JW Fishers PULSE 8X User manual

PULSE 8X
HAND-HELD UNDERWATER METAL DETECTOR
OPERATIONMANUAL
107
JW FISHERS MFG INC
1953 COUNTY ST.
E. TAUNTON, MA 02718 USA
[phone]; [phone]; FAX [phone]
Email: [email protected] WEB: www.jwfishers.com

CAUTION:
Do not allow your detector to be exposed to excessive heat by
leaving it in direct sunlight or inside of a closed vehicle on a
hot day. Excessive heat can damage the electronics and/or
destroy the detector’s waterproof seals.
NOTE:
If you purchased the optional “underwater connector on coil
wire”, before submerging the detector be sure the O-ring is in
the male half of the connector (the side mounted to the hous-
ing)andthefemalehalfoftheconnectorissecurelytightened.
When properly tightened, a small detent can be felt at the end
of the tightening.
When the coil wire is wrapped around the handle shaft no
strain should be placed on the wire where it attaches to the
connector. Sufficient slack should be left in the wire to create
relief at the connector. If the wire is wrapped tight it will pull
on the connector causing a leak into the connector.
Tape wire to shaft
if needed
Do not allow wire
to pull on connector
Correctsetup.Wiredoes not pull
downon connector
Badsetup, connector may leak.
Wirepulls downonconnector
Connector

INTRODUCTION
The Pulse 8X is one of the finest hand-held metal detectors manufac-
tured today. The Pulse 8X is used by commercial divers, US and foreign
military, law enforcement and dive rescue groups worldwide.
HOW PULSE DETECTORS WORK
Pulse detectors operate by transmitting a continuous stream of high en-
ergyelectromagneticpulses(onehundredpersecond),fromthecoil. After
each pulse is transmitted, the detector then “listens” using the coil as the
receiving antenna.
When a transmitted pulse hits a metal object, a magnetic field is induced
in the object. This causes eddy currents to flow in the metal, which in
turn generates a second magnetic field. This field is picked up by the
coil, amplified, and then displayed by the meter and heard in the speaker/
earphone.
Almost all metals are detectable by pulse induction. Stainless steel bolts
are not, but stainless steel props are (high iron content). The shape of the
metal can also influence its detectability. Almost any shape of target is
detectable except small loops of metal such as those used in a necklace.
Larger loops, such as rings are detectable. Alloy content of rings can
vary the detection range.
110
NOTE 2: When changing the battery, if any of the white plugs be-
come disconnected from the electronics board, reconnect the plugs
making sure that the mark on the side of the plug lines up with
mark on the electronics board.
- Insert the screws and snug up. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
- Make sure o-ring is visibly compressed all the way around.
Optional Cable Connector and Coils
An underwater connector on the coil wire is available. It allows the coil
tobedisconnected from the electronics housing. This enables field chang-
ing of different size coils. The available coils are: 5”, 7.5", 10", 16", 18"
with 100' of cable, 8" x 48" oval with skids and 100' of cable, and hand
held 1" probe (for pushing into sand/mud). When swapping coils on the
detector, be sure the o-ring is in place (in the housing side of the connec-
tor) and the locking ring is turned fully clockwise until it stops. The o-
ring size is 1/2" OD x 3/32" W. If water drops are present in either side of
the connector, allow it to air dry or use compressed air to dry before
reassembling.
MAINTENANCE
Your Pulse 8X was designed to be maintenance free. It is constructed of
corrosive resistant materials. However, as with most diving equipment,
it is recommended that it be rinsed in fresh water after use and stored in a
cool, dry place.
LIMITEDWARRANTY
Your detector underwent constant inspection during assembly to insure
many years of trouble free performance. The PULSE 8X is warranted for
TWO FULL YEARS from the date of purchase. During this period, your
detector will be repaired free of charge should a failure occur due to
materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover broken or cut
cables, broken shafts or coils, or damage due to dropping or general mis-
use.
Should service be required, write or phone us explaining the nature of
the problem, and we will provide shipping instructions. All repairs are
made at our factory. Repairs by unauthorized persons may void the

