Minelab F3 COMPACT Service Manual
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Minelab F3 COMPACT Service Manual

Metal mine detector
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F3 COMPACT
F3 Metal Mine Detector
Metal Mine Detector
November 2017
Part No: 4904-0013

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Summary of Contents for Minelab F3 COMPACT

  • Page 1 F3 COMPACT F3 Metal Mine Detector Metal Mine Detector November 2017 Part No: 4904-0013...
  • Page 2 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contents Introduction ............................ 4 Mechanical & Functional Testing ..................... 5 Mechanical Testing ........................6 Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures ..................14 Opening the Detector Body ....................15 Closing the Detector Body ...................... 18 Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) .................... 24 3.3.1...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Additionally, serviceable line replaceable units can be exchanged between detectors as required. Line replaceable units are sub-assemblies of the F3 COMPACT that can be purchased from Minelab for the purpose of repairing the F3 COMPACT. Line replaceable units include the following: 3004-0044...

  • Page 5: Mechanical & Functional Testing

    _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mechanical & Functional Testing The detector set should be regularly checked to ensure all parts and accessories are present and in good working order. The F3 COMPACT is supplied as a mine detecting set comprising: 3001-0100 Bag, Carry COLAR...

  • Page 6: Mechanical Testing

    2.1 Mechanical Testing Confirm all parts and accessories are present and in good working order. Unpack the detector and prepare for use. Figure 2 identifies the major components of the F3 COMPACT. Mechanical testing and inspection includes checking the following: The detector for any obvious signs of damage, •...
  • Page 7 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2.2 Functional Testing Functional testing is used to confirm the serviceability of an F3 COMPACT before it is returned to the field for use and whenever doubt exists about its serviceability. The F3 COMPACT must pass all tests to be considered serviceable and ready for operations. Whenever a line replaceable unit is replaced or a repair is conducted, all functional testing must be completed.
  • Page 8 • beeps followed by 45 seconds of sharp triple (3) beeps and finish with 4 single beeps. During the 45 seconds the F3 COMPACT scans the environment searching for the source • of any electrical interference. Once detected, the detector will automatically select a different operating frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference.
  • Page 9 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 5: Audio Reset NOTE If the ground balance button is not immediately released the F3 COMPACT will commence the Ground Balance procedure. Ground Balance Test. This test confirms the F3 COMPACT is capable of ground balancing against mineralised ground. In doing so, it confirms the correct operation of the ground balance button, coil and associated circuitry.
  • Page 10 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Press and hold the green Ground Balance button whilst slowly moving the ground • balance test piece from approximately 15cm (6in) above the coil towards the centre of the coil (and touching the coil). Then, move the ground balance test piece away from the centre of the coil to a distance of 15cm (6in).
  • Page 11 • will resume. Sensitivity Control Test. This test confirms the sensitivity control allows the operator to make adjustments to the sensitivity of the F3 COMPACT. The test is conducted as follows: Set the sensitivity to the default position 4. •...
  • Page 12 Set the sensitivity control to the default position 4 then switch on the F3 COMPACT. • NOTE Maximum sensitivity is only available 30 seconds after the completion of the start-up tones. Do not test the F3 COMPACT with the test piece until 30 seconds after the completion of the start-up tones.
  • Page 13 Provided the F3 COMPACT passes all function tests it is serviceable and ready for operations. The detector can now be packed into its bag ensuring batteries are removed and all accessories are in place.

  • Page 14: Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures

    Whenever a unit is replaced, mechanical and functional testing as described in Section 2 must be completed. It is recommended that the 3004-0055 F3 COMPACT service tool kit be used to conduct disassembly and reassembly procedures. The tool kit contains the following: Pull-through for coil cable •...

  • Page 15: Opening The Detector Body

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.1 Opening the Detector Body In order to conduct repairs and replace many of the parts of this detector, the first step will often be to open the detector body. Many sections of this manual will refer back to this section.
  • Page 16 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 11: Disconnecting Coil Plug and Removing Screws Turn the detector over onto its left side with speaker grill uppermost. • Using the 3mm hex key driver (3mm Allen Key) remove all 8 screws from the detector •...
  • Page 17 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Using fingers gently separate the left and right body halves. The battery end of the • detector will come away easily. The shaft end is held by two (2) locating pins and will require more force to separate.

