Minelab F3 Operation Manual
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Minelab F3 Operation Manual

Mine detector
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  • Page 1 "# $ %&...
  • Page 2 WARNING THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED RIGHTS TECHNICAL DATA OR RESTRICTED RIGHTS DATA OR BOTH. © Minelab Electronics This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    1. Introduction ................... 4 2. General Description and Preparation........... 6 2.1 Mine Detecting Set ..............6 2.2 F3 Main Components ..............8 2.3 F3 Preparation................9 2.4 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable ......14 2.5 Changing Endcaps ..............15 3.
  • Page 4 5.8 Completion of Operations ............42 6. Care and Trouble Shooting............43 6.1 Routine Care ................43 6.2 Trouble Shooting ..............44 7. Specifications ................46...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Additionally, Bi-polar technology assists in eliminating the possibility of initiating a magnetic influence mine. Combined with “static coupling” the F3 does not require motion to detect a target thereby making pin-pointing techniques fast and accurate.
  • Page 6 The F3 is designed to satisfy MIL STD 810F: Method 512.4 Water Immersion (IP67) Method 514.5 Vibration Method 516.5 Shock NOTE Although the F3 can withstand immersion to a depth of 3m for short periods of time, it is NOT designed for use as an underwater detector.

  • Page 7: General Description And Preparation

    2. General Description and Preparation Mine Detecting Set. The F3 is supplied as a mine detecting set (Figure 2) comprising: • Hard Case • Test Piece • Detector • Operations Manual • Soft Carry Bag • Field Guide • Earset •...
  • Page 8 The case also provides protection for the detector and it is recommended that the F3 be secured in its Hard Case whenever it is not in use or during transit. Failure to transport the detector in the supplied Hard Case may void warranty.

  • Page 9: F3 Main Components

    Skidplate Figure 4: F3 – Main Components a. Sensitivity Endcap – the sensitivity of the F3 can be changed by using either the Black (maximum) or Red (minimum) Endcaps. b. Armrest Strap – provided for operator comfort when the F3 is used for prolonged periods.

  • Page 10: F3 Preparation

    Electronics Pack – contains the electronics of the F3 and is permanently fixed to the detector. e. Upper Shaft – made of aluminium for increased robustness and provides mounting for the Handle, Battery Pack, Electronics Pack and Armrest. Battery Pack – removable to reduce the weight of the F3 for periods of prolonged use –...
  • Page 11 Replace the Battery Pack Lid and rotate the Battery Lock Lever clockwise one-quarter turn. If the batteries are inserted incorrectly, the F3 will fail to function when switched on. NOTE The F3 requires 4 D cell batteries for operation. Use only high quality alkaline (LR20) rechargeable batteries.
  • Page 12 The normal operating position of the coil is in line with the shaft. However, the coil can also be positioned at right angles to either side of the shaft (required if the F3 is to be used in the prone position). Once the position of the coil is selected,...
  • Page 13 Middle Upper Camlock Camlock Lower Camlock P0617-A Figure 7: Camlock Locations • Holding the detector with the coil pointing toward the ground, open the Middle Camlock and extend the Lower Shaft to the desired length. Lock the Lower Shaft into position by closing the Middle Camlock.
  • Page 14 Camlock and then slide the Armrest to the desired position. Lock the Armrest Camlock and tighten the Armstrap as required. The F3 is now ready for use. Refer to Chapter 3 for Functional Description and Chapter 5 for Operating Procedures.

  • Page 15: Use Of Battery Pack Bag And Extension Cable

    Upper Shaft Battery Pack Lock Lever Electronics Pack P0616-A Figure 9: Battery Pack Removal To refit the Battery Pack, ensure that the Lock Lever at the front of the Electronics Pack is in the unlocked position and position the Battery Pack on the rail underneath the Upper Shaft. Slowly slide the Battery Pack towards the Electronics Pack until the connector is firmly engaged.

  • Page 16: Changing Endcaps

    Changing Endcaps. The F3 can be used with Black or Red Sensitivity Endcaps. The decision on which Endcap to use will be provided by the local authority. To fit a Sensitivity Endcap: a. Ensure the F3 is switched off. b. Place the thumb of one hand in the centre of the Endcap and curl the fingers under the base of the Endcap.

