THE FINDERTM
OWNER’S MANUAL
SOBERANO, INC.
2510 Autumn Ridge Dr.
Huntsville, AL 35803
PHONE:
(256) 882-5451
FAX:
(256) 882-5453
email:
[email protected]
This unit is specifically designed for both large and small game recovery.
COPYRIGHT @ 2009 Soberano, Inc.
SIMPLE TO USE WITH MANY FEATURES
TWO METHODS FOR GAME RECOVERY - HEAT
DETECTION & LIGHT SYSTEM BLOOD TRACKING
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
A.
INSERT BATTERIES
The Battery Door is on the top of the Handle. Loosening the screw and lifting the door out allows
access to the batteries. The screw is captive to the door and should remain attached, when the door
is removed. The “+” on the right battery should be closest to the bottom of the unit. To replace the
door, position the door in place and begin screwing in the screw.
B.
TO TURN ON/OFF
B.1
WHEN THE AUDIO JACK IS NOT IN
To Turn On, push and hold the Top Button (Up Arrow). The first lights indicate the percent life left in the battery. For instance, the
illustration on the left below indicates the battery has 30% life remaining. After about three seconds, the lights will do a “Cat Walk” to
indicate the unit is ready for scanning. The “Cat Walk” is
when every other light (see right below) starts jumping back
and forth. Release the Button when you first see lights.
No lights shown prior to the “Cat Walk” indicates the
battery needs replacing.
To turn off, push and hold the Bottom Button (Down
Arrow). Release the Button when the “Cat Walk” is seen.
B.2.
WHEN THE AUDIO JACK IS PLUGGED IN
To Turn On, Push and hold the Top Button and then, Release the Button when the Audio plays the “Ramp Up Sequence.”
To Turn Off, Push and hold the Bottom Button and then, Release the Button when the Audio plays the “Ramp Down Sequence.”
C.
AUDIO OUTPUT
Plug the Audio Jack into the bottom of the unit to hear when a heat source is scanned. The audio
profiles created indicate the location and, in most cases, the type of heat source (I.E. Deer, Elk,
person, Etc.). Use of the Audio is far superior to the Bar Graph Display. Using Audio requires
less mental concentration. The Audio sounds indicate when a heat source is scanned and, you can
be looking for the game or where you are walking while scanning. The Audio sounds also provide
more information about the heat source than the Bar Graph Display.
It is highly recommended the Audio be used whenever possible.
D.
LASER - To turn the Laser on/off, Click (Press-and-Release) the Top
Button. The laser indicates where the unit is pointing. The laser is easy to see at night,
but may not be visible in all daytime lighting conditions.
E.
SCANNING
To scan, grip the unit like you would a pistol with one hand. Turn the laser on so it can
be seen where the unit is scanning. Scan side-to-side as you would with a paintbrush.
Scan a wide arc at a steady rate. Do not point or stop and go. The unit must be
continuously scanned or false hits will be indicated. When a significant heat source
is scanned, either audio sounds are created (If Audio Jack is in) or lights are lit (if
Audio Jack is not in). There are thousands of heat sources in any area scanned.
However, only “Significant” heat sources are indicated.
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“Hit” – The five lights shown on the right indicate the unit was just scanned across a relatively
weak heat source. A weak indication could be a strong source at a long range, a weak source at
a close range, or a good source hidden fairly deeply in the brush.
A strong heat source would be indicated with all ten lights. This could be a strong source that is
well hidden from view behind brush.
Scanning Speed is important. It’s like passing your hand across a burning candle. Pass it too
slow and much heat will be felt. Pass it too fast and no heat will be felt.
Scan wide arcs. It should take about three seconds to scan an arc of about 140 o (I.E. from about
10 to 2 on a clock) over and back.
A Steady Scan Rate is important. A stop-and-go scan may produce false Hits.
F.
WHAT IS A “HIT”
A “Hit” is when the unit is scanned over a wide arc at a steady rate across a “significant heat source” and the heat source is indicated
either by sounding Audio (Similar to a metal detector that makes Audio sounds when scanned over various metals) or by illuminating
some of the Bar Graph Lights, Audio sounds (Illumination of Bar Graph Lights) caused by stop-and-go, or erratic, scans are not hits.
G.
WHERE IS THE HEAT SOURCE
The FinderTM is pointing at the heat source when the Hit is first indicated by the Audio/Lights, and is pointed to by the Laser, if it is on.
H.
RANGE TO SOURCE
When a hit is first indicated, the unit is pointing on a line to the source. Remember that line. Move a few steps to the side and scan again
and get a second line to the source. These two lines intersect at the source and the Range can be closely estimated.
I.
