Minelab F3 User manual

November 2017
Part No: 4904-0013
F3 Metal Mine Detector
SERVICE MANUAL
F3 COMPACT
Metal Mine Detector

F3 COMPACT Service Manua
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Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Mechanica & Functiona Testing ..................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Mechanica Testing .................................................................................................................. 6
3. Disassemb y & Reassemb y Procedures .......................................................................................... 14
3.1 Opening the Detector Body .................................................................................................... 15
3.2 C osing the Detector Body ...................................................................................................... 18
3.3 Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) ............................................................................................ 24
3.3.1 Removing the Main PCB ................................................................................................. 26
3.3.2 Main PCB Assemb y ........................................................................................................ 28
3.3.3 Insta ing the Main PCB. .................................................................................................. 29
3.4 Coi ........................................................................................................................................ 33
3.4.1 Skid P ate Rep acement .................................................................................................. 34
3.4.2 Removing the Coi .......................................................................................................... 34
3.4.3 Coi Pivot. ....................................................................................................................... 36
3.4.4 Removing Coi Pivot ........................................................................................................ 37
3.4.5 Attaching the Coi Pivot .................................................................................................. 39
3.4.6 Connecting the Coi ........................................................................................................ 42
3.5 Shafts ..................................................................................................................................... 44
3.5.1 Rep acing a Cam ock ....................................................................................................... 46
3.5.2 Removing the Shafts ....................................................................................................... 46
3.5.3 Attaching the Shafts ....................................................................................................... 48
3.6 Hand e ................................................................................................................................... 48
3.6.1 Removing the Hand e ..................................................................................................... 50
3.6.2 Connecting the Hand e ................................................................................................... 51
3.7 Armrest .................................................................................................................................. 53
3.7.1 Rep acing the Armrest .................................................................................................... 54
3.8 Battery Compartment ............................................................................................................ 55
3.8.1 Battery Compartment Rep acement ............................................................................... 56
3.8.2 Battery Lid ...................................................................................................................... 57
3.8.3 Battery Lid Rep acement................................................................................................. 57
3.9 Detector Body ........................................................................................................................ 58
3.9.1 Contro Switches Rep acement ....................................................................................... 59
3.9.2 Speaker Rep acement ..................................................................................................... 62
3.9.3 Wiring Loom Earset Rep acement ................................................................................... 64
3.9.4 Wiring Loom Hand e Socket Rep acement ...................................................................... 65
3.9.5 Detector Body Parts ....................................................................................................... 67
4 Fau t Finding Procedures................................................................................................................ 69
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 69
4.2 Troub e Shooting Tab e .......................................................................................................... 69

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Introduction
a. Servicing the F3 COMPACT inc udes fau t finding, repair and maintenance and is
designed to be simp e and fast thereby reducing the amount of time a detector is unusab e.
Repair and maintenance is based on ine rep aceab e units which can be fitted to a detector
without the need for adjustment or ca ibration. Additiona y, serviceab e ine rep aceab e units
can be exchanged between detectors as required.
b. Line rep aceab e units are sub-assemb ies of the F3 COMPACT that can be purchased
from Mine ab for the purpose of repairing the F3 COMPACT. Line rep aceab e units inc ude the
fo owing:
3004-0044 Coi Kit
3004-0045 Coi Pivot Kit
3004-0046 Shaft Kit
3004-0047 Cam ock kit
3004-0048 Armrest Kit with S ide
3004-0049 Armrest Kit
3004-0050 Hand e Kit
3004-0051 Battery Compartment Kit
3004-0052 Battery Lid Kit
3004-0053 Main PCB Kit
3004-0054 Switches Kit
3004-0056 Wiring Loom Hand e Socket Kit
3004-0057 Speaker Kit
3004-0058 Wiring Loom Earset Kit
c. Servicing the F3 COMPACT can be conducted in the fie d (under c ean and dry
conditions) or at oca service centres. No specia too s are required, it is recommended that
the F3 COMPACT Service Too Kit be used.
Servicing the F3 COMPACT is restricted to the exchange of ine rep aceab e units fo owing the
identification of a fau ty sub-assemb y.
d. This manua shou d be read in conjunction with 4901-0247 Operations Manua F3
COMPACT ES. Additiona y, from time to time, Mine ab wi issue Technica Service Notes which
serve to supp ement the information contained in this manua .
e. Any questions regarding this manua or any repair procedure can be directed to Mine ab
at Countermine@mine ab.com.au

