Fisher 1212-X User manual

1212-X
Operating Manual
One Knob Metal Detector
FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY

CONTENTS
About Your 1212-X ................................................................... pg. 1
Setting Up .................................................................................. pg. 2
Control Functions ...................................................................... pg. 4
Discrimination Points ................................................................ pg. 5
Searching .................................................................................. pg. 7
Pinpointing ................................................................................ pg. 9
Recovery Tools .......................................................................... pg. 11
Target Recovery ....................................................................... pg. 11
Operating Tips .......................................................................... pg. 12
False Signals .............................................................................. pg. 13
Battery Replacement ............................................................... pg. 14
Maintenance ............................................................................ pg. 15
Treasure Hunter’s Code Of Ethics ............................................ pg. 15
Where To Use Your Metal Detector In The U.S. ...................... pg. 16
Specifications ........................................................................... pg. 17

ABOUT YOUR DETECTOR
Your 1212-X is more proof from Fisher Research Laboratory that
a good metal detector doesn’t have to be complicated and
expensive. No frills but a lot of performance features that really
count: automatic VLF- ground rejection, automatic tuning,
variable trash rejection, headphone jack, built-in speaker and a
deep-seeking lightweight 8 inch search coil. Best of all it does what
a metal detector is supposed to do—it ignores ground minerals
and trash as it detects valuable buried targets.
One knob operation. Just pick it up, set your trash rejection level
and start searching. No tuning, no meter, no gimmicks.
Performance. If you’ve tested other detectors in this price range,
you’re in for a pleasant surprise. In fact you may find that your
1212-X goes deeper and ignores trash better than some detectors
costing much more.
State of the art. Engineered by the world’s oldest and proudest
name in metal detectors. Patented double derivative electronics
provide up to 30 hours of silent, no drift operation on a single 9
volt transistor battery.
Read this instruction manual from cover to cover and treat your
1212-X as you would any high quality precision instrument. Drop
us a line if you have any questions, comments, or exciting 1212-X
stories. In the meantime . . .
Happy Hunting!
Fisher Research Laboratory
1

2
SETTING UP
The 1212-X comes to you just about ready to use. The only
adjustment required is the angle of the stem. Take a look at
page 3 and familiarize yourself with the parts of the 1212-X
before proceeding.
1. Unpack your new 1212-X carefully. Save the
carton and inserts—they may come in handy for
future storage or shipment.
2. Note that the search coil cable is permanently
attached to the control housing. Be careful not to
put any undue strain on it.
3. Take a look inside the locknut on the upper
stem. Note the clear locking pad on the left-hand
side and loosen the locknut by rotating it fully
counterclockwise.
4. Slip the lower stem into the upper stem, tighten
and loosen the fit by turning the locknut.
5. Adjust the stem length (using the locknut) and
the coil angle (using the nylon wing nut) so that the
search coil rests flat on the ground about 6 inches
in front of, and slightly to the right of, your right foot
(to the left of your left foot for left handers.) Your
arm should be straight and relaxed with your grip
held loosely.
REMEMBER: THE LONGER THE SHAFT, THE MORE
YOU WILL HAVE TO BEND YOUR ELBOW AND THE
SOONER YOUR ARM WILL GET TIRED. THE 1212-X
IS BALANCED FOR COMFORTABLE SEARCHING IN
A TIGHT SEMICIRCLE AROUND THE FRONT OF THE
OPERATOR.
6. With the stem length properly adjusted, remove
the search coil from the lower stem (by removing
the Delrin bolt and wing nut). Wind the cable loosely
around the upper and lower stems and reinstall the
search coil.
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THE CABLE IS NOT PULLED
TIGHT AT THE CONTROL HOUSING AND THAT YOU
HAVE ENOUGH SLACK AT THE SEARCH COIL TO
ADJUST IT TO ANY ANGLE.

