Metrotech 880B User manual

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880B ™
SERVICE CENTER, SALES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT INFORMATION
Corporate Headquarters Metrotech Eastern U.S. Service Center Metrotech European Service Center
3251 Olcott Street 1824 Murfreesboro Road, Ste. 104 Seba KMT
Santa Clara, CA 95054 Nashville, TN 37217 Dr. Herbert Iann St. 6
800-446-3392 800-624-6210 96148 Baunach, Germany
408-734-1400 Direct 615-366-7323 Direct [phone]
408-734-1415 Fax [phone] Fax [phone] Fax
www.metrotech.com [e-mail] [e-mail]
[e-mail]
Warranty: One year. Specifications Subject to change without notice, ISO 9001:2000 Certified. Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved. Rev 12/01/07
OPERATIONS MANUAL
MAGNETIC LOCATOR

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ISO 9001:2000 CERTIFIED
Metrotech has received ISO 9001:2001 Quality Management System Certification.
Metrotech adheres to the quality standard guidelines of ISO 9001:2001 and ensures quality in its
design/development, production, installation, and servicing disciplines.
© Metrotech Corporation 2008
Metrotech Corporation
3251 Olcott Street,
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.metrotech.com
Rev B: 12/1/2007
Part # 600A095-B
Price: $5.00

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1 Introduction…………………………………………………………… 5
2 Model 880 Equipment………………………………………………… 5
2.1 Standard Equipment……………………………………………. 5
2.2 Technical Specifications……………………………………….. 5
2.3 880B: Controls & Indicators…………………………………... 6
3 Checkout Procedure………………………………………………….. 7
4 Operation……………………………………………………………… 7
4.1 “Signatures” of Different Targets……………………………… 8
4.2 Typical Signatures and Operating Hints……………………….. 9
5 Maintenance…………………………………………………………... 12
5.1 Battery Replacement……………………………………………….. 12
5.2 Service Center Information………………………………………… 12
Copyright Notice……………………………………………………………… 13
Warranty……………………………………………………………………… 13

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List of Illustrations
Figure Page
2-1 880B: Standard Equipment…………………………….… 5
2-2 880B: Controls and Indicators…………………………… 6
4-1 Typical Peak Reading……………………………………… 7
4-2 Vertical Orientation – Smooth Peak Response………….. 8
4-3 Horizontal Orientation – Sharp Pinpointing Null……….. 8
4-4 Two Readings of Target Depth……………………………. 9
4-5 Dip Slightly and Move Slowly Across Target …………….. 9
4-6 Large Target, Not Strongly Magnetized………………….. 10
4-7 Narrow, Vertical Target, Not Strongly Magnetized……... 10
4-8 Narrow, Vertical Target, Strongly Magnetized………….. 10
4-9 Sloping, Narrow Target, Not Strongly Magnetized……… 11
4-10 Sloping, Narrow Target, Strongly Magnetized………….. 11
5-1 Replacing the 880B Receiver Batteries…………………… 11

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1 INTRODUCTION
The Metrotech Model 880B Locator is a highly sensitive and discriminating instrument designed to locate
only buried magnetic (iron and steel) objects, rejecting those objects that are not magnetic, i.e. aluminum
cans, bottle caps, etc. The “fine tuned” sensitivity of the 880B makes it possible to locate magnetic objects
at greater depths.
The Metrotech Model 880B provides utility companies, contractors, engineers or surveyors with a very
sensitive, yet rugged, instrument for rapid location of buried curb stops, property markers, valve boxes,
manhole or vault covers, well casings, and other iron and steel objects. A sensitive, wide-range meter in
combination with a frequency modulated, audio tone, enables the operator to identify subtle magnetic
fields.
The 880B is rugged, lightweight (less than 2 lb.), water resistant and compact. An automatic battery test is
activated when the instrument is turned on.
2 880B EQUIPMENT
2.1 880B Standard Equipment
Standard equipment is listed below and pictured in Figure 2-1.
Model Number Description
880B Ferromagnetic Locator
500D109 Carrying Case
600A095-B Operation Manual
2.2 Technical Specifications
Batteries: Two 9V Alkaline (Neda 1604A)
Battery Life: 50-60 hours depending on temperature extremes
Control: Combination On/Off and Sensitivity Knob
Automatic battery test when instrument turned on
Meter: Indicates signal level and battery condition