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Mechanical & Functional Testing
a. The detector set shou d be regu ar y checked to ensure a parts and accessories are
present and in good working order. The F3 COMPACT is supp ied as a mine detecting set
comprising:
3001-0100 Bag, Carry COLAR
5305-0111 Hard Case
3114-0012 F3 COMPACT Meta Detector
4523-0025 Earset Speaker OFF
4903-0062 Fie d Guide
4901-0247 Operations Manua
4906-0040 Inventory Specification
8701-0022 Test Piece
0303-0043 Batteries C ce Rechargeab e
78-02019 Battery Charger
b. Whenever a detector is returned for servicing, mechanica and functiona tests must be
comp eted to confirm and/or identify any fau ts.
c. At the comp etion of any maintenance or repair procedure, ALL mechanica and
functiona tests must be comp eted to confirm the detector is working correct y and no fau ts
remain.
d. If a detector fai s ANY of the mechanica or functiona tests, it must not be used in
demining operations.
Figure 1: Mine Detecting Set

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2.1 Mechanical Testing
a. Confirm a parts and accessories are present and in good working order. Unpack the
detector and prepare for use. Figure 2 identifies the major components of the F3 COMPACT.
Mechanica testing and inspection inc udes checking the fo owing:
•The detector for any obvious signs of damage,
•Coi movement is smooth in both axes and ho ds its position without drooping,
•The skid p ate is firm y attached and has no ho es or cracks,
•Shafts extend and retract smooth y and the cam ocks ho d the shafts firm y in ocation,
•The shaft hinge moves free y when the hand e is down and ocks into extended position
when the hand e is up,
•The battery id opens and ocks, the battery id tether is in good condition, and the
battery id O-ring is c ean and in good condition,
•The hand e s ides up and down free y ocking into position,
•The armrest extends and retracts smooth y,
•The armrest strap is in good condition,
•The earset dust caps are in good condition, and
•Sensitivity and On/Off knobs do not turn un ess ifted and rotated and then spring back
into the ocked position when re eased.
b. The detector must pass a mechanica tests and checks to be considered acceptab e for
operationa use.
Figure 2: F3 COMPACT Major Components
1
Armrest
2Test piece
3Battery Compartment
4Earset Connector
5Main Body
6Contro s
7Upper Shaft
8Midd e Shaft
9Lower Shaft
10 Coi Pivot Assemb y
11 Skid p ate
12 Coi
13 Lower Cam ock
14 Upper Cam ock
15 Shaft Hinge
16 Hand e Assemb y
17 Armrest Strap

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2.2 Functional Testing
a. Functiona testing is used to confirm the serviceabi ity of an F3 COMPACT before it is
returned to the fie d for use and whenever doubt exists about its serviceabi ity. The F3
COMPACT must pass a tests to be considered serviceab e and ready for operations. Whenever
a ine rep aceab e unit is rep aced or a repair is conducted, a functiona testing must be
comp eted.
b. Functiona testing requires a ground ba ance test piece. The ground ba ance test piece
simu ates minera ised ground which resu ts in an a arm from the detector. A minera ised “hot”
rock or adequate amounts of oca minera ised soi is suitab e. A ternative y, a ceramic f oor ti e
or c ay roof ti e may be suitab e for use as a ground ba ance test piece.
c. The Switch On Test. The switch on test checks that power is correct y supp ied to the F3
COMPACT and interna diagnostics discover no system fau t. The test is conducted as fo ows:
•Prepare the detector for use.
•Ho d the coi at east 60cm (24in) away from the ground and any meta objects.
•Set sensitivity knob to the defau t position 4.
•Switch on.
•Ensure that four (4) or five (5) rising tones occur over approximate y 12 seconds. The F3
COMPACT then begins detecting meta , if there is no detection after 15 seconds a
heartbeat tone wi sound.
d. oise Cancel Test. The noise cance test ensures the F3 COMPACT successfu y
comp etes the noise cance procedure required whenever oca e ectrica interference is present.
The test is conducted as fo ows:
•Ho d the coi stationary and at east 60cm (24 in) above the ground and away from any
meta objects during the test.
•Press and hold the Noise Cance button for two (2) seconds and then re ease it. (Figure 4)
Figure 3: Switch On

