DMPE=PROSPECTOR 100
Metal Detector
DMPE
Instruction
Manual
INTRODUCTION
:
Welcome to metal detecting the PROSPECTOR
100 way. You now own one of the most sensitive
metal detectors in its class.
The PROSPECTOR 100:
- easily detects objects made of ail metals.
- can be used to hunt for coins, jewelry, historic
relics and gold.
- discriminates (tells the difference) between small
iron and steel (ferrous metals) and all others
(non-ferrous metals).
- displays results on a VU meter and an LED
display.
- uses three audible tones to indicate signal
strength.
- features a Ground Cancellation circuit that
ignores traces of minerals in the ground.
- has a Reset Button that instantly returns all
settings to user adjusted levels
Take a few moments to read this manual so that you
will obtain the best possible results from your new
metal detector.
MAIN PARTS:
The PROSPECTOR 100 consists of four main parts that
are shown on the facing page. The CONTROL BOX is the
main body of the metal detector. Its controls adjust the
Sensitivity and Discrimination of the metal detector, the
Volume, or loudness of the speaker, the Foam Handgrip.
The Reset Button, The VU Meter and the LED Meter
Display and its Sun Shade. Each of these parts and their
functions will be discussed in this manual.
stem. (see Figure 4E)
ASSEMBLY:
Assembly of the MQP PROSPECTOR Metal Detector
is easy and requires only a Phillips (+) head
screwdriver.
1. Remove the two attachment
bolts on the control box attachment bracket. (see Figure 4)
2. Loosen the clamping bolt.
(see Figure 4).
3. Slide the upper stem into
the control box attachment
bracket and align the holes.
(see Figure 4A)
4. Re-install the attachment
bolts and tighten them and the
clamping boit. (see Figure 4B)
8. Slide the plastic end of the
lower stem into the search coil attachment bracket and align the
holes. (see Figure 4F)
9. Slide the search coil attachment
bolt through the hole and fasten
the knurled plastic knob onto the
threaded end. (see Figure 4F)
10. Extend the lower stem and
tighten the stem length adjustment
lock (Figure 1) when the unit
is held in a comfortable position and the search coil is 2 to 3
cm. (1 inch) off the ground.
BATTERY INSTALLATION:
5. Loosen the stem length
adjustment lock and slide the
lower stem into the upper stem.
(see Figure 4C)
6. Wind the signal wire around
the stem five or six times. Leave
the wire slack. Do not twist it too
tightly around the stem. (see Figure 4D)
7. Remove one of the knurled
plastic knobs from the search coil
attachment boit by turning it counterclockwise. This bolt is found
fastened to the end of the lower
The PROSPECTOR 100 uses four 9V batteries. Use
fresh alkaline batteries. Do not use rechargeable
batteries. There are two battery compartments. They are
located underneath the control box. (see Figure 5)
1. Remove the small chrome
Phillips head (+) screw from
each battery compartment
cover.
2. Insert two batteries into
each compartment, ensuring
that the positive (+) and
negative (-) terminals are
correctly positioned in the small snap fit connectors. (see
Figure 6)
3. Replace the battery compartment covers and re-insert
the screws. Do not over tighten these screws.
NOTE: The PROSPECTOR 100 has been designed to
operate at peak efficiency with four batteries installed. It
will also operate with only two batteries installed in Battery
Compartment A, however battery life will be greatly
shortened.
The PROSPECTOR 100 has a
battery test switch located
underneath the control box
and marked BATT. TEST/
OPERATE. (see Figure 7)
When set to the BATT. TEST
position the needle on the VU
meter will move into the solid
red area to indicate the
batteries are good. (see
Figure 8) If the needle stays
in the CHANGE BATTERY
area you need to replace the
batteries. (see Figure 8)
NOTE: Most metal detector problems are caused by weak,
dead, or improperly installed batteries. If you experience
any problem such as weak volume, tuning problems or
erratic operation, please CHECK THE BATTERIES.
Remember to always remove the batteries before prolonged storage.
OPERATION:
The PROSPECTOR 100 is a "no motion"
type detector. This means that the search
coil can either be still or moving to detect
the presence of metal. Pinpointing of the
target is easy with this system.
VU METER: The VU meter gives a visual
indication when an object is detected with
a needle movement to either the left for
small ferrous (iron or steel) objects or the
right for small objects made of nonferrous metals such as aluminum, silver
or gold and for larger objects made of any
metal.
