Ricomax GC-1023 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL MODEL GC-1023
Please read before using this equipment
Metal Detector

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With your GC-1023 metal detector, you can hunt for coins, relics, jewelry,
gold, and silver just about anywhere, including lawns, snows, mountains and
etc. The detector is versatile and easy to use.
MODES
ALL METAL
To search for all kinds of metal object. In this mode, the
unit comes with auto ground balance.
DISCRIMINATION
In this mode, the unit comes with auto ground balance.
This mode can facilitate you to search for and discriminate
the target type based on the different tone for different
metal target.
TONE
Based on DISC/TONE control, the unit can discriminate the
metal type with high or low tone.
PINPOINT
To locate the target accurately.
FEATURES
View Meter
In noisy area, you can search for metal object according to the
indication of view meter.
Headphone Jack
Lets you connect stereo headphones (not supplied) and operate
without trouble.
Waterproof Search
coil
Lets you use the detector even if you must put it under shallow
water.
Adjustable Stem
Lets you adjust the detector’s length for comfortable use.
Arm Support
Lets you carry and operate your detector comfortably.
Power
Your metal detector requires two 9-volt alkaline batteries (not
supplied). The built-in insolating circuit can avoid wrong battery
connection and prolong the battery life.

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ASSEMBLING THE DETECTOR
Assembling your detector is easy and requires no special tools. Just
follow these steps:
1. Insert the latch on the liner into the assembly hole on the bottom of the
control box. Then slightly push the control box in the direction of IN on the
handle to fix the latch in place. Tighten the 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.

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3. Press the silver button on the upper end of the lower stem, and slide the
lower stem into the upper stem. 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 rotates to tighten the lock nut.
4. 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.
5. Turn the stem’s lock nut clockwise until it loosens. Lengthen or shorten
so when you stand upright with the detector in your hand, the search coil is
level with and about 1/2 to 2 inches above the ground with your arm relaxed
at your side. Turn the stem’s lock nut counter-clockwise to lock it in place.
Caution:
The search coil’s plug fits into the connector only one way. Do not force
the plug or you may damage it.
Do not over tighten the search coil or use tools such as pliers to tighten
it.

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INSTALLING THE BATTERIES
1. Check the power switch on the front panel to make sure it is in the “OFF”
position.
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 fresh alkaline batteries of required size.
Do not mix the old and the new batteries or different types of batteries.
Remove the batteries, If you don’t plan to use the unit for a week or
longer. The batteries may leak chemicals that can damage electronic
parts.
Dispose old batteries promptly and properly. Do not bury or burn them.

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USING HEADPHONES
1. Insert the stereo headphones’3.5mm plug into the PHONE jack. The
internal speaker disconnects at this time.
2. Set the volume to desired level. (This unit does not have volume control,
so we suggest to use the stereo headphone with volume control. )
Caution:
To protect your hearing, set the volume to the lowest setting before you
begin listening, and adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
Do not wear headphones while operating your detector near high-traffic
areas. Pay attention to traffic safety.
OVERVIEW THE CONTROL BOX

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1. SENS--- sensitivity control and also used as power switch.
Fully counter-clockwise rotate the switch to OFF to turn off the power.
Rotate it clockwise away from OFF to turn on the power. When you rotate the
SENS from 0 to 10, the sensitivity is gradually increased. 0 is the lowest
position for SENS; while 10 is the highest position. In general case, user can
set the SENS to a high position. But in mineralized area, or area with electrical
interference, it’s better to lower the SENS properly.
2. MODE SWITCH
DISC--- in this mode, the unit comes with auto ground balance. The
mode DISC/TONE can facilitate you to search for and discriminate the target
type based on the long or short tone for different metal target.
ALL METAL----to search for all kinds of metal object. In this mode, the
unit comes with auto ground balance, but without discrimination ability.
TONE---works with DISC/TONE. Discriminates different metal types with
two different tones (high or low).
3. PINPOINT--to pinpoint the target. Press this button to lower the
sensitivity automatically and to locate the target.
4. LOW BAT---after long time of operation, the battery voltage will become
low. When LOW BAT indicator lights, user has to replace the battery.
5. PHONE-- Insert the stereo headphones’3.5mm plug into the PHONE jack.
At this time the internal speaker is disconnected.
6. DISC/TONE-- DISC—discrimination control. You can rotate the control
clockwise from 0 to 10 to discriminate the different metal type. DISC will
discriminate the metal type with different tones, such as long tone, short
tone or without tone. But in TONE mode, unit will discriminate the metal type
with high or low tones.

