What Subsite Electronics does

Subsite Electronics, headquartered at 1950 West Fir Avenue in Perry, Oklahoma, is a brand of The Charles Machine Works, Inc. specializing in underground construction and utility inspection equipment. Founded in 1991 with 170+ team members, the company designs and manufactures electronic products across three product lines: Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Guidance Systems (Marksman and Marksman Plus trackers, TK Recon, Commander 7 displays, and the Field Scout and TMS Plus bore planning software), Utility Locators (UtiliGuard 2, UtiliGuard 2 RTK, GeoRanger XR Series, UtiliView mapping software, and locating beacons), and Pipe/Utility Inspection Systems (TrakStar and TrakStar II pan-tilt-zoom cameras, TranSTAR and TranSTAR II steerable transporters, ProTrak, Mighty Mini, vehicle-mounted systems, and the proprietary SinCon single-conductor cable technology).

Its technology stack is anchored by three differentiating capabilities: SinCon single-conductor cable rated at 5,400-pound break strength with a 15+ year lifespan; RTK-based centimeter-accuracy utility mapping integrated with Esri cloud services via UtiliView; and the AIM (Ambient Interference Measurement) frequency-recommendation engine. The Green Ops process ties the HDD guidance, locating, and inspection hardware into a single bore-planning-to-as-built workflow, with forward- and backward-compatible controllers, displays, and software (ScoutView, TMS Plus, Field Scout on iOS and Android).

The company operates a hardware-led, channel-mediated business model. Subsite does not sell direct; instead, all sales flow through a worldwide network of 190+ dealers integrated with the Ditch Witch dealer organization. Revenue streams comprise equipment sales (HDD guidance, locators, inspection cameras, transporters, cable reels, controllers), one-time-paid software (TMS Plus, ScoutView, UtiliView, Field Scout), and aftermarket parts and accessories (roller skids, tires, floats, beacons, cable replacements). Financing is facilitated through Ditch Witch Financial Services. Customer segments are balanced across HDD contractors, professional utility locators, and municipal water/sewer/stormwater departments, with inspection contractors as a secondary segment. The company is actively operating, with global reach spanning the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Australia.

Name

Subsite Electronics

Legal name

The Charles Machine Works, Inc.

Website

https://subsite.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2026

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Subsite Electronics is a Perry, Oklahoma-based manufacturer of HDD guidance systems, utility locators, and CCTV pipeline inspection equipment, owned by The Charles Machine Works, Inc. and sold through 190+ dealers serving contractors, utility locators, and municipalities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Underground Construction Equipment

SIC

Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Fleet, Asset Tracking & Telematics Location Platforms (BPAMANAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Geospatial Asset Data Management & GIS/CMMS/EAM Integration (data capture, mobility, work management) (EUADAJAJ)

Keywords

• HDD guidance systems
• Utility locators
• Pipeline inspection equipment
• Underground construction equipment
• Directional drilling electronics

Headquarters

HQ city

Perry

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Equipment Sales: Primary revenue from selling physical equipment including HDD guidance systems (Marksman, TK Recon, Commander 7), utility locators (UtiliGuard 2, GeoRanger XR), inspection cameras, transporters, cable reels, and controllers. Products are sold through a worldwide dealer network with financing options via Ditch Witch Financial Services.
2. Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Revenue from software products including TMS Plus (Windows-based bore planning and management), ScoutView (real-time bore monitoring for Commander 7), and Field Scout mobile app. Software supports the hardware ecosystem and enables data collection, reporting, and as-built documentation.
3. Aftermarket Parts, Accessories, and Service: Revenue from replacement parts, accessories (roller skids, tires, floats, beacons), cable replacements, and data collection software tools. Components are designed for backwards and forwards compatibility across the product line.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Subsite Electronics designs, manufactures, and sells electronic equipment for underground construction: HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) guidance systems, utility locating systems with RTK-based mapping accuracy, and CCTV pipeline/utility inspection systems including cameras, transporters, controllers, cables, and portable/vehicle-mounted systems. The portfolio is sold exclusively through a 190+ dealer network worldwide, with financing via Ditch Witch Financial Services. Supporting software products (TMS Plus, Field Scout, ScoutView, UtiliView, Data Collection Software) integrate with the hardware ecosystem to deliver planning, real-time monitoring, and as-built documentation.

