Minelab GP 3000 User manual

MinelabGP3000
4901-0048-1.0
!
P0610-A
GP3000

© Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
Thisdocumentcontainsproprietaryinformationwhichisprotectedby
copyright.ApartfromanyuseaspermittedundertheCopyrightAct
1968,nopart maybereproduced byanyprocess withoutwritten
permissionfromMinelabElectronicsPtyLtd,118HaywardAvenue,
Torrensville,SA5031,Australia.
WARNING. ThisdocumentcontainsMinelabElectronicsPtyLtdrights,
technicaldataorrestrictedrightsdata,orboth.Patentsandtrademarks
apply.
Sincetheremaybearangeofoptionsavailableinthisdetectortype,
equipmentmayvaryaccording tothemodeloritemsorderedwithyour
detector.Certaindescriptionsandillustrationsmaydiffer(inthismanual)
fromtheexactmodelthatyoupurchased.Inaddition,Minelabreserve
therighttorespondtoongoingtechnicalprogressbyintroducing
changesindesign,equipmentandtechnicalfeaturesatanytime.

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
Aboutthismanual ..................................................................................................................................... 2
IntroducingtheMinelab GP3000 ............................................................................................................ 3
ASSEMBLY............................................................................................................................ 5
Unpackingyour GP3000[easyreference] ............................................................................................ 6
Listofpre-assembledsectionsandparts................................................................................................. 7
Completeassemblyinstructions.............................................................................................................. 8
BATTERY.............................................................................................................................. 13
Batteryandcharging .............................................................................................................................. 14
CONTROLS.......................................................................................................................... 17
Detectorsounds[easyreference].......................................................................................................... 18
Controlfunctions:rearpanel .................................................................................................................. 19
Controlfunctions:frontpanel.................................................................................................................. 23
OPERATION......................................................................................................................... 27
Quickstartinstructions[easyreference]............................................................................................... 28
Detailedoperatinginstructions................................................................................................................ 29
Groundbalancing ................................................................................................................................... 33
Irondiscrimination .................................................................................................................................. 35
Leveladjustcontrol................................................................................................................................. 37
contents
3
4
2
1
5

TABLEOFCONTENTS
contents
6DETECTINGTECHNIQUES ............................................................................................... 39
Detectingtechniques...............................................................................................................................40
Prospectingtechniques .......................................................................................................................... 42
Identifyingtargetsignals......................................................................................................................... 43
Recoveringthetarget ............................................................................................................................. 45
USER INFORMATION......................................................................................................... 49
TechnicalspecificationsfortheMinelabGP3000................................................................................. 50
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................... 51
Servicerepairform.................................................................................................................................52
Warranty ................................................................................................................................................. 53
Accessories............................................................................................................................................54
Glossaryofcommonterms ................................................................................................................... 55
Detectorcareandsafety ........................................................................................................................ 59
AnimportantmessagefromMinelab ..................................................................................................... 60
7

1
Introduction
TheGP 3000incorporates new
technological advances and control
functions which have resulted in a
detector that combines stable and
effective ground balancing with
depth and sensitivity.
1
TION

ABOUTTHISMANUAL
This manual is designed to introduce the detector’s features. It gives you step-by-step
directions for everything from assembling and adjusting your detector, to basic and
advanced detector use.
1. INTRODUCTION
Basicoverviewof theGP3000and
thisUser’sManual.
2. ASSEMBLY
Thischapterprovidesdetailsand
instructionsonassemblingand
adjustingtheGP3000.
3.BATTERY
The GP 3000 is powered by a
rechargeablebatterypack.This
chapterprovidesdetailsonbattery
installation,useandperformance.
4.CONTROLS
Thischapterisdesignedtofamiliarize
youwiththevariousfeaturesofthe
GP3000controlpanel.Afewminutes
spentreadingthischapterwillbea
worthwhilepreliminarytobasicor
advanceddetecting.
5.DETECTOROPERATION
However experienced you are at
usingametaldetector,itisimportant
thatyoureadthis.
6.DETECTOR TECHNIQUES
Onceyouarecomfortablewiththe
basicdetectoruse,thereareafew
techniquesyoushouldbeawareof.
7. USER INFORMATION
Thischapterprovidesaglossaryof
terminology,userguides,technical
specifications,warrantyandrepair
detailsandtroubleshootingtips.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
!
2
INTRODUC-
1