HOW SIGNIFICANT IS HEAT SOURCE
A strong versus a weak heat source can be distinguished by the Audio tone and volume or, in some cases by the number of Bar Graph
lights.
J.
WHAT IS THE HEAT SOURCE
When using the Audio, some users can discriminate the cause of the Hit. The unit makes different sounds for different animals. Similar
to some metal detectors that make different sounds for different metals, The FinderTM makes different sounds for different sources.
Through practice, experience and training one’s abilities to discriminate the audio
sounds can be improved.
K.
TWO SENSING ELEMENTS AND THE FIELD OF VIEW
The FinderTM has a left and a right sensing element with a gap in between as
illustrated in the diagram below. When a “Hit” is indicated, it means that the left
and the right sides are suddenly seeing a different amount of heat and the
difference is changing. If the difference goes static and no more changes are
occurring, the audio stops (The lights go off). This is why point and hold does not
work.
L.
LANYARD HOLE
The hole on the bottom of the handle is for a lanyard (Not included). Adjust the Lanyard so
The FinderTM hangs just below the hand for quick access and use. This leaves your hand
free for other functions, such as pulling a trigger. A quick upward flip of your wrist will put
the unit into your hand ready for scanning as shown on the right.
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ADJUST GAIN & SQUELCH
Use the Top Button (Up Arrow) for Gain and Squelch adjustments.
Push and Hold the Top Button to go to the Gain Adjust Mode. Release when the Cat Walk is seen.
After the Cat Walk, the lights will show the Current Gain of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 on the left side of the Bar Graph Display. (See picture on the
Left below).
Single Click the Top Button until the desired Gain is shown then, Double Click. The desired Gain is saved and the Current Squelch of 1,
2, 3, 4 or 5 is shown on the right side of the Bar Graph Display (See picture on the right below).
Single click until the desired Squelch is shown then, Double Click. The desired Squelch is saved and the unit returns to the Scanning
operations.
In almost all cases, the first option should be to vary the scanning speed before making Gain and Squelch adjustments. When trying to
reach long ranges, or penetrate heavy brush, try higher Gain settings. Increase the Squelch setting to remove excess trash hits. The
FinderTM Squelch works similar to squelch on a two-way radio to remove noise and meaningless hits.
When the unit is powered down the Gain and Squelch settings last used are saved for the next power up.
N.
TEN MINUTE TIMER & MOTION DETECTION
If no changing data is sensed for ten minutes (I.E. The unit is not moving and it detects no heat sources moving), the Ten Minute Timer
will power the unit off to save battery. A Gain = 5 with the Squelch = 1 prevents the Ten Minute Timer from turning the unit off. This
combination is the best for Motion Detection. To detect motion, the unit must be held very steady with no movement for about two
seconds to allow the software inside it to begin detecting motion.
O.
EFFECTIVE SCANNING RANGE
Range is a function of a number of factors including: Clarity of line of sight, ambient air temperature, humidity, wind, and scanning
speed. Falling snow and rain can block some of the infrared radiation emitted from a source from reaching the unit. This reduces the range
of the unit. Since there are a huge number of possible conditions in which the The FinderTM could be used, its range in all conditions and
environments is not known. Maximum range is obtained in conditions that include a clear and open line of sight to the source, a source
whose temperature emitted is several degrees different from that in the surrounding area, low humidity and no wind. In 65 o F weather,
low humidity and a 5-10 mile per hour wind, normal ranges are:
500-800 yards in open range
300-400 yards under tall, mature trees with a light to moderate under growth
50-125 yards through thick growth such as thick evergreens and cut over fields, and corn
Please note that, if the temperature is very cold, the range on a human will drop about 60% because of the heavy
clothes, gloves, and face masks being worn.
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P.
LIGHTS
Use the Bottom Button (Down Arrow) to control the lights.
Single Click the Bottom Button to get the Green Light on to use to walk in the woods at night
without disturbing the game.
Green prevents loss of night vision. This is one of the main reasons it is heavily used by the military.
The brightness of the Green Light is ample for night time operations without being to bright.
Click again to get Three Bright White lights for standard flashlight use. These lights are bright.
Click again to get the Blood Tracking Light SystemTM for trailing blood at night. Even small specs
of blood can be seen.
Click again to turn all lights off
Q.
How To Use The Blood Tracking Light System
To see blood, stand beside the blood trail and illuminate the area being searched. Hold The
FinderTM about 1’ to 2’ above the trail and move the light around to illuminate the entire area being
searched.. The white lights are on solid and the red light blinks. Extensive testing and
experimentation was required to determine the frequencies needed for the lights and the frequency
of the red blinking. Avoid walking on the blood trail. Also, look on the leaves and sides of trees and
bushes. Sometimes blood can be found that is not on the ground.
R.
