RD8200SG Precision Locator
Revolutionizing Underground Utility Location with Survey Grade Accuracy
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Available for Android™ and iOS®
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Introducing the RD8200SG: A New Era in Precision Locating
The RD8200SG is the latest advancement from Radiodetection’s trusted line of precision locators. Building on the robust foundation of the RD8200, this new model integrates state-of-the-art GPS and RTK technologies, elevating locating accuracy to unprecedented levels. Ideal for complex urban environments and challenging rural terrains, the RD8200SG is designed to navigate the intricate networks of underground utilities with unparalleled precision. Whether it's for construction, maintenance, or emergency response, the RD8200SG delivers reliability when it matters most.
Available for Android™ and iOS®
RD8200SG Locator Price: $8777--RECEIVER ONLY
RD8200SG: $9058 --Phone Holder, Bag, Lion Battery Charger
Other options and upgrades are available for an additional cost.
- Transmitter (20ft cables and extra 20ft extension cable, ground rod, instructions)
- Soft Carry Bag or Hard Case
Unique Flexibility
Giving you unique flexibility, you can choose your preferred mobile mapping app and correction service provider to achieve survey grade accuracy. Compatible mobile mapping apps are PointMan – a world leader in mapping applications – and SubsurfaceMaps. More mapping apps will be added in the near future.
Ultimate Versatility
You can view and build your maps while you are in the field. After a map is created, it can be sent via email in various file types, such as CSV, KML and SHP*, or you can directly export the data.
*The exact file types depend on the third-party mobile app.
Familiar Look, Enhanced Capability
The RD8200SG also stands out thanks to its ergonomics. Weighing 2.4kg/5.2lb, it is lightweight and designed for frequent, continuous use in the field. The RD8200SG is based on Radiodetection’s popular RD8200G locator. The many users who are already familiar with the RD8200G will only require minimal training.
Our Most Advanced, Combined Mapping and Utility Locating Solution
- Radiodetection brings together high quality, reliable locate technology and real-time mapping in a combined solution. The RD8200SG locates with survey grade accuracy and offers the flexibility to be integrated with a range of mobile mapping apps.
- Map While You Locate
- The RD8200SG combines buried utility locating with accurate mapping in a single operation. Improve your workflows and speed up the process of locating and mapping buried utilities.
Radiodetection RD8200SG Utility Locator with GPS – Engineered for Precision, Configured for Your Work
At Locator Guys, we don't just sell underground utility locating equipment—we engineer complete systems tailored to how you work, where you work, and what you're locating. The Radiodetection RD8200SG with integrated RTK GPS represents the benchmark in survey-grade utility detection, but its real value comes from proper configuration, field-proven setup, and ongoing technical support that keeps your crews productive year after year.
Serving Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan since our founding, we understand the subsurface challenges unique to the Midwest: heavy clay soils that attenuate signals, freeze-thaw cycles that shift infrastructure, and aging cast iron and ductile systems that demand precise depth resolution. Whether you're a municipal utility, DOT contractor, or fiber installer, we'll configure your RD8200SG system to perform in your specific field conditions—not just ship you a box and wish you luck.
What Makes the RD8200SG Different?
Modern infrastructure demands precise, repeatable data when detecting buried utilities. Traditional electromagnetic (EM) locators identify signals from metallic lines but rely on manual mapping afterward, introducing human error and time loss. The RD8200SG solves this by integrating an RTK-enabled GNSS receiver directly into the locator's electronics, creating synchronized data capture between electromagnetic field detection and geospatial coordinates.
Unlike earlier models limited to GPS-grade positional accuracy (1–3 meters), the RD8200SG achieves sub-inch precision through real-time kinematic correction—suitable for ASCE 38-22 and SUE Quality Level A subsurface utility data collection. Engineers, surveyors, and locating contractors can create detailed digital as-builts directly from the field while minimizing revisit rates and error accumulation.
The result? A single instrument that provides full visibility into subsurface infrastructure with engineering-grade accuracy—eliminating the need for secondary survey crews and reducing project rework.
