Fisher Research Labs Gold Bug User manual

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT WWW.FISHERLAB.COM • 1-800-685-5050
ACCESSORIES
FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT WWW.FISHERLAB.COM • 1-800-685-5050
Fisher®Padded Carry Bag
Rugged double stitched construction. Includes handy exterior
pocket for extra batteries or small accessories.
–103693000C
Fisher®Camo Backpack
Large camouflage and black with Fisher® logo. – FCBACKPACK
Fisher®Camo Pouch
Camo pouch with two inside pockets, belt included. – PCH-F
Fisher® Stereo Deluxe Headphones
Adjustable single-volume control, 1/4 jack” jack, aluminum cones and coiled cord. 9720971000
Stereo Headphones
Use with Fisher®metal detectors. Lightweight and adjustable with true stereo sound, adjustable
volume, 1/4 jack with 1/8 adaptor, 4’ cable. – 9720950000
Metal Sand Scoop
Large galvanized metal scoop with filtering holes. Strong Rubberized grip. – SAND SCOOP
Gold Pick
Tempered steel head is 10” long, edge is 3-1/4” wide, overall length 19”. Durable fiberglass
handle, rubberized grip and super magnet attached to the head. – GOLDPICK
Lesche Knife
Made from high quality heat-treated tempered steel. The ultimate digging tool.
Comes with a durable sheath. 12" in length with a 7" serrated blade. – LESCHE KNIFE
Fisher
®
Baseball Cap
One-size-fits-all. – FCAP
Fisher
®
Camo Baseball Cap
One-size-fits-all. Velcro closure, camouflage with Fisher®logo. – FCCAP
Fisher
®
Coffee Mug
16oz, stainless steel and plastic – FMUG
Fisher
®
T-Shirt
100% cotton with Fisher®Logo. Sizes: S, M, LG, XL & XXL – FTSHIRT
Replacement/Accessory Searchcoils
11” DD Elliptical, Open Accessory Coil – 11COIL-GB
10” DD Elliptical, Closed Accessory Coil – 10COILDD-GB
5” DD Round, Closed Replacement Coil – 5COIL-GBUG
Coil Covers*
Specially made to protect your coil from abrasion and damage.
11” DD Coil Cover – COVER-11DD
10” Biaxial Accessory Coil Cover – 202319000
5” DD Coil Cover – 5COVER-BLK
Rain Cover
Specially designed to protect your detector from dirt and water – RAINCOV-GB
Gold
Prospecting Kits
*Image not shown.
MGBUG R V.8 020915
If you do not have prior experience with a metal
detector, we strongly recommend that you:
1) Adjust the Gain to a low
setting in the event
of false signals.
Always begin use at
a reduced Gain level;
increase Gain only 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 Gain down and keep the searchcoil
away from appliances such as computers,
televisions and microwave ovens. If your
detector beeps erratically, turn off
appliances and lights.
Also keep the searchcoil away from
objects containing metal, such as
floors and walls.
3) Use a 9-volt ALKALINE battery.
Do not use Heavy Duty Batteries.
OWNER’S MANUAL
®

239

3
38
Copyright© 2015 by Fisher Research Labs, Inc.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this boo , or parts thereof, in any form.
Published by Fisher Research Labs, Inc.
Fisher®is a registered trademar of Fisher Research Labs, Inc.
