Minelab MF5 User manual

MF5 Service Manual
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F3 Metal Mine Detector
SERVICE MANUAL
MF5
Metal Mine Detector

MF5 Service Manual
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DISCLAIMER
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, TECHNICAL AND
PROPRIETARY DATA AND INFORMATION AND OTHER MATERIAL OWNED SOLELY
BY MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED. THIS MATERIAL MUST NOT BE USED
WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LTD.
© Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
This document is protected by copyright. Apart from any use
permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) or other
applicable laws, any unauthorised use, appropriation or
reproduction of this document or any part
of it is strictly prohibited. No part of this document may be used or
reproducedby any means or by any process, in any form, without the
prior written permission of the copyright owner Minelab Electronics Pty
Ltd of 2 Second Avenue, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia.
Patents and Trademarks
Patents may apply to this product: www.minelab.com/patents Minelab® and MDS-5® are trademarks of
Minelab Electronics Pty. Ltd

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Contents
1. Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................5
2 Mechanical & Functional Testing..........................................................................................................6
2.1 Mechanical Testing .......................................................................................................................8
2.2 Function Testing............................................................................................................................8
3 Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures..............................................................................................14
3.1 Open the Detector Chassis..........................................................................................................15
3.2 Close the Detector Chassis..........................................................................................................20
3.3 Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB)................................................................................................27
3.3.1 Remove the Main PCB.........................................................................................................28
3.3.2 Main PCB Assembly.............................................................................................................33
3.4 Coil ..............................................................................................................................................38
3.4.1 Remove the Coil..................................................................................................................39
3.4.2 Coil Pivot. ............................................................................................................................42
3.4.3 Remove Coil Pivot ...............................................................................................................42
3.4.4 Attach the Coil Pivot ...........................................................................................................46
3.4.5 Connect the Coil..................................................................................................................49
3.5 Shafts...........................................................................................................................................53
3.5.1 Replacing a Camlock ...........................................................................................................54
3.5.2 Remove the Shafts ..............................................................................................................56
3.5.3 Attach the Shafts.................................................................................................................57
3.6 Handle.........................................................................................................................................58
3.6.1 Removing the Handle..........................................................................................................59
3.6.2 Connecting the Handle........................................................................................................60
3.7 Armrest .......................................................................................................................................63
3.7.1 Replace the Armrest ...........................................................................................................64
3.8 Battery Compartment.................................................................................................................66
3.8.1 Battery Compartment Replacement...................................................................................66
3.8.2 Battery Lid...........................................................................................................................68
3.8.3 Battery Lid Replacement.....................................................................................................68
3.9 Detector Chassis..........................................................................................................................69
3.9.1 Switch Sensitivity Replacement ..........................................................................................70
3.9.2 Speaker Replacement .........................................................................................................74
3.9.3 Wiring Loom Earset Replacement.......................................................................................75
3.9.4 Wiring Loom Handle Kit Replacement................................................................................76
3.9.5 Replace Vibration Motor.....................................................................................................78
3.9.6 Coil Connector Loom...........................................................................................................80
3.9.7 User Interface Chassis Kit....................................................................................................81
3.9.8 Detector Chassis Parts ........................................................................................................82
4 Fault Finding Procedures ....................................................................................................................85
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................85
4.2 Trouble Shooting Table...............................................................................................................85
5 Pressure Test.......................................................................................................................................88

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6 Software Upgrade...............................................................................................................................90
7 Circuit Schematics MF5.......................................................................................................................92
8 Contact Minelab..................................................................................................................................93

