How Electronic Markers Work

Passive markers use magnetic antenna technology. They consist of an inductive coil acting as an antenna and a capacitor, forming an LC circuit that resonates at an exact operating frequency. Tempo Communications markers are passive antennas — they contain no power source or active components, and draw all their energy from the locator’s magnetic field.

This non-intrusive technology can locate all pipelines regardless of material. It improves the quality of any pre-work survey, helps reduce confusion and improves worksite safety.

Housing & Material

The marker housing is made of high-density polyethylene, the same material used for most buried utility equipment. It is rugged, waterproof, and resistant to chemicals and temperature extremes.

Markers are interoperable as they operate at industry-standard frequencies:
• Water: 145.7 kHz
• Telecom: 101.4 kHz
• Gas: 83.0 kHz

Detection is inductive — no physical contact from the surface is required.

Cost-Effective Network Mapping

Marking your pipeline network costs less than 1% of total project cost — far less than the cost of exposing a single pipe.

By deploying markers and using complementary solutions (locators and GPS/GIS databases), you can gradually map your network, recording GPS coordinates (X, Y) and network depth (Z).