Craftsman Discovery 3300 Users Manual FrstTX/DISC3300.qx4

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OWNER’S MANUAL

The

Discovery 3300

is a professional metal

detector. While the most

difficult aspects of metal detecting

have been automated, it is a

sophisticated electronic device which

requires an understanding of some basic

features and metal detecting concepts.

If you do not have prior experience with a

metal detector, we strongly recommend that you:

1) Adjust the Sensitivity to a low setting in the event

of false signals. Always begin use at a reduced

sensitivity level; use at full sensitivity after you have become

familiar with the detector.

2) Do not use indoors. This detector is for outdoor use only. Many

household appliances emit electromagnetic energy, which can

interfere with the detector. If conducting an indoor demonstration,

turn the sensitivity down and keep the search coil away from

appliances such as computers, televisions and microwave ovens.

If your detector beeps erratically, turn off appliances and lights,

especially those with dimmer switches.

Also keep the search coil away from objects containing metal, such

as floors and walls.

3) Read this manual. Most importantly, review the Quick-Start Demo

(p.7-8) and Basic Operation (p. 9-11).

4) Use 9-volt ALKALINE batteries only. Do not use Heavy Duty

Batteries.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8

Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-12

All Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Zap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12

Pinpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Audio Target Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Target and Depth Display . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-15

Sensitivity Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

In The Field Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-22

Ground Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Trouble Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Treasure Hunter’s Code of Ethics . . .Back Cover

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

3

TERMINOLOGY

The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard

terminology among detectorists.

ELIMINATION

-

Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the

detector will not emit a tone, nor light up an indicator, when a

specified object passes through the coil’s detection field.

DISCRIMINATION - When the detector emits different tones for different

types of metals, and when the detector "eliminates" certain metals,

we refer to this as the detector "discriminating" among different

types of metals.

Discrimination is an important feature of professional metal

detectors. Discrimination allows the user to ignore trash and

otherwise undesirable objects.

NOTCH - Notching is the elimination of an item, or range of items, within

the metallic spectrum. We “notch-out” an object, or objects,

selectively. Objects to the left and right on the metallic spectrum

can be retained using the notch technique.

RELIC - A relic is an object of interest by reason of its age or its association

with the past. Many relics are made of iron, but can also be made

of bronze or precious metals.

IRON - Iron is a common, low-grade metal that is an undesirable target

in certain metal detecting applications. Examples of undesirable

iron objects are old cans, pipes, bolts, and nails.

Sometimes, the desired target is made of iron. Property markers,

for instance, contain iron. Valuable relics can also be composed of

iron; cannon balls, old armaments, and parts of old structures and

vehicles can also be composed of iron.

FERROUS - Metals which are made of, or contain, iron.

PINPOINTING - Pinpointing is the process of finding the exact location of a

buried object. Long-buried metals can appear exactly like the

surrounding soil, and can therefore be very hard to isolate from

the soil.

PULL-TABS -

Discarded pull-tabs from beverage containers are the most

bothersome trash items for treasure hunters. They come in many

different shapes and sizes. Pull-tabs can be eliminated from

detection, but some other valuable objects can have a magnetic

signature similar to pull-tabs, and will also be eliminated when

discriminating out pull-tabs.

GROUND BALANCE - Ground Balancing is the ability of the detector to

ignore, or "see through," the earth’s naturally occurring minerals,

and only sound a tone when a metal object is detected. The

Discovery 3300 incorporates proprietary Super-Scan™ circuitry to

eliminate false signals from severe ground conditions

4

ASSEMBLY

Assembly is easy and requires no tools.

●

1Position the lower stem (the straight tube)

with the silver button toward the back.

Using the bolt and knurled knob,

attach the search coil to the

plastic extension protruding

from the lower stem.

●

2Press the button on

the upper end of

the lower stem,

and slide the lower

stem into the

upper stem.

Adjust the stem to a length

that lets you maintain a

comfortable upright

posture, with your arm

relaxed at your side, and

the search coil parallel to

the ground in front of you.

●

3Wind the cable securely around the stem.

