Owner'S Manual: 1) Adjust The Sensitivity To A Low Setting in The Event of False Signals
Owner'S Manual: 1) Adjust The Sensitivity To A Low Setting in The Event of False Signals
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TROUBLE SHOOTING
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
SYMPTOM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Detector chatters
or beeps erratically
Using detector
indoors
Using detector near
power lines
Using 2 detectors in
close proximity
Use detector
outdoors only
Move away
from power lines
Keep 2 detectors
at least 20 apart
Environmental
electromagnetic
interference
Reduce sensitivity
until erratic
signals cease
Discharged battery
Replace battery
Wrong type of
battery
Use only 9V
alkaline battery
or rechargeable
Multiple targets
present
Highly oxidized
target
Sensitivity set
too high
No power, no
sounds
Dead battery
Replace battery
Check connections
Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Target Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Depth And Target Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
In The Field Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-17
Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Trouble Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
19
HEADPHONE JACK
TERMINOLOGY
The detector has a 1/8 & 1/4 headphone jack on the left side of the
housing.
The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard
terminology among detectorists.
Optional Headphones come standard with a 1/8 stereo plug (the 1/4
adapter is not required).
ELIMINATION
Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the detector will not
emit a tone, nor light up an indicator, when a specified object passes
through the coils detection field.
DISCRIMINATION
When the detector emits different tones for different types of metals, and
when the detector "eliminates" certain metals, we refer to this as the
detector "discriminating" among different types of metals.
Discrimination is an important feature of professional metal detectors.
Discrimination allows the user to ignore trash and otherwise undesirable
objects.
RELIC
A relic is an object of interest by reason of its age or its association with
the past. Many relics are made of iron, but can also be made of bronze
or precious metals.
IRON
Iron is a common, low-grade metal that is an undesirable target in certain
metal detecting applications. Examples of undesirable iron objects are
old cans, pipes, bolts, and nails.
Sometimes, the desired target is made of iron. Property markers, for
instance, contain iron. Valuable relics can also be composed of iron;
cannon balls, old armaments, and parts of old structures and vehicles
can also be composed of iron.
FERROUS
Headphone
Jack
PINPOINTING
Pinpointing is the process of finding the exact location of a buried object.
Long-buried metals can appear exactly like the surrounding soil, and can
therefore be very hard to isolate from the soil.
PULL-TABS
Discarded pull-tabs from beverage containers are the most
bothersome trash items for treasure hunters. They come in many
different shapes and sizes. Pull-tabs can be eliminated from
detection, but some other valuable objects can have a magnetic
signature similar to pull-tabs, and will also be eliminated when
discriminating out pull-tabs.
GROUND BALANCE
18
ASSEMBLY
Cable
Plug
Velcro
Collar
S-Rod
Search
Coil Cable
Knurled
Knob
Upper
Stem
Locking
Collar
Lower
Stem
Velcro
Strap
Bolt
Search
Coil
17
ASSEMBLY
Nut
armrest
Screw
Hand-grip
Battery
Compartment
(back side)
S-Rod
Velcro
Strap
Cable
Plug
Locking
Collar
Upper
Stem
Search
Coil
Cable
Locking
Collar
Optional Arm Strap
Lower
Stem
Knurled
Knob
WHAT
READS
LIKE THIS
Velcro
Strap
MAY
ACTUALLY
BE THIS
Search Coil
16
BATTERIES
PINPOINTING
COIL MOVEMENT
BATTERY LIFE
Expect 20 to 25 hours of life from a 9-volt alkaline battery.
Rechargeable batteries provide about 8 hours of usage per charge.
BATTERY INDICATOR
The 3-segment battery indicator has 4 stages of indication.
These indications are accurate for a 9-volt alkaline battery.
Segments Illuminated
3 -segments
2 -segments
1 -segment
1 -segment flashing
Battery Voltage
more than 8.3 volts
more than 7.0 volts
more than 6.2 volts
less than 6.2 volts
WRONG
CORRECT
After the battery indicator begins flashing, expect the detector to shut off within
10 minutes.