  • Page 18: Closing The Detector Body

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 16: Open Detector Body The body of the detector is now opened revealing the internal components, which can now be replaced as required. 3.2 Closing the Detector Body The following procedure outlines the steps involved in closing and resealing the detector...
  • Page 19 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Coil Connector Nut Figure 18: Connecting Coil Cable and Fitting Hinge Cover Turn the detector body over so it is on its left side. • Check the detector handle is correctly positioned on the detector as well as the armrest •...
  • Page 20 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ensure the battery lid is closed. • Connect the speaker connector to the interface PCB. Check all other connectors and • cables are connected. Figure 20. Speaker Assembly Speaker Connector Figure 20: Connecting Speaker Check the O-ring in the detector body is clean, lightly greased and correctly positioned.
  • Page 21 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Once the two sides of the detector are together check the handle, shafts and armrest • slide are correctly fitted. Carefully hold the detector together whilst turning the detector over onto its right side with the hinge cover facing up.
  • Page 22 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Torx symbol marks location of O-ring all Torx Screws Figure 24: Inserting Torx Screws. Check the detector assembly and test all moving parts. • Place the detector on its right side. Remove the hinge cover then insert and tighten the •...
  • Page 23 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Attach the hinge cover and make sure the protrusion on the underside of the hinge cover • engages into the slot on the detector body near the hinge. Fit the two (2) screws (45mm) into the hinge cover and tighten. Figure 27.

  • Page 24: Main Printed Circuit Board (Pcb)

    _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.3 Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) The main PCB of the F3 COMPACT is a line replaceable unit and this section of the manual describes the procedure for its replacement. Figure 30 shows the main parts associated with the main PCB.
  • Page 25 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 30: Parts of the Main PCB Main PCB Kit, contains all parts in this table. 3004-0053 31-23040-980 Screw Toroid M3x40 skt 0703-0208 Cover Toroid 0704-0009 Gasket Toroid 5904-0190 PCBA Control F3 9511-0124 Wiring Loom Coil...

  • Page 26: Removing The Main Pcb

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.3.1 Removing the Main PCB To remove the main PCB, open the detector body as described in section – Open the Detector Body and: Figure 31: Opened Detector Body Remove the Nut (18mm) from the coil connector. Figure 32.
  • Page 27 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mounting Screws Interface PCB Figure 34: Interface PCB Disconnect the 10 way connector from the interface PCB. Figure 35. • Slide out the locking bails on the 6 way ribbon connector and disconnect the cable 6 way •...

  • Page 28: Main Pcb Assembly

    The main PCB can now be replaced. 3.3.2 Main PCB Assembly When the line replaceable unit 3004-0053 Main PCB Kit is supplied by Minelab no assembly is required. However, in the event a main PCB is exchanged from one detector for use in another, it is important to check for correct assembly before fitting the main PCB to the detector.

  • Page 29: Installing The Main Pcb

    Refer to Figure 39. Figure 39: Three (3) Jumpers on Main PCB. The main PCB is now ready to install into the F3 COMPACT. 3.3.3 Installing the Main PCB. Having opened the detector body and removed the faulty main PCB, install a serviceable main PCB as follows: Place the detector on its left side in a clean well lit area.
  • Page 30 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 40: Installing the Main PCB Position the coil connector ensuring the connector has a clean and correctly positioned • O-ring as shown in Figure 41. Fit the cable of the coil connector into the cable router as shown in Figure 41.
  • Page 31 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Lay the cable 10 way under the interface PCB. Take note of the connector key tab that • aligns with the slot in the interface PCB. Figure 43. Alignment Key Figure 43: Connector 10 Way Gently align and connect the connector 10 way.
  • Page 32 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Make sure all connectors are firmly in place and all wires and cables are positioned so • that they will not cause obstruction or get damaged when the two halves of the main body are fitted together.

  • Page 33: Coil

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.4 Coil The coil is a line replaceable unit and Figure 47 illustrates the major parts of the coil. 3004-0044 Coil Kit, is a service kit containing the coil and associated parts. All parts are available individually.

  • Page 34: Skid Plate Replacement

    Re-attach the skid plate by positioning the skid plate underneath the coil and then • pressing it into position. 3.4.2 Removing the Coil To remove the coil from the F3 COMPACT: Prepare a clean well lit area in which to work. • Switch off the detector and remove the batteries.
  • Page 35 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Coil Connector Figure 49: Removing Hinge Cover Unscrew and disconnect the coil connector. Figure 50. • Figure 50: Disconnecting Coil Connector Remove the pin coil cable from the upper end of the upper shaft. Turn the pin clockwise •...

  • Page 36: Coil Pivot

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Insert a flat tip screwdriver into the slot underneath the cap shaft and lift and remove the • cap shaft. Figure 52. Slide the coil out and off the lower shaft, exposing the coil cable.

  • Page 37: Removing Coil Pivot

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 55: Coil Pivot Kit Parts 3004-0045 Coil Pivot Kit, contains all items in this Table 4003-0121 Thumb Screw Nylon 1/4BSW 4003-0123 Screw Nylon M6x29 4311-0074 Pivot Coil Yoke 4311-0086 Pivot Lower Shaft 0703-0204 Cap Shaft...
  • Page 38 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 56: Removing two (2) Screws NOTE The two (2) screws can be used to adjust the friction of the coil pivot movement. Push the pin coil pivot out with a pin punch or hex key driver and remove the pin coil •...

