Minelab F3 Operation Manual
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Minelab F3 Operation Manual

Mine detector
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  • Page 3 WARNING THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED RIGHTS TECHNICAL DATA OR RESTRICTED RIGHTS DATA OR BOTH. © Minelab Electronics This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    1. Introduction....................3 2. General Description and Preparation............5 2.1 Mine Detecting Set ................. 5 2.2 F3 Main Components ................7 2.3 F3 Preparation..................8 2.4 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable........13 2.5 Use of Endcaps ..................14 3.

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Additionally, Bi-polar technology assists in eliminating the possibility of initiating a magnetic influence mine. Combined with “static coupling” the F3 does not require motion to detect a target thereby making pin-pointing techniques fast and accurate.
  • Page 6 The F3 has been designed to satisfy MIL STD 810F: Method 512.4 Water Immersion (IP67) Method 514.5 Vibration Method 516.5 Shock NOTE Although the F3 can withstand immersion to a depth of 3m for short periods of time, it is NOT designed for use as an underwater detector.

  • Page 7: General Description And Preparation

    F3 Operations Manual 2. General Description and Preparation Mine Detecting Set. The F3 is supplied as a mine detecting set (Figure 2) comprising: • Hard Case • Test Piece • Detector • Operations Manual • Soft Carry Bag • Field Guide •...
  • Page 8 F3 and accessories. The case also provides protection for the detector and it is recommended that the F3 be secured in its Hard Case whenever it is not in use or during transit. Failure to transport the detector in the supplied Hard Case may void warranty.

  • Page 9: F3 Main Components

    Skidplate Figure 4: F3 – Major Components a. Sensitivity Endcap – the sensitivity of the F3 can be changed by using either the Black (maximum) or Red (minimum) Endcaps. b. Armrest Strap – provided for operator comfort when the F3 is used for prolonged periods.

  • Page 10: F3 Preparation

    F3 Operations Manual d. Electronics Pack – contains the electronics of the F3 and is permanently fixed to the detector. e. Upper Shaft – made of aluminium for increased robustness and provides mounting for the Handle, Battery Pack, Electronics Pack and Armrest.
  • Page 11 Replace the Battery Pack Lid and rotate the Battery Lock Lever clockwise one-quarter turn. If the batteries are inserted incorrectly, the F3 will fail to function when switched on. NOTE The F3 requires 4 D cell batteries for operation. Use only high quality alkaline (LR20) rechargeable batteries.
  • Page 12 The normal operating position of the coil is in line with the shaft. However, the coil can also be positioned at right angles to either side of the shaft (required if the F3 is to be used in the prone position). Once the position of the coil is selected,...
  • Page 13 F3 Operations Manual Middle Upper Camlock Camlock Lower Camlock P0617-A Figure 7: Camlock Locations • Holding the detector with the coil pointing toward the ground, open the Middle Camlock and extend the Lower Shaft to the desired length. Lock the Lower Shaft into position by closing the Middle Camlock.
  • Page 14 Camlock and then slide the Armrest to the desired position. Lock the Armrest Camlock and tighten the Armstrap as required. The F3 is now ready for use. Refer to Chapter 3 for Functional Description and Chapter 4 for Operating Procedures.

  • Page 15: Use Of Battery Pack Bag And Extension Cable

    F3 Operations Manual Upper Shaft Battery Pack Lock Lever Electronics Pack P0616-A Figure 9: Battery Pack Removal To refit the Battery Pack, ensure that the Lock Lever at the front of the Electronics Pack is in the unlocked position and position the Battery Pack on the rail underneath the Upper Shaft.

  • Page 16: Use Of Endcaps

    F3 Operations Manual Use of Endcaps. The F3 can be used with Black or Red Sensitivity Endcaps. The decision on which Endcap to use will be provided by the local authority. To fit a Sensitivity Endcap: a. Ensure the F3 is switched off.

  • Page 17: Functional Description

    F3 Operations Manual 3. Functional Description Functional Controls. For ease of use, all controls for the F3 are located on the Handle. Figure 12 illustrates the location of all controls: Ground Balance/ Audio Reset Button Noise On/Off Cancel Switch Button...
  • Page 18 (refer to Section 3.3 for a description of the alarm tones). • To turn the F3 off, slide the On/Off Switch away from the Handle. b. Ground Balance/Audio Reset Button. Easily identifiable as the Green Button located on top of the Handle, this dual action button carries out the following functions: •...

  • Page 19: Sensitivity Endcaps

    Earset Socket. • The F3 has an internal speaker located inside the Handle. However, the F3 can also be fitted with an Earset via the Earset Socket. The procedure for connecting the Earset is described at Section 2.3.h. •...

