Teknetics Gamma 6000 Owner's Manual - User Manual

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

METAL DETECTOR

OWNER’S MANUAL

If you do not have prior experience with a
metal detector, we strongly recommend
that you:

1) Adjust the Sensitivity to a

low setting in the event
of false signals. Always
begin use at a reduced
sensitivity level. Expect
chatter or internal noise at
high sensitivity.

2) Do not use indoors. This detector is for

outdoor use only. Many household
appliances emit electromagnetic energy,
which can interfere with the detector. If
conducting an indoor demonstration, turn the
sensitivity down and keep the searchcoil away
from appliances such as computers, televisions
and microwave ovens. If your detector beeps

erratically, turn off appliances and lights.

Also keep the searchcoil away from objects

containing metal, such as floors and walls.

3) Use a 9-volt ALKALINE

battery only.
Do not use Heavy
Duty Batteries.

ACCESSORIES

Teknetics

Padded Carrying Bag

Made of rugged double-stitched nylon construction. Includes
handy outside zip-pocket for extra batteries or small
accessories. –

CBAG-T

Teknetics

Camo Pouch

Camo pouch with two inside pockets, belt included

. –

PCH-T

Stereo Headphones

Use with Teknetics

metal detectors with true stereo. Utilizes 1/4-inch

stereo & 1/8-inch plug. Compatible with all Teknetics

models with

1/4-inch & 1/8-inch jacks. –

HEADT

Pinpointer

Pinpoints the exact location of buried metal objects. Audio signal indicator and
vibrator. No assembly required, runs on (1) 9-Volt Battery.

– PINPOINTER

Teknetics

Gold Pick

Tempered steel head is 10” long and the edge is 3 1/4” wide. The overall length is
19” with a durable fiberglass handle and a rubberized hand grip. Includes a
powerful super magnet attached to the head
to quickly discriminate iron targets and magnetic hot rocks. –

GOLDPICK

Replacement/Accessory Searchcoils

11” Biaxial Standard Coil –

11COIL-TEK

5” Biaxial Accessory Coil –

5COIL-TEK

Coil Covers

Specially made to protect your coil from abrasion and damage.
11” Biaxial Standard Coil Cover –

COVER-11DD

5” Biaxial Coil Cover –

5COVER-CZ3

Lesche Knife

Made from high quality heat-treated tempered steel. The ultimate digging
tool. Comes with a durable sheath.

12" in length with a 7" serrated blade –

LESCHE KNIFE

Teknetics

T-Shirt

100% cotton with Teknetics

Logo.

Sizes: S, M, LG, XL & XXL –

TKTSHIRT

Teknetics

Baseball Cap

One size fits all. –

TKCAP

Teknetics

Face Rain Cover

Specially made to protect from weather

–

RAINCOV-DELTA

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT WWW.TEKNETICST2.COM • 1-800-413-4131

Gold
Prospecting Kits

MGAMMA

Rev.6

041514

Also available

with 11”DD coil

(Item# GAMMA-11DD)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Quick-Start Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Basic Of Metal Detecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

Ground Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Trash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Identifying Buried Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Size and Depth of Buried Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Using Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Operation and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

How To Work The Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

MENU Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Disc Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

# Of Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

MODE Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Discriminate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

All Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

PinPoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16

Ground Balancing (Ground Grab

) . . . . . . . .17-19

Target Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Depth And Target Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Page

5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

FREE DETECTOR.

For details, visit www.tekneticst2.com

The Gamma metal detector is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use for five years from the date of purchase to the original owner.

Damage due to neglect, accidental damage, or misuse of this product is not cov-
ered under this warranty. Decisions regarding abuse or misuse of the detector are
made solely at the discretion of the manufacturer.

Proof of Purchase is required to make a claim under this warranty.

Liability under this Warranty is limited to replacing or repairing, at our option, the
metal detector returned, shipping cost prepaid to First Texas Products. Shipping cost
to First Texas Products is the responsibility of the consumer.

To return your detector for service, please first contact First Texas for a Return
Authorization (RA) Number. Reference the RA number on your package and return
the detector within 15 days of calling to:

First Texas Products L.L.C.

