Homemade Electronic Plastic Pipe Locating Device

[@motorhead6763]

Excellent! You can use compressed air to blow wire into very long lengths of pipe. We do this with traffic signals and power plant cables. You make a rubber cork to seal supply end with one hole in middle for wire the other for air pressure. You connect wire to a "parachute" sold at electrical contractor supply insert into pipe with wire going through center tight fit hole in cork plug...then you use soap as lube for wire and parachute.Turn on air pressure about 40to 90 psi and wire will be pulled into pipe hundreds of feet.In case anyone needs to find mystery conduit.שלום

[@skylane807]

Mystery pipe... that's exactly what I'm dealing with. I have a 1" black poly water line that's about 1/4 mile long! Thanks!

[@damon7921]

Shop Vac on the other end, and not using cork/pressure on the supply side would also work.

[@mrbill2600]

Couple of tips... or not; one, keep the radio flat when locating the conduit as that will help eliminate false signals and two, once you have determined the path of the conduit mark it and turn the radio to 45 degrees of the path and step back moving the radio along the ground away from the conduit at the 45 degree angle and the strongest signal between the marked path and the radio will give you the depth of the conduit. As in my 41 years of experience with the phone co that is how we determined the path and depth of direct buried telephone cable so I see no reason that it wouldn't work the same with this device.

[@electronicsNmore]

Thanks for the tips and watching! Be sure to check out my extensive video playlists and share.

[@KirkDHansen]

ElectronicsNmore, GREAT STUFF. Going to build this with my son this weekend. He just got a job as a landscaper and estimates he has spent 15 hours trying to locate pvc pipes since he started 2 weeks ago. This device will certainly help! Thank you very much! PS, don’t bother with the trolls. They aren’t worth your time.

[@electronicsNmore]

Thanks for watching Kirk!

[@nodriveknowitall702]

Awesome. I figured there was a simpler/cheaper solution than those $1000+ pipe locators that still cost a few times more to rent than make one of these. Already got all the components laying around except for the high freq 555s. You earned a sub and a like.

[@electronicsNmore]

Thanks! I have many excellent videos on this channel, so be sure to check out my video playlists and share with others. :-)

[@livelifelarge1599]

Could this be connected to a steel, or copper pipe to locate it. Not inside but actually using the pipe as the antenna.

[@buenavoluntad3611]

This sounds like chinese to me but I must try it out!, a cyclone is coming my way and I must find the plastic drain pipe. Would you please provide a full description of the project box, ty for your help

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Could you use thinner antenna wires & use water to pull it further into pipes?

[@khoa6710]

What is an electric circuit called? Is it commercially available or is there another circuit that has the same effect?

[@stevehowell4888]

Could i buy a 512 hertz transmitter and use the radio to find it? I'm definitely not smart enough to build one. They sell them for locating septic tanks and such. I have a sewer camera and could attach the transmitter to it if i could locate it with the radio. Thanks!

[@payochannel1140]

Can you do an underground spring water detector

[@tooterr101oldgeezer4]

Thank you for another very well explained video. Pretty cool device. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@electronicsNmore]

+tooterr101 oldgeezer You're welcome! Please share.

[@marioma9175]

don't understand a bit. What is a circuit? where to buy? TC..555 sounds high tech,

[@ctsewerandwater]

Never relaized you could located Schedule 40, SDR 35 or ABS underground buried pipes. Always thought the pipes needed to be copper, cast iron, lead or galvanized. Nice video. Thank you.

[@electronicsNmore]

Team Sewer & Water Thanks for watching!

[@ctsewerandwater]

You are very welcome...take care you guys

[@stuartbarnes9017]

Hi, do you know of a circuit for metal pipes please ?

[@rollerkingonce]

just to make sure.. this would not work on water pipes right? even if you manage to insert the wire into the pressurized system

[@electronicsNmore]

Works on all NON-METALLIC pipes(sewer, water, and electrical). Of course the wire wouldn't be inside the pipe if it was under pressure. Thanks for watching!

[@abonto]

Is there a made one forsale?

[@ammmze]

This is pretty neat! But for those that may not have the know-how to build it, I suspect you can probably use a generic cable tracker in a similar fashion. Basically take a cable tracker (harbor freight has them for $25), and then attach a wire to the leads coming off the cable tracker, and finally shove the wire into your pipe. Just not sure if the harbor freight cable tracker is sensitive enough going through the ground and/or concrete.

