RIDGID Remote Transmitter 512 (AAA)

The RIDGID 16728 Remote Transmitter (NaviTrack Battery Sonde) is a high-power, standalone 512 Hz transmitter sonde engineered for underground pipe location and sewer blockage tracing. Powered by a single AAA alkaline battery, this compact transmitter attaches to drain snake cables, pushrods, or flushable carriers to pinpoint underground pipe faults up to 25 ft deep.

Standalone Sonde Classification

Crucial Equipment Note: The RIDGID 16728 is a standalone battery-powered signal transmitter. It does not contain a camera, optical lens, or monitor. To locate the transmitter underground, it must be tracked from the surface using a dedicated 512 Hz locator receiver (such as the RIDGID NaviTrack Scout 19238 or SeekTech SR-20).

512 Hz Signal Propagation and Depth Reach

The 16728 transmits a continuous, high-power 512 Hz electromagnetic dipole field. This low frequency provides optimal penetration through dense ground cover, concrete slabs, clay tile, and PVC piping, delivering an operating depth range of up to 15-20 ft (4.5-6 m) underground and up to 25 ft in open air.

Attachment Methods: Pushrod Thread & Flushable Carrier

• Pushrod / Drain Snake Thread: Standard 1/4″-20 female thread mounts onto drain cleaning cables, sectional sewer snakes, or fiberglass duct rodders.
• Flushable Capsule: Can be secured into a flushable float capsule to trace active residential waste lines to the city sewer main without mechanical rodding.
• Camera Spring Attachment: Mounts behind non-transmitting camera heads to upgrade basic drain cameras with 512 Hz locating capability.

Verified Technical Specifications

Specification Metric	Verified Manufacturer Data
Catalogue / Part Number	RIDGID 16728 / NaviTrack Remote Transmitter
Operating Frequency	512 Hz Continuous Precision Signal
Power Source	1x AAA Alkaline Battery (1.5V)
Battery Operating Life	Approximately 4 hours continuous transmission
Detection Depth Range	Up to 15-20 ft (4.5-6 m) in non-metallic pipe; up to 25 ft in air
Outer Dimensions	Diameter: 1.0 in (25 mm) | Length: 3.0 in (76 mm)
Mounting Thread	1/4″-20 Threaded Connection
Housing Material	Machined solid brass with abrasion-resistant polymer cap
Waterproof Rating	IP68 Waterproof Submersible with double O-ring seal
Total Weight	0.4 lbs (0.18 kg) with battery

Compatible 512 Hz Locator Receivers

• RIDGID NaviTrack Scout (19238): Dedicated multi-directional sonde locator with graphical target guidance.
• RIDGID SeekTech SR-20 (21893): Comprehensive utility and sonde locator with 3D mapping display.
• Universal Receivers: Compatible with all industry-standard 512 Hz locating wands from Radiodetection, Vivax-Metrotech, and SubSite.

Included vs. Not Included Equipment

• Included with 16728: 512 Hz remote transmitter sonde, 1x AAA alkaline battery, and instruction sheet.
• Not Included: Handheld locator receiver, pushrod, drain cleaning machine, or camera reel.

Genuine Limitations

• Battery Life: Single AAA battery provides ~4 hours of continuous signal; replace before deep or long tracing operations.
• Cast Iron Signal Attenuation: In thick cast iron or ductile iron mains, signal depth is reduced to ~8-10 ft compared to 15+ ft in PVC or clay.