JW Fishers PROTON 4 User manual

1
PROTON 4
OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
MARINE MAGNETOMETER
REV 0609
JW FISHERS MFG INC
1953 COUNTY ST.
E. TAUNTON, MA 02718 USA
[phone]; [phone]; FAX [phone]
Email: [email protected] WEB: www.jwfishers.com

2
PROTON 4
MARINE MAGNETOMETER
OPERATION
AND
MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
MARINE MAGNETOMETER
PROTON 4
JW FISHERS MFG INC
1953 COUNTY ST.
E. TAUNTON, MA 02718 USA
[phone]; [phone]; FAX [phone]
Email: [email protected] WEB: www.jwfishers.com

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• DO'S AND DON'T .............................................................................................................................. 4
• SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 5
• DETECTION RANGES ...................................................................................................................... 6
• MAGNETIC DEVIATION CHART ...................................................................................................... 7
• INTRODUCTION TO MAGNETOMETERS ....................................................................................... 8
• THEORY OF OPERATION ................................................................................................................ 9
• SYSTEM BREAKDOWN ................................................................................................................. 10
• LORAN C AND GPS INTERFACE .............................................................................................14, 25
• OPERATION ................................................................................................................................... 15
• BATTERY HOOKUP ...................................................................................................................15, 28
• TUNING ........................................................................................................................................... 17
• FIELD USE ...................................................................................................................................... 19
• SHALLOW WATER TOWING ......................................................................................................... 21
• SEARCH PATTERN ...................................................................................................................22, 23
• PROCEDURES (filling sensor housing, disassembly, adjustments, map instructions)....................... 24
• TROUBLESHOOTING..................................................................................................................... 35
• WARRANTY .................................................................................................................................... 36

4
DO NOT
• Operate the P4 until liquid (charcoal lighter fluid) has been added to the
sensor housing; damage can occur to the sensor coils (see page 25).
• Expose cable connector to salt water.
• Bend tow line sharply.
• Let Fish sit in hot sun for prolonged periods.
DO
• Always operate unit on land before taking in water at a new location (to be
sure Fish is tuned correctly).
• Operate with two fully charged 12 v batteries.
• Verify readings--by numerous passes--before diving.
• Use only non-ferrous metal on the Fish (screws, etc.).
• Use #12 wire (or larger) to extend battery cable if needed.
• If you are using the UA2 altimeter, be sure the sync cable from the Proton 4
control box is connected to the back of the UA2. If the UA2 is allowed to
free-run it will interfere with the Proton 4 readout (readout jumps around).
• Be sure to ground the black power wire (-12). This helps to reduce outside
electrical noise which can cause the readout to "jump around". See page 28.

5
PROTON 4 SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT:
• Fish ......................................................... 52' L x 6" Dia ......................................................... 48 lbs
• Control Box ........................................... 13"Lx13"Wx6"H ......................................................... 5 lbs
• Tow Line ................................................ 75"Dx150/300' ................................................... 30/60 lbs
• Carrying case ........................................53"Lx15"Dx13"H ...................................................... 25 lbs
• Total Shipping .......................................53"Lx15"Dx13"H ............................................. 120/150 lbs
PERFORMANCE/DESCRIPTION:
• Sensitivity (adjustable) ................................................................................... resolves 1-20 gamma
• Maximum detection distance ............................................................................................ 1500' plus
• Cycle time (adjustable) .................................................................................................. 2-4 seconds
• Tow speed ....................................................................................................................... 1-10 MPH
• Input voltage ......................................................................................................................... 24 vdc
• Power consumption.................................................................................................................. 40 W
MATERIALS/COLOR:
• Fish ..................................................................................................... High impact, stainless/yellow
• Control Box ................................................................................................. High impact case, black
• Cable ............................................................................................ 8 conductor polypropylene/yellow
OPTIONS
• 300 ft. cable
• Chart recorder (printer)
• GPS/Loran interface
• GPS receiver
• Altimeter
• RS232 Computer interface
• Charting Software for PC