[@electronicsNmore]

Hi Brenden. What I show in my other video, is the way to go. With a coupon code, it's very reasonable. Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaiTi62VbK51hpY

[@JWTrexler2011]

Regarding the two 555s being "in series," how is the theoretical frequency generated by the second, higher frequency," 555 calculated? I have been unable to find a reference to help me understand how to calculate the higher frequency generated by the second 555 calculated, given the #4 Reset of the higher frequency second 555 is triggered by the AC output of the first, lower frequency" output of pin #3. I really want to understand how this system works, and all references I find are to use of a single 555.

[@ThatEEguy2818]

The 2nd 555 is generating the AM carrier. The 1st 555 is generating the audio tone and modulating the 2nd.

[@ojsh_]

Should the potentiometer be connected so it acts as a variable resistance between IC pin 3 and the 2.7k resistor ? Is Dave's schematic drawn a bit strangely - with both one end leg of Pot and the middle variable leg shorted on the line between IC pin 3 and transistor Gate ?

[@electronicsNmore]

You can use just the center and one side of the potentiometer. Connect all components as shown in the schematic. Thanks for watching

[@ojsh_]

@@electronicsNmore thanks for reply - realised after that the pot can be wired up either way, with or without that third leg connected per schematic, and function will be same. Also emailed Dave who designed it & he was nice enough to reply & confirm same. Cheers,

[@crnazvijezda]

Simple project and nice video as always. Thanks!

[@electronicsNmore]

+crnazvijezda You're Welcome!

[@daltonjensen9951]

Great video, I’m trying to replicate this circuit to find some pipes under a concrete slab and this seems like the way to go. I checked all my components and almost had everything to do it, but I can’t seem to find a 1KHz OSC anywhere. The only thing I can find is 32KHz and higher. Andy tips on where to find the necessary components to finish this project?

[@Atia431]

very useful project but what if we connect the end jiont wire to the water inside the pipe , do you think it will consider as an extension for the wire and it will beep ?

[@electronicsNmore]

+Gbox Monster The water could act like a conductor. Need to try it. :-)

[@GeelongCableLocations]

Sorry guys, its a radio wave you are looking for so the water will not work as a conductor in this situation.

[@skylane807]

Clean water is a very poor conductor of electricity. Salt water is a pretty good conductor.

[@jacobdevereaux8986]

What material makes the best antenna? I was wondering if there is any difference between solid copper and stranded.

[@electronicsNmore]

For this project stranded or solid makes no difference. Thanks for watching Jacob! Be sure to look over my extensive video playlists below for other videos of interest to you and most importantly share my channel with others. kzbin.infoplaylists

[@koaasst]

i use my leaf blower and an AM radio, just wrap the wire around the spark plug wire a few times

[@wallaceb68]

does anyone have a exact parts list and a suggestion on where to order them? and thank you Dave for this schematic it is going to be a lifesaver.

[@electronicsNmore]

I posted a link in the video description area. Many electronic components, especially kits, can be found at a reasonable price at that link. :-) Thanks for watching!

[@alastairgreen2077]

an exact, not a exact.

[@williamhaffelder7032]

Interesting. But if I could get a wire inside the pipe there is little need to locate said pipe.

[@electronicsNmore]

Many people want to trace the path of a pipe. :-)

[@barbrolidman5603]

why would you want to put a wire in a sewer drain pipe?

[@Mostafa-hf4gr]

Will this device work on detecting pool PVC pipes buried 3 feet underground?

[@electronicsNmore]

Kinda deep, not sure.

[@MrRozlanrosly]

The diagram does mention 3-6 feet depth detection.

[@jpshomevideos]

My 100 ohm resistor gets smoking hot i used a 1/4 watt resistor! Maybe we should be using a higher wattage resistor? The low power consumption stated seems unreal when the resistor gets so hot.

[@electronicsNmore]

Something isn't right with your circuit or a component. Try a 1/2 W resistor. Using 9V? Hope so.

[@Pinball475]

@@electronicsNmore I know this comment is 3 years old, but if the 100 ohm resistor is getting hot then it is likely the oscillator output is stuck high holding the MOSFET on causing the 100 ohm resistor to see much more than 1/4W. When the oscillator is running the 100 ohm resistor should see less than 1/4W.

[@KG5RK]

Is there a maximum length for the cable? I have encountered a few buried conduits in the 300 foot + range. People keep breaking sprinkler heads and pipe valves. Any suggestions besides pressurizing and looking for water leaks ???

[@electronicsNmore]

+John Mulhall Hey John. Pressurizing is the best way to locate leaks. To trace the pipe, you would use this device. I would not get too carried away with the length, but I don't see any issues.

[@green_life7]

Dear Sir, In case of underground polyethylene pipe lines, upto what depth of concrete/rocks can the pipe be detected?

