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

3
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.

9
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).

10
e. Unlock the Battery Pack Lid by twisting the Battery Lock Lever
counter clockwise one-quarter turn. Once unlocked, pull the lid
away from the Battery Pack (the lid will stay attached to the
Battery Pack by a tether – Figure 5).
P0615-A
Battery
Map
Battery
Pack
Battery
Pack Lid
Battery
Lock
Lever
Figure 5: Removing the Battery Pack Lid
f. Using the battery maps, located on the side of the Battery Pack
and on the inside of the Battery Pack Lid, insert four D cell
batteries. Replace the Battery Pack Lid and rotate the Battery
Lock Lever clockwise one-quarter turn. If the batteries are
inserted incorrectly, the F3 will fail to function when switched on.
NOTE
The F3 requires 4 D cell batteries for operation. Use only high
quality alkaline (LR20) or rechargeable batteries. Minelab
recommends that only rechargeable batteries with a capacity of
4000 mAH or greater be used with the F3. Rechargeable batteries
have specific charge/discharge maintenance requirements, which
should be strictly followed to ensure maximum battery life. Only
NiCad and NiMh type D cell rechargeable batteries are suitable for
use with the F3.

11
g. Extend the Lower and Middle Shafts to suit the selected
demining position as shown in Figure 6. For use in the standing
position:
Figure 6: F3 in the Standing, Kneeling or Prone Positions
•Open the Lower Camlock and rotate the coil to the desired
position. The normal operating position of the coil is in line with
the shaft. However, the coil can also be positioned at right
angles to either side of the shaft (required if the F3 is to be used
in the prone position). Once the position of the coil is selected,
lock it into position by closing the Lower Camlock.
P0618-A
P0619-A
P0620-A

12
Upper
Camlock
Middle
Camlock
Lower
Camlock P0617-A
Figure 7: Camlock Locations
•Holding the detector with the coil pointing toward the ground,
open the Middle Camlock and extend the Lower Shaft to the
desired length. Lock the Lower Shaft into position by closing the
Middle Camlock.
NOTE
The Lower Shaft must be extended at least 100mm (4ins). Incorrect
operation of the detector may result if the detector is used with the
Lower Shaft fully retracted.
•Open the Upper Camlock and extend the Middle Shaft to the
desired length. Lock the Middle Shaft into position by closing
the Upper Camlock.
h. Undo the dustcaps from the Earset plug and Earset socket on
the detector. As shown in Figure 8, gently hold the Earset by the
rubber collar using thumb and index finger (raised double arrow
should be uppermost). Align the plug with the Earset socket and
firmly slide the collar onto the socket. Confirm the plug is locked
into position by gently pulling back on the rubber collar.

13
P0638-B
Figure 8: Fitting the Earset
NOTE
The Earset connector is waterproof and it is most important that it is
connected and disconnected from the Earset socket by holding the
rubber collar. Do not attempt to connect or disconnect the Earset by
pushing or pulling on the strain relief or wire at the rear of the rubber
collar.
i. For operator comfort, adjust the Armrest by opening the Armrest
Camlock and then slide the Armrest to the desired position.
Lock the Armrest Camlock and tighten the Armstrap as required.
j. The F3 is now ready for use. Refer to Chapter 3 for Functional
Description and Chapter 5 for Operating Procedures.
k. To repack the F3, the procedure described above should be
reversed.
NOTE
Batteries can be inserted and removed from the Battery Pack while
attached to the Upper Shaft as described at Section 2.3.e.
Alternatively, the Battery Pack can be removed from the Upper Shaft
by pulling down the Lock Lever located between the Battery Pack
and the Electronics Pack as shown in Figure 9.

14
P0616-A
Electronics
Pack
Lock
Lever
Battery
Pack
Upper
Shaft
Figure 9: Battery Pack Removal
To refit the Battery Pack, ensure that the Lock Lever at the front of
the Electronics Pack is in the unlocked position and position the
Battery Pack on the rail underneath the Upper Shaft.
Slowly slide the Battery Pack towards the Electronics Pack until the
connector is firmly engaged. Secure the Battery Pack by rotating
the Lock Lever in a clockwise motion into the locked position.
2.4 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable. If
required, the Battery Pack can be separated from the Upper Shaft
thereby reducing the overall weight of the detector. Using the
bayonet connectors at each end of the Extension Cable, connect the
cable to the Battery Pack and feed the cable through the base of the
Battery Pack Bag before connecting to the Electronics Pack. The
Battery Pack Bag can then be clipped onto a belt worn by the
operator as shown in Figure 10.
P0653-A
Figure 10: Battery Pack Separated from Upper Shaft

15
2.5 Changing Endcaps. The F3 can be used with Black or
Red Sensitivity Endcaps. The decision on which Endcap to use will
be provided by the local authority. To fit a Sensitivity Endcap:
a. Ensure the F3 is switched off.
b. Place the thumb of one hand in the centre of the Endcap and
curl the fingers under the base of the Endcap.
c. Gently push inwards with the thumb and simultaneously pull the
base of the Endcap away from the Electronics Pack (Figure 11).
d. Exchange or replace the Endcap by gently positioning the inside
of the base of the Endcap under the base of the Electronics
Pack. Using the palm of the hand, apply light pressure to fit the
Endcap into position.
Figure 11: Removing a Sensitivity Endcap
**WARNING**
The Sensitivity Endcap also provides impact protection to
the Electronics Pack. Whenever an Endcap has been
removed from the Electronics Pack never
place the base of
the detector against the ground or sharp objects.
P0650-A
P0651-A

