Minelab MF5 User manual

Metal and Conductive Detector
Operations Manual

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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.
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2 Second Avenue, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia.
Patents and Trademarks
Patents may apply to this product: www.minelab.com/patents
MINELAB® and MF5® are trademarks of Minelab Electronics Pty. Ltd.

Item Number: 4901-0373-1
Metal and Conductive Detector
Operations Manual

Contents
System Overview
MF5 Overview������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 6
Detecting Set��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7
Standard Items 7
MF5 Main Detector Parts�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
MF5 Detector 9
Getting Started
MF5 Preparation������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10
Functional Description
Basic Functions �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14
Additional Functions ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17
Functional Tones������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18
Procedures
Operating Procedures��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������21
Standard Procedure 21
Optional Procedures 23
Sensor Modes����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������25
Detection Mode 25
Interrogation Mode 25
Pinpoint Mode 26
Sensor Overload 26
Search Techniques
Search Technique ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27
Search Speed 27
Search Overlap 27
Search Height 27

Locating the target������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������28
Sensor Head Null Zone 28
Coil Orientation 28
Target Edge Mapping 29
Target Edge Mapping Procedure 29
Target Pinpointing 29
Mapping Multiple Targets 30
Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity 30
Troubleshooting, Safety and Maintenance
Routine Care �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������31
Troubleshooting ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32
Advisory Errors 33
General Error and Coil Error 33
Initial Action 33
Safety Advice�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������34
Specifications
MF5 Detector Specification��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������36

6 | System Overview
MF5 Overview
Since 1996, Minelab has designed, developed and manufactured its range
of metal detectors to meet the requirements of landmine, unexploded
ordnance and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) clearance operations
throughout the world. Minelab continually strives to improve equipment
detection capability and Operator safety throughout the development of its
unique technologies and products.
Performance
Minelab’s MF5 metal detector has a uniquely
simple and ergonomic design. The detector
is reliable, robust and simple to use, allowing
an Operator to focus on detecting targets.
The MF5 is designed to detect and pinpoint
all types of metal and conductive targets
to include fine wires and carbon rods. Using
complex interrogation algorithms, the MF5
can also provide an Operator with information
regarding target composition.
Simple
The MF5 is designed for simple and intuitive
use by an Operator thereby reducing the time
required for equipment training.
Target detection alerts provided to an Operator
can be a combination of audio (Main Speaker
and/or Earset), visual (visible or Infrared
[IR] Light Emitting Diodes [LED]) and haptic
(vibration) responses. An Operator can select
IR LED when operations require the use of
night vision goggles.
Safe
This manual describes procedures for the
safe and effective operation of the MF5.
However, local Standard Operating Procedures
should take precedence provided all Minelab
recommended safety procedures are observed.
The MF5 incorporates several safety features
such as Low Battery and System Fault
warnings with continuous microprocessor
controlled internal self-testing. The inclusion
of a Test Piece provides the Operator with a
quick and easy check to ensure the detector is
functioning at its operational capability.
Robust
Components of the MF5 are manufactured
within tightly controlled parameters so that
they can be interchanged in the field without
any requirement for calibration. The MF5 is
designed to comply with MIL-STD-810G.
NOTE: Although the MF5 can withstand
immersion to a depth of three metres for
short periods of time — it is NOT designed
for use as an underwater detector.

System Overview | 7
10% scale
Standard Items
1. MF5 Detector
2. Carry Bag
3. Hard Transit Case
4. C cell Batteries (NiMH or Alkaline × 4)
5. Earset
6. Test Piece
7. Operations Manual
8. Field Guide
The Hard Transit Case stores the detector
inside the Carry Bag and protects the detector
when in transit or placed in storage.
The Carry Bag allows the Operator to
comfortably carry the detector when use
of the Hard Case is impractical.
The Carry Bag is not suitable for use when
transporting the detector by road or air. For
added protection during road or air transport
it is recommended that the MF5 be packed
in the Hard Transit Case.
Detecting Set
The MF5 is supplied as a detecting set with the following items:
Items and specifications may
vary slightly from those shown
and may be subject to change.
1 2
3
4
6
5
7 8