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Speaker: Approximately 20 Hz idle tone. Tone frequency increases or decreases with
gradient field intensity
Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz. (3/4 kg)
Dimensions: 43”L x 2 ½”W x 1 ½”T
(109 x 6.9 x 3.8 cm)
Temperature:
Operating: 0º F to +122º F (-10º C to +50º C)
Storage: -4º F to +158º F (-20º C to +70º C)
Construction: High Impact UV Resistant Plastic
Figure 2-2: 880B Controls and Indicators
2.3 880B: Controls and Indicators
Figure 2-2 Designation
1METER
The meter needle deflects in response to the presence of a magnetic
field. The higher the needle position, the closer you are to an iron or
iron and steel object.
BATTERY TEST
When the Receiver is turned ON, the needle should move
into the BATT test area of the meter. If it does not, the
batteries need to be replaced.
2 ON/OFF/SENSITIVITY KNOB
Turns instrument on and off.
Adjusts the sensitivity of the 880B to the magnetic field coming from a
magnetic object. Set as low as possible to avoid picking up other
magnetic fields from nearby objects.

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3 SPEAKER
Emits an audible tone when 880B is near a magnetic object. The
higher the tone, the closer the object.
3 CHECKOUT PROCEDURE
1) Hold the unit (in a vertical position) 6 – 12 inches above a 10p nail. Turn the
ON/OFF/SENSITIVITY knob to “12 o’clock” position. The unit should display full meter
deflection.
2) If neither the 880B meter nor speaker respond, replace the batteries. See Section 5.1 for battery
replacement instructions. This unit has no other serviceable parts. Return to the factory for
evaluation and repairs if the unit will not perform.
Figure 4-1: Typical Peak Reading
4 OPERATION
The 880B Magnetic Locator locates only those ferrous metals that attract the earth’s magnetic fields, such
as iron, nickel, cobalt and their alloys, as well as magnets, such as magnetic markers. Utility objects that
contain these metals would include PK nails, marker stakes, valve boxes, cast iron pipe, manhole covers
and large iron tanks. It also locates objects that generate their own magnetic field, such as magnets. This
discriminating feature of the 880B simplifies the operator’s search for a specific magnetic target.
The size, shape, depth and orientation of the target object will define the “profile” or “signature” indicated
on the 880B meter.
To operate the 880B:
1) Turn the ON/OFF/SENSITIVITY knob “ON”. An automatic battery test (accompanied by a high
squeal) will take place for two seconds. If the needle stays within the green area on the meter, the

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battery is good. If it does not, replace the battery. (See Section 6.1) After the battery test, the
instrument will switch to the operating mode.
2) Turn the ON/OFF/SENSITIVITY knob so that the meter reads in the “SET” position.
3) Hold the instrument in front of you and sweep it from side to side, keeping the end of the
instrument as close to the ground as possible.
4) When the 880B approaches a ferrous target, the audible tone will increase, corresponding to the
increase shown on the meter. See Figure 4-1 on page 6. If there is no indication of a signal,
increase the sensitivity and search the area again.
Note: For the most accurate readings we recommend that you operate the 880B within the range of 40 to
80 on the meter.
4.1 “Signatures” of Different Targets
The following figures illustrate typical 880B responses to common targets. Note the instrument orientation
to the target. With a little experimentation you will become familiar with the “profile”, or “signature” of
each object you are trying to locate.
Figure 4-2: Vertical Orientation – Smooth Peak Response
Figure 4-3” Horizontal Orientation – Sharp Pinpointing Null

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Figure 4-4: Two Readings of Target Depth
4.2 Typical Signatures and Operating Hints
You can develop a good sense of target depth by taking two readings from a target – one with the
instrument tip at the ground surface, and one with the end of the 880B four to twelve inches above the
ground. The response to a shallow target diminishes more rapidly than that of a deeper target. See Figure
4-4.
Once a target depth has been estimated, a rough idea of its size can be gauged by the amount of sensitivity
setting needed to read “25” on the meter.
Long and narrow targets provide the greatest response when the instrument is parallel to the target. See
Figure 4-5.
The following figures illustrate typical responses to various objects.
Figure 4-5: Dip Slightly and Move Slowly Across Target