Why Configuration Matters: One Size Does Not Fit All
The RD8200SG is a sophisticated instrument capable of operating across multiple frequencies, soil conditions, and utility types. But without proper configuration, you're leaving performance on the table. At Locator Guys, we don't hand you a locator with factory defaults—we customize your system based on seven critical factors:
1. Type of Utilities and Materials
Are you tracing copper telecom, cast iron water mains, PVC with tracer wire, or fiber optic conduit? Each requires different frequency optimization, transmitter pairing, and signal interpretation. We configure your RD8200SG's active and passive modes to match your target infrastructure.
2. Soil and Ground Conditions
Midwest clay soils behave very differently than sandy or rocky conditions. High-moisture clay attenuates higher frequencies, while frozen ground in winter months changes signal propagation entirely. We'll set up frequency ranges and power levels optimized for the soil conductivity in your service territory—whether you're working in Toledo's heavy clay, Indianapolis's glacial till, or Detroit's varied urban subsurface.
3. Depth and Resolution Requirements
Municipal water departments need reliable depth readings on 12–18 foot mains. Fiber installers work shallow but require tight horizontal resolution in congested corridors. DOT projects demand maximum detection range in open-cut conditions. We configure sensitivity, gain settings, and guidance modes to match your depth profile and accuracy requirements.
4. Data Collection and Reporting Needs
Are you exporting to ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or a municipal asset management system? Do you need ASCE 38-22 compliant deliverables, or simple KML files for excavation coordination? We'll integrate your RD8200SG with the right mapping apps, configure data logging formats, and ensure seamless field-to-office workflows from day one.
5. Portability and Power Options
The RD8200SG delivers up to 14 hours on a single charge, but crew schedules, vehicle access, and multi-day remote projects all affect power planning. We'll recommend battery configurations, charging solutions, and field accessories that keep your teams operational without mid-day swaps or downtime.
6. Operator Skill Level and Training
An advanced locator is only as good as the crew using it. We provide free on-site training with every RD8200SG system—hands-on field exercises in your actual work environment, not a conference room PowerPoint. We'll train your operators on frequency selection, depth calculation, interference rejection, and GPS workflow until they're confident and competent.
7. Integration with Existing Equipment
Already running Radiodetection transmitters? Using a specific mobile mapping platform? We'll ensure your RD8200SG integrates seamlessly with your existing tools, avoiding compatibility issues and maximizing your current investment.
Technical Capabilities: What the RD8200SG Delivers
The RD8200SG combines high-resolution electromagnetic field detection with RTK-level GNSS accuracy to provide true survey-grade mapping in one device. Its integrated architecture eliminates synchronization lag between EM and GPS sensors, producing reliable depth and coordinate data for every locate.
Survey-Grade GPS/RTK
Delivers sub-inch accuracy in real time through RTK correction. Every locate point is mapped with survey-grade precision—suitable for SUE Quality Level A documentation and digital twin creation.
Integrated Mapping Workflow
Transmits depth and GPS coordinates directly to smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth. Compatible with widely used mapping applications for seamless field-to-office data sharing. Export as CSV, KML, or SHP files for immediate GIS integration.
Multi-Frequency Locating
Covers a broad spectrum of frequencies for both active (transmitter) and passive (ambient) locating modes. Handles everything from low-frequency power tracing to high-frequency telecom and cable TV detection—ensuring adaptability across diverse utility types and interference conditions.
Guidance Modes
Visual and audible indicators—including compass guidance and left/right arrows—help operators maintain alignment and improve line tracing efficiency, even in congested corridors with multiple parallel utilities.
Maximum Depth Range
Reliably detects utilities up to 18+ feet deep, maintaining signal clarity and depth accuracy even in challenging soil conditions or high-interference environments.
Rugged, Lightweight Design
At only 5.2 lbs, the RD8200SG is engineered for all-day comfort with an ergonomic frame. IP54-rated for dust and water resistance, it's built for continuous operation in harsh Midwest field conditions—rain, mud, snow, or summer heat.
Comprehensive Data Logging
Automatically records each locate with depth, current, and GPS position. Simplifies compliance documentation, audit trails, and post-project verification—critical for damage prevention programs and regulatory reporting.
