Minelab F3 Mine Detector, Operation Manual

Page 1: ...F3 Mine Detector Rev 6 Part No 4901 0043 OPERATIONS MANUAL F3L Configuration Optional Configuration...

Page 2: ...RIGHTS RESERVED This document is protected by copyright Apart from any use permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 Cth or other applicable laws any unauthorised use appropriation or reproduc...

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Page 4: ...________________________ 18 3 4 Test Piece Functional Test _____________________ 20 4 F3L Configuration_______________________________ 21 4 1 Introduction ___________________________________ 21 4 2 De...

Page 5: ...____________________________ 39 6 7 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity _____ 41 6 8 Completion of Operations ________________________ 42 7 Care and Trouble Shooting ______________________...

Page 6: ...F3 mine detector incorporates patented Bi polar technology that enhances Minelab s renowned and highly successful Multi Period Sensing MPS technology Through MPS the sensitivity of a detector remains...

Page 7: ...fic operational procedures and continuous microprocessor controlled internal self testing The inclusion of a Test Piece provides an operator with a quick and easy test to ensure the detector is workin...

Page 8: ...mine detecting set Figure 2 comprising Hard Case Test Piece Detector Operations Manual Soft Carry Bag Field Guide Earset Red Endcap Low Sensitivity Four D Cell Batteries Alkaline or Rechargeable Batt...

Page 9: ...t the detector in the supplied Hard Case may void warranty b A Soft Carry Bag is supplied to allow an operator to comfortably carry the detector when use of the Hard Case is impractical e g when walki...

Page 10: ...mponents a Sensitivity Endcap the sensitivity of the F3 can be changed by using either the Black maximum Red minimum or Yellow variable Endcaps b Armrest Strap provided for operator comfort when the F...

Page 11: ...self cleaning locking mechanisms to position the coil lower and middle shafts k Coil enclosed waterproof coil to eliminate possible interference from vegetation can be rotated 180 degrees a monoloop...

Page 12: ...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 f...

Page 13: ...Positions Open the Lower Camlock and rotate the coil to the desired position The normal operating position of the coil is in line with the shaft However the coil can also be positioned at right angle...

Page 14: ...sed with the Lower Shaft fully retracted Open the Upper Camlock and extend the Middle Shaft to the desired length Lock the Middle Shaft into position by closing the Upper Camlock h Undo the dustcaps f...

Page 15: ...then slide the Armrest to the desired position Lock the Armrest Camlock and tighten the Armstrap as required j The F3 is now ready for use Refer to Chapter 3 for Functional Description and Chapter 6 f...

Page 16: ...r in a clockwise motion into the locked position 2 4 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable If required the Battery Pack can be separated from the Upper Shaft thereby reducing the overall weight...

Page 17: ...umb and simultaneously pull the base of the Endcap away from the Electronics Pack Figure 11 d Exchange or replace the Endcap by gently positioning the inside of the base of the Endcap under the base o...

Page 18: ...Off Switch toward the Handle When switched on the F3 completes a series of internal start up functions including initialisation of the microprocessor and self tests which check internal power supplie...

Page 19: ...ineralised ground for an extended period of time may cause this Also if the detector is being used in the kneeling position shafts retracted any movement of the coil relative to the shaft may cause th...

Page 20: ...vel of sensitivity selected in the F3 The F3 is supplied with Black and Red Sensitivity Endcaps Black Sensitivity Endcap With the Black Sensitivity Endcap fitted the F3 performs at maximum sensitivity...

Page 21: ...dicates successful Ground Balance procedure completed One fast high pitched double beep Target Indicates metal target detected Increases volume compared to Threshold Tone and high or low pitch dependi...

Page 22: ...e is occurring Two single beeps followed by 45 seconds of short double beeps finishing with four single beeps NOTE Circuitry within the F3 ensures that its performance remains consistent as the charge...

Page 23: ...e with local Standard Operating Procedures In some instances a user may prefer to use inert mines as test pieces because they represent the local threat Minelab recommends that the detector always be...

Page 24: ...ls to suit specific detection circumstances If required the LED display and the ability to vary V S levels can be disabled on the F3L 4 2 Description The F3L is fitted with a modified speaker pod comp...

Page 25: ...ss and release the Volume Sensitivity button the required number of times maximum five times from default level During each button press a short high pitched tone will be heard When the maximum V S le...

Page 26: ...will be heard NOTE If the or buttons are pressed and the V S Control has been disabled then a double tone will be heard signifying that adjustment of the V S has been disabled and the F3L is operatin...

