Minelab F3 User manual

F3 Metal Mine Detector
INSTRUCTORS NOTES AND SYLLABUS
Issue 1.3 March, 2006

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
2
WARNING
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permission from Minelab Electronics
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F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
3
SLIDE DESCRIPTION
INSTRUCTORS NOTES
These Instructor Notes are produced to assist instructors in preparing for the
F3 Operator Training Course. They are provided as a guide and are not
intended to be prescriptive. They should be used in combination with the
information contained in the F3 Operations Manual and Field Guide.
The confirmation of a student’s ability to operate the F3 will be achieved
through a series of performance objectives completed after each lesson.
Personnel attending the course will be required to pass an outdoor operator
confirmation exercise to qualify as a proficient operator on the equipment.
One INTRODUCTION
The instructor will provide a short welcome and brief the students on the
course. This can include some background information on Minelab and its
countermine product range.
Students will be organized into pairs and issued one F3 mine detector per
pair.
Students will complete course registration administration as required.
Two COURSE OUTLINE
The Minelab F3 Operator Training Course includes lectures and practical
sessions. The course is conducted over two to three days (depending on
language translation requirements) and consists of the following lessons:
• Introduction
• LESSON 1 – General description and preparation
• LESSON 2 – Functional description
• LESSON 3 – Operating procedures
• LESSON 4 – Care & Trouble Shooting
• Outdoor training
• Operator Confirmation Exercise
• Award of Course Certificates

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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Three LESSON 1 – GENERAL DESCRIPTION & PREPARATION
Aim. Correctly describe and identify the F3 and prepare it for use.
Classroom Instruction. The training aids required are:
Chalk board or white board
Computer Projector
F3 Operations Manual
F3 Operator Training PowerPoint presentation
One F3 inside a Hard Case and one F3 in its soft Carry Bag
F3 detectors - one per two students (including Hard Case)
The major teaching points of this lesson are as follows:
Safety
Equipment Specifications
Description of Main Components
F3 Preparation
Three
TEACHING POINTS
Safety. Emphasize the need to become very familiar with the equipment and
the need to be able to identify all parts. Relate this to safety issues during the
demining process. All components should be checked for correct operation
before operating the equipment. If a fault develops, an operator must be able to
correctly name the part of the detector that is at fault. Explain the importance of
the Test Piece.
Four
Equipment Specifications. List the basic specifications. Explain that the
entire detector is waterproof to IP67. Explain the need to use good quality
alkaline batteries and not carbon batteries. When using rechargeable batteries,
they should have a minimum capacity of 3Ah (3,000mAh), batteries with a
capacity of 4.5Ah (4,500mAh) are recommended.

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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Five
Mine Detecting Set
Using the F3 in the Hard Case identify the following components:
•Hard Case
•Detector with Black Endcap
•Soft Carry Bag
•Earset (with Volume Control)
•Red Low Sensitivity Endcap
•Four D Cell Batteries
• Test Piece
• Operations Manual
• Field Guide
•
Six
Soft Carry Bag
Show the F3 in the Soft Carry Bag and locate the following:
• Detector with Black Endcap
• Red Low Sensitivity Endcap
• Earset (with Volume Control)
• Four D Cell Batteries
• Operations Manual
• Field Guide
• Test Piece
Explain and demonstrate the correct packing of components in the Soft Carry
Bag.
Seven
F3 Major Components
• Using the assembled detector identify the following components. Avoid
giving detailed descriptions of the function of each component, as this will be
covered in Lesson 3.
o Endcap. The sensitivity of the detector by using either the Black
(maximum) or Red (minimum) Endcaps.
o Arm Rest and Strap. Designed to ensure a comfortable fit for the
operator’s arm and adjustable when fitted to the detector. Note
the strength of the material and the Camlock adjustment for
comfort.
o Electronics Pack. Houses all electronics of the detector and is
permanently fixed to the Upper Shaft of the detector. The detector
is water resistant to IP67 (with Battery Pack mounted on Shaft).
Note: Although rated to IP67, the detector is not designed for
underwater operations. For example, underwater diver clearance
operations.
o Battery Pack. The F3 comes with a removable Battery Pack
which holds four alkaline ‘D’ cell batteries as standard. However,

