OPERATIONS MANUAL F3 COMPACT Revision 02 Part No: 4901-0103
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. © Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved. This document is protected by copyright.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual Table of Contents 1. Introduction.......................................................................................3 2. General Description and Preparation..............................................5 2.1 2.2 2.3 Mine Detecting Set F3 COMPACT Main Components F3 COMPACT Preparation 5 6 8 3. Functional Description................................................................... 13 3.1 3.2 3.3 Functional Controls and Displays 13 3.1.1 On/Off Knob.....................
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Pinpointing Procedure 30 4.5.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target...........................................30 4.5.2 STEP 2 Determine Centre of Target..............................32 Multiple Targets 33 4.6.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target...........................................33 4.6.2 STEP 2 Determining the Centre of Target.....................34 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity 34 Completion of Operations 35 5. Care and Troubleshooting.................
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.
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.
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) • Operations Manual • Detector • Field Guide • Soft Carry Bag • Test Piece • Earset (Speaker On and Speaker Off variants) • Four C-Cell Batteries (Alkaline or Rechargeable) nds 12 seco 60cm ) (24” 1 io Aud et Res 15cm (6”) T F3 PAC ctor COM Dete .. nds.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 2.2 F3 COMPACT Main Components Figure 3 identifies the main components of the F3 COMPACT. Armrest Armrest Strap Test Piece Battery Compartment Handle Assembly Earset Connector Main Body Shaft Hinge Controls Upper Camlock Upper Shaft Middle Shaft Lower Camlock Coil Lower Shaft Coil Pivot Assembly Skid Plate Figure 3: F3 COMPACT main components Battery Compartment – contains 4 x C cell alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
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.
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.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 1 2 3 4 5 9
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 6 7 8 A B Figure 5: Guide to unfolding and adjusting the F3 COMPACT NOTE When the Handle Assembly is locked into position (Frame 3), it will also lock the Upper Shaft in position. To unlock the Handle Assembly and to allow the Upper Shaft to rotate when repacking the detector, gently but firmly impact the base of the palm against the top of the handle behind the LED display. f. Extend the Lower and Middle Shafts to suit the selected demining position as shown in Figure 6.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual Figure 6: F3 COMPACT in the standing, kneeling or prone positions g. Undo the dust caps from the Earset plug and Earset socket on the detector. Gently hold the Earset by the rubber collar using thumb and index finger, the raised double arrow should be uppermost (see Figure 7). Align the plug with the Earset socket and firmly slide the collar onto the socket.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual NOTE The Earset connector is waterproof and must be connected and disconnected from the Earset socket by holding the rubber collar. Do not attempt to connect or disconnect the Earset by pushing or pulling on the strain relief or wire at the rear of the rubber collar. The F3 COMPACT is now ready for use. Refer to Chapter 3 for Functional Description, and Chapter 4 for Operating Procedures. To repack the F3 COMPACT, this preparation procedure should be reversed.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 3. Functional Description 3.1 Functional Controls and Displays For ease of use, all controls and displays for the F3 COMPACT are located on the Handle Assembly and Main Body. Figure 8 illustrates the location of all controls. Ground Balance/ Audio Reset Button Noise Cancel Button LED On/Off Button On/Off Knob Sensitivity Knob Earset Socket Figure 8: F3 COMPACT controls 3.1.1 On/Off Knob To switch the F3 COMPACT on, gently pull up the On/Off Knob and rotate clockwise.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual On completion of the Start-Up Tones the F3 COMPACT emits a low steady tone known as the Threshold Tone, which confirms to the operator that the F3 COMPACT is functioning correctly. During operation, continuous internal self-testing continues and an alarm tone is triggered on detection of any fault condition (refer to section 3.2 for a description of the alarm tones). To turn the F3 COMPACT off, pull up the On/Off Knob and rotate counter-clockwise to the Off position.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual * WARNING * When detecting minimum metal mines or targets with low metal signatures, the F3 COMPACT should not be used on a selection lower than the default setting (Position 4). Where possible, Free From Explosive targets should be buried at the required detection depth. Sensitivity options (Positions 4 to 7) should then be tested to determine the most suitable sensitivity to ensure detection of the target. 3.1.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 3.1.5 LED Display /deep target esponse ge/shallow t response A display of nine red LEDs provides a visual indication of target size and proximity. The display can be switched On and Off by pressing the LED On/Off button. When the LED display is switched on, a minimum, of one LED will illuminate representing the Threshold Tone (see Figure 10).