16
3. Functional Description
3.1 Functional Controls. For ease of use, all controls for
the F3 are located on the Handle. For information on the additional
controls included in the F3L configuration, refer to Chapter 4. Figure
12 illustrates the location of all controls:
On/Off
Switch
Ground
Balance/
Audio Reset
Button
Noise
Cancel
Button
P0621-A
Earset
Socket
Figure 12: F3 Controls
a. On/Off Switch.
•The F3 is switched on by sliding the On/Off Switch toward the
Handle. When switched on, the F3 completes a series of
internal start-up functions including initialisation of the
microprocessor and self-tests which check internal power
supplies, transmitter etc.
•These internal diagnostics take approximately 12 seconds to
complete during which the operator will hear a series of rising
tones (known as the Start-Up Tones).
•At the completion of the Start-Up Tones the F3 emits a low
steady tone known as the Threshold Tone, which confirms to the
operator that the F3 is functioning correctly.

17
•During operation, continuous internal self-testing continues and
an alarm tone is triggered on detection of any fault condition
(refer to Section 3.3 for a description of the alarm tones).
•To turn the F3 off, slide the On/Off Switch away from the Handle.
b. Ground Balance/Audio Reset Button. Easily identifiable as the
Green Button located on top of the Handle, this dual action
button carries out the following functions:
•
••
•Ground Balance. A key feature of the F3 is its ability to detect
metallic mines in all ground conditions. False alarms due to
mineralised (magnetic/lateritic) soils are automatically removed
through use of the Ground Balance function.
•Audio Reset. On occasion, the Threshold Tone may become
louder than normal. Holding the coil stationary over a metallic
object or over mineralised ground for an extended period of time
may cause this. Also, if the detector is being used in the
kneeling position (shafts retracted), any movement of the coil
relative to the shaft may cause the Threshold Tone to increase.
The Threshold Tone can be returned to the normal volume level
using the Audio Reset function.
c. Noise Cancel Button.
•Interference from electrical motors, lights, power lines and other
detectors can occasionally cause the Threshold Tone to vary in
pitch and volume. When this occurs, the ability of an operator to
distinguish targets may be degraded.
•Using the Noise Cancel function, an operator can initiate an
automatic frequency scanning sequence resulting in the F3
selecting an operating frequency that minimises the effect from
interference.
d. Earset Socket.
•The F3 has an internal speaker located inside the Handle.
However, the F3 can also be fitted with an Earset via the Earset
Socket. The procedure for connecting the Earset is described at
Section 2.3.h.

18
•A standard humanitarian demining Earset (Earset Speaker On)
permits the F3’s internal speaker to continue to function even
when the Earset is connected.
•
••
•For military countermine applications, an Earset that mutes the
F3’s internal speaker when the Earset is connected is available
(Earset Speaker Off). The Earset Speaker Off is identified by a
short length of green tubing located at the rear of the Earset
plug.
3.2 Sensitivity Endcaps. A unique feature of the F3 is its
ability to change sensitivity through the exchange of Sensitivity
Endcaps. This design feature eliminates the possibility of an
operator selecting the wrong sensitivity through manipulation of
knobs or switches. The Sensitivity Endcap provides an obvious
visual cue that confirms the level of sensitivity selected in the F3.
The F3 is supplied with Black and Red Sensitivity Endcaps.
•Black Sensitivity Endcap. With the Black Sensitivity Endcap
fitted, the F3 performs at maximum sensitivity. The Black
Endcap MUST be selected when searching for minimum metal
mines or when maximum clearance depth is required.
•Red Sensitivity Endcap. With the Red Sensitivity Endcap
fitted, the F3 performs at reduced sensitivity. This feature may
be useful when there is a need to ignore small metal
fragmentation on the surface but still detect large targets at
depth.
NOTE
If the Red Sensitivity Endcap is not fitted correctly, or there is no
endcap fitted, the detector automatically defaults to the maximum
sensitivity setting (Black Sensitivity Endcap). If the Red Sensitivity
**WARNING**
Minelab strongly recommends that an operator should
always wear an Earset when using the F3 detector.

19
Endcap is partially dislodged or removed during use, an alarm tone
will sound.
3.3 Functional Tones. The F3 emits tones that vary in pitch
and volume to alert an operator to targets, automatic detector
functions or equipment alarm conditions. The following table
summarises the tones that an F3 can produce:
Tones Event Description
Start-Up Internal checks when
the F3 is switched on
Four rising tones over
12 seconds
Threshold Signifies correct
operation of detector
Steady low volume
continuous tone
Ground Balance Indicates successful
Ground Balance
procedure completed
One fast high pitched
double beep
Target Indicates metal target
detected
Increases volume
(compared to
Threshold Tone) and
high or low pitch
**WARNING**
Where a minimum metal mine threat exists, the F3 MUST
be operated with the Black Sensitivity Endcap.
Depending on the size of the target and the depth of
detection required, the Red Sensitivity Endcap may not be
suitable for use. It is recommended that, prior to
operational use, the capability of the F3, fitted with the Red
Sensitivity Cap, be tested against the local threat to ensure
detection occurs.