Favorite daily locating equiptment.

**Goldenboy** · November 21st, 2009, 11:29 AM

bump

**RD_Wrangler** · November 21st, 2009, 11:52 AM

Need to add Vivax to that list...got a chance to use it not long ago...AWESOME!!!

**Color Blind** · November 23rd, 2009, 10:59 PM

I have a new favorite. I'm trying out the new RD8000 right now. Wow! What an awesome piece of equipment. Tons of frequencies and more features than a guy can list. GPS isn't active on this one, but it will be interesting to tap the possibilities of that feature.
Either way, the machine is a pleasure to use. Lightweight, simple, and an awesome bag configuration to boot. All your tools are at your fingertips and everything fits snugly without becoming cumbersome. They've definately got a winner here!

**RD_Wrangler** · November 24th, 2009, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by Color Blind

I have a new favorite. I'm trying out the new RD8000 right now. Wow! What an awesome piece of equipment. Tons of frequencies and more features than a guy can list. GPS isn't active on this one, but it will be interesting to tap the possibilities of that feature.
Either way, the machine is a pleasure to use. Lightweight, simple, and an awesome bag configuration to boot. All your tools are at your fingertips and everything fits snugly without becoming cumbersome. They've definately got a winner here!

Using an 8000 myself right now. I disagree about the bag, not near enough tool pockets. I'm used to carrying a multitude of hand tools.

Other than that, yeah I'm impressed so far. Love having 6 different audio range frequencies, 640Hz is great! The peak/null setting is kick-ass as well.

**headcipher** · November 24th, 2009, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by RD_Wrangler

Need to add Vivax to that list...got a chance to use it not long ago...AWESOME!!!

Man, have you seen the 5 watt transmitter?

Also heard metrotech & Vivax guys were developing a new metrotech.

Can't wait.

**[HAF]Foxtrot** · December 7th, 2009, 06:58 PM

Witching Sticks aint up there, I use that for most my locates

**fizat07405** · December 9th, 2009, 08:49 PM

Love the rd4000,,,, But wish I still had a Metro Tech 810 as just a second peice of equipment,,,, the 810 works great on water.... the rd and metrotech are my picks....

I will say that all the equipment in this industry needs to be more ruggedized for our type of work.... I mean if a 4 inch clamp cost 4-6 hundred dollars it should be more ruggedized...

**TMO** · March 21st, 2010, 09:05 AM

vivax , but i want an i5000

**threephase** · July 13th, 2010, 07:02 PM

I would say Vivax if I actually used it on a daily basis, but I'll have to go with the RD8000. Have had no problems with it and power mode works much better than on the Rycom (which is a close 2nd.)

**yahoo** · August 14th, 2010, 08:39 PM

the second Vivax Transmitter has gone out on me so I'm starting to want my Subsite back....won't be soon enough though!!! I can't stand sweeping with the vivax reciever!

**ProfessionalLocator** · August 14th, 2010, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by yahoo

the second Vivax Transmitter has gone out on me so I'm starting to want my Subsite back....won't be soon enough though!!! I can't stand sweeping with the vivax reciever!

Where the old MetroTech 810 receiver is very water vulnerable and the vivax is very water resistant the 810 transmitter is very water resistant and the vivax transmitter is very vulnerable to water. Just a little on the face plate gets through and it no longer puts out a signal.

The vivax is very good at screening out bleed over and sometimes too good. Not uncommon with the vivax to have to hook up to each service, main, whatever independently which adds a lot of time to doing a locate. Adding a lot of time to a locate is bad for a locator doing high production numbers. With the 810 one hook up often gave an accurate signal on just about everything and an experienced locator can sift out the bleed off.

**incognito** · August 16th, 2010, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by yahoo

I can't stand sweeping with the vivax reciever!

Interesting. Why do you say that ?? Is it too heavy ?

**rockiesgirl** · January 5th, 2011, 03:03 PM

I have used metrotech,rd 4000 and 8000, dynatel and played around with a subsite(which I hate) but for me you just can't beat the rycom. Small light and easy to use and bleed off is almost next to nothing. I have never not been able to find what I was looking for with my rycom. I presently use a RD 8000 and its ok but when I have problems I pull out the rycom.