Fisher Gold Bug Pro User Manual

ACCESSORIES

Fisher Padded Carry Bag

Rugged double stitched construction. Includes handy
exterior pocket for extra batteries or small accessories.

103693000C

Fisher Stereo Headphones

Use with Fisher metal detectors. Lightweight and adjustable with
true stereo sound, adjustable volume, 1/8 jack with 1/4 adaptor,
4’ cable. 9720950000

Fisher Pin Pointer

Pinpoints the exact location of buried metal objects. Audio signal
indicator and vibrator. Runs on 1 – 9-Volt Battery. FPOINT

Metal Sand Scoop

Large galvanized metal scoop with filtering holes.
Strong Rubberized grip. SAND SCOOP

Lesche Knife

Made from high quality heat-treated tempered steel.
The ultimate digging tool. Comes with a durable sheath.
12" in length with a 7" serrated blade. LESCHE KNIFE

Fisher Apron

Natural canvas with 2 large pockets.

Fisher T-Shirt*

100% white cotton with Fisher® Logo. Sizes – LG, XL & XXL

......

......

......

......

$ 49.95

$ 5.95

......

Fisher Baseball Cap

One size fits all. FCAP

$ 69.00

$ 29.99

$ 19.99

......

......

......

$ 14.95

$ 45.00

$ 40.00

Replacement/Accessory Search Coils

11 DD Accessory Coil – 11COIL-GB
5” DD Standard Coil – 5COIL-GBUG

…

$199.95

…

$159.95

Coil Covers*

Specially made to protect your coil from abrasion and damage.

………

11” DD Coil Cover – COVER-11DD
5” DD Coil Cover – 5COVER-CZ3

………

.$19.99

.$7.00

Gold
Prospecting Kits

$ 29.99 $ 59.99 $ 109.99

OWNER’S MANUAL

If you do not have prior experience with a metal
detector, we strongly recommend that
you:

1) Adjust the Gain to a
low setting in the
event of false
signals. Always

begin use at a reduced
Gain level; increase Gain
only after you have
become familiar with the detector.

2) Do not use indoors. This detector is for
outdoor use only. Many household
appliances emit electromagnetic energy,
which can interfere with the detector. If
conducting an indoor demonstration, turn
the Gain down and keep the searchcoil
away from appliances such as computers,
televisions and microwave ovens. If your
detector beeps erratically, turn off
appliances and lights.

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT WWW.FISHERLAB.COM • 1-800-685-5050

*Image not shown.

MGBUGPRO REV.5 032312

Also keep the searchcoil away from
objects containing metal, such as
floors and walls.

3) Use a 9-volt ALKALINE battery.
Do not use Heavy Duty Batteries.

2

39

Copyright© 2011 by Fisher Research Labs, Inc.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form.

Published by Fisher Research Labs, Inc.

Fisher®is a registered trademark of Fisher Research Labs, Inc.

www.fisherlab.com

1465-H Henry Brennan Dr., El Paso, TX 79936 • [phone]

GOLD PROSPECTING ORGANIZATIONS

www.goldprospectors.org

www.fmdac.org

www.igu-net.org

www.agu.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7

Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10

Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Basics Of Metal Detecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12

Ground Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Trash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Identifying Buried Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Size and Depth of Buried Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

EMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Operation and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Control Knobs

Off / On / Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Disc / All-Metal / Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Touchpad Controls

GG / Pinpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

+

Operating in All-Metal Mode

Operating in Discrimination Mode

Ground Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-24

Ground Balancing Technical Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Target Display & Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Gold Prospecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-28

Hot Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31

Search Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Target Pinpointing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Optional 11”DD Searchcoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Treasure Hunter’s Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Device Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

and - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Ground Grab (GG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Setting the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Unwanted Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Sweeping the Searchcoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Reading the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Target Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Ground Grab (GG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Setting the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Disc Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Unwanted Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Sweeping the Searchcoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Using Pinpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Reading the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19-21

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3

Congratulations!

Congratulations on your purchase of the new Gold Bug™ Pro metal detector. The newly
designed Gold Bug™ Pro has been custom designed to find the smallest gold nuggets,
but unlike other specialized gold prospecting detectors, it can also be used for relic­hunting and coin-shooting.

