Key Features
How The Armada PRO881 Compares To The Hathorn Utili-Track
Contractors and utility locators evaluating locating equipment usually face this question: should I get the Hathorn Utili-Track for sonde-based camera locating, or this Armada PRO881 for broader cable, wire, and utility tracing?
| Feature | Hathorn Utili-Track, 512Hz Sonde Locator | Armada PRO881, Digital Cable Locator |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Locating camera sondes and tracing utility lines during pipe inspection | Locating and tracing underground cabling, wires, and cable faults across multiple utility types |
| Frequency Options | Best-in-class 512Hz sonde and line trace | Three frequencies: 2 kHz and 33 kHz direct, 175 kHz broadcast |
| Depth Reading | Automatic depth measurement up to 25 ft | Locating depth up to 8 ft |
| Connection Type | Passive and active frequency detection | Direct connection or non-contact inductive clamp connection |
Product Description
How The Armada PRO881 Compares To The Hathorn Utili-Track
Contractors and utility locators evaluating locating equipment usually face this question: should I get the Hathorn Utili-Track for sonde-based camera locating, or this Armada PRO881 for broader cable, wire, and utility tracing?
Here's the honest comparison:
| Feature | Hathorn Utili-Track, 512Hz Sonde Locator ($2,859.09) | Armada PRO881, Digital Cable Locator ($1,099) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Locating camera sondes and tracing utility lines during pipe inspection work | Locating and tracing underground cabling, wires, and cable faults across multiple utility types |
| Frequency Options | Best-in-class 512Hz sonde and line trace | Three frequencies: 2 kHz and 33 kHz direct connection, 175 kHz broadcast |
| Depth Reading | Automatic depth measurement up to 25 ft. | Locating depth up to 8 ft. |
| Connection Type | Passive and active frequency detection | Direct connection (clip-on) or non-contact inductive clamp connection |
| Cable Types Supported | Sonde signals, passive utility frequencies (power lines, radio, CATV) | Irrigation, CATV, electrical, telephone, and lighting cabling |
| Tracing Distance | Not specified in comparable detail | Up to 5,000 ft. in direct connection mode |
| Interference Filtering | Not specified | Digital reception filtration eliminates unwanted AC noise and interference |
| Ease Of Use | Designed for professional utility locating | Minimal settings, designed to be easy for new or seasoned staff |
| Best Suited For | Pipe inspection professionals pairing with a camera sonde system | Irrigation, landscaping, or utility contractors tracing cables and wires before digging |
Why The Armada PRO881 Is Worth The Investment
This isn't just a cable locator, it's built with three distinct locating frequencies and an IC4 inductive clamp that injects a tracing signal onto cabling without requiring direct electrical contact, giving contractors a safer, more versatile way to trace irrigation, CATV, electrical, telephone, and lighting cables before digging.
The PRO881 specifically addresses the needs of irrigation, landscaping, and utility contractors who need to trace buried cables and wires across a wide range of applications, without the complexity of a dedicated sonde-based pipe inspection locator.
Non-Contact Tracing Keeps Everyone Safe. The IC4 inductive clamp allows non-contact connection of the tracing signal, avoiding dangerous electrical voltages or the need to disconnect the traced cable, meaning contractors can trace energized or de-energized cabling without the risk that comes with direct electrical contact.
Built For Fast, Accurate Cable Locating
Three locating frequencies (2 kHz, 33 kHz, and 175 kHz) provide flexibility for different tracing distances and cable types
Digital reception filtration eliminates unwanted AC noise and interference for efficient, uncomplicated locates
Broadcast mode via the clamp or internal antenna lets you quickly scan an area before digging to check for buried cables
Engineered For Ease Of Use And Reliability
Minimal settings make the PRO881 accessible for both new and experienced maintenance staff
Direct connection mode reaches up to 5,000 ft. total distance for tracing cables over long runs
The receiver provides visual LEDs, an external speaker, and headset compatibility for locating in any environment
Real Savings
Non-contact inductive locating avoids the cost and risk associated with disconnecting or directly contacting energized cables
Digital filtration reduces false readings and wasted time compared to non-filtered analog locators
Broadcast mode scanning before digging reduces the risk of costly utility strikes and associated repair costs
Free shipping and no sales tax through Summit Forge Supply keeps the total cost down compared to buying elsewhere and paying tax and freight separately
The Bottom Line Irrigation, landscaping, and utility contractors who need to trace buried cables and wires across multiple utility types can't get that combination of frequency flexibility and safe non-contact locating from a basic single-frequency tool. The Armada PRO881 is built with three locating frequencies, an IC4 inductive clamp, and digital noise filtration, so it delivers fast, accurate cable tracing before digging. For anyone locating buried cables or wires as a regular part of the job, this is the locator built to find them safely.
- Quickly and accurately locates cable for irrigation, CATV, electrical, telephone, and lighting
- Digital signal and noise rejection to eliminate unwanted AC noise
- IC4 inductive clamp injects 175 kHz signal into cable with no need to disconnect service
- Tracks 2 kHz, 33 kHz, and induction transmitter frequencies, with null or peak tracking
- Simple control layout only has three buttons for the transmitter, ideal for newcomers and experienced staff
- Includes case with controls, locator, alligator clips, inductive clamp, and stereo headset
Full Spec Sheet
| Model | PRO881, GWG311398 |
| Frequencies | 2 kHz, 33 kHz direct connect, 175 kHz induction |
| Locating Depth | Up to 8 ft |
| Direct Connect Range | Up to 5,000 ft |
| Clamp | IC4 inductive, non-contact |
| Includes | Case, controls, locator, alligator clips, inductive clamp, stereo headset |
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