Bounty Hunter PIONEER EX User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
The
Pioneer
EX is an
easy to use detector. The most difficult
aspects of metal detecting have been
automated.
However if you are new to the hobby, we strongly
recommend that you:
1) Adjust the Sensitivity to a low setting in the
event of false signals. The detector powers on a
3/4 sensitivity; increase to full sensitivity after you have
become familiar with the detector.
2) Do not use indoors. This detector is for outdoor use only. Many
household appliances emit electromagnetic energy, which can
interfere with the detector. If conducting an indoor demonstration,
turn the sensitivity down and keep the search coil away from
appliances such as computers, televisions and microwave ovens.
If your detector beeps erratically, turn off appliances and lights.
Also keep the search coil away from objects containing metal, such as
floors and walls.
3) Read this manual. Most importantly, review the Quick-Start Demo
(p.6) and Basic Operation (p. 8-12).
4) Use 9-volt ALKALINE batteries only.
Do not use Heavy Duty or ordinary Zinc-carbon Batteries.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Basic Operation
Powering Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
The Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10
Operating Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Audio Target Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Depth Select (Sensitivity Adjustment) . . . . . .14
In The Field Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-17
Trouble Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Metal Detecting Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Treasure Hunter’s Code of Ethics . . .Back Cover
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

3
TERMINOLOGY
The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard
terminology among detectorists.
ELIMINATION
Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the detector will
not emit a tone, nor light up an indicator, when a specified object
passes through 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 metals.
Discrimination is an important feature of professional metal
detectors. Discrimination allows the user to ignore trash and
otherwise undesirable objects.
RELICA relic is an object of interest by reason of its age or its association
with the past. Many relics are made of iron, but can also be made
of bronze or precious metals.
IRON Iron is a common, low-grade metal that is an undesirable target in
certain metal detecting applications. Examples of undesirable iron
objects are old cans, pipes, bolts, and nails.
Sometimes, the desired target is made of iron. Property markers,
for instance, contain iron. Valuable relics can also be composed of
iron; cannon balls, old armaments, and parts of old structures and
vehicles can also be composed of iron.
FERROUS
Metals which are made of, or contain, iron.
PINPOINTING
Pinpointing is the process of finding the exact location of a buried
object. Long-buried metals can appear exactly like the surrounding
soil, and can therefore be very hard to isolate from the soil.
PULL-TABS
Discarded pull-tabs from beverage containers are the most bothersome
trash items for treasure hunters. They come in many different shapes
and sizes. Pull-tabs can be discriminated, but some other valuable
objects can have a magnetic signature similar to pull-tabs, and will also
be eliminated when discriminating out pull-tabs.
GROUND BALANCE
Ground Balancing is the ability of the detector to ignore, or "see
through," the earth’s naturally occurring minerals, and only sound
a tone when a metal object is detected.

4
ASSEMBLY
Assembly is easy and requires no tools.
●
1Position the lower stem (the straight tube)
with the silver button toward the back.
Using the bolt and knurled knob,
attach the search coil to the
plastic extension protruding
from 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, and the
search coil parallel to the
ground in front of you.
●
3Wind the cable securely around the stem.
●
4Insert the plug into the
matching connector on
the right underside of the
detector body. Be sure
that the key-way 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.
Connector
on back of
control housing

5
IMPORTANT: Always use ALKALINE batteries only.
Do not use heavy duty batteries.
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.
●
3 Unit beeps continuously or erratically.
The LOW BATTERY indicator will come on and stay on if the batteries
are discharge. You may notice erratic beeping if using with LOW
BATTERY illuminated.
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 in-
side the com-
partment.
Insert booth of
the batteries
with terminals
facing outward.
●
3 Replace the
compartment
door by carefully
inserting oppo-
site side of clip
first. Then press
down on clip
side until battery
door snaps into
place.
BATTERIES
Release
Clip
Both Batteries
teminals
facing out