Product overview

Subsite Electronics is a technology company offering a comprehensive portfolio of underground construction and utility inspection products. The portfolio spans three main product lines: HDD Guidance Systems (including Marksman guidance systems, TK Recon, Commander 7 displays, Field Scout and ScoutView software, TMS Plus planning software, and HDD beacons), Utility Locators (including UtiliGuard 2, UtiliGuard 2 RTK with centimeter-level RTK accuracy, GeoRanger, UtiliView mapping software, and locating beacons), and Inspection Systems (including various cameras like TrakSTAR, TrakStar II, OmniSTAR, push cameras, and Quick Peek systems; transporters including TranSTAR, TranSTAR II, ProTrak, Mighty Mini, Lateral Launch System, and Steerable Storm Drain Tractor; portable mainline systems including Private Eye II and The CUBE; vehicle-mounted systems; cable and cable reels; controllers; and accessories). The products work together as an integrated system with shared data collection software, common controller platforms, and SinCon single-conductor cable technology throughout. Subsite Electronics is a subsidiary of The Charles Machine Works Company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Marksman: HDD Guidance System - tracker of choice for interference mitigation, avoidance, beacon performance, and ease of use in horizontal directional drilling.
• UtiliGuard
• Green Ops
• TrakStar
• GeoRanger
• Field Scout

Products and services

• Marksman HDD Guidance System Tracker system of choice for HDD interference mitigation, avoidance, beacon performance, and ease of use in horizontal directional drilling operations. Designed for HDD contractors working in demanding boring environments.
• Marksman Plus HDD Guidance System Advanced HDD guidance system with enhanced tracking capabilities for directional drilling operations.
• TK Recon HDD Guidance Display HDD guidance display unit for tracking and monitoring directional drilling operations.
• Commander 7 Integrated Display Integrated display for HDD guidance systems providing real-time tracking and monitoring of drill operations; pairs with ScoutView and Field Scout for bore plan upload and execution.
• UtiliGuard 2 Utility Locator Advanced utility locating system with integrated data capture, GPS positioning, AIM (Ambient Interference Measurement) technology, direction-enabled locator, and 12-watt transmitter with up to 100 standard frequencies.
• UtiliGuard 2 RTK Utility Locator RTK (Real Time Kinematic) utility locating system with centimeter-level accuracy, compatible with high-accuracy mapping solutions including Esri. Features dual-output transmitter for simultaneous two-utility mapping.
• GeoRanger XR Series Utility Locator Utility locating and mapping system with greater in-field processing and post-processing capabilities, minimal setup, and accuracy-improving innovations for locating and mapping jobs.
• TMS Plus Bore Planning Software Windows-based management tool for planning HDD bores in advance, monitoring real-time progress, creating bore records, and printing As-Built maps. Supports five languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian).
• Field Scout Mobile App Mobile app for iOS and Android enabling operators to walk the intended bore path, record waypoints and obstacles, take photos, and upload plans to Commander 7 HDD Guidance Display using GPS-enabled electronic planning.
• ScoutView Bore Monitoring Software Productivity software for Commander 7 HDD Guidance Display. Uploads bore plans and monitors bores in real-time with waypoint alerts.
• UtiliView Mapping Application Real-time mapping application integrating UtiliGuard 2 RTK with Esri mapping services for GIS-grade utility mapping workflows. Provides instant Bluetooth connection, log point photos, and distance measurements.
• Data Collection Software for Pipe Inspection Asset management software for field data collection from pipe inspection systems, with integration to GIS databases. Works with various pipe survey data collection software packages.
• TrakStar Pipeline Inspection Camera High-resolution pipeline inspection camera with dual LED light arrays, integrated pan/tilt head, 40:1 zoom (10X optical, 4X digital), operating on up to 2,500 feet of single-conductor cable.
• TrakStar II Pipeline Inspection Camera Compact microprocessor-controlled pan-and-tilt zoom camera with 40:1 total zoom (10X optical, 4X digital). Half the size of TrakStar, designed for TranStar II Steerable Tractor.
• Mainline & Lateral Inspection Camera Dual-camera system for simultaneous mainline (6–24 inch) and lateral (4–8 inch) pipeline inspection. Features 40:1 zoom, integrated 512Hz sonde, and synchronized cable reels.
• Quick Peek Drainline Inspection System All-in-one portable drainline inspection system for 2–10 inch pipe diameter, up to 300 feet length, with 7-inch LCD monitor, 512Hz locator, and battery power option.
• OmniSTAR Probe Sewer Inspection Camera 360-degree continuous rotate sewer camera with 270-degree panning capability. Compact aluminum/stainless steel housing with four high-intensity LEDs for 3–4 inch pipe inspection.
• Push Camera Push-type inspection camera for 1.5–12 inch pipes up to 500 feet. Features single-conductor technology, Hytrel-jacketed fiber push rod, DVR recording, and 512Hz locating beacon.
• TranSTAR Pipeline Inspection Transporter Steerable pipeline transporter for 6–30 inch pipes. Six-wheel drive with dual 90-watt motors, full steering, and gear-driven operation.
• TranSTAR II Pipeline Inspection Transporter Compact steerable transporter at 14-inch length for 6–24 inch pipes. Dual 90-watt motors with three forward speeds, reverse, and freewheel retrieval.
• Lateral Launch Inspection System Integrated unit for mainline (6–24 inch) and lateral (4–8 inch) inspection in a single run. Six-wheel drive, 90W motor, 500ft mainline and 200ft lateral inspection capability.
• ProTrak Pipeline Inspection Transporter Heavy-duty chain-driven transporter for 6–30 inch pipes. Features #40 stainless-steel chain with contoured rubber treads, 150-watt motor, and IP68 water resistance.
• Mighty Mini Inspection Tractor Compact transporter for 4–12 inch pipes with 90-watt motor and four-wheel drive. 360-degree rotate capability with 270-degree panning and manual elevator.
• Steerable Storm Drain Tractor Four-wheel drive transporter for 24-inch+ pipes with remote-controlled motorized camera lift for pipes up to 60 inches. Dual 26W LED lights, 125W motor, and operates on 2,000 feet of cable.
• Private Eye II (PE2) Portable Mainline System Portable mainline inspection system for 4–24 inch+ pipes. Pelican waterproof case, up to 1,500ft cable capacity, TFT LCD monitor, and MPEG video recording.
• The CUBE Portable Mainline System Self-contained portable CCTV inspection workstation for up to 1,500 feet of cable. Fits on ATV or truck bed, includes on-board Honda generator and 9-gallon pressurized wash-down system.
• Vehicle-Mounted Inspection Systems Full van, high cube, step van, Sprinter, and trailer-based inspection systems with ergonomic layouts and plug-and-play compatibility with all Subsite cameras and transporters.
• Armored SinCon Cable Industry's strongest single-conductor cable with 5,400-pound break strength, 1/4 inch diameter, double steel armor, and 15+ year average life. Field-reterminatable without specialized tools.
• Mainline Cable Reel High-performance cable reel with variable-speed motor and dual gear ratios. Gear-driven drum eliminates chain drag, supports up to 2,500 feet of cable.
• Mainline Controller Flagship controller providing power for the entire Subsite inspection product line. Solid-state circuits with built-in protection, forward/backward compatible, rugged controls.