  • Page 20: Functional Tones

    • With the Red Sensitivity Endcap Red Sensitivity Endcap. fitted, the F3 performs at reduced sensitivity. This feature may be useful when there is a need to ignore small metal fragmentation on the surface but still detect large targets at depth.
  • Page 21 F3 Operations Manual Tones Event Description Start-Up Internal checks when Four rising tones over the F3 is switched on 12 seconds Threshold Signifies correct Steady low volume operation of detector continuous tone Ground Balance Indicates successful One fast high pitched...

  • Page 22: Test Piece - Functional Test

    Battery Pack (Refer to Section 4.7 for instruction on changing batteries). Test Piece – Functional Test. The F3 is supplied with a Test Piece specially designed to confirm that the detector is working to correct specifications. The sensitivity of the detector should be...

  • Page 23: Operating Procedures

    Introduction. The F3 is designed to ensure that operation of the detector is as simple as possible. Additionally, the F3 is extremely capable, safe to use, robust and eliminates the need for complicated controls or lengthy training requirements. This Chapter describes procedures for safe and effective operation of the F3.

  • Page 24: Standard Procedure

    F3 Operations Manual Standard Procedure. After unpacking the F3 and preparing it for use as described in Chapter 2 (appropriate Sensitivity Endcap fitted as directed by the local authority), complete the THREE step standard procedure as follows: Ground Balance/ Audio Reset...
  • Page 25 F3 Operations Manual The F3 will emit a series of four rising tones over 12 seconds (internal diagnostic checks occurring). At the completion of the Start-Up Tones listen for the low volume Threshold Tone. Figure 16: Switch On If the Threshold Tone is steady continue with STEP 2. If the Threshold Tone is noisy or uneven when the coil is stationary, perform a Noise Cancel (Section 4.3.a).
  • Page 26 F3 Operations Manual b. STEP 2 Ground Balance Ensure that this procedure is carried out on ground free of metal and hold the coil about 150mm (6 ins) above the ground. Press down and hold the green Ground Balance button and slowly lower the coil directly to the ground then lift the coil up again 150mm (6ins).
  • Page 27 F3 Operations Manual After the Ground Balance procedure is completed the detector will automatically cancel interference from the ground under the coil. If ground conditions change (changing mineralisation in the ground) this procedure may need to be repeated.
  • Page 28 F3 Operations Manual c. STEP 3 Test Piece Ensure the operator’s hands and arms are free of metallic objects (watches, rings etc), and that no other metallic objects are near the coil. The orientation of the Test Piece during the test is dependent on which Sensitivity Endcap is connected to the detector.
  • Page 29 F3 Operations Manual • Red Sensitivity Endcap: Hold the Test Piece above the middle of the coil with the rounded end (containing the metallic target) TOWARDS the coil. Move the Test Piece towards the centre of the coil until it lightly...

  • Page 30: Optional Procedure

    45 seconds of sharp double beeps finishing with four single beeps. During the 45 seconds, the detector scans the environment searching for the source of any electrical interference. Once detected, the F3 will automatically select a different operating frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference.
  • Page 31 Within two seconds the threshold tone will return to its correct level. c. Once Noise Cancel or Audio Reset is complete, continue with steps 2 and 3. Figure 21 illustrates this sequence. Once completed, the F3 can now be used for demining operations in compliance with local Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Page 32 Noise Cancel and Audio Reset procedures can be performed at any time the Threshold Tone becomes noisy, uneven, or rises in volume. Having completed STEPS 1, 2 and 3 the F3 remembers the Ground Balance setting even after the detector has been switched off.

  • Page 33: Ground Balance

    F3 Operations Manual STEP 1 SWITCH Optional Procedure NOISE Threshold Noisy/Uneven CANCEL AUDIO Threshold Louder than RESET Normal STEP 2 GROUND BALANCE STEP 3 TEST PIECE Figure 21: Standard & Optional Procedure...

  • Page 34: Sweeping Procedure

    When a target is initially detected, an operator should stand in place and continue to sweep the F3 beyond the suspected target in an attempt to find clear ground. In doing so the operator will: •...

  • Page 35: Pin-Pointing Procedure

    F3 Operations Manual Pin-Pointing Procedure. The design of the F3 makes pinpointing accurate and fast. The F3’s monoloop coil means there are no gaps in sensitivity around the coil’s circumference or across its surface. Pin-Pointing is conducted as follows:...
  • Page 36 Having detected a target and obtained a rough idea as to its size and location using the sweeping procedure, the precise location of the target can be “mapped” using the F3’s “Edge Detection” technique. Edge Detection makes use of the coil’s consistent sensitivity around its circumference to detect the edges of a target.
  • Page 37 F3 Operations Manual **WARNING** Extreme care must be taken when mapping the target to ensure that the coil does not touch the ground (or any exposed parts of the mine) or snag on any previously undetected trip wires. For large minimum metal anti-tank mines, it is possible that the area mapped out may be less than the actual area of the mine.
  • Page 38 F3 Operations Manual b. STEP 2 Determine Centre of Target In Step 1, the area of a target was determined. If the metal in the target is sufficiently small, the area mapped will also be small and therefore it is a relatively simple matter to pin-point the centre of the target.

  • Page 39: Multiple Targets

    Regardless, the pin-pointing procedure for the F3 can be used to effectively map a suspicious area as follows: a.

  • Page 40: Changing Batteries

    Changing Batteries. The F3 operates using 4 D cell alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Circuitry within the F3 continuously monitors the voltage levels of the batteries to ensure that sensitivity of the F3 remains at the correct level.
  • Page 41 Replace the Battery Pack Lid and rotate the Battery Lock Lever clockwise one-quarter turn. If the batteries are inserted incorrectly, the F3 will not switch on. c. Resume operations by completing the Test Piece procedure, as detailed in Section 4.2.c.
  • Page 42 F3 Operations Manual NOTE It is not necessary to conduct STEP 2 (Ground Balance) of the Standard Procedure provided operations continue in the same area used before the batteries were exchanged. The Battery Pack can be removed from the Upper Shaft by pulling down the Lock Lever located between the Battery Pack and the Electronics Pack as shown in Figure 28.

  • Page 43: Changing Sensitivity Endcaps

    F3 Operations Manual Changing Sensitivity Endcaps. The F3 can be used with Black (maximum sensitivity) or Red (minimum sensitivity) Sensitivity Endcaps. The decision on which Endcap to use will be provided by the local authority. To exchange a Sensitivity Endcap: a.

  • Page 44: Operating Multiple Detectors In Close Proximity

    F3 detectors in close proximity. In normal circumstances, an F3 detector can operate as close as 2 metres (7 feet) to another F3 detector without suffering excessive mutual interference. To achieve this minimum operating...

  • Page 45: Completion Of Operations

    F3 Operations Manual 4.10 Completion of Operations. At the completion of operations, the F3 should be checked with the Test Piece before switching off to ensure satisfactory performance before being packed away. Once completed: a. Turn the detector off. b. Clean the detector and inspect for any signs of damage (Chapter c.

  • Page 46: Care And Trouble Shooting

    Do not use solvents to clean the F3. If any part of the detector comes into contact with corrosive substances (including salt water), wash the detector with clean fresh water and dry with a clean cloth.

  • Page 47: Trouble Shooting

    Problem Recommended Procedure F3 will not switch On 1. Check batteries have been inserted correctly into the Battery Pack - or 2. Replace batteries - or 3. Remove Battery Pack and reconnect...
  • Page 48 F3 Operations Manual Cannot hear the Test 1. Repeat the Test Piece test and make sure the metal in the Test Piece is pointed toward Piece with the Red Sensitivity End Cap the coil surface...

  • Page 49: Specifications

    F3 Operations Manual 6. Specifications Length: Packed Length 760mm/30ins Operating Length 1510mm/59.5ins to 750mm/29.5ins Weight: Operating weight with 3.2kg/7lbs batteries (complete) Operating weight without 2.3kg/5lbs Battery Pack: Battery Pack with batteries 0.9kg/2lbs Shipping weight (in hard 12.6kg/28lbs case with batteries)
  • Page 50 AU2002951089, US2002053908, US2002053907 and US2002050822 (some pending). Disclaimer As a world leader in metal sensing technology, Minelab strives to continually improve its product range. Minelab reserves the right to introduce changes to the design, technical features and accessories of this product.
  • Page 51 F3 Operations Manual Parts Supplied: Figure 32: F3 Component Parts The F3 Mine Detector comprises the following (This list is not comprehensive): Minelab Part No Description Quantity 3015-0000 Mine Detector F3 Black Includes: 0311-0018 Battery Pack F3 Black 0703-0101 Endcap Red Low Sensitivity F3...
  • Page 52 Battery Alkaline D Cell 4 or 0303-0010 Battery NiCad D Cell 4500mAH Optional Accessories 0302-0042 Minelab F Series 8 Cell Charger EURO 0302-0041 Minelab F Series 8 Cell Charger US 0302-0040 Minelab F Series 8 Cell Charger AUS 3001-0036 Battery Bag F3...
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  • Page 56 Contact Details: Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd PO Box 537 Torrensville Plaza South Australia 5031 AUSTRALIA email: countermine@minelab.com.au tel: +61 88238 0888 Minelab USA 871 Grier Drive, Suite B-1 Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA email: countermine@minelab.com.au tel: +1 702 891 8809...

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