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F3Ci Operations Manual

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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 F3Ci is a lightweight, compact detector that includes a

uniquely designed mechanical platform thereby providing superior

ergonomics. It is a robust detector that is extremely simple to

operate.

Figure 1: F3Ci mine detector

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Summary of Contents for F3Ci

Page 1: ...F3Ci Revision 01 Part No 4901 0144 OPERATIONS MANUAL ...

Page 2: ... Rights Reserved This document is protected by copyright Apart from any use permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 Cth or other applicable laws any unauthorised use appropriation or reproduction of this document or any part of it is strictly prohibited No part of this document may be used or reproduced by any means or by any process in any form without the prior written permission of th...

Page 3: ... 14 3 1 3 Ground Balance 15 3 1 4 Noise Cancel Button 15 3 1 5 Mode Select Button 15 3 1 6 LED Display 16 3 1 7 Battery Status 17 3 1 8 Earset Socket 17 3 2 Functional Tones 19 3 3 Test Piece Functional Test 20 4 Operating Procedures 22 4 1 Introduction 22 4 2 Standard Procedure 23 4 2 1 STEP 1 Switch ON 23 4 2 2 STEP 2 Ground Balance 24 4 2 3 STEP 3 Test Piece 24 4 3 Optional Procedures 25 4 3 1 ...

Page 4: ...ng the Target Optional 34 4 5 Multiple Targets 35 4 5 1 STEP 1 Mapping the Target 35 4 5 2 STEP 2 Pinpointing Targets 35 4 5 3 STEP 3 Interrogating the Targets Optional 36 4 6 Operating Multiple Detectors in Close Proximity 37 4 7 Completion of Operations 38 5 Care and Troubleshooting 39 5 1 Routine Care 39 5 2 Troubleshooting 40 6 Specifications 41 ...

Page 5: ...arance operations throughout the world Through its patented and unique technology Minelab has emphasised equipment capability and operator safety in its products The F3Ci is a lightweight compact detector that includes a uniquely designed mechanical platform thereby providing superior ergonomics It is a robust detector that is extremely simple to operate Figure 1 F3Ci mine detector ...

Page 6: ...or with a quick and easy check to ensure the detector is working at its operational capability The F3Ci provides a visual indication of detection via a Light Emitting Diode LED display If required the F3Ci also provides vibrations to alert the operator to a target Sensitivity and volume settings can be changed through seven preset selections Components of the F3Ci are manufactured within tightly c...

Page 7: ...Case permits the storage of the detector inside the Soft Carry Bag and provides protection for the detector when in transit or placed in storage The Soft Carry Bag allows the operator to comfortably carry the detector when use of the Hard Case is impractical The Soft Carry Bag is not suitable for use when transporting the detector by road or air For added protection during road or air transport it...

Page 8: ...er Shaft Skid Plate Coil Pivot Assembly Coil Lower Camlock Upper Camlock Test Piece Figure 3 F3Ci main components Battery Compartment contains 4 x C cell alkaline or rechargeable batteries A battery map is provided to indicate correct alignment of batteries when inserted into the compartment Armrest and Strap provided for operator comfort when the detector is used for prolonged periods The Armrest...

Page 9: ...vot point for unfolding or folding the shafts The hinge is only locked in position when the Handle Assembly is in its deployed position Upper Middle Lower Shafts carbon fibre shafts that are adjustable for operator comfort and for changes in demining positions Upper and Lower Camlocks self cleaning locking mechanisms to secure middle and lower shafts Coil Pivot Assembly permits the tilt and rotati...

Page 10: ... the Main Body insert four C cell batteries Taking care not to snag or trap the tether replace the Battery Compartment Lid and rotate the Battery Lock Lever clockwise one quarter turn If the batteries are inserted incorrectly the detector will fail to function when switched on e Using Figure 5 as a guide unfold and adjust the F3Ci Figure 4 Removing the Battery Compartment Lid NOTE The F3Ci require...

Page 11: ...F3Ci Operations Manual 9 1 2 3 4 5 ...

Page 12: ...ame 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 ...

Page 13: ...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 Figure 7 Connecting the Earset ...

Page 14: ...ing 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 F3Ci is now ready for use Refer to Chapter 3 for Functional Description and Chapter 4 for Operating Procedures To repack the F3Ci this preparation procedure should be reversed ...

Page 15: ... 1 On Off Knob To switch the F3Ci on gently pull out the On Off Knob and rotate clockwise Once in the On position release the knob back to the locked position refer Figure 9 When switched on the F3Ci completes a series of internal start up functions including initialisation of the microprocessor and self tests which check internal power supplies transmitter etc Earset Socket On Off Knob Sensitivit...