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual NOTE The LED display will always be off when the detector is first switched on. 3.1.6 Battery Status Provided that the LED display is switched on, battery status can be checked at anytime by pressing and holding down the Noise Cancel button and then pressing and immediately releasing the LED On/ Off button. Once completed the LED display will indicate the battery status for a period of three seconds. 3.1.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 3.2 Functional Tones The F3 COMPACT emits tones that vary in pitch and volume to alert the operator to targets, automatic detector functions or equipment alarm conditions. The following table summarises the tones that an F3 COMPACT can produce. Tones Event Description Start-Up Internal diagnostic checks when the F3 COMPACT is switched on Four or five rising tones over 12 seconds. Threshold Signifies correct operation of detector Steady low volume continuous tone.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual Tones Event Description Default Sensitivity Not Selected Indicates that the default sensitivity is not selected when detector is switched on Single low pitched beep if sensitivity lower than default (Position 4) and single high pitched beep if sensitivity higher than default. Changing Sensitivity Indicates of increasing or reducing sensitivity When increasing sensitivity a single high pitched beep. When decreasing sensitivity a single low pitched beep.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual NOTE When switched on, maximum sensitivity is available 30 seconds after the Threshold Tone commences. Do not test the detector with the Test Piece until 30 seconds after the Threshold Tone begins. * WARNING * The Test Piece functional test must be conducted with the Sensitivity Knob set to Position 4 (Default) and should be conducted whenever the detector is switched on to confirm correct functionality of the detector.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 4. Operating Procedures 4.1 Introduction The F3 COMPACT is designed to ensure that operation of the detector is as simple as possible. Additionally, the F3 COMPACT is extremely capable, robust and safe to use, eliminating the need for lengthy training requirements. This chapter describes procedures for safe and effective operation of the F3 COMPACT.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 4.2 Standard Procedure Ground Balance/ Audio Reset Button On/Off Knob Sensitivity Knob Earset Socket Figure 13: F3 COMPACT controls After unpacking the F3 COMPACT and preparing it for use as described in chapter 2, complete the following THREE step standard procedure. 4.2.1 STEP 1 Switch ON a. Hold the coil at least 600 mm (24 ins) from the ground, and away from any metallic objects.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual b. If the Threshold Tone is steady continue with STEP 2. If the Threshold Tone is noisy or uneven when the coil is stationary, perform a Noise Cancel (section 4.3.1). c. If the Threshold Tone is steady but seems louder than normal when the coil is away from the ground and metallic targets, perform an Audio Reset (section 4.3.2). 4.2.2 STEP 2 Ground Balance Ensure this procedure is carried out on ground free of metal and hold the coil about 150 mm (6 ins) above the ground. a.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual If the Ground Balance OK tone is not heard within 20 seconds of starting the procedure, release the Ground Balance button and repeat this procedure. If there is metal in the ground under the coil whilst Ground Balancing, the detector will not Ground Balance correctly. Move the detector and repeat the Ground Balance over ground that is free of metallic objects.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual NOTE Maximum sensitivity is only available 30 seconds after the Threshold Tone commences. Do not test the detector with the Test Piece until 30 seconds after the Threshold Tone begins. If the Test Piece cannot be heard, conduct an Audio Reset and recheck. If the Test Piece fails to be detected the detector must be considered faulty and must not be used.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 4.3 Optional Procedures If after Step ONE the Threshold Tone is not low and steady, conduct one or both of the following procedures: a. Noise Cancel (see 4.3.1) b. Audio Reset (see 4.3.2) 4.3.1 Noise Cancel If the Threshold Tone is noisy or uneven when the coil is stationary, conduct Noise Cancel as follows: a. Holding the coil stationary and at least 600 mm (24 ins) above the ground press and immediately release the Noise Cancel button.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual NOTE The detector cannot be used for clearing operations during Noise Cancel. The coil should not be moved during this procedure nor should metallic objects be brought near the coil. 4.3.2 Audio Reset Whenever the Threshold Tone sounds louder than normal perform the Audio Reset procedure as follows: a. Hold the coil away from any metallic objects. Press and immediately release the Ground Balance button (green button located on top of the handle).
