Rutus Alter71 User manual

DEAR USER!
Thank you for purchasing this product. This detector has been designed with the latest
technology to allow you to make the most of your passion, to discover the remains of the
past.
We hope that the Alter71 meets all of your expectations during your adventures.
This manual will give you all the necessary information, so that you can quickly understand
how the Alter71 works before going into the field.
Please take some time to get to know your detector, each day spent working with your
detector will increase your knowledge, and steadily increase the effectiveness of your
searches.
Please remember that while you are searching, you will be uncovering history.
Do not destroy these unique remains in the process, take some time to get to know the law
of your country and leave your search area clean and tidy.
Be an exemplary user of Alter71:
Do not use the detector in areas that are under archaeological protection or where an
archaeological dig has been conducted.
Before entering private property, ask the owner for permission.
Do not make life harder for farmers or foresters by damaging crops or disturbing animals.
Do not leave a mess after yourself. Leave the place you have searched, in the same
condition as when you arrived.
Refill all holes, take any rubbish with you and put it in the next rubbish bin you come
across.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DETECTOR ASSEMBLY...............................................................................................................3
BATTERY INSTALLATION............................................................................................................3
CONTROL PANEL.........................................................................................................................4
TURNING ON/OFF........................................................................................................................4
GROUND BALANCE.....................................................................................................................4
DISPLAY........................................................................................................................................6
PROGRAM SELECTION...............................................................................................................6
IDENTIFICATION..........................................................................................................................7
IDENTIFICATION GRAPH............................................................................................................8
SETTINGS AVAILABLE IN OPERATING MODE...........................................................................8
SENSITIVITY.................................................................................................................................9
DISCRIMINATION.........................................................................................................................9
NOTCH..........................................................................................................................................9
PINPOINT....................................................................................................................................10
OVERLOAD.................................................................................................................................10
MENU LAYOUT...........................................................................................................................10
MENU – ENGINE PAGE.............................................................................................................12
Frequency.....................................................................................................................12
Hot rock........................................................................................................................12
Reaction.......................................................................................................................13
Masking........................................................................................................................13
MENU – AUDIO PAGE................................................................................................................14
Th Level.........................................................................................................................14
Th Tone.........................................................................................................................14
Th Sens.........................................................................................................................14
VCO..............................................................................................................................15
Th SAT..........................................................................................................................15
Audio Gain....................................................................................................................15
Volume..........................................................................................................................15
Iron volume...................................................................................................................15
Tones............................................................................................................................16
Wireless........................................................................................................................16
MENU – SCREEN PAGE............................................................................................................17
Backlight.......................................................................................................................17
ID Type.........................................................................................................................17
Hold Time.....................................................................................................................17
ID Gain.........................................................................................................................17
Language.....................................................................................................................17
DETECTOR'S CAPABILITIES.....................................................................................................18
MODES OF OPERATION...........................................................................................................19
MODES OF OPERATION AND SEARCHING.............................................................................21
SEARCHING – USEFUL ADVICE...............................................................................................22
NOTES FOR MAINTENANCE....................................................................................................23
PROGRAMS SETTINGS.............................................................................................................23
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY.......................................................................................26
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0

