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Stingray II OPERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your new TESORO Metal Detector was designed to provide you with many happy hours of enjoyment in the most
rewarding hobby I can think of – treasure hunting. Ahead of you lie fascinating and exciting experiences as you step into the
past – uncovering artifacts lost by past generations. I wish we could share these experiences with you, and we wish you the
best of success.
Your TESORO Metal Detector is capable of meeting your needs in any conceivable treasure hunting situation. As with
any detector, operating skill and familiarity with this instrument are probably the limiting factors in determining how successful
you will be. We recommend that you read this manual and understand fully before attempting to use the instrument in the
field. As you become more familiar with your detector through practice, your rate of success will increase dramatically.
The TESORO Metal Detector is a precision electronic instrument, which will last for years if properly cared for. Treat it
right and it won't let you down.
Good Hunting! Jack Gifford
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Stingray II is a waterproof VLF/TR/VLF Discriminator, which provides three basic operating modes. It can be used as
an ALL METAL detector, as a TR discriminator, or as a Motion based discriminator. It is capable of providing Mineral Free
operation in any environment, if adjusted correctly.
The Stingray II can be used on land, in the surf, or underwater to depths of 200 feet. It is perhaps the most versatile of all
waterproof metal detector's yet made.
The detector is supplied with in standard land based metal detector form, but is equipped with a belt bracket for body
mounting. Further, the Stingray II can be compressed to useable lengths for the diving TH'er.
The Stingray II is equipped with a waterproof coil connector so that optional coils can be utilized on the detector.
As with any detector, the familiarity of the user with his instrument will have a great effect on how successful he will be.
We recommend that you read and understand this manual fully before attempting to use the instrument in the field.
ASSEMBLY
The Stingray II can be assembled into several configuration, but the most general forms are either the pole mount or the
body mount configurations. It is relatively easy to convert the detector from one form to the other. The installation of the lower
pole to the searchcoil is the same regardless of which configuration is used.
1.
Insert the pole tip between the mounting ears of the searchcoil, after removing the screw and thumb nut. Align the
holes in the pole tip and those in the mounting ears. Be sure that the friction washers are in place.
NOTE: It will be much easier to do this if you moisten the friction washers first.
2.
Insert the coil mounting screw through the coil and pole tip. Install the thumbnut on the screw and tighten by hand.
3.
Depress the two spring buttons on the upper end of the lower stem, and slide it into the middle stem. Push the lower
stem up so that the buttons click into the third set of holes from the end of the middle stem.
4.
The small end of the middle pole is then inserted into the upper pole and the pole lock is twisted to provide a snug fit.
NOTE: The Stingray II can be set up as a diver's pole configuration by simply putting the lower pole directly
into the upper pole.
5.
Wind the searchcoil cable around the pole.
The next step in setting up your Stingray II will be deciding which direction your faceplate will be.
Pointing the faceplate away from the coil gives you less chances of having the knobs turn when you set the detector
down.
Pointing the faceplate toward the coil makes it less likely that the headphone cable will get in your way. Experiment with
having your detector mounted both ways to find the configuration that best suits your hunting style.
Placing or removing the detector on the pole is an easy process. Simply depress one set of spring clips at a time and
slide the detector on the pole.
Install the coil connector into its receptacle on the back of the control housing and tighten it finger tight.
NOTE: Do not use pliers to tighten the coil connector.
CONVERSION
Obviously, converting the unit from body to pole mount or vice versa, is simply putting the control housing back on the
pole, or removing it from the pole. Be sure to keep the searchcoil cable wound tight enough around the pole that it doesn't flap
right over searchcoil. The Stingray II is powerful enough to see the fine wires moving, and can give you false signals if the
cable is too loose enough to flop around. (Note: Use the two velcro straps to hold the cable tight against the pole.)
SPECIFICATIONS
TESORO Electronics, Inc., reserves the right to modify or improve the design without further notice.
CONTROLS
The Stingray II has only four controls on its front panel but three additional controls are on the inside of the control
housing and can be adjusted by opening the housing. Since the Threshold Adjust, Volume and Sensitivity for Motion
discriminate are seldom used controls, they are placed on the inside of the housing to minimize the chance of leaking.
1.
ON/OFF Tune Speed, Battery Check.
The power to the Stingray II is controlled by this switch. A battery test is
accomplished each time the switch is turned on and the switch selects the speed of the tuning for non motion modes.
