1. BartolMagProbe
This article is about the MagProbe test instrument, providing general information.
The MagProbe 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. The basic sensitivity is
3 gauss to as sensitive as 1 gauss. Tests can be accomplished in less than 10ms without referring to
a schematic, powering down equipment or making a direct connection. This quickly allows
differentiation between mechanical and electrical problems.
The MagProbe is commonly used to verify the presence of AC or DCcurrent 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 MagProbe will also detect
residual magnetism, transient current pulses and identify north and south poles.
The most frequent use of the MagProbe 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 MagProbe. 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.
The MagProbe 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 completely isolated from computer loading issues often seen with a voltmeter test
instrument.
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 requiresshutting 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.
In contrast, the MagProbe can be used in sterile, underwater, and volatile environments within
temperature ranges from -40F to +160F. In addition, troubleshooting with the MagProbe 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 calibrationand provides confirmation of
an electro-magnetic, or conventional magnetic field immediately.

2. Contents
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1 Features and uses
o 1.1 Description
 1.1.1 Display and general external appearance
 1.1.2 Size and portability
2 Other features
o 2.1 Examples of use
o 2.2 Automotive use
7 References
8 External links
Features and Uses |
Description Display and General External Appearance
The MagProbe, 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.
Size and portability: The Bartol MagProbe is a lightweight, waterproof portable
instrument, durable are compact enough to be easily carried by a single person.

9. Examples of use:
The MagProbe is being utilized for troubleshooting solenoid valves and relays
in the following industries:
Aircraft Maintenance– Inspect for residual magnetism of fuel solenoid valves
-Rapid turnaround time to troubleshoot commercial aircraft
Automobile– Inspect Relays - Fuel Injectors that are not magnetically shielded
Magnetic Alignment of Tire Molding Mechanism
Food Processingindustrial liquid or electrically activated pneumatic valves
Nuclear and Conventional Power Plants– electrically activated pneumatic valves,
liquid and gas valves
Chemical Processing– liquid valves
Commercial trucks–fuel injectors and electrically activated pneumatic valves in braking
systems
Printing Companies–ink flow valves
Oceangoing Ships– electrically activated pneumatic valves and engine injectors
Construction Equipment– electrically operated hydraulic valves for 15 foot scissor, 50
ton cranes, 135ft boom lift
Military Aircraft, Trucks, Tanks and Ships
Trains – engine fuel injectors and electrically activated pneumatic valves for braking
systems
Hospital Equipment– electrically activated pneumatic valves, liquid and gas valves
Sterile Environments– sterilizable to prevent contamination while testing electrically
activated pneumatic valves, liquid and gas valves
Clean Rooms–gas, fluid and electrically activated pneumatic valves valves
Integrated Circuit Manufacturing–fluid control valves, electrically activated
pneumatic valves

10. Underwater Applications– waterproof tester for detecting magnetized ship hulls
Oil Exploration Equipment- gas and oil offshore drilling platformswith gas, liquid and
electrically activated pneumatic valves
Sewage Disposal Plants–liquid chemical valves and electrically activated pneumatic
valves
Farm Machinery– electrically operated hydraulic valves
Space Applications–MagProbe operates in a vacum environment
Scientific Experimental Applicationsfor magnetic testing
Alignment of Magnets in a Linear Particle Accelerator
Elevator-relays and electrically operated hydraulic valves
Machine Shop Specificationsto check magnatism of raw materials and residual
magnatism of finished product
Advantages of the MagProbe:
Portability
Speed – isolates problem as mechanical 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

11. 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.
MagProbe can be used while equipment is in full operation
Requires no calibration-Verify operation by self-test with included magnet
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