Bounty Hunter pioneer 101 User manual

If the Detector chatters, reduce the sensitivity by turning the left knob (Sensitivity)
counterclockwise.
When searching a possible target, move the search coil repeatedly over the target.
Be certain that the signal repeats during each pass over the target. If the tone does
not repeat consistently, you are probably detecting mineral deposits or oxidation.
Only dig up targets with repeatable tones.
IMPORTANT:
1. Use only NEW ALKALINE batteries. The detector will not operate properly with the wrong batteries.
2. Do not test the detector on the floor of a home or building. Most floors contain metal which will interfere with
its operation; unless air testing or demonstrating, use outside only.
The Basics
of
Metal Detecting
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING YOUR METAL DETECTOR
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Metal Detector
Your Pioneer 101 Metal Detector
incorporates Motion Detection
Technology. Movement over an
object is required in order for the
machine to detect the object and
emit a tone.
While holding your Pioneer 101
Metal Detector as indicated in the
picture to the right, sweep the
search coil slowly from side to side.
While sweeping, maintain the
search coil level with the ground.

2
ThePioneer101isauser-friendlyinstrument,requir-
ing only a minimum of operator skill, yet deliver-
ing effective performance over a wide range
of conditions and applications.
Streamlined in appearance, with only two
operating knobs and a mode selection
switch, the Pioneer 101 has eliminated
the two most difficult aspects of metal
detectoroperation,TuningandGround
Balancing. Both of these functions are automatic with the
Pioneer 101.
The Pioneer 101 will detect in extreme ground conditions,
ranging from salt (for beach hunting) to black sand (for
gold prospecting), with no operator adjustments to the
circuitry and with no loss of sensitivity.
INTRODUCTION
PIONEER 101 FEATURES
Interchangeable
Coil System
Headphone Jack
Three-Position
Toggle Switch
S-Rod Handle System
Meter System
S-Rod Stand
8" Coil System
Comfort Hand-grip
Extended
Armrest
Discriminate Control
Sensitivity Control

3
EASY ASSEMBLY
AssemblingyourPioneer101
MetalDetectoriseasyandre-
quires no special tools. Just
follow these steps:
1.Usingthesuppliedboltand
knurled knob, attach the
search coil to the lower
stem.
2.Pressthebuttonontheup-
per 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 com-
fortable upright posture, with
yourarmrelaxedatyourside.
Maintain the search coil
about 1/2 inch above the
ground as you sweep.
3.Wind 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.
Caution:
• Do not force the plug in.
Excess force will cause
damage.
• Todisconnectthecable,pull
out the plug. Do not pull on
the cable.
Searchcoil Cable
Connector
Plug
Upper Stem
Lower Stem
Searchcoil
Knurled Knob
Bolt
Button
Upper
Stem
Control Housing
4.Insert the coil’s plug into
the matching connector on
thecontrolhousing.Besure
the holes and pins line up
correctly.
Note: To adjust the coil,
simply loosen the knob.

4
BATTERIES
IMPORTANT: Always use ALKALINE batteries for optimal
performance.
Approximately 90% of metal detector problems are caused by
weak, dead or improperly connected batteries. Always remove
batteries for prolonged storage of unit.
CHECK THE BATTERIES if your detector exhibits any of the
following symptoms:
1. The unit does not turn on.
2. Low speaker volume.
3. Unable to tune detector with the Discriminate knob.
The Low Battery indicator light will come on and stay on when-
ever the batteries need replacing. It should flash momentarily
when the Power Switch is turned off. The flashing indicator tells
you that your batteries are in good condition.
IMPORTANT: Your Pioneer 101 metal
detector requires two 9-Volt
ALKALINE batteries.
Follow these steps to install the batteries.
1. Carefully remove the battery compartment door
by pressing the release clip on the right side of the door.
2. Snap one battery onto each of the
terminals and place the batteries
inside the compartment.
3. Replace the compartment door by
carefully inserting opposite side of clip
first. Then press down carefully on clip
side until battery door snaps in place.