The counterclockwise position turns off the detector. When the switch is turned clockwise to the fast speed position, the
automatic battery test sequence is triggered. The audio sound will be very loud for roughly 4 5 seconds when fresh
batteries are used. As the batteries lose power, the sound will be less intense and will die away faster until there is no
audio at all or just a short chirp. This lack of audio sound indicates it is time for fresh batteries. The nonmotion modes
(TR DISC and ALL METAL) are retuned back to threshold by placing this switch in the FAST, MED, or SLOW position.
Tuning speed should be selected to suit the particular hunting mode and mineral conditions.
2.
Mode Control.
This switch selects the desired operating mode of the Stingray II. TR DISC is generally more suitable
for searching salt water beaches, and the disc level control is used to adjust the detector's response to the wet salt
beach, since the TR mode is not mineral free. MOT DISC is the mineralfree motion discriminate mode, and the disc level
control can be used to adjust the detector to eliminate trash items as desired. ALL METAL is a nonmotion mode, and
the GND adjust control can be used to adjust the detector’s response to ground mineralization.
3.
Disc Level Control.
This control is used to adjust the detector's response to unwanted trash items when the
detector is used in motion discriminate and to adjust the detector’s response to wet salt beaches when it is used in the
TR discriminate mode. Wet salt beaches can usually be tuned neutral somewhere around 2 to 4 on the dial.
4.
GND Adjust.
This control is used to set the desired response to ground minerals when the detector is used in the
ALL METAL mode. It doesn't have enough range to compensate for wet salt beaches, so is not usable when searching
them. The detector's response to ground minerals should be set so that as the searchcoil approaches normal ground, the
detector’s threshold goes slightly louder. This will keep the detector from reading holes in the ground when it is used in
the motion discriminate mode.
NOTE: The following three controls are mounted inside the control housing, since they are seldom used
controls and do not need constant adjustment.
5.
Threshold Adjust.
This control is used to adjust the threshold (the beginning of sound) for the two nonmotion
modes. Threshold should be adjusted with the coil in the air, the tune speed switch on fast, and the mode switch in TR
disc or ALL METAL position. Adjust so sound is very low just barely audible.
6.
Volume.
This control adjusts the volume of the loudest sound to be comfortable to the user. If the loudest sounds
are too loud, you may become weary of using the detector, and if they are not loud enough, you may miss the deepest
targets.
7.
Motion DISC Sensitivity.
This control should be set as high as possible (clockwise direction) while still allowing
quiet operation. When it is set too high, false signals may become predominant, which may reduce your ability o make
out the faint deep target signals.
TUNING THE STRINGRAY II
The Stingray II, like other high power metal detectors, will give much better performance if it is properly tuned. To achieve
maximum performance from your Stingray II, be sure that you understand the following sections of the manual and that you
use it in the best mode for the site you are hunting.
1. Tuning In The All Metal Mode
The Ground Adjust control is located on the front panel and is not designed to be used as the ground adjust control would
normally be used on a land based metal detector. It should be set t the best setting for the areas that you work and then left
alone.
The Ground Adjust control should be set so that the most negative mineral backgrounds that you will be detecting in
response with a slight positive increase in volume as the searchcoil is lowered to the ground. This will yield the best results
when the detector is used in the motion discriminate mode by keeping the detector from responding to negative minerals or
from detecting a hole in the ground.
The Ground Adjust control doesn't have enough range to neutralize salt water beaches. Salt water beaches are always
very positive, so the TR discriminate mode should be used with the Disc Level control being set to neutralize the conductive
nature of the beach.
1.
Put the On/Off control to fast and the Mode select switch to ALL METAL. Hold the searchcoil about two feet above
the ground and rapidly lower the searchcoil to about two inches above the ground.
2.
If there is no change in the Threshold sound, or only a slight positive increase, the detector is properly tuned. If the
sound decreases, the ground adjust should be turned slightly clockwise (in the direction labeled Max). If the sound
increases dramatically, turn the ground adjust slightly counterclockwise.
3.
Repeat the above step until the threshold doesn't change or until there is a slight positive increase in the threshold
sound.
2. Tuning In Motion Discriminate Mode
Using the detector in Motion discriminate is simply a matter of setting the Disc Level control to the desired position. The
detector should not be affected by mineralization, unless it is quite severe. A slightly improvement in response may be noted
by reducing the Sensitivity Control on the inside of the housing.
NOTE: Be very careful not to get any sand or dirt particles on the front edge of the housing or onto the Oring
in the panel. Any particles in this seal can cause the detector to leak when it is submerged. When closing the
housing, operate both draw bolts at the same time, rather than clamping one side and then the other. From time
to time, you should apply a bit of Oring grease to the panel Oring seal.
