Minelab F3 User manual

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WARNING

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS

MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LIMITED

RIGHTS TECHNICAL DATA OR

RESTRICTED RIGHTS DATA

OR BOTH.



Minelab Electronics

This work is copyright. Apart from any use

as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968,

no part may be reproduced by any process

without written permission from

Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd

118 Hayward Avenue,

Torrensville, SA 5031

Australia

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction ................................................................................... 4

2. General Description and Preparation........................................... 6

2.1 Mine Detecting Set .................................................................... 6

2.2 F3 Main Components ................................................................ 8

2.3 F3 Preparation........................................................................... 9

2.4 Use of Battery Pack Bag and Extension Cable ........................ 14

2.5 Changing Endcaps .................................................................. 15

3. Functional Description................................................................ 16

3.1 Functional Controls.................................................................. 16

3.2 Sensitivity Endcaps ................................................................. 18

3.3 Functional Tones..................................................................... 19

3.4 Test Piece - Functional Test .................................................... 21

4. F3L Configuration........................................................................ 22

4.1 Introduction.............................................................................. 22

4.2 Description .............................................................................. 22

4.3 Operation-Volume/Sensitivity Control ...................................... 23

4.4 Operation-LED Display............................................................ 24

5. Operating Procedures................................................................. 27

5.1 Introduction.............................................................................. 27

5.2 Standard Procedure ................................................................ 28

5.3 Optional Procedure.................................................................. 32

5.4 Sweeping Procedure ............................................................... 36

5.5 Pin-Pointing Procedure............................................................ 37

5.6 Multiple Targets....................................................................... 39

5.7 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity ...................... 41

5.8 Completion of Operations ........................................................ 42

6. Care and Trouble Shooting......................................................... 43

6.1 Routine Care ........................................................................... 43

6.2 Trouble Shooting ..................................................................... 44

7. Specifications.............................................................................. 46

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.

P0631-A

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 over head 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:

P0635-A

Skidplate

Coil

Lower

Shaft

Middle

Shaft

Handle

Armrest

Strap Endcap

Electronics

Pack

Battery

Pack

Upper

Shaft

Middle

Camlock

Upper

Camlock

Lower

Camlock

Figure 4: F3 – Main Components

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

using either the Black (maximum) or Red (minimum) 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.

d. Electronics Pack – contains the electronics of the F3 and is

permanently fixed to the detector.

e. Upper Shaft – made of aluminium for increased robustness and

provides mounting for the Handle, Battery Pack, Electronics

Pack and Armrest.

f. Battery Pack – removable to reduce the weight of the F3 for

periods of prolonged use – contains four D cell batteries.

g. Handle – ergonomically designed for operator comfort and

includes Earset connector and F3 controls.

h. Middle Shaft – made of aluminium for robustness and adjustable

for operator comfort or for changes in demining positions.

i. Lower Shaft – made of impact resistant carbon fibre and is

adjustable.

j. Lower, Middle and Upper Camlocks – self-cleaning locking

mechanisms to position the coil, lower and middle shafts.

k. Coil – enclosed waterproof coil to eliminate possible interference

from vegetation – can be rotated 180 degrees – a monoloop

design that ensures consistent sensitivity around the entire

circumference of the coil and across the complete surface of the

coil.

l. Skid Plate – removable plastic disk that protects and prolongs

the life of the coil thereby reducing maintenance costs.

2.3 F3 Preparation. To prepare the detector for use,

conduct the following procedure:

a. Open the Hard Case or Soft Carry Bag.

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

c. Check that the correct Sensitivity Endcap is selected and fitted

correctly (if not, exchange Endcaps as described at Section 2.5).

d. Hold the F3 in an inverted position with the Endcap resting

against the inside of the Hard Case (or Soft Carry Bag).

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