OWNER’S MANUAL The Discovery 3300 is a professional metal detector. While the most difficult aspects of metal detecting have been automated, it is a sophisticated electronic device which requires an understanding of some basic features and metal detecting concepts. If you do not have prior experience with a metal detector, we strongly recommend that you: 1) Adjust the Sensitivity to a low setting in the event of false signals.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5 Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8 Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-12 All Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 (the straight tube) ● 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 Press ● the button on the upper end of the lower stem, and slide the lower stem into the upper stem.
ASSEMBLY Adjusting the Arm Rest Most people will find the standard position of the arm rest very comfortable. Very large forearms and short forearms (particularly children’s arms), can be accommodated by moving the arm rest forward. The arm rest is adjustable to three positions. To adjust, remove the screw from the underside, then press the silver button and move the arm rest to one of the alternate positions.
BATTERIES Use ALKALINE batteries only. To install the batteries: 1 Remove ● the battery cover by disengaging the clip at the back. 2 Align the polarity ● of the batteries correctly, with the positive "+" toward the coil plug connection, as indicated by the + and – indicators on the housing. 3 Insert (2) 9-Volt ALKALINE batteries, with the contacts pointed inward, ● and press down on the back of the batteries to snap them into place.
QUICK-START DEMONSTRATION I. Supplies Needed • A Nail • A Quarter • A Pull-Tab from a beverage can • 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) VI. Wave the Nail over the Search Coil a. The Nail will not be detected. b. The Nail has been "Discriminated Out." VII. Press the “DISCRIMINATION▲” touch pad twice. Five “R”s are now displayed. VIII. Wave all objects over the Search Coil The Nail and Pull-Tab will not be detected. The other objects will be detected with their own distinctive tones. IX. Press the NOTCH touch pad. A flashing “R” will appear under the 5¢/PT segment. X.
BASIC OPERATION POWERING UP Press the POWER touch pad. • The detector will beep 4 times • All display segments will illuminate momentarily • The SENSITIVITY and BATTERY indicators will stay illuminated MOTION and NO-MOTION MODES Depending on the operation mode selected, the Discovery 3300 detects metal both with the coil in motion, or with the coil motionless. In the PINPOINT mode of operation, metal is detected with the coil motionless over the ground.
BASIC OPERATION continued ALL METAL MODE (Default Operation) The detector defaults to ALL METAL mode after powering on. In this mode, all types of metals will be detected. An object’s PROBABLE identification is indicated by the arrows at the top of the display. In addition, the PROBABLE depth of coin-sized objects is indicated by the rectangular segment indicators on the left side of the display. All detected objects will cause the depth indicator to illuminate.
BASIC OPERATION continued disappear, thus returning to detection the objects which fall into the corresponding categories. Discrimination Mode is a fixed-start-point elimination system. Objects are cumulatively eliminated as the level of discrimination increases. NOTCH MODE To selectively eliminate a category from detection within the metallic spectrum, use the NOTCH Mode. Technical Note: The NOTCH touch pad causes the status of an "R" segment to toggle between ON and OFF.
BASIC OPERATION continued 3) Notice the Target Indication Note: You can only ZAP objects that register under the seven left-most segments (from Iron to Zinc). 4) Press ZAP. An "R" appears under the segment to be eliminated. 5) Pass the search coil over the same object again. The undesirable object is eliminated from detection The ZAP control is easy to use in the field.
AUDIO TARGET IDENTIFICATION (motion modes only) 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 AND TARGET DISPLAY (motion modes only) READING THE DISPLAY The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows the PROBABLE identification of the targeted metal, as well as the PROBABLE depth of the target, in inches. The detector will register a repeating, unchanging target identification when a buried target has been located and identified. If, upon repeated passes over the same spot, the target identification reads inconsistently, the target is probably a trash item, or oxidized metal.
DEPTH AND TARGET DISPLAY (motion modes only) THREE DIGIT TARGET INDICATOR The three digit target indicator, in the middle of the LCD display, provides a specific target value to help identify buried targets more accurately. With practice in the field, you will learn to associate target values with the probable identification of buried objects. The target value can vary each time the coil passes over the target, depending upon the angle of the object and the distance from the coil.
SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT 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. If your detector beeps erratically when the search coil is motionless, the unit is probably detecting another electromagnetic field.
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES (motion modes only) 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 (motion modes only) 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 (motion modes only) angles, you may have encountered multiple objects. If you are new to the hobby, you may want to dig all targets at first. With practice in the field, you will learn to better discern the nature of buried objects by the nature of the detector’s response. You may encounter some false signals as you proceed. False signals occur when the detector beeps, but no metal target is present.
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES - Pinpoint Mode GROUND BALANCING Before using the PINPOINT mode, it is necessary to “Ground Balance” your detector, this ground balancing adjustment offsets the effects of minerals and salts in the ground. To GROUND BALANCE your detector: 1. Using the ALL-METAL mode, find a patch of ground which is free of metal objects. You will use this section of ground to test the detector. The presence of any metal objects in this area will interfere with this procedure. 2.
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES - Pinpoint Mode 5. Lower the search coil to the ground, maintaining it elevated about 1/2 inch above the surface (be sure that this ground does not contain metal). • If the detector emits sound with the search coil 1/2 inch over the ground, further ADJUSTMENT IS NECESSARY. • If the detector remains silent with the searchcoil 1/2 inch over the ground, no further adjustment is necessary; the detector is “GROUND BALANCED”. 6.
IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES - Pinpoint Mode In the Pinpoint Mode, coil sweep technique is not important. Rather, user retuning is critical. The detector does not automatically adjust to changing ground and environmental conditions; the operator is required to make the adjustment. If the detector sounds a constant tone over all areas of the ground, retune the detector by pressing the PINPOINT button. RETUNING Keep the coil still, just above the ground surface, and press the PINPOINT button.
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
TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Respect the rights and property of others. Observe all laws, whether national, state or local. Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures. Leave the land and vegetation as it was. Fill in the holes. All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set. Always obtain permission before searching any site. Be extremely careful while probing, picking up, or discarding trash items.