Fisher M-96 User Manual

M-96

Value, Pedestal and Box Locator

Operating Manual

FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY

CONTENTS

About Your M-96 .....................................................................pg. 1

Condensed Operating Instructions ...................................... pg. 2

Factory Preset ‘Turn-On-and-Go’ Marks .......................... pg. 2

Start-Up Procedure ............................................................. pg. 4

Setting Up ................................................................................. pg. 6

Fitting The Detector To the Operator ................................ pg. 6

Normal Mode......................................................................pg. 7

High Mode ...........................................................................pg. 8

Control Panel .......................................................................... pg. 9

On/Off Grond Knob ............................................................ pg. 9

Mode Knob ......................................................................... pg. 9

Retune Button ...................................................................... pg. 9

Headphone Jack ............................................................... pg. 10

Search Methods ..................................................................... pg. 10

Helpful Hints ......................................................................... pg. 11

Searching In Water ............................................................. pg. 11

Pinpointing...............................................................................pg. 12

Changing Batteries ................................................................. pg. 13

Specifications .........................................................................pg. 14

ABOUT YOUR DETECTOR

The Fisher M-Scope Model-96 offers the utility industry an
uncomplicated detector for finding paved-over or buried metallic
objects. The waterproof search coil and the rugged electronics
housing make the M-96 an ideal detector for field utility use.

The entire VLF (Very Low Frequency) operation of the M-96
has been reduced to just two control knobs and a pushbutton.
Adjusting these knobs gives the operator maximum depth while
eliminating annoying ground effects, usually caused by
mineralization in the soil.

The M-96 features state-of-the-art, surface-mount electronics
in a sealed control housing.

The Fisher M-96 offers a easy, uncomplicated method of finding
buried metallic objects.

1

CONDENSED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

FACTORY PRESET ‘TURN-ON-AND-GO’ MARKS

Your Fisher M-96 is fairly simple to operate, especially when
compared to other metal detectors. Even so, we strongly
recommend that you read this entire manual. You’ll be able to tune
your M-96 to your specific needs and conditions.

But if you just can’t wait any longer, and you’re an experienced
detector user, here’s some quick instructions to get you going:

1. Unpack your M-96 carefully, and save the box. It
may come in handy if you need to ship the instrument.

2. Take a look inside the lock nut on the upper
handle to see if the yellow locking pad is on the
left-hand side for a lower handle with a flat on one
side. Loosen the locking nut by rotating it fully
counterclockwise. This is the configuration for all
M-96’s up to Serial #62230. Units with Serial #62231
and after have a locking pad at the top and a
round lower stem with a stem lock button fitting in
one of the holes at two (2) inch intervals on the
back side of the upper handle.

3. Slip the lower stem into the upper handle, making
sure the flat side of the stem is aligned with the
locking pad inside the lock nut, (Serial No. 62230
and before).

4. Adjust the stem length and coil angle so that the
search coil rests flat on the ground about 6-12
inches in front of and slightly to the right of your
right foot (to the left of your left foot for left handers).
Your arm should be straight and relaxed, the grip
held loosely. The stem length is adjusted by
loosening the nylon wing nut on the search coil.

NOTE: Remember, the longer the shaft, the more you’ll
have to bend your elbow to keep the coil off the ground
and the sooner your arm will get tired. The M-96 is balanced
for comfortable searching in a tight semicircle around

the front of the operator.

2

CONDENSED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

5. With the stem length properly adjusted, wrap the

search coil cable snugly around the lower stem
and the upper handle. Leave just enough slack
near the coil to allow it to be tilted completely
backward and forward.

NOTE: A loose cable near the search coil may cause false
signals, but don’t wrap it so tightly that it pulls against

the housing or the coil.

6. Reconnect the coil cable to the control housing.
Be careful not to cross thread it and make sure it’s
snug - but hand tighten only!

Mode Knob
On/Off Ground

Reject Knob
Retune Button

Foam hand grip

Padded Arm Rest

Speaker

Headphone

Stem Lock Button

Battery
Compartment
(both sides)

8-inch Search Coil

Upper Handle

Search Coil

Adjustment

Nylon Wing nut

socket

Lower Stem

Stem Lock Nut

3

CONDENSED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

START-UP PROCEDURE

Set Mode Knob
to NORMAL

Watch the meter (and listen

to the speaker) for

indications of a target.

Remove protective

plug and insert the
Set GROUND
control to 5.

Press the

RETUNE button

headphone plug to

hear target signals.

.

Turn-on-and-go factory preset control markers are colored red. The Mode Knob is set
to Normal and the Ground Knob is set to 5.

7. With the shaft length and coil angle properly
adjusted, you should be able to move into your
search position by leaning forward very slightly and
raising your arm.

8. If the arm rest is too wide or narrow, you may
bend it slightly inward or outward to your exact
requirements.

9. Plug your headphones (an accessory) into the
headphone jack (if you don’t use headphones, you
can use the built-in speaker.)

4