White’s Electronics V3i User Manual
®
Owner’s Guide
Now with ON-BOARD
Quick Reference Manual
White’s Electronics, Inc.
The World’s Finest Metal Detectors manufactured in Sweet Home, Oregon USA
Beta Copy
March 2010
(see back cover)
pg 1
pg 2
A word from the President ...
Congratulations and thank you for choosing
White’s Spectra V3i.
Spectra is the result of years of research and development, time proven manufacturing
and testing techniques, and most of all ... listening to our customers.
The Spectra represents many firsts for metal detector technology. More capabilities
than any metal detector ever. Spectra has Preset Programs developed by our experts,
already set up and ready to find what others have left behind.
This instruction manual will give you a good understanding of the basics. There are no
substitutes for field experience. Practice using the Spectra, and then study this manual
further. Before long, you may well be teaching the experts a thing or two.
I am proud of the Spectra, and the people here at White’s who designed and built it for
you.
We’ve been designing, building, and distributing world wide for nearly 60 years from our
factory in Sweet Home, Oregon, USA. We put our “Made In America” label on every
metal detector we build!
Happy Hunting!
Ken White
President
White’s Electronics, Inc.
“ I am proud to say
all White’s Metal Detectors are
built in Sweet Home, Oregon USA”
pg 3
Table of CONTENTS -
Assembly ...........................................................................................................................................8
Batteries ..........................................................................................................................................10
Owner Registration ........................................................................................................................12
Wireless Headphone .....................................................................................................................13
First Aid ............................................................................................................................................14
First Time Out ..................................................................................................................................14
On-Board Answers ..........................................................................................................................14
Explore Your Spectra ......................................................................................................................16
In Depth Turn On and Go ................................................................................................................16
On/Off ..........................................................................................................................................16
Zoom Option ................................................................................................................................16
Ground Balance ...........................................................................................................................16
Coin & Jewelry .............................................................................................................................17
Backlight ......................................................................................................................................17
Live Controls ................................................................................................................................17
VDI Numbers & Spectragraph .....................................................................................................17
Icons ............................................................................................................................................18
Analyze ........................................................................................................................................19
Pinpoint ........................................................................................................................................19
Navigate ...........................................................................................................................................20
Live Controls ...................................................................................................................................20
Six-Block Menu ...............................................................................................................................23
Programs .....................................................................................................................................24
Restore ..................................................................................................................................25
Memory Capabilities ..............................................................................................................26
Sensitivity ....................................................................................................................................27
Audio...........................................................................................................................................28
Wireless ................................................................................................................................29
Discrimination ..............................................................................................................................31
Ground Filter .....................................................................................................................33
Frequency ....................................................................................................................................34
Ground Tracking ..........................................................................................................................35
Information/Congure ..................................................................................................................36
Preset Program Chart ....................................................................................................................38
Special Library Program Chart .....................................................................................................39
The Displays of the V3i ..................................................................................................................40
Service Centers ..............................................................................................................................41
Warranty Information ....................................................................................................................42
Quick Reference Expert Menu ......................................................................................................44
pg 4
Table of Contents
Expert menu ....................................................................................................................................46
Programs ......................................................................................................................................46
Discrimination ...............................................................................................................................47
Sensitivity .....................................................................................................................................48
Audio.............................................................................................................................................48
Frequency .....................................................................................................................................50
Ground Tracking ...........................................................................................................................51
Filter & Speed ...............................................................................................................................52
Configure .......................................................................................................................................54
Custom Program Notes ..................................................................................................................63
pg 5
3 Freqencies “why not 28!” ...
There is much confusion - some of it deliberate - over how many frequencies a detector actually
uses, and whether multiple frequencies are truly better than a single frequency. What defines a
multi-frequency detector? What do multiple frequencies really do for depth and discrimination?
A multi-frequency detector is defined as one that simultaneously—or, in automated sequence—
transmits, receives, and processes more than one frequency. Some detectors have the ability to operate
at one of several selectable frequencies, but they still are single frequency detectors because during operation they can only transmit and process a single frequency. The same is true of detectors that have a
control to slightly vary their operating frequency to minimize interference; even though they have the ability to operate at many (slightly) different frequencies, they are fundamentally single frequency designs.
