Minelab F3 User manual

OPERATIONS MANUAL
F3 COMPACT Ve r s i o n 2
Metal Detector
Part No: 4901-0174 Revision 2

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THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY,
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ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED. THIS MATERIAL MUST NOT BE
USED WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LTD.
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Ltd of 2Second Avenue, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.

F3 COMPACT Version 2 Operations Manual
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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 COMPACT Main Components .........................................................6
2.3 F3 COMPACT Preparation....................................................................8
3. Functional Description..........................................................................12
3.1Functional Controls and Displays........................................................12
3.1.1 On/Off Switch............................................................................12
3.1.2 Sensitivity Knob.........................................................................13
3.1.3 Ground Balance/Audio Reset Button........................................14
3.1.4 Noise Cancel Button .................................................................14
3.1.5 Volume Control .........................................................................15
3.1.6 LED Display ..............................................................................15
3.1.7 Battery Status ...........................................................................17
3.1.8 Earset Socket............................................................................17
3.2 Functional Tones.................................................................................18
3.3 Test Piece –Functional Test ...............................................................19
4. Operating Procedures...........................................................................21
4.1 Introduction..........................................................................................21
4.2 Standard Procedure ............................................................................22
4.2.1 STEP 1 Switch ON....................................................................22
4.2.2 STEP 2 Ground Balance ..........................................................23
4.2.3 STEP 3 Test Piece....................................................................24
4.3 Optional Procedure .............................................................................26
4.3.1 Noise Cancel.............................................................................26
4.3.2 Audio Reset...............................................................................27
4.4 Sweeping Procedure...........................................................................29

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4.5 Pinpointing Procedure.........................................................................30
4.5.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target.....................................................30
4.5.2 STEP 2 Determine Centre of Target.........................................32
4.6 Multiple Targets...................................................................................33
4.6.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target.....................................................33
4.6.2 STEP 2 Determining the Centre of Target...............................34
4.7 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity.................................34
4.8 Completion of Operations....................................................................36
5. Care and Troubleshooting....................................................................37
5.1 Routine Care.......................................................................................37
5.2 Troubleshooting...................................................................................38
6. Specifications ........................................................................................39

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1. Introduction
Since 1996, Minelab has designed, developed and manufactured
its range of detectors to meet the requirements of mine and
unexploded ordnance clearance operations throughout the
world. Through its patented and unique technology, Minelab has
emphasised equipment capability and operator safety in its
products.
The F3 COMPACT is a lightweight, compact detector that
includes a uniquely designed mechanical platform thereby
providing superior ergonomics.
The F3 COMPACT incorporates patented bipolar 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. Bipolar technology also helps to eliminate the possibility of
initiating a magnetic influence mine. Combined with ‘static
coupling’ the F3 COMPACT does not require motion to detect a
target thereby making pinpointing techniques fast and accurate.
Figure 1: F3 COMPACT mine detector

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The F3 COMPACT is a robust detector that is extremely simple
to operate. When working in an 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 resulting in the
detector continuing to perform at maximum capability.
The F3 COMPACT incorporates several safety features such as
Low Battery and System 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 the operator with a quick and
easy check to ensure that the detector is working at its
operational capability.
The F3 COMPACT also provides a visual indication of detection
via a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display. Sensitivity settings can
be changed through seven preset selections. If required, the F3
COMPACT can be programmed to user initiated customised
volume and sensitivity selections using Minelab’s configuration
software.
Components of the F3 COMPACT are manufactured within tightly
controlled parameters so that they can be interchanged in the
field without any requirement for calibration.
The F3 COMPACT is designed to satisfy MIL STD 810G.
NOTE
Although the F3 COMPACT can withstand immersion to a depth of
three metres 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 COMPACT is supplied as a mine detecting set (Figure 2)
comprising:
Hard Case (optional)
Operations Manual
Detector
Field Guide
Soft Carry Bag
Test Piece
Earset (Speaker On and
Speaker Off variants)
Four C-Cell Batteries
(Alkaline or Rechargeable)
The optional Hard Case permits the stowage of the detector
inside the Soft Carry Bag and provides protection for the
detector when in transit or placed in storage.
The Soft Carry Bag allows the operator to comfortably carry the
detector when use of the Hard Case is impractical. The Soft
Carry Bag is not suitable for use when transporting the detector
by road or air. For added protection during road or air transport, it
is recommended that the detector be packed in the Hard Case.
Figure 2:F3 COMPACT mine detecting set