●

4Insert the plug into the

matching connector on

the right underside of the

detector body. Be sure

that the key-way and

pins line up correctly.

Caution: Do not force the

plug in. Excess force

will cause damage.

To disconnect the

cable, pull on the

plug.

Do not pull

on the cable.

5

ASSEMBLY

Adjusting the Arm Rest

Most people will find the standard position

of the arm rest very comfortable. Very large

forearms and short forearms (particularly

children’s arms), can be accommodated

by moving the arm rest forward.

The arm rest is adjustable to three positions.

To adjust, remove the screw from the

underside, then press the silver button

and move the arm rest to one of the

alternate positions. If you cannot fully

depress the button with your finger, use

a narrow object, such as the blunt end

of a ballpoint pen. The arm rest must

be twisted with moderate force to move

it to an alternate position; this

adjustment is usually made infrequently.

If desired for added stability, re-install

the screw. The screw is not re-installed

in the furthest forward position.

If the button becomes disengaged inside

of the tube, remove the plastic cap at the

end of the tube to access the clip inside.

With a pair of needle-nose pliers,

reengage the button. Then replace the

plastic cap.

6

Use ALKALINE

batteries only.

To install the

batteries:

●

1Remove the

battery cover by

disengaging the

clip at the back.

●

2Align the polarity

of the batteries

correctly, with

the positive "+"

toward the coil

plug connection,

as indicated by

the + and –

indicators on the

housing.

●

3Insert (2) 9-Volt ALKALINE batteries, with the contacts pointed inward,

and press down on the back of the batteries to snap them into place.

Some brands of batteries will require moderate force to clear the

retaining tabs.

If the batteries fit loosely, and you

want to guarantee a very secure

electrical contact, insert a piece of

paper or thin cardboard between the

back of the battery and the

supporting post.

●

4Replace the battery door.

Most metal detector problems are due to improperly installed batteries,

or the use of non-alkaline or discharged batteries. If the detector does

not turn on, please check the batteries.

If the detector does not turn on, check to see that the batteries fit tightly.

If the batteries are loose, press them forward while pressing the POWER

touch pad. To tighten up a loose battery, wedge a piece of paper or thin

cardboard between the back of the battery and the supporting post, as

illustrated above.

BATTERIES

IN CASE OF LOOSE BATTERIES

7

QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION

I. Supplies Needed

• A Nail • A Quarter

•A Pull-Tab from a beverage can • A Zinc Penny (dated after 1982)

II. Position the Detector

a. Place the detector on a

table, with the search coil

hanging over the edge.

(or better, have a friend

hold the detector, with

the coil off the ground)

b. Keep the search coil

away from walls, floors,

and metal objects.

c. Remove watches, rings and other jewelry or metal objects from

hands and wrists.

d. Turn off appliances or lights that cause electromagnetic

interference.

e. Pivot the search coil back

toward the detector body.

III. Power Up

Press the POWER touch pad.

IV. Wave each Object over the

Search Coil

a.Notice a different tone for each object.

Bass Tone: Nail

Low Tone: Pull-Tab

Medium Tone: Zinc Penny

High Tone: Quarter

b.Motion is required. Objects

must be in motion over the

search coil to be detected.

V. Press the DISC A-M touch pad

The detector will beep twice

and 3 “R”’s will appear under

the iron indicators.

Quick-Start Demo continued

on next page

8

VI. Wave the Nail over the Search Coil

a. The Nail will not be detected.

b. The Nail has been "Discriminated Out."

VII. Press the “DISCRIMINATION-

▲” touch pad twice.

Five “R”s are now displayed.

VIII. Wave all objects over the

Search Coil

The Nail and Pull-Tab will not be detected.

The other objects will be detected with their own distinctive tones.

IX. Press the NOTCH touch pad.

A flashing “R” will appear

under the 5¢/PT segment.

X. Press the DISCRIMINATION ▲

touch pad three times.

The flashing “R” will move to the

ZINC segment.

XI. Press the NOTCH touch pad again.

The “R” will appear under zinc.

XII. Wave the zinc penny over the search coil.

The penny is discriminated out.