Currently, all multi-frequency hobby detectors run their multiple frequencies simultaneously as opposed
to sequentially; they are all characterized by having multiple processing channels in the receive circuitry.
Therefore, a 2-frequency detector will have two processing channels. SpectraV3
processing channels; it is a true 3-frequency detector.
This all sounds easy, so where is the confusion? It turns out that (currently) all multi-frequency
detectors create a transmit signal that is composed of digital waveforms which are designed to produce
peak energies at the desired frequencies. As a side-effect, these digital waveforms also produce undesired harmonic frequencies. Lots and lots of harmonic frequencies, 10’s or even 100’s of them. These
harmonics have no useful energy and are not part of the signal processing. So while we can claim to
transmit many, many frequencies, we cannot claim to process or use them. Therefore, we could easily
claim the Spectra V3i transmits 17 frequencies, or 28, or 39, or 55—we could get plain silly with this. And
such a claim would be true, technically speaking, but since all those extra frequencies are not actually
used, it would be misleading to make such a claim. White’s chooses, instead, to claim the number of
frequencies we are actually using and processing. It may not sound as impressive as a 55-frequency
detector, but it’s honest and accurate.
i
has three independent
Pulse Induction (PI) detectors also utilize a digital (pulse) transmit waveform, so they transmit a
tremendous number of harmonic frequencies as well. So is it fair to include pulse induction as a multifrequency technique? Not really, because PI detectors process in the time domain, not the frequency
domain. So even though they use broad-band signals, they are not frequency-based detectors at all.
Calling them “multi-frequency” is simply another attempt to confuse the consumer.
Once we get beyond the marketing hype, the real question is: What does multi-frequency do
for depth and discrimination? The truth is, any time a detector is simultaneously transmitting more than
one frequency, the transmit energy must be divided amongst the frequencies. Therefore, a single frequency detector can usually squeeze out slightly more depth than a multi-frequency design at that certain
frequency. But this is an advantage only at one frequency, which tends to favor only a narrow range of
targets.
pg 6
How does it work? The Science behind V3i ...
How does it work? The Science behind V3i ...
This is where a multi-frequency detector such as the Spectra V3i really shines. V3i transmits at
2.5kHz, 7.5kHz, and 22.5kHz, making it simultaneously “hot” on silver, relics, and gold. Single frequency
detectors are unable to have peak performance over such a wide range of targets. This is an advantage
not only in detecting desirable targets, but also in discriminating out undesirable targets. So multi-frequency detectors get excellent depth over a much wider range of targets, and do a better job of identifying
targets. But Spectra V3i can also beat single frequency detectors at their own game: V3i has the ability to
run in single frequency mode using any of its three frequencies, and the transmit waveform is optimized to
put all the energy into that one frequency. So if you want to hunt for only deep silver or only gold jewelry,
V3i can be optimized for these tasks.
A final advantage of multi-frequency is the ability to simultaneously balance ferrous ground mineralization and conductive salt ground. Single frequency detectors cannot do this, and usually struggle in
wet salt sand unless the sensitivity is turned down significantly.
Spectra V3i is the first production frequency domain metal detector to simultaneously use more
than 2 frequencies. It is also the first multi-frequency detector to offer optimized single frequency modes.
And V3
continue to be a leading innovator in metal detection technology, and instead of misleading claims, we’ll
tell you what we are really doing.
i
is the first to display the target phase response independently for each frequency. White’s will
pg 7
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
®
ASSEMBLY -
Washers between each
loop ear & clevis
Clevis
Lower Rod
i
®
Search Coil
Cable Retainer
Camlock
Display
S-rod
Trigger
Loop Connector
Control Box
Touch Pads
Select Programs
Adjust Controls
Elbow Cup Strap
Elbow Cup Foam
Pads - Inside
Elbow Cup
Headphone
Jack
pg 8
Battery
b
b
Place soft rubber washer (b)
between clevis and ears - both sides.