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Figure 4-6: Large Target, Not Strongly Magnetized
Figure 4-7: Narrow, Vertical Target, Not Strongly Magnetized
Figure 4-8: Narrow, Vertical, Strongly Magnetized

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Figure 4-9: Sloping , Narrow Target, Not Strongly Magnetized
Figure 4-10: Sloping, Narrow, Target Strongly Magnetized
Figure 5-1: Replacing the 880B Receiver Batteries

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5 MAINTENANCE
The 880B is designed for rugged, outdoor use, but rough handling should be avoided. Keep the equipment
dry, clean and free of grit. Store the 880B (in its carrying case) in a cool, dry place. Do not expose to
excessive temperatures.
5.1 Battery Replacement
The only maintenance requirement for Model 880B is to monitor the condition of the battery and replace
the battery when necessary.
To replace the battery follow the steps below:
1) Have ready two Alkaline NEDA 1604A 9V batteries.
2) Unscrew the two screws on the handle end of the 880B. Carefully pull out battery/meter housing
(the housing will be attached to inner workings by a cable).
3) Remove and replace both batteries.
4) Replace battery/meter housing and screw into place.
5.2 SERVICE CENTER INFORMATION
If the equipment does not function properly, replace the batteries as described above. If the equipment still
malfunctions, contact one of the Metrotech Customer Service departments:
Metrotech West Coast Service Center
3251 Olcott Street
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Tel: [phone]
(International: 1-408-734-1400)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.metrotech.com
Metrotech East Coast Service Center
1824 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 104
Nashville, TN 37217
Tel: [phone]
TN: 1-615-366-7323
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
European Service Center
Seba Dynatronic GmbH
Dr.-Herbert-Iann-Str. 6
D-96148 Baunach, Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Or call the factory for the nearest authorized Metrotech repair station.
Additional Metrotech Instruments: Pipe and Cable Locators, Ferromagnetic Locators, Fiber Optic Cable
Locating System, Sheath Fault Locators, Acoustic Water Leak Detectors, Electronic Marker Locators.

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The information contained in this document is for informational purposes only and is subject to
change without notice. Metrotech Corporation makes no warranty of any kind with regard to the
information contained in this manual, including but not limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Metrotech shall not be liable for errors
contained herein, nor for incidental or consequential damages from the furnishing of this
information.
This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are
reserved. No part of this manual may be photocopied, reproduced, magnetically or electronically
stored, transmitted, or translated into another language without the prior written consent of
Metrotech Corporation.
© Metrotech Corporation 2007
DISCLAIMER
When hooking to live power via an inductive clamp, be certain clamp is connected around power
line, not directly onto the power line. Please follow your own company’s safety standards, and
OSHA requirements.
WARRANTY
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, BEYOND THOSE STATED HEREIN.
Metrotech warrants its equipment to be free from defects in workmanship and material under
normal and proper use and service for one year from date of purchase by original user. Metrotech
assumes no obligation to repair or replace equipment which has been altered or repaired by other
than a Metrotech-approved procedure, been subject to misuse, misapplication, improper
maintenance, negligence, or accident; has had its serial number or any part thereof altered,
defaced or removed; or been used with parts other than those approved by Metrotech. Warranty
does not include batteries. Expendable items such as fuses and lamps are excluded.
Any detection product proved defective under this warranty will be repaired or replaced free of
charge at the Metrotech Corporation factory or approved Metrotech repair station. The equipment
should be returned to our factory by prepaid transportation after requesting and receiving return
authorization from our Customer Service Department. Metrotech’s obligations are limited to
repair or replacement of broken or defective parts which have not been abused, misused, altered,
or accidentally damaged, or at the option of Metrotech, to refund of the purchase price. Metrotech
assumes no liability for removal or installation costs, consequential damages, or contingent
expenses of any other nature.