7. With the shaft length and coil angle
properly adjusted, you should be able
to move into your “search” position (as
shown on page 3) by leaning forward
very slightly and raising your arm (still
straight) until the search coil is about 2
inches above the ground and 12 inches
in front of your foot. The search coil
should be parallel to the ground and
may have to be slightly readjusted at
this point.
3
SETTING UP
Padded Arm Rest
Hand Grip
Control Housing
Battery Access
Panel (in rear) Search Coil Cable
Upper Stem
Lock Nut
Lower Stem
Search Coil Cable
Strain Relief
Derlin Bolt,
Nylon Wing Nut
8-inch Waterproof ESI
Sheilded Search Coil
Figure 1. Fisher M-Scope 1212-X
Figure 2. Search Position

4
1. ON/OFF - TRASH REJECTION CONTROL: Power
is Turned off at the full counter clockwise “OFF”
position. All metals are detected when turned
on to zero. Most small pieces of metal trash are
rejected at the maximum level of ten. Most
ground minerals are ignored at all settings.
2. STEREO HEADPHONE JACK: Located on the right
side of the control panel, this jack accepts most
stereo and mono headphones with 1/4” diameter
plugs. When used, the speaker is automatically
disconnected. A headphone can be very helpful
when hunting in noisy areas or detecting faint
signal on small, deep targets. CAUTION: Since the
1212-X has a fixed volume setting (loud), always
use headphones with individual volume controls
adjusted to a comfortable level. Also, If you use a
stereo headphone, make sure the stereo/mono
switch is in the “stereo” position.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
SPEAKER
GRILL 21
Figure 3. Control Panel. One knob does it all!

5
DISCRIMINATION POINTS
By adjusting the TRASH REJECTION control you will be able
to reject (or “discriminate”) small pieces of metallic trash
and ground minerals while detecting valuable targets. The
lowest setting at which an object is rejected is referred to as
the object’s “discrimination point.” Discrimination points are
determined by such factors as size, shape, depth, type of metal
and ground mineralization.
Typical 1212-X audio responses over 1 inch deep targets with
search coil sweeping 2 to 3 inches above ground.
Note that the terms “discrimination” and “trash rejection” are
used interchangeably.
1. Scatter some sample targets such as coins, pull
tabs and small pieces of foil on the ground 1 to 2
feet apart.
2. Turn the TRASH REJECTION control to zero.
3. Hold the search coil about 2 inches above and
parallel to the ground. Move it slowly over the
samples and note the sharp loud response as you
pass over each one. Keep in mind that the 1212-X
is a motion detector and responds only when the
search coil (or the target) is moving.
4. Increase the TRASH REJECTION control to a
setting of 3 and again pass over the targets.
Repeat this process at settings 4, 5, 6 and so on
to 10. You will note that as you increase the level
of trash rejection, the 1212-X will reject some
targets and continue to respond to others. You
have now determined the discrimination points for
the rejected objects. For example, the small nail
discrimination point may be at 4 and the pull tab
discrimination at 6.
5. The 1212-X will remain silent when some objects
are rejected, however, other objects may “snap,
crackle and pop” as they are rejected. This is a
perfectly normal response indicating that the
powerful discrimination circuitry is doing its job.
6. Large pieces of trash such as beer cans or jar
lids may sound like a good target no matter what

6
you do. With a little practice, however, you will be
able to tell the difference between a large target
and a small coin-sized object.
7. Figure 4 shows some different responses you
may expect at different levels of discrimination.
Note that as you increase the discrimination level,
you progressively eliminate more targets including
some good ones, such as nickels and gold rings.
NOTE:
The discriination levels shown are typical values only and may
vary from detector to detector.
Figure 4. Typical 1212-X audio responses over 1-inch deep targets with search coil
sweeping 2 to 3 inches above ground.
DISCRIMINATION POINTS

7
1. Decide how much trash rejection you want to
use.
a. In relatively non-trashy soil you may wish to search
at zero trash rejection. In this manner, your 1212-X is
at its most sensitive and will detect all metal targets
within its range. Once an object is detected, you
can increase the trash rejection level for further
identification.
b. In trashy areas, it is generally easier to search
at a higher level of trash rejection (at the pull tab
discrimination point for example). This way you will
detect mostly good targets and can lower the
rejection level for pinpointing (zero trash rejection
will produce the strongest signal over small or deep
targets).
2. Search slowly and systematically, sweeping in a
tight semicircle.
3. Keep the coil parallel to, and as close to the
ground as practical. If you’re hunting on a lawn, you
can set the coil right on the grass and search.
4. Overlap your sweeps at least 50%.
5. Search in a methodical manner. Pay close
attention to where you’re going and where you’ve
been.
6. Keep the search coil moving at a comfortable
rate.
SEARCHING
Figure 5. Search Pattern.
When the stem is properly
adjusted, the 1212-X is balanced
for sweeping in a tight semi-circle.
Always overlap your sweeps at
least 50%.