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1. Introduction
a. Servicing the MF5 includes fault finding, repair and maintenance and is designed to be
simple and fast thereby reducing the amount of time a detector is unserviceable. Repair and
maintenance is based on Spare Part Kits which can be fitted to a detector without the need for
adjustment or calibration. Additionally, individual parts and Spare Part Kits can be exchanged
between detectors as required.
b. Spare Part Kits are sub-assemblies of the MF5 that can be obtained from Minelab for
the purpose of repairing the MF5. Spare Part Kits include the following:
3004-0290 Coil Kit MF5
3004-0291 Coil Pivot Kit
3004-0292 Shaft Kit MF5
3004-0047 Camlock kit
3004-0048 Armrest Kit with Slide
3004-0049 Armrest Kit
3004-0308 Armrest Slide Assembly
3004-0293 Handle Kit MF5
3004-0051 Battery Compartment Kit
3004-0052 Battery Lid Kit
3004-0294 Main PCB Kit
3004-0296 Switch Kit Sensitivity MF5
3004-0295 Wiring Loom Handle Kit
3004-0057 Speaker Kit
3004-0297 Wiring Loom Earset Kit MF5
3004-0298 Vibration Motor Kit MF5
3004-0299 User Interface Chassis MF5
3004-0300 Coil Connector Loom MF5
c. Servicing the MF5 can be conducted in the field (under clean and dry conditions) or at
local service centres. No special tools are required but it is recommended that the MF5 Service
Tool Kit be used.
d. Servicing the MF5 is restricted to the exchange of Spare Parts Kits following the
identification of a faulty sub-assembly.
e. This manual should be read in conjunction with 4901-0373 Operations Manual MF5.
Additionally, from time to time, Minelab may issue Technical Service Notes that will
supplement the information contained in this manual.
f. Any questions regarding this manual or any repair procedure can be directed to Minelab
at Email: [email protected]

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2Mechanical & Functional Testing
a. The detector set should be regularly checked to ensure all parts and accessories are
present and in good working order. The MF5 is supplied as a mine detecting set comprising the
following items.
1
Item
MRN
Description
Qty
1
3115-0001
MF5 Detecting Set
2
3015-0029
MF5 Metal Detector only
1
3
3001-0112
Bag Carry Detector
1
4
5305-0111
Hard Case
1
5
65-71003
Battery, C cell 1v2 5Ah NiMH
4
6
4523-0025
Earset MF5
1
7
4901-0373
Operations Manual MF5
1
8
4903-0065
Field Guide MF5
1
Table 1: MF5 Detecting Set
Figure 1: MF5 Detecting Set
3
8
7
5
6
4
2

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b. Whenever a detector is returned for servicing or repair, mechanical and functional tests
must be completed to confirm and/or identify any faults.
c. At the completion of any maintenance or repair procedure, ALL mechanical and
functional tests must be completed to confirm the detector is working correctly and no faults
remain.
d. If a detector fails ANY of the mechanical or functional tests, it must not be used in
operations.
1Battery Compartment
2Earset Connector
3Main Body
4Controls
5Shaft Hinge
6Upper Shaft
7Upper Camlock
8Middle Shaft
9Lower Camlock
10 Lower Shaft
11 Coil
12 Coil Pivot Assembly
13 Handle Assembly
14 Test Piece
15 Armrest and Strap
Figure 2: Major component parts of the MF5

