Metal Detector MICRONTA 3003 (4003) - User Notes

The principle of operation detailed here, along with the detection of ferrous and non ferrous
metals, apply to all detectors and are therefore worth a read. The User Notes that follow are
taken from a posting by Christopher Escaffre on the uk.rec.metaldetecting newsgroup.
Principle of Operation.
The cct for this metal detector is simple form of transmitter/receiver with a phase detection
system for output indication. The transmitter and receiver ccts are inductively coupled in two
coils sealed inside the search loop. You will adjust the controls to inductively balance the
receiver cct to the transmitter coil. When ferrous or non-ferrous metallic object is introduced
into the electromagnetic field set up by the transmitter coil, an unbalanced state will result
between transmitter and receiver coils. The receiver section detects the unbalanced condition
resulting in a change in audio level from the speaker, plus a meter reading.
Detection of ferrous vs non-ferrous metals.
When a metallic object is introduced into the electromagnetic field of the loop, one of two
reactions will occur. The result depends entirely on the type of metal; ferrous or non-ferrous.
Magnetic lines of force from the field, which cross a metallic object, will induce a secondary
electromagnetic field around the object. This secondary field wither aids or opposes the main
field - depending upon the objects magnetic properties. With two reactions possible (one
opposing, one aiding), it stands to reason two different indications are possible from the speaker
or on the meter.
Examples of non-ferrous metals are gold, silver, copper, platinum, aluminium, lead, zinc etc.
Ferrous metals are those which contain iron in some form.
Thus, after setting the "ferrous/non ferrous" control correctly, you can determine if you are
detecting a ferrous or non-ferrous metal object just by interpreting the speaker's sound change
an/or the meter reading.
USER NOTES FOR MICRONTA 3003 (4003)
The 3003 and 4003 appear to be very similar in design and operation but these notes are actually
for the 3003.
BATTERIES
There are three 9volts batteries. One is used for the audio circuit (B1) and others for a symetric
power supply (B2).
TEST control.
You can check batteries level with the "TEST" knob set to either the B1 or B2 position. Watch
the meter and if the batteries are good, the needle should be within the green "BATT" . Put the
TEST switch in the " Nor" position for normal use.
VOLUME control
The "volume" control switches the detector on and off and adjusts the audio gain or volume.
MODE, DISCRIMINATOR and GROUND controls
The MODE switch has three positions, VLF, TR1 and TR2 (trash reject). TR1 and TR2 are
used with the "DISCRIMINATOR" control to adjust the detector for ferrous (iron and steel) or
non-ferrous (gold, copper etc) .
There are two levels for ferrous rejection enabling the rejection of non-valuable items such as
nail and bottle tops. With the "MODE" switch in the VLF position (very low frequency 1.6khz)
the "GROUND" knob can be used to minimise the "ground effect". This is the effect that
different types of soil can have, such as salt and sand, on the Transmit/Receive balance and
cause false signals.
TUNE control
The "TUNE" control is used to adjust transmitter and receiver balance. With the head as far
away from any metal as possible, push the red "AUTO TUNE" button and turn the TUNE knob
until the meter needle is set on the zero position. If adjusted correctly, the speaker should not
sound.
SENSITIVITY control
The "SENSITIVITY" control adjusts the receiving coil gain. Adjust it to the middle.
OPERATION.
The speaker sounds when metal is detected, causing the transmit/receive circuit to go out of
balance. The meter will then indicate if it is ferrous or non-ferrous (copper , gold ... )