Viking 1 Field Test

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Viking 6 Metal Detector

User Manual

The VIKING 6 is a non-motion, discriminating metal detector. This simply means that the search head does not need to be kept in motion for detection to take place. Also, unwanted target objects can be ignored by the detector.

There are two main sections. The 'S' shaft, onto which is mounted the control box, and the bottom shaft with the search head.

Slide the lower shaft into the 'S' shaft, wrapping the cable snugly, but not tightly, round the shaft. When correctly aligned it will click into 1 of 3 positions.

Turn the coupling to the 'lock' position as indicated by the arrow. This makes a rigid connection between the two parts of the shaft.

The detector takes a single PP3 (square) 9V battery. This is placed in the battery compartment on the back of the control box.

Push the drawer back into the detector until it clicks. Please note the drawer can only be inserted the one way.

The VIKING 6 has the control box mounted on top of the shaft allowing easy access to the controls.

Turning this control clockwise switches the detector on and tunes the detector to the correct point known as the THRESHOLD. The term THRESHOLD is explained later.

This control sets the amount of DISCRIMINATIONrequired. At setting '0' the detector will detect all metals other than very small pieces of iron. The further up the scale the control is set, the more objects will be rejected.

On a high setting only the most conductive objects will be found. It should be noted that if the control is set too high, then modern coinage and other desirable objects will be rejected.

This is held down when tuning the detector to THRESHOLD. It is also pressed and released to retune to THRESHOLD if the detector drifts out of tune.

The headphone socket accepts a standard ¼" stereo jack plug. Plugging in stereo headphones automatically disconnects the loudspeaker. Headphones will give slightly more sensitivity as they cut out external noises which can interfere with your ability to detect objects.

1. Set the discrimination control to the desired level (to begin with it is probably advisable to set this at '0' until you have become more familiar with the controls).

2. While holding the detector, position the search head approximately 5cm (2") from the ground and parallel to it, making sure that the search head is kept away from any metal.

3. Keeping the RETUNE pushbutton pressed, turn the tuning control clockwise until a faint sound is heard (Maximum sensitivity on any metal detector of this type is achieved when the sound is just audible). This point is known as THRESHOLD. Release the RETUNE pushbutton and the detector is tuned.

4. With your detector now correctly tuned, you will notice that lowering the search head to the ground makes the faint sound from the speaker fade away. Similarly, raising the search head causes the sound to increase. This is a normal reaction to the ground and does not necessarily indicate the presence of lack of buried objects (See GROUND EFFECT).

5. By maintaining a constant distance between the search head and the ground, commence by slowly walking forward, scanning the ground in an arc. A slow scanning speed is best, as this helps to hear the weak signals produced by deeper buried objects.

6. On hearing a sharp note, this is an indication that a small metallic object is present. A long note is an indication of a larger object. Strength of note is also dependent on the depth of the target object. If you wish to alter the position of the DISCRIMINATION control, simply press the RETUNE pushbutton and at the same time alter the control to the desired number, then release the pushbutton.

When DISCRIMINATIONis used, you may hear a sharp, quick signal if the search head touches or passes extremely close to an object that would usually be rejected. This is a false signal but, to make sure, raise the head slightly and pass over the object again. Only good objects will continue to respond.

The ground contains quantities of magnetic iron oxides, of which some soils are more prolific than others. Magnetic iron oxides create a phenomenon known as 'ground effect'.

On inland sites, this effect is known as 'negative'. With this type of ground effect, the normal faint threshold signal required to commence a search, disappears as the search head is lowered to the ground. Maintaining a constant height between the search head and the ground reduces this effect.

On beaches, a 'positive' ground effect is experienced. This is caused by the conductivity of the ground in salt-water areas. When this effect occurs, the threshold signal becomes louder as the search head is lowered to the ground. Applying some discrimination will reduce the effect of 'positive' ground.

The VIKING 6 is a highly sensitive instrument and therefore can be affected by variations in temperature. Whilst the detector is extremely stable in constant temperatures, it can take up to 15 minutes to acclimatise. For example, if it has been in a hot car and is then brought into a cooler climate for use, THRESHOLD drift may be experienced until the circuit cools down to the ambient temperature of its surroundings. Similar effects may be experienced if the detector is operated in the shade and then brought out into bright sunlight. In cases of drift, momentarily pressing the RETUNE pushbutton will bring the detector back to THRESHOLD.

Caring For Your Metal Detector

In order to keep your machine in good condition, please take the following precautions:

• When using in bad weather, protect the electronics in the control box by wrapping in a waterproof bag.

• Clean your metal detector regularly and ensure the shaft is free from dirt, especially sand. Use a damp cloth with mild detergent, but make sure no water gets into the control box.

• If your metal detector is stored for long periods remove the batteries. If they leak or corrode they could cause serious damage to the metal detector.

• Always choose a well-known brand of battery.

Return of the enclosed guarantee card entitles the original purchaser to a full 2-year guarantee from the original purchase date. This covers parts and labour, excluding batteries. This does not, however, cover postage of the unit to or from our factory. This must be paid by the owner of the metal detector.

In the unlikely event that you do need to return the detector to us, please pack it securely along with a letter explaining the problem and a cheque for £6.00 to cover return carriage and insurance to:

Phone: 0844 800 1936
Email: faq@foroutdoors.co.uk
Website: www.foroutdoors.co.uk