  • Page 17: Functional Description

    3. Functional Description Functional Controls. For ease of use, all controls for the F3 are located on the Handle. For information on the additional controls included in the F3L configuration, refer to Chapter 4. Figure 12 illustrates the location of all controls:...
  • Page 18 (refer to Section 3.3 for a description of the alarm tones). • To turn the F3 off, slide the On/Off Switch away from the Handle. b. Ground Balance/Audio Reset Button. Easily identifiable as the Green Button located on top of the Handle, this dual action button carries out the following functions: •...

  • Page 19: Sensitivity Endcaps

    The Sensitivity Endcap provides an obvious visual cue that confirms the level of sensitivity selected in the F3. The F3 is supplied with Black and Red Sensitivity Endcaps. •...

  • Page 20: Functional Tones

    Red Sensitivity Endcap may not be suitable for use. It is recommended that, prior to operational use, the capability of the F3, fitted with the Red Sensitivity Cap, be tested against the local threat to ensure detection occurs.
  • Page 21 NOTE Circuitry within the F3 ensures that its performance remains consistent as the charge state of the batteries begins to reduce. When the batteries can no longer supply the necessary power to sustain correct performance of the detector, a Low Battery Alarm will alert the operator.

  • Page 22: Test Piece - Functional Test

    Test Piece – Functional Test. The F3 is supplied with a Test Piece specially designed to confirm that the detector is working to correct specifications. The sensitivity of the detector should be checked with the Test Piece before, during and after demining...

  • Page 23: F3L Configuration

    4. F3L Configuration Introduction. Detectors fitted with the LED Display and Volume/Sensitivity (V/S) Control leave the factory with the LED Display and Volume/Sensitivity Control enabled. The LEDs give an operator a visual indication of the size and proximity of a target. The V/S Control provides the facility to reduce or increase V/S levels to suit specific detection circumstances.

  • Page 24: Operation-Volume/Sensitivity Control

    (middle) setting every time the F3L is switched on. The Test Piece Procedure must ALWAYS be carried out at the default V/S level setting. **WARNING** Decreasing the Volume/Sensitivity of the F3 detector also decreases the sensitivity (depth of detection) of the detector, thereby increasing the possibility of missing minimum metal mines.

  • Page 25: Operation-Led Display

    • • • • switching the F3L off and on. d. Disabling and Enabling Volume/Sensitivity Control. The F3L factory pre-set is V/S Control enabled but this feature can be disabled or enabled as follows: • • • • Disable. To disable the V/S Control after the detector has been switched on, press and hold the button and simultaneously, quickly press and release the black Noise Cancel Button.
  • Page 26 NOTE If more than one LED is illuminated or the display is erratic (in combination with a variable tone response), conduct Audio Reset and/or Noise Cancel. Test Piece Procedure at V/S default setting with Black Endcap Up to three LEDs illuminated Small/deep target response Medium target response Large/shallow target response...
  • Page 27 a. Disabling and Enabling LED Display. The F3L factory pre-set is LED display enabled but this feature can be disabled or enabled as follows: • • • • Disable. With the detector switched on, to disable the LED display, press and hold the button and simultaneously, quickly press and release the green Ground Balance button.

  • Page 28: Operating Procedures

    Introduction. The F3 is designed to ensure that operation of the detector is as simple as possible. Additionally, the F3 is extremely capable, safe to use, robust and eliminates the need for complicated controls or lengthy training requirements. This Chapter describes procedures for safe and effective operation of the F3.

  • Page 29: Standard Procedure

    Turn the detector on by sliding the On/Off switch back towards the handle. P0645-A Figure 17: Switching on the Detector • The F3 will emit a series of four rising tones over 12 seconds (internal diagnostic checks occurring). At the completion of the...
  • Page 30 Start-Up Tones a low volume Threshold Tone will remain audible. Figure 18: Switch On • If the Threshold Tone is steady continue with STEP 2. If the Threshold Tone is noisy or uneven when the coil is stationary, perform a Noise Cancel (Section 5.3.a). •...
  • Page 31 Beep Beep 150mm (6 in) P0623-A Figure 19: Ground Balance Procedure NOTE Movement of the coil during the entire Ground Balance procedure should be slow, continuous and smooth and each down and up movement should take 3 to 4 seconds. Ground Balance tone...
  • Page 32 c. STEP 3 Test Piece • Ensure the operator’s hands and arms are free of metallic objects (watches, rings etc), and that no other metallic objects are near the coil. The orientation of the Test Piece during the test is dependent on which Sensitivity Endcap is connected to the detector.

