National Geographic 80-20012 User manual

DIGITAL METAL
DETECTOR
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CHOKING HAZARD — Small parts.
Not for children under 3 years.
WARNING:
NOT INCLUDED
X2
Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline,
standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (ni-cad, ni-mh, etc.) batteries.
Non-rechargeable batteries are not to be recharged.
Please recycle batteries responsibly.
80-20012
AGES

2
Features 3
Preparation 4
Assembling the Detector 4
Installing the Batteries 5
Using Headphones 6
Listening Safely 6
Functions and Indications 6
A Quick Look at the Detector 6
Displays 6
Target Denomination/Tones 7
Operations 8
Turning on the Detector 8
Setting the Operation Mode 8
Testing and Using the Detector 9
Indoor Testing and Use 9
Outdoor Testing and Use 10
Search Coil Sweeping Hits 10
Application Hints 12
Pinpointing the Target 12
Factors that Affect the Detecting 13
Care and Maintenance 13

3
With your metal detector, you can hunt for coins, relics, jewelry, gold, and
silver just about anywhere. The detector is versatile and easy to use.
The detector’s features include:
LCD Display—shows the probable type of metal with an arrow, the depth
of the target, DISC range, the level of SENS with segment, the operating
mode, and battery indication.
Three Tone Audio Discrimination—sounds distinctive tones for different
types of metal.
DISC—ignores junk metal and finds valuable items by setting the
discrimination range.
P/P—pinpoints the accurate location of the target detected.
Headphone Jack (3.5mm)—lets you connect headphones (supplied) and
operate without trouble.
Power—requires two 9V alkaline batteries(not supplied).
Waterproof Search Coil—lets you use the detector even if you must put it
under water.
Control Box Arm Rest
Cable
Screw Nut
Search Coil
Lock Nut

4
PREPARATION
Assembling the Detector
Assembling your detector is easy and requires no special tools. Just follow
these steps.
1. Insert the latch on the top of the handle into the assembly hole on
the bottom of the control box. Then slightly push the control box in the
direction of IN marked on the handle to fix the latch in place. Secure the
control box with fixing screw properly.
2. Unscrew the fixing knob on the search coil and remove the knob
connector. Place the washers into the groove of the lower stem. Then insert
the stem and align the holes on the search coil bracket and the stem. Push
the connector through the holes and tighten the knob.
3. Press the silver button in the middle stem, and slide the stem into the
upper stem.
4. Press the silver button in the lower stem, and slide the stem into the
middle stem.
5. Wind the search coil cable around the stem. Leave enough slack in the
cable. Insert the search coil cable plug into the five pin jack on the front
control box’s housing.
LOW TONE
IRON AL
SILVER
MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
DEPTHSENS
PHONE
P/P
2"
4"
6"
8"
SENS DEPTH
BAT T P/P VOLUME
SET POWER
MODE ENTER
IRON AL
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
SILVER
PHONE
SET UP DOWN
POWER
P/P
MODE
SENS BATTERY P/P VOLUME DEPTH
SENS DEPTH
BAT T P/P VOLUME
OPEN
OPEN
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
LOWER STEM
WASHER
FIXING KNOB
CONNECTOR
SEARCH COIL
WASHER
LOW TONE
IRON AL
SILVER
MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
DEPTHSENS
PHONE
P/P
2"
4"
6"
8"
SENS DEPTH
BATT P/P VOLUME
SET POWER
MODE ENTER
IRON A L
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
SILVER
PHONE
SET UP DOWN
POWER
P/P
MODE
SENS BATTERY P/P VOLUME DEPTH
SENS DEPTH
BAT T P/P VOLUME
OPEN
OPEN
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
LOWER STEM
WASHER
FIXING KNOB
CONNECTOR
SEARCH COIL
WASHER

