Armand PROSPECTOR 4 User manual
ARMAND PROSPECTOR 4
METAL DETECTOR
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
http://www.armand.pl
Quality Metal Detectors from Poland Since 1985. Good Finds Guaranteed!
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Table of contents
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................3
ASSEMBLING THE DETECTOR ..........................................................................................3
CHARGING THE BATTERIES…………………………………………………………………….3
CONTROLS ..........................................................................................................................4
1. Switches ............................................................................................................................4
2. Press button ......................................................................................................................4
3. Rotary controls ..................................................................................................................4
MODES OF OPERATION .....................................................................................................5
STATIC GROUND ……………………………………………..…………………………………..5
STATIC DISCRIMINATION .…………………………..…………………………………………..5
DYNAMIC GROUND ............................................................................................................5
DYNAMIC DISCRIMINATION................................................................................................5
PREPARATION FOR USE ....................................................................................................6
Basic information ..................................................................................................................6
Ground compensation procedure .........................................................................................6
OPERATION TIPS ................................................................................................................7
FLASHLIGHT………………………………………………………………………………………..8
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................8
TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................................................................................................9
INTRODUCTION
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Prospector 4 is a classic VLF metal detector based on state of the art electronics
circuitry. It is designed and assembled carefully by hands in Poland using high quality
components and materials. It is basically dedicated to relic hunters but can be successfully
used by coin hunters alike. To fully understand all its function and capabilities it is strongly
recommended to read carefully the instruction manual first. After becoming familiar
with the operation user need to gain experience in the field. Prospector 4 is fine tool,
but it is user who operate it and only hours of practice, patience and persistence can
lead to success.
ASSEMBLING THE DETECTOR
1. While pressing the locking pin in the middle shaft, insert it into the upper shaft assembly
so that the pin pops-out in the hole.
2. In similar way, connect the lower shaft assembly (with the search loop attached) to the
middle shaft.
3. Press the coil towards the lower shaft and wrap the connection cable around the stem
snugly. Now you can adjust the coil angle to the desired position.
4. Plug the cable connector to the box connector and secure it with the locking collar. The
loop cable connector is plugged with the groove facing up. Use your fingers only.
CHARGING THE BATTERIES
Prospector 4 is powered from build-in batteries. They do not possess memory effect and
can be recharged whenever. Batteries should be fine for about 3 years and 1 charge
should be enough for at least 10 hours of searching. Preferred charging method is to
charge it during the night before the search. Charger (included in package) can be plugged
into socket on the back panel. If charger is properly connected orange LED will appear on
back panel. Approximate charge time is about 8 hours. It’s possible to check battery level
with tester on front panel. When battery needs recharge sound pulses will appear at about
1 second intervals. It’s impossible to turn on detector while charger is connected.
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CONTROLS
1. Switches
POWER – In the upper position the detector is switched on.
BATT. TEST – With this switch user can check the battery condition. If the battery is good,
the cursor appears in the “green region” of the LED bar, over the „+” label. If the cursor
appears in the “red region”, over label „-”, the battery is weak and needs to be recharged.
DYNAMIC/STATIC – User can choose operation mode with this switch.
STATIC – This is regular mode of operation. No loop motion is required to detect a metal.
DYNAMIC – This is auxiliary mode of operation. In this mode detector tunes itself to
variable ground conditions. The detector is not as reactive to varying height of the coil over
the ground as in STATIC mode.
GROUND/DISCRIMINATION – This switch activates GROUND and DISCRIMINATION
rotary controls respectively.
GROUND – this position activates GROUND control that allows ground compensation.
DISCRIMINATION – this position activates DISCRIMINATION control that allows
discrimination of unwanted iron objects.
2. Press button
RESET – brings the threshold hum back to the pre-set level.
3. Rotary controls
SENSITIVITY – this control affects sensitivity as well as detection depth of the unit. At fully
clockwise position the sensitivity is maximum and is recommended whenever possible. If
the threshold hum wobbles or is pulsating then reduce the setting to 9 or 8.
GROUND – This control is used for manual ground balancing as long as the detector is in
the GROUND MODE. With this control user can minimalize influence of magnetic or
conductive properties of ground being searched. Middle „0” position is used in average
ground conditions. In the range from 0 to -5, when the loop is rapidly lowered to the
ground, the audio signal increases. In this region non-ferrous metals are rejected. In the
range from 0 to + 5, when the loop is rapidly lowered to the ground, the audio signal
decreases (or diminishes). The operator’s task is to set the control so that there is no
difference in sound when the loop is raised and lowered and no non-ferrous metal are
rejected.
