Minelab F3Ci Operation Manual
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Minelab F3Ci Operation Manual

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F3Ci
Revision 01
Part No: 4901-0144

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Summary of Contents for Minelab F3Ci

  • Page 1 F3Ci Revision 01 Part No: 4901-0144...
  • 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    F3Ci Operations Manual Table of Contents Introduction ..............3 2. General Description and Preparation ..........5 Mine Detecting Set ..............5 F3Ci Main Components ............6 F3Ci Preparation ..............8 3. Functional Description ..............13 Functional Controls and Displays ........... 13 3.1.1 On/Off Knob ..............13 3.1.2 Sensitivity Knob ............
  • Page 4 F3Ci Operations Manual Sweeping Procedure ..............29 4.4.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target .......... 31 4.4.2 STEP 2 Pinpointing the Target ........33 4.4.3 STEP 3 Interrogating the Target (Optional) ....34 Multiple Targets ..............35 4.5.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target ..........35 4.5.2 STEP 2 Pinpointing Targets ..........35 4.5.3 STEP 3 Interrogating the Targets (Optional) ....36...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Through its patented and unique technology, Minelab has emphasised equipment capability and operator safety in its products. The F3Ci is a lightweight, compact detector that includes a uniquely designed mechanical platform thereby providing superior ergonomics. It is a robust detector that is extremely simple to operate.
  • Page 6 F3Ci Operations Manual The F3Ci is designed to detect all types of metal targets and carbon rods. Additionally, under certain circumstances and using various tones, the F3Ci can assist an operator to identify specific targets. The F3Ci incorporates several safety features such as Low Battery...

  • Page 7: General Description And Preparation

    F3Ci Operations Manual General Description and Preparation Mine Detecting Set The F3Ci is supplied as a mine detecting set (Figure 2) comprising: • Hard Case (optional) • Operations Manual • Detector • Field Guide • Soft Carry Bag • Test Piece •...

  • Page 8: F3Ci Main Components

    F3Ci Operations Manual F3Ci Main Components Figure 3 identifies the main components of the F3Ci. Armrest Armrest Strap Test Piece Battery Compartment Handle Assembly Earset Connector Main Body Shaft Hinge Controls Upper Camlock Upper Shaft Middle Shaft Lower Camlock Coil...
  • Page 9 F3Ci Operations Manual Test Piece – conveniently stowed on the Armrest to allow the operator to ensure the detector is working at its operational capability. Earset Connector – provides connection for the Earset. Main Body – waterproof housing containing the detector electronics and batteries.

  • Page 10: F3Ci Preparation

    Battery Lock Lever clockwise one-quarter turn. If the batteries are inserted incorrectly, the detector will fail to function when switched on. e. Using Figure 5 as a guide, unfold and adjust the F3Ci. Figure 4: Removing the Battery Compartment Lid NOTE The F3Ci requires 4 C cell batteries for operation.
  • Page 11 F3Ci Operations Manual...
  • Page 12 F3Ci Operations Manual Figure 5: Guide to unfolding and adjusting the F3Ci NOTE When the Handle Assembly is locked into position (Frame 3), it will also lock the Upper Shaft in position. To unlock the Handle Assembly and to allow the Upper Shaft to rotate when repacking the detector, gently but firmly impact the base of the palm against the top of the handle behind the LED display.
  • Page 13 F3Ci Operations Manual Figure 6: F3Ci in the standing, kneeling or prone positions g. Undo the dust caps from the Earset Plug and Earset Socket on the detector. Gently hold the Earset by the rubber collar using thumb and index finger, the raised double arrow should be uppermost (see Figure 7).
  • Page 14 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. The F3Ci is now ready for use. Refer to Chapter 3 for Functional Description, and Chapter 4 for Operating Procedures.

  • Page 15: Functional Description

    F3Ci Operations Manual Functional Description Functional Controls and Displays For ease of use, all controls and displays for the F3Ci are located on the Handle Assembly and Main Body. Figure 8 illustrates the location of all controls. Mode Selector Button...

