Vivax

[gypsygirl]

I have received a vivax to try out. Still forming my opinion of it. I was wondering if anyone else has one or has used one. I do like the mulitple frequencies on it... but still trying to get used to the auto gain.

Any opinions?

[sprayandpray]

Vivax?? Is that the female answer to Viagra?:rotflol:

[LadyLeatherneck]

I was thinking the same thing. Sounds like some kind of drug! Gypsy be careful, may have side effects.

[frostypeters]

I took that once, I wouldn't shut up and spent six hours shopping for shoes I didn't need.

[Bubba]

I took that once, I wouldn't shut up and spent six hours shopping for shoes I didn't need.

Not as bad as viagra though.....get one caught in your throat and you would have a stiff neck for days. Back on topic, we ordered one and nobody likes it. I have yet to try it but have heard nothing but complaints so far. I may use the wheelie bag though the next time I head out west snowboarding. Most of the Vanguard guys I have run into are using them, if they know of and use this forum they might have some insight. Once it hits my hands, I will try to post something more useful.

[yahoo]

never even heard of it.............was thinking it was something else...though the frequencies threw me for a loop....kind of made me nervous there.....

[gypsygirl]

Okay guys... It is a locator... new equipment here. Y'all live in the gutter! I'll get a picture of it for you.

[ifinditunderground]

Google search, never hear of it either.

[yahoo]

ok i'm glad i'm the only one that has not heard of it.....if ifindit...... does not know what it is then gypsy please fill us in................picture ...yeah that sounds great....

[sprayandpray]

Okay guys... It is a locator... new equipment here. Y'all live in the gutter! I'll get a picture of it for you.

Hey! Hey! I resemble that remark!:tease:

[ifinditunderground]

I sent a request for more information. It is made in Germany by the same company that owns the Metrotech Corporation. They also make video inspection equipment. I'll let you know if I find anything out. Gypsy, sure would like to get your take on it too.

[GWJ_CAS]

We have a couple of demo units coming to us on Tuesday of next week. Once my guys try them out I will post their comments on the board.

ifindit...I had a chat with the US Rep for Vivax, it is actually made in China. The Seba MKT folks did the design and the early prototypes were made in Germany, but the unit is mass produced in China by SebaKMT China.

Other interesting tidbits; the Vivax domain owner is a company called Unicam, Inc of Emerson , NJ (same address as Vivax). Unicam makes medical products in the physical therapy arena. I wonder how they got involved in the locator business? Read abouth them here: http://uni-cam.com/about/default.htm

Domain registrant info:

Domain Name: VIVAX.BIZ
Domain ID: D8082382-BIZ
Sponsoring Registrar: REGISTER.COM
Sponsoring Registrar IANA ID: 9
Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited
Registrant ID: 68178018430CC591
Registrant Name: Unicam Inc
Registrant Organization: Unicam Inc.
Registrant Address1: 23-27 Bland St
Registrant City: Emerson
Registrant State/Province: NJ
Registrant Postal Code: 07630

Vivax Corporate Address:

USA,Canada,Central & South America

Vivax Corporation
23-27 Bland Street
Emerson, NJ 07630
USA

[ifinditunderground]

I sent them an e-mail asking them about a demo. No word yet. I aslo asked our local Metrotech Rep today about getting one. They also are going to look into it. I'm not going to hold my breath too tightly, but I am curious to see what it can do.

[ifinditunderground]

Getting a demonstration tomorrow.....I'll post something once I know something.

[Goldenboy]

I checked them out and didn't see anything overwhelming that stood out about the product. As with all machines I'd be hesitant about buying a first model. This is their first ever attempt at a locator. I'm guessing there will be some "tweaks" after the first year.

Here's their links.