3. Tuning In TR Discriminate Mode
The TR discriminate mode will probably be unusable in virtually all land locations due to mineralization levels. It may be
the most useable mode on certain salt water beaches, however, but only if the discriminate level control is set to neutralize
the effects of the combined mineralization and conductive salt water. This obviously means you cannot use the Disc Level
control to eliminate any trash items, since you must used it to eliminate mineral effects.
It will probably be best to try using the Motion discriminate mode on salt water beaches since you can use the entire
range of the Disc Level control to eliminate some of the more prevalent trash.
1.
Turn the ON/OFF control to the fast position and the Discriminate Level control to about midrange. With the Mode
switch in the TR Disc position, hold the searchcoil about two inches above the ground.
2.
Rapidly raise the coil about two or three inches. If raising the searchcoil slightly makes the threshold sound increase
to maximum, the mineralization level will probably make the TR discriminate mode very difficult to use. You must be able
to sweep the coil from side to side and still maintain the threshold sound. Attempting to operate in TR discriminate in
heavily mineralized ground will almost always cause a large decrease in depth.
3.
On a salt water beach, the discriminate level control can be used to essentially ground compensate the detector if it
used in the TR discriminate mode. It will be best to adjust the Disc Level control for a slight increase in sound as the
searchcoil approaches the wet salt beach.
SELECTING THE PROPER OPERATING MODE
The TR discriminate mode will probably be unusable in most land areas due to the mineralization levels encountered.
However, the TR discriminate mode can be quite possibly the best choice to use on a salt water beach because the Disc
Level control can be used to neutralize the conductive wet salt sands. Also if the Motion discriminate mode gives a lot of false
signals on such a beach, the TR probably can be adjusted to operate quite well without all of the false signals.
In land hunting, it will be best to use either the ALL METAL mode or the Motion discriminate mode. Either of these
modes will be mineral free if the detector is adjusted properly. It will be best to adjust the ground adjust control for a slight
positive increase as the searchcoil approaches the ground. This will keep the Motion discriminate mode from reading holes in
the ground as you recheck a target you have started to recover.
NOTE: Be very careful not to get any sand or dirt particles on the front edge of the housing or onto the Oring
in the panel. Any particles in this seal can cause the detector to leak when it is submerged. When closing the
housing, operate both draw bolts at the same time, rather than clamping one side and then the other. From time
to time, you should apply a bit of Oring grease to the panel Oring seal.
ADJUSTMENT
The searchcoil angle and stem length should be adjusted so that the unit does not become uncomfortable or tiring to hold
after long periods of use. The detector should rest in your hand with arm relaxed allowing it to swing back and forth without
having to lift with the elbow or shoulder, while keeping the searchcoil as close as possible to the ground without touching. The
pole length is adjusted by depressing the spring buttons and extending or shortening the lower stem, till they click into the
holes that give you the most comfortable setting. The searchcoil should be about one inch above the ground while standing
erect. Adjust the angle of the searchcoil, so that the coil is parallel to the ground. Tighten the searchcoil thumbnut by hand so
that the searchcoil will maintain this setting.
FIELD USE
The detector should be held in a position that is comfortable for you. Swing the detector from side to side in about a three
foot arc, overlapping succeeding strokes well. This motion is called a “sweep.” The Stingray II was designed to get maximum
depth without the frantic pace required of earlier motion detectors, so go at a pace that is comfortable for you. In fact, trying to
hunt too fast in Discriminate may even cause a loss of depth in heavily mineralized locations.
It would be helpful to bury some coins and trash metal junk items in an area that you know is clear of other metal
objects, and then try the unit in its various modes. Check the area in All Metal Mode first to be sure its clear of trash then
bury the targets at least a foot apart, and from 2 to 6 inches deep to start. Make a map of the test bed to be sure you know
what each target is and how deep it is. Practice on these targets to familiarize yourself with your detector’s target response.
This will also help you learn the proper sweep rate for DISC operation.
In ALL METAL mode operation, keep the detector tuned so that it is just lightly buzzing. This is easy to do because the
ground minerals do not affect the ALL METAL mode if properly adjusted. Regardless of which mode you are using, try to keep
your searchcoil height constant and close to the ground. Most people tend to raise the coil at the end of a sweep, much like a
pendulum, especially if they hurry. Try to avoid this, as any increase in height will cause a corresponding loss of depth.