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OTE
The coil shoul not be move nor shoul metallic objects be brought near the coil uring the
Noise Cancel.
•If functioning correct y, the noise cance ing procedure wi commence with 2 sing e
beeps fo owed by 45 seconds of sharp trip e (3) beeps and finish with 4 sing e beeps.
•During the 45 seconds the F3 COMPACT scans the environment searching for the source
of any e ectrica interference. Once detected, the detector wi automatica y se ect a
different operating frequency to e iminate or reduce the interference.
e. Audio Reset Test. This test confirms the Audio Reset button (a so the ground ba ance
button) and the associated wiring and circuitry operates correct y. The objective is to ensure the
detector returns to its quiet steady state. The test is conducted as fo ows:
•Ho d the coi at east 60cm (24in) off the ground and away from any meta ic objects.
•Induce a detection tone increase in vo ume by s ow y moving the coi toward a meta
object, once the detection tone increases in vo ume ho d the detector stationary.
•Whi st there is a detection tone, press and immediately release the green audio reset
button. (Figure 5)
•Within two (2) seconds, the detector shou d return to its correct quiet sound eve .
Figure 4: Noise Cancel

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OTE
If the groun balance button is not imme iately release the F3 COMPACT will commence the
Groun Balance proce ure.
f. Ground Balance Test. This test confirms the F3 COMPACT is capab e of ground ba ancing
against minera ised ground. In doing so, it confirms the correct operation of the ground ba ance
button, coi and associated circuitry.
If the oca soi is sufficient y minera ised or different soi types are avai ab e this can be used for
the ground ba ance test. The ground ba ance test can be conducted using a ground ba ance test
piece which must be meta free and can be a rock or soi samp e that is minera ised enough to
cause a detection tone on the detector. F oor ti es or fired c ay brick can be used a ground
ba ance test piece. The test is conducted as fo ows:
•Ensure hands and arms are free of meta objects (watches, rings etc) and that no other
meta objects are near the coi .
•Keep the detector stationary and away from ground or meta objects, press and hold the
green Ground Ba ance button for five seconds then re ease the button.
OTE
This action will cause the F3 COMPACT to elete the previously store groun balance con ition.
Unless this is one the etector will remember its last groun balance con ition regar less of the
unit being switche off or the batteries remove .
•S ow y move the ground ba ance test piece from approximate y 15cm (6in) above the coi
towards the centre of the coi and confirm that a detection tone is heard. This confirms
that the detector is detecting the minera ised content of the ground ba ance test piece.
Figure 5: Au io Reset

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•Press and hold the green Ground Ba ance button whi st s ow y moving the ground
ba ance test piece from approximate y 15cm (6in) above the coi towards the centre of
the coi (and touching the coi ). Then, move the ground ba ance test piece away from the
centre of the coi to a distance of 15cm (6in).
•Repeat this process unti the ‘Ground Ba ance OK’ tone consisting of a short high-pitched
doub e beep occurs. This tone confirms the ground ba ance procedure has been correct y
comp eted.
•Re ease the green Ground Ba ance button.
•Confirm the ground ba ance is correct by moving the ground ba ance test piece from
approximate y 15cm (6in) above the coi towards the centre of the coi . If there is no
a arm from the ground ba ance test piece the ground ba ance procedure is functiona .
OTE
Where the groun balance test is con ucte using local soil Figure 6 illustrates the proce ure to
be followe .
OTE
Successful groun balancing occurs within 5 to 10 secon s. Where the groun balance test piece
or local groun con itions are not sufficiently mineralise the ‘Groun Balance OK’ tones may
take up to 20 secon s to complete.
g. Earset Test. This test confirms the earset is operating correct y and is conducted as
fo ows:
•P ug the earset into the detector as shown in Figure 7.
•Switch on the detector and confirm the detection tone is audib e using the earset.
•If an Earset Speaker On (4523-0027) is being tested check that detection tones can a so
be heard from the detector oudspeaker (in the detector body).
•If an Earset Speaker Off (4523-0025), identified by green band on the earset cab e near
the p ug, is being tested check that detection tones can on y be heard in the earset and
not the detector oudspeaker (in the detector body).
Figure 6: Groun Balance

