Fisher Labs M-97 User manual

M-97
Operating Manual
Valve, Pedestal & Box Locator
FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY
QUALITY
Fisher detectors are renowned for their quality.
Each detector is hand crafted in the USA with pride
PERFORMANCE
Treasure Hunters worldwide rely on Fisher.
Our detectors are durable, dependable, and search deeper..
REPUTATION
Fisher produced the rst patented metal detector in 1931. For
over 70 years, the Fisher logo has been a mark of excellence.
2 - YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Fisher believes in the products we produce and backs this belief
with a 2 year limited warranty, Warranty may vary outside the
United States. See your dealer for details
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.
SERVICE
Fisher is committed to providing you, our valued customer, with
superior service. Each and every instrument is rigidly tested
and carefully inspected during assembly and before shipment.
Should you have any questions or problems, contact:
FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY
1465-H Henry Brennan,
El Paso, Texas 79936
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
www.sherlab.com email:info@sherlab.com
FRL#8700004000 042709

CONTENTS
About Your M-97....................................................................... pg. 3
Features..................................................................................... pg. 3
Controls ..................................................................................... pg. 4
Setting Up .................................................................................. pg. 5
Tuning ........................................................................................ pg. 5
Searching .................................................................................. pg. 6
Specications ........................................................................... pg. 7
7
SPECIFICATIONS
Subject to improvement or modication without notice.
Fisher Research Laboratory does not warrnt suitability to specic
use. Fisher Research Laboratory shall in no event be liable for
any direct, incidental, consequential or indirect damages.
OPTIONAL
ACCESSORIES:
Heaphones
Coil Covers
11” search coil
Hard carrying case
Vinyl carrying bag
Output Frequencies of search coil
........... 4.5 kHz
Sensitivity ...............
0.20 mv RMS for full scale
Sensitivity Adjustment Range
..................... 12:1
Output Indication
. Meter 1 milliamp, ...... 0-100 linear scale
.............................
Speaker ...................... 16-ohm impedance
.............................
Headset (optional) ... 8-ohm impedance
.............................
Audio Frequency....... 450 Hz
Power Supply +9V supplies:
....................... (2) 9V batteries
Battery Life Alkaline
.................................... 15-25 hours
Power Consumption
.................................. (-9V) 13.8 mA
.................................
At min. sound 8 mA
.................................
At max. sound 50 mA
.................................
At Audio threshold 17.5 to 18.5 mA
Search Coil Conguration
.......................... Double-D
Weight with 8-inch search coil
.................. 3.3 lbs. (1.5kg)
11-inch search coil
................. 3.9 lbs. (1.8kg)
Dimensions
............. 38 to 50 inches adjustable (96 to 127 cm)
Shipping Dimensions 6” x 13” x 35” (15.12 x 32.76 x 82.2 cm)
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 trafc or where
other dangers are present. This device is to be used with
interconnecting cables/headphone cables shorter than three
meters.
USING HEADPHONES
• 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 rell 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.
LET’S PRESERVE OUR TREASURED HOBBY
TREASURE HUNTERS’ CODE OF ETHICS

3
6
SEARCHING
It is a good idea to establish a methodic search pattern. Avoid swinging
the M-97 like a golf club, swing the detector side to side keeping the
search coil the same distance above the ground. Your sweep pattern
should be a slow, half-circle motion. If you are searching for a small
target, it is a good idea to overlap your sweeps.
When the detector’s search coil starts to pass over a metal object,
the sound will increase and the meter readings will increase. Depending
upon the size and depth of the target, the target may appear (respond)
to be larger than it should. To get a visual outline of the target, you need
to reduce the sensitive of the M-97 by raising the coil and passing over
the target. This can help establish the edges of the target.
Another method that will give a visual outline is to purposely detune the
M-97. Move the coil away the target. Slowly bring the search coil toward
the target. As the sound increases, press and release the Retune Button.