5
PIONEER 101 INSTRUCTIONAL DEMONSTRATION
Here is a quick way to demonstrate the basic features of your PIONEER 101.
I. Supplies Needed
• A quarter (25¢)
• A nickel (5¢)
• A Penny (1¢)
• Aluminum foil rolled into a small ball
• A Nail
II. Position your Pioneer 101
• 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.
III. Beginning Switch Settings
• Right Knob (Discriminate) – LOW
• Toggle Switch – Middle Position
• Turn detector on with "Sensitivity" knob set to 3/4
IV. All Metal Detection
A. Wave all objects over the search coil
• NOTICE THE SINGLE TONE
V. Tone Mode Detection
A. Move toggle switch to the right position – TONE
B. Turn the "Discriminate" knob to 2:00 (about 3/4 turn)
C. Sweep all of the different objects back and forth
under the search coil
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS REJECTED
VI. Disc Mode Detection
A. Move the toggle switch to the left position – DISC
B. Turn the "Discriminate" knob to LOW
C. Sweep all of the different objects back and forth under the search coil.
• NOTICE THE METALS REJECTED
D. Turn the "Discriminate" knob slowly to the right while sweeping all of the
different objects at different settings.
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS REJECTED
➯
➪
➱
FULL
DISC ALL
METAL
TONE
DISC
➯
➪
➱
FULL
DISC ALL
METAL
TONE
DISC
➯
➪
➱
FULL
DISC ALL
METAL
TONE
DISC
Toggle Switch
Toggle Switch
Toggle Switch
DEMONSTRATION

6
The Pioneer 101 is a “motion” detector. This means that the
search coil must be moving to detect the presence of metal.
Whenpracticingwithastationarymetaldetector,keepthetarget
moving over the coil. Objects held still under the search coil will
not be detected.
THREE MODES OF OPERATION
The Pioneer 101 allows for three modes of operation:
ALL METAL, TONE AND FULL DISCRIMINATE
After turning the unit on, and adjusting your Sensitivity to the desired
setting, you're now ready to decide on your mode of operation.
ALL METAL: (Toggle Switch in the Middle) In this mode, all different
types of metal will be detected such as: iron, steel, aluminum, brass,
silver,copperandgold.Applications:RelicHunting,GoldProspecting,
Cache Hunting and general applications such as property marker
locating.
FULLDISCRIMINATE:(ToggleSwitchtotheLeft)WhenusingtheFull
Discriminator, most trash items will be automatically rejected. Adjust
the DISCRIMINATE control higher to increase the range of
discrimination.
TONE DISCRIMINATE: (Toggle Switch to the Right) When using the
Tone Discriminator, a unique dual tone “beep” and automatic iron
rejection makes finding treasure fun and easy. It's also possible to
achieve a broken tone for certain pull-tabs by adjusting your
Discriminate control to the approximate center position (12:00). With
thetwo-tonediscrimination,alongwithabrokentoneforpull-tabs,you
willbeabletodifferentiatetypesofmetalsaccordingtotheaudiotones
emitted. Applications: Coinshooting, Jewelry Hunting and detecting in
highly trashed areas.
OPERATION

7
OPERATION
NO
RESPONSE LOW
TONE BROKEN
TONE HIGH
TONE
Copper, Silver &
Brass
Old & New
Pull Tabs
Gold & Nickel
Iron & Steel
TONE DISCRIMINATION (continued) (Toggle
switch to the Right) classifies detected metal
objects by emitting a low or high tone.
Adjust the DISCRIMINATE control higher to
increase the range of the low tone. It is possible
to set the DISCRIMINATE level so that nickels
have a low tone, larger coins have a high tone,
and pull-tabs have a low tone or in-between
“broken” tone. The "broken" tone makes
pull-tabs and trash easily recognizable.
Sensitivity will be slightly reduced when using
thePioneer101intheToneDiscriminationmode.
If you want optimal depth capability, operate in
the All Metal mode by turning the Discriminate control completely
counterclockwise; then turn the Sensitivity control clockwise to its highest
clockwise position without chatter. If your Pioneer 101 chatters or beeps
erratically, reduce the Sensitivity by turning the left knob counterclockwise.

8
AUTOGROUNDCONTROL:ThePioneer101automaticGround
Trac feature allows operation at full power in virtually all soil
conditions, regardless of mineral content.
Useiteffectivelyonthebeachorforgoldprospecting.IntheALL
METALMode (Toggle switchinthe middle), thePioneer101will
detect gold nuggets through black sand and will find deeply
buried relics in all types of soil.
TO OPERATE
Turnthedetector onusingtheleftknob.NOTE:The detectorwill
remain silent when turned on. It will emit sound when metal
passes beneath the search coil.
As the left knob is cliked on, it will be at the lowest sensitivity
setting. Turning the control knob toward "HIGH" increases
sensitivityto small ordeeplyburied objects. Iftheunit “chatters”,
reduce the sensitivity slightly, until the chatter stops.
For maximum performance, operate with the sensitivity as high
as possible. The sensitivity can generally be set higher when
operatinginFullDiscriminate(DISC)orToneDiscriminate(TONE).
OPERATION

9
IN THE FIELD
WRONG
RIGHT
STANCE
Stand with your arm extended only slightly in
frontofyourbody.Don’tbendorstoop;standin
acomfortableposition.Holdtheunitsothatthe
searchcoilisabout1/2-inchabovetheground.
Adjust the search coil so that it is parallel to
the ground.
SWEEP
Standing in the search position, swing
the search coil gently from side to side,
slightlyoverlappingeachsweepasyou
move forward. Make sure you keep
your search coil approximately
1/2-inch above the ground as you
search. Raising it during the sweep
or at the ends of your sweep will
causefalsereadings.Moveslowly;
hurrying will only cause you to
miss targets.
Most good objects will respond with a good repeatable tone.
When discriminating, iron and foil objects generally do not
respond. 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.

