• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
General Aviation News

General Aviation News

Because flying is cool

  • Pictures of the Day
    • Submit Picture of the Day
  • Stories
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
    • Products
    • NTSB Accidents
    • ASRS Reports
  • Comments
  • Classifieds
    • Place Classified Ad
  • Events
  • Print Archives
  • Subscribe
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Hear problems before they become breakdowns

By Janice Wood · January 4, 2011 ·

Spectronics Corp. has introduced the Spectroline Marksman ultrasonic diagnostic tool, which converts and amplifies inaudible ultrasonic sound into audible “natural” sound. Aviation technicians can hear sounds that signify problems, such as compressed air, vacuum, pneumatic and other pressurized leaks. It’s also used to check for electrical discharge due to insulation breakdown, carbon tracking and arcing.

The Marksman uses a two-tiered process to ensure accurate diagnosis, according to company officials. First, the receiver unit converts inaudible sound into audible sound using a process known as heterodyning. Then, the receiver’s Sound Signal Technology fine-tunes the audible sound into the natural sound emitted by the defect itself. A 10-bar LED display indicates the intensity of incoming signals.

MDE-1000 Marksman Master Kit

The MDE-1000 Marksman Master Kit comes with a receiver, full-sized headphones, two probes, and an ultrasonic emitter that allows technicians to test for faulty seals, gaskets and weather stripping in doors, windows, ductwork and other non-pressurized enclosures. When attached to the receiver, the 12-inch hollow probe accentuates air sounds, while the solid contact probe accentuates sounds of worn or grinding gears. Standard 9-volt alkaline batteries are included for both the receiver and the emitter. All components are packed in a storage case with foam insert.

For more information: 800-274-8888 or Spectroline.com

About Janice Wood

Janice Wood is editor of General Aviation News.

Share this story

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on LinkedIn Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit Share on Reddit
  • Share via Email Share via Email

Become a better informed pilot.

Join 110,000 readers each month and get the latest news and entertainment from the world of general aviation direct to your inbox, daily.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Curious to know what fellow pilots think on random stories on the General Aviation News website? Click on our Recent Comments page to find out. Read our Comment Policy here.

© 2026 Flyer Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Comment Policy
  • Submit Press Release
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Writer’s Guidelines
  • Photographer’s Guidelines