Best GPR for underground utility locating

[uulow98]

I searched the forum and did not see a topic like this. What's the best ground penetrating radar currently for locating underground pipes and cables? It's been while since last time I checked. I am seeing a lot of RD1500 now but I am not sure it's the best one in terms of the penetrating depth and resolution. What do you think?

[nsm]

RD1500 is cheap and fit certain market requirements, but it's definitely not the best GPR. There have been new models with this new fast stacking tech which is definitely better in penetration depth.

[MetalDetecting]

USRadar has a Triple Frequency GPR System, very impressive. You got both good penetration and resolution.
https://usradar.com/quantum-imager-trip ... pr-system/

[geophix]

I recommend Mala Easy Locator Pro Widerange HDR. This is a dual frequency system with the HDR technology. The two center frequencies are appropriate for underground utility locating. GSSI had a dual frequency system, but in my opinion they chose the wrong center frequencies. It's before HDR tech anyway.
https://www.guidelinegeo.com/product/ma ... range-hdr/
Here is a sample frequency analysis from a field test showing the frequency spectrum of the two antennas:

Spectrum_MALA Low Freq.jpg (15.45 KiB) Viewed 3191 times

Spectrum_MALA High Freq.jpg (17.75 KiB) Viewed 3191 times

[uulow98]

What is HDR?

[geophix]

What is HDR?

High dynamic range. Basically it means it can have better effective penetration depth by reducing random noises through oversampling and stacking. I believe Mala, GSSI and Sensors&Software are all using the same techniques now (although they might have different names for it) for their new products, but I don't know how much they differ in the implementation of the technique.

[99thpercentile]

I have used most of the brands on the market and my current system is the Impulse Radar PinPointR. It uses real time sampling (RTS), operates at both 400 and 800 MHz, and is very compact in size. The price is very competitive at around $16K plus the tablet controller. I am using the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active to control the PinPointR, but any Android tablet can control it. The GPS integration is really good. Let me know if you have any questions. I have attached a picture with an EMLID Reach RS2 GNSS receiver.

[geophix]

It looks really compact for two antennas. Great one!

[gmradar]

Would suggest either GSSI Utilityscan Dual Frequency or Utilityscan B depending on your budget.

[Ingrid]

GSSI’s Utility Scan Pro GPR
With Utility Scan Pro, users can quickly identify and mark the position and depth of metallic and non-metallic objects; including utilities such as gas, communications and sewer lines as well as underground storage tanks and PVC pipes. Based on the SIR 4000 controller, the UtilityScan Pro provides the GPR professional with solutions to any underground locating situation.