1465 Henry Brennan Dr.

El Paso, TX 79936

Phone: 915-225-0333

NOTE TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.

This warranty may vary in other countries, check with your distributor for details.

Warranty does not cover shipping costs.

According to FCC part 15.21 Changes or Modifications made to this device not expressly approved by

the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with FCC Par 15 Subpart B Section 15.109 Class B.

except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Published by First Texas Products, L.L.C.

1465 Henry Brennan • El Paso, TX 79936 • (915) 225-0333

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS:

• Always check Federal, State, County and local laws before searching.

• Respect private property and do not enter private property without the owner’s permission.

• Take care to refill all holes and leave no damage.

• Remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter found.

• Appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural resources, wildlife and private property.

• Act as an ambassador for the hobby, use thoughtfulness, consideration and courtesy at all times.

• Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.

• All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set; always conduct yourself with

courtesy and consideration of others

TERMINOLOGY

The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard
terminology among detectorists.

ELIMINATION

Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the detector will not
emit a tone, nor light up an indicator, when a specified object passes
through the coil’s detection field.

DISCRIMINATION

When the detector emits different tones for different types of metals, and
when the detector "eliminates" certain metals, we refer to this as the
detector "discriminating" among different types of metals.
Discrimination is an important feature of professional metal detectors.
Discrimination allows the user to ignore trash and otherwise undesirable
objects.

RELIC

A relic is an object of interest by reason of its age or its association with
the past. Many relics are made of iron, but can also be made of bronze
or precious metals.

IRON

Iron is a common, low-grade metal that is an undesirable target in certain
metal detecting applications. Examples of undesirable iron objects are
old cans, pipes, bolts, and nails.
Sometimes, the desired target is made of iron. Property markers, for
instance, contain iron. Valuable relics can also be composed of iron;
cannon balls, old armaments, and parts of old structures and vehicles
can also be composed of iron.

FERROUS

Metals which are made of, or contain, iron.

PINPOINTING

Pinpointing is the process of finding the exact location of a buried object.
Long-buried metals can appear exactly like the surrounding soil, and can
therefore be very hard to isolate from the soil.

PULL-TABS

Discarded pull-tabs from beverage containers are the most
bothersome trash items for treasure hunters. They come in many
different shapes and sizes. Pull-tabs can be eliminated from
detection, but some other valuable objects can have a magnetic
signature similar to pull-tabs, and will also be eliminated when
discriminating out pull-tabs.

GROUND BALANCE

Ground Balancing is the ability of the detector to ignore, or "see through,"
the earth’s naturally occurring minerals, and only sound a tone when a
metal object is detected. This Detector incorporates proprietary circuitry
to eliminate false signals from severe ground conditions

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOM

CAUSE

SOLUTION

Detector chatters

• Using detector

• Use detector

or beeps erratically

indoors

outdoors only

• Using detector near

• Move away

power lines

from power lines

• Using 2 detectors in

• Keep 2 detectors

close proximity

at least 20’ apart

• Highly oxidized

• Only dig up

buried object

repeatable
signals

• Environmental

• Reduce sensitivity

electromagnetic

until erratic

interference

signals cease

Constant low tone

• Discharged battery

• Replace battery

or constant repeating
tones

• Wrong type of

• Use only 9V

battery

alkaline battery

LCD does not lock

• Multiple targets

• Move coil slowly

on to one Target-ID

present

at different angles

or detector emits

• Highly oxidized

multiple tones

target

• Sensitivity set

• Reduce sensitivity

too high

No power, no

• Dead battery

• Replace battery

sounds

• Cord not connected

• Check connections

securely

TROUBLESHOOTING

DEPTH AND TARGET DISPLAY

ASSEMBLY

Adjusting the Armrest

The armrest may be moved
forward or backwards by removing
the single screw and nut, and then
repositioning the 2-piece armrest.
Users with shorter arms may find
the armrest more comfortable in
the forward position. In order to
move the armrest backwards, the
plastic plug must be removed from
the aluminum tube.