XIII. Press the DISC A-M touch pad

The detector returns to ALL-METAL mode. No “R”s are displayed.

All types of metals will be detected.

XIV. Wave the pull-tab over the coil.

XV. Press the ZAP touch pad.

An “R” will appear.

XVI. Wave the pull-tab over the

search coil again.

The pull-tab (the most recently detected item) is eliminated from

detection.

XVII. Press the PINPOINT touch pad.

Hold one of the metal objects motionless over the search coil.

• All Metal objects are now detected.

• Depth and Target indicator do not illuminate in this mode.

•

One monotone sound indicates the presence of any type of metal.

QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION (continued)

9

BASIC OPERATION

POWERING UP

Press the POWER

touch pad.

•The detector will

beep 4 times

•All display

segments will

illuminate

momentarily

•The SENSITIVITY

and BATTERY

indicators will

stay illuminated

MOTION and NO-MOTION MODES

Depending on the operation mode selected, the Discovery 3300

detects metal both with the coil in motion, or with the coil motionless.

In the PINPOINT mode of operation, metal is detected with the coil

motionless over the ground. This no-motion operation helps to locate

the exact location of buried objects, and is very useful in

understanding the size and shape of buried metal objects. The

PINPOINT mode offers deeper ground penetration, but cannot

classify targets, nor indicate their depth.

The other operating modes require the coil to be in motion to detect

a target. When in the DISCRIMINATION, ALL-METAL or NOTCH

modes, the coil must be in continuous motion. It is often useful to

search for targets in a motion mode, and when identified, pinpoint

their location with the PINPOINT control.

SENSITIVITY

At its default sensitivity setting, the detector will detect a coin-sized

object, such as a quarter, buried approximately seven inches deep.

To change the sensitivity level, and thus the detection depth, press the

SENSITIVITY ▲or ▼keys. The 6-segment scale at the left of the

display, above “coin depth”, indicates the sensitivity level when these

touch pads are depressed.

CAUTION:

At higher sensitivity levels, the detector is susceptible to electromagnetic

interference from electronic devices. Reduce sensitivity if demonstrating

indoors or if using near power lines or electrical equipment.

Reduce sensitivity if detector emits false signals

10

ALL METAL MODE (Default Operation)

The detector defaults to ALL METAL mode after powering on. In this

mode, all types of metals will be detected. An object’s PROBABLE

identification is indicated by the arrows at the top of the display. In

addition, the PROBABLE depth of coin-sized objects is indicated by

the rectangular segment indicators on the left side of the display. All

detected objects will cause the depth indicator to illuminate. The

depth indication is not accurate for larger objects; however, it will

provide accurate relative depth indications. The greater the distance

an object is from the search coil, the greater its depth value.

DISC/ A-M Touch Pad

Pressing this touch pad will cause the

detector to toggle between two

operating modes, DISCRIMINATION

and ALL-METAL. If the detector is in the

ALL-METAL mode (the default mode),

pressing the touch pad will change the

detector into DISCRIMINATION mode.

If the detector is in the

DISCRIMINATION mode, pressing the

touch pad will change the detector into

ALL-METAL mode.

DISCRIMINATION MODE

Discrimination is used to eliminate unwanted objects from detection.

To enter this mode, from ALL-METAL mode, press the DISC/A-M touch pad.

After pressing DISC/A-M, the detector will:

• Beep twice

• Display 3 "R"s under the left-most segments, Iron 1, 2 & 3

Ferrous objects will not be detected in DISCRIMINATION mode.

Heavily oxidized ferrous objects will sometimes, however, be

detected, usually with a high tone and an indication to the right

of the target identification scale.

To increase the level of discrimination, press the DISCRIMINATION ▲

touch pad. Each time the ▲pad is depressed, an additional "R" will

appear, thus eliminating from detection the objects which fall into the

corresponding categories.

To decrease the level of discrimination, press the DISCRIMINATION ▼

touch pad. Each time the ▼pad is depressed, an illuminated "R" will

BASIC OPERATION

continued

11

disappear, thus returning to detection the objects which fall into the

corresponding categories.