5
6. Turn the stem’s lock nut on the middle stem clockwise until it loosens.
Adjust the stem to a length that you feel comfortable when you stand
upright with the detector in your hand, and the search coil is level with the
ground with your arm relaxed at your side. Then counter-clockwise rotate
the tighten the lock nut.
Caution:
• The search coil plug fits into the connector only one way. Do not force the
plug or you could damage it.
• Do not over tighten the search coil or use tools such as pliers to tighten.
Installing Batteries
1. Turn off the power before installing the batteries.
2. Slide the left and right battery covers off in the direction of the arrow.
3. Place two 9V batteries into the battery compartment matching the
polarity symbols (+ and -) marked inside.
Caution:
• Use only new alkaline batteries of required
size.
• Do not mix the old and new batteries or
different types of batteries.
• Dispose of old batteries promptly and prperly.
Never bury or burn them.
• If you don’t plan to use the unit for a week or
more time, remove the batteries. Batteries can
leak chemicals that can destory electronic parts.
LOW TONE
IRON AL
SILVER
MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
DEPTHSENS
PHONE
P/P
2"
4"
6"
8"
SENS DEPTH
BAT T P/P VOLUME
SET POWER
MODE ENTER
IRON AL
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
SILVER
PHONE
SET UP DOWN
POWER
P/P
MODE
SENS BATTERY P/P VOLUME DEPTH
SENS DEPTH
BATT P/P VOLUME
OPEN
OPEN
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
LOWER STEM
WASHER
FIXING KNOB
CONNECTOR
SEARCH COIL
WASHER
Search coil
Cable Cable plug
Lower stem Spring clip Lock nut
Spring clip
Upper stem
Middle stem
Control box
Fixing screw

6
USING HEADPHONES
1. Insert the headphones’ 3.5mm plug into the PHONE jack. At this time the
internal speaker disconnects.
2. Set the VOLUME to the desired setting.
Listening Safely
• To protect your hearing, set the volume to the lowest setting before you
begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
• Do not wear headphones while operating your detector near high-traffic
areas. Pay attention to traffic safety.
FUNCTIONS AND INDICATIONS
1. A Quick Look at the Detector
2. Displays
The LCD displays the detection mode, sensitivity level, battery condition,
volume level and the depth of target.
When the detector finds an object, an arrow appears below the target icon.
Also displays the depth of the target.
LOW TONE
IRON AL
SILVER
MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
DEPTHSENS
PHONE
P/P
2"
4"
6"
8"
SENS DEPTH
BAT T P/P VOLUME
SET POWER
MODE ENTER
IRON AL
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
SILVER
PHONE
SET UP DOWN
POWER
P/P
MODE
SENS BATTERY P/P VOLUME DEPTH
SENS DEPTH
BATT P/P VOLUME
OPEN
OPEN
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
LOWER STEM
WASHER
FIXING KNOB
CONNECTOR
SEARCH COIL
WASHER
LOW TONE
IRON AL
SILVER
MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
DEPTHSENS
PHONE
P/P
2"
4"
6"
8"
SENS DEPTH
BATT P/P VOLUME
SET POWER
MODE ENTER
IRON AL
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
SILVER
PHONE
SET UP DOWN
POWER
P/P
MODE
SENS BATTERY P/P VOLUME DEPTH
SENS DEPTH
BAT T P/P VOLUME
OPEN
OPEN
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
LOWER STEM
WASHER
FIXING KNOB
CONNECTOR
SEARCH COIL
WASHER

