Short range proximity locator - InspectionNews

Michael Thomas · #1 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 10:57 PM

I'm looking for a tool that probably exists, but which I've never seen advertised: a short range RF locator.

What I'm envisioning is a small (cigarette lighter sized) battery powered RF transmitter and a small battery powered directional receiver - sort of like the locator heads for sewer cams, but with a shorter range (say, 3 feet through non-metallic building materials).

For example, you would place the transmitter at the ceiling below an attc or at the underside of roof sheathing, and them locate its position from the attic or roof top.

Does this tool exist?

Rick Cantrell · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 05:03 AM

Is this something you think might work?

Tempo 701K Classic Tone & Probe Kit

Vern Heiler · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 06:35 AM

To find location of a leak observed in the attic I use a magnet held in place by a long nail just started into the underside of the sheathing. Then use an old magnet type stud finder to locate it from the roof side. Not rocket science but it works.

Michael Thomas · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

To find location of a leak observed in the attic I use a magnet held in place by a long nail just started into the underside of the sheathing. Then use an old magnet type stud finder to locate it from the roof side. Not rocket science but it works.

Ha! Great mind think alike. I do the same, but it does not work well/at all through thicker materials and over longer distances.

Michael Thomas · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

Is this something you think might work?

Tempo 701K Classic Tone & Probe Kit

Hummm... perhaps.... for example you could clip it onto a roofing nail... or perhaps it would even work by itself, depends on its detection range.... I have a similar device I bought to tone out the CAT 5 in my house, but you have to get within an inch or two of the wire..... I was thinking of somethign that would detect the signal when you got to within a few feet, and then guide you to the transmitter

Rick Cantrell · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 08:33 AM

Michael
I have one like that, and use it often.
It has a range of up to 3 or 4 feet and gets louder the closer you get to the transmitter.

Michael Thomas · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

Michael
I have one like that, and use it often.
It has a range of up to 3 or 4 feet and gets louder the closer you get to the transmitter.

Rick, what brand is is it? Is that 3-4 ft in open air, or can you for example place the transmitter on one side of a drywall covered stud wall and locate it on the other? How about board sheathing and two layers of singles?

Michael Thomas · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 03:24 PM

Duh.... turns out want I want is a "key locater" Products - Loc8tor - Don't lose it, locate it!

Edward Loughran · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 09:16 PM

The locators have a great range for "Line of sight." No mention in the ads if they work through any type of material. Let us know if they do please.

Rick Cantrell · #10 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009, 02:13 PM

Michael
Yes it will work through walls,floors,brick, etc..
And that is the same one I have.