Bounty Hunter Lone Star User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Your Lone Star Metal Detector is an advanced microprocessor-controlled metal
detector. This motion detection system requires movement over an object in
order for the machine to detect the object and emit a tone.
THE LONE STAR HAS TWO TYPES OF OPERATING MODES:
1. ALL METAL DETECTION
All types of metals will be detected. From nails and property markers, to
valuable treasure, all types of metal will induce a single tone.
2. DISCRIMINATE, NOTCH, and AUTO NOTCH modes
Completely eliminate iron and trash items from detection in “DISC” mode,
with the use of the DISC/NOTCH knob.
Automatically eliminate most pull tabs and trash items from detection in
the AUTO NOTCH mode.
FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY:
•If demonstrating indoors, beware of interference from electromagnetic
fields.
•If interference occurs, the detector will chatter or beep erratically.
•To avoid interference, turn the sensitivity down.
DO NOT TEST ON THE FLOOR
Most floors contain metal, which will interfere with the target’s signal.

2
INTRODUCTION
The Lone Star is an advanced technology metal detector, designed for a variety
of applications including coinshooting, relic hunting, and general purpose
detecting.
Before using your Lone Star, it is important to read these instructions. This
manual's description of detection
concepts and types of metals is
necessary to avoid frustration if
you are new to the hobby of metal
detecting.
Terminology
Elimination — Reference to a metal or
target being "eliminated" means that
the detector will not emit a tone nor
light up an LCD indicator when an
object is in the coil’s detection field.
Discrimination — When the
detector emits different tones for
different types of metals, and when the
detector "eliminates" certain metals, we
refer to this as the detector
"discriminating" among different types
of objects.
Iron — Iron is a common, low-grade
metal which is often an undesirable
target. Examples of undesirable iron
objects are old cans, pipes, bolts, and
nails.
Relic — A relic is an aged object of
historical significance. Note that many
relics are made of iron, an otherwise
undesirable object in some metal
detecting applications.
Pull-tabs and Trash Items —
Discarded pull-tabs from beverage con-
tainers are the most bothersome items
for professional and hobby metal
detectorists. These items are generally
constructed of aluminum, iron, or
steel. We have therefore
incorporated special
features into
the Lone
Star to eliminate these
targets or to alert you
to their possible
presence.
Lone Star FEATURES
Interchangeable
Coil System
Headphone Jack
Touchpad
Controls
S-Rod
Handle
System
Mode Indicator
S-Rod
Detector
Stand
8" Waterproof
Search Coil
Comfort
Hand-grip
Extended
Armrest
Discriminate
Control
Sensitivity Control
PRESS FOR TARGETMODE
IRON
FOIL 5¢
NICKEL
1¢
ZINC
1¢ 10¢
25¢ 50¢
SCRAP

3
EASY ASSEMBLY
Search
Coil
Cable
Upper
Stem
Control
Housing
Plug
Lower
Stem
Assembling your Lone Star Metal
Detector is easy and requires no tools.
Just follow these steps:
●
1Using the supplied bolt and knurled
knob, attach the search coil to the
lower stem.
●
2Press the button on the upper end
of the lower stem and slide the
lower stem into the upper stem.
Adjust the stem to a length that
lets you maintain a comfortable
upright posture, with your arm
relaxed at your side.
●
3Wind the search coil cable around
the stem. Leave enough slack in the
cable to let you adjust the coil when
you are hunting on uneven ground.
Then tighten the knob at the end of
the search coil.
Note: To adjust the coil,
simply loosen the knob.
●
4Insert the coil’s plug into the
matching connector on the control
housing. Be sure the holes and
pins line up correctly.
Caution:
• Do not force the plug in.
Excess force will cause damage.
• To disconnect the cable, pull on the
plug. Do not pull on the cable.
Lower
Stem
Upper
Stem
Connector
on back of
control housing
Knurled
Knob
Bottom view
Bottom side