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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if the client has purchased the option of a Battery Charger then
four NiCad ‘D’ cell batteries will have been provided. The Battery
Pack can be removed to reduce weight for periods of prolonged
use provided the optional Battery Pack Bag & Extension Cable is
included with the detector.
o Upper, Middle and Lower Shafts.
Identify Upper Shaft:
•Made of aluminum for robustness.
•Provides mounting for handle, Battery Pack,
Electronics Pack and Armrest.
Identify the Middle Shaft:
• Made from aluminum for robustness.
• Adjustable for operator comfort and differing
demining positions.
Identify the Lower Shaft:
• Made of impact resistant carbon fibre
• Adjustable for operator comfort and differing
demining positions.
o Upper, Middle and Lower Camlocks.
Identify all three Camlocks and note that they are self-cleaning
and are the mechanisms to lock the position of the Coil, Lower and
Middle Shafts.
o Handle.
Designed for comfort. Includes Earset Connector and all F3
Controls.
o Coil. It is important to mention that part of the F3’s superior
capability is due to its coil design. Give a brief description on the
monoloop design explaining that no separate transmission and
reception coils exist. Emphasize that the closed waterproof coil
eliminates interference from vegetation. Other points:
•Can be rotated 180 degrees.
•Monoloop design ensures consistent sensitivity around the
entire circumference and across the complete surface of the coil.
•Design permits edge detection (explained in Lesson 3).
•Extremely tough.
o Skid Plate. The skid plate provides protection for the coil. It has
no effect on the sensitivity of the coil even when wet and is easy to
replace.

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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Eight
F3 Preparation
To prepare the F3 for operations the following procedure should be followed:
• Open the Hard Case or Soft Carry Bag.
• Remove the F3 and inspect for obvious signs of damage.
• Check that the correct Sensitivity Endcap is selected and mounted
correctly. (Changing Endcaps discussed in Slide 10).
• Battery Pack and Inserting Batteries
o Invert the F3 being careful to rest the Endcap either inside the
Hard Case or Soft Carry Bag to keep it clear of dirt, remove the
Battery Pack and insert four D Cell batteries as follows:
P0615-A
Battery
Map
Battery
Pack
Battery
Pack Lid
Battery
Lock
Lever
o Carefully unlock the Battery Pack Lid by rotating the Battery Lock
Lever counter clockwise one-quarter turn. Once unlocked,
carefully pull the lid away from the Battery Pack (the lid will stay
attached to the Battery Pack by a tether).

o 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.
o If the Battery Pack was removed (Note: removal of the Battery
Pack to replace batteries is not necessary) 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.

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
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P0616-A
Electronics
Pack
Lock
Lever
Battery
Pack
Upper
Shaft
o 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.
o 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.
P0653-A
Nine
F3 Preparation
• Extend Middle and Lower Shafts to suit demining Position
Upper
Camlock
Middle
Camlock
Lower
Camlock P0617-A
o 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

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
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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
o In sequence, extend the Lower and then Middle Shafts to suit the
deminer’s height and selected demining position.
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.
• Connect Earset
o Undo the dustcaps from the Earset plug and Earset socket on the
detector. The Earset plug can only be connected to the socket in one
way. 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.
P0638-B
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.

Adjust Armrest and Armstrap as Required.

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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Ten
Changing 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 dials 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 one Black (maximum sensitivity) and one Red (low sensitivity)
Sensitivity Endcap.
• 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 change a Sensitivity Endcap:
o Ensure the F3 is switched off.
o Place the thumb of one hand in the centre of the Endcap and curl
the fingers under the base of the Endcap.
o Gently push inwards with the thumb and simultaneously pull the
base of the Endcap away from the Electronics Pack.
o Fit the selected 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.
• The Black Endcap is for Maximum Sensitivity.
o The Black Endcap MUST be selected when searching for
minimum metal mines or when maximum clearance depth is
required.
• The Red Endcap is for Minimum Sensitivity.
o 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.
P0650-A
P0651-A

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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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 Endcap is partially dislodged or
removed during use, an alarm tone will sound.
**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.
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.
QUESTIONS/PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE
Students shall be able to correctly:
identify all components of the F3.
connect the Battery Pack to the Electronics Pack using the Battery Pack Bag
and Extension Cable
insert batteries into the detector
connect the Earset

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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Eleven LESSON 2 – FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Aim. Correctly identify and describe the functional controls and tones and the
F3.
Classroom instruction. The training aids required are:
Chalk or white board
Projector
F3 Operations Manual
F3 Operator Training PowerPoint presentation
F3 detectors - one per two students
One set (four size “D” cells) of fresh batteries per detector
The major teaching points of this lesson are as follows:
Revision
Functional Controls
Functional Tones
TEACHING POINTS
Revision. Revise the description and identification of components of the F3.
Prepare the F3
Change Endcaps
Twelve
Functional Controls
• For ease of use, all controls for the F3 are located on the Handle. The figure
below illustrates the location of all controls:
On/Off
Switch
Ground
Balance/
Audio Reset
Button
Noise
Cancel
Button
P0621-A
Earset
Socket
• On/Off Switch.
o
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 initialization of the microprocessor and self-tests
which check internal power supplies, transmitter etc.