Compartment Door
Battery
Compartment Latches
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
®
i
A
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS -
1. Remove all parts from shipping carton. Check the assembly page to make sure all parts are present.
2. Use the provided rubber washers between clevis/lower rod and loop ears. Use only nonmetallic washers, fiber bolt, and
thumbnut to secure loop/search coil to clevis/lower rod.
3. Unlock “S” rod camlock and insert clevis/lower rod into curved “S” rod so that stainless steel spring clip buttons line up and
lock into one of the adjustment holes in the curved “S” rod. Turn camlock to secure. The second or third adjustment holes
are suitable for average size adults. Individuals 6’ or taller should use the fully extended position. Individuals well over 6’ tall
should purchase the optional Tall Man Fiber Lower Rod #500-0242-3 and/or #500-0240-1 Tall Man Aluminum “S” Rod.
4. Unravel loop cable and wind the cable around the clevis and rod assembly, first revolution over the top of the rod. Wind
cable all the way to the top of the curved “S” rod, about five revolutions. Use the black cable retainers, one near the loop, and
one near the top of the curved “S” rod, to hold the loop cable in place.
5. Unlock control box rod cam-lock and insert curved “S” rod so that stainless steel spring clip buttons line up and lock into the
rod on top of the control box. The “S” rod is designed to curve up toward the display. However, those who prefer to sweep the
loop close to their feet may desire to assemble the “S” rod to curve down toward the ground. Turn cam-lock to secure. Plug
loop connector into control box, screw lock ring to secure.
6. Grip the instrument by the handle, with your arm in the elbow cup with strap secure, and sweep the loop/search coil over
the floor. If the instrument fit feels uncomfortable, adjust the elbow cup by removing and repositioning the bolt/thumbnut and
installing in one of the optional positions. If necessary, readjust clevis/lower rod length with the spring clip buttons and camlock so that the search coil can be held near the floor without requiring stooping over.
7. Remove the protective paper from the two black elbow cup foam pads. Carefully align pads on the inside of the elbow cup,
one on each side of the center rod, and press firmly into place.
8. Adjust the elbow cup strap so that it is loose enough for you to slide your arm in and out without loosening each time you
want to set the detector down. The elbow cup strap provides extra leverage and control. However, some prefer not to use it.
S
S
E
M
B
L
Y
G
U
I
D
9. Install battery as described in the next section, decal facing down, single larger plastic tab and steel contacts facing toward
inside of battery compartment.
10. It should be noted at this point that the Spectra may not work as expected indoors due to the high degree of metals used
in modern construction. It is best to tune and practice (outdoors) to ensure stable, predictable results.
11. Your Spectra is designed with an automatic turn OFF if the trigger on the grip (or another control) “is not used” for a period
of 30 minutes. This protects the battery from damage (absolute discharge) in case of an accidental turn on during travel or
storage. The Spectra will make a specific deep tone musical melody upon automatic turn off. To restart, simply press ON and
squeeze and release the trigger on the grip to resume searching. The Spectra returns to pre-turn-off settings.
pg 9
E
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
Batteries
®
i
The Spectra is provided with two battery packs. The rechargeable Nickel Metal
Hydride (NiMH) battery (Orange Decal) will require an initial 3-4 hour battery
charge.
To begin using the Spectra immediately, use the back-up “AA” battery pack (Blue Decal).
• The standard battery holder (Blue Decal) holds eight “AA” cell batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended for
use with this battery holder.
• Non-alkaline batteries can be used in this holder. When non-alkaline or rechargeable “AA” cells are used, detecting
time (before replacement/recharge) may be reduced or increased depending upon the type of battery used.
• An ” Unhappy Battery Icon” will automatically appear on the display (lower left status line) when the
batteries become too low (8 volts) to properly operate the Spectra.
• A headphone icon with a battery inside indicates the batteries are low in the wireless headphone. See additional
status indications on bottom of control box.
• The battery compartment opens by gently pulling down on the front of each of the two latches (on the bottom of the
control box) releasing the catch and hinging open the door. The non-rechargeable battery holder can use many different types
of batteries, including rechargeable. This holder is designed for standard size “AA” batteries 50 mm ± .10 mm. Battery lengths
shorter than this will likely cause problems with this power supply.