Features (http://www.vivax.biz/new/product/vlocpro_features.htm)


User Manual (http://www.vivax.biz/downloads/vLocPro-UserManual.pdf)

I'm still interested to hear feedback.
http://www.vivax.biz/new/product/images/vlocpro01.jpg

[yahoo]

i don't think my comp. would go for it unless it was well proven already......not for sure though

[underground quester]

ThanX for the links Golden

Got about half way through the manual information lots of detail. Dropped it on my favorites so I can read it fully.

ThanX again Golden.

[GWJ_CAS]

Well, the Vivax made an appearance at the Locate Rodeo...two units in fact, both being used by guys from ELM Locating. Not sure how they did overall but there were no Vivax event winners, mostly RD, followed by Metrotech with one Surelock and one McLaughlin, no Vivax, Schonstadt, Rigid or Rycom...

So far, my guys say the Vivax is OK, the receiver is pre-loaded with every transmitter frequency out there (so is the Rigid). We are doing some double marking tests this week, more updates to come.

[ifinditunderground]

I looked at one the other day, the President himself came down to talk to me about the units. Pretty slick units, but I'm waiting on my demo unit to see if they actually perform in the field.

[maddog1]

I am going to be testing one on this Thursday. I will use it for a few days and let everyone know what i think about it.

[gypsygirl]

Vivax reminds me of the RD4000... really have to knock the gain down to zero in on a target line. Ran into a gliche... the sound went out of it... I really locate by sound so it was driving me crazy! It is getting sent in and hopefully will get it back soon. I do like the radio freq mode as the subsite does not have that capability. It works better in some areas than other... but that could be said of most locators. What we really need is a locator that is weatherproof... (maybe specifically water proof, as even if it rains does not constitute no work...) I keep using the excuse that I melt.in the rain ... no one seems to believe me... but that's because I keep jumping back in the sugar bowl!! (No, I am not the wicked witch! LOL)... Okay.. getting off track now... hoping the receiver gets back soon to try it out some more... I was just starting to get the hang of it when the sound went out...

[AULupstate]

Off the subject but just saw my first RD 7000 and 8000. Very Nice! Wasn't a huge fan of the 300 pound 4000 but I might actually buy one of these.

[Jared]

To set the record straight... Vivax did not make an appearance at the Rodeo. Those were just Vivax bags we used because all our Subsite bags have gone to crap. Also, the bags were a rolling-suitcase style bag, which was very nice for travel from Salt Lake City, UT to Atlanta.

My office received two new Vivax units a couple months back. I've been using one for a few weeks and like/hate it. I'm used to a Subsite 950, so that's what I'm comparing it to... though I've logged quite a few hours on the RD4000 as well.

If you like the RD 400, you'll like the Vivax. I hear it was designed by the original designers of the old 400's, so shares a lot of the same interface styles. Frequency wise, it is the bomb. The transmitter has 512Hz, 8.19KHz, 32.8KHz, 65.5KHz, and 200KHz... a nice variety for whatever ails you. Where the unit really shines is the availability of receiver frequencies. You can literally use any transmitter on the market (with the exception of those transmitting above 200KHz) with this receiver. You can enable or disable a host of available frequencies. It also has Radio and Power modes. I've found Power mode to be equal to that of the RD4000.

It has the same monotone sound of the RD, which I'm really not a fan of. I greatly prefer the volume/pitch change sound of the Subsite. Also, the display seems to be just a fraction of a second behind you at all times. If you swing it too fast you'll see your peak move side to side as you swing it. The null mode is fantastic, but like all null antennas I've seen it gets confused easily by congestion/interference. Power mode only works with the twin peak antenna.

The Vivax seems to be a real powerhouse for transmitter induction capabilities. It will easily keep up with the RD4000, and simply blows the Subsite away for induction. Overall, it's a very good unit - easily equal to the RD 4000 and the Subsite 950. Durability looks good. We've had no problems with our two but they've only been in use for a couple months... and even then only by me and another member of management. Our company bought something like 150 of them at once and I've yet to hear a complaint. One neat selling feature is that they will send you a loaner when you send one on for repair. Also, don't get the rolling suitcase-type bag if you do more than 2 locates per day. That bag is very awkward. I currently have mine in a canvas tool bag and just carry the receiver in the same hand as my paint stick.