8
SEARCHING
NOTE:
Other motion detectors may require a fast sweep speed for
maximum sensitivity. If you try that with your
1212-X, you’ll actually lose sensitivity.
When the stem length is properly adjusted, the 1212-X is balanced
for sweeping in a tight semicircle. Always overlap your sweeps at
least 50%.
Figure 6. Keep the search
coil parallel and close to
the ground at all times.

9
Pinpointing takes practice. The more time you spend with your
1212-X the faster and more accurate you’ll become.
1. Once a buried target is indicated by the tell-
tale “beep” of the 1212-X, continue moving the
search coil from side-to-side across the target in a
narrower and narrower search pattern.
2. When you have narrowed your search pattern
as much as you can, and still hear the target, stop
the search coil.
3. Now, move the coil slowly forward and then
straight back towards you a couple of times. Stop
the coil over the area where you get the loudest
response.
4. Move the coil slowly side-to-side one more time,
zeroing in on the loudest target response.
5. Stop the coil over the area of loudest response
and rest it on the ground.
6. Your target should be below the “Hot Spot” of
the search coil which is marked by a bull’s- eye,
slightly below the center of the coil.
7. Slowly move the coil aside, keeping your eyes
on the spot where the “Hot Spot” was and quickly
mark the target location with your finger or
digging tool.
8. For very strong signals, you may improve your
pinpointing accuracy by adding one or more of
the following steps:
a. Lift the coil until the signal is just barely heard.
b. Increase the discrimination level.
c. Rest the coil on the ground and move it back
and forth very slowly.
9. For very weak signals try the following:
a. Move the coil closer to the ground.
b. Decrease the discimination level.
c. Speed up the sweep rate slightly.
10. The diagram on page 10 shows the search
coil detection pattern and how it is affected by
various sweep speeds, trash rejection and ground
mineralization levels.
PINPOINTING

10
Figure 7. Search coil detection
pattern and the effects of sweep,
speed, trash rejection and ground
mineralization.
PINPOINTING
1
2
34
1. MINIMUM DEPTH
a. Very slow or fast sweep speed.
b. Trash rejection set at “10.”
c. Highly mineralized soil.
2. GOOD DEPTH
a. Moderate sweep speed.
b. Trash rejection set at “5.”
c. Moderately mineralized soil.
3. MAXIMUM DEPTH
a. Moderate sweep speed.
b. Trash rejection set at “0.”
4. MISSED TARGETS
Many targets well within the range
of the 1212-X will not be detected
unless you overlap your sweeps.

11
Once you have pinpointed a target, your objective is to
recover it quickly and neatly, leaving virtually no trace of your
excavation. There are almost as many ways to do this as there
are Treasure Hunters. Whatever works for you is good enough as
long as you don’t break any laws, damage vegetation, or leave
your search area looking like a World War II battlefield.
Generally speaking, beachcombers do little if any damage to
the environment while recovering targets. However, if you plan
to use your 1212-X on lawns or in parks, your target recovery
method can be very important. Two of the most successful
methods are illustrated in a separate booklet enclosed with
your 1212-X. WHICHEVER TOOL OR METHOD YOU CHOOSE,
REMEMBER THAT RESPONSIBLE TREASURE HUNTERS TAKE PRIDE
IN THEIR ABILITY TO LEAVE SOIL AND VEGETATION INTACT AND
UNDAMAGED.
TARGET RECOVERY
RECOVERY TOOLS
1. A thin, dull probe is the preferred tool for
precise target location, such as heavy duty, blunt
screwdriver.
2. A sturdy hunting knife with a 5 inch blade will suffice
in most soils. A high quality double-edged “survival”
knife is an even better (and more expensive) choice
since it will be almost impossible to bend or break.
CAUTION: Using a jackknife without a locking blade
is a good way to lose a finger!
3. A narrow garden trowel will work in loose or wet
soil.
4. Several excellent digging tools are made just for
the treasure hunter and especially designed sand
scoops are available for beach combing.

