Elcometer Protovale 600 User manual

English
Elcometer Protovale 600
Timber Metal Detector
Operating Instructions

English
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The Elcometer Protovale 600 Metal Detector has been tested according to the relevant and
applicable sections of IEC801-2, EN55011 and BSEN55022-A-B, and meets the European
Electro-Magnetic Compatibility directive 89/336/EEC as amended by EC directive 92/31/EEC, and
therefore carries the CE mark according to directive 93/68/EEC.
Note: Performance may be affected if the unit is operated within a radio frequency electromagnetic field
strength greater than 3V/m.
and Protovale are registered trademarks of Elcometer Instruments Ltd.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Elcometer Instruments Ltd. England 1994 - 2006
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored (in a retrieval
system or otherwise) or translated into any other language in any form or by means (electronic, mechanical,
magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of Elcometer Instruments Ltd.
Doc.No. TMA-0291 Issue 02
Text with Cover No: 18850

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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your metal detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Using the instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Trouble shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5 Technical specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6 Spare parts and accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer Protovale 600 Metal Detector. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of industrial metal detection equipment
and inspection equipment for coatings and concrete.
The Elcometer Protovale 600 Metal Detector is a world beating product. With the purchase of this product
you now have access to the worldwide service and support network of Elcometer. For more information visit
our website at www.elcometer.com
1 ABOUT YOUR METAL DETECTOR
The Elcometer Protovale 600 Metal Detector is a small versatile instrument which has been designed to find
metal objects in wood of all types.
1.1 Features
•Fast and accurate: pinpoints the exact location of metallic objects such as nails in hard and soft wood.
•Stable and reliable: unaffected by moisture, temperature changes and nearby electrical signals.
•Versatile: interchangeable heads for multiple applications and requirements. Detecting metal in
wooden objects such as reclaimed timber and scaffold planks is easily accomplished.
1.2 What this box contains
• Elcometer Protovale 600 Metal Detector - control unit
• Search head
• 4 x LR6 (AA) alkaline batteries

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• Leather carry case
• Operating instructions
The instrument is packed in a cardboard and foam package. Please ensure that this packaging is disposed
of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local Environmental Authority for further guidance.
To maximise the benefits of your new instrument, please take some time to read these Operating
Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer or your Elcometer supplier if you have any
questions.
1.3 FITTING BATTERIES
The Elcometer Protovale 600 Metal Detector uses dry cell batteries only. Sealed alkaline batteries are
recommended however rechargeable equivalents may also be used.
4 x LR6 (AA) alkaline batteries are supplied in the kit.
To fit or replace the batteries:
1. Remove the instrument from the carrying case.
2. Remove the battery compartment cover.
3. Fit the batteries taking care to ensure correct polarity.
4. Replace the battery compartment cover.
5. Replace the instrument in the carrying case ensuring that the speaker output grille lines up with the
hole in the case.
Note: Remove the batteries from the instrument if it is to remain unused for a long period of time. This will
prevent damage to the instrument in the event of malfunction of the batteries.

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Note: Alkaline batteries must be disposed of carefully to avoid environmental contamination. Please consult
your local Environmental Authority for information on disposal in your region.
Do not dispose of any batteries in fire.
1.4 CONNECTING THE SEARCH HEAD
Screw the TNC plug of the search head into the socket on
the front panel of the control unit, taking care not to cross
the threads.
1.5 SWITCHING ON
Switch the machine on by turning the control marked
‘audio’ clockwise from the OFF position until it just clicks
on.
The machine is now working, and set to minimum
sensitivity.
1.6 BATTERY TEST
Press the battery test button; a meter reading of 7 or over indicates that the batteries contain sufficient
charge. If the meter reading is less than 7, the batteries should be replaced - see “Fitting batteries” on
page 3.
0 2 4 6 8 10
audio
o

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1.7 SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT
If the control marked ‘audio’ is rotated slowly clockwise (with the search head well clear of any metal), a
point is reached when the sound produced is a steady ticking, and the meter is displaying zero (0). Further
clockwise rotation will cause the meter to deflect to the right, and the sound to increase in frequency through
a buzz to a whine. Maximum sensitivity is achieved when the sound is set to a low tick-over, and is
appropriate when searching for deeply-embedded metal. More often however, this setting gives more
sensitivity than is necessary or desirable, and the control can and should then be turned back as required.
2 USING THE INSTRUMENT
Before you start, adjust the sensitivity (see above).
1. Hold the search head as close as possible to the wood.
2. Move the search head across the search area.
When the search head is approaching a metallic object:
• The control unit will start to emit a sound which will increase in pitch as the search head moves
closer to the object.
• The needle on the meter will move towards the right.
The centre of the search head is directly over the metallic object when:
• The pitch of the sound is at its highest.
• The movement of the needle on the meter is at its maximum.
If a very strong signal is received, it is advisable to reduce sensitivity by turning back the control knob
(anticlockwise), or by holding the search head away from the wood.

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Signal strength is dependant upon the shape and orientation of the object and whether it is of ferrous or
non-ferrous metal.
The most sensitive point of the search head is its centre.
3 TROUBLE SHOOTING
Any fault conditions encountered can usually be cleared by checking:
• the battery voltage and cell polarity
• the battery contacts for spring tension and corrosion
• the search head plug and socket for good electrical and mechanical connection.
4 MAINTENANCE
The Elcometer Protovale 600 Metal Detector is designed to give many years reliable service under normal
operating and storage conditions.
No special maintenance is necessary, though the unit should be wiped clean of dirt and moisture after use.
Two points in particular will ensure long-term trouble free operation:
• To prevent damage to the search head plug and socket, keep the threads clean and free from mud and
grit.
• To prevent corrosion damage from leaking batteries: make sure the unit is switched OFF after use; and
remove the batteries if the unit is to be stored unused for any period of time.

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The instrument does not contain any user-serviceable components. In the unlikely event of a fault, the
instrument should be returned to your local Elcometer supplier or directly to Elcometer. Contact details can
be found on the outside cover of these instructions, or on the Elcometer website, www.elcometer.com
5 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
5.1 APPROXIMATE DETECTION RANGE
5.2 PHYSICAL
Weight: 850 g (1.87 lb)
Power supply: 4 x 1.5 V LR6 (AA) internal dry cell batteries or rechargeable
a
NiMH equivalents
Object type Search head Detection range
Staple, length 38 mm (1.5") 100 mm (4") 130 mm 5.0"
200 mm (8") 200 mm 7.9"
Nail, length 25 mm (1.0") 100 mm (4") 90 mm 3.5"
200 mm (8") 140 mm 5.5"
Nail, length 125 mm (5.0") 100 mm (4") 130 mm 5.0"
200 mm (8") 200 mm 7.9"
a. Rechargeable batteries must always be charged outside of the control unit.

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6 SPARE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
The following replacement and optional items are available from Elcometer or your local supplier.
7 RELATED EQUIPMENT
Elcometer produces a wide range of industrial metal detection equipment and concrete and coatings
inspection equipment. Users of the Elcometer Protovale 600 Metal Detector may also benefit from the
following Elcometer products:
• Elcometer P610 Timber Metal Detector
• Elcometer P150 Rebar and Wall Tie Locator
• Elcometer P130 Wall Tie and Stud Locator
• Elcometer Rebar Locators
• Elcometer Concrete Covermeters
For further information contact Elcometer, your Elcometer supplier or visit www.elcometer.com
Description Sales Part No.
100 mm (4") Search Head TW999198D
150 mm (6") Search Head TW999198E
200 mm (8") Search Head Coil - Short handled TW999198G
200 mm (8") Search Head Coil - Long handled TW999198H