Minelab GP 3500 User Manual
User’s Manual
GP 3500
Minelab USA
871 Grier Drive, Suite B1
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
email: minelab@minelabusa.com
tel: +1-702-891 8809
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
PO Box 537 Torrensville Plaza
South Australia 5031
AUSTRALIA
email: minelab@minelab.com.au
tel: +61-8-8238 0888
Minelab International Limited
Laragh, Bandon
Co. Cork
IRELAND
email: minelab@minelab.ie
tel: +353-23 52101
Contact Details:
www.minelab.com
MINELAB
MINELAB
the Minelab
GP 3500
l GP 3500 l
page i
GP 3500
page i
GP 3500
www.minelab.com
Minelab wishes to thank you for purchasing our most advanced gold detector ever, and
are confident the GP 3500 will lead you to success in your quest for gold and treasure.
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.
GP 3500
table of contents
page ii
l contents l
GP 3500
page ii
1. introduction 1
Introducing the Minelab GP 3500 1
Unpacking your GP 3500 [easy reference] 2
2. assembly 3
List of pre-assembled sections and parts 3
Complete assembly instructions 4
3. batteries 9
Battery and charging 9
4. controls and operation 11
Detector sounds [easy reference] 11
Quick start instructions [easy reference] 12
Rear control functions – rear panel 13
Front control functions – front panel 20
table of contents
l contents l
page iii
GP 3500
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GP 3500
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5. detecting 35
Detecting techniques 35
Prospecting techniques 39
Identifying target signals 40
Recovering the target 42
6. user information 44
Technical specifications for the Minelab GP 3500 44
Troubleshooting 45
Service repair form 46
Warranty 47
Glossary of common terms 48
Detector care and safety 51
Accessories 52
contact
page iv
l contact l
GP 3500
page iv
Contact Minelab
Minelab is always interested in your opinions so if you have any questions or comments regarding
the GP 3500 or any other Minelab product, please feel free to contact us via your local Authorized
Minelab dealer, or write to us:
Visit our site on the World Wide Web: http://www
.minelab.com for the latest
information on Minelab products and services.
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
PO Box 537
Torrensville Plaza
South Australia 5031
Australia
email:
ho@minelab.com.au
tel: + 61 8 8238 0888
Minelab USA
871 Grier Drive
Suite B-1; Las Vegas
Nevada 89120
United States of America
email:
minelab@minelabusa.com
tel: + 1 702 891 8809
Minelab International Limited
IDA Industrial Estate
Laragh; Bandon
Co. Cork
Ireland
email:
minelab@minelab.ie
tel: + 353 23 52101
GP 3500
page 1
GP 3500
www.minelab.com
introducing the Minelab GP 3500
l 1 introduction l
page 1
The Minelab
GP 3500
utilises “Dual Voltage Technology” (DVT),
which assists accurate ground balance and increases sensitivity
by overcoming the potential problem of super-saturated
electro-magnetic fields in heavily mineralized ground.
Here are some features of the
GP 3500
:
• NEW Quick-Trak push button located in the handle
for fast and accurate ground balancing;
• NEW Manual Tune control for more precise
interference control & frequency band selection.
• NEW Operator select 3-Speed Ground Tracking
• Improved "Smart Point" diagnostic plug
• Separation of Level Adjust functions
• Easy Adjust Bow Knuckle and hand strap
Like its predecessor, the GP 3000, the
GP 3500
can handle heavily mineralized 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 3500
results in a smoother threshold, enhancing your
ability to hear faint signals caused by small and
deep targets.
unpacking your GP 3500
easy reference
The GP 3500 as shipped
A. Shaft Assembly
B. 11 inch Coil
C. Headphones
D. Control Box
E. Battery and Backpack
F. 12V Charger
G. Handle Assembly
H. Mains Charger
I. Power Lead
J. Arm Rest
K. Instruction Manual
Figure 1.1 – Contents of the GP 3500 pack.
