CABLE06/12/06
PRODUCTlaunch
The MPP1000 Pinpointer - New, Enhanced Replacement for the SD-3000
From: John DeBlasi, Product Marketing Manager/Richard Brown, VP Product Marketing
Megger is pleased to introduce the all new MPP1000, an updated replacement for the SD3000 Surge Detector. The unveiling of the new MPP1000, or Pinpointer unit, is part of an overall program in preparation for the future launch of the MCFL8000 Cable Fault Locator. The unit will work as an accessory with any cable surge generator.
The MPP1000 is available as a stand-alone unit or as a single or dual probe version that will allow the customer to pinpoint the location of a cable fault. The stand-alone unit (without probes) detects electromagnetic impulse. It aids in finding the fault by measuring the electromagnetic surge and supplying the amplitude of that surge. The single probe version allows for detection of the acoustic “thump” and provides a measure of the distance to the fault by measuring the time delay between acoustic and electromagnetic signals. The dual probe version adds to these features by supplying the direction as well as the distance to the fault. Single and Dual probe versions are sold with all of the necessary accessories required to accompany the MPP1000 unit. Products can be upgraded at any time.
Individual parts of the Pinpointer package have been enhanced with features that have been created for customer comfort and ease. The MPP1000 is contained in a lightweight, compact housing that can be easily carried by a “hands free” adjustable strap around the neck. The unit housing is a rugged, weather resistant enclosure which allows for operation in almost all weather conditions. A convenient hook that keeps cables in place has been added to the knurled geo-phone support pole which allows for easier handling and grip. Detachable cables allow for easy, trouble free connections. If geo-phones are not plugged in, a lock symbol is displayed and headphones are automatically muted. Headphones easily cancel ambient noises traveling through the air.
The MPP1000 will replace the existing SD-3000 unit in the marketplace. Pricing is comparable to the older units. Enhanced features have been specifically created for customer ease of use.
OBJECTIVE
The MPP1000 is designed specifically for customers that need to locate faults in shielded, primary, direct buried electric cables. When an arcing fault is surged, the electromagnetic and acoustic pulses can be detected. The unique advantage of the MPP1000 is that it incorporates all of the newest technologies into one integrated weather resistant test set that provides the customer with accurate and quick fault detection. The modern, sleek design offers additional functionality and is easier to maintain and use.
The Megger goal is to increase market share by targeting existing customers who currently own the older SD-3000. New opportunities will also be created by targeting customers of low energy fault locating systems (such as our Suitcase Impulse Generator or IUP’s Fault Wizard). The MPP1000 will be promoted as a suggested accessory on all cable fault thumper or PFL quotations, demonstrations, etc.
MARKETING/PROMOTION STRATEGIES
Target Markets
Promotional efforts will be targeted at the power utility markets with regards to underground maintenance. Large industrials, mining operations, military bases/complexes and electrical contractors/testing companies will also be targeted in the marketing campaign.
Megger will sell the MPP1000 to existing customers who currently own the older SD3000 unit. New customers will also be targeted in an effort to capture additional market share.
The MPP1000 will be sold exclusively in the United States by Sales team 200, by Team 400 in S.A., and by Team 100 internationally.
Promotional Focus
The promotional push of the Pinpointer unit will focus primarily on its ease of use, rugged design and its ability to capture quick, accurate cable fault distance and direction in a high noise or difficult environment.
Efforts will be made through the following:
- Publicity/Press Release: To all major publications that focus on the above target markets
- Conferences and Shows: Promote the MPP1000 at various events and sales meetings held throughout the year.
- Megger Website: Include a feature on the Home Page promoting ease of use, overall message.
- One Minute @ Megger E-Mail: Send out to Megger community.
- ET Newsletter: Article explaining the new product to be included in an upcoming issue of the newsletter.
Megger will include the MPP1000 when focusing on additional future promotional activity for the scheduled upgrade of the Cable Test and Fault Location product line. An ad and direct mail piece touting the complete Cable Fault line will be targeted to various industries who utilize this system.
Pricing
Each individual unit is priced as follows:
DescriptionCat. NumberPrice
Pinpointer, Stand-Alone UnitMPP1000$1,800.00
Pinpointer, Single Probe VersionMPP1001$3,200.00
Includes (1) MPP1000 Pinpointer, (1) Carry Strap, (1) Geo-Phone, (1) Headphone, (1) Carry Case, (1) Instruction Manual, (8) “AA” Batteries
Pinpointer, Dual Probe VersionMPP1002$4,000.00
Includes (1) MPP1000 Pinpointer, (1) Carry Strap, (2) Geo-Phones, (1) Headphone, (1) Carry Case, (1) Instruction Manual, (8) “AA” Batteries
MPP1000 Upgrade to Single Probe Version36177-1$1,680.00
MPP1000 Upgrade to Dual Probe Version36177-2$2,640.00
Upgrade from Single Probe to Dual Probe Version36161$960.00
Individual Options and Accessories include:
DescriptionCat. Number
MPP1000 PinpointerMPP1000
Geo-Phone (includes cable, rod, knob and spike)36161
Headphone36162
Carry Strap6220-780
Carry Case36120
Instruction ManualAVTMMPP
“AA” Battery (8 required)23415
MPP1000 Upgrade to Single Probe Version36177-1
MPP1000 Upgrade to Dual Probe Version36177-2
Upgrade from Single Probe to Dual Probe Version36161
Product Delivery: Stock to 6 weeks.