DISCRIMINATION – This knob works as discrimination control and determines the surface
of the ferrous metal object to be rejected. The higher the setting the more aggressive iron
object elimination. The audio signal diminishes when rejected object is being detected.
This knob works with conjunction of DISCRIMINATION mode. At settings 3-5 small iron
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objects are rejected (the threshold signal vanishes). At settings 6-10 medium iron objects
are discriminated-out. Above the setting „7” some small nonferrous objects can also be
rejected.
THRESHOLD – This control sets the constant hum that is audible during search or tuning.
User determines the optimum setting prior searching. Usually the Threshold is set to
barely audible level but can be set just below the audible level (so called ‚Silent
searching’). It depends on operator’s requirements or preferences.
VOLUME – this control sets the audio signal intensity. When no headphones are used the
suggested setting is “10”. With the headphones the maximum volume can be painful so
user can reduce it to the comfortable level. Headphones are recommended for better
hearing of faint signals as well as for reducing battery current consumption.
MODES OF OPERATION
The Prospector has four modes of operation. They are briefly outlined below. Short scope
of application is also given:
STATIC GROUND
It is the deepest mode of operation. It is intended for deep object hunting e.g. relics,
hoards and deep coins. Detector react to all metals with the same signal (there is no
discrimination). Before searching ground compensation procedure must be carried out
(it is described further in this manual). It is also advisable to repeat the procedure during
the search. User needs to RESET the Threshold manually if it drifts away due to various
reasons, i.e. temperature changes.
STATIC DISCRIMINATION
It is the auxiliary mode of operation. User can check a signal if it is worth digging with this
mode. It is also possible to conduct search in this mode, but as no ground cancellation is
provided, the search head should be kept at constant level.
DYNAMIC GROUND
This is alternative mode to STATIC GROUND. Basically, it is easier to operate but the
depth is shallower. In this mode loop motion is necessary. All the signal drifts or long-term
instabilities are cancelled automatically.
DYNAMIC DISCRIMINATION
This is alternative mode to STATIC DISCRIMINATION. This mode could be used for
hunting for smaller objects – e.g. coins in low mineralised ground. No ground
compensation is provided, but signal from changing ground conditions or caused by
variable loop height are filtered or smoothed. Due to filtration the discrimination signal
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de-bounces (nulls over discriminated object, and the jumps over the discrimination
level), so user must learn thoroughly the detector’s reaction in this mode. With
practice it is possible to distinguish accepted target with rejected ones that cause the
de-bouncing signals.
PREPARATION FOR USE
Basic information
Initially you can set the detector as follows:
• VOLUME - 10
• THRESHOLD - 5
• SENSITIVITY - 8
• GROUND - 0
• DISCRIMINATION - 5
Switch the detector ON with the POWER toggle switch test.
Check the battery condition switching the BATTERY to the ON position. Green LED should
be lit indicating that the battery is good.
Press the RESET button momentarily (for about 3 seconds). The threshold hum should
stabilize at present level set with the THRESHOLD control. Adjust the threshold so that it is
hardly audible. You will lose depth if the signal is below audible level.
If you work in the STATIC mode the threshold hum can change when the loop
is lowered to ground. In this case press the RESET button to bring the threshold back
to the pre-set level.
If you work in the DYNAMIC mode the threshold level is maintained automatically with
the detector’s circuitry. In this mode the detector is also able to discriminate
unwanted metal objects however because of the auto zeroing feature, the audio
signal “de-bounces” when the loop passes a metal.
If the DISCRIMINATION control is activated the detector can distinguish metals depending
on the
DISCRIMINATION setting.
If the GROUND control is activated detector reacts to different metals with the same
audio signal.
Ground compensation procedure
In order not to react to mineralized ground in GROUND modes, the detector has to
be ground balanced with the GROUND control.
Set the detector to DYNAMIC GROUND mode. Rise the loop about 30 cm over
the ground. Reset the Threshold if necessary. Lower the loop to the ground (to the
height at which the loop is to be swept). If the threshold decreases or increases the
Ground control must be adjusted and the procedure as above repeated.
If the threshold is fairly constant when the loop is lowered, the detector is ground
balanced.
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OPERATION TIPS
When sweeping, the loop should be maintained at constant level, parallel to the
ground.
If the background hum drifts away (rises or diminishes) or the LED cursor moves
slowly out of its central position, then press the RESET button to restore the original
settings.
When ground conditions are highly variable or when searching inside old buildings
(as bricks have strong magnetic properties), the DYNAMIC mode is recommended. In
this mode the unit is more stable and less influenced by variable ground conditions or
the loop’s height. In the DYNAMIC mode the sweep speed should be reasonably high.
The surface of the object to be rejected is determined by the DISCRIMINATION setting. It
is advisable to perform bench test to learn what setting is sufficient to ignore unwanted
iron targets.
