Minelab F3 Mine Detector User manual

F3 Mine Detector
Rev: 6
Part No: 4901 0043
OPERATIONS MANUAL
F3L Configuration
(Optional)
Configuration

WARNING
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY,
TECHNICAL AND PROPRIETARY DATA AND INFORMATION
AND OTHER MATERIAL OWNED SOLELY BY MINELAB
ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED. THIS MATERIAL MUST NOT BE
USED WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LTD.
© MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This document is protected by copyright. Apart from any use
permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) or other
applicable laws, any unauthorised use, appropriation or reproduction
of this document or any part of it is strictly prohibited. No part of this
document may be used or reproduced by any means or by any
process, in any form, without the prior written permission of the
copyright owner Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd of 118 Hayward
Avenue, Torrensville, SA 5031, Australia.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ____________________________________3
2. General Description and Preparation________________5
2.1 Mine Detecting Set._______________________________ 5
2.2 F3 Main Components. ____________________________ 7
2.3 F3 Preparation. __________________________________ 8
2.4 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable._______ 13
2.5 Changing Endcaps. _____________________________ 14
3. Functional Description___________________________ 15
3.1 Functional Controls._____________________________ 15
3.2 Sensitivity Endcaps._____________________________ 17
3.3 Functional Tones._______________________________ 18
3.4 Test Piece –Functional Test. _____________________ 20
4. F3L Configuration_______________________________21
4.1 Introduction. ___________________________________ 21
4.2 Description.____________________________________ 21
4.3 Operation-Volume/Sensitivity Control.______________ 22
4.4 Operation-LED Display. __________________________ 23
4.5 Battery Status. _________________________________ 25
5. F3S Configuration Yellow Endcap._________________26
5.1 Introduction. ___________________________________ 26
5.2 Description.____________________________________ 26
6. Operating Procedures ___________________________27
6.1 Introduction. ___________________________________ 27
6.2 Standard Procedure. ____________________________ 28
6.3 Optional Procedure. _____________________________ 32

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6.4 Sweeping Procedure.____________________________ 36
6.5 Pinpointing Procedure. __________________________ 37
6.6 Multiple Targets.________________________________ 39
6.7 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity. _____ 41
6.8 Completion of Operations.________________________ 42
7. Care and Trouble Shooting _______________________43
7.1 Routine Care. __________________________________ 43
7.2 Trouble Shooting._______________________________ 44
8. Specifications ___45

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1. Introduction
1.1 Since 1996, Minelab has designed, developed and
manufactured its range of detectors to meet the requirements of
mine and explosive ordnance clearance operations throughout the
world. Through its patented and unique technology, Minelab has
emphasised equipment capability and operator safety in its products.
1.2 The F3 mine detector incorporates patented Bi-polar
technology that enhances Minelab‟s renowned and highly successful
Multi-Period-Sensing (MPS) technology. Through MPS, the
sensitivity of a detector remains consistent regardless of the
mineralised content of soil. Additionally, Bi-polar technology assists
in eliminating the possibility of initiating a magnetic influence mine.
Combined with “static coupling” the F3 does not require motion to
detect a target thereby making pin-pointing techniques fast and
accurate.
Figure 1: F3 Mine detector

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1.3 The F3 is a robust detector that is extremely simple to
operate. There are no complicated controls resulting in the operator
being able to focus on the vital task of mine detection. If mine
detection occurs in a “difficult” environment that includes highly
mineralised ground or electrical interference from overhead power
lines or other sources, simple and quick semi-automatic procedures
can be initiated by an operator to allow the detector to continue
performing at maximum capability.
1.4 The F3 incorporates several safety features such as Low
Battery and Fault warnings; audible confirmation at the completion of
specific operational procedures; and continuous microprocessor
controlled internal self-testing. The inclusion of a Test Piece
provides an operator with a quick and easy test to ensure the
detector is working to its operational capability.
1.5 The F3 can be supplied with an optional Light Emitting
Diode (LED) display and Volume/Sensitivity Control. In this
configuration, the detector is known as the F3L.
1.6 Components of the F3 are manufactured within tightly
controlled parameters so that they can be interchanged in the field
without any requirement for calibration.
1.7 The F3 is designed to satisfy MIL STD 810F:
Method 512.4 Water Immersion (IP67)
Method 514.5 Vibration
Method 516.5 Shock
NOTE
Although the F3 can withstand immersion to a depth of 3m for short
periods of time, it is NOT designed for use as an underwater
detector.

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2. General Description and Preparation
2.1 Mine Detecting Set.
The F3 is supplied as a mine detecting set (Figure 2) comprising:
Hard Case Test Piece
Detector Operations Manual
Soft Carry Bag Field Guide
Earset
Red Endcap (Low Sensitivity)
Four D-Cell Batteries (Alkaline or Rechargeable)
Battery Pack Bag and Battery Pack Extension Cable (optional)
Figure 2: F3 Mine Detecting Set

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a. As illustrated in Figure 2, the Hard Case includes an insert for
easy placement of the F3 and accessories. The case also
provides protection for the detector and it is recommended that
the F3 be secured in its Hard Case whenever it is not in use or
during transit. Failure to transport the detector in the supplied
Hard Case may void warranty.
b. A Soft Carry Bag is supplied to allow an operator to comfortably
carry the detector when use of the Hard Case is impractical (e.g.
when walking through rough terrain). The Soft Carry Bag is not
designed to transport the detector by road or air. The detector
must be packed in the Hard Case during road or air transport.
Figure 3 illustrates the position of the F3 inside the Soft Carry
Bag.
Figure 3: F3 Packed in the Soft Carry Bag

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2.2 F3 Main Components.
Figure 4 identifies the main components of the F3 which comprise:
Figure 4: F3 –Main Components
a. Sensitivity Endcap –the sensitivity of the F3 can be changed by
using either the Black (maximum), Red (minimum) or Yellow
(variable) Endcaps.
b. Armrest Strap –provided for operator comfort when the F3 is
used for prolonged periods.
c. Armrest –adjustable (via a camlock) to maximise comfort of use
for an operator.