[@electronicsNmore]

Same as mentioned in the video. Thanks fro watching!

[@green_life7]

@@electronicsNmore sorry to disturb you but could you please give me the time stamp in the video or simply reply here in the coment. I will be thankful to you.

[@gusfrezoulis4097]

I breadboarded this circuit and the output frequency reaches a maximum of 275 Khz with a 1K Potentiometer. I am sure I can change the potentiometer to a 2k but it will only get me into 550 Khz in the lower AM radio range. I am essentially off by a factor of 6 in frequency output. Any ideas on what could cause this frequency range issue?

[@garyhanson48]

Can you share the volt ratings for the capacitors and the watt rating for resisitors, please? I've made plenty of prototype stuff in the past but it's been many years. I'm guessing 1/4 or 1/2 watt resistors, but the caps are a bit of a challenge. Excellent video, by the way. And, of course the setup to broadcast to an orientable antenna in an AM radio is the essence of practicality and functionality. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@electronicsNmore]

Hi Gary. Resistors, all 1/4W should be fine. That capacitors need to be rated higher than the power supply for the circuit(16v/25v/50/100v....all work). Thanks for watching!

[@garyhanson48]

@@electronicsNmore Thanks! I appreciate the quick reply. I did sort of figure out the max would be the battery max but good to have confirmation. Looking forward to putting this together.

[@mcburket]

I found this video because I am trying to trace down where our buried gutter drains go so I can tap another drain into it. Went to several rental places and none of them have anything to rent. I threw this circuit together and yes, it works. BUT, it really seems to depend on the radio you have. I didn't have an AM radio so I ordered a cheap one online. The radio picks up a signal, but the distance is only up to 6 inches or so. I played with the antenna wire type, length, and got the same results. The only other AM radio I have is in my truck. With this radio I was able to get the signal up to 5 feet away (in air). That was cool, but probably a little inconvenient to be waving my truck around over my yard. I'll have to find another AM radio somewhere.

[@electronicsNmore]

They usually go into a dry well.

[@tomdavis1564]

How deep in the ground will it go?

[@electronicsNmore]

Hey Dimwit, how about watching the entire video? Viewers like you aren't welcome on this channel. Hit the road!

[@gusfrezoulis4097]

What is the voltage rating of the capacitors and the wattage rating for the resistors?

[@electronicsNmore]

1/4W and 16V is fine.

[@gusfrezoulis4097]

Thanks for the prompt response

[@manicnerd]

would 50V capacitors be ok? I can only find surface mount at 16V.

[@niiadjei4238]

can I get one to buy

[@TheAnzora81]

Nice thanks how deep do you can go?

[@electronicsNmore]

Hello. 1 to 1 1/2 feet.

[@gusfrezoulis4097]

I am only getting 6 inches maximum. Any ideas on how I could getter better range? Thanks in advance

[@russoft]

@@gusfrezoulis4097 sorry for necropost but after a certain distance, you lose "resolution". The increase and decrease in signal from either side of the pipe will be so gradual, you likely won't be very accurate anymore. In fact, it may be completely useless if the radio waves are attenuated by the soil and reflected off nearby conductors like copper water lines, etc.

[@polversonrobotics2595]

Thanks for the video. I have a situation where a 3 inch thick plastic pipe is filled with water. It is an underground drain, 3-4 ft deep. Would this work? I assume that the water will shield the RF and it wont work? What do you think? I am also thinking to put a buzzer in the water and look for it with a sensitive microphone. Your input is appreciated. Thanks Mitch

[@electronicsNmore]

Hi Mitch. That's kinda deep, but it may work. Not too sure, but the water inside the pipe may make it easier to detect, rather than block the RF.

[@Eloiseau]

Hi, does this worked?

[@amintaleghani2110]

Thank you for the very useful video. Regarding TLC555, could you please specify what kind is it (there are different variations)?TLC555CP : Maximum High Level Output Current: -10mA, Maximum Low Level Output Current:100mATLC555MJG: Maximum High Level Output Current: -100mA, Maximum Low Level Output Current:-10mA

[@electronicsNmore]

TLC555 Cmos

[@amintaleghani2110]

Can you please share your PCB template. I tried to follow the schematic in your video but I could not get it work. Thanks

[@davealaska4115]

The 3M pipe and cable locator at my consulting firm cost $3500 but for the majority of my work, the one in the video would work just as well. Incidentally, I have found that a power snake provides an excellent conductor to locate non-conductive sewer lines. Would it be possible to make another video that add a depth to pipe estimate; includes a 60 Hz passive sensor to locate energized power lines; and lastly, for those locations where it is not possible or safely to directly connect, a inductive coil that couples with the buried pipe or cable thereby not requiring direct connection signal frequency?

