Subsurface Instruments VF-3 Utility Locator
Easily find underground pipes and cables with the VF-3 utility uocator
Avoid costly and time intensive line strikes with the Subsurface Instruments VF-3 Pipe and Cable Locator. Easy to learn and use, the VF-3 is perfect for new-hires and seasoned professionals alike. This is Subsurface Instruments’ best selling pipe and cable locator.
With a wireless connection between the transmitter and receiver, frequencies can be changed from up to 400 yards away with the press of a button. The multiple operating frequencies allow the user to locate underground pipes and cables in a variety of EMF environments.
This transmitter has variable operating frequencies, allowing the user to locate underground utilities in a variety of EMF environments or to match with other receiver and transmitter systems.
Applications for the VF-3
- Pipeline Location
- Cable Location
- Buried Electric Line Location
- Traced PVC Location
- Traced Fiberoptic Location
- Sewer Camera Sonde Pinpointing
Municipal and Government Customers
We love our municipal and government customers. If you need to request a quote or have alternative payment requirements, please visit our government customers page.
The VF-3 can locate more than just cables and pipelines.
The VF-3 Utility Locator is an ideal tool for locating buried power cables, CATV cables, gas and water pipes, sewer lines, telecommunication lines, fiber optic cables with sheathing, sondes, and inspection camera transmitters. If the line conducts electricity, the VF-3 can find it. Additionally, with the industry standard frequencies of 8 kHz, 33 kHz, and 512 kHz, the unit can locate most sondes, even in buried PVC, ceramic, or plastic pipelines.
The VF-3 Utility Locator System
The 3-Watt variable frequency transmitter: versatility in any locating environment
The VF-3 transmitter has a 3-watt power output and connects remotely to the VF-3 receiver allowing for easy frequency change at a distance. The transmitter has multiple operating frequencies and can transmit two frequencies simultaneously, ensuring that whatever the locating environment, the operator can identify the correct line.
The Variable frequency transmitter: tune out EMF interference
The VF-3 receiver is remotely connected to the transmitter allowing the operator to change the locating frequency and transmitter power output from up to 400 yards away with the touch of a button. A large, high-contrast LCD screen offers a clearly visible signal response in any lighting. Automatic depth, current, and location arrows are readable in the brightest sunshine or on dim early morning and late evening locates.
The VF-3 Utility Locator Kit Includes:
- Variable frequency receiver
- Variable frequency 3-watt transmitter
- Direct connection cables
- Ground Rod
- Alkaline Batteries
- User Manual
- Protective padded carrying case
- 1 year warranty. (Warranty extends to 4 years when registered within 30 days of original purchase).
Please Note: if you are looking for a unit with a higher output, or with a rechargeable battery system, please take a look at the VF-10 or VF-10 Rechargeable pipe and cable locators.
Subsurface Instruments VF-3 Utility Locator Technical Specifications
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Transmitter Available Operating Frequencies |
Range from 12Hz to 200kHz |
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Transmitter Indicators |
AC load assistance measurement, relative ohms, voltage, live voltage output, current output, power level, frequency, mode, battery indication alert, low battery indicator audio/visual with modulated low battery warning transmitted to the receiver |
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Transmitter Load Matching |
Automatic from 5 Ω to 25,000 Ω |
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Transmitter Output Power |
3 power settings Low & Medium Frequency Range: 0.2w to 3w High |
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Transmitter Power Source |
(8) “C” cell batteries |
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Transmitter Battery Life |
Continuous: 8-15 hours (Dependant on load, frequency, power setting) |
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Transmitter Operating Temperature |
-4° F to 133° F (-20° C to 55° C) |
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Transmitter Ingress Protection Rating |
IP65 |
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Transmitter Dimensions |
8.5” x 5.8” x 2.5” (21 cm x 15 cm x 6 cm) |
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Transmitter Weight |
C-cell: 2.2 lbs (1 kg) with batteries |
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Transmitter Country of Origin |
United States of America |
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Transmitter Warranty |
1 Year warranty. 48 Month (4 Years) Warranty when registered at http://www.ssilocators.com/warranty-registration within 1 month of the date of purchase. |
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Receiver Operating Frequencies |
480kHz, 200kHz, 131kHz, 82.315kHz, 65.536kHz, 32.768kHz, 8.192kHz, 4.010kHz, 815Hz, 797Hz, 640Hz & 512Hz |
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Receiver Sonde |
640Hz, 512Hz, 815Hz, 8.192 kHz & 32.768kHz |
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Receiver Passive Power Modes |
50env & 60env, LiveSound TM; Radio Frequency; Rectified CP 50Hz & Rectified CP 60Hz |
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Receiver Antenna Mode |
Simultaneous peak/null (dual horizontal antennas & vertical antenna), pin-point peak (dual horizontal antennas), directional guidance, peak (single horizontal antenna) & null (single vertical antenna) |
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Receiver Display |
Indicators back-lit segmented LCD bar graph, battery condition, continuous mode signal strength, depth measurement, line orientation, left/right line guidance, operating mode, volume level & function indicators |
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Receiver Power Source |
(6) "C" Alkaline batteries |
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Receiver Battery Life |
Continuous 30h. – Intermittent 82h. |
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Receiver Signal Strength |
LCD bar graph, absolute signal strength 0-999 |
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Receiver Gain Control |
Left/ Right Guidance Mode: Automatic |
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Receiver All Other Locate Modes |
Manual gain adjustment & automatic centering |
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Receiver Dynamic Range |
126 dB |
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Receiver Depth Measurement |
3 digit LCD readout of push-button measurement (1 inch – 30 feet) (.02m-10.6m) with accuracy > 5% of depth. (Digital measurement) |
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Receiver Operating Temperature |
-4ºF to +133ºF (-20ºC to +55ºC) |
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Receiver Ingress Protection Rating |
IP65 |
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Receiver Dimensions |
30.3” x 9.4” (77cm x 24cm) |
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Receiver Weight |
4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) |