Whether you use your Detector in the backyard, at the shoreline, in the mountains or
fields afar, your investment will let you experience the excitement of searching for yet
uncovered treasures and give you hours and years of outdoor enjoyment. Out on your
own or with a group, places to use your Gold Bug™ Pro are unlimited as buried
treasures can be as near as your doorstep or as far as you wish to travel.

This manual has been written to help you get optimal use of your detector, so we hope you
will read it thoroughly before your first outing and will also refer back to this manual from
time to time to reinforce features and methods as you become more proficient in the field.

Happy Hunting from Fisher Research Labs!

Introduction to the Gold Bug™Pro

According to FCC part 15.21 Changes or Modifications made to this device not expressly approved by

the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

This radio transmitter 8188A-GB has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the
antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna
impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a
gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with
this device.

Antennas:

1. 5” DD Coil, Part Number 5COIL-GBUG

2. 11” DD Coil, Part Number 11COIL-GB

The new Gold Bug™ Pro is unique among gold prospecting metal detectors for
its combination of high sensitivity to small gold nuggets and its versatile
function as an all-purpose treasure detector.

The controls and features are tailored to gold prospecting, including a
sophisticated ground balancing system, separate control over signal gain and
threshold, and a unique discrimination control system. These features also
make for a great relic-hunting detector, especially when the Gold Bug™ Pro is
outfitted with the optional 11” DD searchcoil. While the Gold Bug™ Pro makes
for a highly competent coin-shooting detector, its user interface and features
are not specifically designed for this purpose. As a coin-shooter, you will
notice that the Gold Bug™ Pro exhibits slightly lower sensitivity to high­conductivity coins, like a U.S. quarter; this is a result of its specialized design
to emphasize sensitivity to small, low conductivity metals like gold nuggets.

The Gold Bug™ Pro is outfitted with a small 5” searchcoil as standard
equipment since this searchcoil construction is best-suited to finding gold
nuggets. You may be familiar with other metal detectors which have larger
searchcoils, generally in the range of 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Large coils
are designed to cover the maximum amount of ground efficiently and for the
deepest ground penetration. Small searchcoils, intended for gold prospecting,
are designed for precision. The Gold Bug Pro’s small DD searchcoil makes
pinpointing easier, fits into small spaces where gold is often hidden, is better
suited to penetrate highly mineralized soils where gold is frequently found, and
has the highest possible sensitivity to tiny gold nuggets.

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna
of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To
reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so
chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that
necessary for successful communication.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1)
l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout
brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le
fonctionnement.

Le présent émetteur radio 8188A-GB a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner
avec les types d’antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et
l’impédance requise pour chaque type d’antenne. Les types d’antenne non inclus dans cette
liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour
l’exploitation de l’émetteur.

Conformément à la réglementation d’Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut
fonctionner avec une antenne d’un type et d’un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour
l’émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l’intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d’antenne et son gain
de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l’intensité
nécessaire à l’établissement d’une communication satisfaisante.

4

37

TERMINOLOGY

The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard
terminology among treasure hunters.

ELIMINATION

Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the detector will not

5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

The Gold Bug Pro metal detector is warranted against defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use for 5 years from the
date of purchase to the original owner.

Damage due to neglect, accidental damage, or misuse of this
product is not covered under this Warranty. Decisions regarding
abuse or misuse of the detector are made solely at the discretion
of the manufacturer.

Proof of Purchase is required to make a claim under this
warranty.

Liability under this Warranty is limited to replacing or repairing, at
our option, the metal detector returned, shipping cost prepaid to
Fisher Labs. Shipping cost to Fisher Labs is the responsibility of the
consumer.

To return your detector for service, please first contact Fisher Labs
for a Return Authorization (RA) Number. Reference the RA
number on your package and return the detector within 15 days of
calling to:

Fisher Research Labs, Inc.

1465-H Henry Brennan Dr.

El Paso, TX 79936

Phone: [phone] ext.118

NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.

This Warranty may vary in other countries; check with your distributor

for details.

Warranty does not cover shipping costs.