8 | System Overview
MF5 Main Detector Parts
Major component parts of the MF5 include:
15
13
14
11
12
6
7
8
9
10
4
5
1
2
3

System Overview | 9
Shaft Hinge
Pivot point for unfolding or folding the shafts.
The hinge is only locked in position when the
Handle Assembly is in its deployed position.
Upper, Middle & Lower Shafts
Carbon fibre shafts that are adjustable
for Operator comfort and for changes in
operating positions.
Upper & Lower Camlocks
Self-cleaning locking mechanisms to secure
middle and lower shafts.
Coil
Waterproof open web coil which can be rotated
270 degrees.
Coil Pivot Assembly
Permits the tilt and rotation of the Coil and
provides a tension screw for adjustment
as required.
Handle Assembly
Collapsible handle that contains user interface
buttons and LED display and a latch to permit
quiet set-up and collapse.
Test Piece
Conveniently stowed on the Armrest to allow
the Operator to ensure the detector is working
at its operational capability.
Armrest & Strap
Provided for Operator comfort when the
detector is used for prolonged periods.
The Armrest can also be extended for
Operator comfort.
Battery Compartment
Contains four NiMH Rechargeable C Cell or
Alkaline batteries. A battery map is provided to
indicate correct alignment of batteries when
inserted into the compartment.
Earset Connector
Provides connection for the Earset.
Main Body
Waterproof housing containing the detector
electronics and batteries.
Controls
Sensitivity knob and keypad containing
Power, Volume UP / Down / Mute, Vibration
and LED Buttons.
MF5 Detector
1. Battery Compartment
2. Earset Connector
3. Main Body
4. Controls
5. Shaft Hinge
6. Upper Shaft
7. Upper Camlock
8. Middle Shaft
9. Lower Camlock
10. Lower Shaft
11. Coil
12. Coil Pivot Assembly
13. Handle Assembly
14. Test Piece
15. Armrest and Strap

10 | Getting Started
1� Remove from the case / bag
Open the Hard Transit Case and / or
Carry Bag.
2� Inspect for damage
Inspect for obvious signs of damage.
If damage is evident, report to the
supervisor / team leader.
3� Insert batteries
Unlock the Battery Compartment Lid
by twisting the Battery Locking Lever
counter clockwise one-quarter turn.
Once unlocked, pull the lid away from
the Battery Compartment — the lid
will stay attached by a tether.
Using the battery map located on
the side of the Main Body, insert four
C cell batteries. Taking care not to
snag or trap the tether, replace the
Battery Compartment Lid and rotate
the Battery Lock Lever clockwise
one-quarter turn. If the batteries are
inserted incorrectly, the detector will
fail to function when switched on.
MF5 Preparation
To prepare the detector for use, conduct the following procedure:

Getting Started | 11
4� Unfold and adjust
a. Slide down armrest strap
b. Fold out coil and shafts
c. Slide handle up
d. Extend coil outwards
e. Rotate coil 270°
f. Unlock camlocks and extend shafts
g. Slide back armrest
h. Adjust armrest and strap
a
c
e f
g h
d
b

12 | Getting Started
5� Extend for operation
Extend the Lower and Middle Shafts
to suit standing, kneeling or prone
operating positions.
MF5 Preparation (continued)
NOTE: The MF5 requires four C cell batteries for operation. Use only high quality NiMH
rechargeable or Alkaline batteries. Minelab recommends that only rechargeable batteries with
capacity of 4000 mAh or greater to be used with the MF5.
Rechargeable batteries have specific charge / discharge maintenance requirements which
should be strictly followed to ensure maximum battery life
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not mix different battery brands.
NOTE: Electronics within the MF5 ensure that its performance remains consistent as the
charge state of the batteries begins to reduce. A Battery Low Alarm will occur when there is
approximately 30 minutes of battery life remaining.
Important Safety Warnings and Advice: When the Critically Low Battery Alarm occurs
the Operator must immediately STOP operations. The MF5 should be switched off and
new or recharged batteries inserted.
CAUTION — Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type.