10
SWEEP
➟
SIGNAL
➞
WHAT READS
LIKE THIS …MAY ACTUALLY BE THIS
PINPOINTING
Accuratepinpointingtakespracticeandisbestaccomplishedby
“X-ing” the suspected target area.
1. Once a buried target is identified by a good tone response,
continuesweepingthecoiloverthetargetinanarrowingside
to side pattern.
2. Takevisualnote of theplaceon the groundwherethe“beep”
occurs as the coil is moved slowly from side to side.
3. Stop the coil directly over this spot on the ground.
4. Nowmovethecoilstraightforwardandstraightbacktowards
you a couple of times.
5. Againmakevisualnoteofthespotonthegroundatwhichthe
“beep” occurs.
6. If needed, “X” the target at different angles to “zero in” on the
exact spot on the ground at which the “beep” occurs.
REMEMBER: The detector will beep just as the center of the
search coil passes directly over the buried object.
Ifyouhavedifficultypinpointingvery strong signals, try liftingthe
coil higher off the ground until a weaker but more concise signal
isheard.Forvery weak signals, trymovingthecoilinshort quick
sweeps, closer to the ground.
IN THE FIELD

11
TROUBLESHOOTING
The following troubleshooting steps may assist you in case
you’re having problems with your Pioneer 101.
YOUR DETECTOR IS EMITTING GHOST SIGNALS WHEN
YOU’RE IN THE FIELD.
Your SENSITIVITY may be set too high. Try cutting back the
SENSITIVITY slightly until the false signaling disappears.
Remember to swing your coil slowly. Some ghost signals will
occur on highly rusted metals. But if the signal does not
repeat after successive passes of the coil over the same area,
then the target is usually not worthwhile.
YOUR DETECTOR IS NOT STABLE AND HAS A PULSING,
DISTORTED TONE INSTEAD OF A CLEAR TONE.
This can occur if you’re operating near another detector or
near power lines that can interfere with the frequency that the
detector operates on.
(go to next page for further troubleshooting tips)

12
YOUR DETECTOR IS EMITTING A CONSTANT LOUD
TONE OR CONSTANT REPEATING TONES
This usually occurs when the batteries are low. Try replacing
your batteries with two new alkaline batteries to determine if
this is the cause.
KEEP 2 DETECTORS AT LEAST 20FT APART
If 2 detectors are in close proximity, interference from one to
the other may cause your detector to emit erratic signals. By
keeping your detector at a distance from other operating
detectors, you are ensured not to lose performance or
encounter erratic signals.
NOTE: Always use Alkaline Batteries for proper performance.
TROUBLESHOOTING

13
Your Pioneer 101 Metal Detector is an example of superior design and
craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your metal
detector so that you can enjoy it for years.
The coil is waterproof and may be submerged in either fresh or salt water.
Be careful to prevent water from entering the control housing.After using the
coil in salt water, rinse it with fresh water to prevent corrosion of the metal
parts.
Handle the metal detector gently and carefully. Dropping it can
damage electronic components, causing the metal detector to
work improperly.
Use and store the metal detector only in normal temperature
environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of
electronic devices and distort or melt plastic parts.
Wipethemetal detectorwitha dampclothoccasionally tokeep
it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents,
or strong detergents to clean the metal detector.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE

14
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS
COINSHOOTING:COINSHOOTING:
COINSHOOTING:COINSHOOTING:
COINSHOOTING:
Coinshooting is a true art form. It can take many years of practice to achieve
mastery. There are many things to watch and isten for, and expert operation
requires practice and devotion to the hobby. Coinshooting is the most popu ar
app ication of meta detectors today.
To set up your Pioneer 101 to find strict y coins, we wi adjust the Sensitivity as
high as it wi go without chattering (usua y about three-quarters of a turn) and
p ace our togg e switch to the eft (DISC) position; we wi adjust our
Discrimination contro at three-quarters of a turn. The Pioneer 101 wi
e iminate everything but si ver, copper, and brass. Be aware, some oxidized
stee /iron items, such as cans, wi sti be detected. A so be aware that nicke s
and go d items wi be e iminated in these settings.
RELIC HUNTING:RELIC HUNTING:
RELIC HUNTING:RELIC HUNTING:
RELIC HUNTING:
When operating your Pioneer 101 for re ic hunting, set your Sensitivity contro
as high as it wi go without chattering. Keep your Discrimination contro turned
comp ete y counterc ockwise — in the LOW position. Position your togg e switch
in the center position (ALL METAL). This means you're operating in the A Meta
Mode. The reason we're operating in this mode is because a ot of re ics are
made of iron, and your detector wi e iminate most iron objects in
Discrimination Mode (as your Discriminate contro is turned c ockwise).
Where do you hunt for re ics? The areas to hunt for re ics can be o d
abandoned homes, p owed fie ds, remote wood ands, mountains, ghost towns,
and if your home is fair y o d, in your own backyard. It is advised to a ways gain
permission when hunting private property.
If you find re ic hunting interesting, you' gain great benefit by researching your
oca ibrary for historica events that have occurred in your area. You may gain
eads to new areas to hunt and at the same time, gain more know edge of your
oca history. This know edge wi enhance your perspective and add a new
dimension to the way you wi view the surrounding area that you ive in.
CACHE HUNTING:CACHE HUNTING:
CACHE HUNTING:CACHE HUNTING:
CACHE HUNTING:
What is a cache? Pronounced "cash", a cache can be many things. Hidden
va uab es such as: one's ife savings, a coffee can of oose change, a strong box
of paper money, or a bag of jewe ry. A cache is usua y not found in parks or ba
fie ds but near o d homes, camp sites, caves, or in other remote areas.
To set up your Pioneer 101 meta detector for cache hunting requires that you
turn off the Discrimination contro (comp ete y counterc ockwise). The togg e
switch wi be positioned in the center (ALL METAL). Sensitivity needs to be
maximized for u timate depth capabi ity (turn Sensitivity back s ight y if the
detector chatters).

15
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS
Now that you have your Pioneer 101 in the A Meta Mode, you are ready to
approach your cache hunt. To proper y cache hunt, you' have to be thorough by
mapping out the probab e area. Now, s ow y and methodica y dig up a repeat
signa s to e iminate surface trash. This is part of the excavating process. After
doing this, you're now prepared for detecting arger, deeper objects. These may
be caches.
JEWELRY HUNTING:JEWELRY HUNTING:
JEWELRY HUNTING:JEWELRY HUNTING:
JEWELRY HUNTING:
Jewe ry items are ike coins, they can be found just about anywhere that peop e
have congregated in the past or present. To restrict your search to jewe ry, you
must set your detector to e iminate most pu -tabs. Set your Discriminate contro
at around 12:00 (ha fway). The togg e switch shou d be in the right position
(TONE). With this setting, (if you’re on y digging the so id ow and high tones, whi e
avoiding the broken, non-repeatab e tones) , a arge percentage of your go d
rings wi be found and a of your si ver rings wi be found.
The main prob em with hunting for go d rings is that you’ dig many “beaver tai s”
(pu -tabs broken in ha f), pu -tabs, nicke s, etc. before finding your first go d ring.
On y the ow tone emitted by your Pioneer 101 wi determine that you may have
encountered a go d ring. The odds are tremendous y against you because of the
thousands of pu -tabs and “beaver tai s” that are in your way which may a so
induce a ow tone. Even so, this shou d be ooked upon as a cha enge.
Go d chains, ike go d rings, can a so pose a prob em when detecting. Chains are
the most difficu t jewe ry item to find. Sma chains are next to impossib e to
detect at any depth un ess they are pi ed up. Si ver items such as rings wi induce
a high tone and are easier to find.
OTHER APPLICATIONS:OTHER APPLICATIONS:
OTHER APPLICATIONS:OTHER APPLICATIONS:
OTHER APPLICATIONS:
You wi find your Pioneer 101 usefu for finding property markers, machinery
parts, and ost keys as we as for other househo d app ications. When using your
Pioneer 101 for these types of app ications, you' usua y operate in the A Meta
Mode (togg e position in the center).
Go d prospecting is another app ication for your Pioneer 101. When go d
prospecting, be sure to operate in the A Meta Mode (Discriminate contro
turned comp ete y counterc ockwise). On y dig those signa s that are so id and
repeatab e as you sweep. Be aware, sma er go d nuggets may not be detectab e.

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 the 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 of trash. And ALWAYS
COVER YOUR HOLES!
First Texas Products
11900 Montana Ave.
El Paso, TX 79936
[phone]
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.
Liabilityinalleventsislimitedtothepurchasepricepaid.
Liability under this Warranty is limited to replacing or
repairing, at our option, any Bounty Hunter Detector
returned,shippingcost prepaid, to First TexasProducts.
Damage due to neglect, accidental damage or misuse of
this product is not covered by this warranty.
FIRST TEXAS PRODUCTS
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Copyright ©MCMXCIX by First Texas Products
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
Bounty Hunter®and Tracker® are registered trademarks of First Texas Products