A rechargeable battery will usually illuminate all segments throughout most of
its useful charge. But as soon as it drains to the 2-segment level, it will then
discharge very rapidly.
When pinpointing a target, try drawing an X,
as illustrated, over where the tone is induced.
15
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION
I. Supplies Needed
a Nail
a Zinc Penny (dated after 1982)
a Nickel
a Quarter
II. Position the Detector
a. Place the detector on a table, with the
search coil hanging over the edge.
Or better, have a friend hold the
detector, with the search coil off the
ground.
b. Keep the search coil away from walls,
floors, and metal objects.
c. Remove watches, rings, and jewelry.
d. Turn off lights or appliances, whose electromagnetic emissions may
cause interference.
e. Pivot the search coil back.
III. Power Up. Press
.
IV. Wave each object over the search coil.
a. Notice a different tone for each object:
Low Tone:
Medium Tone:
High Tone:
Nail
Zinc Penny, Nickel
Quarter
b. Motion is required.
Objects must be in motion over the search coil to be detected.
V. Then press
.
a. The word IRON disappears from the display
Then press
3 times
a. 5 reappears on the display
X. Wave the Nickel.
a. The nickel is now again detected.
b. The nickel has been notched in.
TARGET IDENTIFICATION
A hobby metal detector is intended for locating buried metal objects. When
searching for metals, underground or on the surface, you have the following
challenges and objectives:
1. Ground Minerals
All soils contain minerals. Signals from ground minerals can interfere with the
signals from metal objects you want to find. All soils differ, and can differ
greatly, in the type and amount of ground minerals present. The detector
incorporates an automated ground-balancing feature which will eliminate
false signals from most types of soils.
There is no user adjustment. If you experience false signals from severe
ground conditions, such as highly mineralized soil found in many gold
prospecting locations, or red-clay soils, reduce sensitivity.
2. Trash
If searching for coins, which will induce higher tone sounds, you want to
ignore items like aluminum foil, nails, and pull-tabs. These undesirable
items induce lower tones. You can listen to the sounds of all objects
detected, and decide on what you want to dig up. Or you can eliminate
unwanted metals from detection by using the DISCRIMINATION feature.
LOW TONE
MEDIUM TONE
HIGH TONE
13
NOTCH continued
3. SENSITIVITY
Use
and
to increase or
decrease sensitivity while the SENS line is highlighted.
Maximum sensitivity is indicated by 5 bars.
Minimum sensitivity is indicated by 1 bar.
If the detector beeps erratically or beeps when there are no metal objects
being detected, reduce the sensitivity.
The search coil produces a magnetic field and then detects changes in that
magnetic field caused by the presence of metal objects. This magnetic field that the
detector creates is also susceptible to the electromagnetic energy produced by
other electronic devices. Power lines, microwave ovens, lighting fixtures, TVs,
computers, motors, etc. all produce EMI which can interfere with the detector and
cause it to beep when no metal is present, and sometimes to beep erratically.
The search coil produces a magnetic field and then detects changes in that
magnetic field caused by the presence of metal objects. This magnetic field
that the detector creates is also susceptible to the electromagnetic energy
produced by other electronic devices. Power lines, microwave ovens,
lighting fixtures, TVs, computers, motors, etc. all produce EMI which can
interfere with the detector and cause it to beep when no metal is present,
and sometimes to beep erratically.
The SENSITIVITY control lets you reduce the strength of this magnetic
field, and therefore lessen its susceptibility to EMI. You may want to operate
at maximum strength, but the presence of EMI may make this impossible,
so if you experience erratic behavior or false signals, reduce the
sensitivity.
4. VOLUME
While the VOLUME line is highlighted, use
speaker volume.
and
to change the
POWERING UP
MENU SELECTIONS
Press
The detector always starts up with the DISCRIMINATION feature active.