Page 16: ...itching on the detector 3 1 2 Sensitivity Knob The F3Ci can be operated using seven preset volume and sensitivity settings Position 4 is the default position and should always be selected when switching on the detector and conducting the Test Piece procedure refer to section 4 2 3 If the F3Ci Sensitivity Knob is rotated to the Yellow Dot position the detector will operate at maximum sensitivity Wh...

Page 17: ...ise Cancel Button Using the Noise Cancel button located on the left of the LED display the operator can initiate an automatic frequency scanning sequence As a result the F3Ci will select an operating frequency that minimises the effects from sources of electrical interference 3 1 5 Mode Select Button The yellow Mode Select button can be used to toggle between a Detection Mode This mode is the defa...

Page 18: ...his instance the detector should remain in Detection Mode to locate and mark the target position 3 1 6 LED Display A display of nine red LEDs provides a visual indication of target size and proximity The display can be switched On and Off by simultaneously pressing the yellow Mode Select button and the Ground Balance button When the LED display is switched on but no targets are detected then the f...

Page 19: ...ys be off when the detector is first switched on 3 1 7 Battery Status Battery status can be checked at anytime by pressing and holding down the Noise Cancel button and then pressing and immediately releasing the Ground Balance button Once completed the LED display will indicate the battery status for a period of three seconds 3 1 8 Earset Socket The F3Ci has an internal speaker located inside the ...

Page 20: ... connected For military countermine applications an Earset that mutes the F3Ci s internal speaker when the Earset is connected is available Earset Speaker Off The Earset Speaker Off is identified by a short length of green tubing located at the rear of the Earset Plug WARNING Minelab strongly recommends that an operator always wears an Earset when using the F3Ci detector ...

Page 21: ...get detected Increases volume and high or low pitch depending on target metal composition and depth Battery Low Indicates batteries do not have enough charge to continue detection High pitched fast continuous oscillating tone PLUS blinking Battery Low LED provided the LED display is switched on Equipment Fault Indicates failure of detector component Low pitched slow oscillating tone ee aww ee aww ...

Page 22: ...es can no longer supply the necessary power to sustain correct performance of the detector a Battery Low Alarm will alert the operator WARNING When Battery Low Alarm occurs the operator must immediately STOP operations The F3Ci should be switched off and new or recharged batteries inserted into the Battery Compartment 3 3 Test Piece Functional Test The F3Ci is supplied with a Test Piece designed t...

Page 23: ...ector is switched on to confirm correct functionality of the detector NOTE After switching on the detector the LEDs will always be disabled If an Earset Speaker OFF is connected to the detector the LED display will be automatically disabled for tactical reasons However if required the LED display can be enabled by pressing the Mode Select button and the Ground Balance button ...

Page 24: ... 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 F3Ci Where these procedures contravene local Standard Operating Procedures local procedures should take precedence provided that all Minelab recommended safety procedures are followed Figure 12 F3Ci detector ...

Page 25: ... the ground and away from any metallic objects Ensure Sensitivity is set to Position 4 default and then turn the detector on by lifting and rotating the On Off Knob clockwise 60cm 24 in Figure 14 Switching on the detector The F3Ci will emit a rising tone for approximately 2 seconds followed by two beeps At the completion the heart beat will commence b If the detector is affected by interference pe...

Page 26: ... approximately 7 seconds 150mm 6 in Figure 15 Ground Balance procedure 4 2 3 STEP 3 Test Piece Ensure the operator s hands and arms are free of metallic objects watches rings etc and that no other metallic objects are near the coil a Remove the Test Piece from its stowed position on the Armrest by extending the Armrest and rotating the Test Piece clockwise Hold the Test Piece above the middle of t...

Page 27: ...EDs Figure 16 Test Piece procedure 4 3 Optional Procedures After Step ONE three optional procedures can be conducted if required Each procedure can be conducted at any time during operations 4 3 1 Noise Cancel If the detector is affected by interference 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 ...

Page 28: ...requency to eliminate or reduce the interference 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 Activate Deactivate LEDs When the detector is first switched on the LEDs are deactivated If required the LED display can be activated by pressing and holding the Mo...

Page 29: ...g the detection of a target When the detector is first switched on the vibration is deactivated To activate vibration press and hold the Mode Select button and then press the Noise Cancel button Once activated release both buttons To deactivate the vibration repeat the process NOTE Vibrations if activated will not occur during the test piece procedure ...

