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Page created December, 2010

I don't know much about this model. The fact it has Three-Tone Target ID puts it in the Big Bud branch of the Bounty Hunter tree. That it uses three 9-volt batteries says it's an older design. Possibly an earlier version of the 63-3013 VLF/TR.

We have the docs off the Radio Shack website and that's about it.

Discriminator Metal Detector (630-3006) Care and Maintenance Faxback Doc. # 41814

Power Supply (B1): ................. 18V DC --- Two 9V Batteries in series

(B2): ............................................ 9V Battery

Operating Frequency: .................................... 15 kHz +/- 2 kHz

Indicators: (Visual): ........................................ Level meter

(Sound): ............................. 2" speaker or earphone

(earphone not included)

Functions: ........................... Auto-tune, DISC, Battery Test, GND.

Controls: ................................ OFF/VLF/TR1/TR2 Selector Switch

VOLUME Control

DISC Control

TUNE Control

B1, B2 Battery Test Selector Switch

Sensitivity: ............... minimum Discrimination 11 cm with meter for a

US (.25 cent piece) Quarter

Operating Current (B1)(18V) Statical: .............................. 30 mA

Dynamical: ............................. 30 mA

(B2)(9V) Dynamical: ............................. 35 mA

Operating Voltage (B1): .......................................... 15~22 V

(B2): ......................................... 6.5~12 V

3 Audio Frequency: ...................................... 400 Hz +/- 60 Hz

700 Hz +/- 105 Hz

1500 Hz +/- 225 Hz

Your Radio Shack Discriminator Metal Detector is an example of superior

design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care

for your metal detector so you can enjoy it for years.

Handle the detector gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit

boards and cases and can cause the detector to work improperly.

Use and store the detector only in normal temperature environments. Temp-

erature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices, damage batt-

eries, and distort or melt plastic parts.

Keep the detector away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature wear

of parts.

Wipe the detector with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.

Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to

clean the detector.

Modifying or tampering with the detector's internal parts can cause a mal-

function and might invalidate its warranty. If your detector is not oper-

ating as it should, take it to your local Radio Shack store for assistance.

The search coil supplied with the detector is waterproof and can be sub-

merged in either fresh or salt water. However, do not let water enter the

detector's control housing. After using the search coil in salt water,

rinse it with fresh water to prevent corrosion of the metal parts.

With your Radio Shack Discriminator Metal Detector, you can hunt for coins,

relics, jewelry, gold and silver just about anywhere. The Discriminator

Metal Detector is versatile and easy to use.

The detector's feature include:

Headphone Jack - lets you connect headphones (not supplied) to the

detector.

View meter and Pointer - shows the probable type of metal being detected.

A separate view-master meter display lets you know

when it is time to replace the batteries.

Three-Tone Audio - sounds distinctive tones for different types of

Discrimination metals, to make target identification easier.

Waterproof Search coil - lets you use the detector's search coil even if

you must put it under water.

NOTE: The search coil is waterproof, but the con-

trol housing is not waterproof.

Adjustable Stem - lets you adjust the detector's length for comfort-

able use.

NOTE: Your metal detector requires three 9-volt alkaline batteries (not

supplied).

Treasure Hunter's Code of Ethics

All treasure hunters might be judged by the examples you set. Here are a

few basic rules you should follow while using your detector.

Always get permission before searching any site.

Respect the rights and property of others.

Observe all national, state and local laws while treasure hunting.

Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures. If you are not sure

about an object you have found, contact a museum or historical society in

your area.

Leave the land and vegetation as it was. Fill in any holes you dig.

Use your detector only in safe areas.

Dispose of any junk you find, only in approved areas. Do not leave it for

the next treasure hunter to find.

Fine Tuning The Detector

After you become familiar with how your detector works, you can fine-tune

it to make it less sensitive to interference and more selective in what it

finds.

Adjusting SENSITIVITY

To adjust the search coil's ability to detect objects at different depths

in the soil, rotate SENSITIVITY between MIN and MAX. For maximum detection

depth, leave SENSITIVITY set as high as possible. If the detector makes a

"chattering" noise, decrease SENSITIVITY until the "chatter" stops.

Adjusting GROUND

Setting GROUND takes a little time, but is critical for accurate operation.

GROUND tunes out false signals from mineralized soil.

Follow these steps to set GROUND.

1. Set MODE to VLF and lower the search coil to 1/2 to 2 inches above the

ground.

2. If the pointer swings to the right, turn GROUND to the left. If the

pointer swings to the left, turn GROUND to the right.

3. Raise the search coil about 1 foot from the ground and press the red

button on the handle. The pointer returns to the center.

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 until the pointer stays close to the center each time

you lower the search coil to the ground.

After you set GROUND the detector is set for the soil type at that particu-

lar site. Do not reset it until you use the detector at a different site.

Adjusting DISCRIMINATION

Discrimination is the detector's ability to differentiate between types of

metal. The detector's DISCRIMINATION setting determines whether the detec-

tor will distinguish between different types of ferrous and non-ferrous

metals.

If MODE is set to TR2, start with DISCRIMINATION set to mid-range. While

you use the detector, adjust DISCRIMINATION to the best position. As you

set DISCRIMINATION higher, the detector becomes more sensitive to the diff-

erences between large aluminum and gold pieces, for example, but some small

valuable pieces, such as coins and small rings, might be overlooked.

As you set DISCRIMINATION to higher levels, the detector first does not

detect small pieces of silver paper, then thick foil, and finally metal

objects like pull tabs from aluminum cans.

NOTE: Each time you use the detector in a different area, you must readjust

DISCRIMINATION. Each search location presents new challenges.

False Signals

Because your detector is extremely sensitive, trash-induced signals and

other sources of interference might cause signals that seem confusing. The

key to handling these types of signals is to dig for only those targets that

emit a strong, repeatable signal. As you sweep the search-coil back and

forth over the ground, learn to recognize the difference between signals

that occur at random and signals that are stable and repeatable.

To reduce false signals when searching very trashy ground, scan only a

small area at a time using slow, short overlapping sweeps.

Detection Hints

No detector is 100 percent accurate. Various conditions influence metal

detection. The detector's reaction depends on a number of things:

The angle at which the object rests in the ground.

The depth of the object.

The amount of iron in the object.

The size of the object.

Pinpointing a Target

Accurately pinpointing a target makes digging it up easier.

Accurate pinpointing takes practice, and we suggest you practice finding

and digging up small metal objects on your own property before you search

other locations.

Sometimes, targets are difficult to accurately locate due to the sweep

direction. Try changing your sweep direction to pinpoint a target.

Follow these steps to pinpoint a target.

1. When the detector detects a buried target, continue sweeping the search-

coil over the target in a narrowing side-to-side motion.

2. Make a visual note of the exact spot on the ground where the detector

beeps.

3. Stop the search coil directly over this spot on the ground. Then move

the search coil straight forward away from you and straight back toward

you a couple of times.

May a visual note of the exact spot on the ground where the detector

beeps.

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 at a right angle to the original searchline, making

an "X" pattern. The target will be directly below the "X" at the point

of the loudest response.

NOTES: If trash in an area is so heavy that you get false signals, slow

your sweep speed and use shorter sweeps.

Recently buried coins might not respond the same as coins buried

for a long period of time because of oxidation.

Some nails, nuts, bolts, and other iron objects (such as old bottle

caps) oxidize and create a "halo" effect. A halo effect is caused

by a mixture of natural elements in the ground and the oxidation

created by different metals. Because of the metal mixtures, target

signals might not be in a "fixed" position. This effect makes these

objects very hard to detect accurately. See "Fine-Tuning the

Detector" above.)

Using Headphones

You can connect a pair of stereo headphones (not supplied) to the detector

so you can listen to it privately. Using headphones also saves battery

power and makes it easier to identify subtle changes in the sounds you hear

for better detection results. Your local Radio Shack store has a wide

selection of headphones.

To connect headphones to the detector, insert the headphones' 1/8-inch plug

into the HEADPHONE jack on the side of the control housing.

The detector's internal speaker disconnects when you connect headphones.

Listening Safely

To protect your hearing following these guidelines when you use headphones.

Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After

you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high volume

listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt

to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort

might still damage your hearing.

Traffic Safety

Do not wear headphones while operating your detector near high-traffic

areas.

Even though some headphones are designed to let you hear some outside

sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they still can present a

traffic hazard.

Operation

Your Radio Shack Discriminator Metal Detector distinguishes between ferrous

and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals contain iron, while non-ferrous

metals such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, aluminum, lead, and zinc do

not.

