OWNER’S MANUAL The Basics of Metal Detecting Your Pioneer 101 Metal Detector incorporates Motion Detection Technology. Movement over an object is required in order for the machine to detect the object and emit a tone. While holding your Pioneer 101 Metal Detector as indicated in the picture to the right, sweep the search coil slowly from side to side. While sweeping, maintain the search coil level with the ground.
INTRODUCTION The Pioneer 101 is a user-friendly instrument, requiring only a minimum of operator skill, yet delivering effective performance over a wide range of conditions and applications. Streamlined in appearance, with only two operating knobs and a mode selection switch, the Pioneer 101 has eliminated the two most difficult aspects of metal detector operation, Tuning and Ground Balancing. Both of these functions are automatic with the Pioneer 101.
EASY ASSEMBLY Assembling your Pioneer 101 Metal Detector is easy and requires no tools. Just follow these steps: Knurled Knob Bolt 1 Using ● the supplied bolt and knurled knob, attach the search coil to the lower stem. 2 Press ● the button on the upper end of the lower stem and slide the lower stem into the upper stem. Search Coil Adjust the stem to a length that lets you maintain a comfortable upright posture, with your arm relaxed at your side.
BATTERIES IMPORTANT: Always use ALKALINE batteries for optimal performance. Always remove the batteries for prolonged storage. CHECK THE BATTERIES if your detector exhibits any of the following symptoms: 1 The unit does not turn on. ● 2 Low speaker volume. ● 3 Unit beeps continuously at low sensitivity setting. ● The Low Battery indicator light will come on and stay on if the batteries are discharged. It should flash momentarily when the Power Switch is turned off.
Pioneer 101 DEMONSTRATION Here is a quick way to demonstrate the basic features of your Pioneer 101. I. Supplies Needed • • • • • A A A A A quarter (25¢) nickel (5¢) Penny (1¢) small piece of aluminum foil Nail II. Position your Pioneer 101 • Place the detector on a table, with the search coil hanging over the edge. • Be sure that the search coil is far away from walls or metal objects. Keep the search coil away from any metal in the table. III.
OPERATION The Pioneer 101 is a “motion” detector. This means that the search coil must be moving to detect the presence of metal. When practicing with a stationary metal detector, keep the target moving over the coil. Objects held still under the search coil will not be detected.
OPERATION TONE MODE AUDIO RESPONSES NO RESPONSE LOW TONE BROKEN TONE HIGH TONE Iron & Steel Gold & Nickel Old & New Pull Tabs Copper, Silver & Brass TONE DISCRIMINATION (continued) (Toggle switch to the Right) Classifies detected metal objects by emitting a low or high tone. Adjust the DISCRIMINATE control higher to increase the range of the low tone.
OPERATION AUTO GROUIND CONTROL: The Pioneer 101 automatic Ground Track feature allows operation in virtually all soil conditions, regardless of mineral content. Use it effectively on the beach or for gold prospecting. In the ALL METAL Mode (Toggle switch in the middle), the Pioneer 101 will detect gold nuggets through black sand and will find deeply buried relics in all types of soil. OPERATING TIPS: Turn the detector on using the left knob. NOTE: The detector will remain silent when turned on.
IN THE FIELD STANCE Stand with your arm extended in front of your body. Don’t bend or stoop; stand in a comfortable position. Hold the unit so that the search coil is about 1/2-inch above the ground. Adjust the search coil so that it is parallel to the ground. SWEEP Standing in the search position, swing the search coil gently from side to side, slightly overlapping each sweep as you move forward. Keep your search coil approximately 1/2-inch above the ground as you search.
IN THE FIELD (cont.) PINPOINTING Accurate pinpointing takes practice and is best accomplished by “X-ing” the suspected target area. 1 ● 2 ● 3 ● 4 ● 5 ● 6 ● Once a buried target is identified by a good tone response, continue sweeping the coil over the target in a narrowing side to side pattern. Take visual note of the place on the ground where the “beep” occurs as you move the coil slowly from side to side. Stop the coil directly over this spot on the ground.
TROUBLESHOOTING The following troubleshooting steps may assist you in case you’re having problems with your Pioneer 101. YOUR DETECTOR IS EMITTING ERRATIC SIGNALS WHEN YOU’RE IN THE FIELD. Your SENSITIVITY may be set too high. Try reducing the SENSITIVITY slightly until the false signaling disappears. Remember to swing your coil slowly. Some inconsistent signals will occur on highly rusted metals.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your Pioneer 101 Metal Detector is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your metal detector so that you can enjoy it for years. Handle the metal detector gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage electronic components. Use and store the metal detector only in normal temperature environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices and distort or melt plastic parts.
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS COINSHOOTING The most popular application for metal detectors CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED: 1 Toggle switch to the left (disc. mode). ● 2 Discriminate knob at 3:00 (3/4 turn). ● Only silver, copper and brass will be detected. Gold items will be eliminated. Different denominations of coins will induce different sounds. RELIC HUNTING A relic is a historical object, sometimes of great value. The most effective method for locating relics is to first conduct historical research.
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS (cont.) trash items. Gold rings will induce a low sound. Be aware that some pull-tabs can also induce a low tone. Silver will induce a high tone. Chains and necklaces are difficult to find. If you are looking for gold rings, don’t get discouraged; you will dig up many broken pull-tabs before you find your first gold ring! HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS Find property markers, lost keys, machine parts, and other lost items.. CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED: 1 Toggle switch in center position.
ACCESSORIES MAXIMIZE YOUR METAL DETECTING EXPERIENCE WITH THESE OPTIMAL BOUNTY HUNTER ACCESSORIES 4 INCH COIL Great for searching in trashy areas with its smaller target area. Also perfect for gold prospecting and fitting into tight spaces. 10 INCH COIL For maximum depth detection. HEADPHONES Increase battery life and find more deeply buried objects, evidenced by faint signals sometimes undetected with the standard speaker. CARRY BAG Custom-sized to carry your Pioneer 101.
TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Respect the rights and property of others. Observe all laws, whether national, state or local. Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures. Leave the land and vegetation as it was. Fill in the holes. All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set. Always obtain permission before searching any site. Be extremely careful while probing, picking up, or discarding trash items.
