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Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently
severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Your help is, as always, much appreciated. Thank you. Frank |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
dags
"frank1492" wrote in message ... A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Your help is, as always, much appreciated. Thank you. Frank |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
On Wed, 02 May 2007 02:24:29 GMT, frank1492
wrote: A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Your help is, as always, much appreciated. Thank you. Frank She could use what she already has; the dog collar. Strap it on her arm and take a stroll around the yard. --Andy Asberry-- ------Texas----- |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
In article , frank1492 wrote:
A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. AM, tuned to a staticky place between stations. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. I've observed that some radios work better for this than others. We have one radio that's just dandy for locating breaks, and another one that isn't worth a hoot. Don't know why. Fresh batteries make the job a lot easier. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? Yes. Tune an AM radio between stations, and move it side-to-side across the suspected path of the wire, just above the ground. It's best to start in a spot where you *know* the exact location of the wire -- like where it crosses a driveway, or a sidewalk, where you can see the saw cut that the installer made in the concrete or asphalt. Wave the radio back and forth until you hear a definite change in the pattern of the static -- that's what you're searching for. Then start walking along the path of the wire, continuing to wave the radio back and forth. Sooner or later, you'll come to a spot where the signal fades, and eventually disappears completely. Mark that spot. Now go back to where you started, and in the same manner, follow the wire around the yard in the opposite direction. Again, you'll come to a place where the signal fades, and eventually disappears completely. Mark that spot, too. The break is approximately half-way between the marks. If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) Well, metal detectors aren't all *that* expensive... but the radio works just fine. I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Yep, that's all it is. -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com) It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again. |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
In article , "Toller" wrote:
dags Gee, that was helpful. "frank1492" wrote in message .. . A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Your help is, as always, much appreciated. Thank you. Frank -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com) It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again. |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
Andy Asberry wrote:
On Wed, 02 May 2007 02:24:29 GMT, frank1492 wrote: A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Your help is, as always, much appreciated. Thank you. Frank She could use what she already has; the dog collar. Strap it on her arm and take a stroll around the yard. --Andy Asberry-- ------Texas----- No, that's almost guaranteed not to work. It would only work if the break point was within a few inches of a node of the wavefront being propogated down the wire. BTDT. Pop` |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
frank1492 wrote:
Thanks so much Doug! Will relay this info to her. One quick comment: The Petsafe guy told her she would need an analog rather than a digital radio. I would assume that would cover most of the cheapo AM's, no? Thanks again! Frank On Wed, 02 May 2007 12:42:45 GMT, (Doug Miller) wrote: In article , frank1492 wrote: A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. AM, tuned to a staticky place between stations. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. I've observed that some radios work better for this than others. We have one radio that's just dandy for locating breaks, and another one that isn't worth a hoot. Don't know why. Fresh batteries make the job a lot easier. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? Yes. Tune an AM radio between stations, and move it side-to-side across the suspected path of the wire, just above the ground. It's best to start in a spot where you *know* the exact location of the wire -- like where it crosses a driveway, or a sidewalk, where you can see the saw cut that the installer made in the concrete or asphalt. Wave the radio back and forth until you hear a definite change in the pattern of the static -- that's what you're searching for. Then start walking along the path of the wire, continuing to wave the radio back and forth. Sooner or later, you'll come to a spot where the signal fades, and eventually disappears completely. Mark that spot. Now go back to where you started, and in the same manner, follow the wire around the yard in the opposite direction. Again, you'll come to a place where the signal fades, and eventually disappears completely. Mark that spot, too. The break is approximately half-way between the marks. If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) Well, metal detectors aren't all *that* expensive... but the radio works just fine. I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Yep, that's all it is. Right. Actually, the best radio you could use is one of the cheaper ones, cheaper the better. Or the oldest radio you might have in the house would likely be sure to not be digital. Since IIRC this was a dug up garden, there could be a lot more than just one break in the wire, too. That would account for the "stop" areas mentioned being really far apart, as in not quite to the garden edges yet. Especially if a tiller was used. Those wires were probably only buried about 4 inches deep, so chances of a tiller making spaghetti our of it are good. If you have to make splices underground, be sure they're watertight. I find that GE Silicone II works well in a cocoon around the splice. HTH Pop` |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
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Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
In article , frank1492 wrote:
Thanks so much Doug! Will relay this info to her. One quick comment: The Petsafe guy told her she would need an analog rather than a digital radio. I would assume that would cover most of the cheapo AM's, no? Thanks again! Frank I should think so, yeah -- or anything made more than, say, five years ago. -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com) It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again. |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
