SERVICE MANUAL F3 Metal Mine Detector Issue 3: January 2010 Part No: 4904-0004
F3 Field Service Manual WARNING THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS MINELAB ELECTRONICS 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 118 Hayward Avenue, Torrensville South Australia.
CONTENTS Section Page 1. Introduction 4 2. Mechanical & Functional Testing 2.1 Mechanical Testing 2.2 Functional Testing 5 6 6 3. Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures 3.1 Introduction 3.2 F3 Tool Kit 3.3 Electronics Pack 3.4 Coil 3.5 Speaker Pod 3.6 Handle 3.7 Wiring Loom 3.8 Armrest 3.9 Shafts 3.10 Battery Pack 13 13 13 13 16 21 24 26 30 32 38 4. Fault Finding Procedures 4.1 Introduction 4.
F3 Field Service Manual 1. Introduction a. Servicing the F3 Series of detectors comprises fault finding, repair and maintenance and is designed to be simple and fast thereby reducing the amount of time a detector is unusable. Repair and maintenance is based on line replaceable units which can be fitted to a detector without the need for adjustment or calibration. Additionally, serviceable line replaceable units can be exchanged between detectors as required. b.
F3 Field Service Manual 2. Mechanical & Functional Testing Figure 1: F3 Packed in its Hard Case a. Whenever a detector is returned for servicing, mechanical and functional tests must be completed to confirm and/or identify the fault. Figure 1 illustrates the complete detector when packed in its hard case. A visual inspection should be conducted to ensure all parts are present and any missing items noted and replaced as necessary. b.
F3 Field Service Manual 2.1 Mechanical Testing. Confirm that all components are present in the hard case and unpack, fully extend and insert batteries into the F3 as described in the F3 Operations Manual. Figure 2 identifies the major components of the F3.
F3 Field Service Manual b Switch ON Test. The Switch ON Test checks that power is correctly supplied to the electronics pack and internal diagnostics discover no system fault. The test is conducted as follows: ● ● ● Extend the lower shaft at least 150mm (6ins). Hold the coil at least 600mm (24ins) from the ground and away from any metallic objects and switch on. Ensure that four rising tones occur over approximately 12 seconds.
F3 Field Service Manual ● ● During the 45 seconds, the detector scans the environment searching for the source of any electrical interference. Once detected, the F3 will automatically select a different operating frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference. If the correct sequence of Noise Cancel beeps is not heard, refer to Section 4 for faultfinding procedures. d. Audio Reset Test.
F3 Field Service Manual ● ● ● ● ● ● Slowly move the ground balance test piece from approximately 150mm (6ins) above the centre of the coil towards the centre of the coil and confirm that a rise in Threshold Tone occurs. This confirms that the F3 is detecting the mineralised content of the ground balance test piece.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 7: Connecting the Earset ● ● ● Switch the F3 on and confirm the Threshold Tone is audible. If an earset ‘speaker on’ (4523-0027) is being tested, check that tones can also be heard from the detector loudspeaker. If an earset ‘speaker off’ (4523-0025), identified by green band on earset cable near the plug is being tested, check that no tones can be heard from the detector loudspeaker.
F3 Field Service Manual ● ● ● Decrease the detector sensitivity to minimum by pressing the Θ button five times listening for the longer beep on the fifth press. Check the detector with the test piece and confirm there is no audio or LED indication to the test piece with detector set to its minimum sensitivity. If the correct LED/volume responses are not achieved, refer to Section 4 for faultfinding procedures.
F3 Field Service Manual ● If the test piece is not heard conduct audio reset and repeat the test. If the test piece is still not heard, refer to Section 4 for faultfinding procedures. Red Endcap. Ensure the red endcap is securely fitted to the electronics pack, switch on and wait until the steady threshold tone is heard. Conduct the test as follows: Hold the test piece above the middle of the coil with the rounded end (containing the metallic target) towards the coil.
F3 Field Service Manual 3. Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures 3.1 Introduction. This section describes the procedures required to exchange line replaceable units. Whenever a unit is replaced, mechanical and functional testing as described in Section 2 must be completed. 3.2 F3 Tool Kit. The F3 Tool Kit (Part No 3004-0018) is required to disassemble and reassemble the F3.