www.fisherlab.com
1465 Henry Brenn n Dr., El P so, TX 79936 • [phone]
GOLD PROSPECTING ORGANIZATIONS
www.goldprospectors.org
www.fmdac.org
www.igu-net.org
www.agu.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10
Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Basics Of Metal Detecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12
Ground Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Trash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Identifying Buried Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Size and Depth of Buried Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
lectromagnetic Interference ( MI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Operation and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Control Knobs
Off / On / Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Disc / All Metal / Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Touchpad Controls
Ground Grab®Computerized Ground Balancing / Pinpoint . .15
+and - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Operating in All Metal Mode
Ground Grab
®
Computerized Ground Balancing . . . . . . . . . .16
Setting the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Unwanted Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Sweeping the Searchcoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Reading the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Target Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Operating in Discrimination Mode
Ground Grab
®
Computerized Ground Balancing . . . . . . . . . .18
Setting the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Disc Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Unwanted Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Sweeping the Searchcoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Using Pinpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Reading the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19-21
Ground Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-24
Ground Balancing Technical Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Target Display & Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Gold Prospecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-28
Hot Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
lectromagnetic Interference ( MI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31
Search Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Target Pinpointing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Optional 11”DD Searchcoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Treasure Hunter’s Code of thics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Device Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

37
4
According to FCC art 15.21 Changes or Modifications made to this device not ex ressly a roved by
the arty res onsible for com liance could void the users authority to o erate this equi ment.
This device com lies with FCC Part 15 Sub art B Section 15.109 Class B.
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This radio transmitter 8188A-GB has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the
antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna
impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a
gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with
this device.
Antennas:
1. 5” DD Coil, Part Number 5COIL-GBUG
2. 11” DD Coil, Part Number 11COIL-GB
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna
of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To
reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so
chosen that the equivalent isotopically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that
necessary for successful communication.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1)
l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout
brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
Le présent émetteur radio 8188A-GB a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fon tionner
ave les types d’antenne énumérés i-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et
l’impédan e requise pour haque type d’antenne. Les types d’antenne non in lus dans ette
liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont stri tement interdits pour
l’exploitation de l’émetteur.
Conformément à la réglementation d’Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut
fonctionner avec une antenne d’un type et d’un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour
l’émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l’intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d’antenne et son gain
de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l’intensité
nécessaire à l’établissement d’une communication satisfaisante.
Intro uction to the Gol Bug®
The new Gold Bug®is unique among gold prospecting metal detectors for its
combination of high sensitivity to small gold nuggets and its versatile function
as an all-purpose treasure detector.
The controls and features are tailored to gold prospecting, including an
advanced ground balancing system, separate control over signal gain and
threshold, and a unique discrimination control system. These features also
make for a great relic-hunting detector, especially when the Gold Bug®is
outfitted with the optional 11” DD searchcoil. While the Gold Bug®makes for a
highly competent coin-shooting detector, its user interface and features are not
specifically designed for this purpose. As a coin-shooter, you will notice that
the Gold Bug®exhibits slightly lower sensitivity to high-conductivity coins, like a
U.S. quarter; this is a result of its specialized design to emphasize sensitivity to
small, low conductivity metals like gold nuggets.
The Gold Bug®is outfitted with a small 5” searchcoil as standard equipment
since this searchcoil construction is best-suited to finding gold nuggets. You
may be familiar with other metal detectors which have larger searchcoils,
generally in the range of 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Large coils are designed
to cover the maximum amount of ground efficiently and for the deepest ground
penetration. Small searchcoils, intended for gold prospecting, are designed for
precision. The Gold Bug’s small DD searchcoil makes pinpointing easier, fits
into small spaces where gold is often hidden, is better suited to penetrate
highly mineralized soils where gold is frequently found, and has the highest
possible sensitivity to tiny gold nuggets.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your purchase of the new Gold Bug®metal detector. The newly
designed Gold Bug®has been custom designed to find the smallest gold nuggets, but
unlike other specialized gold prospecting detectors, it can also be used for relic-hunting
and coin-shooting.
Whether you use your Detector in the backyard, at the shoreline, in the mountains or
fields afar, your investment will let you experience the excitement of searching for yet
uncovered treasures and give you hours and years of outdoor enjoyment. Out on your
own or with a group, places to use your Gold Bug®are unlimited as buried treasures
can be as near as your doorstep or as far as you wish to travel.
This manual has been written to help you get optimal use of your detector, so we hope you
will read it thoroughly before your first outing and will also refer back to this manual from
time to time to reinforce features and methods as you become more proficient in the field.
Ha y Hunting from Fisher Research Labs!

36 5
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Register your warranty on-line for a chance to win a
FREE DETECTOR.