6
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION
I. Supplies Needed
• A Medium-Size Nail • A Quarter
•A Nickel • A Zinc Penny (dated after 1982)
II. Position the Detector
a. Place the detector on a
table, with the search coil
hanging over the edge.
(or better, have a friend
hold the detector, with
the coil off the ground)
b. Keep the search coil
away from walls, floors,
and metal objects.
c. Remove watches, rings and other jewelry or metal objects from
hands and wrists.
d. Turn off appliances or lights that cause electromagnetic
interference.
e. Pivot the search coil back toward the detector body.
III. Power Up
Press the ON touchpad.
The detector will beep
several times and the
sensitivity setting will
be indicated on the
right of the display. Two
illuminated segments
indicates 3/4 sensitivity.
IV. Wave each Object over the Search Coil (
pass the flat side of the coins
parallel to the coil)
a.Notice a different tone for each object.
Low Tone: Nail
Medium Tone: Nickel & Zinc Penny
High Tone: Quarter
b.Motion is required. Objects must be in motion over the
search coil to be detected.

7
V. Press the TARGET REJECT
touchpad
a. An “X” will appear under
the IRON segment.
b. The “X” tell us that Iron
has been eliminated from
detection.
VI. Wave the Nail over the Search Coil
a. The Nail will not be detected.
b. The Nail has been "Discriminated Out."
VII. Wave the Quarter, Penny, and Nickel over the Search Coil
These non-ferrous objects will be detected with their own
distinctive tones.
VIII. Press the TARGET
REJECT
touchpad again
Another “X” will
illuminate under “AL ZN”.
IX. Wave all objects over the
Search Coil
The Zinc Penny will not be detected. make sure the penny is post-
1982; these are made of Zinc. CAUTION: some zinc pennies
within 1/2” of the coin surface will induce a high tone.
X. Press the TARGET REJECT touchpad again
a. A third “X” appears.
b. Pass all object over the search coil.
The nail, penny, and nickel are all eliminated from detection.
XI. Press the TARGET REJECT touchpad to return the detector to all-
metals detection, with no “X”s illuminated.
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION (continued)

8
BASIC OPERATION
POWERING UP
Press the ON touch pad.
All display indicators will illuminate momentarily
The inverted-pyramid depth-selection indicator on the right of the
display will stay illuminated.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISPLAY
●
1DEPTH SELECT
The detector default to 3/4
sensitivity, indicated by
two illuminated segments.
To change the depth range
of the detector, and thus its
sensitivity to more deeply
buried objects, use the
DEPTH SELECT touch pad.
each touch of DEPTH
SELECT toggles the detector among three different sensitivity settings.
The detector is at maximum depth capability when three depth
segments are illuminated on the right of the display.
At the maximum depth setting, the detector will detect a coin-sized
object buried approximately 6 1/2 inches beneath the surface. With
two depth segments illuminated, the detector’s depth range will be
reduced to 80%, and with one depth segment illuminated, the range
will be reduces to 65%.
A more detailed explanation of depth selection is found on page 14.
●
2LOW BATTERY
The LOW BATTERY
indicator will illuminate
when the 9-volt batteries
are discharged to a level
of 6.8 volts.
Replace the batteries as
soon as possible after
receiving th e low battery
indication. The detector

9
will begin to beep erratically and operate unreliably if continuing use
with discharged batteries.
To save on batteries, check each battery individually, as the two
batteries can discharge at different rates. When LOW BATTERY
illuminates, it is possible that only one of the batteries requires
replacement.
Under normal conditions, a set of batteries will last for approximately
16 hours in the field, depending upon the brand of battery.
●
3PROBABLE TARGET
The four categories depicted across the top of the display
indicate the probable identification of buried, detected metal
objects. The search coil must be in motion over an object to
be detected. Alternatively, you can pass an object over a
motion less search coil to test your detector. One of the four
target indicators will illuminate, indicating the probable
identification of the object. The indicator will remain
illuminated until another object is detected.
You will encounter a never-ending variety of buried metal
objects. It is therefore impossible to accurately identify all
buried metal objects. The target identification system will
accurately identify the most common items.
BASIC OPERATION
continued