The detector assembly is simple and requires no tools, a properly assembled
detector is shown on the front cover of the user’s manual. Before assembling the
stems, make sure the cam lock is unlocked by rotating it as shown in the picture. Next
push the spring buttons in and insert one stem into the other. Release the buttons
and they will lock in the holes. Next secure the cam lock by turning it the other way
until it is hand tight. Do not over tighten the cam locks or the screw securing the
search coil. The connecting cable should be secured with two rubber cable tie to the
base of the lower stem, and then wrapped around the stems. Doing this will prevent from creating loose
loops of the cable in the search coil area and protect the cable from pulling out from the search coil. The
third rubber cable tie should be used to attach the cable to the top of the detector, which will prevent the
cable from slipping downwards. Pay attention when inserting the cable from the search coil into the
socket: the cable should not be too tight and the plug must not be inserted at an angle, as this
may damage the search coil cable or plug. See the photo on the front page for best practice. The
armrest is adjustable – first remove the screw, then move the armrest to the desired position and re-
tighten the screw. When disassembling the detector, begin by unplugging the search coil from the socket
and loosen the cable wound around the stems. Once this is completed the rest of the detector may be
disassembled into its basic components. Finish by loosening the screw securing the search coil and fold
it together with the stem.
NOTE: Try to avoid creating large loops of cable near the edges of the search coil, as this may result in
the detector giving false readings.
NOTE: The coil cable plug is protected by a silicon cover. This is there to prevent dirt and sand from
damaging the delicate, gold connector pins. If the plug is not in the socket, it should always have the
protective cover on.
NOTE: Cleaning the detector must be done using only water with soap on a damp sponge.
Do not use any solvents or petroleum products. Regularly clean the stems and cam locks.
Use good quality alkaline or rechargeable batteries of well known brands. Do not mix new and
discharged batteries or regular ones with rechargeable ones. Used batteries must be removed from the
detector as soon as possible. Remember to remove the batteries from the detector if it is not going to be
used for an extended period of time. The warranty does not cover damage caused by leaking batteries
damaging the electronics.
In order to install the batteries, press the centre of the lid (2), unlock the clip
(1), and then remove the lid (2) as shown on the picture. After pulling out the battery
holder, insert the batteries as shown on the holder, remembering to check if the
polarity is correct. It is important to make sure that the spring is pressing the batteries
tightly. The holder can only be inserted into the detector one way – the shape
prevents it from being inserted the other way around. When inserting the holder, the
detector can turn on itself - it is not a symptom of damage.
NOTE: The detector has a battery indicator which monitors the batteries charge level. As the batteries
lose charge, the indicator bar will shorten. When the batteries need replacing the detector will turn off
automatically. It is not possible to turn on the detector if the batteries charge is
too low. As the battery reaches this level, the detector will make a sound of
decreasing frequency and the display will show a symbol of a crossed out
battery (see picture beside). The circuit monitoring the battery level shows
a charging level of 1.5 V for standard alkaline batteries. When using 1.2 V
rechargeable batteries the battery charge icon will never be full.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 3

The picture below shows the functions of individual buttons on the control panel.
The detector is turned on by pressing the button with the power icon. The detector can
be turned off only from the operation mode by holding the button for 1 second. In the
menu the button is used only to enter the tones editing screen. A short press of the button in
the operation mode does not turn the detector off but changes to the program selection mode.
After turning the detector on, the ground balance procedure must be completed. This can
be done at any time by pressing the button. When the message « Put search coil UP Then
pull trigger » is shown, the search coil should be lifted at least 0.5 m above the ground (away
from metal objects) and pull the trigger for a moment. The display will then show the
« Preparing Data » message, this means that the processor is collecting the data necessary for
operation. After this process ends the « OK » message will appear followed by the main screen
of ground balance (see picture below).
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 4

NOTE: If you wish to use the detector with the factory presets, pull the trigger after the main
ground balance screen is displayed. This is very useful if you want to find a clean place quickly,
so that you can perform the ground balance process correctly using the „pumping” technique.
Correct ground balance is gained by „pumping”. The search coil should be slowly moved
up and down above the ground, each cycle taking about a second. The detector will display the
number of cycles remaining – decreasing from 5 to 1 and after the last movement up the
message « Detector ready, pull trigger » will be shown. After pulling the trigger, information
about the ground will be displayed on the screen, at the same time an audio signal will indicate
the probability of incorrect ground balance – for example due to metallic objects in the ground.
Signal
phase from
the ground
Message Description
-90 to -86 « OK », along with three
sounds of progressively
higher pitch
Correct ground balance
-86 to -83 « ? » and two sounds of
progressively lower tone
A possibility that ground balance has been
completed over a metal object or the ground has
other conductive properties (eg wet meadow) – the
user should, if in doubt, perform ground balance
elsewhere or use the factory preset to check with
the Pinpoint if there are any metal objects in the
ground.
-83 to -80 « ! » and one low beep An increasing probability of metal objects in the
ground or increasingly higher conductivity of the
ground because of the presence of water in it. We
strongly recommend checking that there are no
metal objects in the ground (on the factory preset)
and repeating ground balance.
-80 to -75 « !! » and two low beeps
-75 to -65 « !!! » and three low beeps
Above -65 « !!!! » and four low beeps
NOTE: On high conductivity soils, the detector may be unstable at the highest Sensitivity
settings. This is a not uncommon and it may be necessary to reduce the sensitivity of the
detector or work using the factory preset.
A single ground balance process does not guarantee stable operation across an entire
search area or for the whole of a day's searching. It is best to repeat a ground balance process
each time a new area is started or when the detector starts to give false readings. Examples of
new areas would be where field changes to forest, or when moving from a track to wetlands.
The detector will also require a ground balance check when either the program, the
Frequency or the Hot rock parameters are changed.
NOTE: While data is being prepared for work (« Preparing Data » screen) the search coil must
be raised a minimum of 0.5 m above the ground and away from metal objects. Ground balance
must be done at least 15 m away from other detectors. Not following these guidelines will not
damage the detector, but it will cause the detector to operate less accurately – a proper ground
balance procedure will fix this quickly.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 5

