Bounty Hunter Prospector User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
The Basics
of Metal Detecting
Your Prospector 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 Prospector 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.
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 trash items or oxidation. Only dig up targets with repeatable tones.
IMPORTANT:
• Do not test the detector on the floor of a home or building.
• Most floors contain metal which will interfere with the detector’s operation.
• Unless air testing or demonstrating, use outside only.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING YOUR METAL DETECTOR
METAL DETECTOR
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2
INTRODUCTION
Prospector FEATURES
EASY ASSEMBL
Assembling your
Detector is easy and requires no
tools. Just follow these steps:
●
1
●
2
Adjust the stem to a length that lets you
maintain a comfortable upright posture,
with your arm relaxed at your side.
●
3
●
4
Caution:
•
•
The Prospector is a user-friendly instrument, requiring only a minimum
of operator skill, yet delivering effective performance over a wide range
of conditions and applications.
Streamlined in appearance,
with only two operating knobs
and a mode selection switch,
the
Prospector has eliminated
the two most difficult aspects of
metal detector operation,
Tuning and Ground Balancing.
Both of these functions are
automatic with the
Prospector .
The
Prospector 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.
From salt water beach
conditions to black sand
deposits common at gold
prospecting locations, the
Prospector sees through the
earth’s naturally
occurring minerals
to find buried
metals.
Headphone Jack
Three-Position
Toggle Switch
S-Rod
Handle
System
Meter System
Detector
Stand
Comfort
Hand-grip
Padded
Armrest
Discriminate
Control
Sensitivity Control
7” Interchangeable
Coil System
7" Waterproof Coil
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3
EASY ASSEMBLY
7” Solid Coil
Search
Coil
Cable
Upper
Stem
Control
Housing
Plug
Lower
Stem
Assembling your Prospector 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 out
the plug. Do not pull on the cable.
Lower
Stem
Upper
Stem
Bolt Knurled
Knob
Bottom view
Bottom side
um
nge
Connector
on back of
control housing
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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.
●
3 Unit beeps continuously at low sensitivity setting.
The Low Battery indicator light will come on and stay on if the
batteries are discharged. It should flash momentarily when the
Power Switch is turned off.
IMPORTANT: Your Prospector 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.
Pr
Here is a quick way to demonstrate the basic features of your
I. Supplies Needed
II. Position your
III. Beginning Switch Settings
IV. All Metal Detection
V. T
VI. Disc Mode Detection
First Battery
Second Battery
First Battery
terminals facing in
Second Battery
terminals
facing out
Release
Clip
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5
the
the
the
olt
Prospector DEMONSTRATION
Here is a quick way to demonstrate the basic features of your Prospector .
I. Supplies Needed
• A quarter (25¢)
• A nickel (5¢)
• A Penny (1¢)
• A small piece of aluminum foil
• A Nail
II. Position your Prospector
• 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 3:00 position
• Reduce "Sensitivity" in case of interference
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
ery
TOGGLE SWITCH
TOGGLE SWITCH
TOGGLE SWITCH
ALL METAL
TONE
FULL DISC
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6
The Prospector is a “motion” detector. This means that the search
coil must be moving to detect the presence of metal. When
practicing with a stationary metal detector, keep the target moving
over the coil. Objects held still under the search coil will not be
detected.
THREE MODES OF OPERATION
The Prospector 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, copper and gold. Applications: Relic
Hunting, Gold Prospecting, Cache Hunting and general applications
such as property marker locating. This mode provides maximum
depth detection capability.
FULL DISCRIMINATE: (Toggle Switch to the Left) When using the
Full 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 the two-tone discrimination, along with a broken tone for
pull-tabs, you will be able to identify types of buried metals
according to the audio tones emitted. Applications: Coinshooting,
Jewelry Hunting and detecting in highly trashed areas.
OPERAOPERATION
TONE DISCRIMINA
(continued)
(Toggle switch to the Right)
detected metal objects by emitting a low
or high tone.
Adjust the DISCRIMINA
increase the range of the low tone. It is
possible to set the DISCRIMINA
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.
ProspectorManual07.qx6 6/28/07 9:06 AM Page 6

7
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OPERATION
TONE MODE AUDIO RESPONSES
NO
RESPONSE
Iron & Steel
LOW
TONE
Gold & Nickel
BROKEN
TONE
Old & New Pull Tabs
HIGH
TONE
Copper, Silver & Brass
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 reduced slightly when
using the
Prospector in the Tone
Discrimination mode. 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
Prospector chatters or beeps erratically,
reduce the Sensitivity by turning the left
knob counterclockwise.
ProspectorManual07.qx6 6/28/07 9:06 AM Page 7