Continue to move the coil toward and eventually over the target. The
sound and meter readings will be more responsive as the search coil passes
over the target. You may need to repeat this step more times if the target
is at a shallow depth. Be aware that you can loose responsiveness of the
target by over reducing the Tuning Control (sensitivity) of the M-97.
To reset the M-97 back to the balanced settings, lift the search coil off
the ground, and away from any metallic objects and press and release
the Retune Button. The M-97 will automatically retune to the original,
balanced settings.
• Two knobs and a pushbutton for simple operation
• Adjustable shaft with double locking stem
• Ground Effect Rejection VLF eliminates annoying or false signals
from wet ground foliage, pavement or mineralized ground
• High sensitivity for maximum penetration through soil, asphalt
or concrete
• Built-in Battery Test
• Pushbutton Tuning to quickly & easily maintain optimum sensitivity
• Ultra Slow Auto-Tune to stabilize ground tuning and minimize
frequency drift
• Identies metallic objects by speaker sound and needle
movement
• Compact size for convenient storage
• Waterproof search coil
FEATURES
TUNING
Select an area that is free of metal near and under the search coil.
Turn on the M-97 by setting the Mode control to “Normal” and Ground
control to the position “5”. Raise the search coil about 12 to 18 inches
above the ground (dirt, concrete, asphalt, etc.), and press and release
the Retune Button. Note any change of sound. If there is no change, or
only a slight change, the M-97 is balanced and ready to search.
If the sounds changes: Sound increases – Slightly decrease the Ground
setting. Repeat above procedure. Sound decreases – Slightly increase
the Ground setting. Repeat above procedure.Repeat until no (or a
slight) change of sound occurs.
ABOUT YOUR M-97
Using ideas that you, our valued customers, have passed on to us, the
M-97 Valve and Box Locator stands as the new and improved addition
to our line of highly successful M-95 and M-96 Locators.
The M-97 is an all-metal metal detector that can search through
concrete and asphalt and was designed for nding buried or paved
over valves, boxes, or manhole covers, or any other concealed metallic
object. It also locates targets made of aluminum, brass and lead. Please
remember, like all Valve and Box Locators, the M-97 is a Metal Detector
which should not be used as a substitute for a Utility Line Tracer. Fisher
Research Laboratory manufactures a complete line of equipment for
Line Tracing (Pipe and Cable Tracing).
New to the M series is the ease with which the M-97 can be stored.
Just compact the lower stem, twist the search coil 90 degrees, and fold
the search coil at. The M-97 ts easily into the optional carrying case.
In the Fisher tradition, the M-97 is affordable, tough, and simple to use
while providing maximum performance. A two year limited warranty
comes standard with the unit.

4
5
TUNING THE M-97
There are two methods to tune and balance the M-97. One method is for
quick and easy operation; the other will allow you ne tune the detector
for deeper searching and greater sensitivity.
Turn On and Go Method
Select an area that is free of metal near and under the search coil.
Turn on the M-97 by setting the Mode control to “Normal” and Ground
control to the position “5”. (Hint: If the M-97 is loudly sounding when the
instrument is turned on, press and release the Retune Button to quiet the
instrument). Raise the search coil about 12 to 18 inches above the ground
(dirt, concrete, asphalt, etc.), and press and release the Retune Button.
Lower the coil close to the ground. There should be little or no change
in the tone of the detector. If the M-97 changes tone when the coil is
lowered to the ground, there is either a metallic object near the coil that
is causing the instrument to respond, or the soil conditions are such that
the M-97 needs to be more precisely balanced.
Proceed with locating your targets.
Precision Tuning Method
(This method can be used for the “Normal” setting, and must be used
for the “High” setting).
SETTING UP
The M-97 comes ready to use.
Extend the lower stem of the M-97 so that the search coil rests be
-
tween 6 to 12 inches in front of your feet. Your arm should be straight
and relaxed with your grip held loosely.
Tighten the locking nut/compression nut at the bottom of the upper
stem.
