ATX Owner’s Manual Highly Refined, High-Performance Pulse Induction Technology 1881 W. State Street Garland, Texas 75042 Tel: 1.972.494.6151 Email: sales@garrett.com Fax: 1.972.494.1881 © 2013 Garrett Electronics, Inc. PN 1534000.C.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING GARRETT METAL DETECTORS! Your Garrett ATX™ is a highly advanced pulse induction detector that is backed by 50 years of extensive research and development. It was specifically designed to overcome the most challenging prospecting and relic hunting environments, including extremely mineralized soils and saltwater environments. Although the ATX was designed for the extreme needs of gold prospectors, it is a highly capable instrument for many other types of searching.
ATX CONTROLS CONTROLS/QUICK START GUIDE K (Back of detector) PRIMARY CONTROLS C (White-text functions controlled directly by buttons) D J E A B A: B: C: D: Power Switch ON/OFF Located at rear of detector. Headphone Connector Located at rear of detector. Power ON Indicator Green LED indicates power ON; blinks if GND TRACK is on. Signal Strength Indicator Increases from left to right. Also used to indicate settings (p. 10). E: F: G: Low Battery Indicator Threshold ( +, - ) Freq.
ATX COMPONENTS LIST OF PARTS No tools are required to assemble the ATX. Eight (8) AA batteries are included with the detector. The box for your detector contains the following parts: Search Coil with Adjustable Tilt Battery charger kit with eight rechargeable batteries Garrett detector sling Accessory items subject to change. If any part is missing, please contact your local dealer.
EQUIPMENT SETUP Adjusting the searchcoil and stem: Fold open the searchcoil. Disengage the armrest and stem rotation locks to allow stem to rotate. Rotate the stem and searchcoil to level and release the spring-loaded rotation lock to allow it to automatically reengage. The searchcoil can also be locked at 90º to the left or right for scanning walls and embankments. When the searchcoil is locked in your preferred orientation, reengage the armrest lock.
POWER ON/BATTERY CHECK AUDIO SIGNALS/INDICATORS Switch the detector on. The On/Off switch is located on the back of the electronics housing. It is best to switch on and operate the detector outdoors and away from sources of electrical interference (e.g. power lines, electrical equipment and appliances, fluorescent lights, transmitters, etc.). The ATX operates with a continuous audio that responds proportionately to the target's signal strength (i.e.
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS This chart illustrates the different audio signals produced in Motion versus Non-Motion modes. Signal Strength Indicators Target signals are visually indicated on the ATX by the upper row of LEDs. A trio of red LEDs moves from left to right in response to the increasing strength of the target. No lighted LEDs indicates zero signal response. During adjustments, the upper row of LEDs also show the settings. Three red LEDs to the far right indicates maximum target signal strength.
detect targets. When in Motion Mode, the ATX constantly adjusts to keep the Threshold tuned to a constant level (i.e. Auto-Threshold). In highly mineralized ground, Motion Mode can also help to suppress unwanted ground signals. Target signals produce audio with an echo effect (see p. 10). Five stationary LEDs indicates Non-Motion Mode. Change detection Mode by pressing the SHIFT button, then the NON-MOTION/ MOTION button.
gets. Increased discrimination may also be used to reduce interference from highly mineralized ground; however, this should rarely be required. Sensitivity Increase the ATX's Sensitivity setting to achieve greater detection depth and enhanced detection of small targets. Be aware, however, that increasing Sensitivity can also increase the detector's susceptibility to electrical interference and other external conditions. The ATX has thirteen (13) settings for sensitivity.
Change Volume by pressing the SHIFT button, then the (+) and (-) VOL buttons. As Volume levels are adjusted, the new level will be temporarily indicated on these LEDs. Ground Balance In addition to dirt or sand, most ground also contains various minerals and salts. Concentrations of ground mineralization can create erratic detector sounds ("ground noise") and reduce performance if the mineralization is not compensated for.
Retune Press and release the RETUNE button (see illustration below) to instantly reset the detector's audio/LED response back to zero. Use this function to quickly cancel out unwanted ambient signals such as when the detector's audio/LED response has drifted to an elevated level. Retune is rarely required unless in Non-Motion Mode, or if a very large response persists and does not automatically decay away while in Motion Mode. Press and release the RETUNE button to reset the audio signal back to zero.
SEARCHCOIL BASICS Press and hold the IRON CK button, and then repeatedly scan back and forth over the target to check for iron. Use proper sweep of searchcoil. Keep your searchcoil at a constant height (less than 1" if possible) and parallel to the ground at all times for best detection results. Do not lift the coil at the end of swings. Note: Iron Check is a conservative function.