Warranty coverage does not include the cost of transporting
the detector back to an owner who is located outside of the
United States of America.

36 5

emit a tone, nor light up an indicator, when a specified object passes
through the searchcoil’s detection field.

DISCRIMINATION

When the detector emits different tones for different types of metals, and
when the detector "eliminates" certain metals, we refer to this as the
detector "discriminating" among different types of metals.
Discrimination is an essential feature of professional metal detectors.
Discrimination allows the user to ignore trash and other undesirable objects.

RELIC

A relic is an object of interest by reason of its age or its association with
the past. Many relics are made of iron, but can also be made of bronze
or precious metals.

IRON

Iron is a common, low-grade metal that is an undesirable target in certain
metal detecting applications. Examples of undesirable iron objects are
old cans, pipes, bolts and nails.
Sometimes, the desired target is made of iron. Property markers, for
instance, contain iron. Valuable relics can also be composed of iron;
cannon balls, old armaments, and parts of old structures and vehicles
can also be composed of iron.

FERROUS

Metals which are made of, or contain, iron.

PINPOINTING

Pinpointing is the process of finding the exact location of a buried object.
Long-buried metals can appear to the eye exactly like the surrounding
soil, and can therefore be very hard to isolate from the soil.

V.C.O.

Meaning “voltage controlled oscillator”, the VCO audio method
causes both the

audio pitch and the volume to rise as signal
strength increases. VCO improves the user’s ability to interpret a
target’s size and depth. Very weak signals (for small or very
deeply buried objects) have the faintest volume and the lowest
pitch. Larger objects, and those closer to the searchcoil, will
induce a higher volume and higher pitch sound.

GROUND BALANCE

Ground Balancing is the ability of the detector to ignore, or "see through" the
earth’s naturally occurring minerals, and only sound a tone when a metal
object is detected. The Gold Bug Pro incorporates proprietary circuitry and
programming to eliminate false signals from severe ground conditions.

ASSEMBLY

Hand-grip

Nut

Screw

Search
Coil
Cable

Cable
Plug

Sea

rch

oil

S-R

od

arm

res

t

Velcro
Strap

Middle
Stem

Velcro
Str

ap

Locking
Collar

Locking
Collar

Hea

dphone

Jacks

Single
Rubber

Washer

Optional Arm Strap

DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS

Adjusting the Arm Rest

The Arm Rest may be moved
forward or backward by removing
the single screw and nut, and then
repositioning the 2-piece Arm Rest.
Users with shorter arms may find
the Arm Rest more comfortable in
the forward position. In order to
move the Arm Rest backward, the
plastic plug must be removed from
the aluminum tube.

Arm Rest Strap

(optional accessory)

The Arm Rest Strap accessory can
be purchased separately. Some
users prefer to use the strap when
swinging the detector vigorously , in
order to hold the detector securely
against the arm.

The detector can always be used
without the strap, with no
compromise to detector balance
and stability under most conditions.

Mechanical: S-rod with electronics housing on rod, 3-piece breakdown

construction, nonmetallic telescoping lower rod, adjustable position
arm rest

Weight: 2 lbs, 8 oz with battery installed
Standard searchcoil: 5 inch (12.7 cm) closed-frame round biaxial,

waterproof

Batteries: Single 9 volt rectangular alkaline
Operating principle: VLF induction balance
Operating frequency: 19 kHz, crystal controlled

Reactive overload: 10,000 micro-cgs (with standard searchcoil)
Resistive overload: 1,200 micro-cgs (with standard searchcoil)
Ground balance range: From ferrite to salt water inclusive
Discrimination ground suppression: Combination of 2ndand 3

rd

order methods

Target ID ground suppression: 3rdorder
Battery life: 15+ hours on good quality alkaline
Operating temp range: 14 to 122 degrees F (-10 to +50 C)
Operating humidity range: 0 - 90% noncondensing

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 leave no damage.

• Remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter found.

• Appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural resources, wildlife and
private property.

• Act as an ambassador for the hobby; use thoughtfulness, consideration and
courtesy at all times.

• Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.

• All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set; always conduct
yourself with courtesy and consideration of others.

6

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