Minelab F3 User manual

F3 COMPACT
Revision 02
Part No: 4901-0103
OPERATIONS MANUAL

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.
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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.

F3 COMPACT 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 .................................................................. 13
3.1 Functional Controls and Displays 13
3.1.1 On/Off Knob ................................................................. 13
3.1.2 Sensitivity Knob ............................................................ 14
3.1.3 Ground Balance/Audio Reset Button ...........................15
3.1.4 Noise Cancel Button .................................................... 15
3.1.5 LED Display ..................................................................16
3.1.6 Battery Status ............................................................... 17
3.1.7 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 Procedures 26
4.3.1 Noise Cancel ................................................................26
4.3.2 Audio Reset ..................................................................27
4.4 Sweeping Procedure 29

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F3 COMPACT Operations Manual
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 35
5. Care and Troubleshooting .............................................................37
5.1 Routine Care 37
5.2 Troubleshooting 38
6. Specifications .................................................................................39

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual
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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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F3 COMPACT Operations Manual
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 and volume 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.

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual
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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)
• Detector
• Soft Carry Bag
• Earset (Speaker On and
Speaker Off variants)
Figure 2: F3 COMPACT mine detecting set
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.
F3 COMPACT
Mine Detector
12 seconds
Audio
Reset
45 seconds...
60cm
(24”)
1
2
3
15cm
(6”)
60cm
(24”)
4903-0047-1
• Operations Manual
• Field Guide
• Test Piece
• Four C-Cell Batteries
(Alkaline or Rechargeable)

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

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual
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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 and Battery Low LED indicator.
Controls – On/Off and Volume/Sensitivity selection knobs – both
controls cannot be accidentally rotated.
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; can be rotated 180 degrees. The mono loop design
ensures consistent sensitivity around the entire circumference, and
across the complete surface of the coil.
Skid Plate – removable disk that protects and prolongs the life of the
coil thereby reducing maintenance costs.

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F3 COMPACT Operations Manual
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. Taking care not to snag or trap the
tether, replace the Battery Compartment 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.
Figure 4: Removing the Battery Compartment Lid
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.