In areas with well kept lawns, the easiest way to maintain a constant searchcoil height is to allow the coil to rest on the
grass as you sweep from side to side. In rough and rocky areas it is best not to “scrub” the coil on the ground, as the rocks
will act like abrasives, and wear away the coil bottom (an optional coil scuff cover will protect against this.) Sweep the coil as
close to the ground as possible without touching. Hitting the ground or rocks may cause a false signal much like a desired
target would. Sweeping the coil too high above the ground results in a loss of depth.
When operating in the Motion Discriminate Mode, some “false signals” may be caused by heavy concentrations of trash
metal objects, by very large trash items, or by electrical interference. These signals will sound different than good target
signals because they are generally short, choppy sounds. At the end of your sweep, as you the reverse the coil direction, the
detector is most susceptible to trash induced noise. There are two ways to tell whether these sounds are good deep signals
or trash “noise.” The first is by repeatability. Trash induced noises will not be regular as you sweep the coil over the suspected
target several times, whereas a good target response will be repeatable. The second method is to switch to All Metal Mode
and check the target response sound. If the response is weak, it may well be a deep, good target; but if the response is very
strong, it is probably trash. Note that a coin close to the surface can give a double beep sound, but it is regular and
repeatable. Raising the coil an inch or two will restore the single beep on surface targets.
If there is any doubt whether a target is good or not, DIG IT. For this same reason, in the Motion Discriminate Mode, it is
best not to use a higher DISC LEVEL setting than necessary. Nickels and most smaller rings are rejected when the DISC
LEVEL is set to reject pull tabs on any metal detector that is a TR Discriminator like the Stingray II. If you don’t dig any junk
at all, you are surely passing up a lot of good finds as well. Set the DISC LEVEL only high enough to suit the conditions
where you are searching.
PINPOINTING
The sweep speed of the detector is low enough to allow pinpointing in the Motion Discriminate Mode, but will require a
little more practice. Move the coil slowly from side to side and then from front to back over the target. Raising the coil slightly
and slowing the sweep speed will narrow down the detection area enough that it's easy to tell where the coil center is at the
instant of the sound.
Another easy method is to sweep the coil from side to side across the target in very short sweeps, as you slowly move
forward and backward across the target. Slow down the sweep rate and shorten the sweeps until you just barely get a
response at one spot. The target will be directly below the coil center at this response time.
The easiest way to pinpoint for most people will be to switch to the All Metal, since no motion is required. To pinpoint a
target that doesn't saturate the audio, just move the coil forward and back, and side to side until you get the strongest sound.
The target will be directly below the coil center. If the audio saturates over a large area, hold the coil over the target
momentarily to detune the detector. This will narrow its field of response to allow you to once again seek the area of strongest
response.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
The Stingray II is equipped with an automatic battery test circuit so that you can always be sure you are getting top
performance from it. The batteries should be checked after the detector has been on for about 10 minutes, and then
periodically as you are using it for long periods. To test, follow the procedure described in the control section of this manual.
To install or replace the batteries, make sure the detector housing is dry then release the two draw bolts securing the
control panel to the housing. Gently pull the control panel free, being careful not to twist or strain the ribbon cable connecting
the control panel to the printed circuit board. Remove the foam insert and lift out the battery holder. Remove the battery
terminal snap from the battery holder. The Stingray II takes 6 AA alkaline batteries. Make sure that the terminal polarity snaps
fit tightly to the polarity snaps of the battery holder. A loose connection may cause the detector to fail to respond or to act
erratically when operating. Also make certain that you follow the polarity indicators on both the battery holder as well as the
batteries themselves. Place the terminal end against the foam insert when inserting the battery holder back into the battery
compartment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always make sure the instrument is dry before opening. Water, if allowed to make contact
with the circuit board, may damage it. Always make sure the O ring is clean and free of dirt or sand. It is
recommend you wipe the O ring with a dry cloth and look for damage and apply a new coat of diver's silicone
grease before replacing. Failure to maintain the O ring will result in extensive damage and will not be covered
under warranty.
DETECTOR PROTECTION CHECKLIST
Congratulations, you have just purchased a new metal detector, and we wish to thank you for choosing Tesoro.
So many people are disappointed when their new "state of the art" detector because less and less exciting to use, and
doesn't seem to go as deep anymore. There is something that you can do to keep your new detector working as good as
when it was new.
The most important thing is to simply to remember that your detector is an electronic instrument, and to treat it as such.
You wouldn't expect your TV set to operate properly if you stored it in the trunk of your car, would you?