• When the Spectra is turned on the battery voltage will momentarily appear on the opening display (lower left). The
degree the battery is filled, toward +, indicates the battery condition. Full Fill = 100% battery life remaining, half fill = 50%
battery life remaining.
Battery Voltage Reading
• To recheck the battery voltage during searching, press MENU twice and note battery voltage under BATTERY.
Spectra operates correctly between 8 Volts “low battery” and 13 Volts. Squeeze and release Trigger on grip (twice) to return
to searching. Initial battery check voltage may indicate abnormally high. With new Alkaline, or a fresh battery charge, the
most accurate battery voltage will be indicated after one hour of use.
pg 10
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
Using the Standard Battery Holder
• Slide open the battery holder lid (decal side of battery holder) by applying
gentle upward pressure on the single large tab of the door so that it unlocks. Slide the
door away from the battery box exposing the cell positions.
• Remove any old cells from the holder. Note the “+” and “-“ positions of each
cell and the “+” and “-“ for each position marked inside the cell tray. Install new “AA”
cells noting carefully the correct (+) and (-) positions. If any of the cells are installed
incorrectly, battery life will be significantly reduced and/or the Spectra may require
service by an Authorized Service Center.
• Slide the door closed so that it snaps securely.
• Insert the battery holder into the detector so that the decal is facing down, with
the single larger battery holder door tab and metal contact points facing toward the
inside of the battery compartment. Close the battery compartment door and secure the two latches on the bottom of the case.
Hook the front (nearest the door) of each latch first, and then snap down the rear (furthest from the door).
NiMH Rechargeable Battery
®
i
A
S
S
E
M
B
L
Y
• A rechargeable NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery (Orange Decal) is
provided with your Spectra. This battery can be recharged hundreds of times. Full
charge can be achieved anytime during the discharge cycle (a non-memory system).
The provided “Smart Charger” and “Charging Cradle/Stand” sense the type of
charge the battery needs and automatically adjust the charge cycle. From fully low
this system provides a full charge in as little as 3-4 hours. A full charge will last ten
to twelve hours of normal use. Battery life will vary with temperature, the number of
targets found, and the exact settings used. Six hours is not unusual for extreme high
performance settings, or for batteries that have experienced extensive use.
• The battery will lose its charge during storage. If stored inserted in your
instrument, this loss will be more significant. It is recommended that the battery be removed from the Spectra during periods
of storage. It is not advisable to store rechargeable batteries for long periods of time without use (six + months). If extended
storage is necessary, store with a charge (charged). If possible, recharge at least once every six months of non-use.
• Do not discharge the battery in devices other than your metal detector. Unnecessary discharging and/or an
absolute discharge will reduce battery life and may damage the battery. Unlike older rechargeable battery designs, the
rechargeable battery provided with your Spectra can be recharged at any time. Regardless of whether or not it already has a
partial charge, memory will not occur.
• White’s has provided the leading edge NiMH rechargeable battery technology with your Spectra. Disregard advice
that conflicts with the above recommendations. Care for batteries provided by other manufacturers, or with other White’s
models, may vary.
• Do not combine (use) any other battery, or any other battery charger, not specifically designed to work with this
system.
• The NiMH battery provided with your Spectra may be subject to recycling laws in your area. It is the right thing to
do and is often legally required. If, perhaps many years in the future, you are uncertain as to where to return a White’s NiMH
batteries for recycling, please return it to the place of purchase or any White’s Electronics Inc. address circling “the recycling”
(trash can) portion of the label.
G
U
I
D
E
pg 11
®
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
Charging
- Plug the charger into a standard wall outlet. (110 volts for USA models, 220 volts for UK
models).
- To charge, insert the battery into the cradle / stand (only fits one way) plug the charger plug
into the back of the cradle / stand. Green light should glow.
- Green and Red Lights ON indicate battery and charger have made a good connection and
the battery is charging. The battery charger is designed to charge a completely low battery in
as little as 3-4 hours. However, no harm will come to the system leaving it charging for several
days (automatic trickle charge).
