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µMAX BANDIDO OPERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your new Tesoro µMAX Bandido Metal Detector is part of a new series of detectors designed to provide you with many
happy hours of enjoyment in the most rewarding hobby I can think of – treasure hunting. Ahead of you lie fascinating and
exciting experiences as you step into the past – uncovering artifacts lost by past generations – or, as you take pleasure in
the great outdoors with family and friends searching for precious metals. I wish we could share these experiences with you,
and all of us at Tesoro wish you the best of success.
Your Tesoro µMAX detector is capable of meeting your needs in a wide range of treasure hunting situations. As with any
other metal detector, familiarity with this instrument is probably the limiting factor in determining how successful you can be. I
recommend that you read this manual and understand fully how to operate this detector before attempting to use it in the field.
As you become more familiar with your detector through practice, your rate of success will increase dramatically.
The µMAX Bandido is a precision electronic instrument that will last for years if properly cared for. Treat it right and it
won't let you down.
INTRODUCTION
To be successful in treasure hunting with a detector you must:
Use a highperformance metal detector designed for the type of treasure hunting you will be doing.
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Learn how to use your metal detector properly.
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Search where there is buried treasure to be found.
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Be persistent.
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The µMAX Bandido is a true all purpose detector. It was designed for top performance in the widest range of detecting uses possible. It is
sensitive to small gold particles, it is powerful enough to relic and cache hunt with, it is plenty fast enough for competition hunting and it is great
for coin hunting. Yet, even with its amazing power, it is still easy to use.
This OPERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL is designed to help you learn to operate the detector properly for maximum performance in various
search conditions. Complete instructions on how to operate the µMAX Bandido are found in the two main sections: GETTING STARTED and
OPERATING TECHNIQUES.
If you are new to metal detecting, we highly recommend reading and following the entire GETTING STARTED section to develop the "feel"
of your detector. Then, study and practice the OPERATING TECHNIQUES section – especially Ground Balancing – to get the best performance
from your detector.
If you are new to treasure hunting with metal detectors, keep in mind that if there are no valuable metal objects buried where you are
searching, it won't matter how good your metal detector is or how skilled and persistent you are. To learn more about where to search for valuable
buried metals check with your metal detector dealer or book seller for magazines and books on treasure hunting.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The µMAX Bandido is one of the first of its kind: an ultra light weight, compact detector that packs the power and performance of the best full
size, heavier detectors. By utilizing state ofthe art circuitry, Tesoro has created an amazingly versatile and powerful, easy to operate detector that's
perfect for all types of detecting, and for travel.
The µMAX Bandido is a Transmitter Receiver (TR) type of detector that operates in the Very Low Frequency (VLF) portion of the Radio
Frequency (RF) spectrum. The µMAX Bandido uses only three control knobs and two toggle switches to provide full VLF capabilities.
The performance of the µMAX Bandido will satisfy the requirements of the serious detectorists, whether experienced or novice. At the centre
of the µMAX Bandido is a special Hybrid circuit board developed from Surface Mount Technology that incorporates Tesoro's proven High Gain
Sensitivity Circuitry. This circuit board helps provide greater depths and more sensitivity to smaller, less conductive metal objects or "targets" such
as fine gold jewelry.
The µMAX Bandido has features that make its power easy to use. Through simple and fast operator adjusted "ground balancing," the ground
rejection circuitry will allow operation in even the most difficult ground mineralization conditions. Two operating modes and two tuning modes
add to the versatility of the detector's operation. The Discriminate Mode is Silent Search, meaning the searchcoil must be moving to detect a
target. The All Metal Mode is no motion, meaning the searchcoil will detect a target located directly under it, even when the searchcoil is not
moving. Auto Tune, the automatic tuning mode, is fast and retunes the detector in seconds after encountering a target. Normal Tune gives the
operator total control of retuning at the touch of a switch.
The electronic miniaturization of Surface Mount Technology permits the complex, powerful circuitry of the µMAX detectors to fit into a very
small space. The result is a detector that is so incredibly light there is no need to body mount the control housing. This exclusive design feature
adds to the µMAX Bandido's ease of use and makes those longer searches more enjoyable.
The µMAX Bandido comes with an 8" round concentric searchcoil for best all around performance with good depth. A variety of optional
Tesoro searchcoils are also available and will enhance the detector's performance under various conditions (see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES).
Good Hunting! Jack Gifford
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