How's that for a first post?:cool2:
Jared

[yahoo]

great first post jared............i'll have to admit that it first seemed like another machine on the market....hooray!!! but you make it sound very nice....i'll look forward to getting one in my hands.........one question ....is it light like the subsite???? that is what matters to me....

[Goldenboy]

Also, don't get the rolling suitcase-type bag if you do more than 2 locates per day. That bag is very awkward. I currently have mine in a canvas tool bag and just carry the receiver in the same hand as my paint stick.

I do the same thing with the Rycom. I can't stand the big bags. I load too much crap in them and after a couple weeks you can barely cary it.

BTW nice review. It's nice to hear a review by someone that has used multiple pieces of equiptment. After using any machine for a long time it's hard to get used to any new piece of equiptment.

[Jared]

great first post jared............i'll have to admit that it first seemed like another machine on the market....hooray!!! but you make it sound very nice....i'll look forward to getting one in my hands.........one question ....is it light like the subsite???? that is what matters to me....

It's lighter than a 4000, but heavier than the Subsite. The head is designed a lot like the RD - one flowing piece. So, at least the head won't break loose from the handle like the Subsite always does. They really beefed it up where it was needed, and used lightweight materials when they could. The lower part of the receiver is actually shelled with carbon fiber! It then has a velcro'd nylon cover to keep it from getting scratched up. I do wish the head had a flat end that you could leave it propped up on the ground, though.

I did forget to mention that the "Info" button is a very nice feature. It takes you to a screen that displays depth and current... keeping the tone going while you locate.

I've also yet to have any problems with the transmitter when hooking up to anything with some ambient voltage on the line. Some pipeline tracers and any rural phone pairs (hooking up tip side) will shut down my newer Subsite 950T. The older 950's didn't seem to have this issue.

After using any machine for a long time it's hard to get used to any new piece of equiptment.

I completely agree. I've been using the Subsite almost exclusively for the past 3 years. It's killing me to transition to the different visual/audio cues from the Vivax... particularly the lack of a change in audio pitch as you sweep. Should be a piece of cake to use for RD guys.

Jared

[yahoo]

jared are you checking your private messages........pm's

[spot-on]

Hey all just to fill the gaps about Vivax, but Vivax is not, I repeat not new to locators or locating equipment. Vivax was started by the former owner of RD. Back in 1997c RD sold to United Dominion, and they kept things as usuall until about 1999c United Dominion sold to current owner "and could care less about you" SPX "my opionion only". Former owner took a hike, and after 5 year non compete started Vivax. These former RD folks, are what made RD great! I promiss, you watch Vivax, they'll be setting the standards, these guys listen to their customers.

[spot-on]

Forgot to mention, I just had my hands on the new compass option from Vivax. I guess you could call it an orientation compass to the conductor your locating. Also came with a new software update. Modulated audio wow! The peak response is greatly improved. Locating with the compass is like standing on top of a mountain, you know when your not on the peak!

[nxs]

A friend of mine from ELM mentioned Vivax were imported from China, is that true?:puke:

[GWJ_CAS]

A friend of mine from ELM mentioned Vivax were imported from China, is that true?:puke:

Vivax units are made in China by Seba MKT China, a division of Metrotech's parent company.

The earlier post about Vivax being former RD Engineers is mostly correct, some of Vivax engineers are from other companies and from countries such as the former Yugoslavia (Serbia-Montenegro).

Seba MKT bought Vivax lock, stock & barrel to have all the great engineering plus the manufacturing capabilities. If you have a current Vivax, the transmitter was defintely made in China, the receiver may have been made in Germany or Serbia-Montenegro, but most likely China also.

Vivax is most similar to an RD unit, but make no mistake, it is now related to Metrotech through its common parent. It is rumored that Vivax will officially become a subsidiary of Metrotech in early 2009.