It is also crucial to check prior searching in the field at what DISCRIMINATION setting the
unit starts to ignore small non-ferrous metals.
When working in DYNAMIC mode user needs to set the GROUND knob so that there
is no significant change in sound when the loop is lowered and raised over the
ground.
In the DYNAMIC mode user can activate DISCRIMINATION control, however the rejected
metals
cause the signal to diminish which is followed by de-bounce – i.e. short indication in
opposite direction, just as non-ferrous metal would be detected.
If a metal is buried in the ground, the discrimination effect is stronger than for the
same object resting on surface. Because of this phenomenon, when searching for
coins, the discrimination should be set in the region of 4-5.
When the batteries are weak a pulsating audio signal sounds off. Another symptom
of poor batteries is “locking on” of the audio signal (the signal continues to sounds off
even if the metal object is taken out of the detecting range).
Sudden temperature changes (e.g. going outdoors or entering forests glade) can
cause threshold hum to drift so it is advisable to wait for several minutes (up to 10
minutes) to allow detector’s and ambient temperature to meet.
The best depth and sensitivity is provided in the STATIC mode. However in
this mode the detector is less stable, affected more by ground condition, temperature
changes etc. Because of this, STATIC mode should be used with great care
and by experienced operators in limited detecting scenarios only. For instance its
suggested or recommended for checking particular spot for deep targets – e.g.
cashes or larger military relics. With this mode it is possible to “outline” the buried
object and predict its shape and depth before excavation. It is also the best for
pinpointing – but again – it requires some practice, especially when the signal is
strong and wide and needs to be detuned. To detune the detector the threshold level
is zeroed with RESET button when the loop approaches the target, which shrinks the
detector’s reaction. After the pinpointing, the RESET button has to be pushed
momentarily again (with the loop far away from any metallic object) to restore the
threshold as well as the detector’s sensitivity. Detuning is an advanced technique –
for experienced users only.
In most conditions the DYNAMIC mode is recommended for regular, all-day searching,
as it more stable and less affected by ground mineralisation. It has less sensitivity,
though.
It is advisable to conduct searches in GROUND mode whenever possible.
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At DISCRIMINATION 5 small metal object discrimination is provided (coins from steel
bottle caps in particular).
At DISCRIMINATION 8 bigger metal objects discrimination is provided (e.g. small iron
spade can be distinguished from aluminium flask).
The detection depth is affected by metal object surface rather than volume or weight.
Headphones are recommended for better hearing of faint signals. When headphones
connector is plugged-in the internal speaker is cut-off.
In case of any problems replace the batteries first. If it does not work, send the
detector for repair.
FLASHLIGHT
On the back panel there is a powerful LED which can illuminate coil and surrounding area
when searching dark places or after sunset. To activate it put corresponding switch on
back panel in ON position. It’s impossible to turn on flashlight if detector itself is turned off.
Please keep in mind that using flashlight consumes power and leads to significantly faster
battery discharge.
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating frequency 8 kHz
Principle of operation VLF
Modes of operation STATIC and DYNAMIC
Search loop Concentric 28cm, waterproof
Output Speaker, headphones socket, LED bar graph
Built-in recharcheable batteries
Battery live 10h depending on battery type and audio output
Battery check 3.1V
Low battery indictor LED and audio indicator
Temperature range -10 to + 35 º C
Weight 1.2 kg
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Any unauthorised repairs usually end-up with more damages and eventually rise of the
repair costs.
Symptom
Cause
Solution
The detector does not
switch on.
Dead batteries.
Recharge the batteries.
Cycliclow voltage indicator
sound.
The battery voltage is too
low.
Recharge the batteries.
The detector does not react
to metals.
Lack of good contact in the
box connector.
Disconnect the cable
connector and plug it back
to the box connector. Make
sure it seats properly.
The detector does not react
to metals or the depth is
greatly reduced.
Wrong settings. Coil or
electronics malfunction.
Check if the settings are
correct. Consult with your
dealer or other user. Send
the detector back for repair.
The detector does not
discriminate.
DISCRIMINATION not
activated
Wrong DISCRIMINATION
setting
De-bouncing signal in
DYNAMIC
DISCRIMINATION
Set DISCRIMINATION
Turn the DISCRIMINATION
control to higher setting
Learn how to recognize
debouncing signals
Threshold hum is inaudible
or is too loud.
The threshold level is set
wrongly.
Press the RESET button
and wait for the yellow LED.
Then set just audible
THRESHOLD hum.
The detector is unstable.
The LED indicator jitters.
Electromagnetic
interference from other
nearby detector or another
source of electromagnetic
field.
Move away from the source
of the interference.
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