Selling Strategy
-Target existing customers and new ones in the power utility markets by stressing the updated, enhanced product features and capabilities (compact housing, “hands free” strap, hook on knurled geo-phone poles, detachable geo-phone cables)
-Create the need by pointing out the errors associated with conventional acoustic detection (echoes due to duct bank, asphalt, tree roots, etc.)
-Stress the importance of reducing “thumping” stress on service aged cables and therefore the importance of accurate information capture, quick retrieval and effective results regarding fault location.
-Address the durability and weatherability of the MPP1000.
-Focus on the selling features that include acoustic detection, measurement of time delay between acoustic and electromagnetic signals, direction and approximate distance to fault.
-Identify other system offerings which include sound detection and amplification, sound receivers, impulse indication, relative distance, ballistic impulse via surge pulse scale and electromagnetic trigger time delay.
-Highlight the selectable frequency bands and ambient noise canceling headphones which cancel the unwanted noises traveling through the air and ground.
-Mention that units are easily upgradeable at any time.
-Explain that volume discounting for larger orders will be available.
SALES GUIDE
Product FamilyCable Test Equipment
Product NameMPP1000 Pinpointer - Stand-Alone, Single and Dual Probe Versions
Introduction to the MPP1000 Pinpointer
The MPP1000 is available as a stand-alone unit (without probes), or as a Single Probe or Dual Probe Version. The product effectively detects the cable fault distance and direction via the above configurations. The MPP1000 can be easily upgraded at any time.
The stand-alone unit:
-Detects electromagnetic impulse
-Measures electromagnetic surge and supplies the amplitude of that surge
The single probe version provides:
-Detection of the acoustic signal “thump” and measurement of acoustic signal strength
-Measurement of time delay between acoustic and electromagnetic signals
-Relative distance to fault calculated
The dual probe version provides:
-Detection of the acoustic signal “thump” and measurement of acoustic signal strength
-Measurement of time delay between acoustic and electromagnetic signals
-Relative distance to fault calculated
-Direction to the fault
FEATURES, BENEFITS, ADVANTAGES
Actual specifications can be found on the Data Sheet accompanying this file.
-Determines distance and direction to cable fault by measuring electromagnetic surge and
acoustic emission, providing fast and efficient fault pinpointing
-Lightweight, rugged, weather resistant enclosure allows for operation in almost all
weather conditions
-The only pinpointer that measures and displays ballistic impulse (via a pulse scale),
acoustic signal strength, time delay between acoustic and magnetic signal, relative
distance and direction to the fault
-“Hands free” adjustable strap
-Housed in a sturdy, durable case which holds all of the unit components
-Highly effective detectors sense faults up to 50ft. away (15 m approx)
-Alerts operator to surge period by scale providing cable path and trigger information
-Selectable acoustic frequency band (an advanced user feature) eliminates problems of background interference
-Headphones easily cancel ambient noise, allowing use in high noise environments
-Convenient hook on knurled geo-phone support poles allows for safe cable holding
-Modern, stylish look and feel
-Easily upgradeable (can be purchased as a stand-alone unit, single or dual probe version)
A pushbutton controls the volume of the sound in the headphones and can be adjusted for
operator comfort. A single mute button simply mutes the headset, both the left and right detectors, on or off. The MPP will not automatically mute the headset on lift. There is also an ambient noise reduction option and surge period alert by pulse scale.
The receiver’s display allows customers to view the following:
-Acoustic signal strength and time delay between the electromagnetic surge and acoustic
event
-Arrow indication of distance to fault
-Level of electromagnetic surge
-Measurement of the volume of acoustic transmission
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
Direct Competitors to the MPP1000 product are acoustic amplifiers (various providers),
Aqua-Tronics, HDW Electronics, Hipotronics and SebaKMT. Please see the attached
data sheets for additional competitor product information.
Aqua-Tronics and Hipotronics sell the same product. The unit is designed by Aqua-
Tronics and is sold to Hipotronics through a brand labeling agreement. SebaKMT and
HDW Electronics market the same product.
The MDP outperforms competitors on various levels.
Acoustic Amplifiers:
The MPP does not encounter issues with acoustic echoes. It eliminates this problem by
tracking both the magnetic and acoustic signals and measuring the time delay
between these signals. The MPP is also more effective for fast fault tracking and a
reduction in thumping. In addition, the unit easily eliminates the problems of background
noise.
SebaKMT (Digiphone)/HDW Electronics (Digiphone):
The MPP provides similar features and offers added benefits. The modernized design of the Megger unit allows for easier handling when functioning. Unlike the Digiphone, the MPP1000 provides the option of a second acoustic sensor that provides direction. It also allows the operator to choose his/her preferred tracking method and offers a greater level of sensitivity over traditional bargraphs with the pulse scale. Although some may argue that the weight of the Digiphone allows for additional security in rough terrain, others will suggest that the MPP’s lighter weight is easier to maintain.
Aqua-Tronics (S.D.A.D.)/Hipotronics (H.S.D.A.D.):
Although the D.A.D. (Dual Acoustic Detector) offers ballistic tracking, the MPP takes this application one step further by replacing the bargraph detection with a pulse scale. Whereas the D.A.D. is only offered in a set of two microphone pickups, the MPP can be purchased as either a single or dual probe version. The Megger unit also offers selectable frequency bands to deal with background noise; additional “special” microphone sensors are required with the D.A.D. unit.
Aqua-Tronics/Hipotronics features fault depth indication, a relative measurement based on the speed of sound. It is very similar to the relative distance measurement given on the MPP1000. Since depth is rarely a concern to the lineman looking to pinpoint a fault, the relative distance offered by the MPP1000 is more practical and desired. The D.A.D. product also offers additional functionality that can be used for secondary fault location.