Getting Started | 13
6� Connect Earset
Undo the dust caps from the Earset
Plug and Earset Socket on the
detector. Gently hold the Earset by
the rubber collar using thumb and
index finger, the raised double arrow
should be uppermost. Align the plug
with the Earset Socket and firmly
slide the collar onto the socket.
The MF5 is now ready for operations.
NOTE: The Earset Connector is waterproof and must be 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.
When the Earset is connected the main speaker is muted unless otherwise selected by
the Operator.
Pack up
To repack the MF5, reverse the preparation
procedure. Lifting the latch and gently
sliding the handle back allows for quiet
stowage of the handle assembly.

14 | Functional Description
Dual Function
Several buttons have a dual function as notated on the decal
icon. For example, the Volume Down Button can also be used
to mute the audio. Where a button has a dual function:
Short-press (< 0.5 s) the primary function.
Long-press (> 0.5 s) the secondary function.
Basic Functions
For ease of use, all controls and displays for the MF5 are located on the
Handle Assembly and Main Body.
Primary
function icon
Secondary
function icon
3
2
1
6
4
5
Conventional
Operations 1 — 5
IED Operations 1 — 5

Functional Description | 15
1. LED Display
A display of nine LED provides a visual
indication of detection signal strength when in
Detection and Pinpoint Modes and information
regarding target composition when in
Interrogation Mode.
2. Ground Balance Button
Ground Balance should be conducted every
time the MF5 is switched ON and when first
changing between IED and Conventional
Operations or vice versa. The automated
Ground Balance procedure removes
interference or false alarms from mineralised
soils and rocks whilst maintaining sufficient
sensitivity to detect targets of interest.
NOTE: Whenever the MF5 is restarted,
the previous Ground Balance condition is
retained although a new Ground Balance
is recommended.
3. Mode Button (Yellow)
The MF5 operates in one of three
sensor modes:
• Detection Mode: Detection Mode is
the default sensor mode to be used for
detecting all targets. It is the most
sensitive mode.
• Interrogation Mode: By pressing and
releasing the Mode Button once, the MF5
will enter into Interrogation Mode which
provides additional target information to
the Operator.
• Pinpointing Mode: By pressing and
holding the Mode Button, the MF5 will
enter Pinpointing Mode, which assists the
Operator to accurately map and pinpoint the
target. When the Mode Button is released,
the MF5 will revert to Detection Mode.
4. Power Button
To switch the MF5 ON or OFF, Long Press
(> 0.5 s) Power Button. The MF5 will complete
start-up procedures and internal diagnostics to
ensure the detector is operational and working
within design parameters. By default, the MF5
will commence in Detection Mode and emit a
double-tick heartbeat every 15 seconds.
5. Sensitivity Knob
The MF5 can be operated in one of five
sensitivity levels in either Conventional or IED
Operations. To select a sensitivity level, the
Sensitivity Knob must first be lifted slightly and
then rotated.
The need to first lift the Sensitivity Knob
prevents accidental or inadvertent changes to
sensitivity without the Operator’s knowledge.
• IED Operations (Default): IED Operations
should be selected when searching for all
types of targets including carbon rods and
fine wires.
• Conventional Operations: Conventional
Operations result in the MF5 being less
sensitive to carbon rods and wires and is
most suitable for the detection of metal
contained in conventional ordnance or
landmines. Conventional Operations is also
more effective when searching in ground
with high salt content; for example
beach areas.
After switching on the MF5 in IED or
Conventional Operations a Ground Balance
procedure must be conducted.

