Armada Technologies Pro65™ Mini-Sonde Plastic Pipe Tracking Aid | PVC & Conduit Locator

Product Details

The Armada Technologies Pro65™ is a specialized, compact tracking aid designed to solve the difficult task of locating non-metallic pipes, such as PVC, PE, or vinyl conduits. While standard underground locators require a metallic wire to "carry" a signal, the Pro65™ uses a 65-foot (20-meter) flexible fiberglass rod that can be pushed directly into a pipe. When connected to a compatible high-frequency transmitter (like the Armada Pro900™ or Pro881™), the rod itself becomes a traceable path. This allows the user to map the exact route of an irrigation mainline, a pool line, or an electrical conduit from above ground. Its smaller footprint and shorter rod length make it the ideal "grab-and-go" tool for residential service calls where 100-foot units are unnecessary or too bulky to maneuver in tight garden spaces.

Key Features:

• Non-Conductive Pipe Tracing: Specifically engineered to find the path of plastic pipes that lack a tracer wire.
• 65-Foot Fiberglass Rod: A 3mm diameter rod that offers the perfect balance of flexibility to navigate 90-degree bends and rigidity to be pushed through long runs.
• High-Frequency Optimization: Designed to work seamlessly with 33kHz transmitters for maximum signal clarity and depth penetration.
• Compact Disc Design: The rod is housed in a slim, lightweight circular carrier that prevents tangling and fits easily into a standard tool bag.
• Interchangeable Tips: Includes a flexible spring-lead tip to help navigate couplings and debris, as well as a pulling eye for inserting pull-strings.
• Passive System: Requires no internal batteries; it draws its signal directly from your existing underground locator transmitter.

Specifications:

• Rod Length: 65 feet (20 meters)
• Rod Diameter: 3 mm High-Strength Fiberglass
• Maximum Detection Depth: Up to 5 feet (depending on soil and locator power)
• Connection Type: Standard 4 mm banana jack for transmitter leads
• Housing: High-impact plastic "Donut" style reel
• Minimum Pipe Diameter: Suitable for pipes as small as 1/2 inch

Operation & Troubleshooting Tips:

• The Connection: Plug the red lead of your transmitter into the Pro65™ jack and connect the black lead to a nearby ground stake. The signal will now travel down the length of the fiberglass rod.
• Improving Signal: If the signal is weak, ensure your ground stake is in moist soil. If tracing through very dry sand or clay, wetting the ground near the stake can double your detection range.
• Navigating Bends: If the rod hits an obstruction, pull back slightly and "spin" the reel while pushing forward. The flexible tip is designed to "bounce" off the walls of the pipe to find the opening.
• End-of-Run Marking: When the rod stops, you have reached the 65-foot mark or an obstruction. Mark this spot above ground to identify potential blockages or pipe terminations.

Common Uses/Applications:

• Residential Irrigation: Locating lateral lines or mainlines under established lawns and flower beds.
• Pool and Spa: Mapping the path of PVC plumbing lines between the equipment pad and the pool.
• Electrical Conduit: Verifying the path of empty or occupied plastic conduits before digging for new fence posts or footings.

Common Questions:

Q: Is this the same as a "Sonde"?

A: While often called a sonde-aid, it is technically a continuous-trace rod. A true sonde is a small "beeping" capsule at the tip. The Pro65 allows you to track the entire length of the rod simultaneously.

Q: Can I use this with any brand of locator?

A: It works best with locators that offer a 33kHz or higher frequency. Lower frequencies (like 1kHz) may not "jump" onto the rod as effectively.

Q: What happens if the rod snaps?

A: Fiberglass is very strong but can snap if bent too sharply. Small repair kits are available to re-tip the rod if a break occurs near the end.

The Armada Technologies Pro65™ is the compact, essential solution for any contractor who needs to "see" plastic pipes buried beneath the surface.