Discrimination Mode is a fixed-start-point elimination system. Objects

are cumulatively eliminated as the level of discrimination increases.

NOTCH MODE

To selectively eliminate a category from detection within the metallic

spectrum, use the NOTCH Mode.

Technical Note:

The NOTCH touch pad causes the status of an "R" segment to

toggle between ON and OFF.

To use the NOTCH Mode:

The NOTCH touch pad can be depressed at any time. But for

first-time use, place the detector in ALL-METAL mode.

A first demonstration is best accomplished as follows:

1) Turn the power OFF.

2) Turn the power ON.

3) Press NOTCH.

A flashing "R" will appear under the IRON-1 segment.

4) Press the DISCRIMINATION ▲touch pad several times.

Notice that the "R" moves upon each press of the

DISCRIMINATION ▲touch pad.

5) Press NOTCH again.

The flashing "R" will become permanently illuminated.

If an object has been “notched-out”, you can return it to detection

status. To “un-notch” a category:

1) Press NOTCH.

2) Move the flashing “R” over the permanently illuminated “R”,

using the DISCRIMINATION ▲ or ▼touch pads.

3) Press NOTCH again.

ZAPThe ZAP control is a convenient way to eliminate a known undesirable

metal object from detection.

To demonstrate the ZAP control:

1) Set the detector in All-Metal Mode

Note: ZAP functions in all motion modes, but is best demonstrated

first from the All-Metal Mode.

2) Pass the search coil over an undesirable object.

BASIC OPERATION

continued

12

BASIC OPERATION

continued

3) Notice the Target Indication

Note: You can only ZAP objects that register under the

seven left-most segments (from Iron to Zinc).

4) Press ZAP. An "R" appears under the segment to be eliminated.

5) Pass the search coil over the same object again.

The undesirable object is eliminated from detection

The ZAP control is easy to use in the field. As you are detecting, and

encounter an object which you wish to eliminate from detection,

simply press the ZAP touch pad after detecting the object.

The ZAP control eliminates the most-recently detected object category

from detection. The category eliminated is indicated with an "R".

PIN POINT MODE

Since long-buried objects can appear exactly like the surrounding soil,

the process of finding the exact location of a small object, such as a

coin, can be time-consuming and frustrating. Objects buried many

inches deep present an especially daunting challenge. In addition,

during the unearthing process, care must be taken not to damage

valuable relics. The best solution to these problems is the no-motion

PINPOINT mode.

At any time during operation, press the PINPOINT touch pad, and the

detector enters the no-motion mode. In the PINPOINT mode, any

object in the coil’s detection field will induce a monotone hum. The

location of a coin-sized object can be discerned with pinpoint accuracy

as it will induce a tone only when it falls within the inner circle of the

search coil. Pass the coil slowly over and around the target zone, and

you will quickly see the target’s exact location.

Be sure that the detector is properly GROUND BALANCED before using

the PINPOINT MODE. See page 20 for manual ground balancing

instructions. Also, consult page 22 for proper no-motion field techniques.

The Target Identification and Target

Depth indicators are disabled in this

mode. To discern the identification and

depth of an object, you must use one of

the motion modes of operation.

HEADPHONE JACK

Using headphones (not supplied) with

your metal detector makes it easier to

identify subtle changes in the threshold

levels for better detection results, and

also reduces drain on the batteries. The

Discovery 3300 Metal Detector has a

stereo headphone jack located at the

rear of the case.

13

AUDIO TARGET IDENTIFICATION

(motion modes only)

While the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is very accurate in identifying

buried objects, the user in the field does not always maintain the display

screen in his field of vision. Therefore, we have incorporated an audio

feedback mechanism to alert the user to the nature of buried objects.

This audio feedback system first alerts the user to the presence and

classification of objects, whose nature and location can be confirmed

using the LCD display.

The 4-tone audio target identification system functions only in the motion

modes of operation. The detector must be in the DISCRIMINATION,

NOTCH or ALL-METAL modes, as indicated on the display. In PINPOINT

mode, the detector will emit only a monotone sound.