When the proper length is selected, the excess cable should be wound
around the stem. This can be done by slightly loosening the locking nut
and turning the lower stem, or by removing the search coil and winding
the cable by hand. Be sure to leave a some slack in the cable.
Check the batteries by turning the Mode control to Battery Test posi
-
tion and turning the Ground control to any number. A reading between
80 and 100 indicates the batteries are OK.
*With the 11” coil you must slide the lower stem completely out of the
upper assembly for the M-97 to properly t in the hard carrying case.
CONTROLS
Meter
The meter of the M-97 serves
two purposes for the opera-
tion of the instrument. When
used in the battery test mode,
the meter gives a visual indi-
cation of the battery strength.
A reading between 80 – 100
is desirable. If the reading is
below 80, search depth and
accuracy can decrease.
Please change the batteries, if
necessary. (Note: The batteries must be inserted correctly for the M-97 to
operate. Match up the correct battery terminals with the markings on the
inside of the battery holder. Failure to do so will not damage the instrument,
however, the instrument will not function).
When searching with the M-97, the meter gives a visual indication to any
change occurring in the eld of detection. This is primarily due to the coil
passing over or near a metal object, but can occur when the ground
mineral conditions change.
On/Off Ground Rejection Control
This control turns the M-97 on and off. It is used to electronically balance the
M-97 to compensate for the natural mineral content of the soil or ground
surface. When tuned properly, raising and lowering the search coil above
the ground will not cause a change in the meter reading or audio tone.
Mode Switch
This control is used to change the mode function of the Locator.
Battery Test
With the detector turned on, the Battery Test mode will indicate
battery strength. This is a no-load battery test.
Normal
This setting is used for the Turn On and Go mode. The Normal
Mode requires very little Ground Rejection adjustment.
High
This setting is used for increasing the sensitivity of the M-97,which also
increases the depth searching capabilities of the instrument.
Retune Button
When this button is depressed, the instrument will rebalance itself to the
instrument settings and prevailing ground conditions.
M-97 Control Panel

4
5
TUNING THE M-97
There are two methods to tune and balance the M-97. One method is for
quick and easy operation; the other will allow you ne tune the detector
for deeper searching and greater sensitivity.
Turn On and Go Method
Select an area that is free of metal near and under the search coil.
Turn on the M-97 by setting the Mode control to “Normal” and Ground
control to the position “5”. (Hint: If the M-97 is loudly sounding when the
instrument is turned on, press and release the Retune Button to quiet the
instrument). Raise the search coil about 12 to 18 inches above the ground
(dirt, concrete, asphalt, etc.), and press and release the Retune Button.
Lower the coil close to the ground. There should be little or no change
in the tone of the detector. If the M-97 changes tone when the coil is
lowered to the ground, there is either a metallic object near the coil that
is causing the instrument to respond, or the soil conditions are such that
the M-97 needs to be more precisely balanced.
Proceed with locating your targets.
Precision Tuning Method
(This method can be used for the “Normal” setting, and must be used
for the “High” setting).
SETTING UP
The M-97 comes ready to use.
Extend the lower stem of the M-97 so that the search coil rests be-
tween 6 to 12 inches in front of your feet. Your arm should be straight
and relaxed with your grip held loosely.
Tighten the locking nut/compression nut at the bottom of the upper
stem.
When the proper length is selected, the excess cable should be wound
around the stem. This can be done by slightly loosening the locking nut
and turning the lower stem, or by removing the search coil and winding
the cable by hand. Be sure to leave a some slack in the cable.
Check the batteries by turning the Mode control to Battery Test posi-
tion and turning the Ground control to any number. A reading between
80 and 100 indicates the batteries are OK.
*With the 11” coil you must slide the lower stem completely out of the
upper assembly for the M-97 to properly t in the hard carrying case.
CONTROLS
Meter
The meter of the M-97 serves
two purposes for the opera-
tion of the instrument. When
used in the battery test mode,
the meter gives a visual indi-
cation of the battery strength.
A reading between 80 – 100
is desirable. If the reading is
below 80, search depth and
accuracy can decrease.
Please change the batteries, if
necessary. (Note: The batteries must be inserted correctly for the M-97 to
operate. Match up the correct battery terminals with the markings on the
inside of the battery holder. Failure to do so will not damage the instrument,
however, the instrument will not function).
When searching with the M-97, the meter gives a visual indication to any
change occurring in the eld of detection. This is primarily due to the coil
passing over or near a metal object, but can occur when the ground
mineral conditions change.
On/Off Ground Rejection Control
This control turns the M-97 on and off. It is used to electronically balance the
M-97 to compensate for the natural mineral content of the soil or ground
surface. When tuned properly, raising and lowering the search coil above
the ground will not cause a change in the meter reading or audio tone.
Mode Switch
This control is used to change the mode function of the Locator.
Battery Test
With the detector turned on, the Battery Test mode will indicate
battery strength. This is a no-load battery test.
Normal
This setting is used for the Turn On and Go mode. The Normal
Mode requires very little Ground Rejection adjustment.
High
This setting is used for increasing the sensitivity of the M-97,which also
increases the depth searching capabilities of the instrument.
Retune Button
When this button is depressed, the instrument will rebalance itself to the
instrument settings and prevailing ground conditions.
M-97 Control Panel

3
6
SEARCHING
It is a good idea to establish a methodic search pattern. Avoid swinging
the M-97 like a golf club, swing the detector side to side keeping the
search coil the same distance above the ground. Your sweep pattern
should be a slow, half-circle motion. If you are searching for a small
target, it is a good idea to overlap your sweeps.
When the detector’s search coil starts to pass over a metal object,
the sound will increase and the meter readings will increase. Depending
upon the size and depth of the target, the target may appear (respond)
to be larger than it should. To get a visual outline of the target, you need
to reduce the sensitive of the M-97 by raising the coil and passing over
the target. This can help establish the edges of the target.
Another method that will give a visual outline is to purposely detune the
M-97. Move the coil away the target. Slowly bring the search coil toward
the target. As the sound increases, press and release the Retune Button.
Continue to move the coil toward and eventually over the target. The
sound and meter readings will be more responsive as the search coil passes
over the target. You may need to repeat this step more times if the target
is at a shallow depth. Be aware that you can loose responsiveness of the
target by over reducing the Tuning Control (sensitivity) of the M-97.
To reset the M-97 back to the balanced settings, lift the search coil off
the ground, and away from any metallic objects and press and release
the Retune Button. The M-97 will automatically retune to the original,
balanced settings.
• Two knobs and a pushbutton for simple operation
• Adjustable shaft with double locking stem
• Ground Effect Rejection VLF eliminates annoying or false signals
from wet ground foliage, pavement or mineralized ground
• High sensitivity for maximum penetration through soil, asphalt
or concrete
• Built-in Battery Test
• Pushbutton Tuning to quickly & easily maintain optimum sensitivity
• Ultra Slow Auto-Tune to stabilize ground tuning and minimize
frequency drift
• Identies metallic objects by speaker sound and needle
movement
• Compact size for convenient storage
• Waterproof search coil
FEATURES
TUNING
Select an area that is free of metal near and under the search coil.
Turn on the M-97 by setting the Mode control to “Normal” and Ground
control to the position “5”. Raise the search coil about 12 to 18 inches
above the ground (dirt, concrete, asphalt, etc.), and press and release
the Retune Button. Note any change of sound. If there is no change, or
only a slight change, the M-97 is balanced and ready to search.
If the sounds changes: Sound increases – Slightly decrease the Ground
setting. Repeat above procedure. Sound decreases – Slightly increase
the Ground setting. Repeat above procedure.Repeat until no (or a
slight) change of sound occurs.