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7. VIEW METER—when the metal target is found, the meter pointer will
swings to the right.
OPERATION
Your GC-1023 has four operation modes: DISC,TONE ,ALL METAL and
PINPOINT. DISC, TONE and ALL METAL are motion modes. You have to move
the coil to search for target. While PINPOINT is a non-motion mode.
When searching, generally set operation mode to ALL METAL and SENS
to less 10. Sweep your search coil right and left in an arc line. For not missing
any target, it is better to keep the distance from search coil to the ground
about 0.5–2 inches (closer to the earth for smaller target) and the distance
between two neighboring arcs is about 4-6 inches.
If there is a sound during sweeping, it indicates that there is a metal
target in the sound area. In this case, you can use PINPOINT to locate the
target. Then use DISC or TONE modes to determine whether the target is
worth digging out. The followings are the four operation modes in detail.
1. ALL METAL-- a general searching mode. In this mode, the unit will respond
with a “di-di”tone to all metal. But in this mode, unit can’t discriminate metal
type.
2. PINPOINT—in ALL METAL mode, when you find metal object, you can
press PINPOINT to find the target. Hold the search coil 50cm or more away
from the ground. Press and hold down the PINPOINT button. Sweep the
search coil over the sound area and release the button when you hear a
sound of “di”. After about 1~2 seconds, hold down the red button again, the
“di”sound disappears. Closer the search coil to the ground and you’ll hear the
sound again. Repeat the above steps until you find the target. After you find
the target, set mode to DISC or TONE to determine which kind of metal the
target is.

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3. DISC—in this mode, unit discriminates the metal type with different
tones, say high or silence. Set the DISC mode switch to “0”. Slowly rotate the
control clockwise to high position to reject objects you don’t want. At
different DISC position, unit can reject different undesired objects.
When DISC/TONE is set to 0, unit will respond to any metal object with a
high tone; As the control is rotated clockwise, the unit will be silent to ferrous
metal objects. This means the ferrous metal is rejected. Further rotate the
control clockwise. Nickel, zinc, and copper will be rejected. When the control
is set to 10 position, most metal objects are rejected, except silver. At 10
position, unit will still sound high tone for silver.
4. TONE—in this mode, unit discriminates different metal objects with high
or low tone. For object to be rejected, it sounds a low tone which is different
from in DISC mode. When DISC/TONE is set to 0, it sounds a high tone to any
metal. But as it is rotated to high position, it sounds a low tone to ferrous
metal, nickel, zinc, or copper. But it still sounds a high tone to silver.
Caution:
To have a better identification, users should practice more.
TESTING AND USING THE DETECTOR
To learn how the detector reacts to different metals, you should test it
before you use it the first time. You can test the detector indoors and
outdoors. We suggest that you practice finding sample on your own property
before you search other location.

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Indoor Testing and Use
1. Rotate SENS control clockwise away from OFF to turn on the detector.
2. Rotate SENS control further clockwise to adjust the level of sensitivity.
Normally you can sent the control to about 3:00pm. Reduce sensitivity in case
of interference.
3. Set DISC/TONE to “0”to detect all kinds of metal.
4. Set mode toggle to ALL METAL.
5. Place the detector on a wooden or plastic table, then remove any watches,
rings, or metal jewelry you are wearing.
6. Adjust the search coil so the flat part points towards the ceiling.
7.Slowly sweep a sample of the material you want the 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 meter point
moves to right.
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.
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 search coil might cause false indication and
unstable display of arrow.