page 2
l 1 introduction l
GP 3500
page 2
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
list of pre-assembled sections and parts
l 2 assembly l
page 3
GP 3500
A.Lower Shaft Assembly
1. 11 inch Double D Coil
2. Coil Cable
3. Skid Plate
4. Fibreglass Lower Shaft
5. Teardrop Washers
6. Nylon Nut & Bolt
B.Upper Shaft Assembly
8. Upper Shaft
9. Handle with Quick-Trak
push button
10. Control Box
11. Armrest Parts (2)
12. Nylon Bolt (2)
13. Nylon Nut (2)
14. Arm Straps (2)
15. Armrest Cover
C.Headphones
1
6. Headphones
D.Battery and Battery Pack
17. Battery
18. Battery Back-Pack
19. Battery Power Cable
F. Extras
20. Velcro Cable
Straps (2)
21. Bungy Cord
22. Bow Knuckle
Figure 2.1 – Pre-assembled sections and parts list
page 3
GP 3500
www.minelab.com
Headphones (16)
Battery (17) &
Battery Pack (18)
Battery Power
Cable(19)
Velcro Cable
Straps (20)
Tear-drop Washers (5)
Nylon Nut & Bolt (6)
Arm Strap (14)
Upper Shaft (8)
Bungy Cord (21)
Coil Cable (2)
Bungy Knuckle (22)
Fibreglass
Lower Shaft (4)
Handle with
Wrist Strap (9)
11 inch Double D Coil (1)
& Skid Plate (3)
Nylon Nuts (13)
Armrest Parts (11)
Nylon Bolts (12)
Control Box (10)
Armrest Cover (15)
complete assembly instructions
page 4
l 2 assembly l
GP 3500
page 4
Figure 2.2 – The coil pivot end of the lower fibreglass shaft
You will need to assemble the
GP 3500
from all the various components, so we
have provided you with detailed assembly instructions.
Attaching the coil
Step 1. Check that the coil (1) has a skid plate (3) attached.
Step 2. Take two teardrop washers (5) from the bag and install them into the indentations
on the end of the lower fibreglass shaft (4).
NOTE – The washers should always be full thickness and should be replaced
regularly as they wear out and allow the coil to become loose.
Step 3.
Push the lower fibreglass shaft (4) into the mounting brackets on the coil and ensure
that the spring clip at the rear of the fibreglass shaft, faces the rear of the coil.
Step 4. Line up the holes in the coil with the pivot end of the fibreglass shaft (4). Push the
nylon bolt through the holes and fit the nylon wing nut and tighten by hand.
NOTE – Do not over tighten the nut as the coil housing may be crushed or damaged.
GP Series 1100 Coil (1)
& Skid Plate (3)
Tear-drop Washers (5)
Nylon Nut & Bolt (6)
complete assembly instructions
– continued
l 2 assembly l
page 5
GP 3500 GP 3500
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page 5
Assembling the lower and upper shaft sections
Refer Figure 2.2
Step 1. Slide the lower shaft (4) with coil attached into the end of the upper shaft (8), snap
spring clip into place.
Attaching the handle and arm rest
Step 1. Slide the bow knuckle (22) onto the upper
shaft (8) and slide it halfway down.
Step 2. Slide the handle (9) onto the
upper shaft (8) and slide down.
Step 3. Place the two armrest halves (11)
on either side of the upper shaft (8)
and ensure that the bolt holes are
aligned.
Step 4. Slide the two nylon bolts (12)
through the bolt holes and screw the
nylon wing nuts (13) onto the bolts by a
couple of turns.
Step 5. Attach the armrest straps (14) using the press studs on both
sides of the arm rest.
Step 6. Push the armrest straps (14) through the slots in the
neoprene armrest cover (15) and then push the cover over
the armrest (11).
Step 7. Position your arm into the armrest and slide the handle to a
comfortable position. Tighten the two screws in the base of
the handle with a small screwdriver to hold the handle in position.
Tip: For the best balance, the rear of the armrest should be just in front of your elbow.
Figure 2.3 - Attaching the armrest
refer also Figure 2.1
Nylon Bolts (12)
Armrest Parts (11)
Nylon Nuts (13)
complete assembly instructions
– continued
page 6
l 2 assembly l
GP 3500
page 6
Securing and connecting the coil cable
NOTE – Always ensure that the control box is turned Off before connecting or
disconnecting the coil, to avoid damage to the detectors electronics.
Step 1.
Wind the coil cable around the shaft and plug the coil connector into
the coil socket on the control box. Check that the cable is wound firmly
around the shaft without strain, leave enough slack at the bottom of the
cable near the coil to allow for adjusting the angle of the coil without
placing strain on the coil cable.
Step 2. Fasten the cable into position using the Velcro straps provided (20).
Step 3. Secure the bungy cord through the bow knuckle (22). Slide the knuckle up
or down the shaft (8) to find the balance point and tighten the wing-nut.
HINT If the coil cable is able to move around, especially near the coil, it will be
‘seen’ by the detector and cause random noises which may be confusing.
Figure 2.4 – Handle and bungy cord
Attaching the Control Box and achieving balance
Step 1. Position the ‘T-section" on top of the control box (10) into the armrest with the
battery plug at the rear. Tighten the nylon wing nuts by hand.
Step 2. Loop the Quick-Trak button cable from the handle, back along the shaft and plug it
into the Smart Point connection in the control box (10). (See page 33)
Step 3. Adjust the shaft length and coil angle for a comfortable position. The lower
fibreglass shaft can be set into position by locating the spring clip into
the holes provided in the upper shaft and hand tightening the
locking nut at the end of the shaft. The correct length of shaft
for your height, is at the point that the coil can be
swung in front without you bending, dropping your
shoulder or work in a position that will
be uncomfortable.
Bow Knuckle (22)
Bungy Cord (21)
Handle with
Wrist Strap (9)
complete assembly instructions
– continued
l 2 assembly l
page 7
GP 3500 GP 3500
www.minelab.com
page 7
Figure 2.5
The GP 3500 battery assembly
Headphones (16) Power Cable to Detector (19)
Backpack Pouch (18)
6Volt Battery (17)
Fitting and connecting the battery pack
Step 1. Fit the battery (17) into the backpack pouch (18).
Step 2. Connect the headphones (16) and the power cable (19) to the appropriate sockets in
the cap of the battery.
Step 3. Put on the backpack (18).
CAUTION – Use only the 6V battery supplied.
Step 4.
Ensure that the power switch on the control box is switched Off before plugging
the power cable connector (19) into the socket on the control
box. This cable connects the battery and headphones to the detector.
complete assembly instructions
– continued
page 8
l 2 assembly l
GP 3500
page 8
Adjust for your own comfort
Step 1. Adjust the bungy cord (21) from the knuckle (22) on the shaft
to the correct length to take some of the weight when prospecting.
Step 2. Adjust the hand strap on the handle (9) for your own comfort.
Step 3. Adjust the rear harness strap on the battery bag so that the battery
sits at a comfortable position on your back. The ideal position is when
the weight of the battery counter balances the weight of the detector, and
you can still switch on the detector without putting excess strain on the
bungy cord. Taking the time to adjust your detector properly is very
important for comfortable long term detecting.
TIP: You may need to change the length of the bungy cord or the position of the
bow knuckle when you change coils or detect on sloping ground.
batteries
l 3 batteries l
page 9
GP 3500 GP 3500
www.minelab.com
page 9
The Battery
The 6V rechargeable battery can provide enough power to operate the detector for
14-15 hrs, when fully charged.
The battery may be recharged at any time during the discharge cycle.
It is very important to fully charge the battery before storage.
Do not leave a battery fully discharged for longer than one day.
CAUTION: Never use a 12V battery because this could damage the detector. This damage
is not covered by warranty. The GP 3500 power supply is internally regulated and using an
external regulated power supply is not necessary, and may damage your detector. If you wish
to operate your detector at full power for longer, we would recommend that you own two
batteries and swap halfway through the day.
Low battery indication
If the battery level drops below the required power to give adequate function, a series of alarm
signal pulses are given at half second intervals.
Charging the battery
Step 1 Turn the detector Off before disconnecting the battery.
Step 2 Disconnect the battery cable from the detector and connect to the appropriate
charger.
Battery chargers
Two types of battery chargers (Mains and 12V Vehicle Charger) are supplied.
Important
When charging, the battery must be kept in an upright position.
batteries
– continued
page 10
l 3 batteries l
GP 3500
page 10
Mains battery charger
The mains battery charger will charge the battery from local mains (AC) power outlets.
Step 1.
Connect the mains charger to a mains outlet.
Step 2. Connect charger to the battery using the power cable.
Step 3. Switch the mains outlet on.
The charger will recharge a completely flat battery in approximately 24 hours. Partially
discharged batteries will require a shorter period to recharge. Allow approximately 1.5 to
2 hours charging for each hour the battery was in use. The flashing rate of the charger
LED will decrease as the battery gains charge.
Vehicle battery charger
The vehicle battery charger will charge the battery from the cigarette lighter socket of most
motor vehicles.
Step 1. Connect the charger to the cigarette lighter socket and turn the ignition switch
to Accessories.
Step 2. Connect the detector battery to the charger using the power cable.
This supplies 12V power to the cigarette lighter socket. This voltage is converted by
the charger to charge the detector battery. A red LED indicator will flash while the
battery is charging. When the battery is flat the LED may flash fast enough so as to
appear constantly on. As the battery gains charge, the LED will flash at a slower rate.
Step 3. Leave the battery to charge for approx. 10 hours using this charger.
If the battery voltage of your vehicle drops below 11V, the charger will stop operating.
Therefore the battery charger should not flatten the vehicle battery. Check that your
vehicle battery is in good condition before camping in remote areas and run your
engine above idle speed for at least 30 minutes each day to keep your vehicle battery
charged.
CAUTION – The Vehicle Battery Charger is designed for use with vehicles, which
have a negative earth electrical system. Most cars manufactured after 1970 should have
negative earth electrical system. Connecting the charger to a vehicle with a positive earth
system will cause the fuse in the cigarette lighter plug to blow and the LED indicator will
not light. If you need to replace the fuse located in the cigarette lighter plug, you will need
to use a 3ag/10amp fuse.
detector sounds
l 4 controls and operation l
page 11
GP 3500 GP 3500
www.minelab.com
page 11
easy reference
DETECTOR SOUNDS - Explanations
In the course of operating your detector, there will be various noises and sounds that you may
hear. Here is an explanation of some of these sounds.
Threshold and Tone
This is the background sound produced by the detector. The level is set using the Threshold
control. The tone of the threshold is set using the Tone control.
Target Signal
This is the abrupt change of the tone and volume of the threshold sound when a target is
detected.
• The maximum level is set by the Volume control.
• The amount of tone variation is set by the Signal control.
• If the tone falls first and then rises, as the coil is passed over a target, this generally
indicates a large target.
• If the tone rises first and then falls, as the coil is passed over a target, this generally
indicates a small target.
Ground Noise
Irregular noises that are difficult or impossible to pinpoint when moving the coil over the
ground. Ground noise is caused by the changing chemistry or 'mineralization' of the ground.
Maintaining an accurate ground balance will greatly reduce this effect.
Tune Indication
An initial beep sounds, then while the detector is testing the range of bands for the most
stable, the threshold may become more quiet or chattery. Once selection is complete, three
sharp ‘beeps’ are given.
Low Battery Indication
If the battery level drops below the desired power to give adequate function,
a series of alarm signal pulses are given at half second intervals.
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