6
PROTON 4 DETECTION RANGES CHART
OBJECT NEAR RANGE FAR RANGE
1 gal can .......................................................................................................... 2 gamma 12'
5 gal can .......................................................................................................... 2 gamma 18'
55 gal can ........................................................................................................ 2 gamma 45'
Sm. Plane ....................................... 25 gamma at 20' .................................... 2 gamma at 50'
1 ton iron ........................................ 40 gamma at 30' .................................... 2 gamma at 80'
6" pipeline ...................................... 200 gamma at 20' ................................... 2 gamma at 100'
12' pipeline .................................... 350 gamma at 20' ................................... 2 gamma at 175'
Lg. anchor ..................................... 500 gamma at 50' ................................... 2 gamma at 200'
Med. ship ..................................... 1500 gamma at 100' ................................. 2 gamma a 1000'
Lg. ship ........................................ 2000 gamma at 100' ................................. 2 gamma at 1500'
The above chart shows the Proton 4 approximate detection range for different targets. The Proton 4 has a
sensitivity of one gamma; that is, it will detect a change of one gamma. Each one gamma change will change
the digital readout one digit.
CHART (above) EXAMPLE:
As the Proton 4 fish approaches a small plane, you can expect a one gamma change at 65-75' (the digital
readout would change one digit, ie: from 48,240 to 48,239). At 50' distance, another one gamma change
would take place (ie: 48,238 on readout). As the fish gets closer, the readout continues to decrement. At
20', you can expect the readout to be at 48,215 (total change of 25 gamma). As the fish passes next to the
plane the digital readout could be several hundred digits lower. If the target was 1 ton of iron, the readout could
show a change of 2,000. As the fish goes past the target, the readout would walk back to normal (48,240) in
reverse of the above sequence.
As a target is approached, the gamma reading can change up (increment) or down (decrement) depending
on what is happening to the magnetic field in the area. It is not unusual, when making many passes in different
directions over a target, to find some passes incrementing the readout number and other passes decre-
menting the number. In most cases, when you approach a target, the gamma number will drop as shown in
the example above.
MAGNETIC DEVIATION CHART (next page):
The chart on the next page is a magnetic deviation chart that shows the approximate amount of magnetic
deviation, or change, that could be expected for different size iron targets at different distances. The chart
is used to determine the distance between grid lines (boat passes) when searching for a known target.
It is desirable to set the grid distances to have at a minimum of a 10 gamma (10nT) change in the mag-
netometer readout when the target is located. Some operators set the grid pattern distances to insure a
minimum of a 20 g change to be sure they do not miss the target.
The chart assumes that the mag is being towed a few meters off the bottom. If the mag is being towed 10
meters off the bottom, then the grid lines must be much closer than the chart indicates. The smaller the
target, the closer the mag must be towed to the bottom.
An actual example of a search pattern that was set up:
A 6.5 ton anchor with 9 shots (total weight was 37 ton) was lost in a river. Because of it’s value (a must
find) a grid pattern was set up to insure a minimum of a 20 g readout change when the mag went past the
target.
GAMMA CHANGE GAMMA CHANGE
(up or down) (up or down)

7
The chart below shows that a 37 ton iron target will produce a 20 g change approximately 45 m away
(146 feet). The grid lines were set up 90 m apart.
If the target had not been found, the search pattern would have been repeated except the grid lines (boat
passes) would have been in-between the original grid lines. This would result in a pass every 45 m (first
pass plus the second pass).
MAGNETIC DEVIATION CHART: (continued)
10 m 100 m 1 Kilometer
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 gamma change
100g
1,000g
10,000g
2
3
4
5
6
7
89
2
3
4
5
6
7
89
2
3
4
5
6
7
89
2
3
4
5
6
7
89
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
3
4
5
6
7
89
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
100g
10g
20 gamma change
1lb
10lb
100lb
1,000Ton
10,000Ton
100Ton
1Ton
10Ton
Distance (in meters)
Gamma
Chan
g
e
MAGNETIC DEVIATION CHART

