Version 1: January 2012
Part No: 4904-0005
F3 Metal Mine Detector
SERVICE MANUAL
F3 COMPACT Metal Mine
Detector
F3 COMPACT Service Manual
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Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Mechanical & Functional Testing ..................................................................................................... 4
3. Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures .......................................................................................... 13
3.1 Opening the Detector Body .................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Closing the Detector Body ...................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) ............................................................................................ 23
3.3.1 Removing the Main PCB ................................................................................................. 24
3.3.2 Main PCB Assembly ........................................................................................................ 27
3.3.3 Installing the Main PCB. .................................................................................................. 28
3.4 Coil ........................................................................................................................................ 31
3.4.1 Skid Plate Replacement .................................................................................................. 32
3.4.2 Removing the Coil .......................................................................................................... 32
3.4.3 Coil Pivot. ....................................................................................................................... 34
3.4.4 Removing Coil Pivot ........................................................................................................ 35
3.4.5 Fitting the Coil Pivot. ...................................................................................................... 36
3.4.6 Fitting the Coil ................................................................................................................ 39
3.5 Shafts ..................................................................................................................................... 42
3.5.1 Replacing a Camlock ....................................................................................................... 43
3.5.2 Removing the Shafts ....................................................................................................... 43
3.5.3 Fitting the Shafts ............................................................................................................ 45
3.6 Handle ................................................................................................................................... 46
3.6.1 Removing the Handle ..................................................................................................... 47
3.6.2 Fitting the Handle ........................................................................................................... 48
3.7 Armrest .................................................................................................................................. 49
3.7.1 Replacing the Armrest .................................................................................................... 49
3.8 Battery Compartment ............................................................................................................ 50
3.8.1 Battery Lid Replacement................................................................................................. 51
3.8.2 Battery Compartment Replacement ............................................................................... 51
3.9 Detector Body ........................................................................................................................ 53
3.9.1 Control Switches Replacement ....................................................................................... 53
3.9.2 Speaker Replacement ..................................................................................................... 56
3.9.3 Wiring Loom Earset Replacement ................................................................................... 57
3.9.4 Wiring Loom Handle Socket Replacement ...................................................................... 58
3.9.5 Detector Body Parts ....................................................................................................... 59
4 Fault Finding Procedures................................................................................................................ 62
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 62
4.2 Trouble Shooting Table .......................................................................................................... 62
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1. Introduction
a. Servicing the F3 COMPACT includes fault finding, repair and maintenance and is
designed to be simple and fast thereby reducing the amount of time a detector is unusable.
Repair and maintenance is based on line replaceable units which can be fitted to a detector
without the need for adjustment or calibration. Additionally, serviceable line replaceable units
can be exchanged between detectors as required.
b. Line replaceable units are components or sub assemblies of the F3 COMPACT that can
be purchased from Minelab for the purpose of repairing the F3 COMPACT. Line replaceable
units include the following:
3004-0044 Coil Kit
3004-0045 Coil Pivot Kit
3004-0046 Shaft Kit
3004-0047 Camlock kit
3004-0048 Armrest Kit with Slide
3004-0049 Armrest Kit
3004-0050 Handle Kit
3004-0051 Battery Compartment Kit
3004-0052 Battery Lid Kit
3004-0053 Main PCB Kit
3004-0054 Switches Kit
3004-0056 Wiring Loom Handle Socket Kit
3004-0057 Speaker Kit
3004-0058 Wiring Loom Earset Kit
c. Servicing the F3 COMPACT can be conducted within the field (under clean and dry
conditions) or at local service centres. No special tools are required, but it is recommended
that the F3 COMPACT Service Tool Kit be used.
d. Servicing the F3 COMPACT is restricted to the exchange of line replaceable units
following the identification of a faulty sub-assembly. Servicing DOES NOT include any repairs to
printed circuit boards as this is only conducted at a Minelab facility.
e. This manual should be read in conjunction with the F3 COMPACT Operations Manual.
Additionally, from time to time, Minelab will issue Technical Service Notes which serve to
supplement the information contained in this manual.
f. Any questions regarding this manual or any repair procedure can be directed to Minelab
at Countermine@minelab.com.au
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2. Mechanical & Functional Testing
a. The detector set should be regularly checked to ensure all parts and accessories are
present and in good working order. The F3 COMPACT is supplied as a mine detecting set
comprising:
F3 COMPACT Detector 4901-0103 Operations Manual
5305-0111 Hard Case (optional) 4903-0047 Field Guide
3001-0064 Soft Carry Bag 8701-0022 Test Piece
4523-0027 Earset Speaker ON Four C-Cell Batteries
OR (Alkaline or Rechargeable)
4523-0025 Earset Speaker OFF
b. Whenever a detector is returned for servicing, mechanical and functional tests must be
completed to confirm and/or identify any faults.
c.
