DigiTrak sonde compatibility must be confirmed before purchasing a replacement transmitter for an HDD locating system. A sonde may fit inside the drill housing but still be unable to communicate correctly with the locator.
The correct transmitter depends on the exact DigiTrak locator platform being used. DigiTrak ARES, Falcon F5, Falcon F2, Classic F5, and Classic F2 systems use different transmitter families. Choosing the wrong model can result in missing pitch, roll, depth, temperature, battery, or fluid-pressure information.
At American Sonde Company, we help HDD contractors identify the correct transmitter before ordering. This guide explains which sondes are compatible with the most common DigiTrak locating systems.
DigiTrak Sonde Compatibility for ARES Locators
The DigiTrak ARES locator is compatible with the DTS15p and DT15p transmitters.
The DTS15p is the newer SuperCore transmitter designed for the ARES locating platform. It combines wideband and Sub-k rebar capabilities in one transmitter and includes Bluetooth pairing and multiple power settings.
The DT15p is the Classic-Core transmitter option for the DigiTrak ARES. It provides wideband operation, rebar locating capability, fluid-pressure information, Bluetooth pairing, and Multi-Power operation.
For crews using a DigiTrak ARES locator, the two primary 15-inch transmitter options are:
DTS15p SuperCore transmitter
DT15p Classic-Core transmitter
The DTS15p is the more advanced option, while the DT15p provides a familiar battery configuration and performance comparable to previous 15-inch Falcon F5 transmitters.
Do not confuse the DT15p or DTS15p with the older FT5p. Although the names and dimensions may appear similar, the DT15p and DTS15p are specifically associated with the newer ARES platform.
DigiTrak Sonde Compatibility for Falcon F5 and F5+
The FT5p is the primary 15-inch transmitter for DigiTrak Falcon F5 and Falcon F5+ locating systems.
The FT5p is a wideband Falcon transmitter designed to support the more advanced capabilities of the Falcon F5 platform. Depending on the transmitter generation and receiver configuration, these capabilities may include Multi-Power operation, sensitive pitch, fluid-pressure information, and access to a large range of operating frequencies.
The FT5p is the best direct replacement for contractors who want to maintain the complete functionality of their Falcon F5 system.
The FT2 can also operate with standard Falcon F5 systems when using a compatible Multi-Power V2 transmitter. However, an FT2 does not provide every feature available from an FT5p.
An FT2 may provide standard locating information such as depth, pitch, roll, temperature, and battery status, but it does not provide the same complete Falcon F5 feature set. For example, the FT2 is not a fluid-pressure transmitter.
For the strongest Falcon F5 compatibility and complete system functionality, the FT5p remains the recommended choice.
Is the FT2 Compatible With a Falcon F5 Locator?
Yes, compatible Multi-Power FT2 transmitters can work with standard Falcon F5 receivers.
This compatibility is frequently overlooked because the FT2 is primarily marketed as a Falcon F2 transmitter. However, Multi-Power V2 Falcon transmitters can operate across standard Falcon F1, Falcon F2, and Falcon F5 systems.
Compatibility does not mean that the FT2 becomes identical to an FT5p. The Falcon F5 receiver can receive locating data from a compatible FT2, but the FT2 does not add FT5p-specific features that are not built into the transmitter.
An FT2 may therefore be a practical option for a Falcon F5 owner who needs a compatible replacement or backup and does not require fluid-pressure functionality.
A contractor who wants the full capabilities of the Falcon F5 platform should purchase an FT5p.
DigiTrak Sonde Compatibility for Falcon F2 and F2+
The FT2 is the standard 15-inch transmitter for DigiTrak Falcon F2 and Falcon F2+ locators.
The FT2 provides wideband frequency selection, depth information, pitch, roll, temperature, and battery status. It is designed for everyday HDD locating applications where crews need the interference-management benefits of the Falcon platform.
The primary transmitter match is simple:
Falcon F2 locator uses an FT2 transmitter.
Falcon F2+ locator uses an FT2 or another compatible Falcon F2+ transmitter.
The FT2L+ is a longer 19-inch transmitter intended for the Falcon F2+ platform. The FT2S is an 8-inch option for smaller housings, while the FT2XS is a compact 6-inch transmitter for shallow and small-rig applications.
For a standard 15-inch housing, the FT2 is the most common replacement.
DigiTrak Sonde Compatibility for Falcon F1
The FT1 is the standard transmitter for the DigiTrak Falcon F1 locator.
The FT1 is designed for simpler Falcon locating applications and operates across a smaller frequency range than the FT2 and FT5p. It still provides the frequency-selection and interference-management benefits associated with Falcon technology.
Compatible FT1-family models include the standard 15-inch FT1, the 8-inch FT1S, and the compact FT1XS.
Certain Multi-Power V2 Falcon transmitters may also communicate with standard Falcon F1 receivers. However, the FT1 remains the direct transmitter match for the Falcon F1 platform.