Motion is required to detect metal.
Sensitivity is at 70% of maximum
All target categories are illuminated, meaning that all metal objects will
be detected.
1. DISC
Use
and
to increase or decrease DISCRIMINATION level.
Each time you press
, a target category is eliminated from detection.
Elimination occurs from left to right. When a category description (for example
IRON) disappears from the display, then targets classified in that category
will not be detected.
Pressing
reverses the discrimination process. With each press of
, a category description will reappear, indicating that targets
classified in that category will again be detected.
Discrimination is a cumulative elimination system. Targets can be eliminated
from left to right on the scale, with each additional press of
, resulting in
more objects being eliminated from detection.
2. NOTCH
POWER
ON/OFF
Press
or
Buttons
to CHANGE THE SETTING
of the active menu item.
The active menu item is
the Highlited line on the
left side of the display.
Press
or
Buttons
to CHANGE THE SETTING
of the active menu item.
The active menu item is
the Highlited line on the
left side of the display.
Press MENU button
to select the
menu item you
want to adjust.
10
Press
until NOTCH is illuminated on the display.
Use
and
to notch target categories IN or OUT while the NOTCH line
is highlighted.
Whereas the discrimination feature eliminates all categories sequentially from
detection, the NOTCH control allows you to selectively include or exclude
target categories from detection.
With each press of
or
, the notched category moves across the
display screen. As you move the position of the notched category, you are
changing the detection status of the selected category.
If a target category was previously eliminated (word not visible) then
notching that category will return it to detection.
If a target category was previously retained (word is visible) then
notching that category will remove it from detection.
Only one target category at a time can be selected for notching. To notch
multiple categories in or out, press
again while NOTCH is
highlighted. Each subsequent press of
allows you to set an additional
notch. Each time you press
, followed by
, the notch
program will begin by changing the status of the IRON segment.
At any time, the display screen indicates the current category notches or
discrimination settings. Any category whose description is not visible will not
be detected.
11
POWERING UP
MENU SELECTIONS
Press
The detector always starts up with the DISCRIMINATION feature active.
Motion is required to detect metal.
Sensitivity is at 70% of maximum
All target categories are illuminated, meaning that all metal objects will
be detected.
1. DISC
Use
and
to increase or decrease DISCRIMINATION level.
Each time you press
, a target category is eliminated from detection.
Elimination occurs from left to right. When a category description (for example
IRON) disappears from the display, then targets classified in that category
will not be detected.
Pressing
reverses the discrimination process. With each press of
, a category description will reappear, indicating that targets
classified in that category will again be detected.
Discrimination is a cumulative elimination system. Targets can be eliminated
from left to right on the scale, with each additional press of
, resulting in
more objects being eliminated from detection.
2. NOTCH
POWER
ON/OFF
Press
or
Buttons
to CHANGE THE SETTING
of the active menu item.
The active menu item is
the Highlited line on the
left side of the display.
Press
or
Buttons
to CHANGE THE SETTING
of the active menu item.
The active menu item is
the Highlited line on the
left side of the display.
Press MENU button
to select the
menu item you
want to adjust.
10
Press
until NOTCH is illuminated on the display.
Use
and
to notch target categories IN or OUT while the NOTCH line
is highlighted.
Whereas the discrimination feature eliminates all categories sequentially from
detection, the NOTCH control allows you to selectively include or exclude
target categories from detection.
With each press of
or
, the notched category moves across the
display screen. As you move the position of the notched category, you are
changing the detection status of the selected category.
If a target category was previously eliminated (word not visible) then
notching that category will return it to detection.
If a target category was previously retained (word is visible) then
notching that category will remove it from detection.
Only one target category at a time can be selected for notching. To notch
multiple categories in or out, press
again while NOTCH is
highlighted. Each subsequent press of
allows you to set an additional
notch. Each time you press
, followed by
, the notch
program will begin by changing the status of the IRON segment.