  • Page 16: Sensitivity Knob

    (refer to section 3.2 for a description of the alarm tones). To turn the F3Ci off, pull out the On/Off Knob and rotate counter- clockwise to the Off position. Release the switch back to the locked position.

  • Page 17: Ground Balance

    Using the Noise Cancel button located on the left of the LED display, the operator can initiate an automatic frequency scanning sequence. As a result the F3Ci will select an operating frequency that minimises the effects from sources of electrical interference.

  • Page 18: Led Display

    F3Ci Operations Manual * WARNING * Detection Mode is always more sensitive than Interrogation or Pinpoint modes. This means that, on occasion, when a very small target is detected in Detection Mode, it is possible the target will not be detected when selecting Interrogation or Pinpoint modes.

  • Page 19: Battery Status

    3.1.8 Earset Socket The F3Ci has an internal speaker located inside the Main Body, however, it can also be fitted with an Earset via the Earset Socket. The procedure for connecting the Earset is described in section...
  • Page 20 Earset is connected. For military countermine applications, an Earset that mutes the F3Ci’s internal speaker when the Earset is connected is available (Earset Speaker Off). The Earset Speaker Off is identified by a short length of green tubing located at the rear of the Earset Plug.

  • Page 21: Functional Tones

    F3Ci Operations Manual Functional Tones The F3Ci emits tones that vary in pitch and volume to alert the operator to targets, automatic detector functions or equipment alarm conditions. The following table summarises the tones that an F3Ci can produce. Tones...

  • Page 22: Test Piece - Functional Test

    Battery Compartment. Test Piece – Functional Test The F3Ci is supplied with a Test Piece designed to confirm that the detector is working to correct specifications. The sensitivity of the detector should be checked with the Test Piece when the Sensitivity Knob is at Position 4 (default).
  • Page 23 F3Ci Operations Manual * WARNING * The Test Piece functional test must be conducted with the Sensitivity Knob set to Position 4 (Default) and should be conducted whenever the detector is switched on to confirm correct functionality of the detector.

  • Page 24: Operating Procedures

    F3Ci Operations Manual Operating Procedures Introduction The F3Ci is designed to ensure that operation of the detector is as simple as possible. Additionally, the F3Ci is extremely capable, robust and safe to use, eliminating the need for lengthy training requirements. This chapter describes procedures for safe and effective operation of the F3Ci.

  • Page 25: Standard Procedure

    (24 in) Figure 14: Switching on the detector The F3Ci will emit a rising tone for approximately 2 seconds followed by two beeps. At the completion, the heart beat will commence. b. If the detector is affected by interference, perform a Noise Cancel (section 4.3.1).

  • Page 26: Step 2 Ground Balance

    F3Ci Operations Manual 4.2.2 STEP 2 Ground Balance Ensure this procedure is carried out on ground free of metal and hold the coil about 150 mm (6 ins) above the ground. a. Press and release the Ground Balance button. Slowly lower the coil directly to the ground then lift the coil up again 150 mm (6 ins).

  • Page 27: Optional Procedures

    F3Ci Operations Manual A faint but clear response should be heard indicating the sensitivity of the detector is correct. With the LED display enabled, the Test Piece Procedure will result in the illumination of at least two LEDs. Figure 16: Test Piece procedure...

  • Page 28: Activate/Deactivate Leds

    Figure 17: Noise Cancel During the 20 seconds, the detector scans the environment searching for any electrical interference. Once detected, the F3Ci will automatically select a different operating frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference. NOTE The detector cannot be used for clearing operations during Noise Cancel.

  • Page 29: Activate/Deactivate Vibration

    F3Ci Operations Manual 4.3.3 Activate/Deactivate Vibration The detector incorporates a vibration feature to give an operator a tactile response during the detection of a target. When the detector is first switched on the vibration is deactivated. To activate vibration press and hold the Mode Select button and then press the Noise Cancel button.
  • Page 30 F3Ci Operations Manual STEP 1 SWITCH ON 60cm (24 in) OPTIONAL PROCEDURE NOISE THRESHOLD NOISY/UNEVEN CANCEL PRESS MODE SELECT BUTTON TURN ON LEDS AND GROUND BALANCE BUTTON PRESS MODE SELECT BUTTON TURN ON AND NOISE VIBRATION CANCEL BUTTON STEP 2...