10
Commonly-found object are classified into the four categories
as follows:
IRON ------------------------------------------------
Ferrous objects
Metals composed mostly or entirely of iron
Most very small metals objects
Small foil pieces; small gold pieces.
AL ZN ------------------------------------------------
Post-1982 pennies (are made of zinc, some zinc pennies
will register as coins within 1” of the coil)
Zinc coins, such as recent foreign currency
Most bottle screw caps
Large foil pieces
Many rings; most gold rings
Older pull-tabs (those which detach from the can)
AL 5¢ ------------------------------------------------
Large gold rings
Newer pull-tabs (those which stay connected to can)
Nickels
Large Aluminum Pieces
COINS ------------------------------------------------
Silver coins, like dimes and quarters
Copper pennies (pre-1982)
Very large metal objects like manhole covers.
●
4REJECTED TARGET
When “X” appears under a target
category, objects falling into this
category are eliminated from
detection. This feature is
commonly referred to as target
discrimination.
With each press of the REJECT
TARGET touch ad, you will
progressively eliminate, from
left to right, the common, less desirable, targets. When all three “X”
are illuminated, the next press will erase all “X”s, returning the
detector to all-metal detection status, where all types of metals will
be detected.
BASIC OPERATION
continued

11
BASIC OPERATION
continued
OPERATING CONTROLS
The Pioneer EX is the most automated, easy-to-operate, professional
metal detector ever designed. It is designed for those who are new to the
hobby providing maximum basic target discrimination, while requiring
minimal operator adjustment.
DEPTH SELECT
With each press of the DEPTH
SELECT touch pad, the detector
toggles among three different
depth-detection levels. Each of
these sensitivity levels is
identified through the 3-segment
depth-select icon on the right of
the display.
When three segments are illuminated, the detector is at maximum
sensitivity. As you press the DEPTH SELECT touch pad, the detector
toggles among the three different sensitivity levels. A more detailed
explanation of depth selection is found on page 14.
TARGET REJECT
Upon power-up, all types of
metals are detected. The TARGET
REJECT touch pas allows the user
to eliminate undesirable metals
from detection.
With each press of the REJECT
TARGET touch pad, unwanted
metals are progressively
eliminated, from left to right on the display. When all three “X”s are
illuminated, the next press will erase all “X”s, returning the detector to all-
metal detection status, where all types of metals will be detected.

12
BASIC OPERATION
continued
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
WATER HUNTING: Your Pioneer EX is ideal for damp grass and shallow
water spots. the search coil is waterproof; the case and case-to-cable
connection is not. Be careful to keep the detector body dry.
In saltwater, keep the search coil from contact with the ground. Contact
with saltwater sands will cause the detector to beep falsely. For best
result in saltwater, eliminate IRON to reduce false signals caused by
conductive beach sands. Coil sweep technique is also important in
saltwater; keeping the coil submerged is better than dunking and lifting.
The detector needs time to readjust to the conductive salt water.
RED CLAY: The red clay earth found in the southwestern U.S. may
require a reduction in the DEPTH SELECT level if encountering false
signals. Coil sweep technique is also more critical in red clay; keep the
coil level with the ground. Do not lift the coil at the ends of your sweep.
Review coil sweep technique on page 15.
RED SANDS: Red sand found in desert locations will react like red clays,
so fallow the same precautions as outlined in the paragraph above.
BLACK SANDS: The most promising gold prospecting locations can
contain large amounts of black sand. This black sand is the most
demanding detecting environment, and frequently requires a detector
costing thousands of dollars for the best results. Your Pioneer EX will still
function in these conditions, but will usually require operation at reduced
sensitivity levels. If you receive constant false signals, reduce the
sensitivity or move to another area.
SAND: Dry beach sands are no problem for the Pioneer EX. if the sand
is damp with saltwater, however, follow the precautions outlined under
saltwater above.
HOT AND COLD: Be patient if moving immediately between hot and
cold environments, like taking your detector from your air-conditioned
home into a blazing summer sun. The search coil is constructed of
copper wire which will expand and contract with temperature change.
Your detector may require 10 to 15 minutes to stabilize to the ambient
temperature.