ST
Stand with your arm extended in front of
your body
comfortable position. Hold the unit so that
the search coil is about 1/2-inch above the
ground. 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, slightly overlapping
each sweep as you move
forward. 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, can cause false
readings. Move slowly;
hurrying will cause you
to miss targets.
Most desireable objects will respond with a 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.
8
IN THE FIELDOPERATION
AUTO GROUIND CONTROL:
The Prospector automatic Ground Track feature allows operation in
virtually all soil conditions, regardless of mineral content.
Use it effectively on the beach or for gold prospecting. In the ALL
METAL Mode (Toggle switch in the middle), the
Prospector will detect
gold nuggets through black sand and will find deeply buried relics in
all types of soil.
OPERATING TIPS:
Turn the detector on using the left knob. NOTE: The detector will remain
silent when turned on. It will emit sound when metal passes beneath
the search coil.
As the left knob is clicked on, it will be at the lowest sensitivity
setting. Turning the control knob toward "HIGH" increases
sensitivity to small or deeply buried objects. If the unit “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 operating
in Full Discriminate (DISC) or Tone Discriminate (TONE) modes.
ProspectorManual07.qx6 6/28/07 9:06 AM Page 8

STANCE
Stand with your arm extended in front of
your body. Don’t bend or stoop; stand in a
comfortable position. Hold the unit so that
the search coil is about 1/2-inch above the
ground. 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, slightly overlapping
each sweep as you move
forward. 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, can cause false
readings. Move slowly;
hurrying will cause you
to miss targets.
Most desireable objects will respond with a 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.
9
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10
TROUBLESHOOTING
The following troubleshooting steps may assist you in case you’re
having problems with your
YOUR DETECTOR IS EMITTING ERRA
WHEN YOU’RE IN THE FIELD.
Your
Try reducing the
until the false signaling disappears.
Remember to swing your coil slowly
Some inconsistent signals will occur on
highly rusted metals. If the signal does not
repeat after successive passes of the coil
over the same area, then the target is usually not worthwhile.
Natural and man-made electromagnetic fields can cause interference.
YOUR DETECTOR IS NOT ST
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 detector’
YOUR DETECTOR IS EMITTING A CONST
CONST
This usually occurs when the batteries are low
batteries with two new alkaline batteries.
NOTE:
IN THE FIELD (cont.)
PINPOINTING
Accurate pinpointing takes practice and is best accomplished by
“X-ing” the suspected target area.
●
1Once a buried target is identified by a good tone response,
continue sweeping the coil over the target in a narrowing
side to side pattern.
●
2Take visual note of the place on the ground where the
“beep” occurs as you move the coil slowly from side to
side.
●
3Stop the coil directly over this spot on the ground.
●
4Now move the coil straight forward and straight back
towards you a couple of times.
●
5Again make visual note of the spot on the ground at which
the “beep” occurs.
●
6If 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.
If you have difficulty pinpointing very strong signals, try lifting
the coil higher off the ground until a weaker, but more concise,
signal is heard. For very weak signals, try moving the coil in
short quick sweeps, closer to the ground.
WHAT
READS
LIKE THIS
…MAY
ACTUALLY
BE THIS
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11
TROUBLESHOOTING
The following troubleshooting steps may assist you in case you’re
having problems with your
Prospector.
YOUR DETECTOR IS EMITTING ERRATIC SIGNALS
WHEN YOU’RE IN THE FIELD.
Your SENSITIVITY may be set too high.
Try reducing the SENSITIVITY slightly
until the false signaling disappears.
Remember to swing your coil slowly.
Some inconsistent signals will occur on
highly rusted metals. If the signal does not
repeat after successive passes of the coil
over the same area, then the target is usually not worthwhile.
Natural and man-made electromagnetic fields can cause interference.
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 detector’s operating frequency.
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.
NOTE: Always use Alkaline Batteries for proper performance.
by
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ProspectorManual07.qx6 6/28/07 9:06 AM Page 11