  • Page 31: Sweeping Procedure

    F3Ci can commence operations in compliance with local Standard Operating Procedures. NOTE Having completed STEPS 1, 2 and 3 the F3Ci remembers the Ground Balance setting even after the detector has been switched off. After Noise Cancel is completed the F3Ci remembers the frequency selected to minimise interference, even if the detector is switched off.
  • Page 32 F3Ci Operations Manual c. Pinpoint Mode. By pressing and holding down the Mode Select button, the F3Ci will enter Pinpoint Mode. In this mode, the tone will be the loudest when the centre of the coil is directly above the target.

  • Page 33: Step 1 Mapping The Target

    (local Standard Operating Procedures take precedence). When a target is initially detected in Detection Mode , an operator should stand in place and continue to sweep the F3Ci beyond the target in an attempt to find clear ground. In doing so the operator will: a.
  • Page 34 F3Ci Operations Manual To conduct edge detection, the coil should approach the target location from a variety of angles as shown in Figure 20. As the coil approaches the target, an alarm tone will occur indicating that coil is in close proximity to the target.

  • Page 35: Step 2 Pinpointing The Target

    F3Ci Operations Manual 4.4.2 STEP 2 Pinpointing the 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 pinpoint the centre of the target. Move the coil away from the mapped target and select Pinpointing Mode by pressing and holding the yellow Mode Select button.

  • Page 36: Step 3 Interrogating The Target (Optional)

    F3Ci Operations Manual 4.4.3 STEP 3 Interrogating the Target (Optional) Having pinpointed the target the Mode Select button should be released, returning the detector to Detection Mode. The selection of detection mode will be indicated by a double beep. If required the target can be analysed by selecting Interrogation Mode.

  • Page 37: Multiple Targets

    F3Ci Operations Manual Multiple Targets There may be occasions when an operator will encounter multiple targets. For example, small anti-personnel mines may be laid in a cluster, or a large anti-tank mine may be surrounded by smaller anti- personnel mines or booby-traps.

  • Page 38: Step 3 Interrogating The Targets (Optional)

    F3Ci Operations Manual * WARNING * The volume from a large target may mask that of a small target if the small target is located very close to the large target. Two similar targets located close to each other may result in only on alarm.

  • Page 39: Operating Multiple Detectors In Close Proximity

    F3Ci Operations Manual Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity On occasion it may be necessary to operate F3Ci detectors in close proximity. In normal circumstances, an F3Ci detector can operate as close as two metres (seven feet) to another without suffering excessive mutual interference.

  • Page 40: Completion Of Operations

    F3Ci Operations Manual Completion of Operations At the completion of operations, the F3Ci 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.

  • Page 41: Care And Troubleshooting

    Do not use solvents to clean the F3Ci. If any part of the detector comes into contact with corrosive substances, wash the detector with clean fresh water and dry with a clean cloth.

  • Page 42: Troubleshooting

    Table 2 provides several troubleshooting procedures in response to a variety of possible problems. Problem Recommended Procedure F3Ci will not switch on 1. Check batteries have been inserted correctly into the Battery Compartment, or 2. Replace batteries. After switching on, there 1.

  • Page 43: Specifications

    F3Ci Operations Manual Specifications Length Operating Length 1490 mm/59 ins – 950 mm/37 ins Weight Operating weight with 2.51 kg/5.5 lbs batteries (complete) Operating weight without 2.28 kg/5.0 lbs batteries Shipping weight (in hard 7.4 kg/16.3 lbs case with batteries)
  • Page 44 Patents and trademarks may apply to this product. Patents: www.minelab.com/patents 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...
  • Page 45 Contact Details: Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd tel: +61 8 8238 0888 Minelab Americas Inc tel: +1 630 401 8150 Minelab International Limited tel: +353 21 423 2352 email: countermine@minelab.com.au www.minelab.com...

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