- Red Light OFF, Green Light ON indicates battery is now fully charged and ready for use and
will now simply maintain the full charge indefinitely. It is normal for the battery and charger to get warm during use. However,
if either the battery or the charger gets too hot to hold or deforms due to the heat, discontinue use and return for testing.
- When using fresh batteries, the voltage will initially check somewhere in the 10 to 13 volt area. Unlike standard
batteries, the rechargeable battery voltage will quickly drop somewhere between 9 and 11 volts and plateau there for most
of its life. Once the rechargeable battery voltage drops below this plateau, it will quickly drop below a usable voltage level
(8 volts) and thus require a recharge. “Unhappy Battery Icon” will automatically appear on the display when the battery
approaches 8 volts. It is recommended to either recharge or switch to “AA” pack when occasional unhappy battery starts
to appear (flash) on display. With a consistent unhappy battery, Spectra will not be operating properly and will soon entirely
cease to operate.
i
your Spectras registration information. To deter theft, without this original disappearing code, significant inconvenience can be
expected regarding re-setting the Registration information.
Owner’s Name – Use the ARROWs Down / Up, and Left / Right to spell out your name. Or press ENTER to bring up a keyboard and then use ARROWs and ENTER to spell out your name.
• Select and ENTER blanks to add spaces. If you make an error, to redo that digit, squeeze and release trigger,
ARROW back to that digit, and press ENTER to bring the Keyboard back, then redo that digit.
Owner Registration
How to Access – To access Information / Configure press MENU twice in succession. Arrow
down to Owner Registration and press ENTER. To Exit squeeze and release trigger on hand
grip twice
Owner Registration – Allows the Spectra owner to embed their name and contact information,
protected from tampering, but updateable with original factory code.
• Select Owner Register and press ENTER. Press MENU / TAB to select Register and press
ENTER.
• Password – IMPORTANT! Write down the password or code that automatically appears
and keep it in a safe place separate from your Spectra… (Password code will disappear,
and must be manual re-entered, after first registration). If you normally keep your instruction
manual at home, write it on the inside cover of the manual. Should you ever change addresses
or sell your Spectra, this code must be retained and manually re-entered to update or revise
Contact - Press MENU / TAB to exit Name and select Contact. Type out your contact information using ARROWs, or pressing
Menu to bring up the keyboard then ARROWs and ENTER.
SAVE – Use MENU / TAB to select SAVE, press ENTER to SAVE your Registration.
pg 12
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
®
i
A
Wireless Headphones
Locate battery door- open by turning counter clockwise to
“Open” position.
Install (2) AA Batteries (provided) Take care to orient batteries
per embossed example- one up- one down.
Replace Battery door- turn clockwise to ”Lock” position.
SpectraSound™ System comes factory pre-connected
(channel 4) allowing the “Quick Connect Sequence”.
Quick Connect Sequence -
Set Up -
Part Number 802-5282
FCC# R8KUGWM1USHN33A
Wireless Headphone - Quick Connect
• Select Audio or Zoom Audio
• to Wireless Headphone. Press
S
S
E
M
B
L
Y
G
• Press to enable x
• Press and hold headphone power button.
• Headphone is connected within five seconds
when you hear... .
• Trigger to search.
Headphones automatically turn off with the detector. To manually
turn OFF headphones, press headphone power button. You will
hear
The metal detector speaker will connect within ten seconds.
More options available in “Information/ConfigureSection”.
TROUBLESHOOTING -
Substandard wireless sound, or built-in Speaker beeps when
Wireless are used.
• Select a different wireless channel.
• Increase Wireless Power
• Turn OFF Speaker under Signal (Monitor Battery)
• Check Wireless Battery.
• Check voltage - replace as needed.
U
I
D
E
pg 13
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
First Aid
• Help Balloons - From menu screens and Zoom menus, trigger forward - brings up a “Help Balloon” that offers more
information about the menu item.
SIX BLOCK
• COMPLETE OWNER’S GUIDE - All of Spectra’s systems and controls are explained in complete detail.
• DVD - A short DVD designed to visually familiarize and instruct.