8
PROTON 4 MAGNETOMETER
INTRODUCTION
The PROTON 4 Magnetometer is a precision electronic instrument that measures the strength of the earth's
magnetic field. Once the magnetometer is set up in an area, it will inform the operator of the strength of the
earth's magnetic field in that area (in gammas). More importantly (for our application), if anything is brought
into that area that alters the earth's magnetic field, it will change the readout of the magnetometer. For an
object to alter the earth's magnetic field, it must be constructed of a ferromagnetic material (iron content). Any
material that a magnet is attracted to will alter the earth's magnetic field and therefore can be detected by a
magnetometer.
The earth's magnetic field varies in intensity over the surface of the earth (see world map in box).
Note: A world map showing the gamma readout in all areas of the world is also available on-line at
http://geomag.usgs.gov/charts Select the PDF "Total Intensity World" and use the zoom tool.
At the poles, the field is concentrated and therefore has a high intensity. A magnetometer would read in the
61,000 gamma area at the poles. At the equator, the field is quite weak. A magnetometer would read in the
24,000 gamma area at the equator. In any given area of the world, the field is fairly even. If an iron object is
introduced into the area, the lines of force are disturbed. The amount of disturbance is a function of the mass
of the object.
Over the past 35 years, almost every major wreck found was done so with a magnetometer. The metal-hulled
ships and barges are, of course, easy targets and can be detected from hundreds of feet away. The Spanish
galleons laden with gold and silver (metals not detectable by a magnetometer) were found by the
magnetometer detecting the ships' anchors or ballast stones (magnetite was often used as ballast). One of
the largest finds to date was a galleon off Florida, found 35 years ago, carrying four hundred million dollars
worth of gold and silver. The wreck was found with a proton magnetometer (detected the anchor).
EARTHS MAGNETIC
FIELD - NORMAL EARTHS MAGNETIC
FIELD - IRON OBJECT

9
Ballast
SensorCoils
Pre Amp
+ Tuning
Interconecting
Tubing
Tow Arm
Tow Point
P4 CONTROL BOX READOUT
AN AL OG DIG IT AL
PRINTER
FILTERS
ATD
PS
MEMORY
CPU
TIMING
THEORY OF OPERATION
The sensor, in the Fish, contains charcoal lighter fluid (ships empty from factory, see page 25) which is rich in
protons (nuclei of hydrogen atoms). The protons act like small bar magnets and align themselves parallel to
the earth's magnetic field (like a compass). Several coils of wire are in the liquid and when a voltage is applied
to it (called POLARIZATION or POL TIME), the protons align to this stronger field. After several seconds, the
voltage is removed and the protons swing back to align to the earth's magnetic field.
SIMPLIFIED BLOCK DIAGRAM
The protons "swinging back" induce small voltage pulses in the coils which are amplified by the Fish and sent
across the cable to the Control Box. To optimize the amplifier in the Fish, the amplifier is "tuned" (by a switch)
for the frequency (gammas) of the pulses in your area (see world map in shipping box). The tuning is very
broad. Once the fish is tuned it will operate over a very large area (+/- 1500 gamma).
When the Control Box receives the signal from the Fish, it also filters the signal and sends the signal to the
counter. The counter counts the pulses, converts them to gammas, and sends the results to the READOUT.
The READOUT stores and displays the count. The process is then repeated (called "cycling"). Two seconds
of POL TIME (voltage applied to sensor coils) followed by one quarter second of READ TIME (Control Box
counting pulses). As long as the count remains the same for each cycle, the READOUT would never change.
If the count changes with each cycle, then the READOUT would change every two and one quarter seconds.
Sensor housing,
fill with charcoal
lighter fluid

10
150'/300' TOW LINE
PROTON 4
Pre Amp
+ Tuning
Ballast
Sensor Coils
Interconecting
Tubing
Tow Arm
Tow Point Removable Tail Section
SYSTEM BREAKDOWN
The PROTON 4 is a Proton Magnetometer which consists of a FISH, TOW LINE, and CONTROL BOX.
CONTROL BOX
FISH
FISH - The FISH is made up of a 30" long 4" PVC tube and a 20" long 6" PVC tube. The 6" tube is filled for
ballast and to isolate the sensor head (Proton Bottle) from salt water.
The 4" tube contains the Sensor Coils and the Pre-Amplifier. The Pre-Amplifier contains a 10 position tuning
switch which tunes the Fish to your area.
The Fish must be capable of being tuned from 24,000 to 61,000 gammas (see world map). To optimize tuning,
a ten position binary switch (100 different combinations) is used to cover the full range of gammas. Each
switch position covers a large area, and the position that covers your area has already been selected at the
factory (this will be explained later). See P6 on page 19 for more details on tuning.