[@electronicsNmore]

Hi. You would need to speak to the designer of the circuit. I have another circuit which I use to trace AC mains wiring. That video is below. Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJOYnHuLg9d2hcU

[@gerdvonglinski6853]

Thank you for the video. What type of ocsillator is needed, a chip? And is the 2N7000 a transistor?

[@electronicsNmore]

Gerd von Glinski You're welcome! 2n7000 transistor and 555 ic.

[@Wtfinc]

u can build this using one 555 timer and just listen for silence on AM band. it's so sad when someone smart enough to use a 555 cant afford them.

[@carlospitcher4335]

I don't get it. You should have way more suscribers since the contains are of high quality and very informative. Thank You for sharing...

[@electronicsNmore]

+Carlos Pitcher Hi Carlos. I agree. :-). I do get 100+ new subscribers per day, some days as high as 140. It takes time. Thanks for the kind words. Please be sure to share and rate thumbs up. Thank you

[@jpian0923]

+Carlos Pitcher I agree. He has 58,000 subs but only 3-4000 views for the recent videos. That's the part I don't get. I think he needs to create some "drama", that seems to work for some other youtubers I follow. We need a "scandal" on this channel. :-)

[@adriscreations1176]

Do you find the electronic components at Radio Shack or can you recommend a good source for parts.

[@electronicsNmore]

+Jose Ortega Hi Jose. Radio Shack or Ebay.

[@patolsen9725]

I cannot put wire IN the pipe if i am wanting to FIND the pipe. I'm lost!

[@electronicsNmore]

You need to identify the pipe first, then trace it.

[@barbrolidman5603]

this is for people who want to know the pipe's pathway underground so they can dig down to access it at a specific point without digging up the whole length starting at an end.

[@robertlytle2084]

Very cool. Just illegal. 400 kHz is max allowed by law. Just need to make a locator that can read the reduced frequency.

[@rickshutt3974]

Do you know anyone that can build me one ?

[@davidhoward2282]

Can the wire be 50 ft. long?

[@electronicsNmore]

Yes.

[@muxxor9492]

electronicsNmore If the wire is attached to a steel plumbing snake will the snake act as the wire in the pipe? What do you think the max length is?

[@markrogers859]

Will you sell me one built?

[@electronicsNmore]

Mark Rogers I'm too busy to make & sell devices shown on my channel, but I appreciate the offer.

[@jappelable]

maybe i didnt watch it well enough but its kinda hard to tell if its working or if the stones are making the sound hit the mic better. sliding across the stones would have been helpful for this.

[@electronicsNmore]

The device DOESN'T detect anything but the signal. Thanks for watching!

[@brigittevandereecken3912]

is there anyone here that has already seen that the schedule and implementation do not match?the third clip on the potentiometer is still free in the box??????funny ????please advice i need this device

[@electronicsNmore]

There's nothing wrong with anything shown in my video. Thanks for watching

[@das250250]

Be nice if there was a display to show intensity number

[@wilsonjr5713]

Just buy a Radio Detection 8100 works a lot better...😊 Great Video

[@electronicsNmore]

Way too much money for the average person. My other video below shows a great, low cost alternative. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaiTi62VbK51hpY

[@seanwilson471]

so easy to make, and commercial ones available working on same principle, yet why do Yorkshire Water say they cant detect a plastic water pipe

[@jeffandlisa2594]

We need one of these. Why don't you make these and sell them to non-electronics people like us?

[@electronicsNmore]

Hi there. I tested another store bought unit that also works very well. Check it out below. Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaiTi62VbK51hpY

[@brianewest]

Can you please tell me where to buy a kit? I have searched all the links provided and can not find that information?

[@electronicsNmore]

Unfortunately you can't buy a kit. You need to buy the individual parts/components online and make it yourself. Thanks for watching!

[@mikaelvalen-sendstad9392]

I guess that the distance between the two wires in the cable will affect performance a lot. Larger distance may increase the radiated signal. And if the cable is twisted the output will weaken alot. Have someone tested with different cables just to find the optimal insulation distance between the two inner wires? One fun thing to try is to manually twist the cable 180degrees every 10cm, and glue it to another thick plastic-only wire to keep the twisting pattern. This twisting pattern would make the signal just as strong close too the cable, but gives a steep fallof making it easier to detect when the am detector gets closer or further from the wire.

[@electronicsNmore]

Hello. None of the testing you mentioned was done because the device worked so well using a simple 2 conductor cord. Thanks for watching!.