4
BATTERIES
IMPORTANT: Always use ALKALINE batteries for optimal performance.
Always remove the batteries for prolonged storage.
CHECK THE BATTERIES if your detector exhibits any of the following
symptoms:
●
1The unit does not turn on.
●
2Low speaker volume.
●
3Unable to tune detector with the discriminate knob.
The Low Battery indicator light will come on and stay on whenever the
batteries need replacing. It should flash momentarily when the Power
Switch is turned on.
IMPORTANT:Your Lone Star metal detector requires two 9-Volt
ALKALINE batteries.
Follow these steps to install the batteries.
●
1Carefully remove the
battery compartment door
by pressing the release clip
on the right side of the door.
●
2Snap one battery onto
each of the terminals and
place the batteries inside
the compartment. Insert
one battery with the
terminals facing down,
and the second battery
with terminals facing
outward.
●
3 Replace the compartment
door by carefully inserting
opposite side of clip first.
Then press down on clip side
until battery door snaps into
place.
First Battery
Second Battery
First Battery
terminals facing in
Second Battery
terminals facing out
Release
Clip

5
LONE STAR DEMONSTRATION
Here is a quick way to demonstrate the basic features of the Lone Star.
I. Supplies Needed
• A quarter (25¢) • A penny (1¢ - Post 1982) • A dime (10¢)
• A nickel (5¢) • Small piece of aluminum foil • A nail
II. Position your Lone Star
•Place the detector on a table, with the search coil hanging over the edge.
•Be sure that the search coil is far away from walls or metal objects.
Keep the search coil away from any metal in the table.
•Turn off appliances or lights which cause electromagnetic interference
III. Beginning Switch Settings
•Right Knob (DISC/NOTCH) —
100% counterclockwise to low
•Left Knob (SENSITIVITY) —
click on and set to 3:00 (3/4 turn)
•Do not press any touchpads
IV. All Metal Detection
A. Wave all objects under the search coil
• NOTICE THE SINGLE TONE
V. Discriminate Mode
A. Press the DISC touchpad
B. Turn the right knob (DISC/NOTCH) to the 12:00 position.
C. Wave all objects under the search coil.
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS ELIMINATED
D. Move the DISC/NOTCH control to different positions and eliminate the
penny from detection.
VI. Auto Notch Mode
A. Press the AUTO NOTCH touchpad
B. Right knob (DISC/NOTCH) 100% counterclockwise to low
C. Wave all objects under the search coil while
slowly turning the right knob clockwise.
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS ELIMINATED

6
TURNING ON YOUR DETECTOR
Turn the left knob (SENSITIVITY) to the right. As the knob clicks to the "On"
position, the detector sounds three tones, the LCD arrows appear
momentarily, and the unit pre-sets to the ALL METAL mode of operation.
SET THE MODE
1. ALL METAL
• Press the ALL METAL touchpad
The unit will emit sound when passing over all types of metal objects.
The ALL METAL mode offers the greatest depth detection capability.
2. DISCRIMINATE
A. Press the DISC touchpad
B. Slowly turn the right knob (DISC/NOTCH) clockwise.
All iron or ferrous objects are eliminated from detection. As you turn the
DISC/NOTCH knob clockwise you can eliminate foil, pull tabs, screw
caps, and zinc pennies.
3. AUTO NOTCH
Press the AUTO NOTCH touchpad, and the detector will automatically
reject iron and most pull-tabs. Nickels and many small gold rings will be
retained. The DISC/NOTCH knob creates a rejection "window" which
can be moved as it is turned clockwise. With this mode, you can reject
screw caps and zinc (post 1982) pennies as the DISC/NOTCH control is
turned clockwise, but still detect valuables with low and high tones.
Note: If you are not sure of your current mode setting, simply press the desired
touch-pad again.
BASIC OPERATION