On Wed, 02 May 2007 18:06:32 GMT, "Pop`"
wrote: frank1492 wrote: Thanks so much Doug! Will relay this info to her. One quick comment: The Petsafe guy told her she would need an analog rather than a digital radio. I would assume that would cover most of the cheapo AM's, no? Thanks again! Frank On Wed, 02 May 2007 12:42:45 GMT, (Doug Miller) wrote: In article , frank1492 wrote: A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. AM, tuned to a staticky place between stations. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. I've observed that some radios work better for this than others. We have one radio that's just dandy for locating breaks, and another one that isn't worth a hoot. Don't know why. Fresh batteries make the job a lot easier. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? Yes. Tune an AM radio between stations, and move it side-to-side across the suspected path of the wire, just above the ground. It's best to start in a spot where you *know* the exact location of the wire -- like where it crosses a driveway, or a sidewalk, where you can see the saw cut that the installer made in the concrete or asphalt. Wave the radio back and forth until you hear a definite change in the pattern of the static -- that's what you're searching for. Then start walking along the path of the wire, continuing to wave the radio back and forth. Sooner or later, you'll come to a spot where the signal fades, and eventually disappears completely. Mark that spot. Now go back to where you started, and in the same manner, follow the wire around the yard in the opposite direction. Again, you'll come to a place where the signal fades, and eventually disappears completely. Mark that spot, too. The break is approximately half-way between the marks. If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) Well, metal detectors aren't all *that* expensive... but the radio works just fine. I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Yep, that's all it is. Right. Actually, the best radio you could use is one of the cheaper ones, cheaper the better. Or the oldest radio you might have in the house would likely be sure to not be digital. Transistor, circa '60s? Radio Shack may have a kit to build an AM radio. If you have to make splices underground, be sure they're watertight. I find that GE Silicone II works well in a cocoon around the splice. I like that shrink wrap stuff when you heat it..(auto store) -- Oren "I don't have anything against work. I just figure, why deprive somebody who really loves it." |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
mm wrote:
On Wed, 02 May 2007 12:42:45 GMT, (Doug Miller) wrote: If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) Well, metal detectors aren't all *that* expensive... but the radio works just fine. Yeah, but then I'd have to keep it in the basement for the rest of my life. Even if I buy it used and could sell it for the same price, I wouldn't want to sell my metal detector, in case I need it again. :) Why not just watch where the dog exits? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
OK you buy the metal detector to find the break. In the process you pick up
a hum in the yard . Then you think hummmmmmm maybe a rare coin as you dig you find a watch BUT its attached to an arm then what? As the police are back- howing your yard after they tear out you fence You think I should have sprung for the cheap radio Wow it sure can get complicated "CJT" wrote in message ... mm wrote: On Wed, 02 May 2007 12:42:45 GMT, (Doug Miller) wrote: If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) Well, metal detectors aren't all *that* expensive... but the radio works just fine. Yeah, but then I'd have to keep it in the basement for the rest of my life. Even if I buy it used and could sell it for the same price, I wouldn't want to sell my metal detector, in case I need it again. :) Why not just watch where the dog exits? -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
Finding a Break in an "Invisible Fence" Wire
On May 2, 1:06 pm, frank1492 wrote:
Thanks so much Doug! Will relay this info to her. One quick comment: The Petsafe guy told her she would need an analog rather than a digital radio. I would assume that would cover most of the cheapo AM's, no? Thanks again! Frank On Wed, 02 May 2007 12:42:45 GMT, (Doug Miller) wrote: In article , frank1492 wrote: A friend has an invisible fence for her dog. The wire was apparently severed by someone turning over soil in a rather large area adjacent to her property. She claims to have used a portable radio to find the break in this system before, but she can't remember whether she was using the AM or the FM band. AM, tuned to a staticky place between stations. In any event, this time she has tried a different radio (the other one is broken) with no success. I've observed that some radios work better for this than others. We have one radio that's just dandy for locating breaks, and another one that isn't worth a hoot. Don't know why. Fresh batteries make the job a lot easier. My question is: Can one use a radio to find a break like this? And if so, how is it done? Yes. Tune an AM radio between stations, and move it side-to-side across the suspected path of the wire, just above the ground. It's best to start in a spot where you *know* the exact location of the wire -- like where it crosses a driveway, or a sidewalk, where you can see the saw cut that the installer made in the concrete or asphalt. Wave the radio back and forth until you hear a definite change in the pattern of the static -- that's what you're searching for. Then start walking along the path of the wire, continuing to wave the radio back and forth. Sooner or later, you'll come to a spot where the signal fades, and eventually disappears completely. Mark that spot. Now go back to where you started, and in the same manner, follow the wire around the yard in the opposite direction. Again, you'll come to a place where the signal fades, and eventually disappears completely. Mark that spot, too. The break is approximately half-way between the marks. If not, is there an inexpensive device that could be used to do it? (She doesn't want to spring for a metal detector.) Well, metal detectors aren't all *that* expensive... but the radio works just fine. I really don't need more info, but would like to know a little more about how invisible fences work. I would assume the wire simply acts like a transmitting antenna. Yep, that's all it is. Analog rather than digital pretty much because analog radios tend not to have a "squelch" and you can hear whatever noise there is between stations, whereas digital radios automatically apply squelch to, well, squelch the noise (turn off the speaker whenever thewre is no signal). Dave |
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