DETECTION AREA
The detection area for our pulse detectors is bowl shaped and is quite
large - much larger than the coil diameter.
The above illustration represents the detection area for a penny, a larger
object would have a larger detection area. Due to the large detection area
of the PULSE 8X, a variable sensitivity switch is provided. This enables
the sensitivity to be decreased, once a target is detected, to allow easy
pinpointing of the target.
Different size coils will effect the detection distance. The larger the coil
the deeper the ground penetration for larger objects; but the larger coils
will not detect small (coins, rings) targets as well as small coils.
If you purchased the underwater connector option you can easily change
coils in the field.
PULSE8X DETECTION RANGES WITH 71/2"COIL
•SMALL RING ........................................................... 5 IN. (13 cm)
•NICKEL ..................................................................... 6 IN. (15 cm)
•PENNY ...................................................................... 9 IN. (23 cm)
•QUARTER ........................................................... 9 1/2 IN. (24 cm)
•2"x2"x1/8" ALUMINUM ........................................ 12 IN. (30 cm)
•4"x4"x1/8" ALUMINUM ........................................ 15 IN. (38 cm)
•1 GALLON CAN..................................................... 30 IN. (77 cm)
•LARGER TARGETS TO A MAXIMUM ............ 6+FT. (180+cm)
2
OPTIONALSPAREBATTERYPACK
The spare battery pack is identical to the battery pack that comes with the
PULSE 8X. The Pulse 8X battery pack is made up of seven sub-C 1.2
volt NiCad batteries.
Charging Spare Battery Pack
If you use a spare battery pack it must be charged 12-14 hours by install-
ing it in the detector (see below).
Removing the electronics for changing batteries
- Remove the six 6-32 x 5/8" stainless screws from the front face-
plate.
- Pull the electronics straight out.
- Unplug the battery cable from the board and plug in the new bat-
tery (OK to reverse the plug around).
- Clean the o-ring and o-ring seat on the housing.
- Lubricate the o-ring with a silicone based grease (wiping off any
excess oil)
- Position the battery under the electronics.
- Place the o-ring around the small faceplate (sm. faceplate is the
small yellow faceplate behind the large clear faceplate). Carefully
insert the battery and electronics into the housing.
- Holding the housing opening straight up, use two (2) playing cards
to push the o-ring into the seat while applying a slight pressure
against the faceplate.
- Tighten the six 6-32 x 5/8" screws into the faceplate while still
applying pressure so the o-ring will remain in place.
NOTE 1: Never use glue or any adhesive to hold the o-ring in place
as this may allow water to enter the housing.
9

ASSEMBLYFOR UNDERWATER USE
- Attach the electronics housing to the underwater PVC handle as-
sembly using the (2) 10-32x1 1/4" thumbscrews with washers.
- Neatly wind the coil wire around the bottom part of the handle
shaft.
- Attach the coil to the forked end of the shaft using the 3/8"-16 black
nylon bolt and wing nut.
NOTE: If you purchased the optional “underwater connector on
coil wire” (it is black hard plastic), the coil wire can be removed
from the case by turning the knurled ring, on the connector, coun-
terclockwise a half turn and pulling the connector straight out. Be
sure you do not lose the O-ring which is inside the male half of the
connector. The O-ring size is 3/8" ID x 1/16".
The PULSE 8X is now ready for operation in the standard underwater
configuration.
3
BATTERYCHARGERS
The chargers (120vac or 12vdc) connect to the charger connector
on back of the PULSE 8X housing. Charge current will be 120-130
mA. 12-14 hours charging time is required to completely recharge low
batteries. The charge LED on the faceplate will illuminate while the
charging is taking place (when charging from a 12v battery, the light may
dim or go out as the batteries near full charge). Do not leave the charger
continuously charging the batteries (for many days). This can shorten
the battery life. Charged batteries will power the detector for 9-10 hours.
The batteries should be completely discharged at least once a year before
fully recharging; this gets rid of any “battery memory”.
CHARGEROPERATINGPROCEDURES
- Select charger to be used, 120vac or 12vdc.
- Wipe off charger connection on back of PULSE 8X housing.
- Attach charger connector on connector on back of housing. Do
not over tighten, just snug will do.
- Turn selection switch to OFF.
- Connect input power to charger
Note: If using 12V battery as input; connect red clip to terminal
(+) terminal on battery.
- Charge LED on faceplate will be illuminated while charging
is taking place.
- When fully charged, the battery will provide 9-10 hours of con-
tinuous use. The battery requires 12-14 hours to fully recharge.
The batteries cannot be overcharged.
- DO NOT USE ANY CHARGER OTHER THAN THE ONE PRO-
VIDED. 8
lift the coil off the ground as high as possible while still detecting the
target. Due to the bowl shaped detection pattern, the greatest reading
will occur when the target is directly below the center of the coil.
NOTE: You may need to use LO and MED sensitivity settings
for pinpointing most objects. When sensitivity settings are
changed, the Zero Adjust knob must be moved to position the
needle between .1 and .2.
NOTE: When the coil wire is wrapped around the handle shaft no
strain should be placed on the wire where it attaches to the connector.
Sufficient slack should be left in the wire to create relief at the connec-
tor. If the wire is wrapped right it will pull on the connector causing a
leak into the connector.
UNDERWATERPVCHANDLE
Thumbscrews
Do not put
downward
strain on
connector
Tape wire in-
place if needed