For details, visit www.fisherlab.com
The Gold Bug®metal detector is warranted against defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use for 5 years from the date
of purchase to the original owner.
Damage due to neglect, accidental damage, or misuse of this
product is not covered under this Warranty. Decisions regarding
abuse or misuse of the detector are made solely at the discretion
of the manufacturer.
Proof of Purchase is required to make a claim under this
warranty.
Liability under this Warranty is limited to replacing or repairing, at
our option, the metal detector returned, shipping cost prepaid to
Fisher Labs. Shipping cost to Fisher Labs is the responsibility of the
consumer.
To return your detector for service, please first contact Fisher Labs
for a Return Authorization (RA) Number. Reference the RA
number on your package and return the detector within 15 days of
calling to:
Fisher Research Labs, Inc.
1465 Henry Brennan Dr.
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: [phone] ext.118
N TICE T CUST MERS UTSIDE THE U.S.A.
This Warranty may vary in other countries; check with your distributor for
details.
Warranty does not cover shipping costs.
Warranty coverage does not include the cost of transporting
the detector back to an owner who is located outside of the
United States of America.
Made in the USA from USA and imported parts
TERMINOLOGY
The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard
terminology among treasure hunters.
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 searchcoil’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 essential feature of professional metal detectors.
Discrimination allows the user to ignore trash and other undesirable objects.
RELIC
A 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. xamples 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 to the eye exactly like the surrounding
soil, and can therefore be very hard to isolate from the soil.
V.C.O.
Meaning “voltage controlled oscillator”, the V.C.O. audio method causes
both the audio pit h and the volume to rise as signal strength increases.
V.C.O. improves the user’s ability to interpret a target’s size and depth.
Very weak signals (for small or very deeply buried objects) have the
faintest volume and the lowest pitch. Larger objects, and those closer to
the searchcoil, will induce a higher volume and higher pitch sound.
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. The Gold Bug®incorporates proprietary circuitry and
programming to eliminate false signals from severe ground conditions.

35
6
DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS
Mechanical: S-rod with electronics housing on rod, 3-piece breakdown
construction, nonmetallic telescoping lower rod, adjustable position
arm rest
Weight: 2 lbs, 8 oz with battery installed
Standard searchcoil: 5 inch (12.7 cm) closed-frame round biaxial,
waterproof
Batteries: Single 9 volt rectangular alkaline
perating principle: VLF induction balance
perating frequency: 19 kHz, crystal controlled
Reactive overload: 10,000 micro-cgs (with standard searchcoil)
Resistive overload: 1,200 micro-cgs (with standard searchcoil)
Ground balance range: From ferrite to salt water inclusive
Discrimination ground suppression: Combination of 2nd and 3rd
order methods
Target-ID ground suppression: 3rd order
Battery life: 15+ hours on good quality alkaline
perating temp range: 14 to 122 degrees F (-10 to +50 C)
perating humidity range: 0 - 90% noncondensing
TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS
• Always check Federal, State, County and local laws before searching.
• Res ect rivate ro erty and do not enter rivate ro erty without the
owner’s ermission.
• Take care to refill all holes and leave no damage.
• Remove and dis ose of any and all trash and litter found.
• A reciate and rotect our inheritance of natural resources, wildlife and
rivate ro erty.
• 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 exam le you set; always conduct
yourself with courtesy and consideration of others.
ASSEMBLY
Adjusting the Armrest
The armrest may be moved
forward or backward by removing
the single screw and nut, and then
repositioning the 2-piece armrest.
Users with shorter arms may find
the armrest more comfortable in
the forward position. In order to
move the armrest backward, the
plastic plug must be removed from
the aluminum tube.
Armrest Strap
(Optional a essory)
The armrest Strap accessory can
be purchased separately. Some
users prefer to use the strap when
swinging the detector vigorously, in
order to hold the detector securely
against the arm.
The detector can always be used
without the strap, with no
compromise to detector balance
and stability under most conditions.