The detector can sound four different tones, depending on the object detected.

BASS TONE

Ferrous objects, such as iron and steel, will induce a bass tone.

The smallest gold objects can also induce a bass tone.

LOW TONE

Pull-Tabs, nickels & smaller gold

MEDIUM TONE

Newer pennies (post-1982), larger gold objects, zinc, small brass

objects, and most bottle screw caps will induce medium tones.

Many recent vintage foreign currencies will induce medium tones.

HIGH TONE

Silver and copper coins, larger brass objects, older pennies (pre-

1982), and highly oxidized metals will induce high tones. Quarters,

dimes and other precious coins fall into this category.

Audio Target Identification (ATI) classifies metals into four categories.

BASS TONE

Nails, Iron Objects,

& Smallest Gold Objects

LOW TONE

Pull Tabs, Nickels,

& Smaller Gold

MEDIUM TONE

Zinc Pennies (Post

1982), Larger Gold

Objects, Many screw

caps

HIGH TONE

Copper, Silver & Brass

Copper Pennies (Pre

1982)

14

DEPTH AND TARGET DISPLAY

(motion modes only)

READING THE DISPLAY

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows

the PROBABLE identification of the

targeted metal, as well as the PROBABLE

depth of the target, in inches.

The detector will register a repeating,

unchanging target identification when a

buried target has been located and

identified. If, upon repeated passes over

the same spot, the target identification

reads inconsistently, the target is probably

a trash item, or oxidized metal. With

practice, you will learn to unearth only the

repeatable signals.

The segment identifications are highly

accurate, when detecting the objects

described on the label. However, if you

register in a given category for an unknown

buried object, you could be detecting a

metallic object other than the object

described on the label, but with the same

metallic signature. Also, the greater the

distance between the target and the coil,

the less accurate the target identification.

GOLD TARGETS Gold objects will

register on the left side of the LCD scale.

Gold will register depending upon its

size. The smaller the gold object, the

further to the left it will register.

Gold flakes will register under Iron-1

Small gold items will register under Iron

or 5¢/PT.

Medium-sized gold items will register

under PT or S-cap.

Large gold items will register under S-

cap or Zinc.

SILVER TARGETS: Silver objects will

register to the right of the scale, under

25¢, 50¢, or $1, depending on the size

of the object. The larger the object, the

farther to the right it will register.

IRON: Ferrous objects will register on

the far-left side of the target

identification scale. 1, 2, or 3 indicates

the relative size of iron objects. Small

nails, for instance, will usually

illuminate the Iron-1 arrow whereas

large structural ferrous objects will

usually illuminate the Iron-3 arrow.

Objects in this category could be worthless

scrap, or a more valuable iron relic.

5c/PT: Nickels and most newer pull-

tabs(those that stay attached to the

can) will register here.

PT(pull-tabs): Pull-tabs from older

beverage cans will register here. Few

newer pull-tabs will also register here.

Many gold rings will also register here.

S-CAP: Older screw caps from glass

bottles will register here. Large gold

rings, like a class ring, could also register

here. Some non-U.S. coins of recent

vintage will also register here.

ZINC: Newer pennies (post-1982) will

register here. Many non-U.S. coins of

recent vintage will also register here.

Cu10¢: Dimes and pre-1982 pennies will

register here. Older, pre-1982, pennies

are composed of copper, which has a

metallic signature similar to a dime. Most

copper coins will register here.

Caution: The target indications are visual

references. Many other types of metal

can fall under any one of these

categories. While the Discovery 3300 will

eliminate or indicate the presence of most

common trash items, it is impossible to

accurately classify ALL buried objects.

DEPTH INDICATOR:

The Depth Indicator is accurate for

coin-sized objects. It indicates the

depth of the target, in inches. Large

and irregularly-shaped objects will

yield less reliable depth readings

When passing over an object, the

depth indicator will light up and stay

illuminated until another object is

scanned. Repeated indication at the

same depth level indicates an accurate

target detector. If the depth indication

varies with each sweep, try sweeping

at different angles; there may be more

than one target present. With practice,

you will learn the difference between

accurate readings, multiple targets, and

highly erratic readings which evidence

trash or irregularly shaped objects.