TheMinelabGP3000utilises“Dual VoltageTechnology”(DVT),
whichisbaseduponthe Bi-polartechnologyusedinourmilitary
range.
HerearesomefeaturesoftheGP3000:
• NEWLow-Noisecircuitry
• NEWbatteryharness
• NEW“SmartPoint”diagnosticport
• DVTtechnologyforoptimumdepthandsensitivityinallsoil
types
• Long-life12AhrGelCellbattery
• SelectableTX(transmit)modes(SoilSwitch)foroptimum
performanceindifferentsoilconditions
• SelectableRX(receive)modes(CoilSwitch)forgreater
sensitivityandlesssusceptibilitytointerference
• Heavy Duty Bungy Strap
Likeitspredecessor,theGPextreme,theGP3000canhandleheavily
mineralizedandsaltygroundconditionswithgreatereasethan
previousdetectors,whicheffectivelyopensupNEWdetectingareas.
ThenewLow-NoisecircuitryfoundintheGP3000resultsina
smootherthreshold,enhancingyourabilitytohearfaintsignalscaused
bysmallanddeeptargets.Thisallowsyoutorevisitold“worked-out”
areas,andfindthegoldothershavemissed.
Minelabwishedtothankyouforpurchasingourmostadvancedgold
detectorever,andareconfidenttheGP3000willleadyoutosuccessin
yourquestforgoldandtreasure.
INTRODUCINGTHEMINELABGP3000
INTRODUCING THE MINELAB GP 3000 3
INTRODUC-
TION
1
P0610-A
GP3000

Minelab is always interested in your opinions so if you have any questions or comments
regarding the GP3000 or any other Minelab product, please feel free to contact us via your local
Authorized Minelab dealer, or write to us:
MinelabInternationalLimited
Laragh
Bandon
Co. Cork
IRELAND
email:[email protected]
tel:[phone]
ContactMinelab
MinelabElectronicsPtyLtd
PO Box 537
TorrensvillePlaza
SouthAustralia 5031
AUSTRALIA
email:[email protected]
tel: + 61 8 8238 0888
VisitoursiteontheWorldWideWeb:http://www.minelab.comforthelatestinformation
onMinelabproductsandservices.
MinelabUSA
2700EPatrickLane
Suite11LasVegas
Nevada 89120
UNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA
email:[email protected]
tel: + 1 702 891 8809
"
4
INTRODUC-
1

2
Assembly
This chapter provides details and
instructions on assembling and
adjusting the GP 3000.
5
ASSEMBLY
2

The GP 3000 as shipped
UNPACKING YOUR GP 3000
I. ControlBox
J. 11” Coil
K. ShaftAssembly
Optional Extras
Hard Carry Case
18”DoubleDcoilwithskidplate(inseparatecarton)
Figure 2.1 Contents of the GP 3000 pack.
easy reference
A. Mains Charger
B. Headphones
C. Power Lead
D. ArmRest
E. HandleAssembly
F. InstructionManual
G. 12V Charger
H. BatteryandBackpack
UNPACKINGYOURGP3000
6
ASSEMBLY
2
P0616-A
A
B
K
C
G
J
H
I

ASSEMBLYANDLISTOFPARTS
PRE-ASSEMBLED SECTIONS
Figure 2.2 Pre-assembled sections and parts list
A. Lower Shaft Assembly
1. 11”DoubleDCoil
2. CoilCable
3. SkidPlate
4. FibreglassLowerShaft
5. TeardropWashers
6. NylonNut&Bolt
B. Intermediate Shaft Assembly
7. IntermediateShaft
C. Upper Shaft Assembly
8. UpperShaft
9. HandlewithWristStrap
10. ControlBox
11. ArmrestParts(2)
12.Nylon Bolt(2)
13.Nylon Nut (2)
14. ArmStraps(2)
15. ArmrestCover
D. Headphones
16.Headphones
E. Battery and Battery Pack
17.Battery
18.BatteryPack
19.BatteryPower Cable
F. Extras
20.VelcroCable Straps(3)
21.Bungy Cord
22.BungyKnuckle
7
ASSEMBLY
2
GP3000
P0614-A
11” Double D Coil (1)
& Skid Plate (3)
Tear-drop Washers (5)
Nylon Nut & Bolt (6)
Velcro Cable
Straps (20)
Fibreglass
Lower Shaft (4)
Battery Power
Cable (19)
Intermediate
Shaft (7)
Coil Cable (2)
Upper Shaft (8)
Handle with
Wrist Strap (9)
Armrest Parts (11)
Nylon Nuts (13)
Battery (17) &
Battery Pack (18)
Headphones (16)
Bungy Cord (21) Bungy Knuckle (22)
ArmStrap(14)
Armrest Cover (15)
Control Box (10)
Nylon Bolts (12)