11
TOW LINE - The 150' (300'/500'/1000' options are available) Tow Line consists of a multi-paired cable and
coax which is the core of a braided polypropylene line. The combination results in a highly
abration-resistant tow line. One end of the Tow Line is wired into the Fish, and the other end plugs
into the Control Box. The Tow Line is marked (black tape) every 50' to aid you in determining how
much line is out (see chart below).
FROM FISH END BANDS FOR 300' BANDS FOR 500'/1000'
50' ................................... One band
100' ................................... Two band ............................. One band
150' ................................... Three bands
200' ................................... Four bands ........................... two bands
250' ................................... Five bands
300' .................................................................................. Three bands
400' .................................................................................. Four bands
500' .................................................................................. Five bands
600' .................................................................................. Six bands
700' .................................................................................. Seven bands
800' .................................................................................. Eight bands
900' .................................................................................. Nine bands
To avoid any damage to the cables, do not tie the Tow Line in a knot or make any sharp bends
with it (do not tie it off on a cleat).
CONTROL BOX - The Control Box receives the signal (pulses) from the Fish, filters the signal, and counts
the pulses. After the pulses are counted, it stores the results and displays the count on the five
digit LCD readout. The Control Box contains a single main logic board.
MAIN LOGIC BOARD (MLB)
The MLB is divided into three sections; analog, digital, and power supply.
The analog section receives pulses from the tow fish, filters and amplifies them, digitizes
them and sends them to the digital section for processing.
The digital section computes the gamma count and sends it to the readout board. The digital
section contains the micro processor and memory circuits which control the overall timing
of the system. The digital section also controls the optional printer, Loran C/GPS input, and
RS232 computer interface.
The power supply section provides the proper voltages for the entire system.
P4 CO NT ROL BOX REA DO U T
PULSES
FROM
FISH
AN ALOG DIGITA L
PRINTER
FILTERS
AT D
PS
MEMORY
MICRO PROCESSOR
TIMING
MLB

12
In addition to the logic board, the Control Box contains switches and indicators on the front panel.
POWER SWITCH - When turned on, the 24 volts from the boat/car battery feeds the Power Supply section
on the Analog board. The green indicator just to the left of the switch will illuminate.
POL TIME SWITCH - A three position switch that allows the operator to determine the length of Polarization
Time of the sensor coils. Pol Times of 2, 3, or 4 sec's can be selected. The POL switch determines how often
the unit cycles. Because the boat is moving, we want to take readings as often as possible, so we want to
Pol as quickly as possible. This switch is normally used in the 2 second position.
SENSITIVITY SWITCH - A four position switch to allow adjustment of the sensitivity of the unit. Since
magnetometers can generate 2-3 gammas of noise while being towed, it is not always desirable to operate
at its maximum sensitivity. Also, once a large target is detected, you may want to turn down the sensitivity
to enable you to more easily pinpoint the target.
G1 - A one digit change indicates a one gamma change. Most sensitive position, used to locate small
targets. Best position if readout is steady (not jumping around).
G5 - The gamma reading is divided by 5 before it is displayed. A one digit change in the readout
indicates a five gamma change. More stable than G1, used for most magging operations if in
noisy area.
G10 - The gamma reading is divided by 10 before it is displayed. A one digit change in the readout
indicates a ten gamma change. Used in pinpointing targets or when you are looking for a large
target in a small area.
G20 - The gamma reading is divided by 20 before it is displayed. A one digit change in the readout
indicates a twenty gamma change. Used in pinpointing large targets.
If you were in Miami, Florida area, you would get an approximate reading (see map) of:
G1 = 49,138
G5 = 9,827
G10 = 4,914
G20 = 2,457
If you were in the Miami area approaching a large ship:
SEN Setting 2000' away 1000' away 900'away 800' away 100' away
G1 49,138 48,984 48,979 48,963 46,533
G5 9,827 9,797 9,796 9,793 9,307
G10 4,914 4,898 4,898 4,896 4,653
G20 2,457 2,449 2,449 2,448 2,327
CABL
E
PROTON3
PRINTER
PROTON 4
Printer
Readout
POL Time
Sensitivity
Alarm
Power ONLED
Power Switch