The picture below shows the display in the operation mode.
The detector has 7 factory pre-set programs designed for various types of objects as
shown in the table below and 4 user programs.
Ultra deep A program to search for very large objects at great depth made of steel and
non-ferrous metals. Classic non-motion mode without Discrimination and with
graphic identification on display.
Deep A program optimised for large steel objects at large depths.
Big silver A program optimised for searching for big silver and copper coins.
Basic A universal program. If you are not sure which program to choose, this is
a good programme to start with.
Coins A program to search for coins.
Fast A fast program to search for coins and other small non-ferrous objects
amongst steel junk.
Ultra fast A very fast program to search for coins and other small non-ferrous objects
amongst steel junk.
Personal 1 – 4 4 programs customisable by the user – this allows you to create your own
programs without having to modify the factory pre-set programs. These are
initially configured with Basic program settings.
NOTE: The factory programs are optimised for ease of use. When beginning to use the detector
we strongly recommend trying the detector with these factory programs without changing
settings in the menu. This will help you to learn quicker how the detector operates.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 6

Each factory program can be modified to your own requirements, just enter the menu and
change the settings shown. Modifications are stored after the power is switched off (however
not when the battery pack is removed while the detector is turn on, which should never be
done). If the changes are not what you expected, then they can be reset using the factory
settings. Tables of all settings and space for noting your own are at the back of this manual.
The programs save all the setting except for the following: Backlight, Discrimination,
Sensitivity, Notch, Volume and Wireless. These six settings are saved by the detector after
turning the power off but are independent of the programs. The reason for separating these six
settings from the programs is so that they can be changed quickly, depending on the time of day
and search conditions. The user's current control over these settings is advisable and
necessary.
Turning the required program on is done by pressing the button in the detector’s
operating mode. The program selection screen will appear:
The buttons are used to select the program
you would like, then pull the trigger to enter the program. After
changing a program a ground balance needs to be done, and
the detector will guide you through this process.
If you want to reset a given program to the factory specifications, bring up the program
selection screen (by pressing the button) and use the button to go down to the
« Reset » option, then use the button to choose « Yes ». Use the trigger to leave the
program selection screen, the reset confirmation screen will then appear (« Really? »). Use the
button to select « Yes ». Use the trigger to complete, the chosen program will then be reset.
Resetting a program to the factory settings does not result in resetting user sound profiles.
NOTE: To allow an intuitive approach for users of our previous products, and those of other
manufacturers, Alter71 now has the option of choosing one of two types of identification scales.
One has 120 points of ID and is the scale from 1 to 120. The second has 180 points of ID and is
the scale from -90 to +90. Throughout this manual, information for the 180 scale is provided in
brackets as shown [180].
Alter71 is a detector which has a built-in metal object identification circuit. The detector
has 120 [180] identification points. It analyses the signal from a metal object several hundred
times per second, after each identification process, the internal memory of the device saves a
specific digital value. The values stored in the memory are used to calculate an average
identification value and an identification graph is shown. The average value depends on the
characteristics of the object that is below the search coil.
When the search coil is moved over an object made of a ferrous metal (e.g. steel) the
identification process will give a low value (e.g. 15 [-45]). Non-ferrous metals will give higher
identification values. The value for objects will depend on their size, thickness and the type of
material they are made of. Small, thin objects give values of around 40 [+10] and big, thick
ones, made from good conductors will show values above 100 [+80]. The soil will also have an
influence on the identification process. Rich mineral contents, and objects at great depth will
influence the values against those taken from above the ground.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 7