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
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o 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).
o 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.
o During operation, continuous internal self-testing continues and an
alarm tone is triggered on detection of any fault condition 

o To turn the F3 off, slide the On/Off Switch away from the Handle. 
• 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:
o 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.
o 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
effect. 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 volume of the Threshold Tone to dramatically increase. The
Threshold Tone can be returned to the normal volume level using the
Audio Reset function.
• Noise Cancel Button. A Black Button located to the rear of the Handle, it
sits in a raised housing to reduce the chances of accidental contact by the
operator’s arm.
o 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.
o Using the Noise Cancel function, an operator can initiate an automatic
frequency scanning sequence resulting in the F3 selecting an
operating frequency that minimizes the effect from interference.
• Earset Socket.
o 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 in Lesson One.
o
A standard humanitarian demining Earset (Earset Speaker On)

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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permits the F3’s internal speaker to continue to function even when
the Earset is connected.
o 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.
o A further option includes a volume control located on the cable
between the Earset plug and earpiece. This Earset also mutes the
detector’s internal speaker when connected.

**WARNING**
Minelab recommends that an operator should always wear an
Earset when using the F3 detector.

Thirteen
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 summarizes the tones that an F3 can produce (Note: the
Powerpoint presentation includes embedded sound files to demonstrate the
actual tones)
Tones Event Description
Start-Up Internal checks when
the F3 is switched on
Four rising tones over 12
seconds
Threshold Signifies correct
operation of the
detector
Steady slow volume
continuous tone
Target Indicates metal target
detected
Increases volume
(compared to Threshold
Tone) and high or low pitch
depending on target metal
composition and depth
Low Battery Indicates batteries do
not have enough
charge to continue
detection
High pitched fast oscillating
tone

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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Fourteen
Functional Tones
Tones Event Description
Equipment Fault Indicates failure of
detector component
or a dislodged Red
Sensitivity Endcap
Low pitched slow
oscillating tone (ee-aww,
ee-aww)
Coil Fault Indicates coil not
connected or not
receiving sufficient
current
Low pitched double tone
every five seconds
Noise Cancel Indicates Noise
Cancel procedure is
occurring
Two single beeps followed
by 45 seconds of short
double beeps finishing
with four single beeps
NOTE
Circuitry within the F3 ensures that its performance remains consistent
regardless of the type or charge state of the batteries. When the batteries can
no longer supply the necessary power to sustain correct performance of the
detector, a Low Battery Alarm will alert the operator.
**WARNING**
When Low Battery Alarm occurs the operator must immediately STOP
demining operations. The F3 should be switched off and new or
recharged batteries inserted into the Battery.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Students shall be able to correctly identify and describe the functional controls
and tones of the F3.

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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Fifteen
LESSON 3 – OPERATING PROCEDURES
Aim. To correctly perform F3 operating procedures.
Classroom instruction.
The training aids required are:
Chalk board or white board
Projector
F3 Operations Manual
F3 Operator Training PowerPoint presentation
One F3 detector
One set (four “D” cells) of fresh batteries
Two different types of mineralized rock (laterite if available)
The major teaching points of this lesson are as follows:
Revision
Standard Procedure
Optional Procedure
Sweeping Procedure
Pin-Pointing Procedure
Detectors in Close Proximity
Completion of Operations
TEACHING POINTS
Revision. List and describe the Functional Controls and the different
Functional Tones of the F3.
Sixteen
Standard Procedure
• The F3 is designed to ensure the operation of the detector is as simple as
possible. Additionally, the F3 is extremely capable, safe to use, robust and
eliminates the need for complicated controls or lengthy training
requirements. Where the procedures taught in this lesson contravene local
Standard Operating Procedures, local procedures should take precedence
provided all Minelab recommended safety procedures are followed.
• After unpacking the F3 and preparing it for use complete the THREE step
standard procedure as follows:
o STEP 1 - Switch ON
Hold the coil at least 600mm (24ins) from the ground and away
from any metallic objects. Turn the detector on by sliding the
On/Off switch back towards the handle.

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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P0645-A
The F3 will emit a series of four rising tones over 12 seconds
(internal diagnostic checks occurring). At the completion of the
Start-Up Tones listen for the low volume Threshold Tone. This
slide includes embedded wav file to demonstrate applicable tones.