At the completion of any maintenance or repair procedure, ALL mechanical and
functional tests must be completed to confirm the detector is working correctly and no faults
remain.
d.
If a detector fails ANY of the mechanical or functional tests it must not be used in
demining operations.
Figure 1: Mine Detecting Set
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2.1 Mechanical Testing
a. Confirm all parts and accessories are present and in good working order. Unpack the
detector and prepare for use. Figure 2 identifies the major components of the F3 COMPACT.
Mechanical testing and inspection includes checking:
• the detector for any obvious signs of damage,
• coil movement is smooth in both axes and holds its position without drooping,
• the skid plate is firmly attached and has no holes or cracks,
• shafts extend and retract smoothly and the camlocks hold the shafts firmly in location,
• the shaft hinge moves freely when the handle is down and locks into extended position
when the handle is up,
• the battery lid opens and locks, the battery lid tether is in good condition, and the battery
lid O-ring is clean and in good condition,
• the handle slides up and down freely locking into position,
• the armrest extends and retracts smoothly,
• the armrest strap is in good condition,
• the earset dust caps are in good condition, and
• sensitivity and On/Off knobs do not turn unless lifted and rotated and then spring back
into the locked position when released.
b. The detector must pass all mechanical tests and checks to be considered acceptable for
operational use.
Figure 2: F3 COMPACT Major Components
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2.2 Functional Testing
a. Functional testing is used to confirm the serviceability of an F3 COMPACT before it is
returned to the field for use and whenever doubt exists about its serviceability. The F3 COMPACT
must pass all tests to be considered serviceable and ready for use. Whenever a line replaceable
unit is replaced or a repair is conducted, all functional testing must be completed.
b. Functional testing requires a ground balance test piece. The ground balance test piece
simulates mineralised ground which results in an alarm from the detector. A mineralised “hot”
rock or adequate amounts of local mineralised soil is suitable. Alternatively, a ceramic floor tile
or clay roof tile may be suitable for use as a ground balance test piece.
c. The Switch On Test. The switch on test checks that power is correctly supplied to the F3
COMPACT and internal diagnostics discover no system fault. The test is conducted as follows:
• Prepare the detector for use.
• Hold the coil at least 600mm (24in) away from the ground and any metal objects.
• Ensure the sensitivity knob is set to the default position 4.
• Switch on.
• Ensure that four or five rising tones occur over approximately 12 seconds. A steady
threshold tone should be heard a few seconds after the rising tones finish.
d. Noise Cancel Test. The noise cancel test ensures the F3 COMPACT successfully
completes the noise cancel procedure required whenever local electrical interference is present.
The test is conducted as follows:
• Hold the coil stationary and at least 600mm (24 in) off the ground and away from any
metal objects during the test.
• Press and immediately release the Noise Cancel button. (Figure 4)
Figure 3: Switch On
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Note
The coil should not be moved nor should metallic objects be brought near the coil during this
procedure.
• If functioning correctly, the noise cancelling procedure will commence with two single
beeps followed by 45 seconds of sharp double beeps and finish with four single beeps.
• During the 45 seconds the F3 COMPACT scans the environment searching for the source
of any electrical interference. Once detected, the detector will automatically select a
different operating frequency to eliminate or reduce the interference.
e. Audio Reset Test. This test confirms the audio reset button (also the ground balance
button) and the associated wiring and circuitry operates correctly. The objective is to ensure the
threshold tone returns to its correct volume if altered from its steady state. The test is
conducted as follows:
• Hold the coil at least 600mm (24in) off the ground and away from any metallic objects.
• Induce a threshold tone change in volume by slowly moving the coil toward a metal
object and once the threshold tone increases in volume hold the detector stationary.
• Once the threshold tone has increased in volume, press and immediately release the
green audio reset button. (Figure 5)
Note
If the ground balance button is not immediately released the F3 COMPACT will commence the
Ground Balance procedure.
Figure 4: Noise Cancel
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• Within two seconds the threshold tone should return to its correct level
f. Ground Balance Test. This test confirms the F3 COMPACT is capable of ground balancing
against mineralised ground. In doing so, it confirms the correct operation of the ground balance
button, coil and associated circuitry. The test is conducted as follows:
• Ensure hands and arms are free of metallic objects (watches, rings etc) and that no other
metallic objects are near the coil.
• Keep the detector stationary and away from ground or metal objects, press and hold the
ground balance button for five seconds then release the button.
Note
This action will cause the F3 COMPACT to delete the previously stored ground balance condition.
Unless this is done the detector will remember its last ground balance condition regardless of the
unit being switched off or the batteries removed.
• Slowly move the ground balance test piece from approximately 150mm (6in) above the
coil towards the centre of the coil and confirm that a rise in threshold tone occurs. This
confirms that the detector is detecting the mineralised content of the ground balance
test piece.
• Press down and hold the ground balance button whilst slowly moving the ground balance
test piece from approximately 150mm (6in) above the coil towards the centre of the coil
(and touching the coil). Then, move the ground balance test piece away from the centre
of the coil to a distance of 150mm (6in).
• Repeat this process until the ‘Ground Balance OK’ tone consisting of a short high-pitched
double beep occurs. This tone confirms the ground balance procedure has been
completed correctly.
• Release the ground balance button and confirm that a steady low volume threshold tone
remains.
Figure 5: Audio Reset
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• Confirm the ground balance is correct by moving the ground balance test piece from
approximately 150mm (6in) above the coil towards the centre of the coil. If there is no
alarm from the ground balance test piece the ground balance procedure is functional.
Note
Where the ground balance test is conducted using local soil Figure 6 illustrates the procedure to
be followed.
Note
Successful ground balancing occurs within 5 to 10 seconds. Where the ground balance test piece
or local ground conditions are not sufficiently mineralised the ‘Ground Balance OK’ tones may
take up to 25 seconds to complete.
g. Earset Test. This test confirms the earset is operating correctly and is conducted as
follows:
• Plug the earset into the detector as shown in Figure 7.
• Switch on the detector and confirm the threshold tone is audible using the earset.
• If an earset speaker On (4523-0027) is being tested check that the tones can also be
heard from the detector loudspeaker.
• If an earset speaker Off (4523-0025), identified by green band on the earset cable near
the plug, is being tested check that tones can only be heard in the earset and not the
detector loudspeaker.
Figure 6: Ground Balance
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h. LED Test. This test confirms the visual indicator (lights) can be enabled and operate
correctly. To conduct the test:
• Turn on the detector.
• Pass the coil over a metal object and check no LEDs are turned on.
• Press and release the LED button and check that a single LED is turned on when no metal
objects are near the coil.
• Pass the coil over a metal object and check that an increasing number of LEDs illuminate
as the target volume increases.
• Check that pressing and releasing the LED button toggles the LEDs on and off.
i. Battery Level Test. This test ensures that battery level indicator is operational, and is
conducted as follows:
• Turn the detector on.
• Press and hold the noise cancel button then press and release the LED button and then
release the noise cancel button.
• Confirm a series of LEDs illuminate indicating the level of battery power remaining.
• After three seconds the battery level indicator will extinguish and normal operation will
resume.
j. Test Piece Test. This test should be conducted in an environment that is free from
electrical interference and an earset must be connected. The test is conducted as follows:
• Ensure hands and arms are free of metallic objects (watches, rings etc) and that no other
metallic objects are near the coil.
• Set the sensitivity control to the default position 4 then switch on the F3 COMPACT and
confirm a steady threshold tone is present.
Figure 7: Connecting the Earset
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Note
Maximum sensitivity is only available 30 seconds after the threshold tone is heard. Do not test
the F3 COMPACT with the test piece until 30 seconds after the threshold tone is heard.
• Hold the test piece above the middle of the coil with the rounded end (containing
metallic target) away from the coil.
• Move the test piece towards the centre of the coil until it lightly touches the coil then
move it sideways off the coil.
Figure 8: Test Piece Procedure
• Confirm a faint but clear response (change in threshold tone and pitch) is heard.
• If the test piece is not heard conduct an audio reset and repeat the test.
Note
The test piece test can only be conducted with the sensitivity control in the green position
(Sensitivity No 4). When the sensitivity control is not set to the green position it is the
responsibility of the user to provide an appropriate target with which to confirm the sensitivity of
the detector satisfies operational requirements.
k. Sensitivity Control Test. This test confirms the sensitivity control allows the operator to
make adjustments to the sensitivity of the F3 COMPACT. The test is conducted as follows:
• Set the sensitivity to the default position 4.
• Turn on the detector.
• Conduct the test piece test (refer to Section 2.2.j). Check that a faint but clear audio tone
is heard and that more than one LED illuminates.
• Decrease the sensitivity of the F3 COMPACT by rotating the sensitivity knob counter
clockwise to position 2. A single low pitched beep will be heard to prompt the operator
that the sensitivity is being decreased.
• Conduct the test piece test again and ensure no audio or LED response occurs.
• Move the sensitivity knob to position 4 and confirm a double beep occurs. This prompts
the operator that default sensitivity (position 4) has been selected.
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• Rotate the sensitivity knob clockwise to position 6 and confirm that a single high pitched
beep is heard.
• Conduct the test piece test and confirm that a louder audio response and an increased
number of LEDs are illuminated when compared to the previous position 4 or 2.
Note
Regardless of minimum sensitivity at least one LED will remain illuminated providing an earset
speaker Off is not connected to the F3 COMPACT.
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3. Disassembly & Reassembly Procedures
a. This section describes the procedures required to exchange line replaceable units.
Whenever a unit is replaced, mechanical and functional testing as described in Section 2 must be
completed.
b. It is recommended that the 3004-0055 F3 COMPACT service tool kit be used to conduct
disassembly and reassembly procedures. The tool kit contains the following:
• Pull-through for coil cable
• Flat blade screwdriver
• 3mm hex key driver
• 2.5mm hex key driver
• 2mm hex key driver
• T20 Torx driver
• 18mm spanner
• 13mm spanner
• 10mm spanner
• 3mm pin punch
• Screwdriver Pozidrive No 1
• Screwdriver Pozidrive No 2
• Tube Spanner 7/8
• Silicone grease
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3.1 Opening the Detector Body
a. In order to conduct repairs and replace many of the parts of this detector, the first step
will often be to open the detector body. Many sections of this manual will refer back to this
section.
b. The following procedure outlines the steps involved in opening the detector body:
• Prepare a clean well lit workspace.
• Turn the detector off and remove the batteries.
• Remove the four screws (12mm) from the top of the armrest and remove the armrest.
• Place the detector on its right side with the ON/OFF knob uppermost and remove the two
screws (45mm) that secure the hinge cover.
• Remove the hinge cover.
• Unscrew and disconnect the coil plug.
• Remove the two screws (35mm) from the shaft hinge.
Figure 9: Removing the Armrest
Coil
Connector
Figure 10: Removing Hinge Cover
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• Turn the detector over onto its left side with speaker grill uppermost.
• Using the 3mm hex key driver, remove all eight screws from the detector body.
Note
There are four 35mm long screws and four 20mm long screws.
• Using a T20 Torx (star) driver unscrew all four screws (three 35mm and one 20mm) from
the right side of the detector.
Figure 12: Removing Eight Screws (Allen Key)
Figure 11: Disconnecting Coil Plug and Removing Screws
Figure 13: Removing Four Torx Screws
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• Using fingers gently separate the left and right body halves. The battery end of the
detector will come away easily. The shaft end is held by two locating pins and will require
more force to separate.
• Gently lift the right side off the left body half taking care not to pull or stretch the speaker
cable and connector.
• Locate the speaker connector on the interface PCB and disconnect the speaker from the
interface PCB. Remove the right half of the detector body.
• Remove the upper shaft from the detector body taking care not to snag and damage the
coil cable and plug.
Interface PCB
Speaker Connector
Figure 14: Disconnecting Speaker Connector
Figure 15: Remov
ing Shafts
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c. The body of the detector is now opened revealing the internal components which can
now be replaced as required.
3.2 Closing the Detector Body
a. The following procedure outlines the steps involved in closing and resealing the detector
body:
• Ensure all parts are present, in good working order and lay the detector body on its left
side.
• Thread the coil cable through the detector hinge and position the upper shaft into the
detector body.
• Carefully turn the detector body over so that it is on its right side. Check the coil
connector nut is tight.
• Attach the coil connector to the socket and tighten the coil connector as tight as possible
with fingers.
Figure 16: Open Detect
or Body
Figure 17: Threading Coil Cable and Attaching Shafts
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• Fit the coil cable into the cable router and check that the loop of coil cable within the
shaft hinge is positioned so that it will not be trapped when the detector body is closed.
Refer to Figure 21.
• Fit the hinge cover but Do Not fit the two hinge cover screws. Turn the detector body
over so it is on its left side.
• Check the detector handle is correctly positioned on the detector as well as the armrest
slide. The rod detector slide must be positioned through the handle and armrest slide.
The holes in the rod detector slide must align with the holes in the detector body.
• Check that the latch hinge and spring latch hinge are correctly positioned into the left
side of the detector body with the latch connected to the spring.
Figure 18: Connecting Coil Cable and Removing Hinge Cover
Coil Connector Nut
Latch
Spring
Figure 19: Latch Hinge and Spring Latch Hinge
Rod Detector Slide passing
through Armrest Slide and Handle
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Note
The hinge cover holds the latch hinge and spring latch hinge in place. When the hinge cover
is removed the spring may unintentionally disconnect from the latch.
• Ensure the battery lid is closed.
• Connect the speaker connector to the PCB connector. Check all other connectors and
cables are connected.
• Check the O-ring in the detector body is clean, lightly greased and correctly positioned.
• Check all internal cables and wires are correctly positioned and will not be trapped.
• The coil cable must be located within the shaft hinge so that it is not trapped or damaged
when the halves of the detector body are fitted together. In particular, the coil cable
must not be positioned above the hinge screw bosses.
Coil Cable
Must Not be
above these
areas
Figure 21: Coil Cable Position in Shaft Hinge
Speaker Connector
Figure 20: Connecting Speaker
Speaker Assembly
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