  • Page 39: Attaching The Coil Pivot

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ O-Ring Figure 59: Removing Pivot Coil Yoke 3.4.5 Attaching the Coil Pivot To attach the coil pivot, firstly remove the coil from the detector as described in section 3.4.2 - Removing the Coil. Once completed: Attach the O-ring to the coil as shown in Figure 60.
  • Page 40 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 61: Fitting Pivot Coil Yoke Feed the pivot shaft onto the coil cable. Align the coil cable with the 5 turns of cable • inside the pivot then press the pivot shaft onto the pivot coil yoke. Ensure the coil cable retains the 5 turns of cable within the pivot.
  • Page 41 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Insert the screw (Nylon M6x29) into the pivot coil yoke and then insert the thumb screw. • Tighten both screws until the movement of the coil starts to become firm. Figure 64. Figure 64: Adjusting Screws NOTE The thumb screw will adjust the friction of the coil tilt.

  • Page 42: Connecting The Coil

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.4.6 Connecting the Coil With practice and a pull through tool it is possible to connect the coil to the detector without opening the detector body. Open the detector body as described in Section 3.1 - Opening the Detector Body.
  • Page 43 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 67: Fitting Pin Coil Cable and Cover Shaft Hinge Fit the cover shaft hinge to the shaft and screw into place. Figure 67. • Slide the coil into the end of the lower shaft. Fit the cap shaft then fit the two (2) screws •...

  • Page 44: Shafts

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Coil Connector Nut Figure 70: Connecting Coil Cable and Cover The coil has now been connected to the detector. Check the assembly and all moving parts. Insert batteries and then carry out mechanical & functional testing as described in Section 2 - Mechanical &...
  • Page 45 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 71: Shaft Parts Shaft Kit, contains all items in this table 3004-0046 4311-0073 Hinge Upper Shaft 4308-0018 Pin Lock Latch 8007-0065 Shaft Upper 8009-0011 Shaft Guide Middle 3004-0047 Camlock Kit, contains 3 items marked green...

  • Page 46: Replacing A Camlock

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.5.1 Replacing a Camlock Camlock replacement can be achieved as follows: Open the camlock lever and using a pin punch and hammer drive the camlock pin out. • Figure 72. Figure 72: Removing Camlock Pin Once the camlock pin has been removed the camlock pressure block can be removed and •...
  • Page 47 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Lift the shafts clear of the detector. • Figure 74: Shaft and Coil Removed from Detector Remove the pin coil cable from the upper end of the upper shaft. Turn the pin coil cable •...

  • Page 48: Attaching The Shafts

    Figure 77: Removing Coil Cable from Shafts Figure 78: Detector Shaft and Coil The Shafts have now been removed from the F3 COMPACT. 3.5.3 Attaching the Shafts The detector body needs to be opened in order to fit the shafts to the detector, refer to Section 3.1 –...
  • Page 49 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 79: Handle Parts Handle Kit, contains all items in this table. 3004-0050 0705-0078 Display Assembly 31-03512-980 Screw 3.5x12 skt head 8005-0068 Handle Forward Right 4308-0024 Pin Handle Main Upper 8005-0067 Handle Main 4311-0076 Hinge Handle Slide...

  • Page 50: Removing The Handle

    Figure 81: Handle Pin Handle Pivot Figure 82: Removing Handle and Cable Pass the wiring loom handle through the top of the detector. Figure 82. • The handle has now been removed from the F3 COMPACT and can be replaced if required.

  • Page 51: Connecting The Handle

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.6.2 Connecting the Handle To connect the handle the detector body must be opened as described in Section 3.1 - Opening the Detector Body. Once completed: Thread the wiring loom handle into the detector body. Figure 83.
  • Page 52 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 85: Correct Position of Wiring Loom Handle Assemble the detector and close the detector body as described in Section 3.2 - Closing the Detector Body.

  • Page 53: Armrest

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.7 Armrest The armrest is a line replaceable unit with or without slide as shown in Figure 86. Figure 86. Armrest Kit with Slide 3004-0048 Armrest Kit with Slide 8001-0022 Armrest Flap Upper Right 4308-0020...

  • Page 54: Replacing The Armrest

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4308-0019 Pin Long Armrest 31-03512-980 Screw M3.5x12 skt head 4005-0095 Bush Friction Armrest 8001-0020 Armrest Flap Lower Right 8005-0071 Armstrap with Buckle Table 6. Armrest Kit with Slide 3.7.1 Replacing the Armrest To replace the armrest: Prepare a clean well lit workspace.

