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Minelab F3 compact Operation Manual

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F3 COMPACT
Ve r s i o n 2
Metal Detector
Part No: 4901-0174 Revision 2

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Summary of Contents for Minelab F3 compact

  • Page 1 F3 COMPACT Ve r s i o n 2 Metal Detector Part No: 4901-0174 Revision 2...
  • 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 2 Second Avenue, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction ....................3 General Description and Preparation ............ 5 2.1 Mine Detecting Set ................5 2.2 F3 COMPACT Main Components ............6 2.3 F3 COMPACT Preparation ..............8 Functional Description................12 3.1 Functional Controls and Displays ............12 3.1.1 On/Off Switch ................
  • Page 4 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual 4.5 Pinpointing Procedure ................. 30 4.5.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target ............. 30 4.5.2 STEP 2 Determine Centre of Target ......... 32 4.6 Multiple Targets ................... 33 4.6.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target ............. 33 4.6.2 STEP 2 Determining the Centre of Target .......

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Bipolar technology also helps to eliminate the possibility of initiating a magnetic influence mine. Combined with ‘static coupling’ the F3 COMPACT does not require motion to detect a target thereby making pinpointing techniques fast and accurate. Figure 1: F3 COMPACT mine detector...
  • Page 6 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual The F3 COMPACT is a robust detector that is extremely simple to operate. When working in an 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 resulting in the detector continuing to perform at maximum capability.

  • Page 7: General Description And Preparation

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual General Description and Preparation Mine Detecting Set The F3 COMPACT is supplied as a mine detecting set (Figure 2) comprising:  Hard Case (optional)  Operations Manual  Detector  Field Guide  Soft Carry Bag ...

  • Page 8: F3 Compact Main Components

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual F3 COMPACT Main Components Figure 3 identifies the main components of the F3 COMPACT. Armrest Armrest Strap Test Piece Battery Compartment Earset Connector Main Body Controls Upper Camlock Upper Shaft Lower Camlock Middle Shaft...
  • Page 9 F3 COMPACT Version 2 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 and also the programming cable when using the configuration software to customise volume and sensitivity settings.

  • Page 10: F3 Compact Preparation

    Figure 6. Figure 4: Opening the Battery Lid NOTE The F3 COMPACT requires 4 C cell batteries for operation. Use only high quality alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Minelab recommends that only rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 4000 mAH or greater be used with the F3 COMPACT.
  • Page 11 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Figure 5: Guide to unfolding and adjusting the F3 COMPACT 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...
  • Page 12 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Figure 6: F3 COMPACT 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 13 Do not attempt to connect or disconnect the Earset by pushing or pulling on the strain relief or cable at the rear of the rubber collar. The F3 COMPACT is now ready for use. Refer to Chapter 3 for Functional Description, and Chapter 4 for Operating Procedures.

  • Page 14: Functional Description

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Functional Description Functional Controls and Displays For ease of use, all controls and displays for the F3 COMPACT are located on the Handle Assembly and Main Body. Figure 8 illustrates the location of all controls.

  • Page 15: Sensitivity Knob

    (refer to section 3.2 for a description of the alarm tones). To turn the F3 COMPACT off, pull up the On/Off Knob and rotate counter-clockwise to the Off position. Release the switch back to the locked position.

  • Page 16: Ground Balance/Audio Reset Button

    * WARNING * When detecting minimum metal mines or targets with low metal signatures, the F3 COMPACT should not be used on a selection lower than the default setting (Position 4). Where possible, Free From Explosive targets should be buried at the required detection depth.

  • Page 17: Volume Control

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Volume Control 3.1.5 For each sensitivity setting, the default volume level of the F3 COMPACT is close to maximum. However, volume can be lowered or slightly increased using the volume control feature of the F3 COMPACT.
  • Page 18 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Other typical illuminations of the LED display, including Battery Low Alarm LED are illustrated inFigure 11. Figure 11: Typical LED Responses...

  • Page 19: Battery Status

    Earset Socket 3.1.8 The F3 COMPACT 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 2.3.g.

  • Page 20: Functional Tones

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Functional Tones The F3 COMPACT 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 F3 COMPACT can produce.

  • Page 21: Test Piece - Functional Test

    Battery Compartment. Test Piece – Functional Test The F3 COMPACT is supplied with a Test Piece designed to confirm that the detector is working to correct specifications. The detector should be checked with the Test Piece when the Sensitivity Knob is at Position 4 (default).
  • Page 22 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual NOTE When switched on, maximum sensitivity is available 30 seconds after the completion of the Start-Up tones. Do not test the detector with the Test Piece until 30 seconds after the completion of the Start- Up tones.

  • Page 23: Operating Procedures

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Operating Procedures Introduction The F3 COMPACT is designed to ensure that operation of the detector is as simple as possible. Additionally, the F3 COMPACT is extremely capable, robust and safe to use, eliminating the need for lengthy training requirements.