[@innocentfriend]

nice one, thumbs up.

[@electronicsNmore]

+amjad .shamsi Thank You

[@geojor]

thanks for sharing...

[@electronicsNmore]

+pei bossman Thanks for watching

[@localboy9115]

Bro, please make one.and show it. Come on man

[@deslomeslager]

I'd connect my mp3 player on the device so I can listen to the music in my garden ;-)

[@skylane807]

Love it! :)

[@NSmithNerd]

You should add a Bill of Materials to this if you are serious about people making it. As in the details of each component: tolerance, power, type etc etc. Saves time in pulling off the schematic and looking at the video details. And a nice detail would be to have some sort of indicator to the audio output of the radio: a bit easier to get a quantified result. On your video I couldn't actually hear much difference. And perhaps a comment in terms of the best frequecy to use to get penetration: I'll think about that and post what i find. Anyways, is a good project.

[@electronicsNmore]

Like all my videos, If the schematic isn't clearly seen in the video, a link is posted in the video description area. The circuit is very simple. More than enough information was provided to viewers. I don't force anyone to make what's shown on my channel, I simply show the circuit works, and provide the schematic. It's up to viewers to do a little work themselves. I don't exactly make a lot of money off these videos......I actually lose money making many of these videos. As for the audio, it works fine, you can hear the changes. Thanks for watching

[@graememackenzie5918]

Do some study on basic electronics.Knowing Ohms law will give you the answers.Advance your knowledge and have some fun.

[@brigittevandereecken3912]

Is er niemand die hier ziet dat het schema en de uitvoering in de radio shack box niet overeenkomen , gelieve dan te letten op de potmeter waar is de derde aansluiting op de pot de klem is gewoon vrij !!!!!!!!!!!!! Heeft iemand dit al gebouwd ???

[@joblessalex]

I'd make the output adjustable, that seems too sensitive!

[@electronicsNmore]

+joblessalex Not too sensitive for me. All you do is listen for the strongest signal and you will know you are right above the wire. :-)

[@hophop8310]

Can you make one for me

[@electronicsNmore]

I wish I had the time to make and sell what I show on my channel. :-)

[@you-tubejunkie2926]

I tried it.......All I heard from the radio was people talking. A talk show on (AM) radio.

[@electronicsNmore]

Hi Phill. Make sure you used the exact components, the 555 timers have to be CMOS timers to be also to operate at a higher frequency. You also need to adjust the circuit for the correct frequency output. Thanks for watching!

[@barbrolidman5603]

then you do not have the correct frequency signal being generated, it's not a radio problem.

[@michaelbeale4642]

Doesn't work.

[@electronicsNmore]

Michael Beale Of course it does. No bogus videos on my channel.

[@michaelbeale4642]

well, it doesn't work in a PVC pipe above ground, nor in a pipe below ground. So maybe just under marble stones?

[@electronicsNmore]

Michael Beale Sounds like your circuit was put together wrong, or you failed to tune the receiver to the correct frequency.

[@michaelbeale4642]

Ah, but it works when the antenna is out of the pipe...🤔

[@waeiltobgy5301]

It's not home made !!!

[@electronicsNmore]

Really? Who made it and where?

[@graememackenzie5918]

Thanks for the p.c.diagram.With a bit of practice and the variable power gain I should be able to judge depth.As for the wankers that like to bag other people,they're the type that would use a class one metre on 415 volts and have it blow up in their face.Thanks again.

[@electronicsNmore]

Thanks for watching!

[@localboy9115]

Hey bud message me.

[@michellestewart4662]

Thats not homemade

[@electronicsNmore]

Really? Who made it? The man on the moon?

[@johnd942]

Demonstrat first! Always! Than do the talking about details of a schematic.

[@electronicsNmore]

8233Eire Don't complain. Have patience, and be thankful people like myself take the time to upload these videos. We don't have to, not like we make big money doing it!

[@GeelongCableLocations]

dude, there is a fast-forward button. If you want to see the demo first, then just move the bar over until you see the unit outside then if you like what you see you can go back and watch from the start again. Like Doug says, you should be thankful people like him are out there making videos like this that you can learn from, completely for free. He does not charge you a single cent to show you this.

[@jjnatteri1245]

@@electronicsNmore good advice. always be thankful even if things are not what you hoped for

[@soshbogdanov6426]

You always find practical and fun projects Thanks

[@electronicsNmore]

+Sosh Bogdanov Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@johnjkizer6399]

Instead of making this device where can I purchase a device like this, I am disabled so I really can’t use my right hand, thanks for ur time