13
AUDIO TARGET IDENTIFICATION
While the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is very accurate in identifying
buried objects, the user in the field does not always maintain the display
screen in his field of vision. Therefore, we have incorporated an audio
feedback mechanism to alert the user to the nature of buried objects.
This audio feedback system first alerts the user to the presence and
classification of objects, whose nature and location can be confirmed
using the LCD display.
The detector will sound one of three different tones, depending on the
type of metal detected.
BASS TONE
Ferrous objects, such as iron and steel, will induce a bass tone.
The smallest gold objects can also induce a bass tone.
MEDIUM TONE
Pull-tabs, newer pennies (post-1982), larger gold objects, zinc,
small brass objects, and most bottle screw caps will induce
medium tones. Many recent vintage foreign currencies will
induce medium tones. Medium tone objects will illuminate the
two center target indicators.
HIGH TONE
Silver and copper coins, larger brass objects, older pennies (pre-
1982), and highly oxidized metals will induce high tones.
Quarters, dimes and other precious coins fall into this category.
Audio Target Identification (ATI) classifies metals into four categories.
LOW TONE
Nails, Bottle Caps,
& Smaller Gold
MEDIUM TONE
Old & New Pull Tabs, Zinc
Pennies (Post 1982), Nickel,
Larger Gold Objects
HIGH TONE
Copper, Silver & Brass
Copper Pennies (Pre 1982)

14
DEPTH SELECT (Sensitivity Adjustment)
Upon power-up, the detector defaults to 3/4 sensitivity. To increase to full
sensitivity, press the DEPTH SELECT touchpad once.
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
The principle use for the Sensitivity Control is to eliminate
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).
A hobby metal detector is an extremely sensitive device; the search coil
creates its own magnetic field and acts like an antenna. If your detector
beeps erratically when the search coil is motionless, the unit is probably
detecting another electromagnetic field.
Common sources of EMI are electric power lines, both suspended and
buried, motors, and household appliances like computers and
microwave ovens. Some indoor electronic devices, such as dimmer
switches used on household lighting, produce severe EMI and can cause
the detector to beep erratically. Other metal detectors also produce their
own electromagnetic fields; so if detecting with a friend, keep two metal
detectors at least 20 feet apart.
If the detector beeps erratically, REDUCE THE SENSITIVITY by using the
Depth Select Control.
SEVERE GROUND CONDITIONS
A secondary use for the Sensitivity Control is to reduce false detection
signals caused by severe ground conditions. While your Pioneer EX
contains circuitry to eliminate the signals caused by most naturally
occurring ground minerals, 100% of all ground conditions cannot be
anticipated. Highly magnetic soils found in mountainous and gold-
prospecting locations can cause the detector to emit tones when metal
objects are not present. High saline content soils and sands can also
cause the detector to false.
If the detector emits false, non-repeatable, signals, REDUCE THE
SENSITIVITY.
MULTIPLE TARGETS
If you suspect the presence
of deeper targets beneath a
shallower target, reduce the
sensitivity to eliminate the
detection of the deeper
targets, in order to properly
locate and identify the
shallower target.

15
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 1/2 inch from the
surface. Never swing the coil like
a pendulum.
TARGET DEPTH ESTIMATION
After verifying a desirable
target, pass the coil again, but
raise the coil 1” over the
ground, progressively higher
with each sweep. Note the coil
elevation at which the signal
disappears. With practice, you
will be able to approximate
target depth.
WRONG
CORRECT

16
Swing the search coil slowly,
overlapping each sweep as you
move forward. It is important
to sweep the coil at a consistent
speed over the ground as you
search. After identifying a
target, your sweep technique
can help in identifying both the
location and the nature of the
target. If you encounter a weak
signal, try moving the coil in
short, rapid sweeps
over the target zone;
such a short rapid
sweep may provide
a more consistent
target
identification.
Most
worthwhile
objects
will
respond with a repeatable tone.
If the signal does not repeat
after sweeping the coil directly
over the suspected target a few
times, it is more than likely
trash metal.
Crossing the target zone with
multiple intersecting sweeps at
multiple angles is another way
to verify the repeatability of the
signal, and the potential of the
buried target. To use this
method, walk around the target
area in a circle, sweeping the
coil across the target
repeatedly, every 30 to 40
degrees of the circle, about ten
different angles as you walk
completely around the target.
If a high-tone target completely
disappears from detection at a
given angle, chances are that
you are detecting oxidized
ferrous metals, rather than a
silver or copper object. If the
tone changes at different
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES (continued)
WHAT
READS
LIKE THIS
…MAY
ACTUALLY
BE THIS