15

DEPTH AND TARGET DISPLAY

(motion modes only)

THREE DIGIT TARGET INDICATOR

The three digit target indicator, in the

middle of the LCD display, provides a

specific target value to help identify buried

targets more accurately. With practice in

the field, you will learn to associate target

values with the probable identification of

buried objects. The target value can vary

each time the coil passes over the target,

depending upon the angle of the object

and the distance from the coil. As a

starting point, refer to the table below.

TARGET Readout

The table below list some common approximate target value

equivalents. With experience in the filed, you will recognize

many types of metals by their numeric value.

VALUE RANGE POSSIBLE OBJECTS

0-10 Iron

30-39 Nickel

43-48 Pull-Tab

53-60 Screw Cap

62-74 Zinc, Penny

83-88 Wheat Cent

86-100 Dime

107-127 Quarter

105-120 Liberty Dollar

120-126 Franklin Half Dollar

134-150 Silver Dollar

150-199 Large metal Object

16

ELECTROMAGNETIC

INTERFERENCE

The principle use for the

Sensitivity Control is to

eliminate Electromagnetic

Interference (EMI).

A hobby metal detector is an

extremely sensitive device;

the search coil creates its

own magnetic field and acts

like an antenna. If your

detector beeps erratically

when the search coil is

motionless, the unit is probably detecting another electromagnetic field.

Common sources of EMI are electric power lines, both suspended and

buried, motors, and household appliances like computers and

microwave ovens. Some indoor electronic devices, such as dimmer

switches used on household lighting, produce severe EMI and can cause

the detector to beep erratically. Other metal detectors also produce their

own electromagnetic fields; so if detecting with a friend, keep two metal

detectors at least 20 feet apart.

If the detector beeps erratically, REDUCE THE SENSITIVITY by

pressing the Sensitivity ▼Pad on the left of the control panel.

SEVERE GROUND CONDITIONS

A secondary use for the Sensitivity Control is to reduce false detection

signals caused by severe ground conditions. While your Discovery 3300

contains circuitry to eliminate the signals caused by most naturally

occurring ground minerals, 100% of all ground conditions cannot be

anticipated. Highly magnetic soils found in mountainous and gold-

prospecting locations can cause the detector to emit tones when metal

objects are not present. High saline content soils and sands can

sometimes cause the detector to false.

If the detector emits false, non-repeatable, signals, REDUCE THE

SENSITIVITY.

MULTIPLE TARGETS

If you suspect the presence of deeper targets beneath a shallower target,

reduce the sensitivity to eliminate the detection of the deeper targets, in

order to properly locate and identify the shallower target.

SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT

17

IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES

(motion modes only)

When pinpointing a target, try drawing an “X”,

as illustrated, over where the tone is induced.

PINPOINTING

Accurate pinpointing takes practice

and is best accomplished by

“X-ing” the target area.

1. Once a buried target is indicated

by a good tone response,

continue sweeping the coil over

the target in a narrowing

side-to-side pattern.

2. Take visual note of the place on

the ground where the “beep”

sounds.

3. Stop the coil directly over this

spot on the ground.

4. Now move the coil straight

forward and straight back

towards you a couple of times.

5. Again make visual note of the

spot on the ground at which

the “beep” sounds.

6. If needed, “X” the target at

different angles to “zero in” on

the exact spot on the ground at

which the “beep” sounds.

COIL MOVEMENT

When swinging the coil, be

careful to keep it level with the

ground about 1/2 inch from the

surface. Never swing the coil like

a pendulum.

CORRECT

WRONG

18

Swing the search coil slowly,

overlapping each sweep as you

move forward. It is important

to sweep the coil at a consistent

speed over the ground as you

search. After identifying a

target, your sweep technique

can help in identifying both the

location and the nature of the

target. If you encounter a weak

signal, try moving the coil in

short, rapid sweeps

over the target zone;

such a short rapid

sweep may provide

a more consistent

target

identification.