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Outdoor Testing and Use
1. Follow the steps 1-4 described in Indoor Testing and Use.
2. Find an area outside where there is no metal.
3. Place a sample of the material you want the detector to find (such as a
gold ring or a coin) on the ground.
4. 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. When the detector
detects any metal, it sounds a tone and meter point moves to right.
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).
Using of DISC/TONE
After you find a metal object, you can use DISC/TONE to discriminate or
eliminate the metal you don’t want. As you set the control to different
position, you can eliminate different types of metal.
Follow the steps below:
Step 1:
a. Set the mode toggle to DISC.
b. Set DISC/TONE to “0”. In this case, the detector can detect all kinds of
metal. When the detector finds metal target, the meter pointer moves to
right and sounds high tone to all metal objects.
c. As you rotate the DISC/TONE control slowly clockwise to different
position, you can eliminate different types of metal. For example, if you don’t
want iron, you can set the control to 11 o’clock. Then the detector will not
have response to iron.

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A reference of DISC/TONE setting in DISC mode
Setting of DISC/TONE
Metal Eliminated
Near 11:00
Iron
Near 12:00
Nickel coin(5¢), pull tab
Near 14:00
Zinc coin(1¢87 version)
Near 16:00
Copper coin (10¢,1¢76 version)
Step 2:
a. Set the mode toggle to TONE.
b. Set DISC/TONE to “0”. In this case, the detector can detect all kinds of
metal and sounds a high tone for all metal objects.
c. As you rotate the DISC/TONE control slowly clockwise to different
position. The detector sounds different tones to different metal targets.For
example, with DISC/TONE set to “0”, the detector sounds high tone for iron.
As you set the control to over 10 o’clock, the detector sounds low tone for
iron.
A reference of DISC/TONE setting in TONE mode
Setting of DISC/TONE
TONE Indication
Metal detected
Near 11:00
Low
Iron
Near 12:00
Dual tone(broken)
Nickel coin
(5¢), pull tab
Near 14:00
Dual tone(broken)
Zinc coin
(1¢87 version)
Near 16:00
Dual tone(broken)
Copper coin
(10¢,1¢76 version)
Note:
Silver/25¢/50¢/1$ can’t be eliminated. The detector sounds high tone for
silver with DISC/TONE set to any position.

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Using of PINPOINT
To find the exact location of target, you can use PINPOINT mode.
1. Set mode toggle to ALL METAL.
2. Hold down the PINPOINT button. Sweep the search coil over the sound
area and release the button when you hear a sound . After about 1~2 seconds,
hold down the red(pinpoint) button again, sweep the search coil again,
keeping the same distance of search coil, sound disappears. Hold down
PINPOINT once more, closer the search coil to the suspected sound area, the
detector sounds again. Repeat the above steps until the detector gets
stronger signal where the location of the target is.
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.
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.

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Factors That Affect The Detecting
It’s difficult to have an accurate detecting result. Sometimes the
detecting may be restricted by the following 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.
In area of highly mineralized ground, or fertile ground, or wet sand, the
detector will sound even if there is no metal. In this case, you can lower the
sensitivity. Meantime enhance the distance between the search coil and the
ground.
Metallic digging tools will also affect the detection if they are near the
search coil. So it’s better place them a little far away.

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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.
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.
Handle the detector gently and carefully. Dropping it can
damage circuit boards and cases and can cause the detector
to work improperly.

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Troubleshooting Guide
If you have any question about this product,
please contact customer service via email: [e-mail]
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
4.Maybe the target is oxidized
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 to the
ground
1.Increase sensitivity
2.Recover all target range
3.Adjust the search coil
angel to be parallel to the
ground
The detector does
not function.
1.Five-pin cable not connected
well
2.Dead battery
1.Re-plug it properly
2.Replace batteries