3 F1A4 Operator Instructor Notes and Syllabus
Minelab Countermine Division
Safety through Excellence
Six
Main Components
Using the assembled detector identify the following components. Avoid giving detailed
descriptions of the function of each component, as this will be covered in Lesson 4.
Arm Rest.
Designed to ensure a comfortable fit for the operator’s arm and adjustable when fitted to
the detector. Note the strength of the material.
Upper shaft.
Identify Upper shaft pointing out:
•
Made of aluminium for ruggedness.
•
Upper and Lower Camlocks (both different internal components).
•
Ability to slide and lock Handle up and down.
Handle.
Designed for comfort. Note Hand Strap to add further ease of use when operating the
detector. Foam Handgrip is easily replaced and absorbs sweat in hot climates.
Includes a Camlock for locking onto the Upper shaft and is adjustable to various arm
lengths. Made of glass filled nylon and is very tough. Identify the Locking Pin for
connection of Control Box to the students.
Lower Shaft.
Explain that Lower Shaft cannot contain any metal components and is made of glass
filled nylon. Identify:
•
Yoke.
•
Nut
,
Bolt and Friction Washers.
•
Cable groove to protect cable when in use.
Seven
Coil and Cable.
Referring to the slide showing a photo of a training monoloop Coil. It is important to
mention that part of the F1A4’s superior capability is due to its Coil design. Give a brief
description on the monoloop coil design explaining that no separate transmission and
reception windings exist, just one winding performing both roles. Emphasize that the
closed Coil stops vegetation from sticking up between any potential gaps and adds to
the toughness of the design. Other points:
•
Waterproof design.
•
Strain relief.
•
Design permits edge detection (explained in Lesson 4).
•
Extremely tough.
•
Cable connector – explain, as with any electrical piece of equipment, the
connector is the weakest link.
