Minelab F3 Mine Detector User manual

F3 Mine Detector

Rev: 6

Part No: 4901 0043

OPERATIONS MANUAL

F3L Configuration

(Optional)

Configuration

WARNING

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY,

TECHNICAL AND PROPRIETARY DATA AND INFORMATION

AND OTHER MATERIAL OWNED SOLELY BY MINELAB

ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED. THIS MATERIAL MUST NOT BE

USED WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF

MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LTD.

This document is protected by copyright. Apart from any use

permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) or other

applicable laws, any unauthorised use, appropriation or reproduction

of this document or any part of it is strictly prohibited. No part of this

document may be used or reproduced by any means or by any

process, in any form, without the prior written permission of the

Avenue, Torrensville, SA 5031, Australia.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ____________________________________3

2. General Description and Preparation________________5

2.1 Mine Detecting Set._______________________________ 5

2.2 F3 Main Components. ____________________________ 7

2.3 F3 Preparation. __________________________________ 8

2.4 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable._______ 13

2.5 Changing Endcaps. _____________________________ 14

3. Functional Description___________________________ 15

3.1 Functional Controls._____________________________ 15

3.2 Sensitivity Endcaps._____________________________ 17

3.3 Functional Tones._______________________________ 18

3.4 Test Piece –Functional Test. _____________________ 20

4. F3L Configuration_______________________________21

4.1 Introduction. ___________________________________ 21

4.2 Description.____________________________________ 21

4.3 Operation-Volume/Sensitivity Control.______________ 22

4.4 Operation-LED Display. __________________________ 23

4.5 Battery Status. _________________________________ 25

5. F3S Configuration Yellow Endcap._________________26

5.1 Introduction. ___________________________________ 26

5.2 Description.____________________________________ 26

6. Operating Procedures ___________________________27

6.1 Introduction. ___________________________________ 27

6.2 Standard Procedure. ____________________________ 28

6.3 Optional Procedure. _____________________________ 32

6.4 Sweeping Procedure.____________________________ 36

6.5 Pinpointing Procedure. __________________________ 37

6.6 Multiple Targets.________________________________ 39

6.7 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity. _____ 41

6.8 Completion of Operations.________________________ 42

7. Care and Trouble Shooting _______________________43

7.1 Routine Care. __________________________________ 43

7.2 Trouble Shooting._______________________________ 44

8. Specifications ___45

1. Introduction

1.1 Since 1996, Minelab has designed, developed and

manufactured its range of detectors to meet the requirements of

mine and explosive ordnance clearance operations throughout the

world. Through its patented and unique technology, Minelab has

emphasised equipment capability and operator safety in its products.

1.2 The F3 mine detector incorporates patented Bi-polar

technology that enhances Minelab‟s renowned and highly successful

Multi-Period-Sensing (MPS) technology. Through MPS, the

sensitivity of a detector remains consistent regardless of the

mineralised content of soil. Additionally, Bi-polar technology assists

in eliminating the possibility of initiating a magnetic influence mine.

Combined with “static coupling” the F3 does not require motion to

detect a target thereby making pin-pointing techniques fast and

accurate.

Figure 1: F3 Mine detector

1.3 The F3 is a robust detector that is extremely simple to

operate. There are no complicated controls resulting in the operator

being able to focus on the vital task of mine detection. If mine

detection occurs in a “difficult” environment that includes highly

mineralised ground or electrical interference from overhead power

lines or other sources, simple and quick semi-automatic procedures

can be initiated by an operator to allow the detector to continue

performing at maximum capability.

1.4 The F3 incorporates several safety features such as Low

Battery and Fault warnings; audible confirmation at the completion of

specific operational procedures; and continuous microprocessor

controlled internal self-testing. The inclusion of a Test Piece

provides an operator with a quick and easy test to ensure the

detector is working to its operational capability.

1.5 The F3 can be supplied with an optional Light Emitting

Diode (LED) display and Volume/Sensitivity Control. In this

configuration, the detector is known as the F3L.

1.6 Components of the F3 are manufactured within tightly

controlled parameters so that they can be interchanged in the field

without any requirement for calibration.

1.7 The F3 is designed to satisfy MIL STD 810F:

Method 512.4 Water Immersion (IP67)

Method 514.5 Vibration

Method 516.5 Shock

NOTE

Although the F3 can withstand immersion to a depth of 3m for short

periods of time, it is NOT designed for use as an underwater

detector.

2. General Description and Preparation

2.1 Mine Detecting Set.

The F3 is supplied as a mine detecting set (Figure 2) comprising:

Hard Case Test Piece

Detector Operations Manual

Soft Carry Bag Field Guide

Earset

Red Endcap (Low Sensitivity)

Four D-Cell Batteries (Alkaline or Rechargeable)

Battery Pack Bag and Battery Pack Extension Cable (optional)

Figure 2: F3 Mine Detecting Set

a. As illustrated in Figure 2, the Hard Case includes an insert for

easy placement of the F3 and accessories. The case also

provides protection for the detector and it is recommended that

the F3 be secured in its Hard Case whenever it is not in use or

during transit. Failure to transport the detector in the supplied

Hard Case may void warranty.

b. A Soft Carry Bag is supplied to allow an operator to comfortably

carry the detector when use of the Hard Case is impractical (e.g.

when walking through rough terrain). The Soft Carry Bag is not

designed to transport the detector by road or air. The detector

must be packed in the Hard Case during road or air transport.

Figure 3 illustrates the position of the F3 inside the Soft Carry

Bag.

Figure 3: F3 Packed in the Soft Carry Bag

2.2 F3 Main Components.

Figure 4 identifies the main components of the F3 which comprise:

Figure 4: F3 –Main Components

a. Sensitivity Endcap –the sensitivity of the F3 can be changed by

using either the Black (maximum), Red (minimum) or Yellow

(variable) Endcaps.

b. Armrest Strap –provided for operator comfort when the F3 is

used for prolonged periods.

c. Armrest –adjustable (via a camlock) to maximise comfort of use

for an operator.

Table of contents

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