Schonstedt Plastic Water Pipe Locator Kit Comparison: Pro, Electronic, and Manual
Schonstedt has been creating tools for locating things underground since 1953. While founder Erick O. Schonstedt started out placing magnetometers on satellites, his focus quickly returned to earth to develop tools for tracing and locating objects underground. Schonstedt Instrument Company became part of Radiodetection Ltd. in 2018, making them part of the family of a leading supplier of equipment to utility companies around the world.
What’s the Difference between the Schonstedt RD500 Pro Plastic Water Pipe Locator Kit, RD500 Plastic Water Pipe Locator Electronic Kit, and RD500 Plastic Water Pipe Locator Mechanical Kit
Conventional pipe locators are great when dealing with metal pipes, but non-metallic pipes require a different approach. Schonstedt’s RD500 Plastic Water Pipe Locators use a pulse transmitter to trace vibrations. They can trace these vibrations in plastic water pipes over 500’ of distance and up to 6’ deep.
Schonstedt’s plastic water pipe locators come standard with the RD500 Receiver and either electric or pulse transmitters. Mechanical pulse transmitters are suited for most applications and come in three variations for different water pressure levels. The electronic pulse transmitter is ideal for low-pressure water supplies, such as sprinklers or hoses, or in domestic water supplies where it may be challenging to connect the mechanical transmitters.
Schonstedt RD500 Pro Plastic Water Pipe Locator Kit
For operations that require the option to work both with or without water pressure, the pro version comes with both the RD500-Tx Electronic Pulse Transmitter and three mechanical pulse transmitters.
Schonstedt RD500 Plastic Water Pipe Locator Electronic Kit
Specifically for use in low-pressure water supplies, the electronic kit comes with the RD-500 receiver and the RD500-Tx Electronic Pulse Transmitter. This provides an automatic, traceable, fixed pulse that works independently of water pressure.
Schonstedt RD500 Plastic Water Pipe Locator Mechanical Kit
Designed for tracing when suitable water pressure is available, the mechanical kit comes with the RD-500 receiver and low, medium, and high-pressure mechanical pulse transmitters. The mechanical transmitters are heavy-duty brass castings that use water pressure to drive a pulse spring. An oscillator reacts to the water flow at discharge, creating a distinct pulse within the pipe.
What the Schonstedt RD500 Pro Plastic Water Pipe Locator Kit, Electronic Kit, and Mechanical Kit Have in Common
Schonstedt RD500 Receiver
- Audio Frequency: 131 Hz - 210 Hz
- 9V Battery
- 100 Hour Battery Life
- Weatherproof to NEMA3S and IP54
- Depth Capacity: 6’6” (2m)
- Manual Gain Control
- Visual Indication: Analog Meter
- Audio Indicator
- Headphones
- Comes with Earth Spike, Ground Plate, Carry Case, and Accessory Bag
- Warranty: 12 Months
What is Unique to the Schonstedt RD500 Pro Plastic Water Pipe Locator Kit?
- Comes with both the RD500-Tx Electronic Pulse Transmitter and three mechanical pulse transmitters.
What is Unique to the RD500 Plastic Water Pipe Locator Electronic Kit?
Schonstedt RD500 Transmitter
- Power Output: 500mA
- 8 D-Cell Batteries or Optional Li-Ion Rechargeable Pack
- 75 Hour Battery Life on D-Cells, 30 Hours on Li-Ion Pack
- Water and Dust Resistant to IP65
- Includes 12V DC Power Adapter, and Pulse Transmitter Connection Lead
- Warranty: 12 Months.
What is Unique to the RD500 Plastic Water Pipe Locator Mechanical Kit?
- Includes Low, Medium, and High-Pressure Heavy Duty Brass Mechanical Pulse Transmitters
See pricing, specifications, bonus items, compatible accessories, product reviews, and videos for each of the Schonstedt models on the pages below.