At any time, the display screen indicates the current category notches or
discrimination settings. Any category whose description is not visible will not
be detected.
11
NOTCH continued
3. SENSITIVITY
Use
and
to increase or
decrease sensitivity while the SENS line is highlighted.
Maximum sensitivity is indicated by 5 bars.
Minimum sensitivity is indicated by 1 bar.
If the detector beeps erratically or beeps when there are no metal objects
being detected, reduce the sensitivity.
The search coil produces a magnetic field and then detects changes in that
magnetic field caused by the presence of metal objects. This magnetic field that the
detector creates is also susceptible to the electromagnetic energy produced by
other electronic devices. Power lines, microwave ovens, lighting fixtures, TVs,
computers, motors, etc. all produce EMI which can interfere with the detector and
cause it to beep when no metal is present, and sometimes to beep erratically.
The search coil produces a magnetic field and then detects changes in that
magnetic field caused by the presence of metal objects. This magnetic field
that the detector creates is also susceptible to the electromagnetic energy
produced by other electronic devices. Power lines, microwave ovens,
lighting fixtures, TVs, computers, motors, etc. all produce EMI which can
interfere with the detector and cause it to beep when no metal is present,
and sometimes to beep erratically.
The SENSITIVITY control lets you reduce the strength of this magnetic
field, and therefore lessen its susceptibility to EMI. You may want to operate
at maximum strength, but the presence of EMI may make this impossible,
so if you experience erratic behavior or false signals, reduce the
sensitivity.
4. VOLUME
While the VOLUME line is highlighted, use
speaker volume.
and
to change the
TARGET IDENTIFICATION
A hobby metal detector is intended for locating buried metal objects. When
searching for metals, underground or on the surface, you have the following
challenges and objectives:
1. Ground Minerals
All soils contain minerals. Signals from ground minerals can interfere with the
signals from metal objects you want to find. All soils differ, and can differ
greatly, in the type and amount of ground minerals present. The detector
incorporates an automated ground-balancing feature which will eliminate
false signals from most types of soils.
There is no user adjustment. If you experience false signals from severe
ground conditions, such as highly mineralized soil found in many gold
prospecting locations, or red-clay soils, reduce sensitivity.
2. Trash
If searching for coins, which will induce higher tone sounds, you want to
ignore items like aluminum foil, nails, and pull-tabs. These undesirable
items induce lower tones. You can listen to the sounds of all objects
detected, and decide on what you want to dig up. Or you can eliminate
unwanted metals from detection by using the DISCRIMINATION feature.
LOW TONE
MEDIUM TONE
HIGH TONE
13
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION
I. Supplies Needed
a Nail
a Zinc Penny (dated after 1982)
a Nickel
a Quarter
II. Position the Detector
a. Place the detector on a table, with the
search coil hanging over the edge.
Or better, have a friend hold the
detector, with the search coil off the
ground.
b. Keep the search coil away from walls,
floors, and metal objects.
c. Remove watches, rings, and jewelry.
d. Turn off lights or appliances, whose electromagnetic emissions may
cause interference.
e. Pivot the search coil back.
III. Power Up. Press
.
IV. Wave each object over the search coil.
a. Notice a different tone for each object:
Low Tone:
Medium Tone:
High Tone:
Nail
Zinc Penny, Nickel
Quarter
b. Motion is required.
Objects must be in motion over the search coil to be detected.
V. Then press
.
a. The word IRON disappears from the display
Then press
3 times
a. 5 reappears on the display
X. Wave the Nickel.
a. The nickel is now again detected.
b. The nickel has been notched in.
BATTERIES
PINPOINTING
COIL MOVEMENT
BATTERY LIFE
Expect 20 to 25 hours of life from a 9-volt alkaline battery.
Rechargeable batteries provide about 8 hours of usage per charge.
BATTERY INDICATOR
The 3-segment battery indicator has 4 stages of indication.
These indications are accurate for a 9-volt alkaline battery.