DigiTrak Sonde Compatibility for Classic F5 Locators
The Classic DigiTrak F5 is not the same system as the DigiTrak Falcon F5.
This is one of the most common sources of HDD transmitter compatibility mistakes.
A Falcon F5 normally uses an FT5p. A Classic F5 commonly uses an FX Series or F5 Series transmitter.
The FX12 and FX19 are both compatible with Classic DigiTrak F5 systems.
The FX12 is a 15-inch F Series transmitter operating at approximately 12 kHz. The FX19 is a 15-inch F Series transmitter operating at approximately 19 kHz.
Classic F5 locators can also use compatible F5-specific transmitters, including selected dual-frequency, single-frequency, extended-range, and fluid-pressure models.
F5-specific transmitters are intended for Classic F5 systems only. They should not be confused with Falcon FT5p transmitters.
Before purchasing, check whether the receiver says “F5” or “Falcon F5.” That single word determines which transmitter family should be used.
DigiTrak Sonde Compatibility for Classic F2 Locators
The Classic DigiTrak F2 is compatible with F Series transmitters, including the FX12 and FX19.
The FX12 operates at approximately 12 kHz and is a common choice for Classic F2 systems.
The FX19 operates at approximately 19 kHz and provides an alternative frequency for jobsites where interference makes 12 kHz less effective.
Both transmitters provide the locating information required by compatible Classic F2 and Classic F5 receivers.
The choice between an FX12 and FX19 should depend on the receiver configuration, available frequencies, and interference conditions at the jobsite.
Falcon F5 Versus Classic F5 Sonde Compatibility
Falcon F5 and Classic F5 locators have similar names, but they use different transmitter technologies.
A Falcon F5 uses Falcon wideband transmitters such as the FT5p.
A Classic F5 uses F Series transmitters such as the FX12 and FX19 or compatible F5-specific transmitters.
An FX12 or FX19 should not be purchased as a direct replacement for an FT5p. An FT5p should not be purchased for a Classic F5 system without first confirming compatibility.
The same naming issue applies to Falcon F2 and Classic F2 systems.
A Falcon F2 primarily uses the FT2.
A Classic F2 uses compatible F Series transmitters such as the FX12 and FX19.
Always identify whether the locator is a Falcon or Classic model before ordering.
Physical Size Does Not Confirm DigiTrak Sonde Compatibility
Many HDD transmitters are approximately 15 inches long and 1.25 inches in diameter. Because their dimensions are similar, contractors sometimes assume that one 15-inch sonde can replace another.
Physical fit only confirms that the sonde can fit inside the housing. It does not confirm that the locator can receive and interpret the transmitter signal.
Two sondes can have the same length, diameter, battery arrangement, and general appearance while using completely different frequencies and communication protocols.
Correct DigiTrak sonde compatibility depends on the transmitter family, receiver platform, frequency range, transmitter generation, and enabled locator features.
How to Identify the Correct DigiTrak Sonde
Before ordering a replacement transmitter, confirm the full model name printed on the locator.
Look specifically for terms such as ARES, Falcon F5, Falcon F2, Falcon F1, F5, or F2.
Next, check the model number printed on the existing transmitter. Common transmitter model numbers include DTS15p, DT15p, FT5p, FT2, FT1, FX12, and FX19.
You should also confirm the required sonde length, housing diameter, operating frequency, and whether fluid-pressure or rebar locating capability is needed.
If the transmitter label is damaged or missing, send American Sonde Company a clear photograph of the locator and existing sonde. We can help identify the correct replacement before the order is placed.
Correct Sonde Matches by Locator
For a DigiTrak ARES locator, use a DTS15p or DT15p.
For a DigiTrak Falcon F5 or F5+ locator, use an FT5p for complete functionality. A compatible Multi-Power FT2 may also work when fluid-pressure functionality is not required.
For a DigiTrak Falcon F2 or F2+ locator, use an FT2 or another appropriate Falcon F2-family transmitter.
For a DigiTrak Falcon F1 locator, use an FT1 or another appropriate Falcon F1-family transmitter.
For a Classic DigiTrak F5 locator, use an FX12, FX19, or compatible F5-specific transmitter.
For a Classic DigiTrak F2 locator, use an FX12 or FX19.
Find the Right Sonde for Your DigiTrak Locator
Ordering the correct transmitter protects your crew from downtime, calibration problems, missing data, and unnecessary returns.
American Sonde Company supplies professionally tested HDD transmitters for DigiTrak ARES, Falcon, and Classic locating systems. Contact us with the model of your locator or send us a photograph of your current transmitter. We will help confirm compatibility before you order.
DigiTrak, ARES, Falcon, F1, F2, F5, DTS15p, DT15p, FT1, FT2, FT5p, FX12, and FX19 are trademarks or product identifiers belonging to their respective owner. American Sonde Company is an independent supplier and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Digital Control Incorporated.