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2.1 Mechanical Testing
a. Confirm the MF5 and accessories are present and in good working order. Unpack the
detector and prepare for use. Mechanical testing and inspection include checking the following:
•Visual inspection of the detector for any obvious signs of damage.
•Coil movement is smooth in both axes and holds its position without drooping.
•Shafts extend and retract smoothly and the camlocks hold the shafts firmly in location.
•The shaft hinge moves freely when the handle is down and locks into extended position
when the handle is up.
•The battery lid opens and locks, the battery lid tether is in good condition, and the battery
lid O-ring is clean and in good condition.
•The handle slides up and down freely locking into position.
•The armrest extends and retracts smoothly.
•The armrest strap is in good condition.
•The earset dust caps are in good condition.
•Sensitivity knob does not turn unless lifted and rotated and then springs back into the
locked position when released.
b. The detector must pass all mechanical tests and checks to be considered acceptable for
operational use.
2.2 Function Testing
Function testing is used to confirm the serviceability of an MF5 before and after repair. The MF5
must pass all functional tests to be considered serviceable and ready for operations.
Functional testing requires a ground balance test piece. The ground balance test piece simulates
mineralised ground which results in an alarm from the detector. A mineralised “hot” rock or
adequate amount of local mineralised soil is suitable. Alternatively, a ceramic floor tile or clay
roof tile may be suitable for use as a ground balance test piece.
After preparing the MF5 for operations, complete the following tests:
a. Factory Reset. Factory reset will check that power is correctly supplied to the MF5 and
internal diagnostics discover no system fault. The detector settings are returned to the Factory
default values. The test is conducted as follows:
•Hold the coil at least 60cm (24in) away from the ground, and away from any metal objects.
•Ensure Sensitivity is set to Level 3 (default).
•Press and Hold the Power Button for longer than 5 seconds (Factory Reset).

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•The detector will start up in its Factory Default settings. Default Factory Settings are:
Detection Mode, Audio ON, Vibration OFF, LED Display OFF, Volume Level 6.
b. Noise Cancel Test. The noise cancel test ensures the MF5 successfully completes the noise
cancel procedure required whenever local electrical interference is present. During noise cancel
the MF5 scans the environment searching for the source of any electrical interference (noise). At
the completion of Noise Cancel the detector will automatically select operating frequencies that
have reduced interference. The test is conducted as follows:
•Hold the coil stationary and away from the ground and objects.
•Short-press the Noise Cancel Button to initiate the Noise cancel. The MF5 will indicate that
noise cancel is in progress via selected Audio/LEDs/Vibration indications. After 25 seconds,
noise cancel will finish with a success indication via selected Audio/LEDs/Vibration
indications.
Figure 3: Switch On
Figure 4: Noise Cancel

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c. Ground Balance Test. The ground balance test confirms the MF5 is capable of ground
balancing against mineralised ground. In doing so, it confirms the correct operation of the
ground balance button, coil and associated circuitry.
The ground balance test can be conducted using a ground balance test piece which must be
metal free and can be a rock or soil sample that is mineralised enough to cause an alarm from
the detector. The test is conducted as follows:
•Ensure hands and arms are free of metal objects (watches, rings etc) and that no other
metal objects are near the coil.
•Conduct a factory reset or a Ground Balance with the coil in the air away from any metal
targets. This clears any previous ground balance memory from the MF5.
•Sweep the coil left to right and up and down over metal free ground. If the ground is
sufficiently mineralised or magnetic the detector will alarm (ground noise).
•Conduct the Ground Balance procedure and confirm ground noise is reduced.
•Provided ground noise is reduced or eliminated then the ground balance test is successful.
d. Earset Test. The earset test confirms the earset is operating correctly and is conducted as
follows:
•Plug the earset into the detector.
•Switch on the detector and confirm the detection tone or heartbeat is audible using the
earset.
•The MF5 will always provide audio to a connected Earset regardless of the user selected
options/controls.
Figure 5: Connect the Earset

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e. LED Test. The LED test confirms the visual display (LEDs) can be enabled and disabled. To
conduct the test:
•Turn on the detector.
•The MF5 will disable the LEDs by default. Short press the LED Display button to enable the
LEDs. Short press again to disable the LEDs.
•If LEDs are not visible, long press the LED Display button to toggle LEDs between IR
(infrared, for use with night vision imaging systems) and visible light.
•Whilst in Detection mode, with the LEDs enabled, pass the coil over a metal object and
check that an increasing number of LEDs illuminate as the detection tone increases in
volume.
f. Battery Level Test. The battery level test confirms the MF5 provides an indication of
battery status and is conducted as follows:
•Turn on the detector and enable the LEDs.
•Long press the Noise Cancel button confirming battery status is indicated on the LED
display for three seconds.
•After three (3) seconds the battery level indicator will extinguish and normal operation will
resume.
•If the LED display is not visible, ensure LEDs are enabled and operating with visible light.
g. Sensitivity Control Test. The sensitivity control test confirms the sensitivity of the MF5 can
be adjusted and is conducted as follows:
•Set the sensitivity to the default position 3 in either IED or Conventional operations.
•Turn on the detector.
•Conduct the test piece test. Check that a faint but clear audio tone is heard and that more
than one LED illuminates.
•Decrease the sensitivity of the MF5 by rotating the sensitivity knob to position 2. A single
low pitched beep will be heard to prompt the operator that the sensitivity is being
decreased.
•Conduct the test piece test again and ensure no audio or LED response occurs.
•Move the sensitivity knob to position 3 and confirm a double beep occurs. This prompts
the operator that default sensitivity (position 3) has been selected.
•Rotate the sensitivity knob to position 4 and confirm that a high pitched beep is heard.
•Conduct the test piece test and confirm that a louder audio response and an increased
number of LEDs are illuminated compared to the previous position 3.

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h. Volume Control Test. The volume control test adjusts the audio volume of all tones
emitted by the detector and is conducted as follows:
•Switch on the detector.
•Short press the volume decrease button several times and confirm that the audio tones
decrease in volume.
•Short press the volume increase button several times and confirm that the audio tones
increase in volume.
•The MF5 will beep with every adjustment of audio volume and will give a double beep
when the default audio volume setting is selected.
i. Mode Button Test. The mode button test confirms the MF5 operates in all three sensor
modes; detection mode, interrogate mode and pinpoint mode. Check the mode button as
follows:
•Turn on the detector.
•Confirm the MF5 is in the default detection mode by checking that all targets have the
same tone and have volume proportional to the size and proximity of the target, an iron
nail will sound like a copper coin in detection mode.
•Press and release the mode button, the MF5 will entre interrogate mode.
•Confirm the MF5 gives a low–pitched beep for a ferrous (Fe, iron) target and a high-pitched
beep for a non-ferrous target (like copper, aluminium and carbon)
•Press the mode button and confirm the MF5 switches to detection mode.
j. Tactical Mode Test. The tactical mode test confirms the MF5 too; speaker audio off, LEDs
on IR, Vibration on. To conduct the test:
•Factory Reset the detector.
•Press and hold mode button then press the Power Button. Confirm the MF5 changes too
tactical mode, main speaker muted, IR LEDs activated, vibration activated and audio
available via Earset.
•The MF5 will stay in tactical mode even if it is turned off and on or batteries are removed.
It is possible to turn LED display, main speaker and vibration on and off whilst in tactical
mode.
•To exit tactical mode press and hold mode button then press the power button or factory
reset the detector.

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k. Test Piece Test. The test piece test is a critical test and shall be conducted last to confirm
the correct detection performance of the MF5. This test shall be conducted in an environment
that is free from electrical interference and an earset must be connected. The test is conducted
as follows:
•Ensure hands and arms are free of metal objects (watches, rings etc) and that no other
metal objects are near the coil.
•Set the sensitivity control to the default position 3 indicated by the yellow triangle then
switch on the MF5.
•Hold the test piece above the middle of the coil with the metal end of the test piece away
from the coil.
•Hold the test piece perpendicular to the bottom of the coil and smoothly move the test
piece across the coil from one side to the other.
•Confirm a faint but clear response (detection tone) is heard. With the LED display enabled
the test piece procedure should result in the illumination of at least one LED.
•If the test piece is not heard, Factory Reset the detector and repeat the test.
•If the test piece is still not heard, refer to section Fault Finding Procedures.
l. Provided the MF5 passes all function tests it is serviceable and ready for operations If the
detector does not pass all functional tests refer to section Fault Finding Procedures
Figure 6: Test Piece Procedure

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3Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures
a. This section describes the procedures required to exchange parts and conduct repairs.
Whenever a part or sub assembly is replaced, mechanical and functional testing as described in
Section Mechanical & Functional Testing must be completed.
b. The MF5 can be repaired and maintained with standard tools. No special tools are required.
The following tools may be required to service and support the MF5:
•Hex key driver (Allen key) 3mm
•Hex key driver (Allen key) 2.5mm
•Hex key driver (Allen key) 2mm
•Hex key driver (Allen key) 1.5mm
•Torx driver T20
•Torx driver T10
•Spanner 18mm
•Spanner 13mm
•Spanner 10mm
•Pin punch 3mm
•Silicon Grease, Molykote 111 Compound
•Silicon Rubber Flowable Non-Corrosive, Dowsil 3140 RTV Coating.
•Threadlocker, Low strength (all metal) Loctite 222

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3.1 Open the Detector Chassis
a. In order to conduct repairs and replace many of the parts of this detector, the first step
will often be to open the detector chassis. Many sections of this manual will refer to this section.
b. Required Tools
The following tools are required to open the detector chassis:
•Hex key driver (Allen key) 3mm
•Torx driver T20
c. The following procedure outlines the steps involved in opening the detector chassis:
•Prepare a clean well-lit workspace.
•Turn the detector off and remove the batteries.
•Remove the four (4) Screws from the top of the armrest and remove the armrest.
•Place the detector on its right side with the ON/OFF switch uppermost and remove the two
(2) Screws (M4x45mm) that secure the Cover Cable.
•Remove the Cover Cable.
Figure 7: Remove Armrest.

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•Unscrew and disconnect the coil connector.
•Remove the two (2) screws (M4x35mm) from the shaft hinge.
•Turn the detector over onto its left side with speaker grill uppermost.
•Using the 3mm hex key driver (3mm Allen Key) remove all 8 screws from the detector
chassis.
Coil Connector
Figure 8: Remove Cover Cable.
Figure 9: Disconnect Coil Connector and Remove Screws from Hinge

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•Using a T20 Torx (star) driver unscrew all four (4) Screws Torx T20 (Three(3) M4x35mm and
One(1) M4x20mm) from the right side of the detector.
Note
Four (4) Screws in the Chassis of the MF5 must have an O-ring on the Screw to seal (make
watertight) the detector. All Screws with an O-ring are Torx T20 and not Allen key (Hex socket).
The boltholes that require a Screw Torx T20 (with O-ring) are marked with a star (Torx)
Figure 10: Remove Screw, 3mm Allen key. Four (4) M4x20mm and four (4) M4x35mm
O ring
Needed on all
Torx T20
Screws.
Mark shows
where Torx
T20 Screw with
O ring is
required
Figure 11: Torx T20 Bolts with O ring seal

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•Using fingers gently separate the left and right chassis halves. The battery end of the
detector will come away easily. The shaft end is held by two (2) locating pins and will
require more force to separate.
•Gently lift the right side off the left body half taking care not to pull or stretch the speaker
cable and connector.
•Locate the speaker connector on the PCB and disconnect the speaker from the PCB.
•Remove the right half of the detector body.
Figure 12: Remove four (4) Screws Torx T20

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•Remove the upper shaft from the detector body.
c. The detector chassis is now opened revealing the internal components, which can now be
replaced as required.
Figure 14: Remove Shafts
Speaker
Speaker Connector
Figure 13: Disconnect the Speaker.

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3.2 Close the Detector Chassis
a. Required Tools.
•Hex key driver (Allen key) 3mm
•Torx driver T20
•Silicon Grease
b. The following procedure outlines the steps involved in closing and resealing the detector
chassis:
•Ensure all parts are present, in good working order and lay the detector chassis on its left
side.
•Thread the coil cable through the detector hinge and position the upper shaft into the
detector body.
Figure 16: Attach Shafts
Figure 15: Open Detector Chassis