F3 Field Service Manual 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8007-0023 9511-0097 8009-0007 3004-0036 3004-0001 4003-0101 4309-0039 0703-0095 4003-0084 4003-0084 4309-0044 0703-0097 UPPER SHAFT BLACK F3 WIRING LOOM F3 SHAFT/HANDLE COIL CABLE (PART OF 2021-0054 COIL F3) RETAINER PLUG F3 COIL PLUG (PART OF 2021-0054 COIL F3) ELECTRONICS PACK KIT SVC F3L ELECTRONICS PACK KIT SVC F3 SCREW M3x20 SKT CAP O-RING BULKHEAD 50MM COVER BULKHEAD F3 SCREW NO 3X16 POSI SS SCREW NO 3X16 POSI SS GROMMET BULKHEAD F3 COVER RIBB
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 11: Removal of Wiring Loom from Electronics Pack NOTE Extreme care must be taken when removing the wiring loom plug from the electronics pack. DO NOT use excessive force as this may cause damage to the connector on the printed circuit board. ● ● ● Undo and remove the upper two screws (Part 7) securing the electronics pack to the upper shaft.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 12: Correct Fitting of the Wiring Loom into the Electronics Pack NOTE Take great care when connecting the wiring loom plug to the electronics pack. DO NOT force the connection because this could damage or break the connector on the printed circuit board. ● Fold excess wiring loom cable into the electronics pack above the plug. Figure 13: Excess Wiring Loom Cable Folded Correctly & Cable Router ● ● ● Refit the bulkhead cover with six screws.
F3 Field Service Manual 3.4 coil. Coil. Figure 14 illustrates the major parts involved in removing and replacing the 1 2 3 4 5 3004-0003 3004-0038 2004-0037 2021-0054 4005-0039 8009-0007 4308-0012 COIL KIT SVC F3 KIT SVC COIL RETAINER, contains pt 1 & 3 RETAINER COIL BLACK F3 COIL F3 BLOCK FRICTION COIL F3 RETAINER PLUG F3 PIN COIL CABLE Figure 14: Coil a. To remove the coil: ● ● Retract the shafts and remove the battery pack. Remove the electronics pack as described in Section 3.3.a.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 16: Removing the Coil Retainer ● ● ● Lift the lower shaft with lower camlock assembly out of the coil top. Carefully pull the coil cable out from inside the shafts. If necessary, remove the coil pin for use with the replacement coil. NOTE If there is any damage to the coil or coil cable, the coil must be replaced. There are no repairable parts on the coil. b. To fit a new coil: ● ● Ensure a skid plate is fitted to the coil.
F3 Field Service Manual NOTE Once a coil pin is fitted to a coil cable, it is not necessary to fit a coil plug retainer. ● Connect the coil cable pull through to the coil plug. (Figure 18) Figure 18: Coil Pull Through Connected to Coil NOTE If a coil pull through is not available a length of string can be used. ● Prior to threading the cable through the shafts, ensure the cable has 52 turns in the coil cable curly section.
F3 Field Service Manual NOTE It is important that the curly cable or coil cable pull through is not twisted, as this will change the number of turns in the curly cable. If the correct number of turns is not present, the curly cable may stop the shafts from retracting correctly. ● Refit the lower camlock assembly to the coil top. The flat sides on the friction blocks should be facing down into the coil top.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 23: Fitting the Coil Retainer ● Reconnect the electronics pack to the coil cable as described in Section 3.3.b. 3.5 Speaker Pod. Figure 24 illustrates the major parts of the speaker pod.
F3 Field Service Manual ● ● Remove the top half of the speaker pod by lifting the pod gently upward until the speaker pod plug comes clear of the handle. Using fingers support the main wiring loom socket against the lower half of the speaker pod and disconnect the speaker pod plug from the main wiring loom.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 27: Fitting Speaker Pod onto Handle ● Ensure the wiring loom plug emerges from the handle into the speaker pod in the correct position as shown in Figure 28. Figure 28: Correct Position of Wiring Loom Plug (Red Arrow) ● ● ● Using the unique screw (Part 4) secure the speaker pod to the handle. If the speaker pod socket is dry, smear a small amount of silicon grease around the shroud to assist in maintaining a waterproof seal.
F3 Field Service Manual ● ● Refit the three (or five depending on speaker pod version) screws (Part 5) which hold the pod halves together. Refit sensitivity endcap and battery pack. 3.6 Handle. Figure 30 illustrates the major parts of the handle.
F3 Field Service Manual b. To assemble the handle: ● ● Position the right handle half onto the upper shaft. Lay the wiring loom into the cable channels and ensure the wiring loom plug exits the top of the handle in front of the upper screw boss. (Figure 31) Figure 31: Right Handle with Wiring Loom Correctly Positioned ● ● ● Ensure the lower portion of the wiring loom cable sits under the rear handle screw boss and cannot be snagged by the bolts once the handle is assembled.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 33: Recess for Earset Plug Dustcap ● Carefully fit the left handle half to the right handle half and upper shaft. Ensure both halves are secured to the upper shaft. NOTE Hold the handle together tightly until the first two bolts have been fitted otherwise the internal nut or main wiring loom may become dislodged. The four bolts should initially only be done up loosely. ● Tighten the four bolts. 3.7 Wiring Loom.
F3 Field Service Manual 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 3004-0036 3004-0001 4003-0101 4309-0039 0703-0095 4003-0084 4003-0084 4309-0044 0703-0097 COIL PLUG (PART OF 2021-0054 COIL F3) ELECTRONICS PACK KIT SVC F3L ELECTRONICS PACK KIT SVC F3 SCREW M3x20 SKT CAP O-RING BULKHEAD 50MM COVER BULKHEAD F3 SCREW NO 3X16 POSI SS SCREW NO 3X16 POSI SS GROMMET BULKHEAD F3 COVER RIBBON CABLE F3 Figure 34: Electronics Pack NOTE The F3 and F3L use different electronics packs and should not be interchanged unless the correct
F3 Field Service Manual To remove the split grommet, use fingers to open the split wide enough for the ribbon cable to slide through. ● ● Gently pull the wiring loom through the spine of the upper shaft toward the handle and remove it. With a new wiring loom, gently push the cable (connector first) through the spine of the upper shaft (Figure 36) emerging at the opening at the end of the upper shaft.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 38: Correct Fitting of the Wiring Loom into the Electronics Pack NOTE Take great care when connecting the wiring loom plug to the electronics pack. DO NOT force the connection because this could damage or break the connector on the printed circuit board. ● Fold excess main wiring loom cable into the electronics pack above the plug. (Figure 39) Figure 39: Excess Wiring Loom Cable Folded Correctly ● ● Refit the bulkhead cover with six screws.
F3 Field Service Manual ● Route the wiring loom around the cable router on the side of the bulkhead cover. (Figure 41) Figure 41: Wiring Loom Routing ● Refit the sensitivity endcap. d. To assemble the handle, follow the instructions given in Section 3.6.b. e. To assemble the speaker pod follow the instructions given in Section 3.5.b.
F3 Field Service Manual 3.8 Armrest. Figure 42 illustrates the major parts of the armrest 1 2 3 8013-0002 4002-0023 4003-0063 4308-0003 4 3004-0015 5 3004-0015 6 7 8 9 8008-0005 8008-0026 8008-0030 8005-0018 ARMREST ASSEMBLY F3 NUT M4 NYLOC SS BOLT M4X30 SKT SS CAMLEVER PIVOT PIN LEFT ARMREST HALF (part of ARMREST L+R F3) RIGHT ARMREST HALF (part of ARMREST L+R F3) CAM LEVER F3 PRESSURE BLOCK ARMREST F3 WEAR PLATE F3 STRAP ARMREST F3 Figure 42: Armrest Component Parts a.
F3 Field Service Manual c. To refit the armstrap use Figure 43 as a guide: Figure 43: Lacing the Armstrap (View from Coil) 3.9 Shafts. The following procedures detail shaft disassembly/assembly and should be followed in order until the component to be replaced is accessible. Figure 44 illustrates the components of the shaft assembly. Upper Camlock Assembly Middle Camlock Assembly Upper Shaft Yoke and Lower Camlock Assembly Middle Shaft Lower Shaft Figure 44: Shaft Assembly Components a.
F3 Field Service Manual Middle Camlock Assembly Upper Shaft Lower Shaft 1 2 3 4 5 3004-0011 8007-0022 8008-0031 8008-0030 8008-0029 4308-0008 CAMLOCK KIT LOWER SHAFT F3 CAMLOCK BODY LOWER F3 PRESSURE BLOCK LOWER F3 WEAR PLATE F3 CAM LEVER LOWER CAMLOCK F3 PIN LOWER CAMLOCK F3 Figure 45: Lower Camlock Assembly b.
F3 Field Service Manual 2 3 4 5 8008-0005 8008-0030 8008-0024 4308-0003 CAM LEVER F3 WEAR PLATE F3 PRESSURE BLOCK MIDDLE CAMLOCK F3 CAM LEVER PIVOT PIN Figure 46: Middle Camlock Assembly c. To disassemble the upper camlock: ● Using Figure 47 as a guide, use the 3mm T handle hex driver to push out the cam lever pivot pin (Part 4) from the upper camlock (Part 5). Remove the cam lever. Remove the upper pressure block by pushing the block out from inside the shaft.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 48: Upper Camlock Positioned on Upper Shaft ● Place the tail of the upper pressure block into the recess in the rear of the upper camlock body and push the block down into the square hole. (Figure 49) NOTE Ensure that the pressure block does not protrude too far into the shaft. If necessary push it back into the camlock body otherwise difficulty may be encountered when fitting the middle shaft.
F3 Field Service Manual e. To reassemble the middle camlock assembly: ● Using Figure 50 as a guide, attach the two collar shafts (Part 3) to the rear of the middle shaft. 3 Upper Shaft 3004-0008 1 3004-0012 2 3 8007-0024 8003-0019 MIDDLE SHAFT KIT SVC BLACK F3 CAMLOCK KIT MIDDLE SHAFT F3 (not shown – see next figure) MIDDLE SHAFT BLACK F3 COLLAR SHAFT MIDDLE F3 Figure 50: Fitting the Middle Shaft ● ● ● Slide the middle shaft into the rear of the upper shaft with the square hole facing down.
F3 Field Service Manual Figure 51: Reassembling Middle Camlock Assembly ● ● Slide the middle shaft all the way into the upper shaft and close the upper cam lever. Open the middle cam lever. f. To reassemble the lower camlock and shaft: ● Refit the cam lever with a lower camlock pin into the camlock body. Open the lower cam lever. Place the lower pressure block into the lower camlock body.
F3 Field Service Manual ● Holding the detector and lower camlock assembly upside down (to prevent the lower pressure block falling out) slide the lower camlock assembly fully onto the lower shaft with a twisting motion. Figure 54: Attaching Lower Camlock ● ● Turn the detector back over and ensure that the lower camlock assembly is positioned on the lower shaft with the cam lever uppermost. Refit the other lower camlock pin.
F3 Field Service Manual 3.10 Battery Pack. The battery pack is a line replaceable unit and is not normally disassembled for repair. The major component parts of the battery pack are shown in Figure 56.
F3 Field Service Manual 4. Fault Finding Procedures 4.1 Introduction. A functional test failure (Section 2.2) can generally be repaired by replacing one or all of the following line replaceable units: ● ● ● Coil Wiring Loom Electronics Pack a. The F3 is designed so that line replaceable units can be exchanged between detectors without the need to calibrate.
F3 Field Service Manual On switch on, the “Coil Fault” tone occurs - “low pitched double tone every five seconds” On switch on, the “Equipment Fault” tone occurs – “low pitched slow oscillating tone (eeaww, ee-aww) After working in hot conditions, detector makes a loud noise Ground Balance does not work Noise Cancel does not work (no Noise Cancel tones emitted) Audio Reset does not work LEDs do not illuminate (F3L only) Cannot hear the Test Piece Start Up tones keep repeating In the collapsed position th
F3 Field Service Manual ON/OFF slide is very difficult to move Armrest will not move Coil does not remain in place (floppy) Coil falls off lower shaft Water found inside battery pack Camlocks will not stop shafts from collapsing Battery Lid will not close ● disassemble handle and remove dust and dirt ● ● ● ● loosen middle bolt disassemble armrest and clean replace armrest replace friction blocks ● refit camlock pins ● replace lower shaft ● clean battery lid and apply silicone grease to battery lid O-rin
