Schonstedt GA-52Cx

Schonstedt GA‑52Cx Magnetic Locator: Technical Guide

Product Overview

The Schonstedt GA‑52Cx Magnetic Locator is a rugged, high‑sensitivity locator designed to pinpoint ferrous objects such as survey monuments, iron pipes, valve boxes, and unexploded ordnance. This guide explains how the GA‑52Cx works, its features and specifications, and practical tips for using the instrument in the field.

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Key Features and Benefits

• Unmatched sensitivity and detection range. The GA‑52Cx uses patented HeliFlux® sensors that provide very high sensitivity and allow Schonstedt locators to detect ferrous objects down to a depth of 5.5 m (18 ft). This sensitivity helps surveyors locate deeply buried objects quickly and reduces the chance of missing a target.
  
  
• Clear audio output and five‑level sensitivity control. The instrument produces an idle tone of about 40 Hz, and the tone’s frequency increases or decreases with the strength of the detected magnetic field. A five‑position On/Off‑Sensitivity control lets the operator adjust sensitivity to detect small objects at greater depths or larger objects at shallower depths.
  
  
• Selective to ferrous metals. The GA‑52Cx responds to iron and steel but does not react to aluminum, brass or copper, reducing false readings when scanning in areas with mixed materials.
  
  
• Simple, one‑hand operation. Both the sensitivity knob and volume control are located under the cover for easy one‑hand operation and to protect the knobs from damage.
  
  
• Rugged construction. The locator features a modular, all‑solid‑state design in an aluminum housing. Weather‑protected controls and a lightweight yet durable case make the instrument suitable for harsh field conditions. Schonstedt backs the GA‑52Cx with a 7‑year warranty, reflecting its long‑term reliability.
  
  
• Long battery life. Two standard 9‑V batteries provide approximately 40 hours of intermittent use, ensuring extended operation without frequent battery changes.
  
  

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Technical Specifications

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How the GA‑52Cx Works

The GA‑52Cx is a flux‑gate magnetometer that uses two HeliFlux sensors spaced approximately 20 inches apart. The instrument measures the difference in the Earth’s magnetic field between the two sensors; this “signal strength” is converted into an audio tone. When the locator approaches a ferromagnetic object, the magnetic field is stronger at the sensor closest to the object. This causes the audio tone to increase in frequency, making it easy to identify when the tip is directly over the target. Because the GA‑52Cx detects magnetic field differences rather than absolute strength, it has no response to non‑ferrous metals like aluminum or copper and can ignore many common sources of interference.

1. Battery installation: The locator uses two 9‑V batteries. Install fresh batteries and ensure the compartment is sealed. The unit provides approximately 40 hours of intermittent operation.
   
   
2. Turn on and set sensitivity: Rotate the On‑Off/Sensitivity control to position 2 for the normal operating range. Adjust the Volume control until the idle tone is at a comfortable level. Increase sensitivity (positions 3–5) to detect small or deep objects, or decrease sensitivity (position 1) to focus on larger, shallower targets.
   
   
3. Sweep technique: Hold the locator by the handle and sweep it from side to side over the search area while maintaining the tip close to the ground. Move slowly; an increase in tone frequency indicates the presence of a ferrous object.
   
   
4. Pinpointing targets: Once a signal is detected, hold the locator vertically and move it in a small “X” pattern over the area. The tone peaks when directly over a vertical target or over the ends of a horizontal target. This technique allows precise location of small objects, such as a 1¼‑inch survey nail buried up to 12 inches.
   
   
5. Distinguishing multiple signals: If several signals appear in one area, raise the locator or lower the sensitivity. Signals from small objects drop off quickly with distance; signals from large objects remain stronger. This method helps differentiate scrap metal from the intended target.
   
   
6. Special situations:
   
   
   • Strongly magnetized markers: On strongly magnetized surface markers, the tone pattern can be misleading. The locator must be moved through the entire signal pattern to ensure the marker is correctly located.
     
     
   • Manholes and well casings: The magnetic field is strongest at the edge of a manhole cover, allowing location depths up to 10 ft; long well casings may be detected up to 18 ft.
     
     
   • Septic tank covers: The GA‑52Cx can locate reinforcing bars or handles on septic‑tank covers at depths up to 4 ft.
     
     
   • Snow or water: The locator can be thrust into snow or used in flooded areas, but keep the electronic unit above water.
     
     
   • Barbed wire and chain‑link fences: When tracing buried barbed wire, tip the locator slightly and follow the wire’s direction; near chain‑link fences, reduce sensitivity and keep the locator’s long axis perpendicular to the fence.
     
     

‍Typical Applications

The GA‑52Cx’s high sensitivity makes it ideal for locating:

• Property corner markers and survey monuments. Pinpoint iron stakes, PK nails, and survey caps quickly, even when buried under pavement or vegetation.
  
  
• Utility covers and valve boxes. The instrument can detect iron manhole lids up to 10 ft deep and magnetic valve‑box lids at similar depths.
  
  
• Cast‑iron pipes and transition joints. After identifying the general direction of a buried pipe, sweep the GA‑52Cx over pipe joints to trace the line accurately.
  
  
• Well casings and septic tanks. The locator can detect steel well casings up to 18 ft deep and locate reinforcing bars in septic‑tank lids buried up to 4 ft.
  
  
• Unexploded ordnance (UXO), weapons, and munitions. Because it detects ferrous metals at significant depths, the GA‑52Cx is used in humanitarian demining and ordnance detection.
  
  

Maintenance and Best Practices

Routine maintenance is minimal. Replace batteries when the tone becomes weak or erratic. Avoid dropping the instrument or exposing the electronics to water. Schonstedt backs the GA‑52Cx with a 7‑year warranty; battery failures are excluded. For service, return the locator to an authorized center with a description of the problem.

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Why Choose Eastcom Associates for the Schonstedt GA‑52Cx

Eastcom Associates is more than a reseller – it’s a trusted advisor. The company provides on‑site demos, application training, and fast repairs. Its sales team covers the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic regions and offers customized solutions for surveyors, utilities, and contractors. When you purchase a Schonstedt GA‑52Cx from Eastcom, you benefit from decades of experience, free training, and exceptional customer support. Contact Eastcom to schedule a demo or request a quote and equip your team with one of the most reliable magnetic locators available.

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