Quantifiable outcome

• SinCon cable lasts 3x longer than multi-conductor cable alternatives
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Ditch Witch Financial ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDitch Witch Financial Services (DWFS) is a highly competitive finance program backed by the Ditch Witch organization and its financial partners, providing the best terms in the industry for Subsite Electronics and Ditch Witch customers — small to large. Available exclusively through the Ditch Witch dealer organization.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Trimble: Broad incumbent in geospatial, mapping, and infrastructure workflows with utility locating and GIS products (e.g., Trimble Unity, Catalyst). Competes with Subsite's UtiliGuard 2 RTK and UtiliView/Esri workflows at the enterprise and GIS-mapping layer.
• Leica Geosystems (Hexagon): Broad incumbent in surveying, mapping, and utility detection, including the DS2000 utility detector and DX Office software. Competes with Subsite in the high-accuracy utility locating/GIS mapping segment as part of a larger portfolio.

Direct peers

• Digital Control Incorporated (DCI): Direct competitor in HDD guidance and tracking, including the DigiTrak F-series and Falcon F5+ systems. DCI is the primary alternative to Subsite's Marksman and Commander 7 guidance systems for horizontal directional drilling contractors.
• RIDGID (Emerson): Direct peer in pipe inspection (SeeSnake) and utility locating equipment (SeekTech). RIDGID is a major competitor in the contractor and plumber segments that overlap with Subsite's Quick Peek and push camera lines.
• Aries Industries: Direct peer in pipeline inspection vehicles, mainline/lateral systems, and reporting software. Aries competes in the same municipal and contractor segments as Subsite's vehicle-mounted and portable inspection product lines.
• Envirosight: Direct peer in municipal sewer and pipeline inspection crawlers, cameras, and reporting software (WinCan). Competes with Subsite's TrakStar/TranSTAR CCTV inspection systems for municipal and inspection contractor customers.
• Vivax-Metrotech: Direct peer in utility locators and CCTV pipe inspection, including the vLoc series of locators. Competes with Subsite's UtiliGuard and pipe inspection product families for the same contractor and municipal customers.
• Radiodetection (part of SPX Technologies): Direct competitor in utility locating and cable avoidance tools (CAT & Genny). Radiodetection's precision locators overlap directly with Subsite's UtiliGuard and GeoRanger product lines, serving similar contractors and utilities worldwide.
• CUES (part of ELMTEK): Direct competitor in pipeline inspection and rehabilitation equipment, including mainline/lateral crawlers, zoom cameras, and utility TV vans. Overlaps with Subsite's vehicle-mounted inspection systems and TranSTAR transporters.
• IBAK Helmut Hunger: European-headquartered direct peer in municipal sewer and pipe inspection systems, including cameras, tractors, and software. Comparable product categories to Subsite's mainline/lateral inspection portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/subsite
• YouTubeyoutube.com/subsiteelectronics
• Facebookfacebook.com/SubsiteElectronics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/subsite-electronics

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Subsite Electronics