  • Page 33: Optional Procedure

    • Red Sensitivity Endcap: Hold the Test Piece above the middle of the coil with the rounded end (containing the metallic target) TOWARDS the coil. Move the Test Piece towards the centre of the coil until it lightly touches the surface then move it sideways off the coil (the Test Piece should be moved slowly and smoothly during this procedure).
  • Page 34 • During the 45 seconds, the detector scans the environment searching for any electrical interference. Once detected, the F3 will automatically select a different operating frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference. b. Audio Reset. Whenever the Threshold Tone sounds louder...
  • Page 35 F3 can commence operations in compliance with local Standard Operating Procedures. Having completed STEPS 1, 2 and 3 the F3 remembers the Ground Balance setting even after the detector has been switched off. After Noise Cancel is completed the F3 remembers the frequency selected to minimise interference, even if the detector is switched off.
  • Page 36 STEP 1 SWITCH ON Optional Procedure NOISE Threshold Noisy/Uneven CANCEL AUDIO Threshold Louder than RESET Normal STEP 2 GROUND BALANCE STEP 3 TEST PIECE Figure 23: Standard & Optional Procedure...

  • Page 37: Sweeping Procedure

    When a target is initially detected, an operator should stand in place and continue to sweep the F3 beyond the target in an attempt to find clear ground. In doing so the operator will: •...

  • Page 38: Pin-Pointing Procedure

    • Having detected a target and obtained a rough idea as to its size and location using the sweeping procedure, the precise location of the target can be “mapped” using the F3’s “Edge Detection” technique. • Edge Detection makes use of the coil’s consistent sensitivity around its circumference to detect the area of a target.
  • Page 39 **WARNING** Extreme care must be taken when mapping the target to ensure that the coil does not touch the ground (or any exposed parts of the mine) or snag on any previously undetected trip wires. For large minimum metal anti-tank mines, it is possible that the area mapped out may be less than the actual area of the mine.

  • Page 40: Multiple Targets

    Regardless, the pin-pointing procedure for the F3 can be used to effectively map a suspicious area as follows: a.
  • Page 41 P0627-A Figure 27: Mapping Multiple Targets NOTE To an experienced operator the shape of the mapped area can indicate whether multiple targets may be present. b. STEP 2 Determining the Centre of Target • The pitch of the Threshold Tone will rise or fall depending on the combination of metals or the composition of metal in a mine.

  • Page 42: Operating Multiple Detectors In Close Proximity

    F3 detectors in close proximity. In normal circumstances, an F3 detector can operate as close as 2 metres (7 feet) to another F3 detector without suffering excessive mutual interference. To achieve this minimum operating...

  • Page 43: Completion Of Operations

    Figure 29: Operating Detectors in Close Proximity Completion of Operations. At the completion of operations, the F3 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.

  • Page 44: Care And Trouble Shooting

    Do not use solvents to clean the F3. 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 45: Trouble Shooting

    Problem Recommended Procedure F3 will not switch On 1. Check batteries have been inserted correctly into the Battery Pack - or 2. Replace batteries - or 3. Remove Battery Pack and reconnect...
  • Page 46 Cannot hear the Test 1. Repeat the Test Piece test and make sure Piece with the Red the metal in the Test Piece is pointed toward Sensitivity End Cap the coil surface...

  • Page 47: Specifications

    7. Specifications Length: Operating Length 1500mm/59.4ins to 750mm/30ins Weight: Operating weight with 3.2kg/7lbs batteries (complete) Operating weight without 2.3kg/5lbs Battery Pack Battery Pack with batteries 0.9kg/2lbs Shipping weight (in hard 10.5kg/23lbs case with batteries) Transmission: Pulse Induction Bi-polar Multi-Period-Sensing Output: Audio Internal Loudspeaker Earset (various configurations avail)
  • Page 48 AU2002951089, US2002053908, US2002053907 and US2002050822 (some pending). 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 of this product.
  • Page 49 Contact Details: Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd PO Box 537 Torrensville Plaza South Australia 5031 AUSTRALIA email: countermine@minelab.com.au tel: +61 88238 0888 Minelab USA 871 Grier Drive, Suite B-1 Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA email: countermine@minelab.com.au tel: +1 702 891 8809...

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