THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
Minelab ‘GP 3000’
4901-0036 Version 1.2
!
I
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MINELAB
We ask YOU, as a responsible detector operator, to take all due
care regarding the environment.
Minelab cannot stress enough the importance of being responsible
when recovering targets.
BACKFILL EVERY HOLE YOU DIG.
If care and consideration is taken, during and after the removal of
targets, especially with respect to the back filling of holes, this
should ensure the continued access to areas for prospecting and
treasure hunting. This will also ensure that the pristine condition of our
beautiful bushland, forests and dry land areas is maintained with a
minimum of damage.
Minelab is working with you towards preserving our natural
environment so that the benefits of gold prospecting and treasure
hunting can continue to be enjoyed in the years to come.
Every prospector and treasure hunter around the world and the
staff of Minelab thank you for your continued efforts towards
protecting the environment.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MINELAB
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THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
© Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by
copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act
1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written
permission from Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd, 118 Hayward Avenue,
Torrensville, SA 5031, Australia.
WARNING. This document contains Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
rights, technical data or restricted rights data, or both. Patents and
trademarks apply.
Since there may be a range of options available in this detector type,
equipment may vary according to the model or items ordered with
your detector. Certain descriptions and illustrations may differ (in this
manual) from the exact model that you purchased. In addition,
Minelab reserve the right to respond to ongoing technical progress by
introducing changes in design, equipment and technical features at
any time.
II
take care
The ‘GP 3000’ is a high quality electronic instrument. It has been designed for
professional gold prospecting use and the electronics circuitry is encased in a
rugged housing. Take care of your detector in the following way:
Keep the detector clean and dry. It is very important to keep all electrical connectors clean and dry.
The control box is not waterproof, even though it has been designed to be water-resistant. Take
care to avoid it becoming wet.
The coil is water resistant and may be used in rain or wet conditions. The coil is not waterproof. Do not
immerse the coil in water.
Regularly replace such items as teardrop washers and skidplates to give long life to your detector.
Do not expose the detector to high temperatures or leave it in the sun for longer than is necessary.
Shading will help protect it. Do not leave the detector in a closed vehicle, especially in the sun.
The coil housing will eventually wear through if you scrub the ground with it while searching. Use of a
replaceable skid plate will help to protect your coils.
To prevent dirt entering between the coil and the skidplate, silk tape, e.g. Leukosilk®, which is available from
chemists, may be used. The use of some other tapes, e.g. insulation tape, may result in some loss of
sensitivity.
The control box and coil should not come into contact with petrol or other oil-based liquids. If any part of the
detector comes into contact with corrosive substances, including salt or salt water, it should be washed with
fresh water.
Clean the detector with a damp cloth using a mild soap detergent. Do not use solvents.
DETECTOR CARE AND SAFETY
DETECTOR CARE AND SAFETY
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THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 1
About this manual ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Introducing the Minelab ‘GP 3000’........................................................................................................... 3
ASSEMBLY............................................................................................................................ 5
Unpacking your ‘GP 3000’ [easy reference] .......................................................................................... 6
List of pre-assembled sections and parts................................................................................................. 7
Complete assembly instructions.............................................................................................................. 8
BATTERY.............................................................................................................................. 13
Battery and charging ..............................................................................................................................14
CONTROLS.......................................................................................................................... 17
Detector sounds [easy reference].......................................................................................................... 18
Control functions: rear panel .................................................................................................................. 19
Control functions: front panel.................................................................................................................. 23
OPERATION......................................................................................................................... 27
Quick start instructions [easy reference]............................................................................................... 28
Detailed operating instructions................................................................................................................29
Ground balancing ...................................................................................................................................33
Iron discrimination ..................................................................................................................................35
Level Ajust Control ................................................................................................................................. 37
contents
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THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
contents
6
DETECTING TECHNIQUES ............................................................................................... 39
Detecting techniques...............................................................................................................................40
Prospecting techniques .......................................................................................................................... 42
Identifying target signals.........................................................................................................................43
Recovering the target ............................................................................................................................. 45
USER INFORMATION......................................................................................................... 49
Technical specifications for the Minelab ‘GP 3000’............................................................................... 50
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................... 51
Service repair form................................................................................................................................. 52
Warranty .................................................................................................................................................53
Accessories............................................................................................................................................ 54
Glossary of common terms ...................................................................................................................55
Detector care and safety ........................................................................................................................ 59
An important message from Minelab ..................................................................................................... 60
7
IV
Salt The presence of high salt content in the ground being searched will
have a similar but different effect on the metal detector ground
balance as does mineralisation.
Salt content causes a negative (-) response rather than the positive (+)
response of laterite soils. The detector needs to therefore use different filtering
techniques to overcome this effect.
Search Coil The search coil is the circular plate which is swept across the ground
surface during detecting. It transmits electromagnetic signals into the
ground and receives the response.
Search Pattern The search pattern is the area of ground underneath the coil which
is being scanned. Depending on the style of coil (Double D or
Monoloop) and the Coil mode being operated in (Double D/M/Cancel)
different coils will have a different shaped area being covered by each
sweep.
Threshold The continuous audible level of sound emitted by the detector is
referred to as the Threshold. This threshold hum is the background
sound made as the detector operates. Threshold can be set
anywhere between silent and loud, but a soft, audible level is
normally suggested.
Target Response The electro-magnetic effect generated by the metal target under the
influence of the TX field.
Target Signal The audio signal (or change in threshold) caused by the presence of
a metal target as the coil passes across it.
Tracking The function of Automatic Ground Balance where the ‘GP 3000’
makes continuous adjustments to the ground balance to compensate
for changes in the mineralisation of the ground.
TX TX refers to the transmit signals or electromagnetic pulses, sent into
the ground by the coil.
GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS
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THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
1
Introduction
The ‘GP 3000’ incorporates new
technological advances and control
functions which have resulted in a
detector that combines stable and
effective ground balancing with
depth and sensitivity.
1
INTRODUCTION
1
GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS
56
USER INFO
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Halo Effect After a metal object has remained undisturbed in the soil for a
considerable amount of time, a diffusion occurs around the object.
This has the effect of the object appearing to the detector to be a
larger size.
Hot Rocks A hot rock is an individual rock which has a particularly high degree
of mineralisation as compared to the average ground around it. Due
to this high difference, the detector does not have the opportunity to
ground balance on the individual rock so therefore gives a false signal.
Interference Electricity or radio waves in the area being detected can cause
instability or chattering of the detectors threshold.
The types of interference commonly occur due to power lines,
underground cables, radar, other detectors or climatic conditions like
thunderstorms.
Mineralised Ground Most ground contains certain minerals which can cause false signals
to be given by a detector. Heavily mineralised ground requires
different ground processing than does neutral or lightly mineralised
ground (see Ground Balance).
Ground containing heavy salt concentrations require entirely
different processing again (see salt).
Monoloop Coils Monoloop coils are the style of coil where the multiple strands of
wire are wound in a single loop around the circumference of the coil.
The field of search of Monoloop coils tend to be cone shaped.
Non - Ferrous Metals Metals not containing significant levels of iron. Non-ferrous metals
are non-magnetic such as Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass, Lead or
Aluminium.
Pinpoint The method of locating the precise location of a target prior to
digging. Pinpointing uses the design of the search coil windings to
determine the exact position of the detected target.
RX RX refers to the response or electromagnetic field which is received
back by the coil and is used by the control box circuitry to detect a
metal item in the ground.
THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual is designed to introduce the detector’s features. It gives you step-by-step
directions for everything from assembling and adjusting your detector, to basic and
advanced detector use.
1. INTRODUCTION
Basic overview of the ‘GP 3000’ and
this User’s Manual.
2. ASSEMBLY
This chapter provides details and
instructions on assembling and
adjusting the ‘GP 3000’.
3. BATTERY
The ‘GP 3000’ is powered by a
rechargeable battery pack. This
chapter provides details on battery
installation, use and performance.
4. CONTROLS
This chapter is designed to
familiarize you with the various
features of the ‘GP 3000’ control
panel. A few minutes spent reading
this chapter will be a worthwhile
preliminary to basic or advanced
detecting.
5. DETECTOR OPERATION
However experienced you are at
using a metal detector, it is important
that you read this.
6. DETECTOR TECHNIQUES
Once you are comfortable with the
basic detector use, there are a few
techniques you should be aware of.
7. USER INFORMATION
This chapter provides a glossary of
terminology, user guides, technical
specifications, warranty and repair
details and troubleshooting tips.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
!
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INTRODUCTION
1
GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS
Control Box The control box encloses the electronic circuitry of the detector. The
control box originates the TX (transmit) signals sent by the coil and
interprets the RX (receive) signals detected by the coil. All user
selectable functions (knobs & switches) are located on the front and
rear panels of the control box.
Discrimination The ability of a metal detector to estimate if a located target is made
from ferrous metal (iron or steel) or non-ferrous metal (non-magnetic).
Double D Coils Double D coils are coils that have two windings of wire that overlap
in the shape of two D's (one reversed). The characteristics of a
Double D coil are stability, especially in heavily mineralised ground,
good depth and sensitivity and a very thorough search pattern.
Electromagnetic Field Commonly called the 'signal from the coil'. An electromagnetic field is
generated within the wire windings of the search coil and this field is
pulsed or sent into the ground. The presence of a metal target in the
ground will disturb the pattern of this field and this disturbance is
registered by the receive system of the detector and indicated to the
operator by an audible target signal "beep".
False Signal False signals are signals, which sound similar to target signals but
are caused by other factors. Common causes for false signals are
incorrect ground balance, hot rocks, signals caused by knocking the
coil on obstacles, etc. With experience, the operator will learn
methods to minimise false signals and to hear subtle differences
between target signals and false signals.
Ferrous Metals Metals composed of or containing iron. A ferrous item is one which is
attracted to a magnet and is predominantly or completely made of iron or
steel.
Ground Balance The ability of the metal detector to compensate for the effects of
ground mineralisation. The ‘GP 3000’ has "automatic ground balance".
When it is used in Tracking mode it continually compensates for
changes in the ground mineralisation.
GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS
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THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
The Minelab ‘GP 3000’ utilises “Dual Voltage Technology” (DVT),
which is based upon the Bi-polar technology used in our military
range.
Here are some features of the ‘GP 3000’:
• NEW Low-Noise circuitry
• NEW battery harness
• NEW “Smart Point” diagnostic port
• DVT technology for optimum depth and sensitivity in all soil
types
• Long-life 12A/hr Gel Cell battery
• Selectable Tx (transmit) modes (Soil Switch) for optimum
performance in different soil conditions
• Selectable Rx (receive) modes (Coil Switch) for greater
sensitivity and less susceptibility to interference
• Heavy Duty Bungy Strap
Like its predecessor, the ‘GP extreme’, the ‘GP 3000’ can handle
heavily mineralised and salty ground conditions with greater ease
than previous detectors, which effectively opens up NEW detecting
areas. The new Low-Noise circuitry found in the ‘GP 3000’ results
in a smoother threshold, enhancing your ability to hear faint signals
caused by small and deep targets. This allows you to revisit old
“worked-out” areas, and find the gold others have missed.
Minelab wished to thank you for purchasing our most advanced
gold detector ever, and are confident the ‘GP 3000’ will lead you to
success in your quest for gold and treasure.
INTRODUCING THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
INTRODUCING THE MINELAB ‘GP EXTREME’
3
INTRODUCTION
1
ACCESSORIES
ACCESSORIES
Search coils
The ‘GP 3000’ is supplied with the ‘GP 3000’ 1100 and
‘GP 3000’ 1800 coils. These coils have been specially designed
to take advantage of the new technology and features of this
detector. In addition to this there are also a number of other size coils
will become available in the near future.
These range from smaller coils which give greater sensitivity to small
targets and are lighter and manouverable in heavy vegetation, up to
larger coils which give greater depth. See your Minelab retailer for
the full range.
In some circumstances, other Double D and Monoloop coils will
work on the ‘GP 3000’, however there are limitations which will
mean that a number of the new benefits of the DVT will not work
properly. In some cases the use of coils not designed for the
‘GP 3000’ will cause the detector to be unstable and noisy.
Batteries
Spare 12A/hr batteries can be an advantage, especially if travelling
into the outback.
A smaller light-weight battery is also available from Minelab. This is
rated at 4.5A/hr and gives approx. 3 - 4 hours running time per charge.
The weight of this battery is 968g.
Corporate clothing
Minelab also has a range of good quality clothing, e.g. caps, shirts
and jackets available. Ask your local dealer for details.
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THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
Minelab is always interested in your opinions so if you have any questions or comments
regarding the ‘GP 3000’ or any other Minelab product, please feel free to contact us via your local
Authorized Minelab dealer, or write to us:
Minelab International Limited
Laragh, Bandon
Co. Cork
IRELAND
email: minelab@minelab.ie
tel: + 353 (23) 52101
Contact Minelab
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
PO Box 537 Torrensville Plaza
South Australia 5031
AUSTRALIA
email: ho@minelab.com.au
tel: + 61 (8) 8238 0888
Visit our site on the World Wide Web: http://www.minelab.com for the latest information
on Minelab products and services.
Minelab USA
2700 E Patrick Lane, Suite 11
Las Vegas, Nevada 89120
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
email: minelab@minelabusa.com
tel: + 1 (702) 891 8809
"
4
INTRODUCTION
1
The ‘GP 3000’ control box has a 2 year warranty covering parts and
labour. Refer to your warranty card for details.
The ‘GP 3000’ 1100 and 1800 coils have a warranty for one year
against malfunction. Refer to either your supplier or Minelab directly
for service.
The commencement of the warranty is the date of purchase.
The Minelab warranty does not cover damage caused by accident,
misuse, neglect, alteration, modifications or unauthorised service.
For specific details of the Minelab warranty please refer to the
Product Warranty card.
It is the responsibility of the owner to pay all transport costs for the
detector to Minelab.
The repaired detector will be returned to the owner freight free.
NOTE This warranty is not transferable or valid unless the
enclosed warranty registration card is returned to Minelab
Electronics Pty. Ltd. or an authorised Minelab Electronics
Pty. Ltd. regional distributor within 14 days of the original
purchase.
WARRANTY
Repairs
In the unfortunate circumstance
that the detector needs to be
returned to Minelab for service,
please fill out the Minelab Service
Repair Form (or a photocopy of
the same) and enclose
it with the detector.
Please supply as much detail
about the fault as possible. This
will assist our service engineers
to rectify the problem
quickly and efficiently.
WARRANTY
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THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
2
Assembly
This chapter provides details and
instructions on assembling and
adjusting the ‘GP 3000’.
5
ASSEMBLY
2
Today’s Date ___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Detector Model _______________________ Serial No. ________________________________________
Purchased From ________________________________________________________________________
Purchase Date__________________________________________________________________________
Faulty Part(s): __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Description of Fault: _____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Owner’s Name__________________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Day ( )______________________ Home ( ) _______________________________________
Fax ( )_____________________________ Email ____________________________________________
SERVICE REPAIR FORM
SERVICE REPAIR FORM
If necessary, use the space provided overleaf to continue your description of the fault.
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THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’THE MINELAB ‘GP 3000’
www.minelab.com
The ‘GP 3000’ as shipped
UNPACKING YOUR ‘GP Extreme’
Figure 2.1 Contents of the ‘GP 3000’ pack.
easy reference
A.11” Double D Coil with Skid Plate and
Fibreglass Lower Shaft
UNPACKING YOUR ‘GP 3000’
6
ASSEMBLY
2
TROUBLESHOOTING
Use the following table to check for suggested solutions to problems.
No sound Turn Threshold control fully clockwise.
Turn Volume control clockwise.
Check power cable and connections.
Check headphones.
Check battery.
Threshold but no target signal. Check coil is connected.
Try testing different coils.
Random noises. Check for other detectors interfering.
Retune using Tuning button.
Charge the battery.
Set Coil to Cancel.
Re-ground balance.
Check for thunderstorm build-up.
Battery will not charge using vehicle Check for power to cigarette lighter socket in vehicle.
charger. Check 10 amp fuse in charger plug.
Battery not holding charge. Try alternative charger.
Check power cable.
Very noisy threshold. Check for interference and re-tune.
Try detecting in a different location.
Set Coil to Cancel.
FAULT SUGGESTION
If you need to return your detector to Minelab for service, please supply as many details as possible about
the fault. This will enable our service engineers to rectify the fault quickly and efficiently.
Return the detector in a cardboard box for protection along with the Service Repair Form supplied in this manual.
Please supply your name, address and phone number along with purchase date and serial number when
sending detector parts for repair.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Table 7.2 Troubleshooting
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