GDI Magnasmart User manual

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M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
1
M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
1
M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual

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M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting a MAGNASMART magnetometer.
With your purchase you support GDI geophysical instruments to continue investing
into the research and development of new equipments in the future.
This is a new, Hi - Power, twin sensor gradiometer, a professional tool that has been
designed to be easy to use, practical and ergonomical.
It is the technological result from knowledge gained through many years involvement
in metal locators. All the features implemented in the MAGNASMART are to satisfy
our customer demands and specific requests.
Please take the time to study this instruction manual before searching using MAGNASMART.
As a manufacturer we wish you the best for all your surveys.
APPLICATIONS
MAGNASMART magnetometers are extremely sensitive devices for the underground
location of:
- Magnetic metal targets, for example iron objects and iron ore.
- Utilities, pipes, manhole covers that were buried under asphalt layer.
- Military for buried weapons, army bunkers, landmines, unexploded ordnance survey (UXO)
- Crime scene investigation ( CSI )
- Anomalies in magnetic ground caused by voids, tunnels, dug ground, old wells.
The stronger the mineralization is on the ground, the deeper the location will be for these
anomalies. For non mineralized ground, for example limestone, the location of anomalies
is poor.
- Human constructions from magnetic materials, like ceramics, foundations, stone and brick
walls, ditches and pits
- Constructions or items that have been fire-heated, ceramic vases, burn out ancient
settlements, bricks, fire places etc.
– Treasure hunting for ferrous relics
The user adjustable sensitivity ( SENS knob ) is the key to adopt MAGNASMART
to any magnetometer application for example utility, archaeology and treasure hunting.
LOW SENSITIVITY : Ideal for industrial, utility & pipe location. To find shallow buried iron
pipes, manhole covers, ferrous targets at urban areas, even near fences, parked automobiles
and concrete bars.
HIGH SENSITIVITY : Archaeology applications to detect ceramics, landfills, voids, tombs,
tunnels, foundations, ancient ditches, pits, dug ground.
HIGH SENSITIVITY : Treasure hunting to locate ferrous relics, weapons, army bunkers
and bombs at depth.

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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
FEATURES
High detection depth range
Adjustable sensitivity
Mini headphones plug
Push button for visual battery status check
Detachable "twist to lock" gradiometer probe
Data logger connection
Internal speaker
Dynamic VCO audio signals
Automatic ground balance after power on
Non motion operation and location at any speed
Color LCD with signal meter and numerical values
9 volt battery holder
External battery jack for a 12V power pack
Ergonomic handle
Quality construction materials
BATTERY
An external 12 V power battery pack with 220 V charger is available.
It permits operation up to 20 hours. The external battery jack can be found at the bottom
of the handle base. The external battery pack must be hanged away from the probe
during operation. For example if holding the magnetometer with your right hand, hang the
battery pack on your left side, and scan with the right arm extended away from your body.
Battery condition is shown by pressing the BATT key while observing the meter.
A good battery condition indicates 950 and higher. If 900 or less is shown,
recharge the battery. A low battery emits a continuous sound and full scale meter reading.
External 12V battery pack and 220V charger
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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
FEATURES
High detection depth range
Adjustable sensitivity
Mini headphones plug
Push button for visual battery status check
Detachable "twist to lock" gradiometer probe
Data logger connection
Internal speaker
Dynamic VCO audio signals
Automatic ground balance after power on
Non motion operation and location at any speed
Color LCD with signal meter and numerical values
9 volt battery holder
External battery jack for a 12V power pack
Ergonomic handle
Quality construction materials
BATTERY
An external 12 V power battery pack with 220 V charger is available.
It permits operation up to 20 hours. The external battery jack can be found at the bottom
of the handle base. The external battery pack must be hanged away from the probe
during operation. For example if holding the magnetometer with your right hand, hang the
battery pack on your left side, and scan with the right arm extended away from your body.
Battery condition is shown by pressing the BATT key while observing the meter.
A good battery condition indicates 950 and higher. If 900 or less is shown,
recharge the battery. A low battery emits a continuous sound and full scale meter reading.
External 12V battery pack and 220V charger
3
M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
FEATURES
High detection depth range
Adjustable sensitivity
Mini headphones plug
Push button for visual battery status check
Detachable "twist to lock" gradiometer probe
Data logger connection
Internal speaker
Dynamic VCO audio signals
Automatic ground balance after power on
Non motion operation and location at any speed
Color LCD with signal meter and numerical values
9 volt battery holder
External battery jack for a 12V power pack
Ergonomic handle
Quality construction materials
BATTERY
An external 12 V power battery pack with 220 V charger is available.
It permits operation up to 20 hours. The external battery jack can be found at the bottom
of the handle base. The external battery pack must be hanged away from the probe
during operation. For example if holding the magnetometer with your right hand, hang the
battery pack on your left side, and scan with the right arm extended away from your body.
Battery condition is shown by pressing the BATT key while observing the meter.
A good battery condition indicates 950 and higher. If 900 or less is shown,
recharge the battery. A low battery emits a continuous sound and full scale meter reading.
External 12V battery pack and 220V charger

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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
ASSEMBLY
MAGNASMART has a detachable “twist to lock” probe. To attach probe, observe
the metallic spring on probe’s upper end, and a small insert in the main unit probe
connector. Align both parts at these points and press firmly to join. Once they are joined,
twist the probe counter-clockwise until it locks. Now both parts are secured.
A small amount of lubricant on this locking mechanism will prevent worn out,
and has to be applied to both sides probe and main unit. Take special care however,
not to lubricate the inside of the electrical connectors and their pins.
To dismantle the probe, simply depress the metallic spring and pull it out.
GROUND BALANCE
Also the depth penetration expected might be reduced on areas with large mineral
concentrations.
Ground balance is the ability on the MAGNASMART magnetometer to ignore those ground
signals from minerals, while retaining the depth penetration unaffected from interference.
What is ground balance ?
Most soils contain a percentage of magnetic materials,
for example minerals - iron ore, and occasionally
magnetic stones called "hot rocks".
Sometimes magnetic materials are originated
from human activity, like ceramics, bricks etc in old
settlements. When working a magnetometer
on such an environment erratic ground signals may
occur, like a constant or drifting low audio threshold
tone from the speaker.
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M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
ASSEMBLY
MAGNASMART has a detachable “twist to lock” probe. To attach probe, observe
the metallic spring on probe’s upper end, and a small insert in the main unit probe
connector. Align both parts at these points and press firmly to join. Once they are joined,
twist the probe counter-clockwise until it locks. Now both parts are secured.
A small amount of lubricant on this locking mechanism will prevent worn out,
and has to be applied to both sides probe and main unit. Take special care however,
not to lubricate the inside of the electrical connectors and their pins.
To dismantle the probe, simply depress the metallic spring and pull it out.
GROUND BALANCE
Also the depth penetration expected might be reduced on areas with large mineral
concentrations.
Ground balance is the ability on the MAGNASMART magnetometer to ignore those ground
signals from minerals, while retaining the depth penetration unaffected from interference.
What is ground balance ?
Most soils contain a percentage of magnetic materials,
for example minerals - iron ore, and occasionally
magnetic stones called "hot rocks".
Sometimes magnetic materials are originated
from human activity, like ceramics, bricks etc in old
settlements. When working a magnetometer
on such an environment erratic ground signals may
occur, like a constant or drifting low audio threshold
tone from the speaker.
4
M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
ASSEMBLY
MAGNASMART has a detachable “twist to lock” probe. To attach probe, observe
the metallic spring on probe’s upper end, and a small insert in the main unit probe
connector. Align both parts at these points and press firmly to join. Once they are joined,
twist the probe counter-clockwise until it locks. Now both parts are secured.
A small amount of lubricant on this locking mechanism will prevent worn out,
and has to be applied to both sides probe and main unit. Take special care however,
not to lubricate the inside of the electrical connectors and their pins.
To dismantle the probe, simply depress the metallic spring and pull it out.
GROUND BALANCE
Also the depth penetration expected might be reduced on areas with large mineral
concentrations.
Ground balance is the ability on the MAGNASMART magnetometer to ignore those ground
signals from minerals, while retaining the depth penetration unaffected from interference.
What is ground balance ?
Most soils contain a percentage of magnetic materials,
for example minerals - iron ore, and occasionally
magnetic stones called "hot rocks".
Sometimes magnetic materials are originated
from human activity, like ceramics, bricks etc in old
settlements. When working a magnetometer
on such an environment erratic ground signals may
occur, like a constant or drifting low audio threshold
tone from the speaker.

