Theory of
Operation
All magnetic locators operate on the
same basic principle; two fluxgate magnetometer sensors,
securely mounted inside a rigid sensor support tube, measure the local
magnetic field.
The two-magnetometer sensors are
vector sensors, mounted 20” apart and each measures the average
magnetic field component along their sensitive axis, i.e. the
magnetic field component along the longitudinal axis of the sensor
tube.
For a magnetic locator to work
properly, the magnetometer sensors are aligned opposing so that the
magnetic field measured by one sensor is the negative of the
magnetic field measured by the other. The locator then sums the
output of the two sensors. By summing the two output signals, you
cancel any field common to both sensors, such as the Earth’s
Magnetic Field, and leave only the differential magnetic field.
The differential magnetic field, the
magnetic field detected by one sensor and not the other, is the
magnetic field of interest and hopefully represents the magnetic
field of your target and not the field of your pocketknife, watch or
the steel arch support in your shoes. The drawing on the right shows
the construction of a typical magnetic locator and the location of
the two sensing elements.
Field Operation
Good instrument performance goes
hand-in-hand with proper operation.
When searching for survey benchmarks or underground ferrous targets,
the magnetic locator should be held in the vertical or near vertical
position. In this position the instrument audio output is
facing the operator and the controls are readily accessible. The
picture at the top of this page shows how to hold the instrument for
optimum operation.
To pinpoint your target, rotate the
instrument to the vertical and use and "X" or crossing
pattern. The audio output will peak directly over your target.
All Weather Operation
The sensor
housing is waterproof and the electronics water-resistant.
Moreover, the circuit design and component selection ensures proper
operation whether the ambient temperature is -20oF or 120oF.
Unparalleled
Reliability
For
added strength and reliability, the electronics package is made of
impact resistant ABS plastic, while the sensor tube and base plate
are made of 6061-T6 aluminum, welded together. Moreover, the two
sensing elements are shock-mounted on there own individual support
tube, inside the yellow sensor tube. This added sensor
isolation guarantees that the sensor alignment and overall
instrument performance will withstand normal physical abuse and
harsh weather conditions. In addition, all electronic components
have been carefully selected for long life and harsh environment
operation.
With
normal handling, this combination of quality electronic components,
shock-mounted sensors, and robust package design, should ensure a
lifetime of maintenance free operation from your DML2000 magnetic
locator.