12
1. We’ve already said it but it bears repeating: TAKE
YOUR TIME AND OVERLAP YOUR SWEEPS.
2. Keep your trash rejection level set low. You’ll dig
more trash but you’ll find more good targets, too.
If you continually run at the pull tab discrimination
level you’ll find coins and silver rings but very few
gold rings for example.
3. Use good headphones. You won’t miss faint
targets, you won’t attract unwanted attention
and you won’t bother others. And you’ll get longer
battery life.
4. Practice pinpointing. There’s nothing sacred
about the methods described in this manual. Many
1212-X users have developed their own pinpointing
methods.
5. Always bury a coin when working in unfamiliar
territory and check it at different Trash Rejection
levels. There is some sensitivity loss at higher levels of
discrimination. The greater the ground mineralization,
the higher the sensitivity loss. For example, you may
be able to detect a penny 6 inches deep at zero
discrimination, but no deeper than 4 inches at the pull
tab discrimination point (see Figure 7). Also, ground
mineralization can reduce a detector’s ability to
discriminate accurately. In highly mineralized soil,
some trash targets may not be rejected.
6. When in doubt about the possible identity of a
target, dig it up.
7. The 1212-X is an easy detector to use but if you’re
having trouble with any aspect of its operation
(pinpointing, searching false sig- nals, etc.) go back
and reread the part of this manual relating to your
problem.
OPERATING TIPS

13
Due to the sensitivity of the 1212-X, you’re bound to get some “false
signals” once in awhile. A false signal occurs when something that
shouldn’t sounds like a good target. The 1212-X does a good job
of rejecting junk but it can be fooled by “hot” mineralized spots
in the soil, large pieces of junk, some kinds of bottle caps and pull
tabs or trash less than 2 inches from the coil.
So what do you do about false signals? Well, 90 percent of them
will sound suspicious to you after you’ve had some experience and
you’ll just ignore them. They may be very faint or very abrupt with
static. Often when you go back over the same spot, a false signal
will simply disappear. Other false signals may be very loud and
sharp but most of these will also disappear if the coil is speeded up
or raised slightly. Some shallow, or large or irregular pieces of junk
however, will sound off no matter what you do. You may reduce
the number of false signals by increasing the trash rejection level.
Some other sources of false signals are:
1. ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE: Caused by radio/TV
stations, power lines, or nearby detectors operating
at the same frequency.
SOLUTIONS: Move further away, reduce sweep
speed.
2. HIGHLY MINERALIZED SOIL: Usually causes constant
static on good target sounds. SOLUTIONS: Increase
trash rejection level, raise the search coil until false
signals disappear and sweep at that height.
3. WET SAND: Same as highly mineralized soil.
4. ELONGATED FERROUS OBJECTS: If you hear two
beeps very close together and can’t find either one,
you’re probably over a nail (see Figure 4) or some
other long iron object. But a very shallow coin or a
buried coin on edge may give the same response. In
all cases, the target will be between the beeps or, if
you sweep at right angles to your original direction,
you’ll receive a single beep directly over the target
(except for the very shallow coin). One way to tell
the difference between a coin and a nail is to set
your trash rejection to about 5. Most small nails will
be tuned out while most coins will respond with a
good, smooth signal.
FALSE SIGNALS

14
5. EXTREMELY TRASHY SOIL: May result in a constant
chatter or “snap, crackle and pop” with assorted,
hard to find “good signals.” The obvious solution is to
increase the trash rejection level to maximum.
6. DIGGING TOOL: If you’re carrying a metal sand
scoop, digging knife or screwdriver, hold it behind
your back or keep it above your waist. Your 1212-X is
sensitive enough (depending on how big the digging
tool and how low you hold it) to sound off each time
you sweep your search coil beneath it.
Very weak or no audio response means that it’s time to change the
battery. A single 9 volt transistor battery is attached to the inside
of the battery panel at the rear of the control housing.
1. Remove the battery panel by pulling the Nylatch
fasteners partially out.
2. Carefully disconnect the battery connector and
remove the battery. NOTE: There may be a rubber
band wrapped around the battery bracket to keep
the battery in place during shipment. This is not
required for normal use.
3. Attach the battery connector to the new battery,
insert the battery into the bracket and reinstall the
battery panel on the control housing.
FALSE SIGNALS
BATTERY REPLACEMENT