13
.
READOUT - A five-digit LCD READOUT which displays the gamma count of the signal from the Fish. If the
magnetic field that the Fish is passing through is different than the area the Fish just came from, the frequency
of the pulses (number of) will change and the READOUT will change. This change can only occur after the
one quarter second READ TIME. You will see the change after the readout flashes blank.
ALARM - The audio alarm will sound if the gamma reading changed, between the previous and the present
reading, beyond the amount selected with the switch. The Gamma Change switch determines the amount of
change that must take place before the alarm goes off. The audio alarm circuit only looks at two consecutive
readings. The alarm looks at actual gamma change and not the readout change.
CABLE PLUG - The Tow Cable plugs into this socket. The Tow Cable should not be plugged or unplugged
while the unit is running. Protect this plug from water at all times. When not using, the plug should be placed
in a small plastic bag.
UA2 SYNC PLUG - If a UA2 altimeter option is installed on the Proton 4, a cable must connected between
the UA2 and the Proton 4 control box. This cable enables the UA2 to operate with the Proton 4 without causing
interference (Readout jumping around) to the Proton 4.
INPUT POWER CABLE - Extending from the rear of the Control Box is a 15-foot power cable with a red and
black clip on the end. This cable connects to a 24 volt (two 12 v batteries wired in series) source (car type
battery). The red clip connects to the (+) terminal and the black clips to the (-) terminal of the second battery.
The green wire with the red/black clip connects to the intersection of the two batteries. See next page for
connecting batteries. DO NOT extend the length of the battery cable unless you use a very heavy (#12 wire)
extension. To reduce the possibility of noise interference from the boat motor the boats 12 v battery should
not be used as one of the batteries. The magnetometer should be powered from its own batteries. A fully
charged car batteries will last 8-10 hrs before recharging is necessary.

14
OPTIONS
PRINTER - Prints out the gamma reading, as shown on the display, once every cycle. The Sensitivity switch
setting on the Control Box is also printed out after each gamma printout (on the same line). After every fifth
gamma printout, the system checks to see if a LORAN C or GPS receiver is plugged into the P4 control box;
if it is, the position coordinates are also printed out. The printer is normally on-line when the system is powered
up and will print "Ready" followed by the company name and phone number. To switch the printer "off-line"
(cease printing), press the left side of the printer's rocker switch. To resume printing, press the right side of
the printer's rocker switch. It is important to note that the printer's memory continues to store readings when
it is switched off-line. These stored readings will be printed out when the printer is switched back "on-line".
To avoid printing stored readings, turn off the P4's power switch for 5 seconds. This will clear the printer
memory. When the P4's power switch is turned on, the printer will resume normal operation.
ALTIMETER - The Altimeter mounts on the bottom of the Fish and informs the operator how far off the bottom
the fish is towing. The Altimeter's readout shows the distance in feet. See Altimeters manual for operating
instructions.
LORAN C/GPS - When a Loran C or GPS interface cable is plugged into the Proton 4 Control Box the printer
will print out the position coordinates. The position coordinates will also be sent to the optional RS232
computer interface, if equipped. See P2 (page 17) for proper wiring of a 0183 interface from a Loran C or a
GPS receiver to the Proton 4. See your Loran C/GPS manual for receiver operating instructions.
RS232 COMPUTER INTERFACE - Enables the gamma readings and LORAN C/GPS coordinates (when
connected) to be input to a data recorder or computer. The information can be used by the computer for
magnetic anomalies mapping or simply for logging information. See Procedure P11 for cabling and signal
specifications.
PC COMPUTER SOFTWARE - This software package will allow the Proton 4 to output it's readout information
directly to a computer for real time viewing, printing, or storage. The software will display the mag readout,
GPS or LORAN position, compass heading, and boat speed with full color graphics. A window on the right
hand side of the screen will show the last 24 readings from the Proton 4, updated every 2 seconds. Also shown
will be a strip chart graphic display of the last 5 minutes of readouts. The mag readout data can be stored on
a disk or hard drive and played back at any time.
Ready
27642 G01
27642 G01
27642 G01
Ready
J.W.FISHERS MFG INC
For tech support, call
1-800-822-4744
27642 G01
27642 G01
27642 G01
PRINTOUT- Startup
27642 G01
3657.34,N
12204.41,W
27642 G01
27640 G01
27637 G01
27545 G01
27630 G01
3657.30,N
12204.41,W
27641 G01
27642 G01
27642 G01
LORAN C/
PRINTOUT- Normal Running
Gamma's
Sensitivity Setting
target
detected
GPS

