Magna-Trak 102 Magnetic Locator

Magna‑Trak 102 Magnetic Locator: Technical Guide

Product Overview

The Magna‑Trak 102 magnetic locator is a professional tool for detecting ferromagnetic objects such as valve boxes, manhole covers, PK nails, survey markers, and cast‑iron pipes buried under soil, pavement, snow, or even shallow water. It uses a flux‑gate magnetometer and patented sensor‑balancing technology to detect minute changes in the Earth’s magnetic field and translate them into audible and visual signals. Non‑ferrous objects like aluminum or copper do not affect the device because it responds only to ferrous metal. The instrument is housed in a waterproof, high‑impact plastic enclosure and features long battery life and a lightweight, ergonomic design.

Magnetic locators such as the Magna‑Trak 102 employ a flux‑gate magnetometer. Inside the device are two sensor coils precisely spaced and electronically balanced. When both coils experience the Earth’s uniform magnetic field, the system remains in a balanced state. When a ferromagnetic object is nearby, the magnetic field strength and angle at each coil become slightly different. This difference offsets the balance and produces an audible signal. The audio tone increases as the locator approaches the object and peaks when the sensor tip passes directly over the object’s center. After the peak, the tone decreases. Non‑ferrous objects are ignored because they do not create the magnetic imbalance necessary to trigger a response.

The device has a numeric digital display and an analog bar‑graph, both proportional to the magnetic signal strength. When no magnetic metal is present, the display shows a low value (“0–5”). As the sensor approaches ferrous metal, the numeric value climbs toward 95–99, and the bar graph expands. A low‑battery indicator flashes when the AA batteries need replacement, and a power‑line indicator alerts the user when the magnetic field is influenced by nearby 50/60 Hz power lines.

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Key Features and Benefits

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Technical Specifications

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How the Magna‑Trak 102 Works

1. Power on – Press the ON button. The circuitry automatically calibrates to the proper audio tone.
   
   
2. Set volume – Rotate the volume control knob until the audio tone is comfortable. In noisy environments, increase volume; full volume produces a very loud signal.
   
   
3. Adjust sensitivity – Turn the sensitivity control to adjust detection depth. Maximum range is achieved at full clockwise rotation, while congested areas may require reduced sensitivity to avoid small ferrous debris.
   
   
4. Sweep the area – Hold the locator so the sensor tube is roughly parallel to the ground. Sweep slowly from side to side, keeping the pole tip close to the surface. When an object is approached, the audio tone increases and the numeric display and bar graph rise. Continue sweeping to find the peak signal, which indicates the object’s center.
   
   
5. Interpret numeric display – The two‑digit display shows a relative signal level from 00 (no signal) up to 99 for strong signals. Higher numbers generally correspond to larger objects or closer proximity. Deeply buried objects produce lower peak numbers.
   
   
6. Use the “Erase” feature – If the locator encounters a large metal object, such as a fence or vehicle, that causes a continuous high signal, press ERASE to electronically cancel the interference and restore baseline sensitivity. This allows continued searching without reducing sensitivity.
   
   
7. Watch for power‑line indicator – A flashing icon in the display warns of nearby 50/60 Hz power lines. Treat it as a caution; the Magna‑Trak 102 is not designed to accurately locate live electrical cables.
   
   
8. Power off – Press the OFF button to conserve batteries.

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Typical Applications

• Utility locating – Find buried PK nails, valve covers, manhole covers, cast‑iron gas and water lines, surveyor’s markers, and masonry nails.
  
  
• Construction and roadwork – Locate hydrants, culverts, catch basins, and black‑topped pipes hidden under asphalt or snow.
  
  
• Pipeline and septic system maintenance – Detect iron pipes, septic tank handles, oil tanks, and steel drums for maintenance or repair.
  
  
• Surveying and land development – Locate survey markers, property corners, and ferrous stakes quickly without digging.
  
  
• Emergency and security work – Search for weapons or ferrous contraband under vehicles (the sensor can slide under a parked vehicle and use the Erase function).
  
  

Because the Magna‑Trak 102 ignores non‑ferrous metals such as aluminum or copper, it can be used around aluminum fences, pipes, and electrical conduits without false signals. However, power lines may cause visual alerts; this feature is intended as a warning and not for exact power‑line locating.

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Maintenance and Best Practices

• Sweep pattern – Maintain a consistent sweep height and overlap search lanes to avoid missing small targets. For small objects like PK nails, slow sweeps and high sensitivity yield better results.
  
  
• Depth estimation – Observe how quickly the tone increases and how high the numeric display peaks. Gradual signal changes with lower peak numbers often indicate deeper or smaller objects; sharp peaks and high numbers suggest shallow or large targets.
  
  
• Handling interference – When working near fences, vehicles, or large metallic structures, use the Erase button to null the constant magnetic field and continue scanning without lowering sensitivity. Repeat as needed when moving away from the interference.
  
  
• Searching under vehicles – Slide the sensor tube under unattended vehicles and activate Erase to filter the vehicle body. Move the pole side to side until a target is located.
  
  
• Operating in water or snow – The sensor pole is waterproof, so it can be submerged up to the housing to search under shallow water or snow. Avoid fully submerging the control housing.
  
  
• Temperature considerations – Operate within the specified temperature range (−18 °C to 49 °C per the manual). Cold temperatures may reduce battery life, so carry spare batteries in winter.
  
  

• Battery change – Open the flip‑out battery compartment and replace all six AA batteries. Use high‑quality alkaline cells. Replace when the low‑battery icon flashes or when audio output weakens.
  
  
• Cleaning – Wipe the instrument with a damp cloth after use. Avoid harsh solvents. Ensure the speaker grille and sensor tube are free of mud or debris. Dry thoroughly before storage.
  
  
• Storage – Store in the padded carrying case or protective bag in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries for long‑term storage to prevent corrosion.
  
  
• Service – The manufacturer offers a five‑year warranty and repair service. Defective instruments can be returned with a description of the problem.
  
  

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User Tips for Accurate Locating

• Buried utilities – Always comply with local “call before you dig” regulations before excavation. The Magna‑Trak 102 is designed to locate ferrous objects but may not detect non‑ferrous utility lines. Use additional locating equipment as needed.
  
  
• Electrical hazards – Treat the power‑line indicator as a caution and assume live power cables are present. Do not rely solely on the locator to determine safe digging zones around electrical cables.
  
  
• Environmental conditions – Do not operate outside the specified temperature range or submerge the control housing. Wet environments can reduce grip; wear gloves to maintain control.

By following these manufacturer‑recommended practices, operators can maximize the Magna‑Trak 102’s accuracy and efficiency when locating buried metallic objects.

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Why Choose Eastcom Associates for the Magna‑Trak 102?

Eastcom Associates has been a distributor of utility products since 1972 and specializes in equipment for utility location, leak detection, fault location, and pipeline inspection. We serve the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic regions of the U.S. and offer more than just products; Eastcom provides on‑site demonstrations, applications training, and technical support. Our mission is to deliver high‑quality products at competitive prices while providing exceptional customer service. For professionals seeking the Magna‑Trak 102 magnetic locator, Eastcom’s knowledgeable staff and regional service centers ensure you get the right equipment and ongoing support.

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Contact Eastcom Today

Schedule a demonstration or discuss how the Magna‑Trak 102 can improve your productivity and safety.

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