Most

worthwhile

objects

will

respond with a repeatable tone.

If the signal does not repeat

after sweeping the coil directly

over the suspected target a few

times, it is more than likely

trash metal.

Crossing the target zone with

multiple intersecting sweeps at

multiple angles is another way

to verify the repeatability of the

signal, and the potential of the

buried target. To use this

method, walk around the target

area in a circle, sweeping the

coil across the target

repeatedly, every 30 to 40

degrees of the circle, about ten

different angles as you walk

completely around the target.

If a high-tone target completely

disappears from detection at a

given angle, chances are that

you are detecting oxidized

ferrous metals, rather than a

silver or copper object. If the

tone changes at different

IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES

(motion modes only)

WHAT

READS

LIKE THIS

…MAY

ACTUALLY

BE THIS

19

angles, you may have

encountered multiple objects.

If you are new to the hobby,

you may want to dig all targets

at first. With practice in the

field, you will learn to better

discern the nature of buried

objects by the nature of the

detector’s response.

You may encounter some false

signals as you proceed. False

signals occur when the detector

beeps, but no metal target is

present. False signals can be

induced by electromagnetic

interference, oxidation, or

highly mineralized ground

soils. If the detector beeps

once, but does not repeat the

signal with several additional

sweeps over the same spot,

there is probably no target

present.

When searching very trashing

ground, it is best to scan small

areas with slow, short sweeps.

You will be surprised just how

much trash metal and foil you

will find in some areas. The

trashiest areas have been

frequented by the most people,

and frequently hold the most

promise for finding the most

lost valuables. To make

searching easier in very trashy

areas, consider purchasing a 4-

inch Search Coil (Radio Shack

item 63-3009 or 63-3014).

The 4-inch coil’s narrower

detection field can better

distinguish between two

objects in close proximity.

Also maintain the search coil

positioned just above the

surface of the ground, without

making contact with the

ground. Making contact with

the ground can cause false

signals.

IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES(motion modes only)

20

IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES

- Pinpoint Mode

GROUND BALANCING

Before using the PINPOINT mode, it is necessary to “Ground Balance”

your detector, this ground balancing adjustment offsets the effects of

minerals and salts in the ground.

To GROUND BALANCE your detector:

1. Using the ALL-METAL mode, find a patch of ground which is free of

metal objects. You will use this section of ground to test the detector.

The presence of any metal objects in this area will interfere with this

procedure.

2. Begin with the ground

balance KNOB in the PRESET

position.

3. Lift the search coil waist high in the air.

4. Press the PINPOINT

touch pad.

4

2

3

21

IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES

- Pinpoint Mode

5. Lower the search coil to the

ground, maintaining it

elevated about 1/2 inch above

the surface (be sure that this

ground does not contain

metal).

• If the detector

emits

sound

with the search coil 1/2 inch over the ground, further

ADJUSTMENT IS NECESSARY

.

• If the detector

remains silent

with the searchcoil 1/2 inch over

the ground, no further adjustment is necessary; the detector is

“GROUND BALANCED”.

6. If the detector emits sound with the coil over the ground in STEP 5,

further adjustment of the ground balance KNOB is required as

follows:

• Lift the search coil waist high

• Rotate the ground balance KNOB clockwise 1/16 of a turn

• Press PINPOINT

• Lower the search coil to the ground again

If the detector still emits a tone, repeat this procedure. You are

searching for the ground balance knob position where the detector is

just silent

.

It is important to move the knob in small increments in order to find

the first setting (moving clockwise) at which the detector remains

silent. To insure yourself of the optimal adjustment, move the KNOB

slightly counterclockwise from a silent-adjusted position to check for

the

most counterclockwise silent position possible.

If the KNOB is over-adjusted in the clockwise direction, the detector

can lose sensitivity. An over-adjusted condition can also cause the

detector to sound off when the coil is lifted away from the ground.