15
OPERATION
Do not operate the unit until the sensor housing is filled with charcoal lighter fluid.
Operation of the Proton 4 is extremely simple. It will operate month after month without any adjustments once
the unit is tuned. Once you have tuned for an area, if you change areas (more than 1,500 gammas), the unit
should be checked for proper tuning before going out on the boat (always tune the unit on land, whenever
possible, before heading for water). Generally, you would have to travel hundreds of miles (north or south)
before tuning would have to be changed, but test it on land to be sure.
Before your unit was shipped from the factory, the fish was tuned to the gamma reading shown on the map
for your area. The gamma setting is written on a tag connected to the outside of the fish. Check the map for
the expected gamma reading in your present area, and if it agrees with what is written on the tag (+or- 1,500
gamma) then there is no need to change the tuning for your present area. Simply checkout the system in the
field (see below).
If you need to tune the fish, but are unable to test the system (as decried below) at this time, and want to check
out the unit, see procedure P3 on page 25. P3 is a procedure to check out the system from inside of a building.
TUNING AND CHECKOUT - CRITICAL!!!
Select an area, outside the city, that is free of power lines and buildings (at least 300' away) and away from
any large metals (junk cars, dump, etc.). The unit will not work in a city, or in areas saturated with metal. The
unit may not work in a park or field that is located in a city.
Position the Fish 1-2 feet above the ground, but parallel to it (use two cardboard boxes -- be sure there are
no metal staples in the boxes).
CABLING: String out the Tow Iine so the Control Box can be positioned approximately 50-100' away. Do not
allow the cable to pass next to the head (keep the cable at least one foot away from the head), and do not coil
leftover cable next to the head. Plug the cable into the Control Box and connect the power cable from the
Control Box to two fully charged 12 volt batteries. See drawing below for proper battery hookup (grounding the
-12 volts helps to reduce noise which gives a steadier readout).
Proton 4
Control Box
White Black
Green
Jum pe r
(supplied)
12 volt
Ba tte ry
12 volt
Batte ry
no
BOX
metal
no
BOX
metal
no GOOD CABLE
POSITION
BAD CABLE
POSITION
(
A
G
A
INST HE
A
D
)
Ground,
Ship Ground,
or directly to
Water

16
CONTROL BOX TUNING AND OPERATION:
1. Set SENSITIVITY switch to G20.
2. Set Pol Time to 2 sec.
3. Turn off Gamma Change alarm.
4. Turn off printer.
5. Turn on "Power On" switch.
When the "Power On" switch is turned on, the following sequence should take place:
• Power light comes on (immediately).
• Random numbers displayed on LCD readout display.
• Delay (internal checkout) for 10 sec.
• Display update with first reading.
During the two seconds of polarization, a voltage is being applied to the sensor coils. At the end of polarization,
the following takes place:
• The LCD readout goes blank during READ time.
During READ time, the pulses are coming from the Fish and are being counted by the Control Box. At the end
of the 1/4 second READ time:
• READOUT is updated with the new pulse count (gammas divided by 20).
• Polarization (2 seconds) takes place once again.
• After a few cycles the readout should be steady (may slowly drift over time).
If everything is okay, the unit should continue to cycle (POL on for 2 seconds, READ on for 1/4 second (LCD
readout goes blank); until the Power switch is turned off.
To insure the unit is properly working, have a second person approach the fish with a gallon size steel can.
• When the can is within 6' of the head of the fish the system should start seeing the can (the
numbers in the readout should start down). As the can is moved closer to the head the numbers
should continue to go down.
Put the sensitivity switch in the G1 position. This is the most sensitive position, the position you would like to
normally operate the Proton 4. However, due to outside electrical noise, when the unit is out of the water, you
may not be able to operate in this position. When in the G1 position:
1. The readout is displaying gammas and the number should be approximately what the map
indicates for your area.
2. The readout will jump around +/- 1 or 2 due to outside noise. If the numbers jump around
excessively (15 to 20 gamma) then the fish needs to be tuned or the electrical noise in the area
is just to noisy to operate in the G1 position.
3. The number in the readout will slowly drift (up or down) while the sensor coils and fluid temperature
stabilize.
NOTE: If any of the above sequence does not take place, see TROUBLESHOOTING in the back of this
manual or call the factory 800-822-4744 or 508-822-7330.