7
Target Denomination
IRON NAIL – indicates that the target is probably iron or nail. Some oxidized
iron might register somewhere within the SILVER range.
AL/5¢/PULL TAB – indicates that the target is probably 5¢, aluminum can,
or pull tab.
GOLD RANGE
– indicates that the target is probably a gold ring. Some bronze
objects might register within this range.
1¢ – indicates that the target might be a coin of 1¢ or zinc penny or a
copper coin. Some large rough gold items or bronze objects might register
within the range.
SILVER RANGE
10¢ – indicates that the target is probably 10¢ coin.
25¢/$1 – indicates that the target is probably silver coin, 25¢ or $1. Some
large aluminum coin might register within this range.
50¢ – indicates that the target is probably 50¢ or a silver coin.
TONES
There are three tones for different kinds of metal type. This makes it easier to
identify the metal being detected. When the detector finds iron, nail, bottle
caps, it sounds a low tone. A medium tone is for 5¢, 1¢, 10¢, some gold
rings, aluminum pull tabs, zinc or copper items. A high tone is for 25¢, 50¢,
$1 or silver items.
LOW TONE
IRON AL
SILVER
MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
DEPTHSENS
PHONE
P/P
2"
4"
6"
8"
SENS DEPTH
BATT P/P VOLUME
SET POWER
MODE ENTER
IRON AL
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
SILVER
PHONE
SET UP DOWN
POWER
P/P
MODE
SENS BATTERY P/P VOLUME DEPTH
SENS DEPTH
BATT P/P VOLUME
OPEN
OPEN
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
LOWER STEM
WASHER
FIXING KNOB
CONNECTOR
SEARCH COIL
WASHER

8
OPERATION
1. Press POWER button to turn on the detector. Press POWER again to power
off. LCD displays all symbols.
2. SETTING SENSITIVITY
Press SET, sensitivity level bar flashes. Then press UP button to increase the
sensitivity or press DOWN button to decrease it. After that, press ENTER to
confirm the setting.
3. SETTING VOLUME
Press SET three times, the volume icon flashes. Press UP button or DOWN
button to increase or decrease the volume level. Then press ENTER to
confirm the setting.
4. SETTING THE OPERATION MODE
The detector comes with three operating modes of ALL METAL, DISC,
PINPOINT.
a. ALL METAL – used for detecting all types of metal.
Press SET twice, then ENTER to get ALL METAL. In this mode, the unit can
detect all kinds of metal.
b. DISC – used for target discrimination. You can set the target range or
eliminate the target you don’t want by pressing SET and MODE buttons.
Press SET twice, the blank frame flashes, press UP or DOWN to choose the
target you don’t want. Then press MODE. You can choose several targets
to be eliminated. After that, press ENTER to confirm the selected target to
be eliminated. To pick up the eliminated items, simply press MODE before
pressing ENTER. Or repress SET twice and UP or DOWN to move the flashing
frame to the target you want to pick. Then press MODE or ENTER.
NOTE: A crossed frame is for items eliminated.

9
5. PINPOINT
After you find a metal object, you can use P/P to pinpoint the target. Hold
down P/P button. LCD will display P/P and an icon of an eye. Slowly move
the search coil above the sound area. The detector sounds and the depth
indicator on the LCD displays the probable depth of the target. Then release
the button. Sweep the search coil again, keeping the same distance of
search coil, sound disappears. Hold down P/P again, closer the search coil
to the sounds area, the detector sounds again. Repeat the above steps until
the detector displays the stronger signal where the location of the target is.
TESTING AND USING THE DETECTOR
To learn how the detector reacts to different metal, you should test if before
you use it the first time. You can test the detector indoors and outdoors.
Indoor Testing and Use
1. Press POWER to power on the detector.
2. Follow the instructions described in OPERATION to set SENSITIVITY,
VOLUME and operation mode.
3. Place the detector on a wooden or plastic table, then remove any
watches, rings, or metal jewelry you are wearing.
4. Adjust the search coil so the flat part points towards the ceiling.
NOTE: Never test the detector on a floor inside a building. Most buildings
have metal of some kind in the floor, which might interfere with the objects
you’re testing or mask the signal completely.
5. Slowly sweep a sample of materials you want to detector to find (such as
a gold ring or a coin) 2-3 inches or more above the face of the search coil.
When the detector detects any metal, it sounds a tone and an arrow appears
below the target icon. Also LCD displays the depth of the target.
NOTE: If you are using a coin, the detector will detect it more easily if you
hold it so a flat side is parallel with the flat side of the search coil. A sweep
with the side of coin over the search coil might cause false indication and
unstable display of arrows.