Page 27: ...h 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 r...

Page 28: ...LED display press and hold the button and simultaneously quickly press and release the green Ground Balance button NOTE Once the LED display is enabled unless subsequently disabled the LEDs will be i...

Page 29: ...ground balance can be checked reset to default or edited When a Yellow Sensitivity Endcap is connected to an F3S the detector will switch to the settings last uploaded from the configuration editor If...

Page 30: ...fe 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 Where these procedures c...

Page 31: ...itted as directed by the local authority complete the THREE step standard procedure as follows Figure 16 F3 Controls a STEP 1 Switch ON Hold the coil at least 600mm 24ins from the ground and away from...

Page 32: ...seems louder than normal when the coil is away from the ground and metallic targets perform an Audio Reset Section 6 3 b b STEP 2 Ground Balance Ensure this procedure is carried out on ground free of...

Page 33: ...ot Ground Balance correctly Move the detector and repeat the Ground Balance over ground that is free of any metallic objects After the Ground Balance procedure is completed the detector will automatic...

Page 34: ...it lightly touches the surface then move it sideways off the coil the Test Piece should be moved slowly and smoothly during this procedure A faint but clear response change in Threshold Tone volume a...

Page 35: ...the performance of the detector When using the yellow endcap with user customised configuration it is the responsibility of the user to provide a test piece or appropriate target to confirm the detect...

Page 36: ...lly select a different operating frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference b Audio Reset Whenever the Threshold Tone sounds louder than normal perform the Audio Reset procedure as follows NOTE...

Page 37: ...Tone becomes noisy uneven or rises in volume Once Noise Cancel or Audio Reset is complete continue with steps 2 and 3 Figure 23 illustrates this sequence Once completed the F3 can commence operations...

Page 38: ...5 Figure 23 Standard Optional Procedure Y STEP 1 SWITCH ON STEP 2 GROUND BALANCE STEP 3 TEST PIECE NOISE CANCEL AUDIO RESET Threshold Noisy Uneven Threshold Louder than Normal Y N N Optional Procedure...

Page 39: ...the ground Therefore the coil should be swept as close to the ground as possible to maximise detection depth Local Standard Operating Procedures take precedence NOTE Minelab recommends a half coil 10...

Page 40: ...ction technique Edge Detection makes use of the coil s consistent sensitivity around its circumference to detect the area of a target To conduct edge detection the coil should approach the target loca...

Page 41: ...oil can be considered to be above the centre of the target Once confirmed local Standard Operating Procedures should be followed to mark the target WARNING Extreme care must be taken when mapping the...

Page 42: ...returns to the centre 6 6 Multiple Targets There may be occasions when an operator will encounter multiple targets For example small anti personnel mines may be laid in a cluster or a large anti tank...

Page 43: ...pending on the combination of metals or the composition of metal in a mine This means that in some instances experienced operators may be able to identify one mine against another Figure 28 By slowly...

Page 44: ...o achieve this minimum operating distance between detectors Noise Cancel is to be conducted as follows a With all other detectors switched off switch on the first detector and perform Noise Cancel as...

Page 45: ...ay Once completed a Turn the detector off b Clean the detector and inspect for any signs of damage Chapter 7 c Remove the batteries from the Battery Pack and stow in the Hard Case or Soft Carry Bag d...

Page 46: ...cloth to remove any dirt or dust before collapsing the shafts c Do not use solvents to clean the F3 If any part of the detector comes into contact with corrosive substances including salt water wash t...

Page 47: ...Audio Reset After switching On the Threshold Tone varies in pitch and volume with the coil stationary 1 Conduct Noise Cancel There is no sound from the Earset 1 Disconnect and reconnect the Earset or...

Page 48: ...ng weight without Battery Pack 2 3kg 5lbs Battery Pack with batteries 0 9kg 2lbs Shipping weight in hard case with batteries 10 5kg 23lbs Transmission Pulse Induction Bi polar Multi Period Sensing Out...

Page 49: ...ntal Resistance To MIL STD 810F Method 512 4 Water immersion IP67 Method 514 5 Vibration Method 516 5 Shock Batteries 4 required Alkaline D cell LR20 Rechargeable NiCad or NiMh D cell minimum 4000mAh...

Page 50: ...troduce changes to the design technical features and accessories of this product Contact Details Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd Tel 61 0 8 8238 0888 email countermine minelab com au Minelab Americas Inc...

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