The identification graph is a graphical representation of the data collected by the
identification circuit while moving the search coil over an object and is stored in the device’s
memory. This feature is unique to this detector, and allows for quicker identification of ferrous
objects than any other method.
If the graph closely resembles a straight or inclined line
then an object's composition is very likely to be of a single
material and the digital identification has a high probability of
being correct (a straight line in the range of iron is iron,
a straight line in the range of non-ferrous metals is most
probably a non-ferrous metal).
When the graph is clearly bent, curved or spread
across the whole of the display, it is highly probable that you
are dealing with an object such as a can, a thin steel sheet or
other steel object whose magnetic properties are lesser than
its conductive properties.
Adjusting the Sensitivity level, Discrimination or access to the Notch function is done
straight from the detector’s operating mode. The way to access the settings is described below.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 8

After pressing the button the « Sensitivity » message will appear on the display,
a number describing the Sensitivity level and a linear scale showing the adjustment range. The
adjustment is done using the buttons. Pushing the button a second time will show
the Discrimination level. Adjusting the Discrimination is done in the same way as adjusting the
Sensitivity.
Another press of the button will lead to the Notch function. The Notch point, which
we want to lock (or unlock) is chosen using the buttons. The chosen Notch point is
locked (Reject) or unlocked (Accept) using the buttons. To quickly block or unblock
a larger range of points, the user can use the buttons: or and or
simultaneously. After pressing the button the screen returns to the operation mode screen.
Sensitivity in the Alter71 detector may be adjusted across 90 levels. The Sensitivity level
set by the user determines the detector's range and more importantly it's stable operation. In
areas which are littered, freshly ploughed or have heavy electromagnetic interference, operating
with maximum Sensitivity is not possible. Sensitivity has to be adjusted in accordance to the
terrain where the search is being conducted and using your own experience. New users should
begin their searches with the detector set to Sensitivity levels between 40 and 60.
Discrimination is a function which enables the removal of sound signals from unwanted
objects, which have a identification number lower than the set Discrimination value.
E.g. a Discrimination value set to 20 [-30] will result in a lack of the detector’s reaction to most
small steel objects. The Discrimination value can be set within the range 0 to 120 [-90 +90].
The detector has 120 points of Notch function. Each of which can be locked individually.
This function is used to eliminate signals from objects with a specific identification point, which
helps to search in places where there is a large amount of similar, unwanted objects. For
example, to eliminate signals from spent cartridges littering a battlefield but not eliminating
signals from other objects. To make best use of this function, block readings from the unwanted
object's value, and a few points above and below this. The size of this range should be adjusted
based on the search conditions. In places where identification readouts are stable, the range of
the blocked signals should be as narrow as possible.
When using Notch it is important to remember that other objects with characteristics
similar to the „unwanted” ones will also be eliminated. For best results, only use this function in
exceptional circumstances.
If the detector is working in the 1 –120 ID range, then one ID point equals one point of
Notch discrimination. In the case of the -90 to +90 ID range, calculate Notch Discrimination
values as follows. For negative values (-90 to 0), three identification points equals one point of
Notch discrimination. E.g. -90 to -88 = 1, -87 to -85 = 2, -84 to -82 = 3 etc, and -5 to -3 = 29, -2
to 0 = 30. For positive values (0 to +90) one identification point equals one point of Notch
discrimination. E.g. +1 = 31, +2 = 32, +3 =33 etc, and 88 = 118, 89 = 119, 90 = 120.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 9

