Fisher M-SCOPE CZ-3D Operating Manual

CZ-3D

OPERATING MANUAL

Deep Search, 4-Tone, Target I.D. 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

Maximized for finding older era coins

at older sites!

CONTENTS

About Your Detector ................................................................ pg. 1

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

Factory Preset “Turn-On-And-Go” Marks ..............................pg. 2

Setting Up ..................................................................................pg. 3

Hipmounting ............................................................................. pg. 5

Control Panel ............................................................................ pg. 5

Turn-On Procedure ................................................................... pg. 7

Ground Balancing .................................................................... pg. 7

Pushbutton Method ..................................................................pg. 8

“Bobbing” The Search Coil Method ....................................... pg. 8

Search Modes ........................................................................... pg. 10

Search Modes: Auto Tune ....................................................... pg. 11

Search Modes: Target ID ........................................................ pg. 11

Searching .................................................................................. pg. 16

Pinpointing: Pushbutton Pinpoint Mode ..................................pg. 18

Pinpointing: Target ID and Autotune Modes .......................... pg. 19

Depth Reading .......................................................................... pg. 22

Target Recovery .......................................................................pg. 23

Recovery Tools ..........................................................................pg. 24

False Signals .............................................................................. pg. 24

Maintenance ............................................................................pg. 25

Treasure Hunters’ Code Of Ethics ............................................ pg. 26

Battery Replacement ............................................................... pg. 27

Specifications ...........................................................................pg. 28

ABOUT YOUR DETECTOR

Your CZ-3D is an extremely advanced and sophisticated
instrument. It is maximized for a very specific function - finding
& properly identifying older era coins at older sites. Simply
select the "enhance mode" with the utilization of the "salt/
enhance" switch to find more rare coins!

The CZ-3D was designed to find more good metals such as
brass, bronze, copper, silver, and certain gold: reporting it
as a high tone. In addition, a fourth tone has been added to
distinguish between the midtone heard on round & square
"pull tabs" and foil - this enhances your ability to recover gold
jewelry.

With this detector, performance and ID can be further
enhanced by a slower coil sweep speed, more so than previous
CZ models, especially in trashy areas.

Read this instruction manual thoroughly, practice often and
you will be ready for some exciting treasure hunting. Drop us
a line if you have any questions, comments or good finds to tell
us about. In the meantime...

Happy Hunting!

Fisher Research Laboratory

1

FACTORY PRE-SET “TURN-ON-AND-GO” MARKS

Your CZ-3D is fairly simple to operate, especially when compared
to other target ID machines. Even so, we strongly recommend that
you read this entire manual. You’ll be able to tune your CZ-3D to
your specific needs and conditions. A good understanding what
to do and why will lead you to more finds.

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

1. Set all the controls to the red numbered

“Turn-On-And-Go” marks:

GROUND = 5

DISC = 4
SENSITIVITY = 3
MODE = ENHANCE
VOLUME = 5

This puts you in a “coins-only” mode and you’re
ready to start searching. Keep in mind that the
GROUND setting of 5 is probably not the optimum
setting for the ground you’re searching and that’s
why the sensitivity level is set low—to reduce false
signals caused by ground mineralization.

2. If you’re using headphones, adjust the volume

controls for a comfortable volume when the coil is
passed over a large shallow object.

3. Walk slowly, overlap your sweeps and keep the

search coil moving. Remember you are in a “motion”
search mode and the coil must be moving at least
slightly to detect a target.

4. When you get a good, repeatable signal, pinpoint

the target by placing the coil on the ground away
from the target, pushing and holding the pinpoint
button and then bringing the coil back over the
target.

5. Once you’ve pinpointed the target, note the

approximate depth reading on the meter, then
identify it by releasing the pinpoint button and
moving the coil side to side in short strokes over
the target. The meter needle will lock onto the
appropriate target classification.

6. Happy Hunting!

CONDENSED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2

3

SETTING UP

The CZ-3D comes to you just about ready to use. Take a look at the
diagram above and familiarize yourself with the parts of the CZ-3D
before proceeding.

1. Unpack your new CZ-3D carefully. Save the carton

and inserts for future storage or shipment.

2. Take a look inside the locknut on the upper stem.

Note the clear plastic locking pad on the left hand
side and loosen the lock nut by rotating it fully
counterclockwise.

3. Slip the lower stem into the center section.

4. Adjust the stem length (using the guide pin & stem

lock nut) and the coil angle (using the nylon wing
nut) so the search coil rests flat on the ground about
6 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, with 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 CZ-3D is balanced for comfortable
searching in a tight semicircle around the front of the
operator.

Drop-in battery compartments

and cable connector at rear of

housing(not shown)

Removable control

housing (belt loop on

underside of housing)

Padded arm rest

Built-in detector stand

Upper stem

Foam hand grip

Upper

lock nut

Center
section

Seven foot
search coil

cable

Lower

lock nut

8-inch Spider

search coil

Adjustable

non-metallic

lower stem

Nylon wing nut

(replacable

Duro-Neoprene

bushings, not

shown)

Figure 1. FISHER CZ-3D

4

5. With the stem length properly adjusted, wrap the

loop cable tightly around the center section stem
and secure it with the two Velcro straps. 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.

6. With the shaft length and coil angle properly

adjusted, you should be able to move into your
“search” position (as shown in illustration below) by
leaning forward very slightly and raising your arm (still
straight) until the search coil is about 2 inches 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.