When the detector senses a metallic object, the meter reading changes, the

NON-FERROUS or FERROUS indicator turns on or off, and the detector sounds

one of three tones. The actual reaction depends on what metal is detected.

The higher the tone pitch, the stronger the detection.

Preparing The Detector

Turning On the Detector

1. Set BATT TEST to OPERATE.

2. Hold the detector in a comfortable position, then rotate MODE to the

desired position.

Set it to VLF to test battery power and adjust TUNE and GROUND. (See

"Tuning the Detector" above, and "Adjusting GROUND" on Faxback Doc.

# 41812.)

Set it to TR1 to detect extreme differences in metals, such as between

iron and gold. The difference between iron and gold shows on the meter

(iron in the ferrous section, gold in the non-ferrous section).

Set it to TR2 to detect finer distinctions between metals, for example

between aluminum and gold (see "Adjusting DISCRIMINATION" on Faxback

Doc. # 41812).

Tuning the Detector

TUNE fine-tunes the balance between the detector's receiver and transmitter

circuitry to provide consistent pointer and tone indications.

Follow these steps to set TUNE.

1. Rotate VOLUME to the 10 o'clock position.

2. Set MODE to VLF.

3. Set GROUND, DISCRIMINATION, and SENSITIVITY to mid-range.

4. Hold the search coil at least 1 foot away from the ground and any metal

object, hold down the red button on the handle and slowly rotate TUNE

until the view meter pointer rests at or near 0.

As you search, you can fine-tune the detector using the other controls (see

"Fine-Tuning the Detector" on Faxback Doc. # 41812).

NOTE: Press the red button on the handle at any time during operation to

automatically return the pointer to the center of the view meter.

Testing and Using The Detector

To learn how the detector reacts to different metals, you should test it

before you use it the first time. You can test the detector indoors or

outdoors.

Indoor Testing

1. Remove any watches, rings, or other metal jewelry you are wearing, then

place the detector on a wooden or plastic table.

2. Adjust the search coil's angle so the flat part faces the ceiling.

NOTE: Never test the detector on a floor inside a building. Most

buildings have metal of some kind in the floor, which might

interfere with the objects you are testing or mask the signal

completely.

3. Set MODE to TR1.

4. Move a sample of the material you want the detector to find (such as a

gold ring or a coin) about 2 inches above the search coil.

NOTES: The search coil will not detect without motion. You must move

the object since you are not sweeping with the detector at this

time.

If you are using a coin, the detector detects it more easily if

you hold it so a flat side (not the edge) is parallel with the

flat side of the search coil.

If the detector detects the material the NON-FERROUS and FERROUS indicators

flash and the pointer moves to FERROUS or NON-FERROUS while the detector

determines the type of metal it is detecting. If it detects non-ferrous

metal, it also sounds a tone.

If the detector does not detect the material, check the battery power and

verify that the search coil is properly connected. Also, you might need

to fine-tune the detector (see "Fine-Tuning the Detector" on Faxback Doc.

# 41812).

Outdoor Testing and Use

1. Find an area on the ground outside where there is no metal.

2. Place a sample of the material you want the detector to find (such as a

gold ring or a coin) on the ground. (If you are using valuable metal

such as gold to test the detector, mark the area where you placed the

item, to help you find it later. Do not place it in tall grass or

weeds.)

3. Set MODE to TR1.

4. While holding the search coil level and about 1-2 inches above the

ground, slowly move the search coil over the area where you placed the

sample, sweeping the search coil in a side-to-side motion.

Search coil Sweeping Hints:

Never sweep the search coil as if it were a pendulum. Raising the search

coil while sweeping or at the end of a sweep causes false readings.

Sweep slowly - hurrying makes you miss targets.

If the detector detects the item, it sounds a tone and the pointer moves to

the type of metal it found. When you detect metal, switch MODE TR1 to TR2

to determine the quality of the metal.

If the detector does not detect the material, make sure you are moving the

search coil correctly.

NOTES: The detector responds with a strong signal when it detects most

valuable metal objects. If a signal does not repeat after you sweep

the search coil over the target a few times, the target is probably

junk metal.

False signals can be caused by trashy ground, electrical interfer-

ence, or large irregular pieces of junk metal. False signals are

usually broken or non-repeatable.

5. Try finding other metal in the area. When you find a metal item, wait

a few seconds after the tone stops before continuing, to allow the

detector time to reset (or press the red button on the handle to return

the pointer to the center of the view meter).