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h. LED Test. This test confirms the visua detection indicator (LEDs) can be enab ed and
operate correct y. To conduct the test:
•Turn on the detector.
•Pass the coi over a meta object and check no LEDs are turned on.
•Press and hold the LED button for two (2) seconds then re ease it, check that a sing e LED
is turned on when no meta objects are near the coi .
•Pass the coi over a meta object and check that an increasing number of LEDs i uminate
as the detection tone increases in vo ume.
•Check that pressing and re easing the LED button togg es the LEDs on and off.
i. Battery Level Test. This test ensures that battery eve indicator is operationa , and is
conducted as fo ows:
•Turn the detector on.
•Press and hold the LED button then press and release the Noise Cance button and then
re ease the LED button.
•Confirm a series of LEDs i uminate indicating the eve of battery power remaining.
•After three (3) seconds the battery eve indicator wi extinguish and norma operation
wi resume.
j. Sensitivity Control Test. This test confirms the sensitivity contro a ows the operator to
make adjustments to the sensitivity of the F3 COMPACT. The test is conducted as fo ows:
•Set the sensitivity to the defau t position 4.
•Turn on the detector.
•Conduct the test piece test (refer to Section 2.2.k). Check that a faint but c ear audio
tone is heard and that more than one LED i uminates.
•Decrease the sensitivity of the F3 COMPACT by rotating the sensitivity knob counter
c ockwise to position 2. A sing e ow pitched beep wi be heard to prompt the operator
that the sensitivity is being decreased.
Figure 7: Connecting the Earset

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•Conduct the test piece test again and ensure no audio or LED response occurs.
•Move the sensitivity knob to position 4 and confirm a doub e beep occurs. This prompts
the operator that defau t sensitivity (position 4) has been se ected.
•Rotate the sensitivity knob c ockwise to position 6 and confirm that a high pitched beep is
heard.
•Conduct the test piece test and confirm that a ouder audio response and an increased
number of LEDs are i uminated when compared to the previous position 4.
OTE
Regar less of minimum sensitivity at least one LED will remain illuminate provi ing an earset
speaker off is not connecte to the F3 COMPACT.
•Volume Control Test. The vo ume contro function a ows oudness variations of a
tones emitted by the detector. The Vo ume Contro Test ensures this function is working
correct y. Conduct this test as fo ows:
•Switch On the detector.
•Press and immediate y re ease the Noise Cance button severa times. On each press, the
detector wi give a ow pitched beep, indicating a decrease in vo ume. Each press wi
reduce the sound eve of a tones from the detector.
•Press and immediate y re ease the LED button severa times. The detector wi emit a
high pitched beep, indicating an increase in vo ume. A detector tones wi get
successive y ouder with each press. A doub e beep is emitted when the defau t vo ume
setting is reached.
•Every time the CEMD is switched On, the vo ume setting wi revert to the defau t setting.
From the defau t, on y one increase in vo ume is possib e. From the defau t, up to seven
(7) decreases in vo ume are possib e.
k. Test Piece Test. This is a critical test and sha be conducted ast to confirm the correct
detection performance of the F3 COMPACT. This test sha be conducted in an environment that
is free from e ectrica interference and an earset must be connected. The test is conducted as
fo ows:
•Ensure hands and arms are free of meta objects (watches, rings etc) and that no other
meta objects are near the coi .
•Set the sensitivity contro to the defau t position 4 then switch on the F3 COMPACT.
OTE
Maximum sensitivity is only available 30 secon s after the completion of the start-up tones. Do
not test the F3 COMPACT with the test piece until 30 secon s after the completion of the start-up
tones.

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•Ho d the test piece above the midd e of the coi with the meta end of the test piece away
from the coi .
•Move the test piece towards the centre of the coi unti it ight y touches the coi then
move it sideways off the coi .
Figure 8: Test Piece Proce ure
•Confirm a faint but c ear response (detection tone) is heard.
•If the test piece is not heard conduct an audio reset and repeat the test.
•If the test piece is sti not heard, refer to section 4 for the fau t finding procedures.
OTE
The test piece test can only be con ucte with the sensitivity control set to Sensitivity setting 4
( efault setting marke with a green triangle). When the sensitivity control is not set to setting 4
it is the responsibility of the user to provi e an appropriate target with which to confirm the
sensitivity of the etector satisfies operational requirements.
. Provided the F3 COMPACT passes a function tests it is serviceab e and ready for
operations. The detector can now be packed into its bag ensuring batteries are removed and a
accessories are in p ace. If the detector does not pass a functiona tests refer to section 4 for
fau t finding procedures.

