OWNER’S MANUAL The Pioneer EX is an easy to use detector. The most difficult aspects of metal detecting have been automated. However if you are new to the hobby, we strongly recommend that you: 1) Adjust the Sensitivity to a low setting in the event of false signals. The detector powers on a 3/4 sensitivity; increase to full sensitivity after you have become familiar with the detector. 2) Do not use indoors. This detector is for outdoor use only.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7 Basic Operation Powering Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 The Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10 Operating Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TERMINOLOGY The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard terminology among detectorists. ELIMINATION Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the detector will not emit a tone, nor light up an indicator, when a specified object passes through the coil’s detection field.
ASSEMBLY Assembly is easy and requires no tools. 1 Position the lower stem ● with the silver button toward the back. Using the bolt and knurled knob, attach the search coil to the plastic extension protruding from the lower stem. 2 If your model is equipped with a ● 3-piece stem, open the plastic locking nut on the upper tube by rotating it counterclockwise. Then slide the middle tube into the upper tube, inserting the silver button into the locating hole which is 1/2” behind the plastic locking nut.
BATTERIES IMPORTANT: Always use ALKALINE batteries only. Do not use heavy duty batteries. Always remove the batteries for prolonged storage. CHECK THE BATTERIES if your detector exhibits any of the following symptoms: 1 ● 2 ● 3 ● The unit does not turn on. Low speaker volume. Unit beeps continuously or erratically. The LOW BATTERY indicator will come on and stay on if the batteries are discharge. You may notice erratic beeping if using with LOW BATTERY illuminated.
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION I. Supplies Needed • A Medium-Size Nail • A Nickel • A Quarter • A Zinc Penny (dated after 1982) II. Position the Detector a. Place the detector on a table, with the search coil hanging over the edge. (or better, have a friend hold the detector, with the coil off the ground) b. Keep the search coil away from walls, floors, and metal objects. c. Remove watches, rings and other jewelry or metal objects from hands and wrists. d.
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION (continued) V. Press the TARGET REJECT touchpad a. An “X” will appear under the IRON segment. b. The “X” tell us that Iron has been eliminated from detection. VI. Wave the Nail over the Search Coil a. The Nail will not be detected. b. The Nail has been "Discriminated Out." VII. Wave the Quarter, Penny, and Nickel over the Search Coil These non-ferrous objects will be detected with their own distinctive tones. VIII.
BASIC OPERATION POWERING UP Press the ON touch pad. All display indicators will illuminate momentarily The inverted-pyramid depth-selection indicator on the right of the display will stay illuminated. UNDERSTANDING THE DISPLAY 1 DEPTH SELECT ● The detector default to 3/4 sensitivity, indicated by two illuminated segments. To change the depth range of the detector, and thus its sensitivity to more deeply buried objects, use the DEPTH SELECT touch pad.
BASIC OPERATION continued will begin to beep erratically and operate unreliably if continuing use with discharged batteries. To save on batteries, check each battery individually, as the two batteries can discharge at different rates. When LOW BATTERY illuminates, it is possible that only one of the batteries requires replacement. Under normal conditions, a set of batteries will last for approximately 16 hours in the field, depending upon the brand of battery.
BASIC OPERATION continued Commonly-found object are classified into the four categories as follows: IRON -----------------------------------------------Ferrous objects Metals composed mostly or entirely of iron Most very small metals objects Small foil pieces; small gold pieces.
BASIC OPERATION continued OPERATING CONTROLS The Pioneer EX is the most automated, easy-to-operate, professional metal detector ever designed. It is designed for those who are new to the hobby providing maximum basic target discrimination, while requiring minimal operator adjustment. DEPTH SELECT With each press of the DEPTH SELECT touch pad, the detector toggles among three different depth-detection levels.
BASIC OPERATION continued ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WATER HUNTING: Your Pioneer EX is ideal for damp grass and shallow water spots. the search coil is waterproof; the case and case-to-cable connection is not. Be careful to keep the detector body dry. In saltwater, keep the search coil from contact with the ground. Contact with saltwater sands will cause the detector to beep falsely. For best result in saltwater, eliminate IRON to reduce false signals caused by conductive beach sands.
AUDIO TARGET IDENTIFICATION While the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is very accurate in identifying buried objects, the user in the field does not always maintain the display screen in his field of vision. Therefore, we have incorporated an audio feedback mechanism to alert the user to the nature of buried objects. This audio feedback system first alerts the user to the presence and classification of objects, whose nature and location can be confirmed using the LCD display.
DEPTH SELECT (Sensitivity Adjustment) Upon power-up, the detector defaults to 3/4 sensitivity. To increase to full sensitivity, press the DEPTH SELECT touchpad once. ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE The principle use for the Sensitivity Control is to eliminate Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). A hobby metal detector is an extremely sensitive device; the search coil creates its own magnetic field and acts like an antenna.
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES PINPOINTING COIL MOVEMENT Accurate pinpointing takes practice and is best accomplished by “X-ing” the target area. When swinging the coil, careful to keep it level with ground about 1/2 inch from surface. Never swing the coil a pendulum. 1. Once a buried target is indicated by a good tone response, continue sweeping the coil over the target in a narrowing side-to-side pattern. 2. Take visual note of the place on the ground where the “beep” sounds. 3.
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES (continued) Swing the search coil slowly, overlapping each sweep as you move forward. It is important to sweep the coil at a consistent speed over the ground as you search. After identifying a target, your sweep technique can help in identifying both the location and the nature of the target. If you encounter a weak signal, try moving the coil in short, rapid sweeps over the target zone; such a short rapid sweep may provide a more consistent target identification.
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES (continued) You may encounter some false signals as you proceed. False signals occur when the detector beeps, but no metal target is present. False signals can be induced by electromagnetic interference, oxidation, or highly mineralized ground soils. If the detector beeps once, but does not repeat the signal with several additional sweeps over the same spot, there is probably no target present.
TROUBLE SHOOTING TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE SYMPTOM CAUSE Detector chatters • Using detector or beeps erratically indoors • Using detector near power lines • Using 2 detectors in close proximity • Highly oxidized buried object • Environmental electromagnetic interference SOLUTION • Use detector outdoors only • Move away from power lines • Keep 2 detectors at least 20’ apart • Only dig up repeatable signals • Reduce sensitivity until erratic signals cease Constant low tone • Discharged batteries • Replace ba
METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS COIN SHOOTING: The most popular metal detecting activity. Find coins where people congregate frequently. Many detectorists revisit the same areas again and again to find a never-ending treasure trove as people continue to lose valuables every day. Parks, fairgrounds, and play ares are good choices. The most valuable old coins are frequently found in abandoned home sites, or if you live on an older property, maybe in your own backyard. Control settings required.
TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS: • Always check Federal, State, County and local laws before searching. • Respect private property and do not enter private property without the owner’s permission. • Take care to refill all holes and try not to leave any damage. • Remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter found. • Appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural resources, wildlife and private property.