This function allows for the quick and easy location of an object you have detected. To
use the Pinpoint function move the search coil away from the area where the object is and then
pull and hold the trigger. To pinpoint the object make a cross like movement, to find the point
where the signal is the strongest. The depth of the object shown on the screen is set-up for
medium-sized objects. This means that for large objects the depth will be larger than indicated
on the screen. The operation of the indicator and depth gauge is not dependent on the
sensitivity of the detector, however the sound signal is.
NOTE: In the Pinpoint function the detector works in Non-Motion mode.
An overload means that the signal from an object is too strong for the detector to process
correctly. Thankfully this does not mean the detector has been damaged. An overload is
indicated by a rattling sound and the « Overload » message on the display. In this situation lift
the search coil up – when the overload message has gone, the display will show the
identification value for the object.
The menu is divided into three pages: Engine, Audio and Screen. This allows for clear
and logical grouping of settings. To enter the Menu press the button, and then pull the
trigger to leave. To switch between pages press the button and then switch between the
settings on each individual page by pressing the button.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 10

RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 11

Setting Adjustment range
Frequency 4400 – 18400 Hz
Hot Rock -30 – 30
Reaction 1 – 8
Masking 0 – 6
The Engine page contains the following settings:
Frequency
Alter71 has another unique feature, it can be tuned across a very broad spectrum of
frequencies. It is possibly the first entry level metal detector which may be tuned from 4.4 kHz to
18.4 kHz with steps of 0.2 kHz. The user can choose one of 71 available frequencies to work
with. The tuning is done using the buttons.
The choice of frequency used has a very big impact on the detector’s ability to detect
objects. The general rule is: the smaller the object, the higher frequency used. Frequency also
influences the quality of Discrimination of flat shaped steel objects, the higher the frequency, the
more the properties of the metal sheets resemble those of non-ferrous metals. The frequency
also has an influence on the power consumption of the device. The operating time at 4.4 kHz is
much shorter than at 18.4 kHz. If you are not sure which frequency to work with – use 8 kHz.
4.4 – 6.4 kHz Deep searches for highly conductive objects e.g. large non-
ferrous metal parts, large silver coins or large steel objects
6.6 – 10 kHz Universal search
Above 10 kHz To search for small, thin objects
NOTE: After each frequency change the detector requires the ground balance procedure to be
repeated.
Hot rock
This adjustment allows the detector’s reaction to magnetic rocks and objects of
particularly high identification value to be modified. Magnetic rocks are plain field rocks which
have residual magnetic properties. Magnets do not attract them, but they influence the
detector’s operation. They are essentially recognized by the detector as signals with an ID value
of 0 [-90] and in most cases these objects can be isolated using the Discrimination option, in the
same way as simple steel scrap. Objects with exceptionally high ID values 119 or 120 [+89 or
+90] are large pieces of aluminium, aluminium sheets and aluminium canteens. In this way Hot
rock adjustment can be used to set the reaction to objects at both ends of the identification
scale. This is a result of the detector „virtually” connecting both ends of the scale. The
microprocessor does not treat the identification scale as linear, but rather circular, where values
of 0 and 120 [-90 +90] are connected, and therefore an object identified as above 0 [-90] is
automatically identified as a high value object and vice versa.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 12

Hot rock adjustment is simply a slight tuning of the circular scale on which the detector’s
operation is based. In this way magnetic rocks can be set apart from the 0 value and will be
more clearly discriminated (but equally the aluminium canteens will fall into the 0 [-90] value and
thus are also discriminated). It is equally possible to adjust the values in the other direction:
moving the large aluminium objects to lower identification values (e.g. 118 [+88]) and in this way
increase the effectiveness of detecting these kind of objects but this may result in magnetic
rocks giving a high, fuzzy tone. The factory setting for magnetic rocks correction is set to Neutral
and this is the best setting for 99% of search areas. But if for some reason there is a need to
increase the masking of magnetic rocks, use the button to set it to negative values.
The adjustment of values into the positive range will increase the detection range for canteen in
the Motion mode.
NOTE: After each change to the Hot rock adjustment the detector requires the ground balance
procedure to be repeated.
Reaction
This adjustment gives the ability to select the speed of soil filtering. It is an essential
factor in the ability to detect large, deeply placed objects, the speed of detection and its
resistance to soil mineral contents.
Filters 1 – 2 Used to search for large objects. It can, on occasion, be used to search for
large coins in lightly mineralised soil (sand).
Filter 3 A universal setting, if you are not sure which filter to use – choose this one
Filters 4 – 8 Increasingly quicker filters should be used for searching of small, thin objects
amongst steel junk
Masking
This setting is used to adjust the masking of short signals in the detector’s speaker.
These signals come from the partially discriminated signals of bottle caps, iron, magnetic rocks,
junk etc. Masking improves the quality of Discrimination. For a zero Masking value, the detector
will give produce a tone for all signals, even the shortest ones. Some small steel junk will be
hard to discriminate, the detector will be „noisy” during a search.
As the Masking value increases the operation of the detector becomes less „noisy” and it
becomes possible to search for non-ferrous metal objects amongst iron junk. Some may
assume that Masking should always be set to the highest value, but this is not the case – high
Masking settings can cause a lack of signal for objects on the borders of the range. In clear
terrain, if the user wants to reach as deep as possible, the Masking value should be set as low
as possible.
For each value of the Reaction parameter there is a maximum level of the Masking
parameter, above which the detector will fail to work correctly. The software detects this and will
automatically (upon exiting the Menu) correct the Masking setting value if this occurs.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 13

Reaction Maximum possible
Masking value
Reaction Maximum possible
Masking value
1654
2664
3673
4582
Setting Adjustment range
Th Level 0 – 100
Th Tone 60 – 500
Th Sens 0 – 30
VCO Yes, No
Th SAT 0 – 20
Audio Gain 0 – 60
Volume 1 – 30
Iron volume 0 – 30
Tones Coin 1, 2, 3; Relics 1, 2, 3; User 1, 2, 3
Wireless Off, Ch 1, Ch2
The Audio page contains the following settings:
Th Level
The Threshold is the background sound which is always heard while the detector is
active. It can be increased or decreased depending on the user’s preferences and the level of
noise at the search site. The level of the Threshold should be set so that it is only slightly
audible – in this way you can be sure that you will hear even the quietest signals from objects.
The Threshold is very important – it enables the All metal channel to be correctly reset by the
user. Th Level and Th Tone adjustments can be made in the Menu at the same time as listening
to the effects of these changes.
Th Tone
The Th Tone should be set as you wish – each user will have their own preferences as to
the sound frequency which is the most appropriate.
Th Sens
The Th Sens regulates the level of the Threshold from the All metal channel. This allows
the operation mode to be modified. When a Th Sens setting of 0 is used the detector becomes
dynamic, but for higher levels the influence of the All metal channel on the level of the Threshold
is also higher. For Th Sens settings above 0 (if an Audio Gain is also set above 0), the detector
switches to Dual mode.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 14

VCO
VCO is a function that allows the pitch of the All metal channel to smoothly change
depending on the signal strength. Human hearing perfectly distinguishes even slight changes in
sound frequencies – as a result, an experienced searcher is able to recognize the size and depth of
the object, and in many cases can recognize their mutual position. We strongly recommend VCO
setting to "Yes" from the very start of your experience with the detector.
Th SAT
The Th SAT function reduces the effects of external conditions on the operation of the All
metal channel of the detector. To put it simply: by using this setting we can prevent the detector
mistuning in the sun. Another important function of SAT is changing the response of the All metal
channel. For high SAT settings (especially SAT = 20) the user has the ability to audibly differentiate
between a large number of small objects laying at a shallow depth from one big object. A setting of
0 means that the Th SAT circuit is completely turned off – detector is fully non-motion. With this
SAT setting, care must be taken to ensure proper and frequent Ground balance because the
detector will signal each change in soil mineralization, especially at the transition from e.g. forest to
field, as well as under the roots of large trees or near animal dens. Less skilled users can
overcome this by using higher SAT values. When set to 20, the SAT function is maximally fast.
NOTE: Turning the Th SAT circuit on can result in a decrease in the range of the detector’s All
metal channel. The amount of range loss will depend on the speed at which the search coil is
moved.
Audio Gain
The Audio Gain adjustment changes how detected objects are signalled. A small Audio Gain
will mean that weak signals from the Motion channel will have a quiet sound and strong signals,
a loud sound. This provides „depth” in the form of sound, which allows us to hear how far from the
search coil an object is located. If you set the Audio Gain to the maximum value then all signals will
produce a tone of maximum loudness. At an Audio Gain setting of 0, the sounds from the Motion
channel are completely blocked. This means that only sounds from the All metal channel are heard,
while looking at the ID value of an object on the display. For this setting the VCO function is
automatically turned on – as the power of the signal increases both the loudness of the sound and
its frequency increases too. In a such manner we can obtain a fully Non-motion mode.
NOTE: Remember not to set both the Audio Gain and Th Sens to 0 as this will turn off the
detector’s sound signals completely.
Volume
To adjust the volume of the sound received from objects. The level of the Threshold is not
dependent on this setting.
Iron volume
Iron volume is a function that allows you to listen to signals from objects rejected by
discrimination while the detector is in motion mode (Th Sens = 0, Audio gain above 0). In this way,
the user gets more information about the objects that are in the ground. Rejected objects are
signaled by 131 Hz, which is not dependent on the tones set in the sound profiles.
NOTE: Objects rejected by Notch are not signaled by the sound of iron, and the function of the Iron
volume works only in Motion mode.
RUTUS Alter71 ver. 2.0 15

Tones
The user has 9 sound profiles in the Motion channel from which to choose. They are
divided into three groups: Coins: (1, 2, 3); Relics: (1, 2, 3); User: (1, 2, 3).
NOTE: We strongly recommend using one of the Coins profiles to search for coins and other
small objects made of non-ferrous metals.
Coins and
Relics profiles
Factory set profiles, which cannot be edited by the user (although they
may be previewed – by pressing a button)
User profiles These allow for sound personalization and can be edited – any tone
between the range of 60 to 999 Hz can be assigned to one of the 120
identification points
After selecting a suitable sound profile from the User group it can be edited by pressing
the button. The buttons are used to choose the ID number for which a specific
tone is applied and the buttons are used to change the frequency of the sound.
The ID number currently edited is shown by a digit and a cursor (a filled triangle for the Copy
mode and an empty one for the Normal mode) which are shown at the bottom of the display.
The tone editing screen can be displayed in two modes – the Normal mode and the Copy
mode. Choosing a mode is done by pressing the button. Changing the cursor’s position
(a filled triangle) in the Copy mode results in copying the tone value from an adjacent ID
position, the one the cursor was previously on. In this way it is possible to quickly set the same
tone to a whole group of ID numbers.
In the Normal mode changing the cursor’s position (an empty triangle) does not copy the
value of an adjacent ID position. In this way it is possible to set a sound tone individually for
each ID number and, if needed, listen to the whole sound profile. Changes are saved after
switching off the detector’s power supply.
Wireless
Alter71 has a built-in wireless digital data transmitter which can work on one of two
available radio frequencies. The design of the digital connection was made especially for our
detectors – therefore there is no lag or background noise. The use of the accompanying
wireless devices is detailed in their respective user’s manuals.
Off The transmitter is off, the built-in speaker and headphone’s socket are active
Ch 1, Ch 2 The transmitter is on, the detector’s sound generating circuit is off
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Setting Adjustment range
Backlight 0 – 29
ID Type Real, At 6kHz, At 12 kHz, R -90 +90, 6 -90 +90, 12 -90 +90
Hold Time 1 – 10
ID Gain Normal, High
Language Polski, English, Deutsch, Cestina, Lietuvių, Latviešu, Türk, Français *
* The manufacturer reserves the right to add additional menu languages without notice
The Screen page contains the following settings:
Backlight
Adjustment of the display’s backlight. This allows searching in low light conditions. If the
backlight setting is 0, then when entering the menu the backlight will automatically switch on.
The backlight will switch off by leaving the menu screen.
ID Type
Identification of the type of object depending on the frequency. As the operation
frequency of the detector changes, the ID value of non-ferrous objects increases and the ID
value of ferrous objects is subjected to much more complex rules. It is difficult to memorize the
IDs of different objects if the user has a total of 71 frequencies to choose from. This is the
reason the detector has the ability to calculate the IDs to standard values for two frequencies:
6 kHz and 12 kHz or to present the Real ID.
While searching for small objects on high frequencies we suggest using the function of
calculating the ID for 12 kHz – this way it is easy to recognize small differences in ID values
between a foil and the desired objects. In other cases we suggest using the function of
calculating the ID for 6 kHz. The use of the Real ID function is advised only for experienced
users.
The ID Type setting has 6 items. The first three positions cause the detector to work with
the identification in the range of 1 - 120, the next three switch the detector to the identification
system in the range -90 +90.
Hold Time
This function allows adjustment to the time that the screen shows information. In clear
terrain we suggest using the high values, for littered areas the lower ones are recommended.
ID Gain
The function allows the sensitivity of the identification system to be increased. In this way,
even the weakest signals are shown in digits and on the identification graph on the display.
However, the user should be aware that the interpretation of graph and identification values for
the weakest signals is difficult and requires a lot of experience.
Language
Allows the menu language to be chosen.
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To understand how Alter71 works and it's potential, the device’s flow chart below will
help:
Alter71 consists of several basic functional blocks: a transmitter, a search coil, a Motion
Channel, an All metal channel, a sound control circuit and parts used to communicate with
a user: a display and a speaker.
The transmitter controls the transmitting coil in the search coil and its operating frequency
can be adjusted from 4.4 kHz to 18.4 kHz. The signal from the search coil’s receiving coil (after
processing, not taken into consideration in the chart above) is directed simultaneously through
two channels:
1. Motion channel with object identification and Discrimination
2. All metal channel with adjustable operation speed
Signals processed in both channels are directed to the sound control circuit.
The Motion channel with object identification and Discrimination ensures the objects are
properly identified. The identification result is directed to the display independently of the sound
control circuit, but the sound signal is directed to the sound control circuit only when it is allowed
by the Discrimination, Notch or Masking settings. The Motion channel – as its name suggests –
requires that the search coil be moved relatively to the object.
The All metal channel reacts to all metal objects or, depending on the soil category (using
data from ground balance) and SAT setting, can react to magnetic objects under certain
conditions (so called hot rocks, ceramics, bricks etc. and objects other than the soil).
The All metal channel can be completely non-motion (SAT = 0) or it may require the
movement of the search coil as the SAT parameter is increased. When SAT is set to 20, the All
metal channel works as a „single-filter” Motion channel – where movement is required.
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The sound control circuit chooses which signal to send to the speaker at a given
moment:
– when Th Sens is set to 0, the sound from the All metal channel is blocked.
As this parameter is increased, the sensitivity (and also range) of the All metal channel is
increased;
– when the Audio Gain is set to 0, the sound from the Motion channel with objects identification
and Discrimination is blocked. Higher values allow the sound to be passed to the speaker.
In the sound control circuit, the Motion channel with objects identification and
Discrimination has priority over the All metal channel. In this way it is possible to hear the
presence of all the objects (from the All metal channel) and interruptions from the Motion
channel, if an object is accepted by Discrimination.
This design allows the detector to work in several modes of operation:
1. Motion mode with Discrimination – a classical detector.
2. All metal Non-motion – a mode used to search for large objects.
3. All metal Motion („single-filter”) – a mode which allows large objects to be found but with the
ability to separate many small objects on the surface of the ground.
4. Dual mode – Motion mode with Discrimination + All metal with any speed setting.
An important part of operating the detector is to understand the characteristics of the
basic modes of operation.
1. Motion mode with discrimination
In this mode the movement of the search coil relative to the metal object is necessary.
The mode is selected by setting the Th Sens to 0 and Audio Gain above 0. This gives the ability
to set individual sound tones for each ID position or use the preset sound profiles. In this mode
both identification and Discrimination work.
Discrimination
This is the ability to block sound signals for objects with conductivity (ID) lower than the
set value. The Discrimination scale starts with iron and goes through foil, gold and ends with
silver. A Discrimination level set to 30 [0] allows searches without detecting ferrous objects.
Naturally, there will be times when the detector will signal the presence of large ferrous objects
as „non-ferrous” objects. It is generally recognized that Discrimination works best for small
objects at shallow depths.
NOTE: When searching for coins and other small non-ferrous objects we recommend: Coins
group sound profiles and setting the Discrimination level to above 20 [-30].
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