16 | Functional Description
NOTE: After switching on the MF5,
when selecting IED or Conventional
Operations for the first time, a Ground
Balance procedure should be completed.
Provided the detector software is not
upgraded, subsequent selections of IED
or Conventional Operations do not require
another Ground Balance.
When the detector is switched off, Ground
Balance profiles for IED and Conventional
Operations are retained.
When conducting the Test Piece
procedure, select sensitivity Level 3 in
either IED or Conventional Operations.
Warning: When detecting targets
with low metal signatures, the
sensitivity level must not be lower
than Level 3 in either IED or
Conventional Operations.
6. Noise Cancel Button
Noise Cancel should be conducted whenever
the MF5 receives interference from electrical
sources such as power lines, generators or
other detectors operating in close proximity.
7. Target Alert Responses
An Operator can be alerted to a target by
audio, visual (LED), or haptic (vibration)
responses. All three alert responses can be
enabled or individually selected by the Operator.
8. Tactical Mode
The Operator has the option of selecting
Tactical Mode at anytime during the operation
of the MF5 or when the detector is switched
ON. Tactical Mode provides a vibration alert
response which can be deselected if required.
In Tactical Mode, the LED display is changed to
IR for use with night vision goggles.
NOTE: For safety purposes it is impossible
to disable all three target alert responses
simultaneously.
It is recommended that the audio alert
response be enabled at all times unless
the tactical situation dictates otherwise.
9. Battery Alarms
The MF5 battery status can be checked
at anytime (see Additional Functions on
page 17). Warning will be provided to the
Operator whenever the following
conditions occur:
• Low Battery Alert: When using NiMH
batteries a Low Battery Warning will occur
when approximately 30 minutes of NiMH
battery life remains. The alarm, via the
enabled alert responses, will be provided
every 45 seconds. During this period,
the MF5 will continue to function within
operational limits.
• Critically Low Battery Warning: Continuous
alarm via the enabled alert responses and
the MF5 can no longer be used.
• Battery Shutdown: The MF5 is shut down
due to lack of battery power.
Warning: Once the Low Battery
Warning occurs, batteries
should be replaced immediately
or as soon as possible before
the Critically Low Battery
Warning occurs.

Functional Description | 17
Additional Functions
The MF5 provides additional functionality which can be selected at any time
during operations as required.
Function Action Outcome
Volume Up Short Press (< 0.5 s) Raise volume level from
1 to 9 (Default is 6).
Volume Down Short Press (< 0.5 s) Decrease volume level from
9 to 1 (Default is 6).
Volume Mute Long Press (> 0.5 s)
Mutes main speaker but not the
Earset when connected. Long
press to un-mute.
Vibration ON / OFF Short Press (< 0.5 s) Toggles handle vibration
ON and OFF.
LED Display ON / OFF Short Press (< 0.5 s) Toggles LED display
ON and OFF.
Infrared LED Display
ON / OFF Long Press (> 0.5 s) Toggles IR LED display
ON and OFF.
Tactical Mode +
Press and hold Mode Button
then the Power Button
After two short vibrations
release both Buttons. Main
speaker muted, IR LEDs
activated, vibration activated.
Audio available via Earset
if required.
Battery Status Long Press (> 0.5 s) Battery status indicated on
LED display for three seconds.
Factory Reset Press and Hold Power Button
for > 5 s on startup
MF5 initiates with:
• Detection Mode
• Audio ON
• Vibration OFF
• LED / IR OFF
• Volume Level 6
NOTE: Unless Factory Reset is conducted, or the MF5 starts in Tactical Mode, the MF5
will operate using the previously selected additional functions when restarted.
Battery Status indication will be accurate for NiMH batteries but not for other
battery chemistries.