  • Page 24: Standard Procedure

    Position 4 (default) and then switch ON the detector by lifting and rotating the On/Off knob clockwise. Figure 14: Switching on the Detector The F3 COMPACT will emit a series of rising tones over 12 seconds (internal diagnostic checks occurring). At the completion of the Start-Up Tones the F3 Compact will begin detecting.

  • Page 25: Step 2 Ground Balance

    STEP 2. If the detector is noisy or uneven when the coil is stationary, perform a Noise Cancel (section 4.3.1). c. If the F3 COMPACT sounds steady but has a constant tone when the coil is away from the ground and metallic targets, perform an Audio Reset (section 4.3.2).

  • Page 26: Step 3 Test Piece

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual and repeat this procedure. If there is metal in the ground under the coil whilst Ground Balancing, the detector will not Ground Balance correctly. Move the detector and repeat the Ground Balance over ground that is free of metallic objects.
  • Page 27 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual NOTE Maximum sensitivity is only available 30 seconds after the completion of the Start-Up Tones. Do not test the detector with the Test Piece until 30 seconds after the completion of the Start-Up. Figure 16: Test Piece procedure...

  • Page 28: Optional Procedure

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Optional Procedure If after Step 1 the F3 COMPACT is not quiet and steady, conduct one or both of the following procedures: Noise Cancel (see 4.3.1) Audio Reset (see 4.3.2) Noise Cancel 4.3.1 If the F3 COMPACT is noisy or uneven when the coil is stationary, conduct Noise Cancel as follows: a.

  • Page 29: Audio Reset

    Audio Reset 4.3.2 Whenever the F3 COMPACT sounds louder than normal with a constant tone perform the Audio Reset procedure as follows: a. Hold the coil away from any metallic objects. Press and immediately release the green Ground Balance button (green button located on top of the handle).
  • Page 30 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Figure 19: Standard and optional procedures...

  • Page 31: Sweeping Procedure

    Sweeping Procedure The F3 COMPACT should be swept with a smooth even motion at a speed of 0.6 m/s (2 ft/s). If the detector is swept too fast or too slow, small or deep targets may be missed. The coil should...

  • Page 32: Pinpointing Procedure

    Pinpointing Procedure The design of the F3 COMPACT makes pinpointing accurate and fast. The F3 COMPACT’s mono loop coil means there are no gaps in sensitivity around the coil’s circumference or across its surface. Pinpointing is conducted by first mapping the target and then finding its centre.
  • Page 33 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual detection) indicating that coil is in close proximity to the target. At the rise in volume, the operator should mentally mark the position on the ground, move the coil away, and approach the target from another angle.

  • Page 34: Step 2 Determine Centre Of Target

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual STEP 2 Determine Centre of Target 4.5.2 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.

  • Page 35: Multiple Targets

    Regardless, the pinpointing procedure for the F3 COMPACT can be used to effectively map a suspicious area. STEP 1 Mapping the Target 4.6.1...

  • Page 36: Step 2 Determining The Centre Of Target

    Figure 24: Multiple targets Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity On occasion it may be necessary to operate many F3 COMPACT detectors in close proximity. In normal circumstances, an F3 COMPACT detector can operate as close as two metres (seven feet) to another without suffering excessive mutual interference.
  • Page 37 F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual b. Once Noise Cancel is finished on the first detector, leave it switched on. Ensure that the second detector is at least two metres away and switch it on. Conduct Noise Cancel on the second detector.

  • Page 38: Completion Of Operations

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Completion of Operations At the completion of operations, the F3 COMPACT should be checked with the Test Piece before switching off to ensure satisfactory performance before being packed away. Once completed: a. Switch Off the detector.

  • Page 39: Care And Troubleshooting

    Do not use solvents or chemicals to clean the F3 COMPACT. 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 40: Troubleshooting

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Figure 26: Replacing the skid plate Troubleshooting Table 2 provides several troubleshooting procedures in response to a variety of possible problems. Problem Recommended Procedure F3 COMPACT will not switch 1. Check batteries have been inserted correctly into the Battery Compartment, or 2.

  • Page 41: Specifications

    F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual Specifications Length 149 cm/59 ins – 95cm/37 ins Operating Length Weight Operating weight with 2.57 kg/5.7 lbs batteries (complete) Operating weight without 2.40 kg/5.3 lbs batteries Shipping weight (in hard 7.4 kg/16.3 lbs case with batteries)
  • Page 42 Patents and trademarks may apply to this product. Patents: www.minelab.com/patentmarking 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...
  • Page 43 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 Minelab MEA General Trading LLC Tel: +971 4 254 9995 Email: countermine@minelab.com.au www.minelab.com...

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