Garrett Metal Detectors GTAx 550 User Manual

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING GARRETT METAL DETECTORS!

Congratulations! As the proud owner of the Garrett GTAx 550™ you have joined an international family of treasure hunters. Men, women and children alike have used their Garrett detectors to find coins, relics and gold nuggets that are valued in the millions of dollars. So, to get the most out your GTAx 550 and treasure hunting experiences be sure to carefully read through this Owner's Manual!

Your GTAx 550 is engineered with microprocessor based technology and is backed by 40 years of metal detection research and development by Garrett's leading team of engineers. It is remarkable in its ability to locate coins, jewelry and other metallic objects at exciting depths. And with Garrett's revolutionary Graphic Target Analyzer (GTA™) display that offers

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target acceptance / rejection, precise discrimination and other key information, you can spend more time digging treasure and less time digging trash!

The GTAx 550 is factory preset to begin operation in the COINS mode. Simply press the POWER touchpad on your new GTAx 550 and immediately begin hunting without the troublesome interference from typical trash items or ground minerals. Of course, you can easily adjust the detector to operate in its other hunting mode.

Thank you for choosing Garrett Metal Detectors! Again, welcome to our treasure hunting family. In becoming a part of this great tradition and hobby, you have made the right start to successful treasure hunting.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GTAx 550 6 Parts 7 Assembly 8 Features 11 Target ID Legend 11 Upper Scale 12 Lower Scale 12 Batt (Battery) 13 Hip Mount 13 Touchpads / Controls 15 Power 15 Pinpoint 16 Set Depth 16 Accept / Reject 18 Set Audio 18

- and + 20 Hunting with the GTAx 550 21 Pinpointing 22 Coin Depth Measurement 24 Proper Scanning Techniques 25 Junk Targets 28

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Making Adjustments 29 Mode A (Zero Discrimination) 31 Mode B (Coins) 31 Setting Discrimination 32 Bench Tests 36 Test Plot Construction 38 Headphone Jack 39 Batteries 40 Searchcoils 43 Recommended Accessories 44 Maintenance 45 Specialized Hunting 46 Service & Repair 49 Recommended Reading 51 RAM Books Order Form 53 Specifications 55 Mind Your Manners! 57 Warning! 58

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GARRETT GTAx 550™

Lower

Stem

Searchcoil

Knob

Washer

Threaded

Bolt

Upper

Spring

Clip

S-shaped

Ramrod Stem

Handle

Grip

Stem

Detector

Stand

Control

Housing

LCD

Screen

Touchpad

Controls

Padded

Arm Cuff

Headphone

Jack

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PARTS

Before assembling your

GTAx 550 metal detector ensure you have the complete set of parts, which include:

• Control Housing w/ S-Ramrod Stem

• Upper Stem

• Lower Stem with Spring Clip

• Two (2) Mounting Washers

• One (1) Wing Nut

• One (1) Threaded Bolt

• Searchcoil with Cable

• Instruction Video (not shown below)

• Warranty Registration Card If any part is missing, contact your local dealer.

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GTAx 550 ASSEMBLY

No tools are required to assemble the

GTAx 550.

Hand tighten all necessary parts.

1. Press the two Mounting Washers into the Lower Stem. Figure 1.

Figure 1

2. Slide the searchcoil onto the Stem. Figure 2

Figure 2

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3. Insert the Threaded Bolt through the holes of the Lower Stem and Searchcoil. Hand-tighten the searchcoil assembly with the remaining Wing Nut. Figure 3.

Figure 3

4. Depress the Spring Clip and insert the Control Housing into the Upper Stem.

5. Depress the Spring Clip in the Lower Stem to adjust to the most comfortable operating length. Figure 4.

Figure 4

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6.Wrap the Searchcoil cable snugly about the stem with the first turn of the cable over the stem. Figure 5.

7. Insert the Cable into the Connector of the Control

Figure 5

Housing and hand-tighten. Figure 6.

Figure 6

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FEATURES

GTAx 550 is designed with Garrett's exclusive

The Graphic Target ID technology, which indicates the probable identity of a target along a horizontal scale that reads from low conductive metals (e.g iron) on the left to high conductive metals (e.g. silver) on the right.

1. Target ID Legend - A Target ID Legend is located directly above the LCD screen and indicates commonly found targets and metals. When a target

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is detected, the Target ID cursor will appear below the word or symbol that most likely indicates the type of target found, based on its conductivity.

2. Upper Scale - The Upper Scale has four purposes:

• Indicates target discovered

• Indicates levels of settings

• Indicates maximum pinpoint signal

• Indicates the cursor's location for changing discrimination notches

3. Lower Scale - The Lower horizontal scale, or Notch Discrimination Scale, indicates the discrimination pattern where the

GTAx 550 will or will not produce an audible signal when a target is located. No audible signal will be produced when a target is located where a notch (regions of Lower Scale where no segments are visible) is present.

The Lower Scale also indicates Coin Depth when pinpointing.

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5. BATT (Battery) - Battery condition is reported continuously by the horizontal row of squares on the lower right of the GTA display. Four are visible when fully charged batteries are being used. When only one square remains, battery life is two hours or less. Although it is not necessary to change batteries until this warning flashes, you should always have spares so that you will be ready. When using rechargeable batteries, only three squares will generally be illuminated with fully charged batteries. However, when only one square is visible, battery life has diminished to two hours or less.

6. Hip Mount - Hip mount adaptability is built into the 550. Since no extension cable cord is required, you never have to worry about winding it around the detector's stem or carrying it with you.

When you slip off the hip mount battery pack and attach it to your belt with the built-in clip, you reduce the weight of your detector by almost a pound. The cable cord is conveniently coiled to prevent tangling. When you use this hip mount feature the detector

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weighs less than 2 pounds. Yet, all of the controls are still easily accessible and your

GTAx 550 display is visible on the control stem of the detector.

The removable hip mount pack and built in coiled cable permit easy reassembly for carrying and storage.

When reassembling, make certain the coil cored slides into its tube and is not pinched in any way between the armrest and battery compartment.

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TOUCHPADS / CONTROLS

1 .

POWER - Press and release the POWER touchpad

to turn the detector on and off.

Note: After turning the detector off, wait 3 to 5 seconds before turning on again.

The POWER touchpad can also be used to reset all settings to factory preset by pressing and holding for 5 to 10 seconds, or until the detectors beeps.

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2. PINPOINT (Coin Depth) - Activates pinpointing function and indicates depth of coin-sized targets on the Lower Scale of the Graphic Display.

3. LAST MODE - Returns the detector to the operating mode previously used. This touchpad can be particularly helpful while scanning because it effectively converts your GTAx 550 into a dual mode detector.

NOTE: Pressing and releasing the touchpad makes it easy to alternate between the A and B Modes.

4. SET DEPTH (Sensitivity) - Permits using the + and - touchpads to regulate depth (sensitivity) of the detector. When the Depth touchpad is pressed, the display screen will appear with factory settings at approximately 75%, as indicated on the Upper Scale. You can use the + and - touchpads to adjust the depth (sensitivity) to which your detector will operate effectively.

After pressing the Depth touchpad, press (+) to

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increase depth and sensitivity; press (-) to decrease. A single touch and release adjusts the level in a small increment. A continuous pressing results in a continuous adjustment. When you have made your adjustment, press Depth again to reenter your previous operating mode.

Although maximum depth is usually desired, any detector's circuitry may be limited by the type of soils over which you are scanning, electromagnetic or power line interference, etc. Such considerations as ground mineralization will also inhibit the detector's ability to interpret target information. This Depth (Sensitivity) control option permits you to regulate sensitivity. This will result in achieving the maximum detection depth possible in relation to any existing condition.

Garrett engineers designed your

GTAx 550 for maximum detection depth power, but you may not always be able to operate at a depth setting of 100%; the same way you wouldn't operate your automobile at 100% of its speed. Outside electromagnetic

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interference and irregular ground mineralization may sometimes require reduced sensitivity which usually results in less detection depth.

Do not worry about losing "deep" targets when you reduce this setting. You will not lose any depth since you will always be operating as deeply as soil conditions permit.

Attempting to operate above a sensitivity level that permits a quiet and stable audio threshold may actually cause you to miss deep targets you would have found had you not "pushed" the detector.

5. ACCEPT / REJECT - Permits acceptance or rejection of specific target segments shown on the Lower Scale to establish discrimination notches.

6. SET AUDIO - Permits using the + and touchpads to regulate the audio threshold. When the audio touchpad is pressed, the display screen will appear, use the (+) and (-) touchpads to adjust the threshold of sound that is constantly being

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produced by the GTAx 550 as it scans. Multiple touches and releases are necessary to increase or decrease threshold by one Upper Scale segment at a time.

You can search silently or at any level of constant sound. It is recommended that you always operate the instrument at a minimum level of sound. You can hear the audio increase sharply whenever a target is encountered.

Also, you will be able to hear even the faint signals that sometimes occur on tiny targets or deeply buried coins. When headphones are used, it will usually be necessary to decrease the threshold level since sound is more audible through headphones.

After you have made audio adjustments, press AUDIO to re-enter your previous operating mode.

GTAx 550 is equipped with Garrett's exclusive

The

™

Belltone Coin Alert

that produces a distinctive ringing tone when a target of high conductivity, usually a coin, is discovered.

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- AND + - Use these touchpads to adjust levels of threshold and depth and to move the cursor in the Upper Scale when setting the discrimination.

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HUNTING WITH THE GTAx 550

There are no dials to turn and no controls to adjust. Just take the handle of your

GTAx 550 and lower the searchcoil to a level of about one foot above the ground. Press and release the POWER touchpad. After you hear two beeps, the GTAx 550 is ready for detecting in Mode B, which is a factory pre-set COINS mode. Whenever the detector has been in use, it will always return to the mode that was being used when it was turned off.

NOTE: Only a light touch is necessary to activate a touchpad.

As noted, the GTAx 550 begins operating with discrimination at factory-set levels. These settings can be changed easily but you may never want to do so. It is recommended that you use these settings the first few hours of hunting with your detector.

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Target Identification

Target identification of the last target over which the searchcoil passed will be indicated on the Upper Scale of the graphic display. In most cases the type of coin can also be determined by using the coin ID guide. Encrustation or patina—and sometimes ground mineralization—may affect conductivity of the coin resulting in improper classification.

Recovery

Whenever your detector locates a target, you'll want to recover it with the least amount of digging. Locating your target precisely will enable you to recover it by digging the smallest hole possible. This is accomplished by pinpointing. (You can then utilize another function of the

GTAx 550 for

measuring coin depth.)

1. Manual Pinpointing

Pinpoint targets by first drawing an imaginary X on the ground with the searchcoil at the place where maximum sound occurs. You'll notice that the searchcoil must be moving slightly and that you

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cannot maintain detection sound with the searchcoil held completely still above your target. This is called manual pinpointing and for many treasure hunters proves completely satisfactory.

2. Electronic Pinpointing

Precise pinpointing is an important capability of your GTAx 550. When you press and hold the pinpoint touchpad, the searchcoil can remain steady, directly over your target. Move it around slightly and maximum sound will be heard when the target is directly over your target. This increase will be further reflected in the Upper Scale of your graphic display. Illumination of the Lower Scale's segments from left to right will indicate the depth of your target.

For the most effective electronic pinpointing, place the searchcoil on the ground near your target's apparent location. Press and hold the Pinpoint touchpad. Scan back and forth across the target, maintaining searchcoil contact with the ground. You will notice an even, more distinct audio sound when the target is directly beneath the searchcoil's center.

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You can also watch the Upper Scale illuminate from right to left to indicate signal strength. The maximum reading attained toward the left will indicate exact target location.

Coin Depth Measurement

When Pinpoint button is held down, the lower scale indicates the target's depth in inches.

Pinpoint targets as directed above. After completing the pinpoint operation (maximum reading on the Upper Scale) and while still pressing the Pinpoint touchpad, check the Lower Scale to determine coin depth in inches. You will notice that coin depth always indicates the shallowest (most accurate) reading even though subsequent scans across the target, off center, show greater depth on the Lower Scale.

Since the final step in recovery usually entails digging, you will want to develop your own method(s)

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of digging targets, depending on the grass, soil conditions, etc. Always make as small a hole as possible. It is quicker, requires less work and makes refilling easier. You should always fill your holes.

Proper Scanning Techniques

Swing the searchcoil back and forth in front of you in a straight line. Keep the searchcoil moving at a rate of about one to two feet per second. Because of the sensitivity of the

GTAx 550 and its PROformance™ searchcoil, it is not necessary to operate with the searchcoil touching the ground. The recommended operating method is to hold the coil at a constant height about one or two inches above the ground. Detection of a metal target will be indicated by an increase in sound and indications on your display. Garrett's exclusive Belltone Coin Alert will indicate you have discovered a target of high conductivity, probably a coin.

Locate your target precisely by scanning back and forth over the target to determine where the signal is the loudest.

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The Upper Scale of the graphic display will indicate a detected target. This indication will remain for five seconds or until a new target is detected (whichever comes first). The Target ID Guide located above the Graphic Display will help identify your detected target.

When scanning, do not hurry. Walk at a pace that is comfortable. Be methodical. Do not skip any areas. Overlap each sweep at least 25% of the searchcoil's width. Wear headphones for greater sound perception and concentrate on your scanning.

Erratic Sounds

When a metallic object is accepted, the detector's speaker or headphone sound will increase from your audio threshold level. Some rejected targets, however, may cause the audio to "break up" or sound erratic. This is generally a response to shallow trash targets and can be remedied by raising the height of your searchcoil when scanning. Another indication of a reject target is an audio

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signal as you scan one way and no response when scanning from the other direction.

With Experience

After you have used the

GTAx 550 for only a short time, you will be surprised at how proficient you have become with it. Do not expect to achieve the greatest accuracy and success until you have hunted with this detector for at least 100 hours or more. Don't forget to take Charles Garrett's advice to press only one touchpad and search in the factory preset Coins Mode for at least 10 hours during your learning phase.

Perfect practice makes more perfect treasure hunting. The more you use your detector in the correct manner, the more treasure you are likely to discover.

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JUNK TARGETS

GTAx 550, in its factory set B (Coins) detection

Your mode, will not respond audibly to most junk items. Occasionally, you'll encounter targets that cause the detector to respond with a quick, sharp sound, not like the clear, strong signal of a coin. Before you dig up some of the targets that make irregular audio "blips", see how they register on the Upper Scale of the graphic display. Learn to recognize them. Because your

GTAx 550, in the factory preset Mode B is set primarily to hunt coins, it will also precisely identify small junk targets. Some larger objects such as aluminum cans may, however, present a "good" audio signal due to their composition. This is normal.

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MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

When you first press the POWER touchpad, your GTAx 550 is ready to hunt, in the B (Coins) operating mode with threshold, depth and discrimination preset at the factory. Any or all of these operating levels can be easily changed.

Whenever your detector is on it will return to the detection mode in which it was previously being used. Mode selection will be illuminated on the graphic display. You can change to the other mode simply by pressing the Last Mode touchpad.

In addition to the familiar Zero and Coins discrimination detection modes preset at the factory as Modes A and B, the

GTAx 550 permits a user to design personal modes through use of the (+) and (-) touchpads. It is important to remember that these special modes of detection can be chosen at the discretion of the individual operator. Many

GTAx

550 owners will never use individual modes and will

hunt only in the preset B (Coins) or A (Zero) modes.

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Relic hunters, prospectors and others may adapt one of these to hunt for specific targets.

Any personal preference adjustments you have set

GTAx 550 with the various operating functions

in the will be retained when the detector is turned off. Because ground and / or atmospheric conditions can vary from place to place, it may be necessary for you to adjust DEPTH (Sensitivity) occasionally.

Remember that you can instantly restore the factory-set levels of all its controls. Simply press and hold the POWER touchpad for approximately ten seconds, or until the detector beeps.

Operating Mode Descriptions

The GTAx 550 is a slow-motion detector with precise ground balance. The searchcoil can be hovered over a target for only a few seconds because of automatic circuitry. It should always be kept moving slightly for proper target detection to occur, except when the pinpoint touchpad is pressed. Detection will then continue with the touchpad depressed, even when the searchcoil is stationary.

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Mode A (Zero Discrimination)

You will want to hunt in this detection mode, which is preset with no discrimination, when searching for caches or deep relics. You may also wish to hunt in this mode when hunting in areas with many targets spaced closely together. This will help to identify individual targets and improve recovery of coins and other treasure. Gold hunting will also be carried out in a ZERO discrimination mode. Because no discrimination is programmed in this mode, your detector will give an audible signal announcing every piece of metal it scans over. Remember, you can always return to the alternate discrimination mode to quickly check a target by pressing the LAST MODE touchpad.

Mode B (Coins)

Discrimination preset at the factory mode is designed to eliminate the detection of lower conductivity trash targets normally encountered in coin hunting such as foil, nails and most pull tabs. Bent pull tabs and pull tab pieces may not be eliminated from detection. Successful treasure hunters, however, expect to dig some junk on occasion.

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Setting Discrimination (Selecting Notches)

Using only the discrimination of its two factory-set operating modes, the GTAx 550 will more than satisfy the requirements of almost every treasure hunter. Many will never require any other discrimination. Still, this detector offers more; it offers precise controls that enable any treasure hunter to tailor a detection mode to his or her specific requirements by setting accept/reject notches.

The Lower Scale of the Graphic Display contains segments. Those that are displayed represent targets that will cause the detector's sound to increase when they are detected. In Mode A for instance, all segments shown indicate that every metal target will cause the

GTAx 550 to respond audibly. Specific notches can be created by adding or removing targets from acceptance in either operating mode.

Every target detected will always be indicated by the target ID cursor.

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There are two ways to set discrimination.

First method: Press the (+) and (-) touchpads to position the blinking Upper Scale cursor above the Lower Scale segment corresponding to the particular target to be detected or ignored. If the segment is displayed, that particular target will be detected. If you wish to reject that type of target, press the ACCEPT/REJECT touchpad. The segment will disappear, creating a reject notch. If the Lower Scale segment is not displayed, press the ACCEPT/REJECT touchpad to illuminate it, creating an accept notch, and your

GTAx 550 will begin

detecting targets represented by that segment.

Second method: Pass the searchcoil over an object to be accepted or rejected as a target or pass the particular target across the face of the coil about two inches from its surface. Check to make certain there is an appropriate cursor on the Upper Scale of the Graphic Display. Then press ACCEPT/REJECT depending upon your discrimination choice for this specific target.

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Note: Each time the detector is turned off, the accept/reject discrimination selections will be retained in both modes. All selections will be lost when you return your detector to the factory set detection calibrations by pressing and holding the POWER touchpad for 10 seconds or until it beeps.

There are reasons why you would want to accept or reject specific targets. For example:

You may be looking for only one item, a certain lost piece of jewelry for example. You can program the GTAx 550 to reject all other types of metal targets.

You may be hunting in an area where you encounter large amounts of a specific type of trash. You can reject just this type of trash and continue to hunt with no other discrimination detecting all other metal.

You may have your own special ideas for designing a detection mode. The

GTAx 550 gives you unlimited

opportunities to try out any and all of your ideas.

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Special Note on Settings

If you are ever unsure about the settings of your detector, simply press and hold the POWER touchpad for 10 seconds, or until the detector beeps, to restore the detector to the factory set B (Coins) mode.

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BENCH TESTS

Bench Tests enable you to test typical trash items and to learn about the discrimination capabilities

GTAx 550 before taking it into the field or

of the trying to set your own discrimination notches. The following tests should be performed with the searchcoil perpendicular to a bench, floor or other non-metallic surface and several feet away from any metallic object.

1. Select the factory preset A mode of operation with no discrimination (all Lower scale segments displayed). Bring various metallic targets across the bottom of the coil at a distance of about two inches. All targets will cause the sound to increase, which

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represents true non-discrimination operation.

2. Use the Last Mode touchpad to select the alternate detection mode with its factory preset B discrimination notches. On your graphic display, Mode B will be illuminated. Bring the same targets across the bottom of the searchcoil and listen for the sound to increase when each item is scanned. Notice the specific cursor(s) in the Upper Scale of the Graphic display that are shown when various target(s) are scanned across the coil.

3. Begin to experiment with the (+) and (-), ACCEPT/ REJECT touchpads. Notice carefully which of the 24 segments are illuminated by targets. Try to imagine how these targets will affect your search for coins. The possibilities are truly countless; your only limit is your imagination.

4. Be methodical. Keep written records of your results and use them when hunting in the field.

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TEST PLOT CONSTRUCTION

As you operate and use your

GTAx 550, you will quickly grow more proficient in its use. It is recommended that you build your own test plot. Bury several items, including a nail, a piece of foil, a pull tab, a bottle cap and several coins at depths ranging from one to four inches. Bury them about 18 inches apart and clearly mark the location of each target. Then scan and study the detection signals.

Remember that newly buried objects, especially coins, will be somewhat more difficult to detect than items that have been buried for some time. This is primarily

a metallurgical phenomenon. Experiment with various

detection modes and pay attention to both audio and graphic display signals as you scan over your test plot. Note carefully the response of your detector at various settings.

Practice pinpointing and locating targets precisely.

Use both the manual and the electronic methods of

pinpointing.

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HEADPHONE JACK

The headphone jack on the

GTAx 550 is located at the rear of the removable battery pack under the armrest. Headphones are a valuable accessory for any metal detector to mask interference from outside noise. They permit you to hear small and deep targets that might be missed when using only audio from the detector speaker. Headphones are particularly essential when you are hunting where noise of people and/or traffic is excessive.

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BATTERIES

GTAx 550 is equipped with two battery packs,

The each holding four standard AA batteries. The detector is also designed to use rechargeable batteries (NiMH). It is recommended that top quality heavy duty or alkaline batteries be used. All adjustments or settings you have entered into the detector will be replaced by the factory settings when batteries are removed for approximately four minutes or more.

Although standard battery packs can be used interchangeably in the detector, it is recommended that both packs being used at the same time always contain the same type of battery. For example, don't mix carbon zinc and alkaline batteries.

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The GTAx 550 should operate 25 to 35 hours with carbon or alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries will offer slightly less time, depending upon the type used. These estimates are for speaker operation. Operating with headphones will extend battery life.

Battery Replacement

1. Turn the detector off by pressing the POWER touchpad.

2. Slide the battery case back slightly from its normal position beneath the arm rest. Place both thumbs on the lower sides of the cuff with your fingers on the front of the case. Firm pressure will then disengage the case from below the armrest and allow it to slide backward.

3. Slide the two covers up on the battery panel and remove them completely.

4. Take out the battery holders (which are not connected by wire) by tilting the battery pack. Each of the holders contains four AA batteries.

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5. Press out the old batteries from the holders.

6. Install the new batteries. Carefully observe polarity of the batteries and place them in the holders.

7. Replace the holders in the detector. It is important that you make certain that the rivet on each battery holder is visible in the center of the battery case. If the holders are replaced incorrectly, it will be difficult to install the battery covers.

8. Press the battery covers down firmly.

Remember when the battery pack is removed for more than four minutes, you will lose settings you have made in audio, depth and disc. All settings will automatically return to those set at the factory.

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It is recommended that you remove the batteries when the detector is not in use, particularly for a period of several weeks. Always take the four batteries out of each holder when storing them. You can then reinsert the empty holders into your detector to prevent their being misplaced.

Caution: Use only high quality rechargeable, carbon, alkaline or heavy duty batteries.

SEARCHCOILS

The 7"x10" PROformance searchcoil that comes with your

GTAx 550 is suitable for searching for

almost any target in any terrain.

Optional searchcoils are also available for the

GTAx

550.

The 10"x14" DD PROformance Elliptical—Use in areas with moderate to heavily mineralized soils. Part No. 2217200

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The 9"x12" PROformance—Use to increase detection depth and scanning width for hunting a broad target range. Part No. 2220700

The 4.5" Super Sniper

™—Use in trashy locations

or in tight places where a larger searchcoil will not reach. Part No. 2218800

When changing searchcoils, only hand tighten the knobs. Never use tools of any kind.

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

Headphones 10"X14" DD elliptical searchcoil 9"x12" PROformance searchcoil

4.5" Super Sniper searchcoil Carry bag Coin hunter kit (pouch, probe, digging tool) Coil covers

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MAINTENANCE

Your

GTAx 550 is a sensitive instrument built to withstand rugged treatment in the outdoors. Use your Garrett detector to the fullest extent, yet always protect and handle it with reasonable care.

• Avoid extreme temperatures as much as possible, such as storing the detector in an automobile trunk during the summer or winter months. When storing longer than about one month, remove the battery holders and batteries from the detector.

• Keep the detector clean. Wipe the housing after use and wash the coil when necessary. Protect

GTAx 550 from dust and sand as much as

the possible.

• Your 7x10"

PROformance searchcoil is submersible, but your GTAx 550's control housing is not. Never submerge the control housing and always protect it from heavy mist, rain or blowing surf.

• Disassemble the stem and wipe it clean after use in sandy areas.

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SPECIALIZED HUNTING

For literature that will explain more about the various types of hunting possible with your

GTAx 550 see

the RAM Books section (page 53).

Although it has universal capabilities, the

GTAx

550 has been designed primarily as a coin hunting

metal detector. The greater depth and precise discrimination patterns possible with microprocessor controlled circuitry combine with the detector's light weight and ease of handling to make is a superb instrument for finding coins and metallic jewelry.

Finding Coins—Whether you choose to hunt for coins and jewelry in a park or at the beach, the Coins Mode offers discrimination that responds ideally to conditions normally encountered. From time to time you will discover specific trash targets that are not being eliminated from detection by factory-set discrimination. Here's how to use the ACCEPT/ REJECT touchpad to eliminate junk targets.

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Move your searchcoil across one type of these pieces of trash metal. Watch the target ID cursor for its response and push the ACCEPT/REJECT touchpad. You'll have no more trouble from that type of junk. When you use discrimination segments on

GTAx 550 to determine a proper discrimination

your pattern, you'll spend less time digging trash and more time digging coins! Some jewelry hunters, however, prefer to hunt with no discrimination, especially on the beach.

Finding Relics—Relics of all shapes and sizes can be found with a GTAx 550. To find them, however, you will want to search with all Discrimination segments turned on (Zero discrimination) and you must be prepared to dig metallic trash since your detector will sound off on any metal object it locates.

Finding Gold—Gold and other precious metals can also be found in various forms with a

GTAx 550. You will most likely be searching for gold nuggets, which this detector can locate in streams or on dry land.

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Since the 550 is a motion detector, it is capable of finding only somewhat larger nuggets (at least BB size).

It must be emphasized that prospectors using the GTAx 550, or any other quality detector, usually prefer to operate in the Zero Discrimination Mode. When prospecting, discrimination may reduce the amount of small nuggets found, but some areas contain so much iron trash that a small amount of discrimination becomes highly desirable, even necessary. A special notch can eliminate a particular junk metal target if needed.

Hard work, patience and research are three of the keys to success in electronic prospecting. Research is important because it is vital that gold always be found in areas where it is known to exist. More information is contained in

You Can Find Gold with

a Metal Detector.

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SERVICE AND REPAIR

In case of difficulty, read this Owner's Manual thoroughly to make certain your detector is not inoperable due to manual adjustments (Press and hold the POWER button for ten (10) seconds to return to the factory recommended settings). Contact your dealer for additional assistance.

When your detector must be returned to the factory for service, make certain:

You have checked batteries, switches and connectors. (Weak batteries are the most common cause of detector "failure".)

You have contacted your dealer, particularly if you are not familiar with the

GTAx 550.

You have included a letter that fully describes the problem and conditions under which they occur. Make certain to include your name, address and a phone number where you can be contacted between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., C.S.T.

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You have carefully packed the detector in its original shipping carton or other suitable box.

Make certain that proper insulation or packing material is used to secure all parts. Do not ship stems or headphones unless they are part of the problem. Be certain to return all coils. Ship to: Garrett Metal Detectors 1881 West State Street Garland, Texas 75042

Call Garrett's Customer Service Department (800527-4011) if you have further questions. Please allow approximately one week for Garrett technicians to examine and repair your detector after they receive it, plus another week for return shipping. All equipment will be returned UPS or parcel post unless written authorization is given by you to ship collect by air parcel post, UPS Blue (air) or air freight.

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Garrett Metal Detectors GTAx 550 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual