GOLDQUEST SS
2) Check that the on/off switch is set to off, OFF is set UP on the switch at the end of the box.
3) The battery compartment is inside the detector. One needs to unscrew the (4) leg screws on the bottom of the case. The battery compartment is on the inner cover. Carefully un-plug the cover/battery compartment wire from the circuit connector. Slide the top of the battery covers back to remove covers. Fit (8) AA alkaline batteries into the holder, making sure to observe, & follow battery polarity. Re-install the battery compartment covers. Re-install the outer bottom case cover.
4) Take the search loop and shaft and slacken the nut and bolt to release the swivel. Set the loop angle to approximately the normal search position. (this can be finally set later). Tighten the nut.
5) Insert the lower shaft into the locking coupler on the end of the upper shaft and set to a convenient length.
6) Run the cable straight up the back of the lower rod and secure. Spiral the lead from the loop around the shaft starting at the middle section and secure with the Velcro straps Mate the connector to the plug on the bottom of the control box. Screw up the locking ring finger tight only.
7) Make any final adjustments to the loop angle taking care not to stress the cable at the coil end. Note that because of the high sensitivity of the detector, it is important that the cable from the coil to the lower shaft is secured such that it cannot move relative to the coil or false signals will result
THE GOLDOUEST IS NOW FULLY ASSEMBLED AND READY FOR TESTING.
9) Switch the detector on by way of the switch on the end of the detector. NOTE: Up position is OFF
18) When a signal is located is a good idea to do a second scan at right angles to the first. Coins and rings usually give an equal, sharp and symmetrical signal in either direction whereas iron, especially long objects such as nails, wire, hairgrips etc give an irregular double signal in one direction and a weak signal in the other. Again practice makes perfect in deciding audibly what to dig.
SEARCH LOOPS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The GOLDQUEST SS V3 is a high frequency, PI motion mode metal detector with variable speed SAT and VLF type audio. Although it is a precision high performance electronic instrument, the GOLDQUEST has been designed to be easy and non tiring to use and to withstand the rigors of outdoor use under inclement conditions. However, as with any detector, to get the best performance and to ensure the greatest reliability it is strongly recommended that the operating and maintenance instructions are carefully read before taking the detector into the field.
1) Long life alkaline batteries are recommended as they give a long operating life and do not leak when exhausted. Standard or heavy duty cells can be used but care must be taken not to leave the batteries in the detector when run down or if the detector is stored for any period of time. Nickel Cadmium rechargeable cells are also suitable although these must be charged on an external charger. No provision is made for on board charging.
TESTING THE GOLDQUEST
8) If possible take the detector out of doors but if an indoor test is desired check that the search loop is well clear of metal objects and that sources of interference such as TV. sets or computers are turned off.
10) Volume Control: Plug in a set of stereo headphones. If the phones have a stereo/mono switch make sure it is set to stereo. Note that the GOLDQUEST does not have a speaker. Rotate the volume control clockwise to increase volume in the headphones, counter clockwise to reduce.
11) Adjust the Threshold control until the audio note is faintly audible in the phones.
12) Set the SAT control, (Self Adjusting Threshold ), to MEDium speed. A slight tremble on the audio note is normal and is due to residual IF pick-up on the search loop. This control is adjusted to maintain the re-set speed of the Threshold. Clockwise settings slow the SAT down, allowing for a longer time for target annalist, and circuit re-set. These slower settings will also allow a slower sweep speed of the coil. Conversely, turning it clockwise will speed the SAT up. This may be needed in areas of noise, or interference from ground affects. It is best to sweep faster at these higher SAT settings. Given the choice, go for the lower SAT.
13) Filter Switch: Is a control that will allow the user the option of using a stronger ground filter if needed, due to bad, noisy ground, such as found in nugget hunting areas. The Filter switch is tied in directly with the S.A.T. circuit control. Position #1 would be the place to put the switch for most detecting. Position #2 would be used in heavy iron laden soil, to help smooth out the unit.
