FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY
200 West Willmott Road.,
Los Banos, California 93635
Tel 209.826.3292 Fax 209.826.0416
www.sherlab.com email: info@sherlab.com
QUALITY
Fisher detectors are renowned for their quality.
In the Fisher tradition, each detector is hand crafted with pride
PERFORMANCE
Treasure Hunters worldwide rely on Fisher.
Our detectors are durable, dependable, and search deeper..
REPUTATION
Fisher produced the rst patented metal detector in 1931. For
over 70 years, the Fisher logo has been a mark of excellence.
5 - YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Fisher believes in the products we produce and backs this belief
with a 5 year limited warranty. Warranty may vary outside of the
United States. See your dealer for details
SERVICE
Fisher is committed to providing you, our valued customer, with
superior service. Each and every instrument is rigidly tested and
carefully inspected during assembly and before shipment.
Should you have any questions or problems, contact:
FRL#8702520-I
1225-X
Operating Manual
Automatic Metal Detector
F I S H E R R E S E A R C H L A B O R A T O R Y
1225xManual-8702520.indd 1 6/9/06 10:07:18 AM
CONTENTS
About Your 1225-X ...................................................................pg. 2
Setting Up ..................................................................................pg. 4
Control Functions ......................................................................pg. 6
Discrimination Points ................................................................pg. 7
Searching ..................................................................................pg. 9
Pinpointing ................................................................................pg. 10
Zero Motion Pinpoint Mode ..................................................pg. 10
Pinpointing in the Motion Search Mode .............................pg. 11
Target Recovery .......................................................................pg. 12
Recovery Tools ..........................................................................pg. 13
Operating Tips ..........................................................................pg. 13
False Signals ..............................................................................pg. 14
Battery Replacement ...............................................................pg. 16
Maintenance ............................................................................pg. 17
Treasure Hunter’s Code Of Ethics ............................................pg. 17
Where To Use Your Metal Detector In The U.S. ......................pg. 18
Specications ...........................................................................pg. 19
19
SPECIFICATIONS
Length ................................Extended ...........................................55”
Collapsed .......................................................................................46”
Weight ...............................................................................3.1 Pounds
Frequency ..........................VLF Search ..................................5.5 kHz
Audio Target Response .............495 Hz
Operating Modes ..............Search ..........VLF All-Metal, No-Motion
Search Coil .........................Type ..................Concentric, Co-Planar
Diameter ..........................................................................................8”
Shielding ......................................................................... Electrostatic
Interchangeable ........................................................................... Yes
Waterproof Search Coil ................................................................ Yes
Automatic Tuning .........................................................................Yes
Automatic Ground Rejection ......................................................Yes
Built-In Arm Rest and Detector Stand ......................................... Yes
Stereo Headphone Jack ..............................................................Yes
Batteries .....................................................................................2 (9 V)
Battery Life Carbon Zinc .................................................20-30 Hours
Alkaline .............................................................................40-50 Hours
Notes:
1. Subject to improvement or modication without notice.
2. Approximate.
3. Pulsegate Unipolar Audio Processing. Advanced Fisher circuitry which allows silent
operation below “audio threshold tone” with no loss in sensitivity.
4. The 1225-X is a “motion” detector while in the search mode. The search coil must
be moving at least slightly to detect a target.
5. Electro-Static-Insulated to eliminate certain types of false signals.
6. Use of headphones may increase battery life up to 100%.
1225xManual-8702520.indd 2 6/9/06 10:07:18 AM
ABOUT YOUR DETECTOR
Your 1225-X was designed to do one thing well: nd good, deep
targets in trashy or mineralized soil with a minimal amount of hassle.
Here’s how it does it...
VLF-SLOW MOTION DISCRIMINATION. In the search mode, your
1225-X will simultaneously ignore minerals and trash as it detects
valuable targets. Unlike earlier motion discriminators, you won’t
have to whip it back and forth but, you will have to keep it moving
at least slightly.
ZERO MOTION PINPOINTING. A push-button, all metal mode which
requires no motion for fast, precise target location. Also referred
to as “electronic pinpointing.”
AUTOMATIC OPERATION. There’s no ground adjust control on
your 1225-X. Just turn it on, set two knobs and go. It couldn’t be
simpler.
PULSEGATE UNIPOLAR AUDIO PROCESSING. Fisher engineering
jargon meaning that you won’t have to listen to a “threshold
tone” for maximum sensitivity. Your 1225-X operates so you can
hear even the faintest signals on small deep targets.
DOUBLE DERIVATIVE MOTION CIRCUITRY. Provides a target response
as the search coil passes over the target. Earlier motion detectors
responded AFTER the coil passed over the target. Protected by
U.S. Patent 4,514,692.
And of course, there’s more. Like the built in arm rest and
detector stand. And, the drop-in, no-wires battery compartment.
And, most importantly the depth! Your 1225-X goes deep. It all
adds up to one great state of the art metal detector. Treat it as
you would any ne instrument and you’ll be rewarded with years
of service and who knows how many treasures. If you have any
questions, suggestions or interesting 1225-X stories, drop us a line.
In the meantime...
Happy Hunting!
Fisher Research Laboratory
3
18
Where To Use Your Metal Detector In The U.S.
National Forest and Federal Lands—Metal detecting is allowed
only by special permit acquired from the federal government.
Each area has a district ofce.
Corps of Engineers, Lakes, Shorelines and Lands—Permission has
been granted only on predisturbed sites, such as beaches and
attached swimming areas. New Corps lakes and lands must be
okayed by the main ofce of the Army Corps of Engineers. Each
area has a district ofce.
State Parks and Lands—Some state parks are open to metal
detecting, but some are not. Always check with the park ranger
before attempting to use your detector.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands—Some areas are
open for metal detecting, and some are not. Always check with
the district ofce.
City or County Park Lands—Most are open to metal detecting
unless notice is given by a sign or city ordinance. When in doubt,
always check with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Public School Grounds—Most are open to metal detecting
unless notice is given by a sign, city ordinance, law enforcement
ofcial, or school employee. You should always check with the
school ofce rst.
Privately Owned Lands (Private Property)—Permission required.
And it is always best to have the permission in writing.
Historically Marked Lands or Sites—Metal detecting is not
allowed. Don’t even think about it.
1225xManual-8702520.indd 3 6/9/06 10:07:19 AM
4
SETTING UP
The 1225-X comes to you just about ready to use. The only
adjustment required is the angle of the search coil. Take a look
at Figure 1 and familiarize yourself with the parts of the 1225-X
before proceeding.
1. Unpack your new 1225-X carefully. Save the
carton and inserts they may come in handy in the
future for storage or shipment.
2. Slip the lower stem into the upper stem.
3. Adjust the stem length (using the locknut) and
the coil angle (using the nylon wing nut) so that the
search coil rests at on the ground about 6 inches in
front and slightly to the right of your right foot (to the
left of your left of your left foot for left handers).
Your arm should be straight and relaxed, the grip
held loosely.
REMEMBER: The longer the shaft, the more you will
have to bend your elbow and the sooner your arm
will get tired. The 1225-X is balanced for comfortable
searching in a tight semicircle around the front of
the operator.
4. With the stem length properly adjusted, wind the
cable loosely around the upper and lower stems
and connect the cable connector to the control
housing.
CAUTION: Make sure that the cable is not pulled tight
at the control housing and that you have enough
slack at the search coil to adjust it to any angle.
5. 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 (still straight) until the search
coil is about 1 inch above the ground and 12 inches
in front of your foot. The search coil should be
parallel to the ground and may have to be slightly
readjusted at this point.
17
MAINTENANCE
Your 1225-X doesn’t require a lot of care, but there are a few
things you should do to keep it in peak operating condition.
1. If you’re not going to be using it for awhile, take
the batteries out. Acid damage caused by leaking
batteries can be severe.
2. Avoid extreme temperatures like the inside of a
closed car sitting in the sun. Even worse, inside the
trunk of a car.
3. If you “scrub” the search coil on the ground, you’ll
eventually wear through the bottom. Replacement
coils are expensive. Instead, invest in a coil cover.
4. Put a plastic bag over the control housing if you’re
hunting in rain, fog or dust.
5. Keep your 1225-X dry and clean. Wipe off the
lower stem before sliding into the upper stem and
keep the lock nut threads free of sand and dirt.
TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS
LETS PRESERVE OUR TREASURED SPORT!
Laws governing the use of metal detectors are becoming
more and more common. In many countries, the use of metal
detectors is illegal or severely restricted. Don’t let this happen in
your area.
ALWAYS get permission to hunt on private property.
ALWAYS leave a site cleaner than you found it. Take at least
some trash with you or, if you can, take it all.
ALWAYS ll in your holes neatly whether you’re in a city park
or remote wildernessness. Leave the land as it was before you
disturbed it.
ALWAYS obey all laws relating to Treasure Hunting.
ALWAYS return valuable property if you can locate the original
owner.
ALWAYS do whatever you can to give the hobby of Treasure
Hunting the good image it needs and deserves.
1225xManual-8702520.indd 4 6/9/06 10:07:19 AM
5
SETTING UP
Padded Arm Rest
Hand Grip
Control Housing
Battery Access
(not shown)
Upper Stem
Lock Nut
Adjustable
Lower Stem
Search Coil
Cable
Nylon Wing Nut
Waterproof Search Coil
Cable Strain Relief
Cable Connector
(not shown)
Figure 1. Fisher 1225-X
Figure 2. Search Position
Straight arm, grip not
too tight, search coil
close to and parallel to
the ground. Remember,
as you increase the
shaft length, you also
increase the strain on
your wrist and arm.
16
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Two nine volt transistor batteries are located in separate
compartments at the rear of the housing. When it’s time to replace
batteries, always replace both of them.
1. To open, press gently down and out on the battery
door latch. The doors are hinged, do not attempt to
completely remove them.
2. Tilt the housing gently and the batteries will slide
out.
3. Insert the new batteries. Make sure the contact
end goes in rst and that you match the polarity
markings on the control housing.
4. To close, hook the lower edge of the battery door
over the inside of the battery compartment and
gently push.
5. Some battery brands may be slightly larger than
the original batteries, which will cause them to not
easily be removed.
Battery Replacement is simple; just pop the doors open,
slide the old batteries out and the new ones in.
Figure 8. Battery Replacement
1225xManual-8702520.indd 5 6/9/06 10:07:20 AM
6
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
1. DISC: This control turns the power on and
automatically tunes the 1225-X for instant operation.
All types of metal are detected at the zero level
while the most pieces of trash are rejected at ten.
The DISC control has no effect when the PINPOINT
button is pushed in.
2. SENS: Normally set at ten, this control adjusts the
1225-X sensitivity to targets and ground minerals.
The higher the setting, the deeper you’ll detect.
However you will also pick up more false signals
in highly mineralized or trashy soil. In the extreme
counterclockwise position this control doubles as a
battery test. A loud tone indicates good batteries.
A faint tone indicates weak batteries and no tone
means that it’s time for a change.
3. HEADPHONES: This jack accepts most stereo and
mono headphones with quarter-inch diameter
plugs. If you use a stereo/ mono headset, make sure
it’s switched into the “stereo” position.
4. PINPOINT: When pushed and held, this button
switches the 1225-X into the Zero-Motion, All-Metal
Pinpointing mode.
1
2
3
4
Figure 3. Control
Panel. Two knobs
and a button do
it all.
15
between the beeps, or if you sweep at right
angles to your original direction, you’ll receive
a single beep directly over the target (except
for the very shallow coin). One way to tell the
difference between a coin and a nail is to set
your discrimination at about 5. Most small nails will
be tuned out while most coins will respond with a
good, smooth signal.
6. EXTREMELY TRASHY SOIL: May result in a constant
chatter or “snap, crackle and pop” with assorted,
hard-to-nd good signals.
SOLUTIONS: Increase the discrimination level. An
even better solution is to try the optional 5 inch
coil. You’ll be able to zero in on good targets
much closer to junk.
7. DIGGING TOOL: If you’re carrying a metal
digging tool in one hand, your 1225-X may sound
off each time you swing the coil beneath it.
SOLUTIONS: Hold it behind your back or up above
your waist.
False signals may also occur in the Zero Motion
Pinpointing mode. When in this mode the 1225-X
detects all metals so you may pinpoint a piece
of nearby junk instead of a good target. For this
reason, you should always recheck your target
area after recovering any target to insure that you
haven’t missed anything.
You may also receive false pinpointing signals in
highly mineralized soil. In this case, it is important to
keep the coil parallel to the ground and at least
an inch above it.
FALSE SIGNALS
1225xManual-8702520.indd 6 6/9/06 10:07:20 AM
7
By adjusting the DISC (“Discrimination”) control, you will be
able to ignore or (“reject”) small pieces of metallic target trash
and ground minerals while detecting valuable targets. The
lowest setting at which an object is rejected is reffered to as its
“discrimination point.” Discrimination points are determined by
such factors as size, shape, depth, type of metal and ground
mineralization.
1. Scatter some sample targets such as coins, pull
tabs and small pieces of foil on the ground 1 to 2
feet apart.
2. Turn the 1225-X on by turning the DISC control to
zero.
3. Set the SENS control to 8.
4. Hold the search coil in the air, away from any metal
objects and check the batteries as explained in the
Control Function section (sensitivity control).
5. Hold the search coil in the air about 2 inches
above and parallel to the ground. Move it slowly
over the samples and note the sharp loud response
as you pass over each one. Keep in mind that the
1225-X is a motion detector in the DISC mode and
responds only when the search coil (or the target)
is moving.
6. Increase the DISC control to a setting of 3 and
again pass over the targets. Repeat this process at
settings of 4, 5, 6 and so on to 10. You will note that
as you increase the level of discrimination, the 1225-X
will reject some targets and continue to respond to
others. You have now determined the discrimination
points for the rejected objects. For example, the
small nail discrimination point may be at 3 and the
pull tab discrimination at 7.
7. Some objects such as shallow bottle caps, bent
pull tabs or trash less than 2 inches from the coil may
be difcult to reject. The 1225-X will instead respond
with a broken signal which will usually disappear if
the search coil is raised slightly. The strong signal of
a good target will usually get weaker when the coil
is raised.
DISCRIMINATION POINTS
14
A “false signal” occurs when something that shouldn’t, sounds
like a good target. Your 1225-X does an excellent job of ignoring
junk but it’s so sensitive to good targets that it can be fooled by
bad targets with similar electrical characteristics. Large pieces
of trash for example, or even some kind of bottle caps and pull
tabs. Small pieces of trash less than 2 inches from the search
coil will also sound good occasionally.
So what do you do about false signals? Well, 90% of them will
sound suspicious to you after you’ve had some experience and
you’ll just ignore them. They may be very faint or very abrupt
with static. Often when you go back over the same spot, a false
signal will simply disappear. Other false signals may be very loud
and sharp but most of these will disappear if the coil is speeded
up or raised slightly. Some shallow, large or irregular pieces of
junk however, will fool the 1225-X no matter what you do. Here’s
some other sources of false signals and what to do about them:
1. DETECTOR INTERFERENCE: Caused by nearby
metal detectors operating at the same (or close)
frequency.
SOLUTIONS: Move further away or reduce
sensitivity.
2. ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE: Caused by Radio/TV
stations, power lines, etc.
SOLUTION: Move further away, lower the
sensitivity, reduce sweep speed. Wrap the search
coil cable tightly around the stem.
3. HIGHLY MINERALIZED SOIL: Usually causes
constant static or good target sounds. SOLUTIONS:
Lower the sensitivity, increase the discrimination.
Raise the search coil until false signals disappear
and sweep at that height.
4. WET SAND: Same as highly mineralized soil.
5. ELONGATED FERROUS OBJECTS: If you hear two
beeps very close together and can’t nd either
one, you’re probably over a nail or some other
long iron object. But a very shallow coin or a coin
on edge will give the same response.
SOLUTIONS: In all cases, the target will be
FALSE SIGNALS
1225xManual-8702520.indd 7 6/9/06 10:07:20 AM
8. Some objects will cause sharp static or “ticking”
when rejected. This is a perfectly normal response
indicating that the powerful discrimination circuitry
of the 1225-X is doing the job.
9. Large pieces of trash such as beer cans or jar lids
may sound like a good target no matter what you
do. With a little practice however, you will be able
to tell the difference between a large target and a
small coin-sized object.
10. The following chart shows some different target
responses you may expect at different levels of
discrimination. Note that as you increase the
discrimination level, you progressively eliminate more
targets including some good ones, such as nickels
and gold rings.
DISCRIMINATION POINTS
Figure 4. Discrimination. Typical 1225-X audion responses for 2-inch deep
targets with search coil sweeping 1 to 2 inches above ground.
8
Note: The discrimination levels shown are typical values only and
may vary from detector to detector.
13
RECOVERY TOOLS
1. A heavy duty, blunt screwdriver is commonly used by
expert Treasure Hunters.
2. A sturdy hunting knife with a 5” blade will do the job in most
soils. A high quality double-edged “survival” knife is an even
better (and more expensive) choice since it will be almost
impossible to bend or break. CAUTION: Using a pocket knife
without a blade lock is a good way to lose a nger!
3. A narrow garden trowel will work in loose or wet soil.
4. Several excellent digging tools are made just for the Treasure
Hunter and especially designed sand scoops are available
for beachcombing. Check with your local dealer.
5. A thin, dull probe is the preferred tool for precise
target location.
OPERATING TIPS
1. We’ve already said it but it bears repeating: TAKE
YOUR TIME AND OVERLAP YOUR SWEEPS.
2. Use good headphones. You won’t miss faint targets,
you won’t attract unwanted attention and you won’t
bother others.
3. Practice pinpointing. There’s nothing sacred about
the methods described in this manual. Many 1225-X
users have developed their own pinpointing methods.
4. Always bury a coin when working in unfamiliar territory
and check it at different discrimination and sensitivity
levels. There may be some sensitivity loss at higher levels
of discrimination. The greater the ground mineralization,
the higher the sensitivity loss. For example, you may
be able to detect a penny at 6 inches deep at zero
discrimination, but no deeper than 4 inches at the pulltab discrimination point.
5. The 1225-X is an easy detector to use but if you’re having
trouble with any aspect of its operation (pinpointing,
searching, false signals, etc.) go back and reread the
part of this manual relating to your problem.
6. If a target gives a strong reponse in the search mode,
but no response in the pinpoint mode, you may have
“tuned out” your target (and all others) by pushing the
pinpoint button over another piece of metal. If you
suspect this may be the case, move the search coil to
another spot before pressing the pinpoint button again.
7. When in doubt about the possible identity of a target,
dig it up.
1225xManual-8702520.indd 8 6/9/06 10:07:21 AM
Now comes the fun part - if you follow a few simple rules. Good
search techniques are every bit as important as a good detector.
1. The 1225-X has two operating modes. The “Search”
mode is activated simply be turning the unit on. This is a
“VLF-Motion Discrimination” mode which automatically
ignores most ground minerals, rejects junk and works only
when the search coil is moving. The “Pinpoint” mode is
activated by depressing the PINPOINT button and will
be explained later.
2. Adjust your SENS control. Only experience will tell you
how much sensitivity to use in any given situation but
start out at 8.
As a general rule, turn your sensitivity down to reduce
excessive false signals caused by highly mineralized
ground interference caused by power lines, radio stations,
etc. Turn it up if you want the deepest, smallest targets and
you’re willing to put up with a few more false signals.
3. Decide how much discrimination you want to use.
a. In relatively non-trashy soil use a low level of
discrimination (2 for example). In this manner the 1225X will detect all metal targets within its range and you
can instantly increase the discrimination for further
identication.
b. In trashy areas you will probably want to operate at a
high level of discrimination (6 for example) to cut down
on the amount of time you spend digging bad targets.
4. Keep the search coil moving at a comfortable rate.
Remember that the 1225-X is a motion detector and
responds only when the search coil (or the target) is
moving while in search mode.
5. Keep the coil parallel to, and as close to the ground
as practical. This is important for maximum coverage
and depth. If you are hunting on a lawn you can set
the coil right on the grass and search.
6. Overlap your sweeps approximately 50%.
7. Search in a methodical manner sweeping in a tight
semicircle. Pay close attention to where you’re going
and where you’ve been.
SEARCHING
9
12
Once you have pinpointed a target, your objective is
to recover it quickly and neatly, leaving no trace of your
excavation. There are almost as many ways to do this as there
are Treasure Hunters. Whatever works for you is good enough as
long as you don’t break any laws, damage vegetation, or leave
your search area looking like a World War II battleeld.
Generally speaking, beachcombers do little if any damage to
the environment while recovering targets. However, if you plan
to use your 1225-X on lawns or in parks, your target recovery
method can be very important. Two of the most successful
methods are illustrated in a separate booklet enclosed with your
1225-X.
- Search Mode -
1. Minimum Depth
a. Very slow or fast sweep speed.
b. Discrimination set at “10.”
2. Good Depth
a. Moderate sweep speed.
b. Discrimination set at “5.”
3. Maximum Depth
a. Moderate sweep speed.
b. Discrimination set at “0.”
4. Missed Target
Many targets within the range of
your 1225-X will not be
detected unless you closely overlap
your swings.
Note:
Depth is also determined by the size, shape and material of
the target as well as the degree of ground mineralization and
sensitivity setting.
TARGET RECOVERY
4
1
2
3
Figure 7. Search Coil Pattern
1225xManual-8702520.indd 9 6/9/06 10:07:21 AM
11
5. Move the coil side to side one more time and stop
over the strongest signal once again. Your target
should be in the center of the search coil.
6. For quick and accurate pinpointing of strong signals,
place the coil on the ground very close to the target
and push and hold the PINPOINT button. You have
now “tuned-out” most of the target signal so that when
you raise the coil for pinpointing you will only receive a
response directly over or very nearly over the target.
PINPOINTING
PINPOINTING IN MOTION SEARCH MODE
Pinpointing in the search mode will take a little practice but
you may nd that for most targets, it’s even quicker than the Zero
Motion Pinpointing Mode. Simply use the same procedure as in
steps 2 through 5 above. The only difference will be that when
you stop the coil over the target you will lose the audio signal.
You must keep the coil moving at least slightly to determine the
location of the strongest signal before you stop it.
1. For very strong signals, you
may improve your motion mode
pinpointing accuracy by adding
one or more of the following steps:
a. Lift the coil until the signal is
just barely heard.
b. Reduce the sensitivity level.
c. Increase the discrimination
level.
d. Rest the coil on the ground
and move it back and forth
very slowly.
2. For very weak signals try the
following:
a. Move the coil closer to the
ground.
b. Increase the sensitivity level.
c. Decrease the discrimination
level.
d. Speed up the sweep rate
slightly.
When the stem length is properly
adjusted, the 1225-X is balanced for
sweeping in a tight semicircle. Always
overlap your sweeps by at least 50% or
you’ll miss a lot of the deeper targets.
10
SEARCHING
8. TAKE YOUR TIME.
If you walk too fast
you can’t overlap
your sweeps and
you’ll miss a lot of
ground.
If you sweep too
fast, you’ll lose
sensitivity and miss
the faint tone which
will disappear as
soon as the coil is
raised.
9. T h e d i a g r a m
b e l o w s h o w s
th e se a r c h co i l
detection pattern
and how it is affected by sweep speed, discrimination
level and overlapping sweeps in the Search mode.
Figure 5. “sweeping” the search coil. Keep
the search coil parallel and close to the
ground at all times
ZERO MOTION PINPOINT MODE
The pinpoint mode requires no tuning, no motion, detects
all metals and in normal soil it’s even more sensitive than the
search mode. Precise target location is a snap.
1. Once the presence of a buried target is identied
by the “beep beep” of the 1225-X, simply place the
coil lightly on the ground away from the target area.
Push the PINPOINT button and hold. (At maximum
sensitivity you may hear a faint tone which will
disappear as soon as the coil is raised.)
2. Raise the coil one-half inch or so and move it from
side to side across the target area a few times.
3. Stop the search coil over the spot you receive the
loudest response.
4. Now move the coil slowly forward and back a couple of
times, again stopping over the strongest response.
PINPOINTING
1225xManual-8702520.indd 10 6/9/06 10:07:22 AM
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