18 | Functional Description
Functional Tones
The MF5 emits tones that vary in pitch and volume to alert the Operator to
targets, automatic detector functions or equipment alarm conditions. The
following table summarises the tones emitted by the MF5.
Tone Event Description
Start-Up Internal diagnostic checks when
the MF5 is switched on. Slow repeating low-pitched beep.
Shut-Down Unit powering down and
settings saved. Low-pitched descending tones.
Heartbeat
(Detection Mode)
Indicates that detector is
operating in Detection mode.
Double tick every 15 seconds (only
occurs in the absence of other
audio, such as detection audio or
low battery warning).
Heartbeat
(Interrogation Mode)
Indicates that detector is
operating in Interrogation mode.
Single tick every 15 seconds (only
occurs in the absence of other
audio, such as detection audio or
low battery warning).
User Input Accepted Confirms to Operator that user
input has been accepted. Single short beep of high-pitch.
User Input Not Accepted Indicates to Operator that user
input has not been accepted. Single short beep of low-pitch.
Success
Confirms to Operator that a process
has been successfully completed
(for example Noise Cancel,
Ground Balance).
Three short beeps of
ascending pitch.
Failure
Indicates to Operator that a process
has failed (for example Noise
Cancel, Ground Balance).
Three short beeps of
descending pitch.
Ground Balance Indicates that Ground Balance
is in progress.
Four short high-pitch beeps
followed by one relatively lower pitch
beep, on a repeating cycle.
Noise Cancel Indicates that Noise Cancel
procedure is in progress.
A repeating cycle of two short high-
pitched beeps followed by a longer
lower-pitched beep.
Target Detection Indicates target detected.
Increases volume and high or
low-pitch depending on target
composition and depth.

Functional Description | 19
Tone Event Description
Mode Change Entering or exiting Interrogation
or Pinpoint Mode.
When entering Interrogation Mode
a single mid pitched beep. When
exiting Interrogation Mode a double
mid pitched beep.
Interrogation Mode:
Ferrous Target Indicates target likely to be ferrous. Single beep with very
low-pitched tone.
Interrogation Mode:
Carbon Rod / Fine Wire
Indicates target likely to be carbon
rod or fine wire.
Single beep with very
high-pitched tone.
Interrogation Mode: Non-
Ferrous Target
Indicates target likely to be
non-ferrous.
Medium to high-pitched tone
proportional to the target
conductivity.
Pinpoint Mode
Indicates proximity of target to
centre of coil via a static response
such that the target feedback will
be heard even if the detector coil is
stationary with respect to
the target.
Increasing to the maximum
pitch when the detector coil is
immediately adjacent to the
target centre.
Ground Balance IED
Operations
Indicates that Sensitivity knob has
been changed into IED Operations
from Conventional Operations.
One higher pitched beep followed by
one lower pitched beep.
Ground Balance
Conventional Operations
Indicates that Sensitivity knob has
been changed into Conventional
Operations from IED Operations.
One lower pitched beep followed by
one higher pitched beep.
Default Sensitivity
Selected
Confirms to Operator that
Sensitivity knob is at Position IED
3 (Default) when the detector is
switched on or Position IED 3 is
selected whilst the detector is
in use.
Double mid-pitched beep.
Sensitivity Not Default
Indicates that the default sensitivity
is not selected when detector is
switched on.
Single low-pitched beep if sensitivity
lower than default (IED 3) and single
high-pitched beep is sensitivity
higher than default.
Changing Sensitivity Increasing or reducing sensitivity.
When increasing sensitivity a single
high-pitched beep, except when
increased to default value. When
decreasing sensitivity a single
low-pitched beep, except when
decreased to default value.
Volume Default Indicate that the volume setting is
set to the default value. Double beep at volume 6.

20 | Functional Description
Tone Event Description
Changing Volume Increasing or reducing volume.
Mid-pitch single beep with volume
dependent on setting, except when
changed to default value.
Low Battery Alert Indicates battery charge is low and
detection time is limited.
Two high-pitched tones every
45 seconds.
Battery Critically Low
Indicates that batteries do not
have enough charge to
continue detection.
High-pitched fast continuous
oscillating tone PLUS blinking
Battery Low LED provided the LED
display is switched on.
Overload Indicates that the receiver
electronics are overloaded. Continuous low-pitched tone.
Equipment Fault Indicates failure of
detector component.
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.
Advisory Error
Indicates the operating conditions
are not ideal but will not affect
detector performance.
Low-pitched tone repeated every
30 seconds (ee-aww).