14) Gain Control: Set this to the 1:o'clock position to start with. You may be able to run with the gain control higher, but this depends on the type & area your detecting in. The higher the control is turned clockwise, the more sensitive the receiver circuit is.
15) Set the REJECT control to MIN. for maximum sensitivity to all objects. Pass a small coin in front of the loop and notice how the sound volume in the phones increases. The amount that it increases depend on the range of the coin. At maximum range there will be a just discernable change in volume.
16) Hold the coin stationary in front of the loop at about 8" range. Note how the sound diminishes in volume until it is back to the faint threshold tone. This is due to the self tuning circuitry compensating for the coin signal and is the reason that the GOLDQUEST is referred to as a motion mode detector. The search loop must be kept moving relative to the object in operation. The speed of the retune of the threshold is set by the SAT control.
Place some coins, or other metal objects, on the ground and practice scanning over them. Observe the fast response of the GOLDQUEST and that it is easy to pinpoint objects accurately.
USE ON THE LAND OR BEACH
The GOLDQUEST is very simple to use being almost a switch on and go detector. It is equally at home both on lightly mineralized soil and wet or dry sand. The search loop can be immersed when searching at the waters edge. Throughout all these situations the detector adjusts itself to the environment; maintaining automatically the optimum threshold setting.
17) Switch the GOLDQUEST on and adjust the threshold for a comfortable background note. Scan the search loop from side to side in a wide arc keeping the loop parallel to the surface. Targets a few inches down will give a very sharp and easily discernable response. However it is often the fainter signals that are the most worthwhile to dig and a bit of practice in listening for these will prove beneficial.
19) If the highest sensitivity to small objects is not required, or there is some instability on salt wet sand the REJECT control can he advanced to reduce sensitivity to these objects. Setting the REJECT control half way corresponds to the standard setting for a P1 beach detector. It must be remembered though, that in common with most detectors, the detection of thin section gold rings will be affected the more this control is turned back.
20) The REJECT control can also be used to minimize interference from local r.f, sources such as radio transmitters. If excessive tremble or fluctuation occurs on the audio alter the setting of the REJECT control to a point where the sound is stable again. Usually this is only a small adjustment and will not unduly affect the detectors sensitivity.
21) The SAT control can be used to speed up, or slow down, the time that the detector takes to adjust to its surrounding environment. Where the ground contains iron minerals, it is often advantageous to use a faster SAT setting. HINTS, TIPS and BASIC MAINTENANCE.19) The search coil is fully waterproof and submersible can be submerged up to shaft coupler.
22) On iron mineralized beaches or land sites, try to keep the coil as parallel to the surface as possible during the sweep. Increasing the SAT speed also enables the detector to retune faster in the more mineralized environments.
23) The control electronics is weatherproofed to be used in rain, spray or dusty conditions but must not be submerged.
24) If the detector has been subjected to salt spray, it is a good idea to wipe the control unit with a damp cloth after brushing off any sand or grit. Wash the lower shaft and loop under a cold freshwater shower to remove sticky salt deposits. Do this with the connectors mated to avoid getting water on the contacts. Dry off before storing.
BATTERIES
25) The types of batteries recommended are outlined in stage 1) of the assembly instructions. The GOLDOUEST incorporates an audible battery check facility. A new pack of standard or alkaline batteries, will give 12V or more to power the detector. The electronics is designed to operate down to 8.5V at which point the cells are almost exhausted. At this point an audible "beep' will be heard superimposed on the threshold tone. Below 8V the detector will rapidly lose range and eventually not detect at all. The approximate battery life is 1O~15 hours for standard batteries and 2O~25 hours for alkaline. After use always check that the detector is switched off and if it is to be stored for any length of time it is advisable to remove the batteries. Standard batteries can leak and cause severe corrosion to the battery box components. Alkaline batteries are recommended as they do not have this problem.