ABOUT YOUR M-97
Using ideas that you, our valued customers, have passed on to us, the
M-97 Valve and Box Locator stands as the new and improved addition
to our line of highly successful M-95 and M-96 Locators.
The M-97 is an all-metal metal detector that can search through
concrete and asphalt and was designed for nding buried or paved
over valves, boxes, or manhole covers, or any other concealed metallic
object. It also locates targets made of aluminum, brass and lead. Please
remember, like all Valve and Box Locators, the M-97 is a Metal Detector
which should not be used as a substitute for a Utility Line Tracer. Fisher
Research Laboratory manufactures a complete line of equipment for
Line Tracing (Pipe and Cable Tracing).
New to the M series is the ease with which the M-97 can be stored.
Just compact the lower stem, twist the search coil 90 degrees, and fold
the search coil at. The M-97 ts easily into the optional carrying case.
In the Fisher tradition, the M-97 is affordable, tough, and simple to use
while providing maximum performance. A two year limited warranty
comes standard with the unit.

CONTENTS
About Your M-97....................................................................... pg. 3
Features..................................................................................... pg. 3
Controls ..................................................................................... pg. 4
Setting Up .................................................................................. pg. 5
Tuning ........................................................................................ pg. 5
Searching .................................................................................. pg. 6
Specications ........................................................................... pg. 7
7
SPECIFICATIONS
Subject to improvement or modication without notice.
Fisher Research Laboratory does not warrnt suitability to specic
use. Fisher Research Laboratory shall in no event be liable for
any direct, incidental, consequential or indirect damages.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:
Heaphones
Coil Covers
11” search coil
Hard carrying case
Vinyl carrying bag
Output Frequencies of search coil ........... 4.5 kHz
Sensitivity ............... 0.20 mv RMS for full scale
Sensitivity Adjustment Range..................... 12:1
Output Indication . Meter 1 milliamp, ...... 0-100 linear scale
............................. Speaker ...................... 16-ohm impedance
............................. Headset (optional) ... 8-ohm impedance
............................. Audio Frequency....... 450 Hz
Power Supply +9V supplies: ....................... (2) 9V batteries
Battery Life Alkaline .................................... 15-25 hours
Power Consumption .................................. (-9V) 13.8 mA
................................. At min. sound 8 mA
................................. At max. sound 50 mA
................................. At Audio threshold 17.5 to 18.5 mA
Search Coil Conguration.......................... Double-D
Weight with 8-inch search coil .................. 3.3 lbs. (1.5kg)
11-inch search coil................. 3.9 lbs. (1.8kg)
Dimensions ............. 38 to 50 inches adjustable (96 to 127 cm)
Shipping Dimensions 6” x 13” x 35” (15.12 x 32.76 x 82.2 cm)
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 trafc or where
other dangers are present. This device is to be used with
interconnecting cables/headphone cables shorter than three
meters.
USING HEADPHONES
• 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 rell 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.
LET’S PRESERVE OUR TREASURED HOBBY
TREASURE HUNTERS’ CODE OF ETHICS

M-97
Operating Manual
Valve, Pedestal & Box Locator
FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY
QUALITY
Fisher detectors are renowned for their quality.
Each detector is hand crafted in the USA with pride
PERFORMANCE
Treasure Hunters worldwide rely on Fisher.
Our detectors are durable, dependable, and search deeper..
REPUTATION
Fisher produced the rst patented metal detector in 1931. For
over 70 years, the Fisher logo has been a mark of excellence.
2 - YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Fisher believes in the products we produce and backs this belief
with a 2 year limited warranty, Warranty may vary outside the
United States. See your dealer for details
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.
SERVICE
Fisher is committed to providing you, our valued customer, with
superior service. Each and every instrument is rigidly tested
and carefully inspected during assembly and before shipment.
Should you have any questions or problems, contact:
FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY
1465-H Henry Brennan,
El Paso, Texas 79936
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
www.sherlab.com email:info@sherlab.com
FRL#8700004000 042709