LED DISPLAY: The LED DISPLAY (see Figure 10) is fitted with
a sun shade that makes it easier to see the display in bright
light. When using the PROSPECTOR 100 you should set this
sun shade in the up or open position. The LED DISPLAY will
indicate the strength of the returned detection signal. A
stronger signal will cause more of the green LEDs to light up,
indicatiog either a small object that is very close or a larger
object at a greater distance. The LEDs only light up when the
needle on the VU meter moves to the right. (see Figure 10)
SETTING THE DIALS:
AUDIBLE TONES: Signal strength is also indicated with
three audible tones when the VU meter needle moves to the
right.. As signal strength increases the audible tones will
advance from low to medium and finally to a high tone to
indicate a strong signal. The loudness of the tones can be
controlled with the VOLUME ADJUSTMENT.
GROUND CANCELLATION:
This feature allows correct
operation in areas where the
soil contains heavy traces of
mineralisation, which would
otherwise cause false readings.
The ground cancellation
feature is automatically
activated whenever the small
RESET button is pressed. You
shouldbutton after any metal
also press and release the RESET
object has been detected. (see Figure 11)
EARPHONE JACK: The earphone jack is located on the
underside the control box. Earphones are useful to
mask interference from local noise, and allow you to
hear faint signais from small or deep targets that might
otherwise be missed. (see Figure 12)
1) Set the BATT. TEST /
OPERATE switch under the
control box to the
OPERATE, position. Turn
the VOLUME
ADJUSTMENT control to
ON and rotate the knob to
the right. You will probably
hear a tone. Hold the
detector so that the search
coil is up in the air and away
from ail metal objects. Press
and hold the RESET button.
2) While keeping the search coil up in the air turn the
SENSITIVITY CONTROL points to the first'T' in the
word SENSITIVITY. Now turn the DISCRIMINATION
control slowly until the needle in the VU meter is pointing exactly to the middle position of the dial. Release
the RESET button.
3) The minerai content of soil or sand will vary from area to
area. Usually this variance in minerai content will cause
a metal detector to give false signais as it is moved
about. This detector can be adjusted to the actual soil
condition while staying properly tuned. If you think you
are experiencing false signais just press and release the
RESET button to set the GROUND CANCELLATION
circuits.
4) To increase the sensitivity depress the RESET button
and turn the SENSITIVITY CONTROL clockwise. Then
release the RESET button.
You are now ready to begin detecting.
METAL DETECTION:
When a metal object is detected the PROSPECTOR
100 will inform you in three different ways:
1) The VU Meter will move. If it moves to the left of
center the unit has detected a small object made of
iron or steel ( a ferrous object). If it moves to the right
of center it indicates that the detector has found a
small object made of some other metal (non-ferrrous),
or a large object that could be made of any metal.
should investigate every signal return, even though the VU
meter indicates a ferrous item. This is because small pieces
of jewelry often mimic the signal from common objects such
as bottle caps.
STANCE: Stand with your arm slightly extended in front of
your body. Do not bend or stoop, but stand in an upright
position that is comfortable. Hold the unit by the foam grip
so that the search coil is about 2.5cm (1") above the
ground. Adjust the search coil so that it is parallel to the
ground. You will find that the "Perfect Balance" design of
the PROSPECTOR 100 evenly distributes the unit's weight
and greatly reduces fatigue and strain.
SWEEP: With the detector in the search position swing the
search coil gently from side to side, slightly overlapping each
sweep as you move forward. Raising the coil during the
sweep or at the end of the sweep may cause false or missed
readings. Move slowly. Hurrying will only cause you to miss
targets. (see Figure 14)
2) The LED Display will light up. As the signal gets
stronger more LEDs light up. Note: With a small
ferrous object the LEDs will not light up.
3) A low, middle or high pitched tone will sound. The higher
tones indicate a stronger detection signal. Note: With
the detection of a small ferrous object the tones will not
sound.
NOTE: When we speak of a "small" object we are referring
to something not much larger than a coin, a ring, or a key.
This Ferrous-Non-Ferrous discrimination must be used with
care. For example, if you are looking for a lost gold ring you
Most favourable objects will respond with a good repeatable
signal tone. False signals can be caused by black sand,
areas full of trash, electrical interference, or by large irregular
trash objects. These signals can be recognised by their
often broken or unrepeatable
nature.
IMPORTANT NOTE: After a metal object has been
detected you should press the RESET button to
reestablish the unit's detection settings.
PINPOINTING: Accurate pinpointing takes practice and
is best accomplished by "X-ing" the suspected target
area.
1. Once a buried target is indicated by a good tone response, continue sweeping over the target in a
narrowing side to side pattern. (see Figure 15)
the coil in short quick sweeps closer to the ground.