PINPOINTING TECHNIQUES Accurate pinpointing of a target enables you to recover it quickly while also digging the smallest hole possible. Several pinpointing techniques will be offered below; use what works best for you. To utilize the Pinpoint button: • Place the searchcoil on or near the ground, to the side of the target's suspected location. • Press and hold the PINPOINT button (see illustration on p. 23) and wait for the single beep.
BENCH TESTING You should conduct bench tests to become more familiar with the ATX's audio signals and operation using different Modes, Discrimination settings, Iron Check, etc. Suggested test items include: • Various size gold nuggets or gold rings (In the absence of gold nuggets, a U.S. nickel or small bronze coin are good imitators of the response characteristics of a similar size nugget.
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES • Scanning walls: Rotate and lock the searchcoil at 90º to aid with scanning walls, embankments, rock ledges, or high places. • Mind your metal: The ATX is very sensitive, so be mindful not to let the other metals you carry come too close to the coil (e.g. a pick or shovel, steeltoed boots, etc.). • Avoiding surface clutter: You can help eliminate some of the smaller surface clutter by lifting the coil 2 or 3 inches above the ground. Larger targets will still be easily detected.
WATER USE The ATX can be submerged in water to a 10-foot depth (maximum) to search in and along shorelines, rivers, piers, docks or swimming holes. Use of the ATX at depths exceeding 10 feet can cause leaks and damage the detector. Use of the ATX beyond the recommended depth will void the manufacturer's warranty. The ATX is shipped with land-use headphones that include a waterproof connector and cable; do not, however, submerge the headset.
SEARCHCOIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION Each ATX searchcoil is permanently attached to its telescoping stem assembly. To switch to another searchcoil, it is necessary to remove and install the entire assembly as described below. Searchcoil removal 1. Fully collapse the telescopic stem and tighten stem nuts (see Figure 1). 2. Remove the armrest by disengaging the armrest lock and sliding the armrest forward and off (see Figure 2).
Searchcoil installation 1. Fully collapse the telescopic stem and tighten the stem nuts. 2. Partially slide the stem into the electronics housing. 3. Reattach the searchcoil connector by properly aligning the pins (see Figure 9), fully inserting the connector and tightening the collar by hand. Figure 9 Figure 10 Note: The connector cover can be temporarily removed during this step if desired (see Figure 10); however, be sure to snap the cover back around the cable once the collar has been tightened. 4.
sure to lubricate the O-rings on each battery cover with silicone grease (see Figure 4). STORING ATX IN SOFT CASE The soft carry case included with the ATX protects the detector during travel and when not in use. When properly arranged, it can hold the ATX, optional searchcoils and accessories, as shown on the following pages.
ATX with 20" Deepseeker coil attached CARE AND MAINTENANCE The ATX is a rugged detector, designed for outdoor use in all environments. However, as with all electronic equipment, there are some simple ways to care for it to maintain its high performance. Figure 4: ATX with Deepseeker coil attached + headphones. Secure straps around lower stem nut and housing. Figure 5: ATX with Deepseeker coil attached + DD coil + headphones. Note: close velcro flap to secure DD coil.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE SYMPTOM SOLUTION No power 1. Ensure batteries are installed in the correct polarity. 2. Replace all old batteries with all new batteries. Erratic sounds and noisy operation 1. Ensure your searchcoil is securely connected. 2. If using the detector indoors, be aware that excessive amounts of electrical interference exists, plus excessive amounts of metal can be found in floors and walls, etc. Move outdoors. 3.
CAUTIONS When searching for treasure with your Garrett detector, observe these precautions: • Never trespass or hunt on private property without permission. • Avoid areas where pipelines or electric lines may be buried. • National and state parks / monuments, etc. are absolutely off-limits. • Deepseeking detectors can detect concealed pipes, wiring and other potentially dangerous material. When those are located, the proper authorities should be notified.
ACCESSORIES 8" (20cm) Mono Searchcoil Part No. 2234000 Excellent sensitivity on small targets. Enhanced maneuverability in heavy scrub and tight areas. Light weight. Includes searchcoil and full stem assembly. 15" x 20" (38 x 50cm) Deepseeker® Mono Searchcoil (Part No. 2234100) Use for locating larger and more deeply buried objects. Reduces response to small debris. Includes searchcoil and full stem assembly. Waterproof Headphones Part No. 2202100 Required when the headphones will be submerged in water.