17
TUNING - CRITICAL!!
Before your unit was shipped from the factory, the fish was tuned to the gamma reading shown on the map
for your area. The factory adjusted gamma setting is written on a tag connected to the outside of the fish. Check
the map for the expected gamma reading in your present area.
The tuning of the fish is very broad. Once tuned for the gamma reading in your area, it will operate over a very
wide area (+/- 1,500 gamma). However if it is not properly tuned the readout will "jump around".
Note: on land, even a properly tuned fish will not provide a steady readout if it is in an electrically noisy area.
The Proton 4 fish is tuned by a switch located in the preamp housing in the rear of the fish. To gain access
to the preamp housing the tail section of the fish must be removed (four screws).
To tune the fish to your area:
1. Remove the four screws in the tow collar that holds the tail section to the tow collar (see Procedure
P4 in the back section of this manual).
2. To gain access to the preamp board and tuning switch, remove the four screws from the faceplate
on the front of the preamp housing (see Procedure P5 in the back section of this manual).
3. Refer to the large world map that came with your system and determine the normal gamma
reading in your area (ie: Miami, Florida is 47,500 gammas).
4. Locate the 10 position tuning switch and jumper (J1) on the preamp board, and using the chart on
the next page tune the preamp board by turning on (1) or off (0) each of the 10 switches and setting
jumper (J1) on or off . Take care not to damage the board.
5. When reassembling the preamp housing be sure the o-ring is in place and do not over-tighten
the four screws on the faceplate.
NOTE:
• The tuning switch can be changed while the unit is running.
While the unit is running watch the digital readout for stability. The readout may jump around +/- 2
or 3 digits (in G1). This is not unusual when operating out of the water (the readout will be more stable
underwater because there is no outside electrical noise underwater). If, however, the readout jumps
around 5 digits or more, refer to the chart on the next page and select the next higher and then lower
gamma reading. Change the Fish tuning according, looking for the most stable digital readout. It is
normal for the readout to slowly drift up or down while the temperature in the fish sensor coils and
fluid stabilize.
READOUT: Once the unit is cycling the frequency displayed in the readout should be "steady". The actual
frequency that is displayed may be somewhat different from the map, but this is not important. What is
important is that the READOUT is steady so when a change does occur you know a metal object caused it.
If you are using the unit on land and in a noisy area (RF noise from CB's, radio stations, power generating
plants, etc.) the READOUT may jump around somewhat. Mags always run quieter in the water - no
interference except what might come from your boat.

18
PROTON 4 FISH TUNING
9-20-00
10 POSITION TUNING SWITCH 10 POSITION TUNING SWITCH
OFF OFF
ON ON
123456 78910 1 2345678910
GAMMA'S GAMMA'S
(FROM MAP) (FROM MAP)
67,000 ......................... 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 45,000 ........... 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0
66,500 ......................... 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 44,500 ........... 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0
66,000 ......................... 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 44,000 ........... 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0
65,500 ......................... 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 43,500 ........... 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0
65,000 ......................... 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 43,000 ........... 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0
64,500 ......................... 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 42,500 ........... 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0
64,000 ......................... 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 42,000 ........... 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0
63,500 ......................... 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 41,500 ........... 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
63,000 ......................... 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 41,000 ........... 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
62,500 ......................... 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 40,500 ........... 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
62,000 ......................... 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 40,000 ........... 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
61,500 ......................... 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 39,500 ........... 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
61,000 ......................... 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 39,000 ........... 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
60,500 ......................... 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 38,500 ........... 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
60,000 ......................... 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 38,000 ........... 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0
59,500 ......................... 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 37,500 ........... 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0
59,000 ......................... 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 37,000 ........... 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
58,500 ......................... 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 36,500 ........... 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
58,000 ......................... 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 36,000 ........... 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
57,500 ......................... 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 35,500 ........... 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
57,000 ......................... 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 35,000 ........... 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
56,500 ......................... 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 34,500 ........... 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0
56,000 ......................... 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 34,000 ........... 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0
55,500 ......................... 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 33,500 ........... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
55,000 ......................... 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 33,000 ........... 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
54,500 ......................... 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 32,500 ........... 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0
54,000 ......................... 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 32,000 ........... 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
53,500 ......................... 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 31,500 ........... 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0
53,000 ......................... 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 31,000 ........... 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0
52,500 ......................... 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 30,500 ........... 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0
52,000 ......................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 30,000 ........... 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0
51,500 ......................... 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 29,500 ........... 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
51,000 ......................... 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 29,000 ........... 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0
50,500 ......................... 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 28,500 ........... 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
50,000 ......................... 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 28,000 ........... 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1
49,500 ......................... 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 27,500 ........... 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1
49,000 ......................... 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 27,000 ........... 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1
48,500 ......................... 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 26,500 ........... 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
48,000 ......................... 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 26,000 ........... 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1
47,500 ......................... 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 25,500 ........... 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1
47,000 ......................... 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 25,000 ........... 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1
46,500 ......................... 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 24,500 ........... 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1
46,000 ......................... 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 24,000 ........... 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
45,500 ......................... 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0
OFF
ON
0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
TUNING SWITCH SETUP FOR MIAMI, FL
GAMMAS FOR MIAMI, FL
(SEE MAP) = 47,500 gammas
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRONT OF FISH
10 POSITION TUNING SWITCH
FISH PREAMP BOARD
OFF=0
ON=1
TUNING EXAMPLE FOR MIAMI FLORIDA
NOT VALID