12
MET
COINSHOOTING
The most popular application for metal detectors
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
RELIC HUNTING
A relic is a historical object, sometimes of great value. The most effective
method for locating relics is to first conduct historical research. V
library to learn of historical events having occurred in your area. Y
target your search to a specific area and gain valuable insight into your local
history
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
CACHE HUNTING
A cache, pronounced
inside a case, can, strong box, or a bag. A cache could be the loot
from a bank robbery or just someone’
hidden in the floor or walls of an old house, or is buried nearby
search old camp sites.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
JEWELR
Jewelry can be found wherever people congregate. Beaches, parks,
school yards and fair grounds are all littered with lost jewelry
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
You should dig only the lower and high tones. Broken tones indicate
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your Prospector 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.
Handle the metal detector gently
and carefully. Dropping it can
damage electronic components.
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.
Wipe the metal detector with a
damp cloth occasionally to keep
it looking new. Do not use harsh
chemicals, cleaning solvents, or
strong detergents to clean the
metal detector.
The coil is waterproof and may
be submerged into 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.
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13
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS
COINSHOOTING
The most popular application for metal detectors
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
●
1Toggle switch to the left (disc. mode).
●
2Discriminate knob at 3:00 (3/4 turn).
Only silver, copper and brass will be detected. Gold items will be
eliminated. Different denominations of coins will induce different
sounds.
RELIC HUNTING
A relic is a historical object, sometimes of great value. The most effective
method for locating relics is to first conduct historical research. Visit your local
library to learn of historical events having occurred in your area. You can then
target your search to a specific area and gain valuable insight into your local
history.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
●
1Toggle switch in center position.
●
2Discriminate knob is in OFF position.
CACHE HUNTING
A cache, pronounced “cash” , is a buried or hidden valuable stored
inside a case, can, strong box, or a bag. A cache could be the loot
from a bank robbery or just someone’s life savings. A cache is often
hidden in the floor or walls of an old house, or is buried nearby. Also
search old camp sites.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
●
1Toggle switch in center position.
●
2Discriminate knob is in OFF position.
JEWELRY HUNTING
Jewelry can be found wherever people congregate. Beaches, parks,
school yards and fair grounds are all littered with lost jewelry.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
●
1Toggle switch in RIGHT position (tone mode).
●
2Discriminate knob at half way, 12:00 position.
You should dig only the lower and high tones. Broken tones indicate
and
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ProspectorManual07.qx6 6/28/07 9:06 AM Page 13

14
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS (cont.)
trash items. Gold rings will induce a low sound. Be aware that some
pull-tabs can also induce a low tone.
Silver will induce a high tone. Chains and necklaces are difficult to
find. If you are looking for gold rings, don’t get discouraged; you
will dig up many broken pull-tabs before you find your first gold
ring!
HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS
Find property markers, lost keys, machine parts, and other lost
items.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
●
1Toggle switch in center position.
●
2Discriminate control knob is in OFF position.
GOLD PROSPECTING
Find gold in abandoned gold mines and river beds where gold is
continuously washed down stream from its place of origin.
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED:
●
1Toggle switch in center position.
●
2Discriminate control knob is in OFF position.
ProspectorManual07.qx6 6/28/07 9:06 AM Page 14
USING HEADPHONES
Using headphones (not supplied) improves battery life, and prevents
the sounds from annoying bystanders.
It also allows you to hear subtle changes in the sound more clearly,
particularly if searching in a noisy location. For safety reasons, do not
use headphones near traffic or where other dangers are present. This
device is to be used with interconnecting cables/headphone cables
shorter than three meters.

me
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ost
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ACCESSORIES
15
MAXIMIZE YOUR METAL DETECTING
EXPERIENCE WITH THESE OPTIMAL
BOUNTY HUNTER ACCESSORIES
10 INCH COIL
For maximum depth detection.
4 INCH COIL
Great for searching in trashy
areas with its smaller target
area. Also perfect for gold
prospecting and fitting into
tight spaces.
CARRY BAG
Custom-sized to carry your Commando.
HEADPHONES
Increase battery life and find more deeply
buried objects, evidenced by faint signals
sometimes undetected with the standard
speaker.
Finds Pouch & Digging Tool
Retrieve and secure your newly found
treasure in this tough nylon pouch.
COIL COVERS
Protect your coil from wear & tear. 4
inch, 8 inch, 10 inch.
PIN POINTER
Pinpoints exact location of
buried metal objects.
www.detecting.com
ProspectorManual07.qx6 6/28/07 9:06 AM Page 15

TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS:
• Always check Federal, State, County and local laws before searching.
• Respect private property and do not enter private property without the owner’s permission.
• Take care to refill all holes and try not to leave any damage.
• Remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter found.
• Appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural resources, wildlife and private property.
• Act as an ambassador for the hobby, use thoughtfulness, consideration and courtesy at all
times.
• Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.
• All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set; always conduct yourself with
courtesy and consideration of others
First Texas Products, LLC
1465-H Henry Brennan
El Paso, TX 79936
[phone]
M-PRO 070709
FIRST TEXAS PRODUCTS, LLC
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Copyright© 2009 by First Texas Products, L.L.C.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form.
Published by First Texas Products, L.L.C.
Bounty Hunter®is a registered trademark of First Texas Products, L.L.C.
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, LLC. Damage due to neglect,
accidental damage or misuse of this product is not covered
by this warranty.
Proof of purchase is required to make a claim under this warranty.
NOTE TO FOREIGN COUNTRY CUSTOMERS
This warranty may vary in other countries,
check with your distributor for details.
Factory warranty follows the channel of distribution.
Warranty does not cover shipping costs.