We have generated the following list to help you take care of your detector and to help ensure that you do not void its
warranty. If you will follow its guidelines, you will find your detector will not let you down.
l
Operate your detector exactly as recommended in this instruction manual.
l
Do not attempt to modify or repair the detector's electronics; caution: opening of control housing may void your
warranty.
l
Cable is hard wired into search coil, do not attempt removal of the spring retainer on the search coil housing.
l
Use only highquality carbonzinc, alkaline, or nicad batteries. Never substitute a different voltage. Brand should not
be mixed. Do not attempt to modify the power supply system.
l
Never spray lubricants such as WD40 or any type of cleaners, sealants or other chemical preparation on or into the
detector.
l
Avoid banging the searchcoil against rocks or foundation walls.
l
Remove and clean out scuff covers periodically to avoid build up of mineralized dirt particles which will affect
performance.
l
After each use, clean the detector with a soft cloth to remove dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
l
Do not transport or store your detector in the trunk of your car.
l
If your detector has a protective spring at the coil cable connector, be sure that the spring does not work its way
inside the plug, causing a short. (On Tesoro detectors, the spring should extend approximately 5/8th from the base of the
connector.)
l
Keep cables properly wound around the pole stems and protect them during use. Floppy, pinched, or cables that
become snagged during use may short, causing erratic noises or unnecessary replacement of the searchcoil.
l
Protect your detector from dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures during storage. Avoid storing it in places such
as attics, basements, or garages. When shipping, use the original factory carton or similar heavyduty container; a one
inch minimum clearance of padding around the detector must be provided when shipping.
l
Treat your detector as you would any sensitive electronic instrument. Though ruggedly constructed and designed to
withstand the demands of normal treasure hunting applications, it is not intended to be improperly operated or abused.
RECOMMENDED RECOVERY METHODS
Always obtain permission from the person in charge before hunting on private property, schoolyards, parks, churches, or
state parks. Even when relic hunting in the woods, NEER LEAVE A HOLE!, or damage anything on the property.
PROTECT YOUR HOBBY FILL ALL HOLES
OPTIONAL SEARCHCOILS
Selecting the right searchcoil for the type of detecting you are doing will add greatly to your success. The Stingray II is
equipped with an 8" open center concentric style coil. To increase the flexibility of your Stingray II, Tesoro has designed it so
that the searchcoil is replaceable by the user. Optional searchcoils of 7" and 10 1/2" are available through your dealer.
The 8" unit furnished as standard is probably the best overall coil size for use by most people, since it offers the best
compromise as far as depth vs. target size are concerned. For people who need to find targets larger than coins, the 10 1/2"
coil will greatly increase detection depth. For finding small pieces, such as some jewelry, the 7" coil will increase the
detector’s response to smaller targets.
Under the copyright laws this documentation may not be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic or
machine readable form, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Tesoro Electronics Incorporated, except for the private
use of a Stingray II owner or operator, or in a manner otherwise described in this documentation.
© 19951996 Tesoro Electronics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States.
WARRANTY SERVICE
Your Tesoro metal detector is covered by a
Limited Lifetime Warranty
, the
terms of which are listed below. If your metal detector should require service, you
may return it to the Tesoro factory at the address below.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the factory.
WATERPROOF METAL DETECTOR WARRANTY
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights
which vary from state to state.
This instrument is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship
as long as it is owned by the original consumer purchaser. This warranty is not
transferable, and is valid only if the warranty registration card has been completed
and mailed within 10 days of purchase.
During the first two years, TESORO will, at its option, repair or replace any
instrument covered by this warranty, without charge, except for transportation
charges, at its factory in Prescott, Arizona, or at one of its authorized repair
centers. After two years from date of purchase, TESORO will replace defective
parts at no charge except a nominal labor change and transportation charges.
This warranty excludes batteries, damage caused by leaky batteries, cable
breakage due to flexing on body mount units, and wear of the searchcoil housing.
Also excluded are instruments which have been abused, altered, or repaired by an
unauthorized party.
If warrant service should be necessary, contact the factory for nearest repair
center.
Tesoro Electronics, Inc. 715 White Spar Road Prescott, AZ, USA 86303 1928 771 2646
Operating Frequency
12 kHz
Searchcoil Type
Concentric
Searchcoil Size
8" Diameter
Cable Length
Approx. 3’
Audio Frequency
Approx. 750 Hz
Audio Output
Waterproof Headphones
Weight (may vary slightly)
3 3/4 lbs.
Battery Requirement
9 volt DC
6 AA alkaline penlight
Battery Life (typical)
15 to 30 hours
Optimum Temperature Range 30° to 100° F
Operating Modes
All Metal, no motion
Discriminate, motion
Discriminate, no motion
Maximum Depth Rating
200 ft.
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