Minelab F3 User manual

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1
WARNING
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS
MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED
RIGHTS TECHNICAL DATA OR
RESTRICTED RIGHTS DATA
OR BOTH.
 Minelab Electronics
This work is copyright. Apart from any use
as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968,
no part may be reproduced by any process
without written permission from
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
118 Hayward Avenue,
Torrensville, SA 5031
Australia

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ................................................................................... 4
2. General Description and Preparation........................................... 6
2.1 Mine Detecting Set .................................................................... 6
2.2 F3 Main Components ................................................................ 8
2.3 F3 Preparation........................................................................... 9
2.4 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable ........................ 14
2.5 Changing Endcaps .................................................................. 15
3. Functional Description................................................................ 16
3.1 Functional Controls.................................................................. 16
3.2 Sensitivity Endcaps ................................................................. 18
3.3 Functional Tones..................................................................... 19
3.4 Test Piece - Functional Test .................................................... 21
4. F3L Configuration........................................................................ 22
4.1 Introduction.............................................................................. 22
4.2 Description .............................................................................. 22
4.3 Operation-Volume/Sensitivity Control ...................................... 23
4.4 Operation-LED Display............................................................ 24
5. Operating Procedures................................................................. 27
5.1 Introduction.............................................................................. 27
5.2 Standard Procedure ................................................................ 28
5.3 Optional Procedure.................................................................. 32
5.4 Sweeping Procedure ............................................................... 36
5.5 Pin-Pointing Procedure............................................................ 37
5.6 Multiple Targets....................................................................... 39
5.7 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity ...................... 41

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5.8 Completion of Operations ........................................................ 42
6. Care and Trouble Shooting......................................................... 43
6.1 Routine Care ........................................................................... 43
6.2 Trouble Shooting ..................................................................... 44
7. Specifications.............................................................................. 46

4
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.
P0631-A
Figure 1: F3 Mine detector

5
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 over head 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.

6
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

7
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

8
2.2 F3 Main Components. Figure 4 identifies the main
components of the F3 which comprise:
P0635-A
Skidplate
Coil
Lower
Shaft
Middle
Shaft
Handle
Armrest
Armrest
Strap Endcap
Electronics
Pack
Battery
Pack
Upper
Shaft
Middle
Camlock
Upper
Camlock
Lower
Camlock
Figure 4: F3 – Main Components
a. Sensitivity Endcap – the sensitivity of the F3 can be changed by
using either the Black (maximum) or Red (minimum) 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.

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d. Electronics Pack – contains the electronics of the F3 and is
permanently fixed to the detector.
e. Upper Shaft – made of aluminium for increased robustness and
provides mounting for the Handle, Battery Pack, Electronics
Pack and Armrest.
f. Battery Pack – removable to reduce the weight of the F3 for
periods of prolonged use – contains four D cell batteries.
g. Handle – ergonomically designed for operator comfort and
includes Earset connector and F3 controls.
h. Middle Shaft – made of aluminium for robustness and adjustable
for operator comfort or for changes in demining positions.
i. Lower Shaft – made of impact resistant carbon fibre and is
adjustable.
j. Lower, Middle and Upper Camlocks – self-cleaning locking
mechanisms to position the coil, lower and middle shafts.
k. Coil – enclosed waterproof coil to eliminate possible interference
from vegetation – can be rotated 180 degrees – a monoloop
design that ensures consistent sensitivity around the entire
circumference of the coil and across the complete surface of the
coil.
l. Skid Plate – removable plastic disk that protects and prolongs
the life of the coil thereby reducing maintenance costs.
2.3 F3 Preparation. To prepare the detector for use,
conduct the following procedure:
a. Open the Hard Case or Soft Carry Bag.
b. Remove the F3 and inspect for obvious signs of damage.
c. Check that the correct Sensitivity Endcap is selected and fitted
correctly (if not, exchange Endcaps as described at Section 2.5).
d. Hold the F3 in an inverted position with the Endcap resting
against the inside of the Hard Case (or Soft Carry Bag).