You will need to assemble the GP 3000 from
all the various components, so we have provided you
with detailed assembly instructions.
Assembling and fitting the armrest
Figure 2.3, refer also Figure 2.2
STEP1 Placethetwoarmresthalves(11)oneithersideoftheupper
shaft(8)andensurethattheboltholesarealigned.
STEP2 Slidethetwonylonbolts(12)throughtheboltholesandscrew
thenylonwingnuts(13)ontotheboltsbyacoupleofturns.
STEP3 Slidethe‘T’sectionontopofthecontrolbox(10)intothe
armrestwiththebatteryplugattherear.Tightenthenylon
wingnutsby hand.
STEP4 Attachthearmreststraps(14)usingthepressstudsonboth
sidesofthearmrest.
STEP5 Pushthearmreststraps(14)throughtheslotsintheneoprene
armrestcover(15)andthenpushthecoveroverthearmrest
(11).
COMPLETEASSEMBLYINSTRUCTIONS
COMPLETE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 2.3 Armrest assembly
8
ASSEMBLY
2
P0511-B
Nylon Bolts (12)
Armrest Parts (11)
Nylon Nuts (13)

Attaching the handle and bungy cord
Figure 2.4, refer also Figure 2.2
STEP1 Slidethehandle(9)ontotheendoftheuppershaft(8)andsetit
toacomfortableposition.Tightenthetwoscrewsinthebaseof
thehandlewithasmallflattippedscrewdrivertoholdthehandle
inposition.
STEP2 Slidethebungycordknuckle(22)ofthebungycordontothe
uppershaft(8).
Assembling the intermediate and upper shaft sections
Figure 2.5, refer also Figure 2.2
STEP1 Slidetheintermediateshaft(7)intotheendoftheuppershaft
(8)andsnapinto place.
STEP2 Checkthatthecoil(1)hasaskidplate(3)attached.
STEP3 Checkthatthecoilpivotendofthelowerfibreglassshaft(4)has
twoteardropwashers(5)installed.
N NOTE The washers should always be full thickness
and should be replaced regularly as they wear out and
allow the coil to become loose.
STEP4 Pushthelowerfibreglassshaft(4)intothemountingbracketson
thecoilandensurethatthespringclipattherearofthe
fibreglassshaftfacestherearofthecoil.
Attaching the coil
Figure 2.5
STEP1 Lineuptheholesinthecoilwiththepivotendofthe
fibreglassshaft(4).
STEP2 Pushthenylonboltthroughtheholesandfitthenylonwingnut
thentightenbyhand.
NOTE Do not over tighten the nut as the coil housing
may be crushed or damaged.
COMPLETE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 2.4 Handle and bungy cord
Figure 2.5 The coil pivot end of the lower
fibreglass shaft
9
ASSEMBLY
2
Handle with
Wrist Strap (9)
Bungy Cord (21)
Bungy Knuckle (22)
P0512-A
11”Double D Coil (1)
& Skid Plate (3)
Tear-drop Washers (5)
Nylon Nut & Bolt (6)
P0513-B

COMPLETE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Securing and connecting the coil cable
NOTE Alwaysensurethatthecontrolboxisturnedoffbefore
connectingordisconnectingthecoil.
STEP1 Windthecoilcablearoundtheshaftandplugthecoilconnector
intothecoilsocketonthecontrolbox.Checkthatthecableis
woundfirmlyaroundtheshaftwithoutstrain, leaveenough
slackatthebottomofthecablenearthecoiltoallowfor
adjustingtheangleofthecoilwithoutplacingstrainonthecoil
cable.
STEP2 FastenthecableintopositionusingtheVelcrostraps
provided (20).
Fitting and connecting the battery pack
Figure 2.6
STEP1 Fitthebattery(17)intothebackpackpouch(18).
STEP2 Connecttheheadphones(16)and thepowercable(19)to
theappropriatesocketsinthecapofthebattery.
STEP3 Putonthebackpack(18).
Ifthe coilcableis abletomove
around,especiallynearthecoil, it
willbe‘seen’bythedetectorand
causerandomnoiseswhich maybe
confusing.
HINT
Useonly the6Vbattery supplied.
CAUTION
Attaching the lower fibreglass shaft
Figure 2.2
STEP1 Slidethelowerfibreglassshaft(4)intotheintermediateshaft(7).
STEP2 Adjustshaftlengthandcoilangleforacomfortableposition.
Minelabrecommendsthattheshaftlengthbesettogivea
comfortablesweeplengthofapproximately2meters.Thelower
fibreglassshaftcanbesetintopositionbylocatingthespringclip
intotheholesprovidedintheintermediateshaftandhand
tighteningthelockingnutattheendoftheintermediateshaft.
10
ASSEMBLY
2