10
Outdoor Testing and Use
1. Slide POWER to power on the detector.
2. Follow the instructions described in OPERATION to set SENSITIVITY,
VOLUME and operation mode.
3. Find an area on the ground outside where there is no metal.
4. Place a sample of the material you want the detector to find (such as a
gold ring or a coin) on the ground.
NOTE:
If you are using valuable metal such as gold to test the detector, mark the
area where you place the item, to help you find it later. Do not place it in tall
grass or weeds.
Hold the search coil level to the ground about 1~2 inches above the surface,
slowly move the search coil over the area where you placed the sample,
sweeping the search coil in a side-to-side motion.
Search Coil Sweeping Hints:
• Never sweep the search coil as if it were a pendulum. Raising the search
coil while sweeping or at the end of a sweep will cause false readings.
• Sweep slowly. Hurrying will cause you to miss targets.
LOW TONE
IRON AL
SILVER
MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
DEPTHSENS
PHONE
P/P
2"
4"
6"
8"
SENS DEPTH
BAT T P/P VOLUME
SET POWER
MODE ENTER
IRON AL
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
SILVER
PHONE
SET UP DOWN
POWER
P/P
MODE
SENS BATTERY P/P VOLUME DEPTH
SENS DEPTH
BATT P/P VOLUME
OPEN
OPEN
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
LOWER STEM
WASHER
FIXING KNOB
CONNECTOR
SEARCH COIL
WASHER

11
• It’s better you sweep the search coil from side to side in an arc line of 3
inches motion and keep the search coil parallel with the ground.
The detector can detect the metal type with blank frame below the target
name. And an arrow displays below the target if it is found. Meanwhile the
detector rejects or does not respond to other metal types with cross mark in
the frame
LOW TONE
IRON AL
SILVER
MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
DEPTHSENS
PHONE
P/P
2"
4"
6"
8"
SENS DEPTH
BATT P/P VOLUME
SET POWER
MODE ENTER
IRON AL
GOLD
BRONZE
5

1

10

25

50

1
$
SILVER
PHONE
SET UP DOWN
POWER
P/P
MODE
SENS BATTERY P/P VOLUME DEPTH
SENS DEPTH
BAT T P/P VOLUME
OPEN
OPEN
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
LOWER STEM
WASHER
FIXING KNOB
CONNECTOR
SEARCH COIL
WASHER
displaying below the target name.
When the detector finds any metal, it sounds a tone. A low tone is for
iron, nail, bottle caps. A medium tone is for 5¢, 1¢, 10¢, some gold rings,
aluminum pull tabs, zinc or copper items. A high tone is for 25¢, 50¢, $1 or
silver items.
If the detector does not detect the item, make sure that the target mode is
set correctly for the type of metal you’re searching for. Also make sure that
you’re moving the search coil correctly.
NOTES:
• The detector responds with a signal when it detects most valuable metal
objects. If a signal does not repeat after you sweep the search coil over the
target a few times, the target is probably junk metal.
• False signals can be cause by trashy ground, electrical interference, or large
irregular piece of junk metal.
• False signal are usually broken or non-repeatable.
• In order to detect the target deeply buried, you can adjust the SENS to
a high position. But not to set the level of SENS to Max position, or the
detector will receive interference and false signal from broadcast antenna
and other electronic lines. The detector will have unstable arrow and
irregular tone indications.
Control Box Cable
Lock Nut
Screw Nut
Search Coil Phone
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
Small Head
O
PEN
LOW TONE MEDIUM TONE
Metal Icons
Sensitivity Level
Low Batt
Operation Mode
Buttons
Sensitivity Disc/Notch
Control Indication
Disc/Notch Range
Target Indication
Depth
Correct
Wrong