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Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures
a. This section describes the procedures required to exchange ine rep aceab e units.
Whenever a unit is rep aced, mechanica and functiona testing as described in Section 2 must be
comp eted.
b. It is recommended that the 3004-0055 F3 COMPACT service too kit be used to conduct
disassemb y and reassemb y procedures. The too kit contains the fo owing:
•Pu -through for coi cab e
•F at b ade screwdriver
•3mm hex key driver
•2.5mm hex key driver
•2mm hex key driver
•T20 Torx driver
•18mm spanner
•13mm spanner
•10mm spanner
•3mm pin punch
•Si icone grease

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3.1 Opening the Detector Body
a. In order to conduct repairs and rep ace many of the parts of this detector, the first step
wi often be to open the detector body. Many sections of this manua wi refer back to this
section.
b. The fo owing procedure out ines the steps invo ved in opening the detector body:
•Prepare a c ean we - it workspace.
•Turn the detector off and remove the batteries.
•Remove the four (4) screws (12mm) from the top of the armrest and remove the armrest.
Figure 9.
•P ace the detector on its right side with the ON/OFF switch uppermost and remove the
two (2) screws (45mm) that secure the hinge cover. Figure 10.
•Remove the Hinge Cover.
•Unscrew and disconnect the coi p ug.
•Remove the two (2) screws (35mm) from the shaft hinge. Figure 11.
Figure 9: Removing the Armrest
Coi
Connector
Figure 10: Removing Hinge Cover

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•Turn the detector over onto its eft side with speaker gri uppermost.
•Using the 3mm hex key driver (3mm A en Key) remove a 8 screws from the detector
body. Figure 12.
OTE
There are four (4) x 35mm long screws an four (4) x 20mm long screws.
•Using a T20 Torx (star) driver unscrew a four (4) screws (3 x 35mm and 1 x 20mm) from
the right side of the detector. Figure 13.
Figure 11: Disconnecting Coil Plug an Removing Screws
Figure 13: Removing
four (
4
)
Torx Screws
Figure 12: Removing 8 Screws.

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•Using fingers gent y separate the eft and right body ha ves. The battery end of the
detector wi come away easi y. The shaft end is he d by two (2) ocating pins and wi
require more force to separate.
•Gent y ift the right side off the eft body ha f taking care not to pu or stretch the speaker
cab e and connector. Figure 14.
•Locate the speaker connector on the interface PCB and disconnect the speaker from the
interface PCB (Figure 14). Remove the right ha f of the detector body.
•Remove the upper shaft from the detector body taking care not to snag and damage the
coi cab e and p ug. Figure 15.
Interface PCB
Speaker Connector
Figure 14: Disconnecting Speaker Connector
Figure 15: Remov
ing
Shafts

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c. The body of the detector is now opened revea ing the interna components, which can
now be rep aced as required.
3.2 Closing the Detector Body
a. The fo owing procedure out ines the steps invo ved in c osing and resea ing the detector
body:
•Ensure a parts are present, in good working order and ay the detector body on its eft
side.
•Thread the coi cab e through the detector hinge and position the upper shaft into the
detector body. Figure 17.
•Carefu y turn the detector body over so that it is aid on its right side. Check the coi
connector nut is tight.
•Attach the coi connector to the socket and tighten the coi connector as tight as possib e
with fingers. Figure 18.
•Fit the coi cab e into the cab e router and check that the oop of coi cab e within the
shaft hinge is positioned so that it wi not be trapped when the detector body is c osed.
Refer to Figure 21.
Figure 16: Open
Detector Bo y
Figure 17: Threa ing Coil Cable an Attaching Shafts

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•Turn the detector body over so it is on its eft side.
•Check the detector hand e is correct y positioned on the detector as we as the armrest
s ide. The s ide rod must be positioned through the hand e and armrest s ide. The ho es
in the rod detector s ide must a ign with the ho es in the detector body.
•Check that the atch hinge and spring atch hinge are correct y positioned into the eft
side of the detector body with the atch connected to the spring. Figure 19.
Figure 18: Connecting Coil Cable an Fitting Hinge Cover
Coi Connector Nut
Latch
Spring
Figure 19: Latch Hinge an Spring Latch Hinge
S ide rod passing through Armrest
S ide and Hand e

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• Ensure the battery id is c osed.
•Connect the speaker connector to the interface PCB. Check a other connectors and
cab es are connected. Figure 20.
•Check the O-ring in the detector body is c ean, ight y greased and correct y positioned.
•Check a interna cab es and wires are correct y positioned and wi not be trapped.
•The coi cab e must be ocated within the shaft hinge so that it is not trapped or damaged
when the ha ves of the detector body are fitted together. In particu ar, the coi cab e
must not be positioned above the hinge screw bosses. Figure 21.
•Ease the two ha ves of the detector together. A ign the detector body right side with the
ocating pins either side of the shaft hinge.
•Check the atch hinge and spring atch hinge are in p ace and connected. Figure 19.
Coi Cab e
Must ot be
above these
screw bosses
Figure 21: Coil Cable Position in Shaft Hinge
Speaker Connector
Figure 20: Connecting Speaker
Speaker Assemb y