COMPLETE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STEP4 Ensurethatthepowerswitchonthecontrolboxisswitchedoff
andplugtheconnectoronthepowercable(19)intothebattery
connectorplugonthecontrolbox.Thiscableconnectsthe
batteryandheadphonestothedetector.
Adjust for your own comfort
STEP 1 Adjustthebungycord(21)fromtheknuckle(22)ontheshaft
tocorrectlengthtotakesomeoftheweightwhenprospecting.
STEP 2 Adjustthehandstraponthehandle(9)foryourowncomfort.
Figure 2.6 The GP 3000 battery assembly
11
ASSEMBLY
2
6 Volt Battery (17)
Headphones (16)
Battery Pouch (18)
Power Cable to Detector (19)
P0503-A

3
Battery
The GP 3000 is supplied with a 6V DC
rechargable battery pack plus both mains
and vehicle chargers. This chapter
provides details on battery installation,
use and performance.
13
BATTERIES

BATTERIES AND CHARGING
The Battery
The6Vrechargeablebatteryshouldprovideenoughpowertooperate
thedetectorfor14-15hrs,whenfullycharged.
Thebatterymayberechargedatanytimeduringthedischargecycle.
Itisveryimportanttofullychargethebatterybeforestorage.
Donotleaveabatteryfullydischargedforlongerthanoneday.
CAUTION Never use a 12V battery because this would
damage the detector. This damage is not covered by
warranty. The GP 3000 power supply is internally regulated
and using an external regulated power supply is not
necessary, and may damage your detector.
Low Battery Indication
Ifthebatteryleveldropsbelowthedesiredpowertogivefullfunction,a
seriesofalarmsignalpulsesaregivenathalfsecondintervals.
Charging the battery
STEP1 TurnthedetectorOff beforedisconnectingthebattery.
STEP2 Disconnectthebatterycablefromthedetectorandconnect
totheappropriatecharger.
Battery Chargers
Twotypesofbattery chargers(Mainsand 12VVehicleCharger)
aresupplied.
BATTERYANDCHARGING
Do not leave the mains charger
onfor extended periods because
reducedbattery life may result.
Caution
Whencharging, the battery must
be kept in an upright position.
Important
14
BATTERIES
3

BATTERIES AND CHARGING
Mains Battery Charger
Themainsbatterychargerwillchargethebatteryfromlocalmains(AC)
poweroutlets.
STEP1 Connectthemainschargertoamainsoutlet.
STEP2 Connectchargertobattery.
STEP3 Switchthemainsoutleton.
Thechargerwillrechargeacompletelyflatbatteryinapproximately
24hours.Partiallydischargedbatterieswillrequireashorter period
torecharge.Allow approximately1.5to2hourschargingfor each
hourthebatterywasinuse.The flashingrateof thechargerLED
willincreaseasthebatterycharges.
Vehicle Battery Charger
Thevehiclebatterychargerwillchargethebatteryfromthecigarette
lightersocketofmostmotorvehicles.
STEP1 Connectthechargertothecigarettelightersocketandturn
theignitionswitchtoAccessories.
Thissupplies12Vpowertothecigarettelightersocket.Thisvoltage
isconvertedbythechargertochargethedetectorbattery.AredLED
indicatorwillflashwhilethebatteryischarging.Whenthebatteryisflat
theLEDmayflashfastenoughsoastoappearconstantlyon.Asthe
batterycharges,theLEDwillflashataslowerrate.
STEP 2 Leavethebatterytochargeforapprox.10hoursusingthischarger.
Ifthebatteryvoltageofyourvehicledropsbelow11V,thechargerwill
stopoperating.Thereforethebatterychargershouldnotflattenthe
vehiclebattery.
Checkthatyourvehiclebatteryisingoodconditionbeforecampingin
remoteareas.
Runyourengineaboveidlespeedforatleast30minuteseachdayto
keepyourvehiclebatterycharged.
The Vehicle Battery Charger is
designed for use with vehicles
which have a negative earth
electricalsystem.
MostcarsinAustraliamanufactured
after1970shouldhavenegativeearth
electricalsystem.
Connectingthechargertoavehicle
withapositiveearthsystemwillcause
thefuseinthecigarettelighterplugto
blowandtheLEDindicatorwillnot
light.
Caution
15
BATTERIES
3

4
Controls
It is important to familiarise yourself with
the features of the GP 3000 control panel.
A few minutes spent reading this chapter
will be a worthwhile preliminary to
detecting.
17
4
CONTROLS