7
LCD TARGET DISPLAY
READING THE DISPLAY
The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows
the PROBABLE identification of the
targeted metal.
Pass the search coil repeatedly over a
target, and observe the target readout.
The detector will register a repeated,
unchanging target identification when a
buried target has been located and
identified. If, upon repeated passes over
the same spot, the target identification
reads inconsistently, the target is probably
a trash item, or oxidized metal. With
practice, you will learn to unearth only the
repeatable signals.
The segment identifications are highly
accurate, when detecting the objects
described on the label. For example, if
you pass the coil repeatedly over a nickel,
your detector will repeatedly register a
nickel. However, if you repeatedly register
a nickel, for an unknown buried object,
you could be detecting some other
metallic object with the same magnetic
signature as a nickel.
GOLD TARGETS Gold objects will
register on the left side of the LCD scale.
Gold flakes will register under Iron/Foil
Small gold items will register under nickel.
Medium-sized gold items will register
under Scrap.
Large gold items willregisterasZinc1¢.
SILVER TARGETS: Silver objects will
register to the right of the scale, under
25¢, 50¢, $1.
IRON/FOIL: All sizes of iron and
aluminum objects will register on the
far-left side of the scale. This could
indicate a worthless item such as a nail,
or a more valuable historic iron relic.
5¢ NICKEL: All nickels will register here.
Somenewerpull-tabswillalsoregisterhere,
small gold items can also register here.
SCRAP: Older pull-tabs and medium
size gold objects will register to the left
side of the scrap area.
Large gold items and older screw caps
from glass bottles will register to the
right side of the scrap area.
Some non-U.S. coins of recent vintage
can often register as scrap.
1¢ ZINC: Newer pennies (post-1982)
will register here. Many non-U.S. coins
of recent vintage will also register here.
10¢: Dimes and pre-1982 pennies will
register here. Older, pre-1982, pennies
are composed of copper, which has a
metallic signature similar to a dime.
Caution: The target indications are
visual references. Many other types of
metal can fall under any one of these
categories. You will experience a
trash-to-treasure ratio when treasure
hunting. The more you practice, the
lower you will push your trash-to-
treasure ratio. While your detector will
eliminate or indicate the presence of
most common trash items, it is
impossible to accurately classify ALL
buried objects. The LCD provides a
visual reference to minimize the
detection of trash objects. By using the
target ID in conjunction with
discrimination control and the three-
tone audio identification system
(discussed later), you can further
reduce the trash-to-treasure ratio.

8
The principle use for the SENSITIVITY
knob is to eliminate
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
(EMI). EMI is both naturally-occurring
and man-made. Common sources of
EMI are power lines, both suspended
and buried, and broadcasting
antennas. Machinery, when in
operation, can also produce EMI.
EMI comes from most household
appliances, so YOUR DETECTOR
CAN BEHAVE VERY ERRATICALLY
INDOORS. If you want to test it
indoors, turn off the TV and
microwave. If you have lights with
dimmer switches, also turn these off;
dimmer switches can produce lots of
EMI.
If your detector chatters with the
SENSITIVITY knob in the 100%
clockwise position, reduce the
sensitivity until the chatter stops
(usually to the 1:00 or 3:00 position).
If you suspect the presence of deeper
targets underneath a shallower target,
reduce the SENSITIVITY to eliminate
the detection of the deeper target to
properly locate and identify the
shallower target.
LOW BATTERY INDICATOR:
The LOW BATT indicator will flash as
the unit is powered on. If the
indicator comes on and stays on,
replace the batteries.
SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT

9
ALL METAL MODE:
There are two ways to enter the
ALL-METAL mode.
1) Press the Disc/All Metal touch pad.
or
2) Turn the detector on. (The detector
always defaults to the All Metal
mode when first powered on).
DISCRIMINATION MODE:
To enter DISCRIMINATION mode,
1) Press the Disc touch pad, and
2) Turn the Disc/Notch control knob
clockwise.
In the DISCRIMINATION mode, the
detector will emit three distinct
tones, depending on the type of
metal detected.
As you turn the Disc Knob
clockwise, you will progressively
“discriminate out,” or eliminate from
detection, different types of metals.
Refer to the illustration below as a
reference for the levels required to
discriminate out different objects.
The DISCRIMINATION mode is a
fixed-start-point system. As you turn
the knob to the right, more objects are
progressively eliminated, including the
items to the left. Use
DISCRIMINATION for coin-shooting
and detecting in trashy areas.
If you encounter certain bothersome
trash items, program their rejection
into your detector as follows:
1)Turn the Disc/Notch knob 100%
counterclockwise.
2)Pass the undesirable object under
the search coil.
3)Turn the Disc/Notch knob slowly
clockwise until the object is no
longer detected.
AUTO NOTCH MODE
To enter the AUTO NOTCH mode,
press the Auto Notch touch pad. In
AUTO NOTCH mode, iron, most pull
tabs, and screw caps are automatically
eliminated.
In addition, you can turn the Disc/Notch
control to selectively eliminate more items
beyond the pre-programmed ones.
You can eliminate unwanted items in the
middle of the magnetic spectrum, but
still retain more valuable nickels.
AUTONOTCH is useful to “notch out”
specific unwanted items.
MODES OF OPERATION
ALL METAL TOUCHPAD
DISC TOUCHPAD
AUTO NOTCH TOUCHPAD