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2.2 F3 COMPACT Main Components
Figure 3 identifies the main components of the F3 COMPACT.
Battery Compartment –contains 4 x C cell alkaline or
rechargeable batteries. A battery map is provided to indicate correct
alignment of batteries.
Armrest and Strap –provided for operator comfort when the F3
COMPACT is used for prolonged periods. The Armrest can be
extended for operator comfort.
Figure 3: F3 COMPACT main components
Armrest Strap
Controls
Upper Shaft
Upper Camlock
Middle Shaft
Lower Camlock
Coil
Lower Shaft
Coil Pivot Assembly
Skid Plate
Test Piece
Battery
Compartment
Earset
Connector
Main Body
Armrest

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Test Piece –conveniently stowed on the Armrest to allow the
operator to ensure the detector is working at its operational
capability.
Earset Connector –provides connection for the Earset and also
the programming cable when using the configuration software to
customise volume and sensitivity settings.
Main Body –waterproof housing containing the detector electronics
and batteries.
Handle Assembly –collapsible handle that also contains Ground
Balance/Audio Reset button, LED display, LED On/Off button, Noise
Cancel button, Volume Increase/Decrease and Battery Low LED
indicator.
Controls –On/Off and Sensitivity selection knobs –both controls
have a lift to turn safety feature to prevent accidental adjustment.
Shaft Hinge –pivot point for unfolding or folding the shafts. The
hinge is only locked in position when the Handle Assembly is in its
deployed position.
Upper, Middle, Lower Shafts –carbon fibre shafts that are
adjustable for operator comfort and for changes in demining
positions.
Upper and Lower Camlocks –self-cleaning locking mechanisms to
secure middle and lower shafts.
Coil Pivot Assembly –permits the tilt and rotation of the coil and
provides a tension screw for adjustment as required.
Coil –waterproof enclosed coil to eliminate possible interference
from vegetation. The coil’s mono loop design ensures consistent
sensitivity around the entire circumference, and across the complete
surface of the coil.
Skid Plate –removable cover that protects and prolongs the life of
the coil thereby reducing maintenance costs.

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2.3 F3 COMPACT Preparation
To prepare the detector for use, conduct the following procedure:
a. Open the Hard Case and/or Soft Carry Bag.
b. Remove the F3 COMPACT and inspect for obvious signs of
damage. If damage is evident, report to the supervisor/team
leader.
c. Unlock the Battery Compartment Lid by twisting the Battery
Lock Lever counter clockwise one-quarter turn. Once
unlocked, pull the lid away from the Battery Compartment (the
lid will stay attached by a tether as shown in Figure 4).
d. Using the battery map located on the side of the Main Body,
insert four C cell batteries. Close the Battery Lid and rotate the
Battery Lock Lever clockwise one-quarter turn. If the batteries
are inserted incorrectly, the F3 COMPACT will fail to function
when switched on.
e. Using Figure 5 as a guide, unfold and adjust the F3
COMPACT.
f. Extend the Lower and Middle Shafts to suit the selected
demining position as shown in Figure 6.
NOTE
The F3 COMPACT requires 4 C cell batteries for operation. Use only
high quality alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Minelab recommends
that only rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 4000 mAH or
greater be used with the F3 COMPACT. Rechargeable batteries
have specific charge/discharge maintenance requirements, which
should be strictly followed to ensure maximum battery life.
Figure 4: Opening the Battery Lid