19
FIELD USE
READOUT INTERPRETATION: The key to successful magging is interpretation of the READOUT. If you
follow the recommendations below, you will become an expert at it very quickly.
1. Practice on land - have a friend walk (slowly) by the Head carrying different size metal objects and
at different distances from the Head. Observe the READOUT while watching him. Keep in mind
that the READOUT can only change at the end of READ time (readout will go blank during 1/4
second READ time. Try approaching the Head from different angles. Recommended metal
objects: five gallon can, wheelbarrow, car (drive it past Fish).
OBSERVATIONS: (as you are walking past head with metal).
Small object up close - Large change in READOUT but only lasts for one or two cycles.
Small object at distance - Small change in READOUT that lasts for one or two cycles.
Large object up close - Large change in READOUT that lasts for many cycles.
Large object at distance - Small change in READOUT that lasts for many cycles.
2. READOUT will normally change (up or down) while towing - When you are towing the FISH, the
READOUT will gradually change as you are making a run (the earths magnetic field is different
every 20' or so). This is especially true when magging just off-shore. What you look for is a
deviation of the pattern.
DEVIATION EXAMPLE
We were magging for a large object (1/2 of a tanker) and making 1/2 mile runs approximately 200'
apart. At the east end of the run, the READOUT was 57,768; at the west end, 57,624. Each run
was about the same with the READOUT gradually changing (one pulse difference at a time) during
the run. On our eighth run, the count was stepping down as normal when suddenly it dropped -
20, then -60 more, followed by -200 more. As we continued our run, the READOUT jumped back
up +150, +125, and by the end of the run was back to normal. Many passes were made, looking
for the maximum change (from 57,768) before we dove on the wreck.
3. Verify reading - Never dive as a result of a single reading. Periodically, you may receive a false
reading due to a noise or a malfunction of the mag. Always make several passes to verify.

20
FEET OF TOW ROPE
5'
10'
15'
20'
25'
FISH
DEPTH
50'
100'
150'
200'
250'
300'
1-2 MPH
4. Use buoys - For laying out a grid pattern for searching and for marking readings. When you get
a reading, drop a buoy immediately and a second one about 50' later. This gives you alignment
for finding the exact spot should you have problems on the next pass. The buoys are a must if you
are looking for a small object (cannon).
TOWING: Uncoil the rope on deck and lower the Fish overboard, towing 1-2 MPH. Slowly let out rope the
desired amount and tie off. DO NOT MAKE SHARP BENDS IN THE ROPE. Do not tie rope off on cleat. Do
not coil rope next to motor, or to allow the rope to pass next to the motor; the motor generates a lot of electrical
noise, which can be picked up by the cable and cause the readout to be unstable. At the end of a run, do not
make a sharp turn, but rather a medium turn at increased speed to prevent Fish from sinking to the bottom.
At 2 MPH and 150' of tow rope out, the Fish will be approximately 20' deep.
To retrieve the Fish while towing, slow boat to 1-2 MPH and pull in the Fish. If possible, allow tow cable several
hours on deck (to drain water) before putting it back in the box. Be sure cable connector is protected from the
water at all times (put in plastic bag).
If you are using the UA2 altimeter, be sure the sync cable from the Proton 4 control box is connected to the
back of the UA2. If the UA2 is allowed to free-run it will interfere with the Proton 4 readout (readout jumps
around).