Figure 2. SEARCH POSITION.

Adjust the stem length and coil
angle so the coil rests flat on
the ground about 6 to 12 inches
in front of your foot. Move
into your “search” position by
leaning forward slightly and
raising the coil about 2 inches
off the ground. This should put
the search coil out about 12 to
18 inches in front of your foot.

SETTING UP

5

1. GROUND: Used to electronically cancel the effects

of ground mineralization. Proper use of this control
will minimize false ground signals and insure that the
CZ-3D is operating at its maximum potential in just
about any ground condition including wet ocean
sand.

2. DISC: In the 0 through 6 position the CZ-3D is in

the target ID mode, which is a silent, no-threshold,
motion-discrimination mode of operation with the
ability to identify and then ignore (“reject”) or accept
many kinds of small metal targets. In the AUTOTUNE
position, the CZ-3D is in an all-metal mode. In this
mode, the CZ-3D has a wider and deeper search
pattern, however, it lacks the ability to discriminate

HIPMOUNTING

1. Disconnect the cable from the control housing and

unwind all but the last twelve inches from the stem.
Secure the lower end of the cable with a Velcro strap
at least twelve inches up from the coil.

2. Slide the control housing off the handle by holding

the handgrip with one hand and pulling the housing
towards you with the other hand.

3. Reconnect the cable to the control housing. It is

especially important that the cable connector
be installed tightly to prevent false signals during
hipmount use. Tight, but never tightened with
anything but your hands.

4. Put your belt through the slots on the underside of

the housing.

5. Left handers should wear the housing on their right

hip and right handers on their left hip.

NOTE: If you’re working in shallow water you may want
to hang the control housing around your neck or chest­mount with Fisher’s Chest Harness. Just make sure
you put it in a heavy plastic bag sealed tightly around
the cable. Remember, the only thing waterproof about
the CZ-3D is the search coil.

CONTROL PANEL

6

or identify targets.

3. PINPOINT/DEPTH READING: A three purpose, spring

loaded push-button. When pushed and held, the
CZ-3D goes into a no-motion, all-metal mode for
precise pinpointing and approximate depth reading
of coin-sized targets. This button is also used in
conjunction with the GROUND control during the
ground balancing procedure.

4. SENSITIVITY/BATT TEST: In the extreme counter-

clockwise position, the battery condition is checked
as indicated by a strong or weak tone and a meter
reading. When rotated clockwise, sensitivity to targets
(as well as ground mineralization and electrical
interference) is increased. When in the AUTOTUNE
mode, this control also acts as a “threshold tone”
control.

5. HEADPHONES: This connector accepts most stereo

headphones.

6. MODE: ENHANCE position for dry land or shallow fresh

water hunting. SALT position for wet-sand ocean
beaches or hunting in shallow surf.

7. VOLUME/OFF: Power on-off and volume control.

Volume is gradually increased from 1 to 5 settings. From
5 to 10, loud target response is held constant while faint
targets continue to get louder (audio boost).

CONTROL PANEL

Figure 3, CONTROL PANEL

1

2

3 4 5

6

7

7

When your CZ-3D is properly “ground balanced,” it will have only
a minimum response to ground mineralization. Precise adjustment
of the ground control is critical. The higher the degree of ground
mineralization or sensitivity setting, the more critical it is. Once you
adjust it in either the Autotune mode or Target ID mode, you can
switch back and forth between the two modes without resetting
it, unless you increase the sensitivity level or go from dry sand
to wet sand or vice versa. You should also recheck your setting
occasionally as you search since ground conditions often change
rapidly.

If you have difficulty ground balancing, try reducing your sensitivity
level or moving to another spot just in case you are over a buried
piece of metal. In some areas of high ground mineralization you may
not be able to use the “pushbutton” method.

1. Set your controls as follows:
GROUND = 10
DISC = 0 for normal use in target ID mode. (Set DISC

to “Auto tune” for deep search, all-metal Auto tune
mode.

SENSITIVITY = 10
MODE =ENHANCE
VOLUME = OFF

2. Hold the search coil waist high, away from any nearby

metal.

3. Turn the VOLUME control to 10. A brief bell tone is

normal when you turn the VOLUME control on.

If you’re in the Auto tune Mode, you’ll hear an audio
“threshold” hum. Lower the SENSITIVITY control until
you can just barely hear it.

4. If you’re wearing headphones, reduce the headphone

volume controls to a comfortable level when the search
coil is passed over a large, shallow target.

GROUND BALANCING

TURN ON PROCEDURE

“BOBBING” THE SEARCH COIL METHOD

This method takes a little more practice, but you may find it slightly
more accurate with fewer false signals from ground minerals.

“PUSHBUTTON” GROUND BALANCE METHOD

This will probably be your method of choice in all but the most
difficult of ground conditions. It’s fast, easy and accurate. You can
use this method in either the Autotune or Target ID mode.

1. With your controls set as in the “Turn-On” procedure,

(GROUND control at 10), hold the search coil parallel
to and 6 to 12 inches off the ground. Press the
PINPOINT button and hold it until you’ve completed
step 2. Make sure you’re at least three feet away
from any metal objects.

2. Still pressing the PINPOINT button, lower the coil to the

ground. Starting at 10, rotate the GROUND control
clockwise until you hear an audio tone. Then back
it off to the exact point where the tone disappears.
Release the PINPOINT button and you’re ready to
search.

