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WHITE PAPER

2. This article provides general information
about the Mag-Probe test instrument,. The
Mag-Probe is used to test the presence, or
absence, of AC or DC current in electrical
solenoid valves and relays by indicating if
an electrical magnetic field is detected. This
is accomplished in seconds without
referring to a schematic, powering down
equipment, or making a direct connection.
This quickly allows differentiation between
mechanical and electrical problems. The
basic sensitivity is 3 gauss and can be as
sensitive as 1 gauss.!
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The Mag-Probe is commonly used to
verify the presence of AC or DC current by
detecting the magnetic field around a coil.
Applicable in testing solenoids, rotary
solenoids, solenoid valves, relays, reed
relays, coils, and stepper switches to name
a few. The Mag-Probe will also detect
residual magnetism, transient current
pulses, and identify north and south poles. !
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The most frequent use of the Mag-Probe
is for troubleshooting malfunctioning
electrical solenoid valves and relays. The
electrical current within a solenoid valve
may be detected by identifying the presence
of a magnetic field using the Mag-Probe. If
the expected magnetic field is absent, either
no voltage is reaching the solenoid valve or
the coil is defective. Once the faulty valve
has been located, the component is
replaced, the unit can be restored to
service, or the next fault can be isolated. !
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The Mag-Probe can be used in the
sciences, medical, engineering, and
telecommunications industries for
maintenance and trouble shooting of
solenoid valves & relays. Special-purpose
applications include underwater use,
volatile, vacuum, and sterile environments
as it is completely self-contained,
waterproof and generates no electrostatic
pulses. Consequently the operation is
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completely isolated from computer loading
issues often seen with a voltmeter test
instrument. !
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Before the advent of The Bartol MagProbe the cost of service in terms of time,
manpower, and lost productivity was
significant. Checking the electrical solenoid
valves and relays using a conventional
voltmeter requires shutting down the
production line in order to isolate the
defective part and/or shutoff computerized
controls to prevent loading of the computer
output drivers. Complex electrical wiring
schematics must be utilized to isolate the
terminal strip for voltmeter probe connection
placement. Typically equipment and
instruments in volatile or sterile
environments required removal or isolation
for testing purposes as well as reinstallation
or sterilization in order to continue
production. !
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In contrast, the Mag-Probe can be used
in sterile, underwater, and volatile
environments within temperature ranges
f r o m - 4 0 F t o + 1 6 0 F. I n a d d i t i o n ,
troubleshooting with the Mag-Probe can be
performed while equipment is in full
operation without use of schematics as it
does not require direct contact to detect the
magnetic field. It requires no calibration and
provides confirmation of an electromagnetic, or conventional magnetic field
immediately. !
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How to measure the amount of time
the pulse is applied to the electrically
operated solenoid valve or relay:!
This is done using a stopwatch function on
a smartphone. !
1. When the Mag-Probe LED turns on,
start the timer. !
2. When the LED turns off, stop the timer.

3. Features!
Description:!
The Mag-Probe, as shown in the illustration,
is a self-contained device with an LED light
on one end and detector probe on the other
end. The probe requires no direct
connection.!
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Size and portability:!
The Bartol Mag-Probe is a lightweight,
waterproof portable instrument, that is
durable and compact enough to be easily
carried by a single person. !
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Included:!
An included plastic storage tube keeps the
Mag-Probe safe while not in use. Be sure to
remove the white magnetic shield from the
detector probe before each use and reinstall
after each use. The high/low sensitivity ring
is stored in the red cap on the end of the
storage tube.!
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SPECIFICATIONS!
• Response Time - .01 Second!
• Sensitivity - Variable!
• High sensitivity model "HS" - sensitivity:
1 gauss with high/low sensitivity ring
3 gauss without high/low sensitivity ring
(tests from sub-miniature and smaller to
the largest solenoid valves and relays)!
• Operating frequency - DC to 400 HZ!
• Shelf life - Retains 90% of its operating
capacity after 3 years!
• Operating life - 5000 five second tests!
• Salt & moisture proof!
• Temp range - (-40°F to +160°F)

4. Examples of use: !
The Mag-Probe is being utilized for troubleshooting solenoid valves and relays in the
following industries:
Aircraft Maintenance!
Construction Equipment!
Inspect for residual magnetism in fuel
solenoid valves.!
Rapid turnaround time in troubleshooting
commercial aircraft solenoid valves & relays. !
Test electrically operated hydraulic valves
for 15 foot scissor, 50 ton cranes, 135ft
boom lift, plus heavy equipment. !
Automobile!
Test Relays & Fuel Injectors that are not
magnetically shielded. !
Test engine fuel injectors and electrically
activated pneumatic valves for braking
systems. Test for magnetized trucks.!
Food Processing!
Hospital Equipment!
Test electrically activated solenoid valves &
relays .!
Test electrically activated solenoid valves &
relays, both liquid and gas.!
Nuclear & Conventional Power Plants!
Sterile Environments!
Test electrically activated solenoid valves,
both liquid and gas valves.!
Sterilizable to prevent contamination while
testing electrically activated solenoid valves,
both liquid and gas.!
Chemical Processing!
Test electrically operated solenoid valves &
relays.!
Commercial Trucks!
Trains!
Clean Rooms!
Test gas & fluid electrically activated
solenoid valves. See sterile environments. !
Fuel injectors and electrically activated
pneumatic valves in braking systems. Also
relays.!
Integrated Circuit Manufacturing!
Printing Companies!
Underwater Applications!
Test ink flow valves, electrically operated,
and relays.!
Waterproof tester for detecting magnetized
ship hulls, since the Mag-Probe is
waterproof. !
Oceangoing Ships!
Test electrically activated solenoid valves
and engine fuel injectors. !
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Gas & fluid control valves, electrically
activated solenoid valves & relays. !
Oil Exploration Equipment!
Gas and oil offshore drilling platforms &
refineries with gas, liquid and electrically
activated solenoid valves.!

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Examples of Use (continued):
Military Applications!
Aircraft, Trucks, Tanks, & Ships. !
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Advantages of the Mag-Probe: !
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• Portability !
• Speed – isolates problem as mechanical
Sewage Disposal & Treatment Plants!
Test electrically activated solenoid valves,
gas, fluid, & hydraulic.!
Farm Machinery!
Electrically operated hydraulic valves. !
Space Applications!
Mag-Probe operates in a vacuum
environment. Temperature range of
+160ºF to -40ºF !
Scientific Experimental Applications!
For magnetic testing !
Alignment of Magnets!
In a Linear Particle Accelerator !
Elevator!
Relays and electrically operated hydraulic
valves !
Machine Shop Specifications!
To check magnetism of raw materials and
residual magnetism of finished product!
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or electrical within seconds, provides
confirmation of the electric field
immediately !
No direct connection needed !
No need to follow schematics to isolate
terminal strip !
Salt and Moisture proof !
Intrinsically safe in explosive
environments !
Can be sterilized using cold process !
Self-contained - Waterproof !
Operates in a Vacuum !
Generates no electrostatic field !
Locates Residual Magnetism !
Detects transient pulses or momentary
loss of power !
Identifies North and South Poles !
Prevents loading of the computer output
drivers !
Operates at extreme temperature ranges
from -40F to +160F. !
Mag-Probe can be used while equipment
is in full operation!
Requires no calibration-Verify operation
by self-test with included magnet

6. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS!
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1. Hold the “Mag-Probe" as shown in
figure 2.
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2. Place the tip close to or on the shaft that
projects through the device’s coil.
General applications!
3. Observe the LED in the “Mag-Probe’s"
handle.
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The Bartol “Mag-Probe" is an Instrument for
sensing magnetic fields.!
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CAUTION: Damage may result if the "MagProbe" Is dropped.!
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All voltages (AC & DC)!
Solenoids, Solenoid valves, Relays, Reed
relays, Coils, Rotary solenoids, Stepper
switches, Detecting residual magnetism,
Coils, Transient current pulses, Identifying
North & South poles, etc.!
4. If the LED is on,the solenoid or relay is
energized.
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5. If the LED is off, the solenoid or relay is
de-energized.
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The white magnetic shield on the “MagProbe’s" tip reduces the chance of
magnetic fields turning it on during
storage and must be removed before
using. Replace the magnetic shield after
using.!
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6. If the LED turns on and off, and flow
through the solenoid valve under test is
not interrupted, or power through a
relay’s contacts don’t turn on and off, a
mechanical failure has occurred.
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DO NOT STORE THE “MAG-PROBE" NEAR A
PERMANENT MAGNET OR MAGNETIC FIELD.!
A “Mag-Probe" will not detect devices
enclosed in a magnetic shield. (most
devices aren’t shielded.)!
7. If the LED remains off during machine
operation, two possible problems exist:!
A. No power to the solenoid or relay.!
B. An open coil
To locate the problem, first test the
power source, then the solenoid or
relay coil.
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You may self test the “Mag-Probe" with the
High/Low sensitivity ring supplied with each
unit.!
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TESTING AC & DC DEVICES WITHOUT!
USING THE HIGH/LOW SENSITIVITY RING!
8. If transit pulses are suspected, hold the
Probe tip close to or on the solenoid or
relay and observe the LED during a
machine cycle. If transit pulses are
present during the time the solenoid or
relay should be off, the LED will flash on
and off.!
With a little practice, you’ll know when to
use the high/low sensitivity ring in order to
test sub-miniature and smaller devices.!
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If you need the added sensitivity, install the
high/low sensitivity ring according to the
following instructions.!
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7. INSTALLING THE!
HIGH/LOW SENSITIVITY RING!
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Note - When testing extremely small
magnetic fields such as sub-miniature
solenoids and relays, the high sensitivity ring
must be used.!
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Note: Any movement of the ring after the
LED goes out will decrease the sensitivity.!
Caution:!
To avoid false indications when using the
high sensitivity ring, the ring must not touch
a metal surface, but you may touch a metal
surface with the mag probes tip.!
1. Hold the high sensitivity ring between the
index finger and thumb with the white dot
on the ring toward the palm of your left
hand. (see figure 3)
Remember:!
First try your “Mag-Probe" without the high
sensitivity ring. Then, if you need the high
sensitivity to detect the device under test,
slip on the ring. !
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2. Slide the ring onto the tip toward the
body of the “Mag-Probe" until the red
LED goes out the first time. (see figure 4)
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3. Continue sliding the ring toward the
“Mag-Probe” body until the LED turns on
and then off for the second time (See
figure 5). Now the “Mag-Probe” is
adjusted for high sensitivity. To be sure
you have the highest sensitivity
obtainable, slide the ring back until the
light immediately turns on. Then with the
tip of the index finger and thumb pressed
against the ring (figure 3), use a slight
pinching motion to move the ring toward
the body of the “Mag-Probe”. Release
immediately as soon as the LED turns
off. Remember, figure 5 is the correct
position.!
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TESTING AC POWERED DEVICES WITH THE
HIGH/LOW SENSITIVITY RING INSTALLED!
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You won't have any problems testing any AC
powered device regardless of which end or
side you test just as long as the field
strength is within the “Mag-Probe’s"
sensitivity range. !
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8. TESTING DC POWERED DEVICES WITH THE
HIGH/LOW SENSITIVITY RING INSTALLED !
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When using the high/low sensitivity ring, the
“Mag-probe” becomes sensitive to north and
south poles. White dot toward the “MagProbe’s” tip detects North. When the ring is
removed and installed with the white dot on
the ring towards the “Mag-Probe’s” LED,
you'll detect only south poles. !
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DC powered devices can be connected to a
power source two ways.!
(See figure 6A and 6B) !
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As shown in figure 8, reed relays are DC
powered, you must follow the instructions for
testing DC powered devices.!
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In figure 6A, assume that a north pole occurs
at the coils upper end when a DC voltage is
applied as shown. If the polarity of the
applied voltage is reversed as shown in
figure 6B, A South Pole is generated at the
upper end. Try both ends of an operating
solenoid, relay, reed relay, or DC device.
Once you establish which end of the relay or
DC device causes the “Mag-Probe” to
operate, the other relays or DC devices
installed in the instrument under test should
respond at the same end. (See figure 7)!
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If a reed relay is mounted in such a way that
you are unable to reach the normally tested
end, reverse the high/low sensitivity ring and
test the accessible end “opposite”.!
(see fig. 8) !
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9. Notes:!
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BARTOL
BARTOL RESEARCH
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Work: 208 - 321 - 7566!
Fax: 208 - 378 - 1282!
inventorbobis@gmail.com!
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WWW.BARTOLRESEARCH.COM!