Testing The F1A4 Control Box; Initial Power On Test; Sensitivity Test - Minelab F1A4 Service Manual

4.

TESTING THE F1A4 CONTROL BOX

This procedure details testing of the F1A4 Control Box and Earset, and
should be carried out if there is any doubt about the serviceability of the F1A4, or
after any repairs have been completed to the F1A4 Control Box.
A Ground Balance (GB) Test Piece is required to properly test the F1A4.
This is needed to simulate mineralised or 'noisy' ground and ensure correct F1A4
Ground Balance operation. The GB Test Piece can be a local piece of mineralised
ground (hot rock or a fired tile) that produces a response from the F1A4.
Procedure:
Connect the F1A4 Control box to a good Coil and charged
battery pack.
Note: The Coil must not be near any metal objects, and the
technician must not wear any rings, bracelets, or watches
during this procedure.
4.1

INITIAL POWER ON TEST

Switch the F1A4 on to the SEARCH position. The detector should take six
seconds to run through the start up routine, comprising four rising tones followed by
a continuous background threshold tone. F1A4 target response is indicated by a
clear change in the threshold tone. The amount of change is dependent on the size
of the target (larger target – louder response) and the distance from the coil to the
target (closer to coil – louder response). If the correct tones or threshold are not
heard go to Section 5.1.1.
4.2

SENSITIVITY TEST

Hold the Test Piece Mine Detector in one hand, with the end containing the
target away from the Coil. Move the Test Piece Mine Detector towards the centre
of the coil until it lightly touches the centre of the coil and then move it sideways off
the coil (the Test Piece Mine Detector should be moved slowly and smoothly during
this procedure). A soft but distinct change in the threshold tone should be heard.
P0263-B
If a response is not heard, go to Section 5.1.2.
F1A4 Field Service Manual – Level 1 and Level 2 Maintenance
Page 17