Assembling The Detector

Assembling your detector is easy and requires no special tools. Just follow

these steps.

1. Turn the stem's lock nut clockwise until it loosens.

2. Lengthen or shorten the stem so when you stand upright with the detector

in your hand, the search coil is level with and about 1/2 to 2 inches

above the ground with your arm relaxed at your side.

3. Turn the stem's lock nut counterclockwise to lock it in place.

4. Unscrew the knob on the search coil and remove the knobs and connector.

Insert the stem and align the holes on the search coil bracket and the

stem. Push the connector through the holes and tighten the knob.

5. Wind the search coil cable around the stem. Leave enough slack in the

cable to let you adjust the search coil when you are hunting on uneven

ground.

6. Insert the search coil's plug into the search coil jack on the detector

control housing. Be sure the pins on the plug align with the holes in

the jack.

CAUTIONS: The search coil's plug fits into the connector only one way.

Do not force the plug or you could damage it.

To disconnect the search coil's cable from the detector,

grasp the plug and pull it out of the connector. Never pull

on the cable.

7. Loosen the knob at the search coil's end, then adjust the search coil

to the desired angle. (The search coil should be parallel with the

ground.) Tighten the knob just enough to keep the search coil from

rotating or wobbling.

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the search coil or use tools such as pliers

to tighten it.

8. Loosen the knob at the base of the handle, insert the arm support and

tighten the knob.

Installing Batteries

You need three 9-volt alkaline batteries (such as Radio Shack Cat. No.

23-553) to power your detector.

CAUTIONS: Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended

type.

Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries

(standard, alkaline, or rechargeable) or rechargeable batteries

of different capacities.

1. If the detector is on, turn MODE to OFF.

2. Press the right battery compartment cover's tab and slide the cover off

in the direction of the arrow.

3. Place a 9-volt battery into the battery compartment on top of the

ribbon, matching the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked inside.

4. Replace the right battery compartment cover.

5. Press the left battery compartment cover's tab and slide the cover off

in the direction of the arrow.

6. Place two 9-volt batteries into the battery compartment on top of the

ribbons, matching the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked inside.

7. Replace the left battery compartment cover.

CAUTIONS: Always remove old or weak batteries; batteries can leak chemi-

cals that can destroy electronic parts.

If you do not plan to use the detector for a week or more remove

the batteries.

Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly.

You can extend battery life by using headphones, which require less power

than the built-in speaker. See "Using Headphones" on Faxback Doc. # 41811.

Testing the Batteries

If the detector does not turn on, has weak volume, will not tune properly,

has erratic operation, or drifts, test the battery power.

Set MODE to VLF (very low frequency). To test the batteries in the left

battery compartment, set BATT TEST to B1. To test the battery in the right

battery compartment, set BATT TEST to B2.

If the pointer on the view meter is within the BATT scale's green area, the

batteries have enough power. If the pointer is not within the green area,

replace the batteries.

Adjusting The Meter

With MODE set to OFF, use a screwdriver to adjust the alignment control

until the pointer lines up with 0 on the scale.

If your detector is not working as it should, follow these suggestions to

see if you can eliminate the problem. If you cannot, take the detector to

your local Radio Shack store for assistance.

PROBLEM SUGGESTION

The detector displays or The sensitivity might be set too high.

sounds false signals. Adjust SENSITIVITY.

You might be sweeping the detector's search

coil too fast or at the wrong angle. Sweep

the search coil more slowly and hold the

detector correctly. See "Testing and Using

the Detector" on Faxback Doc. #41877 and

"Pinpointing a Target" on Faxback Doc.

# 41812.

The detector might sound a false signal if

it detects heavily oxidized metals. Try

pinpointing the target from several differ-

ent angles (see "Pinpointing a Target" on

Faxback Doc. # 41812). If the detector does

not display and sound the same signal each

time, the target is probably heavily oxi-

dized metal.

The display does not show There might be more than one target in the

the correct metal type when area you are searching.

the detector finds a target.

Or, the detector sounds more

than one type of tone when The target might be a type of metal that

it finds a target. the detector does not recognize.

If the target is heavily oxidized, the

detector might not display the correct

metal type. This is not a malfunction.

The sensitivity might be set too high.

Adjust SENSITIVITY.

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