10
AUDIO TARGET ID
Depending on the operating mode
and Disc/Notch control setting, the
Lone Star emits three distinct tones
which classify metal objects into
categories.
IRON & STEEL:
In the ALL/METAL mode most iron
and steel objects will induce a medium
tone. Highly oxidized iron can induce a
high tone, in discrimination,
depending on the Disc/Notch control
setting. For instance, some rusted
bottle caps will induce a high tone and
indicate to the right of the LCD target
display.
GOLD:
In DISCRIMINATION mode, gold
objects will induce a low or medium
tone, depending on their sizes. Very
small gold objects will indicate on the
left-most segment. Large gold objects
will read under the Zinc segment. If
you are gold prospecting, you will
usually be looking for natural gold in
an area which does not contain much
trash, and can therefore ignore the
specific segment descriptions.
PULL TABS:
Pull tabs are the most bothersome
trash items for detectorist. Most will
induce a medium tone. Most will be
eliminated automatically in the AUTO
NOTCH mode, or alternatively be
manually “discriminated out” in DISC
mode with the Disc/Notch control. The
older pull tabs (those not attached to
the can after opening) are sometimes
broken in half; these broken tabs can
induce low tones. Highly oxidized pull
tabs can also induce high tones.
It can be very difficult to differentiate
pull tabs from gold rings. When they
both induce medium tones, you might
notice a “double beep” from a gold
ring but a “single beep” from pull tabs.
To achieve this distinction, sweep the
search coil very slowly, and at different
angles. Two tones might signal as the
detector passes over each side of the
round ring.
COPPER, SILVER & BRASS:
Most valuable coins are composed of
these metals and will usually induce a
high tone. Valuable objects other than
coinage can also be composed of
copper, silver and brass.
Audio Target Identification (ATI) classifies metals into three categories.
LOW TONE
Nails & Bottle Caps,
Gold & Nickel
MEDIUM TONE
Old & New Pull Tabs, Zinc
Pennies (Post 1982)
HIGH TONE
Copper, Silver & Brass
Copper Pennies (Pre 1982)

11
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES
When pinpointing a target, try drawing an “X”,
as illustrated, over where the tone is induced.
PINPOINTING
Accurate pinpointing takes practice
and is best accomplished by
“X-ing” the target area.
1. Once a buried target is indicated
by a good tone response,
continue sweeping the coil over
the target in a narrowing
side-to-side pattern.
2. Take visual note of the place on
the ground where the “beep”
sounds.
3. Stop the coil directly over this
spot on the ground.
4. Now move the coil straight
forward and straight back
towards you a couple of times.
5. Again make visual note of the
spot on the ground at which
the “beep” sounds.
6. If needed, “X” the target at
different angles to “zero in” on
the exact spot on the ground at
which the “beep” sounds.
COIL MOVEMENT
When swinging the coil, be
careful to keep it level with the
ground about one inch from the
surface. Never swing the coil like
a pendulum.
CORRECT
WRONG
The
coil
should
be swung
in a
half-
circle
movement
as
illustrated
here.
Repeat this
motion
every step
you take to
guarantee that
the area is being
covered thoroughly.

12
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES
After selecting your operating mode,
swing the search coil gently side-to-
side, slightly overlapping each sweep
as you move forward. Make sure you
keep your search coil approximately 1
inch above the ground as you search.
Raising it in the sweep, or at the ends
of your sweep, will cause false read-
ings. Move slowly; hurrying will only
cause you to miss targets.
Most good objects will respond
with a good repeatable signal.
If a signal does not
repeat after swinging
the coil directly
over
the suspected target a
few times, it is more
than likely trash
metal. False signals
can be caused by
trashy ground,
electrical
interference,
or by large
irregular
trash
objects. These signals are easily
recognized by their often broken or
non-repeatable nature.
The Lone Star is a very sensitive
and deep-seeking detector. It will
respond loudly to many targets that
other detectors would only detect
with a weak signal. Because of
this, trash-induced signals and
other sources of interference may
cause signals that seem confusing.
The key to managing these false
signals is to dig only those targets
that emit a strong repeatable signal.
As you sweep the search coil
back and forth over the ground,
learn to recognize the difference
between the signals that occur at
random and signals that are
stable and repeatable.
When searching very trashy
ground, it is best to scan small
areas with slow, short overlapping
sweeps. To prevent erratic signals
and difficult pinpointing in trashy
areas, consider purchasing the
Bounty Hunter 4-Inch Gold
Nugget Coil System.
WHAT
READS
LIKE THIS
…MAY
ACTUALLY
BE THIS