Segments Illuminated
3 -segments
2 -segments
1 -segment
1 -segment flashing
Battery Voltage
more than 8.3 volts
more than 7.0 volts
more than 6.2 volts
less than 6.2 volts
WRONG
CORRECT
After the battery indicator begins flashing, expect the detector to shut off within
10 minutes.
A rechargeable battery will usually illuminate all segments throughout most of
its useful charge. But as soon as it drains to the 2-segment level, it will then
discharge very rapidly.
When pinpointing a target, try drawing an X,
as illustrated, over where the tone is induced.
15
ASSEMBLY
Nut
armrest
Screw
Hand-grip
Battery
Compartment
(back side)
S-Rod
Headphone Jack
1/4 Headphone Jack
Velcro
Strap
Cable
Plug
Locking
Collar
Lower
Stem
Search
Coil
Cable
Velcro
Strap
WHAT
READS
LIKE THIS
MAY
ACTUALLY
BE THIS
Search Coil
16
ASSEMBLY
Cable
Plug
Locking
Collar
S-Rod
Search
Coil Cable
Lower
Stem
Velcro
Strap
Knurled
Knob
Bolt
Search
Coil
17
HEADPHONE JACK
TERMINOLOGY
The detector has a 1/8 & 1/4 headphone jack on the left side of the
housing.
The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard
terminology among detectorists.
Optional Headphones come standard with a 1/8 stereo plug (the 1/4
adapter is not required).
ELIMINATION
Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the detector will not
emit a tone, nor light up an indicator, when a specified object passes
through the coils detection field.
DISCRIMINATION
When the detector emits different tones for different types of metals, and
when the detector "eliminates" certain metals, we refer to this as the
detector "discriminating" among different types of metals.
Discrimination is an important feature of professional metal detectors.
Discrimination allows the user to ignore trash and otherwise undesirable
objects.
RELIC
A relic is an object of interest by reason of its age or its association with
the past. Many relics are made of iron, but can also be made of bronze
or precious metals.
IRON
Iron is a common, low-grade metal that is an undesirable target in certain
metal detecting applications. Examples of undesirable iron objects are
old cans, pipes, bolts, and nails.
Sometimes, the desired target is made of iron. Property markers, for
instance, contain iron. Valuable relics can also be composed of iron;
cannon balls, old armaments, and parts of old structures and vehicles
can also be composed of iron.
FERROUS
Headphone
Jacks
PINPOINTING
Pinpointing is the process of finding the exact location of a buried object.
Long-buried metals can appear exactly like the surrounding soil, and can
therefore be very hard to isolate from the soil.
PULL-TABS
Discarded pull-tabs from beverage containers are the most
bothersome trash items for treasure hunters. They come in many
different shapes and sizes. Pull-tabs can be eliminated from
detection, but some other valuable objects can have a magnetic
signature similar to pull-tabs, and will also be eliminated when
discriminating out pull-tabs.
GROUND BALANCE
18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TROUBLE SHOOTING
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
SYMPTOM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Detector chatters
or beeps erratically
Using detector
indoors
Using detector near
power lines
Using 2 detectors in
close proximity
Use detector
outdoors only
Move away
from power lines
Keep 2 detectors
at least 20 apart
Environmental
electromagnetic
interference
Reduce sensitivity
until erratic
signals cease
Discharged battery
Replace battery
Wrong type of
battery
Use only 9V
alkaline battery
or rechargeable
Multiple targets
present
Highly oxidized
target
Sensitivity set
too high
No power, no
sounds
Dead battery
Replace battery
Check connections
Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Target Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Depth And Target Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
In The Field Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-17
Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Trouble Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
19
Warranty coverage does not include the cost of transporting the detector
back to an owner who is located outside of the United States of America.
Copyright 2009
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form.
This warranty may vary in other countries, check with your distributor for details.
Factory warranty follows the channel of distribution.
Warranty does not cover shipping costs.
MALPHA
OWNERS MANUAL
042309