12
APPLICATION HINTS
Pinpointing The Target
Accurately pinpointing a target makes digging it up easier. But it takes
practice. We suggest you practice finding samples on your own property
before you search other locations.
Follow these steps to pinpoint a target.
1. When the detector detects a buried target, continue sweeping the search
coil over the target in a narrowing side-to-side motion.
2. Make a visual note of exact spot on the ground where the detector beeps.
3. Stop the search coil directly over this point on the ground. Then move the
search coil straight forward away from you and straight back towards you a
couple of times.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 at a right angle to the original search line, make a mark
of “X” . The target will be directly below the “X” at the point of the
beep response.
Control Box Cable
Lock Nut
Screw Nut
Search Coil Phone
Assembly Hole
Fixing Screw
Control Box
Latch
Small Head
O
PEN
LOW TONE MEDIUM TONE
Metal Icons
Sensitivity Level
Low Batt
Operation Mode
Buttons
Sensitivity Disc/Notch
Control Indication
Disc/Notch Range
Target Indication
Depth
Correct
Wrong

13
Factors That Affect The Detecting
It’s difficult to have an accurate detecting result. Sometimes the detecting
may be restricted by some factors.
• The angle of the target buried in the soil.
• The depth of the target.
• The level of oxidization of the target.
• The size of the target.
• Electro-magnetic and electrical interference surrounding the target.
If you detect patiently and correctly and practice more times, you’ll get
satisfactory result.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your metal detector is an example of superior design and craftsmanship.
The following suggestions will help you care for your metal detector so you
can enjoy it for years.
• Handle the detector gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage
circuit boards and cases and can cause the detector to work
improperly.
• Use the detector only in normal temperature
environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life
of electronic devices, damage the cases of the detector.
• Keep the detector away from dust and dirt, which can cause
premature wear of parts.
• Wipe the detector with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking
new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong
detergents to clean the detector.

14
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem Reason Suggestion
The detector displays or sounds
without detecting any target
1. The detector may receive
interference and false signal from
broadcast antenna and other
electronic lines
2. The humidity of environment
may be extremely high
1. Change searching place
2. Wait for some time to check
again
The detector sounds false signals.
1. Sensitivity set too high/
environmental electromagnetic
interference
2. Sweeping the detector’s search
coil too fast or at wrong angle
3. Using 2 detectors in close
proximity
1. Reduce sensitivity
2. Sweep the search coil more
slowly and hold the detector
correctly
3. Keep two detectors at least 6
meters(20’) apart
The detector does not detect
anything
1. Sensitivity set too low
2. Target range is eliminated
3. Search coil is not parallel with
the ground
1. Increase sensitivity
2. Recover all target range
3. Adjust the search coil angel to
be parallel with the ground
LCD display multiple target
categories or emits several
sounds at once
1. There may be over one kind of
metal targets
2. The detector can’t identify
the target. Sometimes, oxidized
metal also causes the excursion
of target arrow and tone.
1. Reduce the sensitivity to
eliminate the detection of the
deeper target
2. Sweep the search coil with
different angles
The detector does not function
1. Five-pin cable not connected
well
2. Dead battery
1. Re-plug it properly
2. Replace batteries

15

16
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Made in China
CONFORMS TO THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF ASTM F963
EN
• The WEEE symbol if present indicates that
this item contains electrical or electronic
components which must be collected and
disposed of separately.
• Never dispose of electrical or electronic waste
in general municipal waste. Collect and dispose
of such waste separately.
• Make use of the return and collection systems available to you, or
your local recycling program. Contact your local authority or place of
purchase to nd out what schemes are available.
• Electrical and electronic equipment contains hazardous substance
which, when disposed of incorrectly, may leak into the ground.
This can contribute to soil and water pollution which is hazardous to
human health, and endanger wildlife.
• It is essential that consumers look to re-use or recycle electrical
or electronic waste to avoid it going to landll sites or incineration
without treatment.