Page 30: ...TEST PIECE OPTIONAL PROCEDURE 60cm 24 in 150mm 6 in PRESSMODE SELECTBUTTON ANDNOISE CANCELBUTTON NO YES NO YES THRESHOLD NOISY UNEVEN NOISE CANCEL NO YES TURN ON LEDS TURN ON VIBRATION PRESSMODE SELECTBUTTON ANDGROUND BALANCEBUTTON Figure 18 Standard and optional procedures ...

Page 31: ...ion Mode This is the default mode and will provide a similar alarm for all types of targets The volume of the alarm will vary depending on the size and proximity of the target b Interrogation Mode Once a target has been found it can be analysed by selecting Interrogation Mode This is achieved by pressing and releasing the Mode Select button which will toggle between Detection and Interrogation mod...

Page 32: ...or will return to the Detection Mode default indicated by a double beep WARNING Detection Mode is always more sensitive than Interrogation or Pinpoint modes This means that on occasion when a very small target is detected in Detection Mode it is possible the target will not be detected when selecting Interrogation or Pinpoint modes In this instance the detector should remain in Detection Mode to l...

Page 33: ...beyond the target in an attempt to find clear ground In doing so the operator will a immediately gain an impression of the size of the target prior to commencing the pinpointing procedure and b confirm the target is not in close proximity to a second target thereby avoiding a possible booby trap NOTE Minelab recommends a half coil 100 mm 4 inches overlap on successive sweeps as an operator moves f...

Page 34: ... 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 20 Mapping the target WARNING Extreme care must be taken when mapping the target to ensure the coil does not touch the ground or any exposed parts of the mine or snag on any previously undetected trip wires For large...

Page 35: ...s may result in the target being masked To determine the centre for larger targets the coil should be slowly moved across the mapped area As the coil approaches the centre of the target the alarm tone will increase to a maximum volume Where maximum volume is achieved the coil can be considered to be above the centre of the target Once confirmed local Standard Operating Procedures should be followe...

Page 36: ... Mode press and release the Mode Select button The selection of Interrogation Mode will be indicated with a single beep Sweep the coil back and forth across the target location to obtain a specific tone that represents the target NOTE Interrogation Mode will provide a specific tone for a target However the tone is not unique and other targets may produce the same type of tone In different types of...

Page 37: ...he procedure described in section 4 4 1 an area enclosing the multiple targets can be mapped Figure 22 Mapping multiple targets NOTE To an experienced operator the shape of the mapped area can indicate whether multiple targets may be present 4 5 2 STEP 2 Pinpointing Targets After mapping out a suspicious area that may contain multiple targets select pinpointing mode and sweep across the area appro...

Page 38: ...ation to the operator WARNING Detection Mode is always more sensitive than Interrogation or Pinpoint modes This means that on occasion when a very small target is detected in Detection Mode it is possible the target will not be detected when selecting Interrogation or Pinpoint modes In this instance the detector should remain in Detection Mode to locate and mark the target position WARNING The vol...

Page 39: ...ween detectors Noise Cancel must be conducted as follows a With all other detectors switched off switch on the first detector and perform Noise Cancel as described in section 4 3 1 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 de...

Page 40: ... inspect for any signs of damage c Remove the batteries from the Battery Compartment and stow in Soft Carry Bag 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 ...

Page 41: ... damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust before collapsing the shafts c Do not use solvents to clean the F3Ci If any part of the detector comes into contact with corrosive substances wash the detector with clean fresh water and dry with a clean cloth d Ensure the F3Ci is dry before stowing in the Soft Carry Bag e Ensure the batteries are removed from the Battery Compartment before stowing the detect...

Page 42: ... stationary 1 Conduct Noise Cancel 2 Move away from noise source There is no sound from the Earset 1 Disconnect and reconnect the Earset or 2 Try a known serviceable Earset if this solves the problem the original Earset may be faulty if this does not solve the problem the Earset socket may be faulty There is no sound from the Speaker 1 Switch off and on or 2 Disconnect Earset Switch off and on Can...

Page 43: ... 28 kg 5 0 lbs Shipping weight in hard case with batteries 7 4 kg 16 3 lbs Transmission Technology Continuous Wave VFLEX Output Audio Internal Loudspeaker Earset various configurations available Visual 9 LED Display Environmental Temperature Operating 30 deg C to 60 deg C 22 deg F to 140 deg F Temperature Storage 35 deg C to 70 deg C 31 deg F to 158 deg F Environmental Endurance To MIL STD 810G ...

Page 44: ...ty Protection Yes Patents and Trademarks Patents and trademarks may apply to this product Patents www minelab com patents Disclaimer As a world leader in metal sensing technology Minelab strives to continually improve its product range Minelab reserves the right to introduce changes to the design technical features and accessories of this product ...

Page 45: ...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 com ...

Page 46: ......

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