How Locators Work

Schonstedt magnetic locators operate on the principle of magnetic fluxgate. The fluxgate consists of two sensors separated by a fixed distance and mechanically aligned. In the absence of a ferromagnetic material, the earth magnetic flux is the same at both sensors, therefore the fluxgate output is zero. When an object close to the bottom sensor alters the earth magnetic flux due to its own magnetic field, the balance of the gate is altered, producing a measurable output.

Magnetic locators detect ferrous metals exclusively. They will not detect non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass or copper. The benefits of a ferrous metal locator is that it will not register 'false positives' caused by non-ferrous metals, and will detect ferrous metals to a much greater depth than an all-metal detector. Depending on its mass, the magnetic locator will detect a ferrous metal target to a depth of 30 feet.

The detection range is greatly dependent on the mass and orientation of the target, ranging from a couple of centimeters to several meters. Targets are limited to ferromagnetic materials—iron, steel and alloys.

Magnetic Locator Comparison Chart

	GA-52Cx	GA-72Cd	GA-92XTd
Major features	Most Sensitive Least Expensive The "Original"	Most Rugged Most Popular for UXO and Demining Applications	Most Portable Comes with Holster Smallest Most Ergonomic
Output
Audio
Visual
Indicators
Battery
Sensitivity
Sensitivity controls	5 levels	4 levels	Continuous

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