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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
Procedure
1. Observe the area to decide the proper direction to scan it, according to the obstacles
to be encountered on your way, and the ground formation. The scanning method must
be on a grid, that has to be walked in parallel lines on a given direction, for example
North to South, or South to North are the most effective directions.
2. Stand at the starting position with the magnetometer probe vertical, tip on the ground
surface, main unit facing towards the scanning direction. Ensure by any means,
that the ground on this spot has not been dug and it is clean from buried junk metal.
Starting position has to be far way from any metals like fences, automobiles, metallic
constructions, buildings, concrete iron net, etc. The user must be free of metallic objects
with him, his shoes, clothing etc.
3. Power on the magnetometer by the SENSitivity knob and set it at 3/4 , just below the
point where the “ticks” are audible ( see SENSITIVITY page 6 )
4. Wait completely motionless 15 to 20 seconds approximately for the Ground Balance
procedure, while MAGNASMART electronics become adapted to the ground type
automatically. During the automated tuning process MAGNASMART magnetometer
must not be rotated or raised from the ground. In case of a fault, erratic signals come from
the speaker and the Ground Balance procedure must be repeated.
5. Start scanning ( see SEARCHING page 7 ) In case the ground properties change and erratic
signals occur, try lowering SENS slightly. If this does not solve the problem then repeat
Ground Balance procedure on the new ground.

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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
SENSITIVITY
a. If false signals occur when the magnetometer is rotated to the left or right,
due to the earth's magnetic lines
b. When working on extremely mineralized ground
c. When searching closely to large metallic constructions, fences, buildings, automobiles etc.
d. On large targets that produce wide audio signals, hence becoming difficult
to pinpoint the exact target center
e. Electromagnetic interference, inside houses, near power lines, often indicates
as a fluctuating audio
Procedure
After Ground Balancing as described the MAGNASMART magnetometer set the SENSitivity
high to the point about 1 to 2 “ticks” per second are audible.
!Novice users should set SENS just below the ticking sound for a stable operation
Start scanning. The highest depth is achieved when setting sensitivity so that the "ticks"
are just heard. The ticking rate can be corrected anytime during operation using SENS,
for example if it is lost or when ticks are more than 2 per second.
In case erratic signals occur due to the above mentioned reasons, or a stable ticking rate
cannot be maintained, reduce SENSitivity slightly and continue searching. If not yet a stable
operation is achieved reduce it again a little, and so on, until the interference signals
disappear. When reducing SENS further, MAGNASMART enters into a “silent standby” mode
without any audible ticks.
At the opposite, if it is stable, increase SENSitivity , and continue increasing it in steps,
by checking the magnetometer while scanning, so that it does not start to be too noisy,
if so reduce SENS as described.
What is sensitivity or SENS ?
It is a setting that controls the depth range
of the MAGNASMART magnetometer.
Users may desire the maximum depth range available from
their magnetometers, but there are certain occasions
when depth range must be reduced in order to achieve stable
operation without noises.
4 typical reasons to reduce sensitivity are:
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M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
SENSITIVITY
a. If false signals occur when the magnetometer is rotated to the left or right,
due to the earth's magnetic lines
b. When working on extremely mineralized ground
c. When searching closely to large metallic constructions, fences, buildings, automobiles etc.
d. On large targets that produce wide audio signals, hence becoming difficult
to pinpoint the exact target center
e. Electromagnetic interference, inside houses, near power lines, often indicates
as a fluctuating audio
Procedure
After Ground Balancing as described the MAGNASMART magnetometer set the SENSitivity
high to the point about 1 to 2 “ticks” per second are audible.
!Novice users should set SENS just below the ticking sound for a stable operation
Start scanning. The highest depth is achieved when setting sensitivity so that the "ticks"
are just heard. The ticking rate can be corrected anytime during operation using SENS,
for example if it is lost or when ticks are more than 2 per second.
In case erratic signals occur due to the above mentioned reasons, or a stable ticking rate
cannot be maintained, reduce SENSitivity slightly and continue searching. If not yet a stable
operation is achieved reduce it again a little, and so on, until the interference signals
disappear. When reducing SENS further, MAGNASMART enters into a “silent standby” mode
without any audible ticks.
At the opposite, if it is stable, increase SENSitivity , and continue increasing it in steps,
by checking the magnetometer while scanning, so that it does not start to be too noisy,
if so reduce SENS as described.
What is sensitivity or SENS ?
It is a setting that controls the depth range
of the MAGNASMART magnetometer.
Users may desire the maximum depth range available from
their magnetometers, but there are certain occasions
when depth range must be reduced in order to achieve stable
operation without noises.
4 typical reasons to reduce sensitivity are:
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M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
SENSITIVITY
a. If false signals occur when the magnetometer is rotated to the left or right,
due to the earth's magnetic lines
b. When working on extremely mineralized ground
c. When searching closely to large metallic constructions, fences, buildings, automobiles etc.
d. On large targets that produce wide audio signals, hence becoming difficult
to pinpoint the exact target center
e. Electromagnetic interference, inside houses, near power lines, often indicates
as a fluctuating audio
Procedure
After Ground Balancing as described the MAGNASMART magnetometer set the SENSitivity
high to the point about 1 to 2 “ticks” per second are audible.
!Novice users should set SENS just below the ticking sound for a stable operation
Start scanning. The highest depth is achieved when setting sensitivity so that the "ticks"
are just heard. The ticking rate can be corrected anytime during operation using SENS,
for example if it is lost or when ticks are more than 2 per second.
In case erratic signals occur due to the above mentioned reasons, or a stable ticking rate
cannot be maintained, reduce SENSitivity slightly and continue searching. If not yet a stable
operation is achieved reduce it again a little, and so on, until the interference signals
disappear. When reducing SENS further, MAGNASMART enters into a “silent standby” mode
without any audible ticks.
At the opposite, if it is stable, increase SENSitivity , and continue increasing it in steps,
by checking the magnetometer while scanning, so that it does not start to be too noisy,
if so reduce SENS as described.
What is sensitivity or SENS ?
It is a setting that controls the depth range
of the MAGNASMART magnetometer.
Users may desire the maximum depth range available from
their magnetometers, but there are certain occasions
when depth range must be reduced in order to achieve stable
operation without noises.
4 typical reasons to reduce sensitivity are:

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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
SEARCHING
The earth's magnetic lines (or magnetic North), are responsible for producing low audio
interference signals when working with extremely sensitive magnetometers
such as MAGNASMART.
When the MAGNASMART is rotated further away to the left or right from the original
direction it was Ground Balanced, it “crosses” magnetic lines, and a low audio threshold will
be heard.
One way to overcome this and still maintain maximum sensitivity, is to keep MAGNASMART
magnetometer firmly facing the original direction which was Ground Balanced,
during the search. To accomplish this, scan by walking parallel tracks on a grid.
When it comes to turn to the next track on your grid, you can either :
a. change track and walk backwards ( so that you do not turn or rotate the magnetometer
from it's original direction axis ) parallel to the first track. Once the new track completes,
turn normally, then again turn and walks backwards to the next track, and so on.
b. or change track turning normally but flip the
magnetometer handle so that it is held now “backwards”.
And so on, scan by flipping the handle at the end
of each track, maintain tracks parallel to each other,
and MAGNASMART direction unchanged.
Otherwise to make the MAGNASMART magnetometer unaffected by the magnetic North
lines, reduce the SENSitivity as described, up to the point where there is not any noise
when the magnetometer turns to the next track of your grid, or rotates.
By doing this depth penetration will be reduced also
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M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
SEARCHING
The earth's magnetic lines (or magnetic North), are responsible for producing low audio
interference signals when working with extremely sensitive magnetometers
such as MAGNASMART.
When the MAGNASMART is rotated further away to the left or right from the original
direction it was Ground Balanced, it “crosses” magnetic lines, and a low audio threshold will
be heard.
One way to overcome this and still maintain maximum sensitivity, is to keep MAGNASMART
magnetometer firmly facing the original direction which was Ground Balanced,
during the search. To accomplish this, scan by walking parallel tracks on a grid.
When it comes to turn to the next track on your grid, you can either :
a. change track and walk backwards ( so that you do not turn or rotate the magnetometer
from it's original direction axis ) parallel to the first track. Once the new track completes,
turn normally, then again turn and walks backwards to the next track, and so on.
b. or change track turning normally but flip the
magnetometer handle so that it is held now “backwards”.
And so on, scan by flipping the handle at the end
of each track, maintain tracks parallel to each other,
and MAGNASMART direction unchanged.
Otherwise to make the MAGNASMART magnetometer unaffected by the magnetic North
lines, reduce the SENSitivity as described, up to the point where there is not any noise
when the magnetometer turns to the next track of your grid, or rotates.
By doing this depth penetration will be reduced also
7
M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
SEARCHING
The earth's magnetic lines (or magnetic North), are responsible for producing low audio
interference signals when working with extremely sensitive magnetometers
such as MAGNASMART.
When the MAGNASMART is rotated further away to the left or right from the original
direction it was Ground Balanced, it “crosses” magnetic lines, and a low audio threshold will
be heard.
One way to overcome this and still maintain maximum sensitivity, is to keep MAGNASMART
magnetometer firmly facing the original direction which was Ground Balanced,
during the search. To accomplish this, scan by walking parallel tracks on a grid.
When it comes to turn to the next track on your grid, you can either :
a. change track and walk backwards ( so that you do not turn or rotate the magnetometer
from it's original direction axis ) parallel to the first track. Once the new track completes,
turn normally, then again turn and walks backwards to the next track, and so on.
b. or change track turning normally but flip the
magnetometer handle so that it is held now “backwards”.
And so on, scan by flipping the handle at the end
of each track, maintain tracks parallel to each other,
and MAGNASMART direction unchanged.
Otherwise to make the MAGNASMART magnetometer unaffected by the magnetic North
lines, reduce the SENSitivity as described, up to the point where there is not any noise
when the magnetometer turns to the next track of your grid, or rotates.
By doing this depth penetration will be reduced also