Quick Reference
Unit On/Off
–
Push & Hold Top Button then, Release
Lights
–
Click Bottom Button once for Green
–
Click Bottom once more for three Bright White
–
Click Bottom once more for Blood Tracking Light
SystemTM
–
Click Bottom once more to turn all lights off
Laser On/Off
– Click Top Button Once to turn on or off.
Set Gain/Squelch
–
Push & Hold Top Button then, Release to see Current Gain on the leftmost five lights
–
Click Top Button until desired Gain is shown then, Double Click to set Gain and see Current Squelch on the five rightmost
lights.
Click Top Button until desired Squelch is shown then, Double Click to set Squelch and resume scanning.
S.
SPECIFICATIONS -
Operational Range:
Below 0o to above 212oF.
Power:
Two AA batteries.
Current Draw:
8 milliamp (The Audio pulls at least 10 times less than the Bar Graph)
Size:
Diameter 1.5 inches (Approximately) Height
9 inches.
Width:
2.25 inches
Depth:
3.5 inches
Weight:
6.1 ounces.
Display:
Ten segment red LED Bar Graph Display.
Enclosure:
Injection molded ABS Thermoplastic.
Detector:
Lithium tantalum duel element pyro-electric sensor.
Laser
<1 millivolt output
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T.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The FinderTM is specifically designed for hunters and other outdoor uses.
Q1.
What are the basic features of The FinderTM?
A1.
The FinderTM has many features and capabilities some of which is listed below:
Q2.
a.
A Heat Detection system using infrared for locating game.
b.
A Blood Tracking Light System for locating game at night.
c.
A Green Light for walking in the woods at night. Unlike other colors, green does not destroy your
night vision and is not seen by the birds and animals.
d.
Three Bright White Lights for standard flashlight use.
e.
Laser Pointer to pinpoint the game and know where the unit is pointing.
f.
A Lanyard Hole to allow virtual hands free operations.
Does The FinderTM work on both large and small game?
A2.
Yes. It will locate a downed dove or quail at around 30 yards. Use The FinderTM to quickly locate downed dove and not lose
them or lose an opportunity to shoot other dove while looking for one.
Q3.
What experience does Game Finder, Inc. have with game recovery?
A3.
Game Finder, Inc. sold its first Game Finder unit in 1991 and has over seventeen (17) years experience designing, enhancing,
and building more units.
Q4.
What can be done to avoid getting to many trash hits?
A4.
First, make sure you are scanning a wide arc at a steady rate. No stop and go scans. Next, speed up your scan. It’s like
running your hand over a candle - To slow and you burn your hand, to fast and you feel no heat. Then, increase the Squelch. Squelch
works similar to that on a radio where the squelch is used to eliminate the white noise. Last, adjust the Gain to a lower setting. A Gain = 1
with a Squelch = 5 provides the lowest sensitivity and is the best combination for applications such as a room search, or for sources that
are close.
Q5.
Will The FinderTM really find large game at 600 yards or more?
A5.
Yes. Position someone at about the range and within similar foliage desired. First, experiment with your scan rate. Slower scans
will produce more range. Then, increase the Gain setting. Lowering the Squelch setting also increases the range. With experience and
experimentation, the correct settings will become natural. On each power up, the default settings of Gain at 2 and Squelch at 3 should
cover at least 85% of the applications.
Q6.
Can the The FinderTM be used to detect motion when hand held?
A6.
Yes. Point the The FinderTM at the area, or animal, to be monitored and hold very steady. A Gain = 5 with a Squelch = 1 is the
best combination for motion detection.
Q7.
What are the best Gain and Squelch settings?
A7.
That’s a great question. The FinderTM is designed to automatically adjust itself for the operations at hand. That is why it is
recommended that you scan several times back-and-forth across the area being searched to allow The FinderTM software to find the most
significant sources in the area scanned and, determine if they are significant enough to be shown. It is much easier and quicker to adjust
the scanning rate than to adjust the Gain and Squelch. Also, adjusting the scanning rate solves most cases.
Any time you power down The FinderTM, it saves your current Gain and Squelch settings. The next time you power up, it restores the
Gain and Squelch to your last settings.
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If it is a bright sunny day and the area scanned is repeatedly changing from barren, rocky ground to green bushes, those edge lines could
cause false hits. If speeding up the scan does not solve the problem, increase the Squelch by one and try again. Be sure you are making
steady, even speed scans. If that does not work, try lowering the Gain by one. The lowest sensitivity setting is Gain = 1 with Squelch = 5.
This low setting is the best for room search and sources at a close distance.
If you are trying to locate game at extreme long ranges and are scanning at a slow rate, and still getting no hits, drop the Squelch by one.
If that does not work, raise the Gain by one. The most sensitive setting is Gain = 5 with Squelch = 1. This is the best setting for detecting
motion.
Q8.
Why does scanning from the earth to the sky cause a hit?
A8.
The Sky is probably 30 below zero and the trees, ground and foliage on the surface of the earth is at ambient temperature, which
may be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes The FinderTM to sense a 100 degree difference between the earth and sky which is
seen the same as a very large heat source. When looking for birds or animals in a tree, try to scan up-and-down the tree and tree limbs to
avoid these massive deltas. Do not scan across barren tree limbs when there is open sky beyond.
Q9.
Will The FinderTM find underwater sources?
A9.
No. Infrared will not penetrate water. However, the heat molecules from sources under water will rise to the surface of the water
and create a slight thermal edge line that The FinderTM will sense. In formal military testing, our units tracked divers that were 100
meters off shore and 15 feet down. The FinderTM will find a duck across the water hidden in the reeds. Hold the unit about two feet
above the water and scan parallel to the surface of the water.
Q10.
Can The FinderTM be used to find an animal that was shot 24 hours earlier?
A10.
Yes. There are many cases where large game was located that was shot 24 hours prior. Many times, with The FinderTM, and the
absence of coyotes, it is best to wait until the next morning to recover wounded game.
Q11.
Can The FinderTM be used to monitor the direction and speed of an animal’s movement?
A11.
Yes. As discussed earlier, The FinderTM can be placed, or held, stationary to
detect motion. However, this technique does not give the direction of travel and the range
is limited. There is a better method of detecting movement that provides both speed and
direction of movement. Scan The FinderTM until a Hit is first indicated. Then, remember
the direction to that source and quickly reverse the scan. Now, scan back towards that
source until another Hit is indicated. Compare the direction of this hit to the direction of
the first hit. If the source has moved, the direction of movement and speed of travel can
be determined.
Q11.
Does the Pouch have to be used?
A11. No. The FinderTM is tough and durable. For quick and ready
access, use a wrist lanyard as shown. A quick upward flip of the wrist will put The FinderTM into the hand for
use. Simply turn it loose to make the hand available for shooting and other purposes.
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U.
DISCLAIMERS, COPYRIGHT, & TRADEMARK INFORMATION
DISCLAIMERS – Soberano, Inc. cannot and does not warrant the performance or result that may be obtained by using this product,
either express or implied. The FinderTM can be used to locate heat sources including, in most cases, hidden heat sources. The FinderTM
may, in some cases, indicate heat sources that are not animals, birds or humans. Soberano, Inc. cannot and does not warrant that The
FinderTM will locate/find all heat sources in the area searched in all cases.
COPYRIGHT – All rights to this publication are reserved to Soberano, Inc., 2510 Autumn Ridge Dr, Huntsville, Alabama 35803.
V.
WARRANTY
WARRANTOR:
Soberano, Inc.
2510 Autumn Ridge Dr
Huntsville, AL 35803
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Soberano, Inc. warrants, for one year following the date of purchase, the Soberano, Inc.'s Model The
Finder™ (hereinafter referred to as the Product) to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship.
CONDITIONS OF INAPPLICABILITY: This warranty does not apply if the Product is a) modified, b) damaged or not maintained as
reasonable or necessary, c) the housing is opened or the Product is repaired by someone other than Warrantor for a defect or malfunction
covered by this Warranty, d) used in a manner or purpose for which the Product was not intended, or e) sold by the original purchaser.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the Product does not conform to this Warranty at any time while this Warranty is in
effect, Warrantor will repair the defect and return it to you without any charge for parts, service, or any other costs incurred by Warrantor
or its representatives in connection with the performance of this Warranty.
REMEDIES EXCLUSIVE: Soberano, Inc.'s liability whether in contract or in tort, arising out of warranties, representations,
instructions, or defects from any cause, shall be limited exclusively to repairing or replacing parts under the conditions stated in this
Warranty, and in no event will Soberano, Inc. be liable for consequential damages, including but not limited to loss of life, profits, or
other commercial losses.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD: In order to facilitate the servicing of this Warranty by the Warrantor, the Warranty
Registration Card should be returned to the Warrantor. However, return of the Warranty Registration Card is not a precondition of this
Warranty. Warrantor will observe this Warranty whether or not the Warranty Registration Card is returned, provided that other
satisfactory evidence of the purchase is provided.
PROCEDURE FOR RETURNING UNITS: In the event that the Product does not conform to this Warranty, a Return Authorization
Number should be obtained from the Warrantor and the Product should be shipped or delivered, freight prepaid, to the Warrantor's
address above, with evidence of original purchase.
LEGAL REMEDIES: This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
THIS WARRANTY IS VOID OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
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