• Website/Forum - Ask questions, comment and share your experiences with White’s Spectra owners at White’s
Website Forum: www.whiteselectronics.com.
®
i
Trigger Forward
Help Balloon
• Live Help - Consult your local Dealer or contact White’s Authorized Regional Distributor at 1-800-547-6911.
We will be happy to help!
NOTE -
Explore your Spectra metal detector with complete confidence.
You cannot harm or destroy the original factory presets or software.
Original programs are easily restored!
pg 14
Two keys to access an on-board reference manual.
Menu/Zoom for immediate on-board answers to
almost any question!
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
®
i
A
First Time Out with Spectra V3
Press ON/OFF.
Optionally… Press ZOOM to select text size.
Squeeze & release Trigger on the handle grip.
Hold Trigger & hold ENTER, pump search coil (loop) up and down on the ground until
background hum steadies, release ENTER… and then release Trigger and begin searching.
(Note releasing Trigger before releasing ENTER) locks Spectra in pinpoint mode, squeeze
and release trigger twice to unlock pinpoint.
Sweep search coil close to the ground, from side to side, overlapping each pass.
Locate a consistent “BEEP” upon several passes of the search coil.
Look at display. VDI, Blocks, and ICON, indicate a metal target worthy of digging.
Pinpoint squeeze & hold toggle on the grip and slowly “
maximum bars indicates target center.
i
- ”Turn On And Go” ...
+” the area. Depth in inches and
S
S
E
M
B
L
Y
G
Pinpoint -
U
I
D
E
pg 15
®
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
i
Explore Your Spectra
Explore your Spectra metal detector with complete confidence. You cannot harm or destroy the
original factory presets or software. Original programs are easily restored under Programs, Restore.
Option selections remain through ON/OFF and battery changes. To return to original selections, manually
return to underlined or check marked levels, or Restore.
A Word About “Turn On & Go” -
All the Spectra features and performance are available by selecting a Program suited to your type of hunt
ing. Typical settings and uses are available within the Program choices. Experts have developed these programs
for you. Feel free to edit and experiment. Remember - It is easy to RESTORE.
In depth Turn-On & Go -
• Press ON/OFF: When first turned on the Spectra display shows the battery condition, (owner details) if
registered, ARROW DOWN for more information about the detector and general features.
• Option - press ZOOM to select the size of text that best suits your eyesight and preference. Larger size
text slightly changes display arrangements or feature positions.
-
• Squeeze and release the Trigger on the handle grip.
• Ground Balance - Squeeze and hold the Trigger press and hold the ENTER button, pump the search coil
(loop) over the ground (1-12 inches) until the background hum becomes steady, release ENTER and then release
trigger and begin searching.
SEARCH
PINPOINT
ANALYZE
pg 16
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
®
i
B
At anytime during searching, this “ground balance sequence” may be repeated to ground balance the
Spectra to ignore ground minerals. The Spectra will automatically track to normal ground mineral changes. Quick
(abrupt) and dramatic (usually visible) ground changes may require a manual sequence such as dirt to gravel, dry
sand to wet salt sand, wood chips to dirt, sand to dirt, sand/dirt to rock, or other obvious ground changes.
• At initial turn-on, the Spectra begins in a general COIN & JEWELRY Program. This program provides
typical coin discrimination (reject iron and small foil, accept nickels and up). The Discrimination pattern is visible by
a color bar located across the bottom of the yellow/tan rectangle, RED representing rejected ranges, and GREEN
representing accepted ranges.
• If you have already been using the Spectra and have switched to a different Program, the Spectra
retains your preference and will begin in that Program (last used Program always returns regardless of battery
condition or installation).
• The Program in use is indicated on the center lower portion of the display. COIN & JEWELRY indicates that this is the original factory COIN & JEWELRY program, all settings are at the original default or SAVED
levels. A triangle in front of COIN & JEWELRY indicates there has been a recent change to the COIN & JEWELRY
program. (+/-) Behind COIN & JEWELRY indicates there is another program with the same name that has different
settings in the Library.
Backlight - On the same line as COIN & JEWELRY, to the far left, a light bulb indicates the display BACKLIGHT is on. Press “ARROW RIGHT” until Backlight appears highlighted on the far right bottom corner of display.