Hand-grip
Nut
Screw
Searchcoil
Cable
Cable
Plug
Searchcoil
S-Rod
Armrest
Velcro
Strap
Middle
Stem
Velcro
Strap
Locking
Collar
Locking
Collar
1/4”HeadphoneJack

34
Relic-Hunting an Coin-Shooting
with the Optional 11” DD Searchcoil
While the Gold Bug®is a high performance, specialized gold prospecting metal
detector, it is also a good multi-purpose detector. With the purchase of an 11”
DD searchcoil, you can bring more power to your coin-shooting and relic-
hunting searches.
The standard 5” Gold Bug®searchcoil is engineered for precision and is best at
finding the smallest gold nuggets that most other gold prospecting detectors
would miss.
If you want a larger sweep area and deeper detection, the 11” DD should be
considered.
Advantages of the 11” DD searchcoil are:
1. Deeper detection
2. Broader sweep (cover more area in less time)
For information about the 11”DD searchcoil
(Part# 11COIL-GB, MSRP=$199.95),
Please call 800-685-5050.
ASSEMBLY
Assembly is easy and
requires no tools.
●
1Position S-Rod upright.
●
2Rotate the LOCKING
COLLAR fully in
the
counterclockwise
direction.
●
3Insert your finger
inside the tube and
make sure the INT RNAL CAM LOCK is flush with the
inside of the tube.
●
4 Insert the MIDDL ST M into the S-ROD,
with the SILV R BUTTON pointed upward
●
5Rotate the MIDDL ST M until the SILV R BUTTON
locates in the hole.
●
6Twist the LOCKING COLLAR fully in the clockwise direction
until it locks.
●
7Repeat this process on the LOW R ST M.
●
8Using the BOLT and KNURL D KNOB, attach the
S ARCHCOIL to the LOW R ST M.
●
9 Adjust the LOW R ST M to a length that lets you maintain a
comfortable upright posture, with your arm relaxed at your side,
and the S ARCHCOIL parallel to the ground in front of you.
●
10 Wind the CABL securely around the ST MS, leaving slack at
the bottom.
●
11 Connect CABL PLUG to housing.
Do not twist the Cable or Plug. Turn Locking Ring only. Use
minimal finger pressure to start the threads. Do not cross-
thread. When the Locking Ring is fully engaged over the
threaded connector, give it a firm turn to make sure that it is
very tight. When the Locking Ring is fully engaged over the
threaded connector, it may not cover all of the threads.
●
12 Tighten both LOCKING COLLARS.
S-ROD
LOCKING
COLLAR
INTERNAL
CAM LOCK
SILVE R BUTTON
MIDDLE
STEM
S-ROD MIDDLE STEM
●
2
●
3
●
4
*Note: Very tall users can purchase the optional xtended
Lower Stem (TUB 5X), for extended reach.
Caution: Forcing in MIDDL ST M with CAM
LOCK raised may form a burr on
camlock. If this happens, remove
burr with knife to allow insertion.
Locking
Collar
Locking
Collar
S-RodVelcro
Strap
Velcro
Strap
Knurled
Knob
Bolt
Searchcoil
Hand-
grip
Searchcoil
Cable
Lower
Stem
Middle
Stem
Cable
Plug
S-ROD MIDDLE STEM
●
4
●
5
7

833
TARGET PINPOINTING
After you have identified a target using Discrimination Mode,
press-and-hold the PINPOINT button to identify the target’s exact
location. This technique can yield more information about the target’s
shape and size and also find its exact location to facilitate extraction.
Pinpoint as follows:
1. Position the searchcoil just barely off the ground, and to the side of
the target.
2. Now move the searchcoil slowly across the target; you can locate
it by the sound. The target is located directly under where the
sound is loudest.
Narrow It Down:
1. To narrow the response further, position the center of the searchcoil
near the center of the response pattern, but not directly over the
center.
2. Release the PINPOINT button.
3. Press-and-hold PINPOINT button again.
4. Repeat this narrowing procedure to narrow the field of detection
further.
Note: Depth indication is less accurate
after narrowing.