17
angles, you many have
encountered multiple objects.
If you are new to the hobby,
you may want to dig all targets
at first. With practice in the
field, you will learn to better
discern the nature of buried
objects by the nature of the
detector’s response.
You may encounter some false
signals as you proceed. False
signals occur when the detector
beeps, but no metal target is
present. False signals can be
induced by electromagnetic
interference, oxidation, or
highly mineralized ground
soils. If the detector beeps
once, but does not repeat the
signal with several additional
sweeps over the same spot,
there is probably no target
present.
When searching very trashing
ground, it is best to scan small
areas with slow, short sweeps.
You will be surprised just how
much trash metal and foil you
will find in some areas. The
trashiest areas have been
frequented by the most people,
and frequently hold the most
promise for finding the most
lost valuables. To make
searching easier in very trashy
areas, consider purchasing the
Bounty Hunter 4-inch Search
Coil. The 4-inch coil’s narrower
detection field can better
distinguish between two
objects in close proximity.
Also maintain the search coil
positioned just above the
surface of the ground, without
making contact with the
ground. Making contact with
the ground can cause false
signals.
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES (continued)

18
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 detector emits • Highly oxidized
multiple tones target
• Sensitivity set • Reduce sensitivity
too high
No power, no • Dead batteries • Replace batteries
sounds • Poor
battery
•
Check connections
contact
• Cord not connected
securely
TROUBLE SHOOTING

19
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS
COIN SHOOTING:
The most popular metal detecting activity.
Find coins where people congregate frequently. Many detectorists revisit the
same areas again and again to find a never-ending treasure trove as people
continue to lose valuables every day. Parks, fairgrounds, and play ares are
good choices. The most valuable old coins are frequently found in abandoned
home sites, or if you live on an older property, maybe in your own backyard.
Control settings required. Target-Rejected al least 2-Xs to eliminate iron,
foil, and old pull tabs. Target-Rejected all 3-Xs if you want to find only
copper and silver. If you search for nickels, remember that you will also
encounter some newer pull-tabs. Some newer pull-tabs have a magnetic
signal indistinguishable from nickel.
RELIC HUNTING:
The most effective relic hunting is best accomplished after conducting historical
research. Visit your local library, or check the internet, for historical events in
your area. You can target specific areas and gain valuable insight into your local
history. Remember to ask permission and respect laws regarding private and
government property.
Control settings required. No X’s should be displayed. Do not
discriminate out any types of metals as many of the oldest relics contain
iron.
JEWELRY HUNTING:
This is the most challenging treasure hunt. Gold rings will register in the same
range as pull-tabs. Necklaces will register with zinc and foils. You will dig up
many trash items in your search for jewelry, but jewelry hunting holds the
most potential for reward. Please pick up ant throw away those pull-tabs to
help clean the environment.
Control settings required. Target-Reject only the 1st X; eliminate IRON
only.
JEWELRY HUNTING:
A cache, pronounced “cash,” is a buried or hidden valuable stored inside a
case, can, strong gox, or bag. A cache could be the loot from a bank robbery
or someone’s life savings. Caches can be hidden in floors or walls of an old
house, or buried nearby.
Control settings required. No X’s should be display. The container
holding the treasure will frequently be a ferrous object, so you want to
detect all types of metal objects.

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 trash
items. And ALWAYS COVER YOUR HOLES!
First Texas Products, LP
1100 Pendale Road
El Paso, TX 79907
[phone] MPEX 5/2003
Copyright© 2003 by First Texas Products, L.P.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form.
Published by First Texas Products, L.P.
Bounty Hunter®is a registered trademark of First Texas Products, L.P.
www.detecting.com
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