Note: The detector is normally silent during operation until
the search coil passes over a non-ferrous (not iron or
steel) metallic object.
The PROSPECTOR 100 is equipped with an Auto Target
Identification (ATI) system that automatically classifies
detected small metal objects into two categories, ferrous
(iron and steel) and non-ferrous (all other metals).
WATER RESISTANCE: The PROSPECTOR 100's search
coil is water resistant for use in shallow water or in wet and
muddy areas. However the control box must be kept dry.
After use in salt water, rinse the search coil and stem in
fresh water.
TIP: If your metal detector fails to operate, first check the
batteries' strength and installation. You might also turn the
power switch on and off a few times.
2. Take visual note of the place on the ground where the
"beep" happens as the coil is slowly moved from side
to side.
WHERE TO USE YOUR DETECTOR:
3. Stop the coil at this spot. Now move the coil straight for
ward and straight back toward you a couple of times.
Again, make a visual note of where the tone occurs.
Your PROSPECTOR 100 metal detector is a very versatile
instrument. It can be used to search for lost coins, jewellery
or other metal items. It is also useful for hunting historic relics.
REMEMBER: The detector will beep just as the center of
the search coil passes over a small non ferrous buried
target or over a larger target made of any metal. If you
have difficulty pinpointing very strong signals try lifting
the coil higher from the ground until a weaker, but more
definite signal is heard. For very weak signals try moving
Hunting for lost coins is a common use for a metal detector.
This hobby is often called "coin shooting." Lost coins can be
found wherever people have lived, played or traveled.
Here are some places you might try searching:
- around old houses, especially near large
trees where people may have sat to rest.
TIPS TO REMEMBER:
- playgrounds in parks or around schools.
1) Always ask permission of the property owner
before searching. Found objects are usually the
property of the land owner unless you corne to a
différent agreement. It is a good idea to check current
local, provincial, state or federal laws.
- along the grassy areas next to sidewalks.
- under grandstands.
- sites where annual fairs, carnivals or circuses
set up.
- along beaches, or in grassy or sandy areas
near swimming pools.
- deserted homes or settlements.
- local areas where historic events such as
battles occurred, or where troops may have
traveled or camped.
- your own front and back yards.
2) Metal detecting is usually forbidden at historic
sites, national and provincial or state parks. Check
before detecting.
3) Some municipalities may require you to obtain a metal
detecting license and to display it while detecting.
These are usually very inexpensive. Call your local
town hall, city hall or municipal office.
4) Properly dispose of any trash you find when detecting.
Do not leave it for other coin hunters to find.
5) When recovering lost items always make the smallest
hole possible and return the ground surface
appearance to the way it was before you started to dig.
6) Do not use a shovel to dig! Many coin hunters use a
small garden trowel and a flat bladed screwdriver.
Probe gently to locate your target item. A brass rod
with a smooth tip is useful to probe for coins because it
will not usually scratch them.
7) When searching in sand you will find it easier to use a
scoop with small holes. You can make your own with a
well-rinsed empty plastic bleach jug into which you
have carefully drilled a series of 1/2" diameter holes.
Use sharp scissors to cut off the bottom of the jug and
shape the scoop.
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
5) My PROSPECTOR 100 does not seem very sensitive.
1) My PROSPECTOR 100 makes a constant noise that
will not stop.
(a) Make sure that there is no metal near the Search Coil.
Be reminded that most floors have metal bars,
supports, brackets or nails under them.
(b) Press the RESET Button.
(c) Reduce the SENSITIVITY setting and use the DISCRIMINATION knob to set the VU meter needle to the
center position.
2) My PROSPECTOR 100 makes no noise and no LEDs
light up.
(a) Make sure that fresh 9 volt alkaline batteries are installed. If you are only using two batteries, make sure
that they are installed in Battery Compartment A.
(b) Ensure that the BATT TEST / OPERATE switch is set to
the OPERATE position.
3) The needle on my VU meter seems to be stuck either
all the way to the right or all the way to the left.
(a) The VU circuitry may have been temporarily overloaded. Gently tap the VU meter to free the jammed
needle.
4) My detector produces short, sharp tones as I sweep. (a)
Sweep back and forth slowly.
(b) If you get these tones when you are sweeping slowly
they are probably from trash items such as foil gum and
candy wrappers.
(a) Test your batteries and replace them if necessary.
(b) Press the RESET button while holding the Search Coil
up in the air away from all metal objects.
(c) Re-tune the detector as explained on pages 8 and 9.