S ARCHCOIL DRIFT
If you plan to use the
PINPOINT Mode for
continuous searching,
realize that drift will occur
over time, causing the
detector to gain or lose
sensitivity. Periodic retuning
of the detector is required to
minimize drift; release and
press PINPOINT again to
retune.
A 3-segment battery indicator at the bottom of the display indicates the
battery condition.
The detector requires a single 9-volt ALKALINE battery.
Do not use ordinary zinc carbon batteries.
Do not use “Heavy Duty” batteries.
Rechargeable batteries can also be used.
If you wish to use rechargeable batteries, we recommend using a
Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable battery.
The battery compartment is located on the back side of the housing.
Slide the battery door to the side and remove it to expose the battery
compartment.
BATTERY LIFE
xpect about 15 to 20 hours of life from a 9-volt alkaline battery.
Rechargeable batteries can provide up to 8 hours of usage per charge.
SPEAKER VOLUME AND BATTERY CHARGE
You may notice the speaker volume drop when only one battery segment is
illuminated.
With one segment flashing, low speaker volume will be very apparent.
BATTERY INDICATOR
The 3-segment battery indicator has 4 stages of indication.
These indications are accurate for a 9-volt alkaline battery.
Segments Illuminated Battery Voltage
3 -segments more than 8.4 volts
2 -segments more than 7.5 volts
1 -segment more than 6.8 volts
1 -segment flashing less than 6.8 volts
After the 1st segment begins flashing, expect the detector to shut off within 10
minutes.
A rechargeable battery will usually illuminate two to three segments
throughout most of its useful charge. But as soon as it drains to the 1-segment
level, it will then lose its charge very rapidly.
BATTERY DISP SAL & RECYCLING
Alkaline batteries may be disposed of in a normal waste receptacle or
recycled. Non-Alkaline batteries should be recycled. In the state of California
all battery types must be recycled. Please refer to local municipalities for
detailed disposal and recycling requirements.
BATTERIES

9
32
SEARCH TECHNIQUES
Target Verification
After detecting a target, do the
following:
1. Walk around the target in a
circle.
2. While circling the target,
continue sweeping the
searchcoil across the target.
3. Sweep once every 30° or 40° of
the circle.
If the tone does not change
and the Target-ID value is
consistent as you circle the
target, you can be highly
confident of the target’s
identification.
If the tone or Target-ID
changes as you circle the
target, you may have multiple
targets or an irregularly shaped
object.
If the tone completely
disappears at different angles, the target may be trash or a low-
value metal.
If you are new to the hobby, dig all targets. With practice in the
field, you will soon be able to correlate audible and visual target
feedback with certain types of metal objects.
Pinpointing in Discrimination Mode:
1. Sweep over target in narrowing side-to-side pattern.
2. Take visual note of spot on ground where “beep” occurs.
3. Step 90° to the side of the target.
4. Sweep searchcoil over same area, at 90° to 1st sweep pattern.
5. This pinpoints the target location with an “X.”
SEARCHCOIL MOVEMENT
When swing ing the se rchcoil,
be c re ful to keep it level with the
ground bout 1/2 inch from the
sur f ce. Nev er swing the
se rchcoil like pen du lum.
WRONG
CORR CT
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION
I. Supplies Needed
• a Nail • a Zinc Penny (dated after 1982)
• a Nickel • a Quarter
II. Position the Detector
a. Place the detector on a table,
with the searchcoil hanging over
the edge.
Or better, have a friend hold the
detector, with the searchcoil off
the ground.
b. Keep the searchcoil away from
walls, floors and metal objects.
c. Remove watches, rings and
jewelry.
d. Turn off lights or appliances,
whose electromagnetic emissions may cause interference.
e. Pivot the searchcoil back.
III. Click on detector with the left knob. Set the Gain at the
12:00 position for this demonstration.
IV. Click the right knob to the left to the DISC setting.
V. a. Wave the nail over the searchcoil.
b. Press +repeatedly, while continuing to wave the nail.
• Notice the change in sound.
• Sound changes from a HIGH tone to a LOW tone.