NOTES:

1. If you get an audio response as you first lower the coil with the

GROUND control at 10, you’re probably over a piece of metal.
Move and try again.

2. If you get a sudden belltone not proceeded by an increasing

audio response as you lower the coil, you’re probably in some
very highly mineralized soil or sand. In this case, it’s best to use
the “Bobbing” method.

3. If you don’t get any audio response, or just a very faint one

as you rotate the GROUND control from 10 all the way to 0,
you’re probably in an area where there’s very little ground
mineralization. Just leave the GROUND control at 10 and
begin searching.

4. Recheck your ground balance occasionally and make sure you

haven’t accidentally moved the MODE switch.

8

9

1. Set as in the “Turn-On” procedure, making sure the

DISC control is at AUTOTUNE and the SENSITIVITY
control is set so you can just barely hear a threshold
hum. Hold the search coil parallel to and 6 to 12
inches over the ground and at least three feet away
from any metal objects. Do not use the PINPOINT

button during any part of this procedure.

2. Lower the coil to an inch or two above the ground

and then quickly raise it. Note that as you lower the
coil, the tone disappears, then gets louder as you
raise it and finally returns to normal when you stop it
6 to 12 inches above the ground. Conversely, if you

set the GROUND control to 1, the threshold hum will
get louder as you lower the coil and disappear when
you raise it.

3. Your objective now is to adjust the GROUND control

so that there is no change, or only a minimum
change in the threshold hum, as you move the coil
up and down. Start by lowering the GROUND control
to 9. Lower the coil and raise it again. One of three
things will happen to your theshold hum:

A It will fade again as you lower the coil and increase

as you raise it. Continue to lower the ground
balance setting in small increments until the
threshold hum remains the same (or changes very
little) as the coil is lowered and raised.

B It will get louder as you lower the coil and go silent

as you raise it. Increase the ground balance level
(rotating the control counterclockwise) in small
increments until there is little or no change in the
threshold level.

C The hum will remain the same, or if it changes

slightly, the change is the same whether you lower
or raise the coil. Your CZ-3D is properly ground
balanced, and you are ready to begin your
search. You have gone past the correct ground
balance setting.

4. With a little practice, you should be able to ground

balance quickly by “bobbing” the coil up and
down in a continuous movement as you adjust the
GROUND control with your thumb.

"BOBBING" THE SEARCH COIL METHOD

SEARCH MODES

Your CZ-3D has two search modes: 1) Target ID or 2) Autotune. Both
search modes are “motion” modes, meaning the search coil must be
in motion to detect a target.

“BOBBING” THE SEARCH COIL METHOD

10

NOTES:

1. If you get an audio response as you first lower the coil with the

GROUND CONTROL at 10, you’re probably over a piece of metal.
Move and try again.

2. If you get a sudden bell tone, not preceded by an increasing audio

response, you’re probably in some very highly mineralized soil
or sand. Instead of lowering the coil to an inch or two above the
ground as in step 2 above, stop just before you hear the bell tone
and ground balance as instructed. It will then be necessary to
maintain that coil height as you search.

3. lf you don’t get an audio response, or if the hum stays the same

no matter where you set the GROUND controls as you bob the
coil up and down, you’re probably in an area where there’s very
little ground mineralization. Just leave the GROUND control
at 10 and begin searching.

AUTOTUNE SEARCH MODE

Set the DISC control to Autotune for a very sensitive, wide-scan, all­metal, motion search mode. Since this mode responds to all metal
targets and does not have the ability to identify or reject targets, this will
probably not be your normal search mode.

The Autotune mode does have some advantages however which

make it useful to use in at least two situations:

1. Non-Trashy Areas. Since the Autotune mode has a wider

scan than the ID mode, you’re less likely to miss a good
target when using it. Search in the Autotune mode until
you find a target. Pinpoint the target using the PINPOINT
button and then switch the DISC control to “0” to identify
it. The DISC control is positioned so that you can switch
back and forth between Autotune and “0”.

2. Highly Mineralized Soil or Sand. The Autotune Mode

is recommended for black or gray sand beaches or
highly mineralized soil. Under these conditions it may be
necessary to lower the sensitivity level and sweep several
inches off the ground. Gold nuggets are generally found
in highly mineralized soil so this will be the search mode
of choice for prospectors.

TARGET ID SEARCH MODE

When the DISC control is set in the 0 through 6 position, the CZ-3D has
the ability to identify many types of small targets and, depending on the
discrimination level, reject or ignore most of them. To better understand
just how your CZ-3D responds to different targets, try the following:

1. Scatter some sample targets such as coins, rings, pull

tabs, nails and foil on the ground at least 18 inches apart.
Include some large targets as well; jar lids, soda cans,
etc.

2. Set the DISC control at “0”, SENSITIVITY at “5”, MODE

at ‘ENHANCE’, VOLUME at “10”. If you’re wearing
headphones, reduce the volume to a comfortable level
when you are over a large target.

3. Ground balance the CZ-3D as in the “Ground Balance”

procedure.

4. Hold the search coil about two inches above and parallel

to the ground and move it slowly back and forth across
each sample. Remember, the coil must be in motion to

SEARCH MODES

11

get a response. Keep in mind that for accurate target ID,
the coil center must pass directly over the target.

5. Note the response you get over small targets. For small

iron or steel targets, the meter needle will usually lock in
the “IRON” category. Most pull tabs, foil, nickels and the
newer zinc pennies will also be correctly classified. Silver
coins, copper coins, and the newer clad coins will ID in
the highest category.

6. Note that an enlongated ferrous object such as a nail will

give you a double “beep” as you cross it from end to end
and a single “beep” if you cross its center.

7. Most silver rings will ID at the highest end of the scale. If you

have enough gold rings you will note that some fall in the
round tab category, some in the “FOIL” category, some
in the square tab category, a few in the nickel category,
and very few in the remaining coin categories. This is
due to the fact that the combination of size, shape and
conductivity of a particular ring will almost always add
up to a target that is electronically identical to either a
piece of foil, pull tab or nickel. Most metal detectors have
a difficult time separating gold rings, nickels, tabs, and
foil, but, the patented circuitry of your CZ-3D can easily
tell the difference between nickels and most trash. Better
yet, it will allow you to find many types of gold rings while
completely ignoring at least some types of pull tabs and
small pieces of foil.

8. Note also the different audio responses:
a) an iron target will give you a low tone
b) foil a mid low tone
c) tabs a medium tone
d) coins a high tone.

9. When you go over a large, shallow target the CZ-3D will

respond with a distinctive belltone. This is due to the fact
that metal detectors can only identify small targets. What
usually happens is that the detector circuits will overload
and identify a large target as “good” (silver, coin, etc.).
Your CZ-3D, however, will alert you to the fact that the
target is big and shallow and can not be accurately
identified. Big deep targets, however, will usually be
classified as a coin. Also, be aware that large coins on

SEARCH MODES

12

SEARCH MODES

13

the surface may set off the bell tone. The optional, smaller
5 inch coil is more likely to overload than the standard
8 inch coil.

10. You may also note that some square tabs ID as round

tabs and vice versa. Because of the wide variety of
sizes, shapes and conductivity of the many pull tabs
manufactured over the years, there is overlap as far as
identification goes. Small pieces of tabs or aluminum are
often misidentified. The tail of a round tab for example,
may ID as a nickel. However, most tabs and most of
the items on the CZ-3D meter face will be identified
correctly.

11. Now increase the DISC control to “1”. You will find that the

CZ-3D rejects the small iron targets and no longer responds
either with an audio tone or needle deflection.

12. Continue to increase your DISC control, noting that with

each successive step up you reject more and more
targets. At DISC = 4 for example, you are in a “coins-only”
mode, ignoring iron, tabs and foil while accepting and
identifying most nickels, zinc pennies and silver, clad and
copper coins.

13. At the maximum DISC level of 6 the CZ-3D will ignore

most all-small targets except silver, clad, zinc and copper
coins.

14. Now switch the DISC control to the AUTOTUNE position

and note the completely different kind of response. No
tone or meter identification, just a solid, smooth, response
over every target.

15. The chart on page 14 shows some of the responses

you may expect over different targets and at different
levels of discrimination. As you progressively increase
the discrimination level, you eliminate more and more
targets.

NOTE: Due to the virtually infinite variety of sizes, shapes and alloys
of many “good” targets (relics, jewelry, foreign coins, etc.), they may be
misidentified. For example, a Civil War mini ball may be identified as foil,
or a new Canadian coin as a rectangular pull tab.

SEARCH MODES

14

FIGURE 4. TYPICAL CZ-3D AUDIO AND METER REPONSES.

SHARP, NARROW

RESPONSE

NO RESPONSE

SEARCH
COIL

5

¢

1

ZINC

PENNY

COPPER
PENNY

SILVER OR
CLAD COIN

SHALLOW

CAN

¢

1

¢

5

¢

zn

1

¢

zn

¢

$

$

AUDIO RESPONSE#1 LOW TONE

SMALL

NAIL

SODA

--- GOLD RINGS ----

STEEL

BOTTLE

CAP

BELL

TONE

#

4 HI TONE

#

3 MID LO

#

2 MID

#

2 MID

DISC SETTING:

IRON

0

AUTO
TUNE

1

2

3

4

5

6

FOIL

IRON

METER

READING

SMOOTH, BROAD RESPONSE

FOIL

• “REAL WORLD - OTHER” = Probable reading of what all other
detectors will ID the specified target as in real dirt.

• “REAL WORLD - CZ-3D” =
Most probable reading on the CZ-3D in ‘enhance’ mode.

• TARGET/REAL WORLD

"REAL WORLD OTHER" “REAL WORLD CZ-3D”

• Dirt exposed Indian Head Cent

Trash /mid-tone High-Tone

• 1857-1864 White (nickel) Cent

Square-Tab/mid-tone Square-Tab

• U.S. 3-Cent Silver

Trash/mid-tone High-Tone

• U.S. Half-Dime; real dirt scenario

Trash/mid-tone High-Tone

• Silver Dime or Quarter; partial masking

Trash/mid-tone High-Tone

• Shield Nickel & ‘V’ Nickel; no/slight corrosion
Trash/mid-tone High-Tone

• Buffalo Nickel; mild corrosion

Trash/mid-tone High-Tone

• $2.50 Gold Quarter-Eagle

Round-Tab/mid-tone Square-Tab

• $5.00 Gold Half-Eagle
Trash/mid-tone High-Tone

• $10.00 Gold Eagle

High-Tone High-Tone

• $20.00 Gold Double-Eagle
High-Tone High-Tone

• Many Non-U.S. Coins

Trash/mid-tone High-Tone

Noteworthy: The older nickels that would previously read as a
‘mid-tone/foil ID’ should now read as a ‘high-tone/nickel ID’. All
other items in this list will now read ‘high-tone’ audio with either
a ‘zinc cent’ or ‘high coins’ meter ID.This is due in part to infinite
variables such as ground mineralization, multiple targets in close
proximity, tilted coins, coins on edge or a combination thereof

Happy "Enhanced" Hunting, Thomas J. Dankowski

15

SUPPLEMENT A. TOM DANKOWSKI'S "ENHANCED" ID CHART

SEARCH MODES

16

SEARCHING

Good search techniques are as important to your success as having
a good detector.

1. Make sure your CZ-3D is properly ground balanced and the MODE

switch is in the proper position: SALT for wet ocean beaches,
ENHANCE for just about every other situation.

2. Decide which search mode you’re going to use, Target ID or

Autotune. Recommended starting point: Target ID mode with the

DISC control set at “4”.

3. Set your SENSITIVITY control. Only experience will tell you how to

set it in every situation but you’ll probably want to run it as high as
you can. Recommended starting point: SENSITIVITY 5 . If you’re in

the Autotune mode, set it so that you can just barely hear a slight
audio hum.

4. Adjust your VOLUME control. Remember that a setting above 5 will

amplify the response of faint targets so they sound like a shallow
or large target. Some searchers prefer not to use it above 5 so the
audio response will give them some idea as to the depth and/or
size of the target. Recommended starting point: VOLUME = 10. If

you’re using headphones, adjust the headphone volume controls
for a comfortable, not-too-loud response over loud targets.

5. Once you’ve got your controls properly set, begin your search

by walking slowly and sweeping the search coil in a tight
semicircle.

6. Keep the coil parallel to the ground and as close to the ground as

practical. This is extremely important for maximum coverage and
depth. If you’re searching on a lawn, you may set the coil right on
the grass and slightly “scrub” it.

7. Overlap your sweeps by at least 50%. Remember that your coil’s

search pattern is conical and if you don’t overlap each sweep
you’ll miss the deeper targets.

8. Search in a methodical manner. Pay close attention to where

you’re going and where you’ve been.

9. Keep the search coil moving at a comfortable rate. Remember

that the CZ-3D is a motion detector and responds only when the
coil (or the target) is moving (except in the Pinpoint mode).

10. Take your time. If you walk too fast you can’t overlap your sweeps

and you’ll miss a lot of ground. If you swing your coil too fast you
lose some sensitivity to deep and/or small targets.

11. Figure 7 on the next page shows the CZ-3D search coil pattern

and how it is affected by sweep speed, ground mineralization
and search mode.

NOTE: Unlike other metal detectors, the discrimination level has little
if any effect on the depth capability of the CZ-3D. Note however, that
the all-metal, Autotune mode has a wider search pattern and may
detect a little deeper. Depth is also determined by the size, shape
and conductivity of the target as well as the sensitivity setting of
the CZ-3D.

1. Minimum Depth
a. Very slow or fast sweep speed.
b. Discrimination set at “6.”

2. Good Depth
a. Moderate sweep speed.
b. Discrimination set at “4.”

3. Maximum Depth
a. Moderate sweep speed.
b. Discrimination set at “0.”

4. Missed Target

Many targets within range will not
be detected unless you closely
overlap your sweeps.

4

1

2

3

Figure 7. SEARCH COIL DETECTION PATTERN

SEARCHING

Figure 5. SEARCH PATTERN.

When the stem length is properly
adjusted, the CZ-3D is balanced for
sweeping in a tight semicircle. Wide to
the right for right handers. Wide to the
left for left handers.Be sure to overlap
your sweeps.

17

Figure 6. COIL ORIENTATION

Keep the search coil parallel and
close to the ground at all times.

PINPOINTING

PUSHBUTTON PINPOINT MODE

Target location is quick and easy using the push-button Pinpoint
mode. You do not have to keep the coil moving to get a
response in this mode.

1. Once the presence of a target is indicated by the

“beep-beep” of your CZ-3D, simply move the coil
away from the target area, and with the coil lightly
on the ground or very close to it, press and hold
the PINPOINT button. It doesn’t matter which mode
you’re searching in, Autotune or Target ID.

2. As you bring the coil back into the target area, still

pressing the PINPOINT button, the audio volume and
pitch will increase and the meter needle will swing
to the right.

3. When the needle, pitch and volume are at their

highest points, stop the coil and move it forward
and backward a couple of times, again stopping
over the strongest response.

4. Repeat one more time, side to side and then front to

back, keeping the PINPOINT button pushed in and
stopping over the spot where you get the maximum
volume, pitch and meter reading. Your target should
be directly below the center of your search coil.
With a little practice, you’ll find that you don’t even
need to look at the meter unless you want a depth
reading.

NOTE: For quick and accurate pinpointing of strong
signals from large or shallow targets, push and hold
the pinpoint button with the coil very close to the
approximate target area. This will “tune-out” most of
your target so you will receive a response directly over
it. You may also try reducing the sensitivity level and/
or raising the coil so you can barely hear the signal.
For very weak signals, make sure you press the
PINPOINT button with the coil completely out of the
target area. You may also try moving the coil closer to
the ground or increasing the sensitivity and volume
levels.

18

TARGET ID AND AUTOTUNE MODES

Pinpointing in either of the search modes is difficult and requires
practice. but with practice you should be able to get the hang
of it. Many CZ-3D operators don’t even bother with the Pinpoint
mode unless they want a depth reading.
In Target ID or Autotune, simply use the same basic procedure
for the Pinpoint mode, moving the coil side to side and front to
back over the target area, stopping over the strongest audio
response. The only difference is that you should use as short a
stroke as possible (4 to 6 inches is plenty). When you stop the coil,
you will lose the audio signal. You MUST keep the coil moving at
least slightly, to determine the location of the strongest signal.

PINPOINTING

TARGET IDENTIFICATION

Target ID with the CZ-3D is quick and simple. Just keep in mind
these four rules:

A. You must be in the Target ID mode. If you’re searching in Auto

tune, switch over to “0” on your DISC control.

B. For accurate identification, the center of the search coil must

pass directly over the target.

C. There are many good targets, which are not classified by the

CZ-3D. As mentioned earlier, gold rings for example may fall in
just about any category except iron. Gold nuggets, depending
on their size and shape, may fall into just about any category,
the smaller nuggets falling on the lower half of the scale. So if
you’re not just looking for U.S. coins, you should test some sample
targets to determine what level of discrimination you want to
work at and what targets you want to dig.

D. Your CZ-3D will correctly identify most small targets most of

the time, but it can be fooled. Large targets, uneven ground
mineralization, a good target lying next to a bad target, and
deep targets, are sources of error.
Remember, the CZ-3D is designed to ID small, coin size
targets only, and even some of these may be deep, bent,
damaged, or corroded enough to give a false signal.

19

1. Once you’ve located a target, pinpoint its exact

location as in the “Pinpointing” procedure. Since

accurate ID is dependent on accurate pinpointing, it
is recommended that you always press the PINPOINT
button rather than try to pinpoint your target in either
the Autotune or Target ID mode.

2. Once you’ve pinpointed your target, release the

PINPOINT button. If you’re searching in the Autotune
mode, switch over to DISC = 0. If you are already
in the Target ID mode, just leave the DISC control
where it is.

3. Move the coil just enough, left-right-left, across the

target to get a good signal. The meter needle should
lock onto a target classification, which in turn will
agree with the audio response (one of 4 tones)

4. If you no longer get a meter reading or audio

response once you’ve pinpointed the target, then
you’re over something that falls below the DISC
setting you’ve chosen and the CZ-3D is rejecting it.

5. Here’s a quick and easy way to tell the difference

between a small shallow piece of foil and a gold
ring (or other possibly good target) without digging:
if you get a good solid, “FOIL” ID, set the search
coil down close to the target and then whip it
rapidly across the target just once with what can
best be described as a flick of the wrist. If the target
disappears, it’s probably a small shallow piece of
foil. If not, dig it up—it could be that gold ring you’re
looking for. Practice this over some foil until you get
the hang of it.

6. Don’t be afraid to turn your sensitivity down. True,

the higher the sensitivity, the deeper your CZ-3D will
go and the more you’ll find. But that’s only under
optimum conditions. If you’re getting a lot of false
signals caused by electrical interference, ground
mineralization or dense trash, lower your sensitivity. If
you have to back it down to 4, 3 or even 2 to eliminate
the falsing, do it. That’s what your SENSITIVITY control
is for. You’ll be surprised at how much you might find
in an area that would otherwise be unsearchable
at high sensitivity levels.

TARGET IDENTIFICATION

20

TARGET IDENTIFICATION

7. Set your discrimination at an appropriate level. If

there’s very little trash in the area, set it low, say at
iron discrimination and dig every good signal. If there
is a lot of trash present and you’re mainly interested
in coins, set the discrimination level high—you may
even want to sacrifice nickels and zinc pennies in
extremely trashy areas. If you’re looking for gold
rings, relics, artifacts, or small ancient coins, you’ll
have to set your discrimination level low. The best
way to find out how low is to bury some sample
targets or just dig everything for awhile until you get
a feel for which target classifications will be the most
productive.

8. Look for repeatable signals and don’t waste time

on disappearing or one-way signals. If you hear a
good beep but can’t repeat it when you go back
over the target area, or if it beeps in only one sweep
direction, it’s probably a piece of trash—something
below your discrimination setting.

9. If you’re in a relatively non-trashy area, try searching

in the Autotune mode and then identify your targets
by switching to DISC = 0. You’ll find more and deeper
targets this way.

10. If you’re having any difficulty pinpointing or identifying

a target in the ID mode, don’t waste any more time.
Push the pinpoint button for quick pinpointing then
release it for accurate ID.

11. If your target disappears when you go into the Pinpoint

mode, you’ve probably tuned it out by pressing the
button too close to the target or over another piece
of metal. Try again, this time pushing the PINPOINT
button over another piece of ground.

12. Don’t waste a lot of time digging holes for targets

you can’t find if your hole keeps getting deeper and
wider, cover it up and go on. You may be over a
buried pipe or some other large deep target.

21

DEPTH READING

Your CZ-3D will give you a quick and approximate depth reading
of coin-size targets, usually within an inch.

1. Place the search coil lightly on the ground at least

twelve inches away from your target area.

2. Press and hold the PINPOINT button.

3. Still pressing the PINPOINT button, bring the coil back

over the target and pinpoint its location by stopping
the coil over the point where you get maximum
pitch, volume and needle response.

4. Place the search coil lightly on the ground directly

over the target, and still pressing the PINPOINT
button, note the position of the needle over the
depth reading scale. For example, if the needle is
midway between the four inch and six inch marks,
your target is approximately five inches deep.
You will quickly realize that the depth reading
procedure is just like pinpointing, however there is
one very important difference: When pinpointing,
where or when you press the pinpoint button is not
real critical. It is often desirable to “detune” your
target by pressing the button when the search coil
is very close to your target and either on the ground
or slightly above it. When taking a depth reading,
however, it is important that the coil be placed lightly
on the ground at least twelve inches away from
the target (or any other metal) before pressing the
PINPOINT button. Also, remember that while you can
pinpoint just about any size target, depth reading is
only accurate for coin size targets.

22

Once you have identified and pinpointed a target, your objective
is to recover it quickly and neatly, leaving virtually 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
uncovered holes. Generally speaking, beachcombers do little if any
damage to the environment while recovering targets. However, if
you plan to use your CZ-3D 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 "Origin of the M-Scope/Target
Recovery" enclosed with your detector .

1. Use headphones. You’ll hear fewer distracting sounds

and more target sounds. And you’ll find more.

2. It’s always a good idea to walk slowly and overlap your

sweeps. But if you’re searching large expanses of new
territory you may want to walk a little faster and not
overlap your sweeps as much until you start making a
few good finds. Then, slow down, overlap your sweeps
and cover every inch of ground.

3. In trashy areas, to reduce the “masking” effects of

trash on nearby good targets, use a shorter and slower
sweep pattern. Also, the optional smaller 5-inch search
coil will zero in on good targets closer to trash.

4. When in doubt, dig. If your CZ-3D can’t quite decide

whether a target is good or bad, dig it up.

5. Good things often come in twos. Or even threes. Once

you’ve recovered a good target, always recheck
the hole for a second signal and carefully search the
immediate area by walking slowly around the hole
two or three times, overlapping your sweeps in an ever
widening circle. Always dig every suspicious sound in the

vicinity of a good find.

6. Recheck your hole even if your find was trash. Good

targets are often found beneath the bad ones.

7. Practice. Practice over known targets. Practice ground

balancing. Practice pinpointing. Reread the appropriate
part of this manual if you’re having problems.

NOTE: Whichever method you choose, remember that responsible
treasure hunters take pride in their ability to leave soil and vegetation
intact and undamaged.

TARGET RECOVERY

23

RECOVERY TOOLS

A heavy duty blunt screwdriver, sturdy hunting knife, or garden
trowel are commonly used. Made especially for the Hobby of
Metal Detecting are several well designed sand scoops, trowels,
and digging tools . See your local dealer for more information.

FALSE SIGNALS

24

A “False Signal” occurs when something sounds like a good
target, but is not. Your CZ-3D does a great job of discriminating,
but bad “targets” with similar electrical characteristics can fool
it. Large pieces of trash or items very close to the search coil will
occasionally sound “good”. Experience is the best teacher. As
you accumulate more hours with your CZ-3D, you will soon learn
how to distinguish “false signals”. Initially when you pass over a
target, and get a good response, you will find that crossing over the
target once or twice more, the signal will break up or completely
disappear.

The following are some sources of false signals and the solution:

1. Electrical Interference: Caused by radio and TV towers, power
lines, or other metal detectors.
SOLUTION: Move farther away from the source, slow down the
sweep speed, or lower the sensitivity.

2. Highly Mineralized Soil: Soils with a high iron or salt content.
SOLUTION: Reduce the sensitivity, raise the discrimination level or
readjust the ground adjust setting..

3. Extremely Trashy Areas: May result in a lot of “chatter”.
SOLUTION: adjust the discrimination level or reduce the sensitivity.
In some areas, a smaller coil will be beneficial to better achieve
target seperation.

4. Metal Interference: The CZ-3D will pick up metal ABOVE and
on the SIDE of the coil, as well as under. WATCH FOR: Large metal
structures, your digging tool, metal in shoes and your coil cable
hanging loose above the coil.

FALSE SIGNALS

25

Coin lying at an angle

or on edge.

Long ferrous object (nail).

Large deep target

(water pipe).

?

Figure 8. TARGETS THAT AREN’T THERE.

Your CZ-3D doesn’t require a lot of care. It’s built with high quality
materials 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 a while, take

the batteries out. Acid damage caused by leaking
batteries can be severe.

2. Avoid extreme temperatures. Don’t leave it inside

a closed car sitting in the sun, or even worse, the
trunk of a car.

3. If you “scrub” the search coil on the ground, you’ll

eventually wear through the bottom of the coil.
Replacement coils are expensive. Instead, invest in
a coil cover. They’re cheap.

4. Keep your CZ-3D dry and clean. If you’ve been

working in or around salt water or dust, wipe it down
with a damp cloth and dry it with a hair dryer (low or
no heat) or dry cloth. Remove and clean the lower
stem. Keep the lock nut free of sand and dirt.

MAINTENANCE

26

TREASURE HUNTERS’ 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 fill 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.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

Check your batteries frequently by clicking the SENSITIVITY control
counter clockwise into the BATT test position. The condition of the
batteries will be indicated in two ways:

1) An Audio Tone. The stronger the better. A loud, high-pitched

tone indicates good batteries. A weak, low-pitched tone
indicates weak batteries.

2) A Meter Reading. Replace the batteries when the needle falls

below gray BATT area. Two nine volt transistor batteries are
located in a compartment at the rear of the housing. Always
replace both batteries at the same time. You may also use
rechargeable Nicads but expect about 1/2 the battery life
of an alkaline battery.

1. Remove the battery door by loosening the two

captive screws.

2. Tilt the housing slightly and the batteries will slide out.

3. Install the new batteries. Make sure the contact end

goes in first and that you match the polarity markings
on the battery door.

If either or both of the batteries are installed incorrectly,
the CZ-3D will not turn on. The instrument will not
be damaged.

4. Finger tighten the screws down snugly. Do not use a

screwdriver or other hand tool.

Figure 9. BATTERY REPLACEMENT

27

SPECIFICATIONS

1

LENGTH 2 .............................Extended .......................................................51"

..............................................Collapsed 3 ................................................. 41”

WEIGHT 2 ...........................Complete ............................................... 3.7 lbs

Control Housing ...................................... 1.5 lbs

Handle and Coil ..................................... 2.2 lbs

FREQUENCY .....................................................................................................

1. Multiple Frequency Transmit &

Dual, VLF Receive4 .........5 KHz and 15 KHz

................................................. 2. Target Response:

................................................. Iron ID ...........................................200 Hz (LO)

................................................. Foil ................................... 350 Hz (MID LOW)

Tabs ............................................450 Hz (MID)

Coin ID ............................................ 1 KHz (HI)

................................................. Auto tone ................... 500 Hz -1 KHz (VCO)

5

Pinpoint/Depth ......... 500 Hz -1 KHz (VCO)

5

OPERATING MODES ........................................................................................

Auto Tone - VLF-Motion 6, all metal with threshold tone
Target ID - VLF Slow Motion 6, silent search discrimination Meter .. Lock on 7
categories

PINPOINT/DEPTH .................... VLF, all metal, no motion

BATTERIES ..........................................................................................................

Drop-in, no wires .................... Yes

Type ........................................ Two, 9-Volt Alkaline 7

Life ........................................... 10-20 hours

2

SPECIAL FEATURES ...........................................................................................

Manual Ground Adjust ......... Yes

Manual Threshold Tuning ..... Auto tune mode only

Wet Sand Operation ............ Yes 8

Handle Mount/ Hip Mount ... Yes

Audio Output Jack .............. Stereo Headphones(Optional)

Faint Target Audio Boost ...... Yes

9

Speaker .................................. Yes

Tone ........................................ 4 tones plus bell tone for large shallow targets

Universal Arm Rest/Detector Stand

28

NOTES:

1. Subject to improvement or modification without notice.

2. Approximate.

3. The CZ-3D disassembles to fit into an optional carrying case measuring

approximately 6" x 21" x 15".

4. The CZ-3D Fourier Domain Signal Analysis transmits multiple frequencies

simultaneously and processes two received frequencies for deeper

target ID in mineralized soil.

5. VCO: Voltage Controlled Oscillator. Volume and frequency increase as

target is approached for pinpoint accuracy.

6. The CZ-3D is a motion detector in the AUTOTUNE and Target ID modes. The

search coil must be moving at least slightly to detect a target.

7. For maximum performance and battery life, always use Alkaline Batteries.

8. Compensates for salt water and sand minerals simultaneously.

9. Volume control limits loud-target response, amplifies faint targets when

level is set above 5.

10. ESI: Electro-Static Insulated to eliminate certain types of false signals.

SPECIFICATIONS

SEARCH COIL ...................................................................................................

Type ........................................ Concentric, Co-planar Spider Coil

Diameter ................................ 8"

Shielding ................................. 100% ESI

10

Interchangeable .................. Yes

Submersible ............................ Yes

WARRANTY ................................Lifetime Limited Warranty*

*Warranty may vary outside of the United States, see your dealer for details

OPTIONAL ITEMS ............................................................................................................

Coil covers, hard carrying case, 10 1/2" Spider coil, 5" search coil, carry
bag, holster, Fisher phones, stereo phones

29

EXPORT DEPARTMENT

280 State Street, Suite 202

North Haven, CT 06473 USA

Tel [phone] Fax [phone]

email: fi[e-mail]

FISHER RESEARCH LABORATORY

200 West Willmott Road

Los Banos, California 93635

tel [phone] fax [phone]

www.fisherlab.com info@fisherlab.com

•QUALITY•

Fisher detectors are renowned for their quality construction.

In the Fisher tradition, each and every detector

is hand crafted with pride.

•PERFORMANCE•

Since 1931, treasure hunters worldwide have relied on Fisher.

Proven in the field durable, dependable, deeper.

•REPUTATION•

Dr. Fisher invented the first patented metal detector over 70

years ago. Today, Fisher continues to set the standard

by which all detectors are judged.

•LIFETIME WARRANTY•

Fisher believes in the products we produce and backs this belief

with a Lifetime Warranty,the best in the industry, for a lifetime of

service & satisfaction. 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#8730019-A