14 F1A4 Operator Instructor Notes and Syllabus
Minelab Countermine Division
Safety through Excellence
completed the F1A4 will select the frequency band with the least
interference.
o
There must be no metallic objects near the Coil during Noise Cancel.
•
Audio Reset
o
Field experience shows that Audio Reset is rarely required, although this
procedure can be used to “re-acquaint” an operator’s ear to the threshold
tone, especially during training.
Thirty four
Critical Safety Procedure.
Using the Field guide, demonstrate use of the Test Piece and Sweeping procedure.
Key Points:
•
Using the Test Piece is a critical procedure that MUST be done before any
demining is conducted and every time the detector is switched on.
•
The soft sound of the Test Piece demonstrates what the sound of a
minimum metal mine at depth will sound like.
•
When sweeping, the Coil must remain horizontal to the ground at all times.
•
When the ‘Battery Low’ alarm is heard, the detector must be switched off
immediately and fresh batteries fitted. The red LED on the Control Box front
panel flashes and the detector emits a loud oscillating tone when the charge
in the batteries drops to a predefined, low level. There is no loss of
sensitivity or capability before the LED flashes or the audible tone is heard.
Use the Field Guide, and through question and answer, review the preceding
procedures.
Thirty five
Pinpointing Targets – Sweeping
Key points:
•
While sweeping the Coil it is important to keep it parallel to and at a constant
height from the ground at all times.
•
Be aware to any tendency amongst the students to raise the Coil at the ends of
each sweep, this will reduce detection depth.
•
Each sweep of the Coil should overlap the area covered by the previous sweep
to ensure full coverage of the area being searched.
Thirty six
Pinpointing Targets - Edge Detection.
Pinpointing with the F1A4 is very accurate due to the geometry of the Monoloop Coil.
Because detection occurs over the entire Coil surface, “edge detection” can be used.
Explain the F1A4 Coil geometry.
Key points:
•
The cylindrical shaped F1A4 detection pattern remains constant at depth
therefore an operator is clearing the same amount of area at depth as he sees
on the surface (note: conventional detectors have a conical shape).
•
Edge detection makes the detection of targets up against walls and fences
possible.