VI. Wave each object over the searchcoil
Sweep coin flat and parallel to the searchcoil. This is how
you will usually find them buried.
a. Notice the tones and 2-digit Target-IDs for each object.
b. Motion is required.
Objects must be in motion over the searchcoil to be
detected in this mode.
VII. Press the +button several more times until the Disc value on the
display =60.
VIII. Wave the nail over the searchcoil
a. The nail will not be detected
b. The nail has been “discriminated out.”
Quick-Start Demo continued on next age

10 31
MI is usually easier to control in the All Metal Mode than in the Discrimination Mode.
On the Gold Bug®, setting the discrimination level between 60 and 70 will usually reduce
interference. In the Discrimination Mode, the detector may chatter if the searchcoil is
not in motion, but once you start sweeping it over the ground, the signal from the ground
will usually suppress the MI chatter, except for an occasional pop or click which will not
sound like a real target.
If you are conducting an indoor demonstration, you may find that changing the
orientation of the searchcoil will reduce the pickup of MI.
If you carry a cell phone or other high-tech electronic equipment while metal detecting
and you encounter MI, try turning the device off and see if that solves the problem.
Turn such devices completely off, not just into standby mode.
When working near overhead power lines, you may get the best results right under the
power line and the worst results when standing at a 30° to 45° angle to the power line.
Many sources of MI are intermittent. You may find that an area which is difficult to
search at one time of day may be easier after 5 PM, or on weekends. Power lines are
usually quietest late at night, and on weekend mornings.
Small searchcoils usually pick up less MI than larger searchcoils. On a site with severe
electrical interference, a small searchcoil is often a better choice than a large one.
Distin uishin Electroma netic Interference (EMI) from other problems
MI will often vary as you walk around from place to place, and it will also vary with
changes in the orientation of the searchcoil. This is almost never the case if there is a
functional problem with the metal detector itself.
The most common cause of a noisy metal detector, where the problem is not MI, is a
defective searchcoil. If striking the searchcoil with your hand causes the noise to start
or stop, the problem could be a defective searchcoil. Also, a defective searchcoil often
causes noise of a more intermittent nature than electrical interference.
The second most common cause is a loose searchcoil connector. The noise from a
loose connector will usually be very erratic or intermittent in nature. Try unplugging the
searchcoil and then reconnecting it to ensure the connector is firmly installed.
If you use a searchcoil cover, dirt or water can accumulate inside it, and movement of
those materials can cause false signals while sweeping the searchcoil. Searchcoil
covers must be periodically removed and cleaned.
ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE (EMI)
X. Click the M DE knob to the right
The detector is now in the All Metal Mode
a. Keep GAIN set at the 12:00 position
b. Rotate the THR SHOLD knob slowly from the far counterclockwise
position to the full clockwise position.
Notice these attributes of the THR SHOLD control, with no metal
over the searchcoil.
i. at low settings you will hear no sound
ii. at mid-scale, there will be a transition point from no sound to
a barely audible, choppy sound.
iii. at full scale you will hear a loud, constant tone. It may also have
an irregular or choppy sound, as a result of lectromagnetic
Interference ( MI) emitted from other electrical devices.
Use with hea phones (not inclu e )
The Gold Bug
®
is equipped with a 1/4” headphone jack. Any headphones with a
stereo plug will work; headphones with a mono plug will not work. Using
headphones extends battery life, and also prevents the sounds from bothering
bystanders. It also allows you to hear subtle changes in the sound more clearly,
particularly if searching in a noisy location. Gold nuggets are often very small, so
closely monitoring changes in sound using headphones will improve your gold
prospecting results. For safety reasons, do not use headphones near traffic or
where other dangers, like rattlesnakes, are present. This device is to be used with
interconnecting cables/headphone cables shorter than three meters.
IX. Press-and-hold and hold the nickel over the searchcoil
a. Notice that motion is not required.
A motionless object induces a hum.
b. Notice the variable pitch & volume hum.
c. Move the nickel closer to and farther away from the searchcoil.
Notice the changing “depth” values.
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION