Marshall Amplification Field Marshall 100, Field Marshall 4000, Field Marshall 800, Field Marshall 1000 Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
OWNER’S GUIDE
Page 1
Field Marshall Tracking Receiver
Contents:
Introduction........................................................................ 3
Getting Started.................................................................. 4
Receiver Controls ........................................................6-11
In the Field—A Quick Tutorial ..................................... 12
Frequently Asked Questions ........................................ 16
Advanced Telemetry ...................................................... 23
Radio Propagation.......................................................... 28
Tracking Strategies ........................................................ 34
Warranty .......................................................................... 40
Page 2
Owner’s Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the all new digital Field Marshall receiver.
It combines superior range and convenience in a compact and rugged design.
The Field Marshall is great for tracking Marshall Transmitters under any condi-
tions (see page 37).
- More frequencies (100, 800, 1000, or 4000 frequency models).
- Broad and smoother tuning.
- Increased range (more than any other receiver, and equal to
the Marshall Stealth).
- Much less noise and static interference
- Pinpoint accuracy (to within inches of the transmitter).
- Omni-directional sound.
- Smaller, narrower size.
- More rugged antenna design.
- Quick-Release handle.
- Improved range detection.
The digital Field Marshall won’t sound like your old receiver, because it has
unique Polyphase Filters that dramatically reduce the background noise. The
quietness means that you will hear the desired signal crystal clear and be able
to keep the volume down without blasting your ears with noise.
This quietness translates into better range and increased speed in finding your
transmitter.
Page 3
Field Marshall Tracking Receiver
Introduction, cont.
“The Quiet One” comes through with a more effective and pleasant
tracking experience.
The Quiet One
™
When you turn on your Digital Field Marshall, you’ll notice the
quietness immediately. You usually won’t turn it up as loud as
your old receiver because you don’t have to. While other
receivers are producing lots of noise, the new Field Marshall is
producing more signal.
How does the digital Field Marshall’s lower noise translate into better range? Well,
the answer is that with all receivers it’s the noise floor of the receiver that ultimately
limits its range. Any receiver can amplify a weak signal from a faraway transmitter.
The problem is that when you turn up the volume to amplify that weak signal the
noise just gets louder as well and continues to overpower the signal*. That’s why
the difference between a mediocre receiver and the best receiver is sophisticated
filtering and expensive electronic devices that minimize noise. It turns out that’s the
only way to increase the range of a receiver. Other receivers simply make a loud
sound, but loudness alone means nothing in terms of range.
* The technical term for the sensitivity of a receiver, or its ability to discern weak signals, is
the signal-to-noise ratio. A higher signal-to-noise ratio translates directly into better sensitivity and range, regardless of how loud the actual output of the receiver is.
Page 4
Owner’s Manual
Getting Started
The first thing to understand is how to deploy the collapsible yagi antenna,
which is a full-size three element Yagi Antenna for maximum range and
pin-point accuracy, using Marshall’s patented design.
Remove the receiver
from whatever carrying case you
are using (hunting bag, holster or
First, remove you r receiver from your
field holster or backpack.
1
carrying case) and hold it pointing away.
Push forward on the rear
2
(instantly!) flip out into the open position.
Warning: to avoid injury be sure to keep a
careful distance from your face or
others when performing this procedure.
loaded elements will automatically
of the slide bar.
The spring-
Second, push forward on the rear of
the slide bar to release the springloa ded elements out in to po sition .
Lift the Center Elements
up and out of their slots one at a
time and let them spring open
.
3
G E T T I N G S T A R T E D
Ne xt, lift the ends of the center
ele ments, one at a time, up from
their notched holders. They will pop
out i nto their correct p ositions.
Page 5
Field Marshall Tracking Receiver
Reach forward and
extend the forward elements until it clicks into place.
4
M
E
R
picture above.
To collapse the antenna, follow the same steps in reverse:
G E T T I N G S T A R T E D
Finall y, pull the director e lements ou t forward until they click at their ex-
tende d position. The yagi is now fully e xtended and ready for use.
The antenna won’t give its best range and pin-point
!
R
E
B
M
E
accuracy unless fully deployed as shown in the
- Slide the Slide Bar with the two Forward Elements
back toward the receiver.
- Rotate the Center Elements into their collapsed
position.
- Rotate the two Back Elements and click them into their
silver clips.
pull the slide bar forward
to fully
Page 6
Owner’s Manual
Turning It On
The receiver is turned on by rotating the Volume Knob on
5
6
They indicate the kilohertz (KHz) of
the frequency.
The frequency of the receiver is
very accurate (within one KHz) but
to get the best tone may need to set
the frequency 1 to 3 kHz above or
below the frequency marked on your transmitter. This is perfectly
normal. If you can’t hear the signal at all, try moving through the
whole range of numbers on the rightmost digit. For example, if your
transmitter is marked 216.025 you may end up tuning somewhere
between 216.022 and 216.028 (possibly even further away.)
The FM4000 Model has a
Switch
of which megahertz (MHz) band
you want to tune to. (For example,
each of the 216, 217, 218, and 219
MHz bands.)
the front panel. It turns off again by turning to the left with a
final click.
Tuning
The frequency is selected with the three numbered
switches (two switches in
the case of the FM100.)
which gives you a choice
The Fine Tune Knob
can adjust the frequency slightly (within one
KHz.) The tuning is very broad and not “touchy.”
When tracking an extremely weak signal this
knob is useful because you will get the best range by adjusting the
Fine Tune to the strongest pitch (about 700-800 Hertz, or the upper
end of the treble clef on a piano).
For everyday tracking you can set Fine Tune anywhere you want –
many people prefer very high tones because they are sound so
clear. Just tune to what sounds best to you.
Band
The FM1000
FM1000 gives 1000 different frequ ency
FM1000FM1000
choices.
The FM4000
FM 4000 gives 4000 different frequencies
FM 4000FM 4000
choices by providing a Band Selection Switch.
is available so you
G E T T I N G S T A R T E D
Page 7
Field Marshall Tracking Receiver
The
Range Switch
able to estimate the distance to the transmitter, a process called ranging. When
7
transmitter from a distance, the key question often
is, “when should I get out and start walking?” A
common mistake is getting out on foot too soon,
thinking you are near enough to walk. The
Medium
When the signal can be heard on Medium, you’re
close enough to get out and search on foot.
Note: Other receivers have powerful Medium settings which tend to fool
you into thinking a transmitter is closer than it is. This high sensitivity is
good on Far, but on Medium, this is not a virtue. The Field Marshall is
intentionally designed with a weaker, and more precise Medium range.
The
weak to be heard on Medium.
Comparing the range of two receivers set on Medium is like racing two
cars in only second gear — winning means nothing because the gear ratios
are arbitrary. Only compare performance of receivers with the ranges of
both receivers set to Far. To have a race, put them both in high gear.
G E T T I N G S T A R T E D
Solution: If the Receiver has lost directionality simply turn down the
Volume
you are driving in your vehicle toward the
setting helps you avoid this mistake.
Setting Action
Far Stay in car
Medium Start Walking
Near Look around you
Far
range setting is for use in all situations when the signal is too
, or switch to
Medium
is provided to be
The
Near
range setting is not
used in ordinary tracking. In
extreme situations it allows
you to accurately pinpoint a
transmitter which is very near
but hidden from sight.
As with any receiver, you want to avoid
overdriving it. This happens when you
turn up the
8
every direction, (sometimes the signal may
actually decrease in the direction of the
transmitter.)
doesn’t hurt the digital Field Marshall, but
makes it so you get the same signal in
or
Near
.
Volume
too far. Overdriving
Page 8
Owner’s Manual
Other Features . . .
Batteries
The digital Field Marshall uses six AAA
1.5 Volt batteries. You can use any name
brand Alkaline batteries, although more
expensive Lithium batteries can be used
for longer life. (Older style Zinc-Carbon
batteries are not recommended.) AAA
Lithium 1.5V batteries work better in cold
weather (below about -7º C (20º F).)
Actual battery life depends on many factors, including temperature and
how long it is used continuously. All batteries will run longer if used for
short periods of time with time to rest in between (rather than continuously
with no rest.)
Caution:
polarity as shown in the picture and
marked on the battery cover lid – negative
on the two sides and positive in the
middle.
The Low battery Light wil l begin to
come on when it is time to change
the batteries.
Please observe the battery
Energizer
Battery
Typical
Life
(hours)
AAA Alkaline 10.5 $.36
AAA Titanium 11.5 $.65
AAA Lithium 14.0 $1.07
Maintaining Directionality.
Avoid deflecting the Meter much more than full scale
(the Meter is not much use then anyway.) This can be
done by switching to Medium or Near or just turning
down the Volume.
Cost per
Hour
(USD)
Page 9
Field Marshall Tracking Receiver
External Power
The External Power Jack is available for
use with a standard 12 volt automotive
cigarette lighter adapter with a negative
ground. You can also use DC voltage
from any external source between 7.5
and 14 volts that can supply up to 200
mA.
Batteries in the receiver cannot be
recharged through the External Power
Jack.
Quick Release Handle
The handle can be conveniently removed
if desired by simply
turning the thumbwheel and
sliding the handle out.
Water
The Field Marshall is very water resistant, and the speakers are
completely waterproof. It should have no problem with an ordinary
rainstorm as long as you shield the Front Panel from the direct
spray of the rain. That said, the receiver is not warranted against
any water damage.
If water does get into the receiver (or if it has unusual behavior after
exposure to water):
First: Immediately turn off the receiver and take the batteries out.
(Wet batteries may swell up and
become impossible to remove.)
Set the receiver on a flat surface
with the Front Panel tilted downward
so the water drains out the bottom
of the front. Don’t turn the receiver
back on until it is completely dry.
The “drying out” position
Page 10
Owner’s Manual
Headphones
in noisy environments and are strongly recommended for
serious tracking and listening to very weak signals.
give a big advantage when tracking weak signals
Page 11
Field Marshall Tracking Receiver
In The Field – A Quick Tutorial
Basic Tracking
The best way to become familiar with your receiver is to use it
outside. Turn on a transmitter and place it about 100 yards
away. Set the Range Switch to medium. Adjust the Tuning
Knob until you hear a clear beeping tone from the transmitter.
Adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
Hold the receiver in front of you at eye level with the elements
horizontal. Now, rotate your body 360°, keeping the receiver in
the same position. Can you hear the volume of the beep
change as you turn around? Was it strongest when you pointed
it at the transmitter? This is the basic technique of telemetry:
Scan the horizon with the antenna until you get the strongest
signal. That will generally be the direction that will take you to
the transmitter (that’s not always the case, though; see the next
chapter for more about this.)
Page 12
Loading...