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Summary of Contents for Minelab F3 Mine Detector
- Page 1 F3 Mine Detector F3L Configuration (Optional) Configuration Rev: 6 Part No: 4901 0043...
- Page 2 No part of this document may be used or reproduced by any means or by any process, in any form, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd of 118 Hayward Avenue, Torrensville, SA 5031, Australia.
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introduction ____________________________________ 3 General Description and Preparation ________________ 5 Mine Detecting Set. _______________________________ 5 F3 Main Components. ____________________________ 7 F3 Preparation. __________________________________ 8 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable. _______ 13 Changing Endcaps. _____________________________ 14 Functional Description ___________________________ 15 Functional Controls. - Page 5 Sweeping Procedure. ____________________________ 36 Pinpointing Procedure. __________________________ 37 Multiple Targets. ________________________________ 39 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity. _____ 41 Completion of Operations. ________________________ 42 Care and Trouble Shooting _______________________ 43 Routine Care. __________________________________ 43 Trouble Shooting. _______________________________ 44 8. Specifications ___45...
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Page 6: Introduction
Through its patented and unique technology, Minelab has emphasised equipment capability and operator safety in its products. The F3 mine detector incorporates patented Bi-polar technology that enhances Minelab‟s renowned and highly successful... - Page 7 The F3 is a robust detector that is extremely simple to operate. There are no complicated controls resulting in the operator being able to focus on the vital task of mine detection. If mine detection occurs in a “difficult” environment that includes highly mineralised ground or electrical interference from overhead power lines or other sources, simple and quick semi-automatic procedures can be initiated by an operator to allow the detector to continue...
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Page 8: General Description And Preparation
2. General Description and Preparation 2.1 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 Earset ... - Page 9 a. As illustrated in Figure 2, the Hard Case includes an insert for easy placement of the 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.
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Page 10: F3 Main Components
2.2 F3 Main Components. Figure 4 identifies the main components of the F3 which comprise: Figure 4: F3 – Main Components a. Sensitivity Endcap – the sensitivity of the F3 can be changed by using either the Black (maximum), Red (minimum) or Yellow (variable) Endcaps. -
Page 11: F3 Preparation
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. f. Battery Pack – removable to reduce the weight of the F3 for periods of prolonged use –... - Page 12 (LR20) rechargeable batteries. Minelab recommends that only rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 4000 mAH or greater be used with the F3. Rechargeable batteries have specific charge/discharge maintenance requirements, which should be strictly followed to ensure maximum battery life. Only NiCad and NiMh type D cell rechargeable batteries are suitable for use with the F3.
- Page 13 g. Extend the Lower and Middle Shafts to suit the selected demining position as shown in Figure 6. For use in the standing position: Figure 6: F3 in the Standing, Kneeling or Prone Positions Open the Lower Camlock and rotate the coil to the desired position.
- Page 14 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. NOTE The Lower Shaft must be extended at least 100mm (4ins).
- Page 15 Figure 8: Fitting the Earset NOTE The Earset connector is waterproof and it is most important that it is connected and disconnected from the Earset socket by holding the rubber collar. Do not attempt to connect or disconnect the Earset by pushing or pulling on the strain relief or wire at the rear of the rubber collar.
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Page 16: Use Of Battery Pack Bag And Extension Cable
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. Slowly slide the Battery Pack towards the Electronics Pack until the connector is firmly engaged. -
Page 17: Changing Endcaps
2.5 Changing Endcaps. The F3 can be used with Black, Red or Yellow 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. b. -
Page 18: Functional Description
3. Functional Description 3.1 Functional Controls. For ease of use, all controls for the F3 are located on the Handle. For information on the additional controls included in the F3L configuration, refer to Chapter 4. Figure 12 illustrates the location of all controls: Figure 12: F3 Controls a. - Page 19 During operation, continuous internal self-testing continues and an alarm tone is triggered on detection of any fault condition (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.