If the Threshold Tone is steady continue with STEP 2. If the
Threshold Tone is noisy or uneven when the coil is stationary,
perform a Noise Cancel.
If the Threshold Tone is steady but seems louder than normal
when the coil is away from the ground and metallic targets,
perform an Audio Reset.
Sixteen
Cont
o STEP 2 - Ground Balance (Use the mineralized rock to
demonstrate procedure)
Ensure that this procedure is carried out on ground free of metal
and hold the coil about 150mm (6 ins) above the ground.
Press down and hold the green Ground Balance button and slowly
lower the coil directly to the ground then lift the coil up again
150mm (6ins).
Continue to lower and raise the coil until the ‘Ground Balance OK’
tone is heard. (‘Ground Balance OK’ tone consists of a short high-
pitched double beep – embedded wav file on slide.)
Release the Ground Balance button. 



F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
18
150mm
(6 in)
Beep
Beep
P0623-A

NOTE
Movement of the coil during the entire Ground Balance procedure should be
slow, continuous and smooth and each down and up movement should take 3 to
4 seconds.
If the Ground Balance OK tone is not heard within 20 seconds of starting the
procedure, release the Ground Balance button and repeat this procedure.
If there is metal in the ground under the coil whilst Ground Balancing, the
detector may not ground balance correctly. Move the detector and repeat the
Ground Balance over ground that is free of any metallic objects.
After the Ground Balance procedure is completed the detector will automatically
cancel interference from the ground under the Coil. If ground conditions change
(changing mineralisation in the ground) this procedure may need to be repeated.

Sixteen
cont
o STEP 3 - Test Piece
Ensure the operator’s hands and arms are free of metallic objects
(watches, rings etc), and that no other metallic objects are near
the coil. The orientation of the Test Piece during the test is
dependent on which Sensitivity Endcap is connected to the
detector.
Black Sensitivity Endcap:
Hold the Test Piece above the middle of the Coil with the
rounded end (containing metallic target) AWAY from the
Coil.
Move the Test Piece towards the centre of the Coil until it
lightly touches the coil then move it sideways off the coil
(the Test Piece should be moved slowly and smoothly
during this procedure). A faint but clear response (change
in Threshold Tone volume and pitch) should be heard
indicating the sensitivity of the detector is correct.
NOTE
Maximum sensitivity is only available 30 seconds after the Threshold Tone is
heard. Do not test the detector with the Test Piece until 30 seconds after the
Threshold Tone is heard. 

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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P0647-A


Red Sensitivity Endcap:
Hold the Test Piece above the middle of the Coil with the
rounded end (containing the metallic target) TOWARDS the
coil.
Move the Test Piece towards the centre of the Coil until it
lightly touches the coil then move it sideways off the Coil
(the Test Piece should be moved slowly and smoothly
during this procedure). A clear response (change in
Threshold Tone volume and pitch) should be heard
indicating the sensitivity of the detector is correct.
NOTE
The Test Piece not only ensures the sensitivity of the detector is correct but also
gives the operator an example of how a minimum metal mine might sound when
deeply buried: for example Type 72A at 15cm . (Black Endcap only).



Seventeen
Optional Procedures
• If after Step ONE the Threshold Tone is not low and steady, conduct one or
both of the following:
o Noise Cancel. If the Threshold Tone is noisy or uneven when the
coil is stationary, conduct Noise Cancel.
NOTE
The detector cannot be used for clearing operations during the Noise Cancel
procedure.
The coil should not be moved during this procedure nor should
metallic objects be brought near the coil during this procedure.
Holding the coil stationary and at least 600mm (24ins) above the
ground press and immediately release the Noise Cancel button
(Black Button located behind the handle).

F3 INSTRUCTOR NOTES
Minelab Countermine Division Safety Through Excellence
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P0649-A

Noise Cancel will commence with two single beeps followed by 45
seconds of sharp double beeps finishing with four single beeps.
(Embedded wav file in slide)
During the 45 seconds, the detector scans the environment
searching for the source of any electrical interference. Once
detected, the F3 will automatically select a different operating
frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference.
Seventeen
cont
o Audio Reset. Whenever the Threshold Tone sounds louder than
normal perform Audio Reset.
NOTE
The detector cannot be used for clearing operations during the Audio Reset
procedure.
Audio Reset should be carried out whenever the threshold volume
seems louder than normal.
Hold the coil at least 600mm (24ins) off the ground and away from
any metallic objects.
Press and immediately release the Ground Balance button
(Green Button located on top of the Handle -if the button is held
too long, the detector will begin to Ground Balance).
P0646-A
Within two seconds the threshold tone will return to its correct
level.
Once Noise Cancel or Audio Reset is complete, continue with
Steps 2 and 3. Once completed, the F3 can now be used for
demining operations in compliance with local Standard Operating