13
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS
COINSHOOTING:
The most popular metal detecting application. When coinshooting, you
want to discriminate out pull tabs, screw caps, and iron objects. Beware
that highly oxidized steel may also be detected.
Control settings required.
1) Press DISC touch pad.
2) Turn the Disc/Notch Knob to the 3:00 position.
RELIC HUNTING:
A relic is a historical object, sometimes of great value. Relics can be found
in abandoned homes, plowed fields or even your own backyard. Research
the local library to learn of historical events or places in the area. You can
then target your search to a specific area and gain valuable insight into your
local history.
Control settings required.
1) Press DISC touchpad.
2) Turn the DISC/NOTCH knob 100% counterclockwise.
Many relics are iron, so you do not want to discriminate.
CACHE HUNTING:
A cache, pronounced “cash” is a buried or hidden valuable stored inside a
case, strong box, or bag. A cache can be hidden in the floor or walls of a
house, or buried nearby. Operate in the ALL METAL mode.
Control settings required.
1) Press ALL METAL touchpad.
JEWELRY HUNTING:
Jewelry can be found wherever people congregate. Beaches, parks, school
yards and fair grounds are all littered with lost jewelry. Your greatest
challenge is the interference from pull tabs and cans. You must use a
discrimination mode: AUTO NOTCH is best.
Control settings required.
1) Press the AUTO NOTCH touchpad.
2) Set Disc/Notch knob at 2:00. Dig only the repeatable low and high
tones, avoid the broken or non-repeatable tones.
OTHER APPLICATIONS:
Use your detector to find property markers, machine parts, and lost keys.
Keep your detector in ALL-METAL mode for these tasks.
Gold prospecting also requires the ALL-METAL mode.

ACCESSORIES
MAXIMIZE YOUR METAL DETECTING EXPERIENCE WITH THESE
BOUNTY HUNTER ACCESSORIES
4 INCH COIL
Great for searching in
trashy areas with its
smaller target area. Also
perfect for gold prospecting
and fitting into tight spaces.
10 INCH COIL
For maximum depth
detection.
HEADPHONES
Increase battery life and
find more deeply buried
objects, evidenced by faint
signals sometimes
undetected with the
standard speaker.
CARRY BAG
Custom-sized to carry your
Lone Star.
COIL COVERS
Protect your coil from wear
& tear. 4 inch, 8 inch, 10
inch.
www.detecting.com
14

15
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION
Detector chatters • Using detector • Use detector
or beeps erratically indoors outdoors only
• Using detector near • Move away
power lines
from power lines
• Using 2 detectors in • Keep 2 detectors
close proximity at least 20’ apart
• Highly oxidized • Only dig up
buried object repeatable
signals
• Environmental • Reduce sensitivity
electromagnetic until erratic
interference signals cease
Constant low tone • Discharged batteries • Replace batteries
or constant repeating
tones • Wrong type of • Use only 9V
batteries alkaline batteries
LCD does not lock • Multiple targets • Move coil slowly
on to one target ID present at different angles
or emits multiple • Highly oxidized
tones target
• Sensitivity set • Reduce sensitivity
too high
No power, no • Dead batteries • Replace batteries
sounds • Batteries connected
improperly
• Cord not connected • Check connections
securely

16
TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS:
1. Respect the rights and property of others.
2. Observe all laws, whether national, state or local.
3. Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.
4. Leave the land and vegetation as it was. Fill in your holes.
5. All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set.
Always obtain permission before searching any site. Be
extremely careful while probing, picking up, or discarding trash
items. And ALWAYS COVER YOUR HOLES!
First Texas Products, LP
1100 Pendale Road
El Paso, TX 79907
[phone]
REVISED 07/01
Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors are warranted against
defects in workmanship or materials under normal
use for five years from date of purchase to the
original user. Liability in all events is limited to the
purchase price paid. Liability under this Warranty is
limited to replacing or repairing, at our option, any
Bounty Hunter Detector returned, shipping cost
prepaid, to First Texas Products, LP. Damage due to
neglect, accidental damage or misuse of this product
is not covered by this warranty.
FIRST TEXAS PRODUCTS, LP
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Copyright ©MCMXCIX by First Texas Products, L.P.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form, except for the
inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
Published by First Texas Products, L.P.
Bounty Hunter® and Pioneer® are registered trademarks of First Texas Products, L.P.
www.detecting.com