7
OPERATION
1. After the detector has been assembled, for underwater or land use,
take it outside to familiarize yourself with its operation. Position it so
the coil is up off the ground, and away from all metals.
2. Turn the detector on by turning the Selection Switch to BATT CHECK
position. The meter should read .8 to 1. The LEAK LED should be lit
indicating the leak detection circuitry is working.
3. Turn the Selection Switch to LOW position. Use the Zero Adjust
knob to tune the needle below .2 (audio stops) on the meter scale. You
are ready to start detection. CAUTION - Do Not Overturn Control
Knobs.
4. Locate a “clean area” of ground (no readings) and place different sizes
of metal objects on the ground and practice detecting and pinpointing
them.
NOTE:
If you get too close to a metal object, it causes the meter to peg full
scale. The meter may remain pegged for a few seconds even after you
move away from the target.
When this happens, lift the coil away from the ground (increase the
distance to the target) and make another pass to pinpoint the target.
The maximum meter reading will occur when the target is directly
below the center of coil.
5. To get even greater sensitivity with your PULSE 8X, select MED sen-
sitivity. Use the zero adjust knob to tune the needle between .1 and .2
on the meter scale.
6. To get maximum sensitivity, select HI. Use the Zero Adjust knob to
adjust the needle between .1 and .2.
7. Due to the high sensitivity of the PULSE 8X, pinpointing the target
when it is close to the surface can sometimes be difficult. When this
occurs, reduce the sensitivity, using the Selection Switch, to the low-
est position possible while still allowing detection of the target. Next,
OPTIONALUNDERWATER SETUP
Remove the Electronics Housing from the Arm Rest Handle by removing
the (2) 10-32 x 1 1/4" thumb screws.
The Electronics Housing can now be worn on the waist by sliding the
belt through the (2) belt holders on the underside of the housing.
ASSEMBLY FOR LAND USE
Your detector comes with an aluminum land handle that was designed as
a result of extensive customer feedback. The land handle is constructed
of heavy-gauge aluminum with adjustable coil shaft and arm support.
Both shafts adjust quickly with a small thumb screw. O-rings added to
the arm support shaft eliminate play giving the handle a solid feel. The
electronics housing can be worn around the waist/chest or it can be
mounted on the handle shaft.
- Attach the coil to the forked end of the aluminum land handle with
the 3/8 x 1 1/2" black nylon bolt and wing nut.
For belt mount:
- Slide the yellow belt through the belt holders on the underside of
the electronics housing. Wear the belt around the waist or chest.
For pole mount:
- Attach electronic housing to pole handle using
10-32 x 1 1/2" thumb screws.
4
LANDHANDLE
Thumbscrews

SWITCH, CONTROLS & CONNECTORS
Selection Switch A five position switch is used to control the
operation mode of the PULSE 8X.
Pos. 1) OFF - All power is disconnected from the
electronics. Batteries are charged in this posi-
tion.
Pos. 2) BATTERYCHECK/LED CHECK -Inthebat-
tery check position the meter becomes a volt
meter showing battery voltage from 0-10 volts
(full scale). The detector will work with a
battery reading of 8 to 10 volts. Leak detec-
tion circuitry is also tested (red LED will light)
to ensure it is working.
Pos. 3,4,5) LO/MED/HI - Three different sensitivity set-
tings. Normal operation is in HI position with
LO/MED used to pinpoint targets that give a
very strong reading in the HI position.
Zero Adjust A control knob that adjusts the position of
the needle on the meter scale. With no metal
near the coil, the zero adjust knob is turned
clockwise until the audio just starts to sound
(about .2 on meter), and then the knob is turned
back slightly.
“Ear” Connector Provides the audio output to underwater or
land earphones. An audio signal will be heard
with a meter reading of .2 and above. The
frequency (tone) of the signal shifts with a
change in the meter. The earphone can be
connected to the detector in or out of water.
The single underwater earphone is used by
sliding it under the mask strap or into the
hood, on or near the ear. An optional dual
underwater headset is also available.
56
The stereo land headset should be kept out of
water. However, the connector is waterproof
and can be submerged with the detector when
wading in the water. The volume of the land
headset can be adjusted by a control knob on
the outside of each earmuff.
An optional “dual underwater headset”, a ste-
reo headset for underwater use, is also avail-
able.
Battery Charger The battery charger connector is located on
thebackof the housing. The Selection Switch
must be in the OFF position for charging to
take place. It is not necessary to cover this
connector when diving.
Leak LED Illuminates if water has leaked into the elec-
tronics housing. When the Selection Switch
is in the Leak LED Position, the LED is forced
on for test. Actual sensing for leak occurs in
the Low, Medium, and High settings.
NOTE: If the battery voltage drops to 8 volts
or less (.8 on meter) the Leak LED will light,
giving a false leak indication.
Charge LED Illuminates when batteries are being charged.
Full charge will occur in 12 to 14 hours. The
light may go out when batteries are fully
charged.

11
warranty.
RETURNINGDETECTOR FORREPAIR
If your detector should need service, you can write, or e-mail:
[email protected], phone [phone], or fax [phone] the
factory for instructions. We do not require authorization for the return
equipment. If you have a problem with your detector and would like to
have it checked out at the factory, simply pack the detector well and
return it with a brief note describing the problem. Be sure to include your
return address and telephone number on the note. When returning equip-
ment from outside of the US, contact the factory for specific instructions
regarding shipping.
Carry Bag
AluminumLandHandle
PVCUnderwater Handle
PVCArm Rest for Land Handle
AccessoryPouch
Belt
AC Charger
DC Charger
LandHeadset
CoilShaft for LandHandle
Spare Parts Kit
UnderwaterEarphone