All-Day Power
Operates for up to 14 hours per charge, reducing downtime and eliminating mid-day battery swaps. Keeps your crews productive from morning tailgate to end-of-shift paperwork.
How the RD8200SG Compares to Other Locators
When evaluating advanced utility locators, engineers consider how effectively a system balances signal performance, geospatial precision, and data management capabilities. While multiple manufacturers offer devices capable of GPS tagging, few integrate RTK-grade accuracy directly into the locator hardware. Most competing systems rely on external GNSS receivers or mobile applications to pair positional data post-process, introducing synchronization errors and inconsistencies.
The RD8200SG distinguishes itself by unifying EM and GPS functions at the sensor level, producing seamless locate-to-map workflows. This integration ensures data consistency between physical detection and spatial referencing—an essential feature for municipal asset mapping, fiber installations, and excavation safety documentation.
| Brand / Model | Frequency Range | Max Depth | GPS/RTK | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiodetection RD8200SG | Multi (active/passive) | ~18+ ft | Yes (RTK) | Survey-grade locating & mapping | ~$9,000 |
| RIDGID SeekTech SR-24LE | 16 Hz – 35 kHz (multi) | ~15 ft | Yes (GPS) | General utility locating with app mapping | ~$4,000 |
| Vermeer Verifier G3+ | Multi-frequency (peak/null) | ~15 ft | Yes (GPS) | Simple GPS-enabled field locates | ~$3,000 |
| Vivax-Metrotech vLoc3-Pro | 16 Hz – 200 kHz (multi) | ~16+ ft | Yes (RTK opt.) | Flexible locating with RTK option | ~$3,000–$6,000 |
Key Insights:
- The RD8200SG offers the only fully integrated RTK GPS for survey-grade precision—no external receivers or post-processing required.
- Vivax vLoc3-Pro can support RTK through external receivers but lacks native integration, adding complexity and potential synchronization errors.
- RIDGID SR-24LE and Vermeer G3+ provide basic GPS logging through mobile apps but not sub-inch accuracy—limiting their use for SUE-compliant projects.
- The RD8200SG reaches up to 18+ feet and maintains high accuracy across multiple frequencies, ideal for congested underground environments and deep municipal infrastructure.
Choosing the Right Utility Locator for Your Operation
Utility locators are selected based on signal requirements, accuracy standards, and data deliverables specific to each project. Municipal and commercial buyers increasingly prioritize traceability, regulatory compliance, and integration with GIS asset systems. A unit's frequency spectrum, transmitter compatibility, and GNSS integration determine whether it can handle mixed utility corridors and complex interference conditions.
The RD8200SG meets these engineering demands by combining broad-spectrum EM capability with precise positional recording. Its ability to deliver survey-quality data enables compliance with ASCE 38-22 standards for Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), supporting digital twin creation, excavation planning, and cross-discipline data sharing.
What to Consider:
Precision & Depth: The RD8200SG delivers sub-inch accuracy and deep-detection capabilities ideal for critical infrastructure projects where error margins are measured in inches, not feet.
Mapping Requirements: For as-built mapping, GPS/RTK integration is essential—an area where the RD8200SG outperforms competitors by eliminating post-processing steps and secondary survey crews.
Frequency Range: Broad frequency coverage ensures adaptability to complex job sites with multiple utility types, high electrical interference, and varying soil conductivity.
Durability: IP-rated protection and shock resistance are non-negotiable for Midwest field conditions—freeze-thaw cycles, wet spring soils, and year-round outdoor use demand equipment that won't fail when you need it most.
Ergonomics: Lightweight construction minimizes operator fatigue over long shifts, improving both safety and productivity across multi-day projects.
Training & Support: Equipment is only valuable if your crew knows how to use it. Locator Guys provides free on-site training and ongoing technical support for every purchase—not a manual and a phone number.
Budget & ROI: While the RD8200SG costs more upfront (~$9,000), it eliminates the need for additional survey gear, reduces project rework, and decreases utility strike risk—improving ROI over the system's operational lifetime.