As your search takes you to different areas, verify the ground balance

setting periodically using the above procedure. Within a geographical area,

ground conditions can change. Varying elevations, proximity to water, and

concentrations of rock, sand or clay can all affect ground condition and

sometimes require recalibration with the ground balance knob.

•If the detector

remains silent

with the search coil 1/2 inch over

the ground, no further adjustment is necessary; the detector is

“GROUND BALANCED.”

22

IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES

- Pinpoint Mode

In the Pinpoint Mode, coil sweep technique is not important. Rather, user

retuning is critical.

The detector does not automatically adjust to changing ground and

environmental conditions; the operator is required to make the adjustment. If

the detector sounds a constant tone over all areas of the ground, retune the

detector by pressing the PINPOINT button.

RETUNING

Keep the coil still, just above the ground surface, and press the PINPOINT button.

Make sure that the spot on the ground you chose for tuning did not contain

metal; pass over the area with the coil again to insure that the detector does

not emit a tone.

TEMPERATURE CHANGE

If the detector moves from one temperature environment to another, or if the

temperature changes, you must retune the detector until the temperature

stabilizes. If you move from a cooler to a warmer environment, the detector may

emit a constant tone; if so, retune. If you move from a warmer to cooler

environment, the detector may lose sensitivity; if so, retune.

PINPOINTING

Detection Field

The detection field depends on the size of the

target.

Large Objects

After detecting a target, lift the coil off the ground to a

distance where you hear the faintest tone. Move the coil over the ground at

this height. If the tone does not fade, you have detected a large or irregularly

shaped object. Outline the object with slow coil movements.

If you can outline an area larger than the size of the inside coil, you then have

a large target, or several targets.

Large objects can be detected when they enter the range of the outside coil.

Small Objects

After detecting a target, hold the search coil above the

ground, at a distance where you hear the faintest

tone. While maintaining the coil at this height above

the ground, move the coil from side-to-side. Note

the spot where the tone is loudest. Then move

the coil toward the ground to zero-in on the

target’s location.

A coin-size object will be detected when the

object enters the range of the inner coil.

23

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION

Detector chatters • Using detector • Use detector

or beeps erratically indoors outdoors only

• Using detector near • Move away

power lines

from power lines

• Using 2 detectors in • Keep 2 detectors

close proximity at least 20’ apart

• Highly oxidized • Only dig up

buried object repeatable

signals

• Environmental •

Reduce sensitivity

electromagnetic until erratic

interference signals cease

Constant low tone •

Discharged batteries

• Replace batteries

or

constant repeating

tones

• Wrong type of • Use only 9V

batteries alkaline batteries

LCD does not lock • Multiple targets •

Move coil slowly

on to one target ID present at different angles

or detector emits • Highly oxidized

multiple tones target

• Sensitivity set • Reduce sensitivity

too high

No power, no • Dead batteries • Replace batteries

sounds • Poor

battery • Push batteries in

contact

tighter

• Cord not connected •

Insert paper spacers

securely (see page 6)

•

Check connections

Detector sounds • Ground Balance • Move Ground

continuous tone in over-adjusted Balance knob

Pinpoint Mode when counter-clockwise

coil is lifted away

from ground.

Detector sounds con- • Detector needs to be • Press Pinpoint

tinuous tone with retuned • Re-ground balance

coil over ground

TROUBLE SHOOTING

TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS:

1. Respect the rights and property of others.

2. Observe all laws, whether national, state or local.

3. Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.

4. Leave the land and vegetation as it was. Fill in the holes.

5. All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set.

Always obtain permission before searching any site. Be

extremely careful while probing, picking up, or discarding trash

items. And ALWAYS COVER YOUR HOLES!

First Texas Products, LP

1100 Pendale Road

El Paso, TX 79907

(915) 633-8354

Copyright© 2002 by First Texas Products, L.P.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form.

Published by First Texas Products, L.P.

Bounty Hunter®is a registered trademark of First Texas Products, L.P.

www.detecting.com

Limited Ninety-Day Warranty

This product is warranted by Radio Shack against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship

under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from Radio Shack company-owned stores

and authorized Radio Shack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, Radio Shack

MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF

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