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Page 20: Sensitivity Endcaps
(Earset Speaker Off). The Earset Speaker Off is identified by a short length of green tubing located at the rear of the Earset plug. **WARNING** Minelab strongly recommends that an operator should always wear an Earset when using the F3 detector. 3.2 Sensitivity Endcaps. -
Page 21: Functional Tones
**WARNING** Where a minimum metal mine threat exists, the F3 MUST be operated with the Black Sensitivity Endcap. Depending on the size of the target and the depth of detection required, the Red Sensitivity Endcap may not be suitable for use. It is recommended that, prior to operational use, the capability of the F3, fitted with the Red Sensitivity Cap, be tested against the local threat to ensure detection occurs. - Page 22 depth Low Battery Indicates batteries do High pitched fast not have enough continuous oscillating charge to continue tone detection Equipment Fault Indicates failure of Low pitched slow detector component or oscillating tone (ee- a dislodged Red aww, ee-aww) Sensitivity Endcap Coil Fault Indicates coil not Low pitched double...
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Page 23: Test Piece - Functional Test
Operating Procedures). In some instances, a user may prefer to use inert mines as test pieces because they represent the local threat. Minelab recommends that the detector always be first tested with the supplied Test Piece before local test pieces are used for testing. -
Page 24: F3L Configuration
4. F3L Configuration 4.1 Introduction. Detectors fitted with the LED Display and Volume/Sensitivity (V/S) Control leave factory with Display Volume/Sensitivity Control enabled. The LEDs give an operator a visual indication of the size and proximity of a target. The V/S Control provides the facility to reduce or increase V/S levels to suit specific detection circumstances. -
Page 25: Operation-Volume/Sensitivity Control
4.3 Operation-Volume/Sensitivity Control. From the default (middle) V/S setting, it is possible to increase or decrease V/S levels in five steps. Regardless of the V/S level selected, the volume of the Threshold Tone will remain the same. For safety reasons, the V/S setting will always commence at the default (middle) setting every time the F3L is switched on. -
Page 26: Operation-Led Display
switching the F3L off and on. d. Disabling and Enabling Volume/Sensitivity Control. The F3L factory pre-set is V/S Control enabled but this feature can be disabled or enabled as follows: Disable. To disable the V/S Control after the detector has been switched on, press and hold the button and simultaneously, quickly press and release the black Noise Cancel Button. - Page 27 NOTE If more than one LED is illuminated or the display is erratic (in combination with a variable tone response), conduct Audio Reset and/or Noise Cancel. Test Piece Procedure at V/S default setting with Black Endcap Up to three LEDs illuminated Small/deep target response Medium target response Large/shallow target response...
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Page 28: Battery Status
a. Disabling and Enabling LED Display. The F3L factory pre-set is LED display enabled but this feature can be disabled or enabled as follows: Disable. With the detector switched on, to disable the LED display, press and hold the button and simultaneously, quickly press and release the green Ground Balance button. -
Page 29: F3S Configuration Yellow Endcap
To customise the performace of the F3S detector a Yellow Sensitivity Endcap is fitted and the detector is connected to a computer via the Earset Socket with a proprietary Minelab programming cable. Using the Minelab „Configuration Editor‟ software the sensitivity, audio volume and ground balance can be checked, reset to default or edited. -
Page 30: Operating Procedures
This Chapter describes procedures for safe and effective operation of the F3. Where these procedures contravene local Standard Operating Procedures, local procedures should take precedence provided all Minelab recommended safety procedures are followed. Figure 15: F3 Detector... -
Page 31: Standard Procedure
6.2 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: Figure 16: F3 Controls a. STEP 1 Switch ON ... - Page 32 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 a low volume Threshold Tone will remain audible. Figure 18: 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 6.3.a).
- Page 33 Figure 19: Ground Balance Procedure NOTE Movement of the coil during the entire Ground Balance procedure should be slow, continuous and smooth and each down and up movement should take 3 to 4 seconds. Ground Balance tone heard within 30 seconds of starting the procedure, release the Ground Balance button and repeat this procedure.
- Page 34 NOTE Maximum sensitivity is only available 30 seconds after the Threshold Tone commences. Do not test the detector with the Test Piece until 30 seconds after the Threshold Tone begins. Black Sensitivity Endcap: Hold the Test Piece above the middle of the coil with the rounded end (containing metallic target) AWAY from the coil.
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Page 35: Optional Procedure
When the F3 detector is programmed with Sensitivity, Audio Volume or Ground Balance settings that differ from the default black endcap settings the Minelab test piece cannot be used to confirm the performance of the detector. When using the yellow endcap with... - Page 36 Figure 21: Noise cancel Noise Cancel will commence with two single beeps followed by 45 seconds of sharp double beeps finishing with four single beeps. During the 45 seconds, the detector scans the environment searching for any electrical interference. Once detected, the F3 will automatically select a different operating frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference.
- Page 37 located on top of the Handle). Within two seconds the threshold tone will return to its correct level. Figure 22. Audio Reset NOTE If the Audio Reset button is held too long, the detector will commence the Ground Balance procedure. Noise Cancel and Audio Reset procedures can be performed at any time the Threshold Tone becomes noisy, uneven, or rises in volume.
- Page 38 STEP 1 SWITCH ON Optional Procedure NOISE Threshold Noisy/Uneven CANCEL AUDIO Threshold Louder than RESET Normal STEP 2 GROUND BALANCE STEP 3 TEST PIECE Figure 23: Standard & Optional Procedure...
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Page 39: Sweeping Procedure
(Local Standard Operating Procedures take precedence.) NOTE Minelab recommends a half coil (100mm / 4ins) overlap on successive sweeps as an operator moves forward in a mine lane b. When a target is initially detected, an operator should stand in place and continue to sweep the F3 beyond the target in an attempt to find clear ground. -
Page 40: Pinpointing Procedure
6.5 Pinpointing 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: a. STEP 1 Mapping the Target ... - Page 41 **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.
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Page 42: Multiple Targets
Maximum Volume Figure 26: Determining Target Centre NOTE An operator can confirm that the centre of a target has been located by moving the coil slightly, in any direction, and returning to the centre. In doing so the volume of the Threshold Tone should decrease from maximum as the coil leaves the centre and return to maximum as the coil returns to the centre. - Page 43 Figure 27: Mapping Multiple Targets NOTE To an experienced operator the shape of the mapped area can indicate whether multiple targets may be present. b. STEP 2 Determining the Centre of Target The pitch of the Threshold Tone will rise or fall depending on the combination of metals or the composition of metal in a mine.
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Page 44: Operating Multiple Detectors In Close Proximity
Figure 28: Multiple Targets 6.7 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity. On occasion it may be necessary to operate 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. -
Page 45: Completion Of Operations
NOISE CANCEL 2 metres Figure 29: Operating Detectors in Close Proximity 6.8 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. -
Page 46: Care And Trouble Shooting
7. Care and Trouble Shooting 7.1 Routine Care. The F3 is designed for lasting use in harsh operating environments. However, proper care and maintenance will ensure long-term reliability. Key to ensuring the survivability of the F3 is the correct stowage of the detector into its Hard Case whenever the detector is not in use. -
Page 47: Trouble Shooting
7.2 Trouble Shooting. The following table provides several trouble shooting procedures in response to a variety of possible problems: Problem Recommended Procedure F3 will not switch On 1. Check batteries have been inserted correctly into the Battery Pack - or 2. -
Page 48: Specifications
8. Specifications Length: Operating Length 1500mm/59.4ins to 750mm/30ins 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 10.5kg/23lbs case with batteries) Transmission: Pulse Induction Bi-polar Multi-Period-Sensing Output: Audio Internal Loudspeaker Earset (various configurations avail) - Page 49 IP67) Method 514.5 (Vibration) Method 516.5 (Shock) Batteries (4 required): Alkaline D cell LR20 Rechargeable NiCad or NiMh D cell minimum 4000mAh capacity Battery Reverse Polarity Protection: Patents and Trademarks: Patents and trademarks may apply to this product. Patents: www.minelab.com/patents.
- Page 50 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. Contact Details: Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd Tel: +61 (0)8 8238 0888 email: countermine@minelab.com.au...
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