Why Locator Guys? Because Equipment is Just the Beginning
We've been serving utility professionals across Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan for years—not as a catalog retailer, but as technical partners who understand what it takes to run productive, compliant locating operations in real-world conditions. When you buy from Locator Guys, you're not just getting a piece of equipment. You're getting:
Expert System Configuration
We'll assess your utility types, soil conditions, depth requirements, and data workflows—then configure your RD8200SG system to perform optimally from day one. No guesswork. No trial-and-error in the field.
Free On-Site Training
Hands-on field training at your job sites, with your crews, working on your actual utilities. We'll cover frequency selection, depth calculation, interference troubleshooting, GPS workflows, and data export—everything your operators need to be confident and competent.
Local Expertise
Our territory sales managers live and work in the Midwest. They understand Ohio clay, Indiana glacial soils, and Michigan's mixed urban infrastructure. When you call, you're talking to someone who knows your challenges firsthand—not a call center reading from a script.
24/7 Technical Support
Locator breaks down at 6 PM on a Friday? We answer our phones. Day, night, weekend—if you need help, you'll reach a real person who can troubleshoot, advise, and get you back online fast.
Industry-Leading Repair Services
Through our C&S Solutions, Inc. repair department, we offer factory-authorized service that outperforms manufacturer repair in speed, cost, and customer care:
- Fast Turnaround – Get back in the field quickly with expedited repair service
- Cost-Effective – Lower hourly rates than OEM manufacturer repairs
- 90-Day Warranty – All repairs backed by our comprehensive warranty
- Factory-Authorized Technicians – Certified, experienced technicians on every repair
- Free Shipping Boxes – We'll ship boxes to you if needed—no hassle
- 24/7 Availability – Call anytime, talk to a real person
- Loaner Equipment – If your equipment was purchased from Locator Guys, we'll provide a loaner while yours is in the shop
- Transparent Quotes – Faxed or emailed repair quotes before we start work—no surprises
Learn more about our repair services →
Long-Term Partnership
Equipment needs evolve. Regulations change. Projects get more complex. We stay with you through software updates, accessory upgrades, refresher training, and expanding your system as your operation grows.
Built for the Midwest. Backed by People You Can Reach.
Locator Guys is built on customer satisfaction and technical excellence. We provide not just top-tier equipment but an unmatched level of service—because we know that a $9,000 locator is only valuable if it works when you need it, your crew knows how to use it, and someone answers the phone when things go wrong.
Whether you're mapping aging water infrastructure in a legacy municipal system, tracing fiber through congested downtown corridors, or documenting utilities for DOT excavation projects, we'll build a system that performs—and support it for the long haul.
Ready to Configure Your System?
Talk to one of our territory sales managers today. They'll assess your specific needs, recommend the right configuration, and arrange a free on-site demonstration so you can see the RD8200SG in action before you buy.
Territory Sales Managers:
Bryan Baur – Territory Sales Manager, Inspection Cameras & Trucks
Ohio and Michigan
513-713-7798
Roger Lewis – Territory Sales Manager, Locators
Southern Ohio / Southern Indiana
513-913-0245
Tanner Peterson – Territory Sales Manager, Locators
Northern Ohio / Northern Indiana / Michigan
513-376-0865
Radiodetection RD8200SG Locator
How to connect the RD8200SG to your mobile phone (Android)
Pair Your RD8200SG Locator to Subsurface Maps
Technical Summary
The Radiodetection RD8200SG utility locator with GPS combines high-resolution electromagnetic field detection with RTK-level GNSS accuracy to provide true survey-grade mapping in one device. Its integrated architecture eliminates synchronization lag between EM and GPS sensors, producing reliable depth and coordinate data for every locate.
Built for continuous operation in harsh Midwest environments, the RD8200SG's combination of rugged construction, multi-frequency capability, and comprehensive data logging supports the full lifecycle of subsurface asset management—from field detection to digital documentation.
For organizations seeking precision, durability, compliance, and long-term support in utility locating, the RD8200SG configured and backed by Locator Guys represents the benchmark in integrated EM/GPS design and customer service.
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and get a customized system quote.