15
MAINTENANCE
TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS
LETS PRESERVE OUR TREASURED SPORT!
Laws governing the use of metal detectors are becoming
more and more common. In many countries, the use of metal
detectors is illegal or severely restricted. Don’t let this happen in
your area.
ALWAYS get permission to hunt on private property.
ALWAYS leave a site cleaner than you found it. Take at least
some trash with you or, if you can, take it all.
ALWAYS fill in your holes neatly whether you’re in a city park
or remote wildernessness. Leave the land as it was before you
disturbed it.
ALWAYS obey all laws relating to Treasure Hunting.
ALWAYS return valuable property if you can locate the original
owner.
ALWAYS do whatever you can to give the hobby of Treasure
Hunting the good image it needs and deserves.
Your 1212-X doesn’t require a lot of care but there are a few things
you should do to keep it in peak operating condition.
1. If you’re not going to be using it for awhile, take the batteries
out. Acid damage caused by a leaking battery can be severe.
2. Avoid extreme temperatures like those inside a closed car sit-
ting in the sun. Even worse, inside the trunk of a car.
3. If you “scrub” the search coil on the ground, you’ll eventually
wear through the bottom. Replacement coils are expensive.
Instead, invest in an inexpensive coil cover.
4. Put a plastic bag or Fisher’s optional rain cover over the control
housing if you’re hunting in rain, fog or dust.
5. Keep your 1212-X dry and clean. Wipe off the lower stem before
sliding it into the upper stem and keep the slip nut free of sand
and dirt.

16
Where To Use Your Metal Detector In The
National Forest and Federal Lands—Metal detecting is allowed
only by special permit acquired from the federal government.
Each area has a district office.
Corps of Engineers, Lakes, Shorelines and Lands—Permission has
been granted only on predisturbed sites, such as beaches and
attached swimming areas. New Corps lakes and lands must be
okayed by the main office of the Army Corps of Engineers. Each
area has a district office.
State Parks and Lands—Some state parks are open to metal
detecting, but some are not. Always check with the park ranger
before attempting to use your detector.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands—Some areas are
open for metal detecting, and some are not. Always check with
the district office.
City or County Park Lands—Most are open to metal detecting
unless notice is given by a sign or city ordinance. When in
doubt, always check with the city’s Parks and Recreation
Department.
Public School Grounds—Most are open to metal detecting
unless notice is given by a sign, city ordinance, law enforcement
official, or school employee. You should always check with the
school office first.
Privately Owned Lands (Private Property)—Permission required.
And it is always best to have the permission in writing.
Historically Marked Lands or Sites—Metal detecting is not
allowed. Don’t even think about it.

SPECIFICATIONS
Length2 ...................................Extended ....................................... 55”
Collapsed ....................................................................................... 41”
Weight2 .............................................................................. 2.9 Pounds
Frequency ..............................VLF Search ............. 4.2 kHz Unipolar3
Audio Target Response ...........................................................450 Hz
Operating Modes ..................Search . VLF All-Metal, Slow Motion4
Search Coil .............................Type ............. Concentric, Co-Planar
Diameter ..................................................................................... 8”
Shielding ....................................................................... 100% E.S.I.5
Waterproof ...............................................................................Yes
Interchangeable ......................................................................No
Built-In Speaker ................................................................Yes (2-1/4”)
Stereo/ Mono Headphone Jack ......................................Yes (1/4”)
Batteries ..................................................................... (1) 9V Transistor
Battery Life Carbon Zinc ................................................ 10-15 Hours
Alkaline ............................................................................. 25-35 Hours
Notes:
1. Subject to improvement or modification without notice.
2. Approximate.
3. Pulsegate Unipolar Audio Processing. Advanced Fisher circuitry which allows silent
operation below “audio threshold tone” with no loss in sensitivity.
4. The 1212-X is a “motion” detector while in the search mode. The search coil must be
moving at least slightly to detect a target.
5. Electro-Static-Insulated to eliminate certain types of false signals.
6. Use of headphones may increase battery life up to 100%.
17

QUALITY
Fisher detectors are renowned for their quality.
In the Fisher tradition, each detector is hand crafted with pride
PERFORMANCE
Treasure Hunters worldwide rely on Fisher.
Our detectors are durable, dependable, and search deeper..
REPUTATION
Fisher produced the first patented metal detector in 1931. For
over 70 years, the Fisher logo has been a mark of excellence.
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Fisher believes in the products we produce and backs this belief
with a lifetime warranty, the best in the industry, on all of our
consumer detectors. Warranty may vary outside of the
United States. See your dealer for details
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
200 West Willmott Road.,
Los Banos, California 93635
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
www.fisherlab.com email:info@fisherlab.com
EXPORT DEPARTMENT
280 State Street, Suite 202
North Haven, CT 06473 USA
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
email: fi[email protected]
FRL870444-H