Schonstedt SPOT User manual

Instruction Manual
Magnetic Locator
Schonstedt Instrument Company
100 Edmond Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430
P: [phone]
l www.schonstedt.com l [e-mail]

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Im po rta nt No tic e
Sc ho nste d t b e lie ve s the sta te m e nts c o nta ine d he re in to b e a c c ura te a nd re lia b le ;
ho we ve r, the ir a c c ura c y, re lia b ility, o r c o mp le te ne ss is no t g ua ra nte e d .
Sc ho nste d t's o nly o b lig a tio n sha ll b e to re p a ir o r re p la c e a ny instrum e nt p ro ve n to b e
d e fe c tive within se ve n ye a rs o f p urc ha se . Sc ho nste d t sha ll no t b e re sp o nsib le fo r a ny
injury to p e rso ns o r p ro p e rty, d ire c t o r c o nse q ue ntia l, a rising fro m the use o f a ny
instrume nt.
October 2018

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ...................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2: Operating Instructions ..................................................................................... 6
Operating Controls .................................................................................................... 7
Signal Strength .......................................................................................................... 8
Battery Level ............................................................................................................. 8
Replacing the Battery ................................................................................................. 8
Chapter 3: Operating Recommendations and Application Notes.........…………………..9
Search Procedure .................................................................................................... 10
Basic Signal Patterns ............................................................................................... 10
Strongly Magnetized Markers ................................................................................... 12
Correct Stake Orientation ......................................................................................... 12
Locating Manholes, Septic Tanks and Well Casings................................................. 13
Locating and Tracing Barbed Wire ........................................................................... 14
Searching Areas along a Chain Link Fence.............................................................. 14
Locating Valve Boxes ............................................................................................... 15
Locating Cast-Iron Pipes .......................................................................................... 16
Locating Steel Drums ............................................................................................... 17
Additional Notes ....................................................................................................... 17
Chapter 4: Specifications and Regulatory Compliance................................................. 18
Specifications ........................................................................................................... 19
Regulatory Compliance and Declaration of Conformity............................................. 20
Chapter 5: Technical Support/Service Information........................................................ 21
Chapter 6: Warranty......................................................................................................... 23

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1
INTRODUCTION

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Introduction
SPOT, a magnetic locator, detects the magnetic field of ferromagnetic objects. It responds to
the difference in the magnetic field between two sensors that are spaced approximately 20
inches apart. This difference is referred to as the “signal strength” throughout this manual
and is represented in the instrument by an audio tone that changes its frequency to help you
pinpoint a target and determine its orientation.
Figure 1 illustrates SPOT detecting an iron marker that is used for property line identification.
As shown, the magnetic field of the iron marker is stronger at sensor A than it is at sensor B.
This creates a signal strength that is larger than zero (which would occur when the field
strength is the same at both sensors).
The audio response of SPOT is designed so that the frequency of the audio tone increases
as the detected signal strength increases. As a result, the frequency of the audio output is
higher than the idling frequency (~ 30 Hz), which exists when the signal strength is
approximately zero.
Following in the steps of Schonstedt’s iconic magnetic locator, the GA-52Cx, SPOT retains
the “yellow stick” look, the sturdiness of the Aluminum tube and the exact same performance
(including the same 5 gain settings). However, SPOT adds modern ergonomics and
functionality, plus improved environmental performance.
Figure 1: Detecting the Magnetic Field of an Iron Marker

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2
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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Operating Controls
The controls on SPOT are designed to be intuitive and require minimal training for
effective use. The locator can easily be operated with one hand.
Figure 2: SPOT® Membrane Switch
ON/OFF:Push this button to turn the unit on or off. Upon turn ON, the unit emits 1
short beep indicating that the gain setting is #1 (1=Extra Low, the default setting on
power up).
Volume: Upon turn ON, the volume defaults to HIGH. Pushing this button changes
the volume to MEDIUM. Additional pushes of this button toggle the volume between
HIGH and MEDIUM.
Gain:The sensitivity of the unit can be increased (to detect smaller objects at
greater depths) or decreased (to detect larger objects at shallower depths) by
adjusting the gain. The sensitivity mirrors that of the GA-52Cx: 1=Extra Low, 2=Low,
3=Medium, 4=High and 5=Extra High. Each time the gain is changed, the unit emits
a number of short beeps equal to the gain setting (i.e. one beep for gain #1, two
beeps for gain #2, and so on).
Vo lum e
O N/ O FF
G a in

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Signal Strength
The signal strength -- defined as the difference, or delta (Δ), between the magnetic field
detected at the top and bottom sensors -- is indicated by the frequency of the audio signal. A
higher audio frequency tone indicates a stronger signal; a lower audio frequency tone
indicates a weaker signal.
Battery Level
When the battery level gets to be too low (6.8 V), the unit starts to beep for approximately ½
second, every 13 seconds, to remind the user that the battery needs to be replaced. When
you hear this tone, replace the battery as soon as possible. Battery life varies with usage and
ambient temperature. Cold temperatures reduce battery life. When the battery level reaches
6.0 V, the unit turns off to protect the electronic circuits inside.
Replacing the Battery
SPOT is powered by one 9-volt disposable battery. The battery compartment is located near
the top of the locator, as shown in Figure 3. To remove the battery, simply unscrew the two
flat head screws holding the battery door. The screws are captive and will not come off the
battery door. Once you have removed the battery door, gently pull the battery from its
compartment and unplug the connector.
Connect a new battery, place it back in the compartment, and replace and screw in the
battery door. As a safety measure, the unit will not turn on if the battery connector is not
inserted correctly. You should never have to force the battery door closed. If the battery does
not sit easily and flat in place, check the battery and the connector for proper seating in the
battery compartment.
Figure 3: Replacing the Battery

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3
OPERATING RECOMMENDATIONS
AND APPLICATION NOTES

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Search Procedure
Turn the instrument ON. The gain defaults to Extra Low (#1), as indicated
by one beep emitted upon turn ON. Depending on the size and orientation
of your target, you may have to increase the gain. A typical operating
range for the gain is #2 or #3. Grasp the locator, as illustrated in Figure 4.
Because the upper sensor is near the top of the locator, wristwatches
may produce unwanted changes in the audio signal and should be
removed. Keep the locator away from your shoes and any keys that may
be in your pockets; these items may contain magnetic material.
To obtain maximum area coverage, sweep the locator from side to side.
When the locator comes within range of an iron object, the signal strength
will peak, causing the frequency of the audio signal to peak.
NOTE: The frequency of the audio signal will depend on the signal
strength, which is affected by the type of iron object detected, its
orientation and the gain setting.
Basic Signal Patterns
When SPOT is positioned directly over a vertical target, the signal strength will peak (audio
signal will be at highest frequency, depending on the gain setting). The audio signal also
peaks over each end of a horizontal target, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Signals from Vertical and Horizontal Targets
Fig ure 4: Se a rc hing
with SPO T