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual STEP 1 SWITCH ON 60cm 60cm (24 in) (24 in) 1212seconds seconds Optional Procedure Threshold Noisy/Uneven YES NOISE CANCEL YES AUDIO RESET NO Threshold Louder than Normal NO STEP 2 GROUND BALANCE Beep Beep 150mm (6 in) STEP 3 TEST PIECE Figure 19: Standard and optional procedures 28
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual Noise Cancel and Audio Reset procedures can be performed any time the Threshold Tone becomes noisy, uneven or rises in volume. Once Noise Cancel and/or Audio Reset are complete, continue with Standard Procedure steps 2 and 3. Figure 19 illustrates this sequence. Once completed, the F3 COMPACT can commence operations in compliance with local Standard Operating Procedures.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual Depth of detection depends on target distance from the coil, not depth of the target under the ground. Therefore, the coil should be swept as close to the ground as possible to maximise detection depth (local Standard Operating Procedures take precedence). When a target is initially detected, an operator should stand in place and continue to sweep the F3 COMPACT beyond the target in an attempt to find clear ground. In doing so the operator will: a.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual At the change of the Threshold Tone, the operator should mentally mark the position on the ground, move the coil away, and approach the target from another angle. This process continues until the operator achieves a mental picture of the target area. Figure 21: Mapping the target * WARNING * Extreme care must be taken when mapping the target to ensure that the coil does not touch the ground (or any exposed parts of the mine) or snag on any previously undetected trip wires.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 4.5.2 STEP 2 Determine Centre of Target In Step 1, the area of a target was determined. If the metal in the target is sufficiently small, the area mapped will also be small and therefore it is a relatively simple matter to pinpoint the centre of the target. To determine the centre, for larger targets, the coil should be slowly moved across the mapped area.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 4.6 Multiple Targets There may be occasions when an operator will encounter multiple targets. For example, small anti-personnel mines may be laid in a cluster, or a large anti-tank mine may be surrounded by smaller anti-personnel mines or booby-traps. Regardless, the pinpointing procedure for the F3 COMPACT can be used to effectively map a suspicious area. 4.6.1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target Using the procedure described in section 4.5.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 4.6.2 STEP 2 Determining the Centre of Target The pitch of the Threshold Tone will rise or fall depending on the combination of metals or the composition of metal in a mine. This means that, in some instances, experienced operators may be able to identify one mine against another (see Figure 24). By slowly moving the coil across the mapped area, it may be possible to detect tonal differences indicating multiple targets.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual b. Once Noise Cancel is finished on the first detector, leave it switched on. Ensure that the second detector is at least two metres away and switch it on. Conduct Noise Cancel using the Noise Cancel button of the second detector. c. Continue this process for all detectors being used in close proximity. Noise Cancel 2 metres Figure 25: Operating detectors in close proximity 4.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual d. Disconnect the Earset. e. Retract the Middle and Lower Shafts rotating the coil to the stowed position. f. Collapse Handle and pivot the retracted shafts securing in position with the Armrest Strap. g. Stow the detector in the Soft Carry Bag and Hard Case if available. h. Check all components are accounted for (especially the Test Piece and Earset) and are correctly packed.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 5. Care and Troubleshooting 5.1 Routine Care The F3 COMPACT is designed for lasting use in harsh operating environments, however, proper care and maintenance will ensure long-term reliability. Key to ensuring the durability of the F3 COMPACT is the correct stowage of the detector whenever it is not in use. Additionally, operators of F3 COMPACT detectors should be aware of the following: a.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 5.2 Troubleshooting Table 2 provides several troubleshooting procedures in response to a variety of possible problems. Problem Recommended Procedure F3 COMPACT will not switch 1. Check batteries have been inserted on correctly into the Battery Compartment, or 2. Replace batteries. After switching on there is a very loud noise 1. Conduct Audio Reset After switching on the Threshold Tone varies in pitch and volume with the coil stationary 1. Conduct Noise Cancel 2.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual 6. Specifications Length Operating Length 1490 mm/59 ins – 950 mm/37 ins Weight Operating weight with batteries (complete) 2.57 kg/5.7 lbs Operating weight without batteries 2.40 kg/5.3 lbs Shipping weight (in hard case with batteries) 7.4 kg/16.
F3 COMPACT Operations Manual Batteries Alkaline 4 x C cell LR14 Rechargeable 4 x NiCad or NiMh C cell minimum 4000 mAh capacity Battery Reverse Polarity Protection Yes Patents and Trademarks Patents and trademarks may apply to this product. Patents: www.minelab.com/patentmarking Disclaimer As a world leader in metal sensing technology, Minelab strives to continually improve its product range.
Contact Details: Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd tel: +61 8 8238 0888 Minelab Americas Inc tel: +1 630 401 8150 Minelab International Limited tel: +353 21 423 2352 email: countermine@minelab.com.au www.minelab.