  • Page 55: Battery Compartment

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.8 Battery Compartment The battery compartment and the battery lid are line replaceable units and available as service kits which include associated parts as shown in Figure 88. Figure 88: Battery Compartment Kit 3004-0051 Battery Compartment Kit, contains all items.

  • Page 56: Battery Compartment Replacement

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.8.1 Battery Compartment Replacement Open the detector body as described in Section 3.1 - Opening the Detector Body. Once completed: Disconnect the battery connector. • Remove the two (2) screws (12mm) from the battery compartment. Figure 90.

  • Page 57: Battery Lid

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.8.2 Battery Lid The battery lid 3004-0052 is a line replaceable unit as shown in figure 89. Figure 90: Battery Lid Kit 3004-0052 Battery Lid Kit 2303-0042 Contacts Battery Lid 4309-0045 O Ring Battery Lid...

  • Page 58: Detector Body

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 91: Opened Detector Body NOTE The battery lid can be replaced without opening the detector body if the tether is unscrewed from the battery lid. Check the battery lid has an O-ring correctly in place. The O-ring must be clean and can •...

  • Page 59: Control Switches Replacement

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.9.1 Control Switches Replacement The control switches are a line replaceable unit and are available as a service kit, 3004- 0054 Switches Kit that includes all associated parts. Figure 91 illustrates all parts. Figure 92: Switches Kit...
  • Page 60 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Figure 92: Disconnecting 6 Way Ribbon Cable Lay the detector body on its side with the control knobs facing upwards. Set the controls • to off and setting 4. Figure 93: Removing Control Switch Knobs Using a 2mm hex key driver (allen key), undo the screws in the centre of each control •...
  • Page 61 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Check each control switch has a clean and lightly greased O-ring correctly positioned on • the mounting face. Carefully align the control switches and the flexible ribbon cable within the detector body • as illustrated in Figure 94.

  • Page 62: Speaker Replacement

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.9.2 Speaker Replacement The speaker is a line replaceable unit and available as a service kit, 3004-0057 Speaker Kit. Figure 95 illustrates the major parts of the speaker. Figure 95: Speaker Kit 3004-0057 Speaker Kit, contains all items in this table...
  • Page 63 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Open the detector body as described in Section 3.1 - Opening the Detector Body. Once completed: Remove the four (4) screws (12mm) from the speaker assembly in the right side of the • detector body. Figure 96.

  • Page 64: Wiring Loom Earset Replacement

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.9.3 Wiring Loom Earset Replacement The wiring loom earset is a line replaceable unit and is available as a service kit, 3004- 0058 Wiring Loom Earset Kit that includes associated parts. Figure 97 illustrates the major parts of the wiring loom earset.

  • Page 65: Wiring Loom Handle Socket Replacement

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.9.4 Wiring Loom Handle Socket Replacement The wiring loom handle socket is a line replaceable unit and is available as a service kit, 3004-0056 Wiring loom Handle Socket Kit, which includes associated parts. Figure 98 illustrates the major parts of wiring loom handle Socket.
  • Page 66 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Wiring Loom Handle Socket Connector to Interface PCB Circlip Figure 99: Wiring Loom Handle Socket The wiring loom handle socket can now be removed and replaced. To fit the wiring loom handle socket follow the removal instruction above in reverse order. Then assemble the detector as described in Section 3.2 Closing the Detector...

  • Page 67: Detector Body Parts

    F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.9.5 Detector Body Parts The F3 COMPACT detector Chassis Kit 3004-0236 is a line replaceable unit available with all associated parts as shown in Figure 100. Table 12: Detector body parts 3004-0236 Chassis Kit 31-24020-980...
  • Page 68 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4007-0009 Latch Hinge 5904-0176 Interface PCBA 31-03512-980 Screw 3.5x12 skt head 4309-0068 Seal Detector Body 30-43000-001 Vent Gore 2705-0061 Decal Compliance 31-24035-987 Screw M4x35 Torx with seal 31-24020-987 Screw M4x20 Torx with seal Table 12: Detector body parts...

  • Page 69: Fault Finding Procedures

    A functional test failure can generally be repaired by replacing one of the line replaceable units. The F3 COMPACT is designed so that line replaceable units can be exchanged between detectors without the need to calibrate. This means that where spare parts are not available and more than one detector is faulty, then parts from one detector can be used to make another serviceable.
  • Page 70 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ makes a loud noise ● Replace coil ● Replace main PCB Ground Balance does not ● Check area is metal free work Replace handle • ● Replace coil ● Replace main PCB Noise Cancel does not...
  • Page 71 F3 COMPACT Service Manual _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Circuit Schematics F3 COMPACT...

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