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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
TARGET SIGNAL AUDIO & VISUAL
To pinpoint a wide target signal reduce SENSitivity progressively, and make several test
scans above the target.
Typical signal duration
thin oblong target laying large, deep target has weak medium target at surface
horizontally produces 2 peaks and wide signal strong and sharp signal
HEADPHONES
A mini headphones plug can be found below the LCD. Also a set of mini headphones
is included with your MAGNASMART purchase.
The use of headphones is highly recommended when working on a noisy environment
or when demanding a quiet and discreet operation.
Headphones also reduce the heavy battery drain of the speaker.
MAGNASMART has a color LCD meter for displaying
the signal intensity, as an aid for exact target localization plus
an audio speaker.
Signal meter and numerical values read high for surface
or metal targets, and low for deep or non metal targets.
Generally the audio frequency and the meter values
are higher when above target center.
If meter goes full scale, sweep the magnetometer
back and forth to determine the signal duration and center.
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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
TARGET SIGNAL AUDIO & VISUAL
To pinpoint a wide target signal reduce SENSitivity progressively, and make several test
scans above the target.
Typical signal duration
thin oblong target laying large, deep target has weak medium target at surface
horizontally produces 2 peaks and wide signal strong and sharp signal
HEADPHONES
A mini headphones plug can be found below the LCD. Also a set of mini headphones
is included with your MAGNASMART purchase.
The use of headphones is highly recommended when working on a noisy environment
or when demanding a quiet and discreet operation.
Headphones also reduce the heavy battery drain of the speaker.
MAGNASMART has a color LCD meter for displaying
the signal intensity, as an aid for exact target localization plus
an audio speaker.
Signal meter and numerical values read high for surface
or metal targets, and low for deep or non metal targets.
Generally the audio frequency and the meter values
are higher when above target center.
If meter goes full scale, sweep the magnetometer
back and forth to determine the signal duration and center.
8
M
MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
TARGET SIGNAL AUDIO & VISUAL
To pinpoint a wide target signal reduce SENSitivity progressively, and make several test
scans above the target.
Typical signal duration
thin oblong target laying large, deep target has weak medium target at surface
horizontally produces 2 peaks and wide signal strong and sharp signal
HEADPHONES
A mini headphones plug can be found below the LCD. Also a set of mini headphones
is included with your MAGNASMART purchase.
The use of headphones is highly recommended when working on a noisy environment
or when demanding a quiet and discreet operation.
Headphones also reduce the heavy battery drain of the speaker.
MAGNASMART has a color LCD meter for displaying
the signal intensity, as an aid for exact target localization plus
an audio speaker.
Signal meter and numerical values read high for surface
or metal targets, and low for deep or non metal targets.
Generally the audio frequency and the meter values
are higher when above target center.
If meter goes full scale, sweep the magnetometer
back and forth to determine the signal duration and center.

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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
DETECTION DEPTHS
Detection depth increases as the target becomes larger, more magnetic and with oblong
targets buried vertically. Oblong targets aligned or parallel with the probe axis have
the strongest magnetic signal and depth. For non metal targets, ( for example ground
anomalies like voids, dug ground ) greater detection depth is achieved when the surrounding
soil has a high level of magnetism ( iron oxides – ore ), this will permit the magnetometer
to sense the absence of soil, over the void, for example.
Below ranges for various targets when bench (air) testing. Please consider that these ranges
can vary according to ground mineralization, surrounding environment - metals, probe
orientation, target layout, faulting, oxidation, target magnetic properties, metal alloy and
temperature.
KIND OF OBJECT
DEPTH
Screwdriver 20 cm long
1,40 m.
Main water supply pipe 70 cm dia.
3,00 m.
Automobile
5,00 m.

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MA AG GN NA AS SM MA AR RT Tinstructions manual
ICON DATA LOGGER
External
battery jack
Data logger
jack
ICON DATA
data logger
USB cable
to computer
Connect to the non marked jack!