best Practices

The Maggie is powered by a single 9‑volt battery. When the battery level indicator shows less than 25 %, open the battery compartment (located in the handle) and replace the battery. Battery life is approximately 24 hours of intermittent use. To extend battery life:

• Turn off the locator when not in use.
  
  
• Store the unit in a dry location and avoid extreme temperatures. Operating temperature ranges from –13 °F to 140 °F.
  
  
• Clean the locator after use and ensure that the earphone jack plug is installed to maintain IP54 water resistance.
  
  

The instrument does not respond to non‑ferrous metals such as gold, silver, copper, brass, or aluminum; use it only for ferromagnetic objects. For service or repair, Schonstedt offers a seven‑year limited warranty. Contact Schonstedt’s service department if your locator requires maintenance.

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User Tips for Accurate Locating

When using the Maggie magnetic locator, following a few practical steps can improve accuracy and reduce false readings. These guidelines are drawn from Schonstedt’s operating manual and Eastcom’s user recommendations.

• Start with proper setup and sweep technique. Turn the locator on and grasp it near the handle. Because the upper sensor is close to the handle, wristwatches and magnetic objects on your shoes can cause false signals, so remove them or keep them away from the instrument. Sweep the locator in a gentle side‑to‑side motion to cover the area; when the locator comes within range of a ferromagnetic object, the audio tone rises in pitch, and the bar‑graph display expands to show signal strength and polarity. This simultaneous audio and visual feedback helps you home in on the target. Advanced sensitivity controls and a polarity indicator allow the Maggie to maintain accuracy even near fences, vehicles, or other sources of interference.
  
  
• Adjust gain and height to isolate the target. Maggie’s four gain settings let you tailor sensitivity to the job. Use higher gain (High or Extra High) to detect small or deep objects and lower gain to focus on larger or shallow objects. If you detect multiple signals near one another, lift the locator several inches above the ground or reduce the gain; signals that disappear when you change height or gain are likely small metallic debris, whereas persistent signals indicate larger targets. Reducing gain also helps eliminate unwanted responses from rusty bolts or other small items.
  
  
• Use the X‑pattern to pinpoint the target and interpret polarity. The locator’s audio, bar graph, and digital readout all peak when it is directly over a vertical target; for a horizontal target, the indications peak over each end, with one end producing a positive polarity and the other a negative polarity. After detecting a signal, hold the locator vertically and move it slowly back and forth in an “X” pattern; the point where the bar graph shows the greatest number of bars and the tone reaches its highest frequency marks the object’s location. The polarity indicator helps you distinguish between two vertical pipes (both ends show the same polarity) and a single horizontal pipe (opposite polarities at the ends).
  
  
• Recognize strongly magnetized markers. A strongly magnetized stake or pin may produce weaker indications on either side of the marker. If you stop the sweep too soon, you might mistake these side peaks for the target. Continue moving completely across the marker; the audio tone and bar graph will increase slightly, dip, then rise sharply to a clear peak directly over the object before decreasing again. This pattern helps differentiate the true location from adjacent weak indications.
  
  
• Verify stake orientation. When placing survey pins, stakes have both induced magnetization (from Earth’s magnetic field) and permanent magnetization. To ensure maximum detection, check the stake in one orientation, then rotate it 180°. Use the orientation that produces the largest positive reading in the Northern Hemisphere (or negative in the Southern Hemisphere).
  
  
• Trace barbed wire and embedded wires. For barbed wire just below the surface, tilt the locator slightly downward (but not parallel to the ground) and sweep slowly; even a trail of rust will produce a detectable signal. When examining trees for embedded wire or benchmarks, hold the locator parallel to the direction of the wire to maximize the response.
  
  
• Work near chain‑link fences carefully. Large ferrous structures like chain‑link fences require reduced sensitivity and control over the locator’s orientation. Position the locator horizontally with its long axis perpendicular to the fence so the upper sensor stays away from the metal. Move slowly along the fence while also sweeping left and right; listen for an abrupt drop in the audio tone (a null) that occurs when the lower sensor passes directly over an underground stake. Any deviation from this position produces an immediate rise in frequency, helping you pinpoint targets despite the nearby fence.
  
  
• Follow object‑specific techniques. For cast‑iron pipes, set the gain to maximum (XH), holding the locator vertically 1–1½ feet above the surface, and walk the line without tilting the instrument. Mark points where the signal peaks, then repeat the sweep at a lower sensitivity and closer to the ground to refine the location; pipe joints can be detected at depths up to about 11 feet. For valve boxes, manhole covers, septic tanks, and well casings, concentrate on the edges—the magnetic field is strongest around the perimeter, and objects can often be detected at depths ranging from 6 to 20 feet.
  
  
• General considerations. The Maggie does not respond to non‑ferrous metals such as gold, silver, copper, brass, or aluminum. A “burbling” sound often indicates the presence of a 50/60 Hz power line; this will not affect the meter reading unless a magnetic structure is also present. Always keep the earphone jack plug installed to maintain the IP54 water‑resistance rating. Eastcom notes that the polarity indicator and adjustable sensitivity help distinguish targets even in congested environments, contributing to accurate and efficient locating.

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

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Why Choose Eastcom Associates for the Maggie?

Eastcom Associates, Inc. has been distributing utility locating equipment since 1972, and we offer a full inventory dedicated to utility location, leak detection, fault location, and pipeline inspection. Eastcom serves customers across the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic regions—including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

What sets Eastcom apart:

• Expertise & Training: Eastcom not only supplies underground utility locating equipment but also provides on‑site product demonstrations, applications training, and technical support. Their experienced team helps customers apply the Maggie locator effectively and safely.
  
  
• Repair & Service Center: Eastcom’s service center in New Jersey offers fast repairs and technical assistance. Customers can rely on Eastcom to keep their locators working optimally.
  
  
• Mission & Values: Eastcom’s mission is to deliver high‑quality products at competitive prices while providing exceptional customer service. Their values—integrity, trust, commitment, service, teamwork, and quality—ensure customers receive reliable support.
  
  

By purchasing the Maggie magnetic locator through Eastcom Associates, customers gain access to expert guidance, training, and after‑sales support, ensuring the instrument delivers maximum value on every project.

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Contact Eastcom Today

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