Press “ARROW UP” and “ARROW DOWN” to adjust the degree of backlight. Backlight will affect the ability to see
the display in all light conditions. At medium backlight settings 15% reduction in battery life is expected (a 1.5 hour
reduction out of ten hours use). At maximum backlight settings a 25% reduction in battery life is expected.
3
A
S
I
C
M
E
N
U
Live Controls - across the bottom of the display offer quick and easy “on the fly” adjustment of all common
metal detector features. Use ARROW LEFT & RIGHT to highlight a feature, then ARROW UP & DOWN to adjust
it or ENTER to turn it ON/OFF. No need to enter a MENU. Adjustments are instant, like having knobs! Another
White’s innovation.
SEARCH
PINPOINT
ANALYZE
VDI Numbers and Spectragraph “R” - Within the yellow / tan rectangle which dominates the display
important target indications are provided;
• A small target reference number scale VDI (Visual Discrimination Indication numbers) from -95-0-+95
are listed. -95 to 0 represents the negative (ferrous) or magnetic target range (most iron and steel). +1 to +95
represents the conductive (nonferrous) target range (most precious metals). The VDI number will vary depending
upon the exact characteristics of the metal itself. These VDI numbers are the same reference numbers the Spectra
uses to accept or reject different target types, especially important when customizing the Discrimination.
pg 17
®
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
i
The current target VDI number appears much larger above the rectangle upper left side of display. Listen
for a solid repeatable (over multiple search coil passes) audio “beep” then look for a consistent Icon and/or VDI
number indicating a good quality metal target.
• While sweeping the search coil metal targets will produce blocks above the -95-0-+95 metal range for
each frequency currently in use. Their position in relation to the -95-0-+95 range will indicate the electrical characteristics (target signature) of the metal itself, which is based on the exact metal alloy and size.
In the COIN & JEWELRY Program rejected VDI range blocks appear in RED, Accept VDI range blocks ap
pear in Green. Taller and narrower block patterns indicate higher quality metal alloys. Top block (always the highest
frequency) represents 22.5 kHz, center blocks 7.5 kHz, and bottom blocks (always the lowest frequency) 2.5 kHz.
Typically gold and nickel respond better / stronger at 22.5 kHz, brass better / stronger at 7.5, and silver/copper better / stronger at 2.5 kHz. Noting which line of blocks fades last (lingers longest) is a further indication of the targets
likely alloy.
Multiple targets near each other can be tricky. When unusual variations are noticed, sweep the area from
several different directions and/or hold the toggle on the grip and “X” the area to check for multiple targets. Then
sweep each separately and note audio and display.
ICONs - In combination with the VDI number and target signature blocks, an ICON will appear above the
rectangle in the upper right side of display, and a large VDI (visual discrimination indication or reference number)
that represents that range will appear on the upper left side of the display. Some variation is expected from one
search coil sweep to the next. However, overall consistency over several sweeps will produce an accurate indication of the metal alloy. Multiple targets near each other can be tricky. When unusual variations are noticed, sweep
the area from several different directions, hold the toggle, to check for multiple targets.
• Sweep the search coil close to the ground, scrubbing in grass, an inch above rocky, sandy, or coarse
grounds, from side to side, overlapping each pass by 50%. Avoid arching at the end of each sweep, maintain about
two seconds per pass from left to right and about two seconds returning from right to left. The search coil must
remain in motion for metals to respond.
• Ignore the display and listen for a solid sounding, repeatable audio “BEEP” upon several passes of the
search coil. Ignore inconsistent, or broken sounds. Solid, repeatable “BEEPs”, after multiple passes indicate a
metal target of interest.
• Then look at display. Once a solid and repeatable “BEEP” has been located, sweep over it several times,
and look at the display. A narrow tall bar graph in a desired range plus the large VDI number in the upper left side
of display, and a desired target ICON will indicate a good metal target worth digging.
pg 18
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
®
i
B
• Optional Step (Analyze) Push the toggle forward (away from the grip) sweep over the
target several times, and look at the analysis. The Analyze Screen provides a visual of the actual
target signal. The Screen provides an indication of the size of the target (distance between the two
black lines), and the differences at each frequency. Each of the three frequencies are color coded
(22.5 kHz, 7.5 kHz, 2.5 kHz).
Most metal alloys produce a set of smooth bumps similar to a single camel hump, slightly different in height
(signal strength) at each primary frequency. Coins on edge or irregular shapes often produce dips before and/or after this hump. “Size” will track search coil sweep speed. Different metal alloys respond at different frequencies. As
well, irregularities (dips in normal pattern) at specific frequencies better identifies trash, particularly iron. The sizing
rule is shown on the lower left side of display. This size applies to each increment marked with dots across the bottom of the screen. The default shows two inches as the display width. This would indicate that the data shown from
the left to right edge of the display was collected within a time interval where the loop moved two inches. Accuracy
depends on search coil sweep speed, and consistency.
Next to the large VDI number is a calculation displayed as a percentage (%). 100% is sure target information, and 10% should be considered questionable. If the information is questionable, note the depth. If it is a
deeper target (5+ inches) questionable display information is typical and one may still want to dig.
Pinpoint -
A
S
I
C
M
E
N
• To Pinpoint exactly where to dig, squeeze and hold the toggle in (towards the grip) and slowly “+” the area where
the “BEEP” was heard. Standard Equipment “DD” loop requires special attention to side to side, then forward to
back. Pivot 90 degrees and repeat “+” area. Display indicates depth in inches and bars indicates target center. The
strongest signal will be the exact center of the target.
NOTE: With multi frequency pinpoint bar option, strongest bar suggest likely target alloy. Nickel, gold, and
small targets strongest at 22.5 kHz (top bar), brass strongest at 7.5 kHz (center bar), silver/copper strongest at 2.5
kHz (bottom bar).
U
The Spectra can be locked into the pinpoint mode, while squeezing the trigger, press and hold ENTER
and release the trigger, then release ENTER. Pinpoint mode will then remain until trigger is squeezed and released
twice. Note, it is normal for the pinpoint mode threshold to gradually wander up or down over relatively short periods of time. Pinpoint is not intended for prolonged searching.
pg 19
Complete Guide to Spectra V3
®
NAVIGATION -
i
UP/DOWN moves the Cursor vertical to select from a list.
SIDE/SIDE moves the highlighted selection horizontally.
MENU/TAB brings up menu or moves the Cursor to the next item or
selection on the screen. Selection is highighted.
MENU/TAB x2 brings up information screen. Includes backlight and
advanced menu (see page 11).
ENTER selects the option.
ZOOM/VIEW increases text size or provides more detailed Menu.
BACKUP or ESCAPE squeeze and release trigger from any Menu or
control.
Live Controls
• The LIVE CONTROLS (Like Backlight) across the bottom of the display offer quick and easy “on the fly”
adjustment of all the normal metal detector controls. Use ARROW LEFT & RIGHT to highlight a feature, then ARROW UP & DOWN to adjust, ENTER to activate or deactivate. No need to enter a MENU. Adjustments are instant,
like having control knobs.
• Maximize Live Controls by holding ZOOM and pressing ARROW Up X1 or X2.
• Minimize or hide Live Controls by holding ZOOM and pressing ARROW Down X1, X2, or X3.
• Minimize or hide Live Controls when few further adjustments are expected allowing a better
target screen size. To bring them back anytime on the fly Minimized or Full Size, hold ZOOM
and press ARROW UP.
• The selection of live controls and the order in which they appear changes depending on which Program
is selected. In other words COIN & JEWELRY has different Live Controls and a different order compared to PROSPECTING. Live controls can be selected, rearranged, and changed in their appearance (Expert Menu).
• Personal preference selections within the Expert Menu will automatically export to the Live Controls and
Six Block Menu. For example selecting a different method of making Discrimination adjustments within the Expert
Menu will automatically install that same specific method in the Live Controls and Six Block Menu.
SIX BLOCK
• The COIN & JEWELRY program initially offers the most popular options and arrangement one would
expect to find on most high-end general use metal detectors.
pg 20
Loading...