Minelab F3 User manual

F3 COMPACT

Revision 02

Part No: 4901-0103

OPERATIONS MANUAL

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 copyright owner Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd of 118 Hayward

Avenue, Torrensville, SA 5031, Australia.

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ......................................................................................3

2. General Description and Preparation .............................................5

2.1 Mine Detecting Set 5

2.2 F3 COMPACT Main Components 6

2.3 F3 COMPACT Preparation 8

3. Functional Description .................................................................. 13

3.1 Functional Controls and Displays 13

3.1.1 On/Off Knob ................................................................. 13

3.1.2 Sensitivity Knob ............................................................ 14

3.1.3 Ground Balance/Audio Reset Button ...........................15

3.1.4 Noise Cancel Button .................................................... 15

3.1.5 LED Display ..................................................................16

3.1.6 Battery Status ............................................................... 17

3.1.7 Earset Socket ............................................................... 17

3.2 Functional Tones 18

3.3 Test Piece – Functional Test 19

4. Operating Procedures ....................................................................21

4.1 Introduction 21

4.2 Standard Procedure 22

4.2.1 STEP 1 Switch ON .......................................................22

4.2.2 STEP 2 Ground Balance ..............................................23

4.2.3 STEP 3 Test Piece ........................................................24

4.3 Optional Procedures 26

4.3.1 Noise Cancel ................................................................26

4.3.2 Audio Reset ..................................................................27

4.4 Sweeping Procedure 29

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual

4.5 Pinpointing Procedure 30

4.5.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target ..........................................30

4.5.2 STEP 2 Determine Centre of Target .............................32

4.6 Multiple Targets 33

4.6.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target ..........................................33

4.6.2 STEP 2 Determining the Centre of Target ....................34

4.7 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity 34

4.8 Completion of Operations 35

5. Care and Troubleshooting .............................................................37

5.1 Routine Care 37

5.2 Troubleshooting 38

6. Specifications .................................................................................39

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual

1. Introduction

Since 1996, Minelab has designed, developed and manufactured its

range of detectors to meet the requirements of mine and unexploded

ordnance clearance operations throughout the world. Through

its patented and unique technology, Minelab has emphasised

equipment capability and operator safety in its products.

The F3 COMPACT is a lightweight, compact detector that includes

a uniquely designed mechanical platform thereby providing superior

ergonomics.

The F3 COMPACT incorporates patented bipolar 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. Bipolar technology also helps to eliminate the possibility of

initiating a magnetic influence mine. Combined with ‘static coupling’

the F3 COMPACT does not require motion to detect a target thereby

making pinpointing techniques fast and accurate.

Figure 1: F3 COMPACT mine detector

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual

The F3 COMPACT is a robust detector that is extremely simple

to operate. When working in an 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 resulting in the detector continuing to

perform at maximum capability.

The F3 COMPACT incorporates several safety features such as

Low Battery and System 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 the operator with a quick and easy check to

ensure that the detector is working at its operational capability.

The F3 COMPACT also provides a visual indication of detection via

a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display. Sensitivity and volume settings

can be changed through seven preset selections. If required, the F3

COMPACT can be programmed to user initiated customised volume

and sensitivity selections using Minelab’s configuration software.

Components of the F3 COMPACT are manufactured within tightly

controlled parameters so that they can be interchanged in the field

without any requirement for calibration.

The F3 COMPACT is designed to satisfy MIL STD 810G.

NOTE

Although the F3 COMPACT can withstand immersion to a depth of

three metres for short periods of time, it is NOT designed for use as

an underwater detector.

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual

2. General Description and Preparation

2.1 Mine Detecting Set

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

comprising:

• Hard Case (optional)

• Detector

• Soft Carry Bag

• Earset (Speaker On and

Speaker Off variants)

Figure 2: F3 COMPACT mine detecting set

The optional Hard Case permits the stowage of the detector inside

the Soft Carry Bag and provides protection for the detector when in

transit or placed in storage.

The Soft Carry Bag allows the operator to comfortably carry the

detector when use of the Hard Case is impractical. The Soft 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 detector be packed in the Hard Case.

F3 COMPACT

Mine Detector

12 seconds

Audio

Reset

45 seconds...

60cm

(24”)

15cm

(6”)

60cm

(24”)

4903-0047-1

• Operations Manual

• Field Guide

• Test Piece

• Four C-Cell Batteries

(Alkaline or Rechargeable)

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual

2.2 F3 COMPACT Main Components

Figure 3 identifies the main components of the F3 COMPACT.

Battery

Compartment

Armrest

Armrest Strap

Earset

Connector

Handle

Assembly

Shaft Hinge

Controls

Main Body

Upper Shaft

Middle Shaft

Lower Shaft

Skid Plate

Coil Pivot Assembly

Coil

Lower Camlock

Upper Camlock

Test Piece

Figure 3: F3 COMPACT main components

Battery Compartment – contains 4 x C cell alkaline or

rechargeable batteries. A battery map is provided to indicate correct

alignment of batteries when inserted into the compartment.

Armrest and Strap – provided for operator comfort when the F3

COMPACT is used for prolonged periods. The Armrest can be

extended for operator comfort.

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual

Test Piece – conveniently stowed on the Armrest to allow the

operator to ensure the detector is working at its operational

capability.

Earset Connector – provides connection for the Earset and also

the programming cable when using the configuration software to

customise volume and sensitivity settings.

Main Body – waterproof housing containing the detector electronics

and batteries.

Handle Assembly – collapsible handle that also contains Ground

Balance/Audio Reset button, LED display, LED On/Off button, Noise

Cancel button and Battery Low LED indicator.

Controls – On/Off and Volume/Sensitivity selection knobs – both

controls cannot be accidentally rotated.

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 demining

positions.

Upper and Lower Camlocks – self-cleaning locking mechanisms to

secure middle and lower shafts.

Coil Pivot Assembly – permits the tilt and rotation of the coil and

provides a tension screw for adjustment as required.

Coil – waterproof enclosed coil to eliminate possible interference

from vegetation; can be rotated 180 degrees. The mono loop design

ensures consistent sensitivity around the entire circumference, and

across the complete surface of the coil.

Skid Plate – removable disk that protects and prolongs the life of the

coil thereby reducing maintenance costs.

F3 COMPACT Operations Manual

2.3 F3 COMPACT Preparation

To prepare the detector for use, conduct the following procedure:

a. Open the Hard Case and/or Soft Carry Bag.

b. Remove the F3 COMPACT and inspect for obvious signs of

damage. If damage is evident, report to the supervisor/team

leader.

c. Unlock the Battery Compartment Lid by twisting the Battery

Lock Lever counter clockwise one-quarter turn. Once unlocked,

pull the lid away from the Battery Compartment (the lid will stay

attached by a tether as shown in Figure 4).

d. 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 F3 COMPACT will fail to function when

switched on.

e. Using Figure 5 as a guide, unfold and adjust the F3 COMPACT.

Figure 4: Removing the Battery Compartment Lid

NOTE

The F3 COMPACT requires 4 C cell batteries for operation. Use only

high quality alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Minelab recommends

that only rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 4000 mAH or

greater be used with the F3 COMPACT. Rechargeable batteries

have specific charge/discharge maintenance requirements, which

should be strictly followed to ensure maximum battery life.

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