Armrest Strap

(optional accessory)
The strap is available for purchase
as a separate accessory. Some
users prefer to use the strap when
swing the detector vigorously, in
order to hold the detector secure
against the arm.

The detector can also be used
without the strap, with no
compromise to detector balance
and stability under most conditions.

Hand-grip

Nut

Screw

Searchcoil
Cable

Searchcoil

S-Rod

Armrest

Velcro

Strap

Middle
Stem

Velcro

Strap

Locking
Collar

Battery
Compartment
(back side)

Cable
Plug

1/4” Headphone Jack

Please refer to the display on your detector
and reference the TARGET-ID categories
below applicable to your model (not all
detectors include all of these categories).

READING THE DISPLAY

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows the
PROBABLE identification of the targeted metal,
as well as the PROBABLE depth of the target.

The detector will register a consistent target

identification, upon each sweep of the coil,
when a buried target has been located and
identified. If, upon repeated passes over the
same spot, the target identification reads
inconsistently, the target is probably a trash
item, or oxidized metal. With practice, you will
learn to unearth only the repeatable signals.

The segment identifications are highly

accurate, when detecting the objects
described on the label. However, if an object
registers in a given category for an unknown
buried object, you could be detecting a
metallic object other than the object described
on the label, but with the same metallic
signature. Also, the greater the distance
between the target and the coil, the less
accurate the target identification.

GOLD TARGETS

Gold objects will register toward

the middle or left-of-center on the LCD scale.
Gold flakes will register under iron.
Small gold items will register under foil or 5¢.
Large gold items will register toward the
center of the scale.

SILVER TARGETS:

Silver objects will register

to the right of the scale, under dime or higher.

IRON:

All sizes of iron objects will register on

the far-left side of the scale. This could
indicate a worthless item such as a nail, or a
more valuable historic iron relic.

FOIL:

Aluminum foil, such as a gum wrapper,

will register as foil. A small broken piece of pull
tab may also register here.

5¢:

Most newer pull-tabs from beverage cans,

the type intended to stay attached to the can,
will register here. Many gold rings will also
register here.

ALUM:

Older pull-tabs, which always detached

completely from the can, register here. Many
medium size gold ring also register here.

PT(pull-tabs):

Pull-tabs from older beverage

cans will register here. Few newer pull-tabs
will also register here. Many gold rings will
also register here.

S-CAP:

Older screw caps from glass bottles

will register here. Large gold rings, like a class
ring, could also register here. Some non-U.S.
coins of recent vintage will also register here.

Zinc:

Medium conductivity objects and many non-

U.S. coins of recent vintage are classified here.

The Target Identification Categories to the
right of the display, such as copper coins, 10¢,
DIME, 25¢, Quarter, 50¢, $1 accurately
identify these U.S. coins. When used in areas
outside the U.S., these categories identify
coins or metal objects of high relative
conductivity (such as silver coins or relics), or
large objects made of any type of metal.

Caution:

The target indications are visual

references. Many other types of metal can fall
under any one of these categories. While the
detector will eliminate or indicate the presence
of most common trash items, it is impossible to
accurately classify ALL buried objects.

3-SEGMENT DEPTH INDICATOR:

The Depth Indicator is accurate for coin-sized
objects. It indicates the depth of the target, in
inches as follows:

Segments Illuminated

Top

Segment

0 to 3” deep,

Top & Middle

Segment

3” to 6” deep

All

Segments

Over 6” deep.

Large and irregularly-shaped objects will yield
less reliable depth readings

When passing over an object, the indicators

will light up and stay illuminated for three
seconds. If the depth indication varies with
each sweep, try sweeping at different angles;
there may be more than one target present.
With practice, you will learn the difference
between accurate readings, multiple targets,
and highly erratic readings which evidence
trash or irregularly shaped objects.

TARGET IDENTIFICATION

Audio Target Identification (ATI) classifies metals into four categories.

BASS TONE

Nails, Iron Objects,

& Smallest Gold Objects

LOW TONE

Pull Tabs, Nickels,

& Smaller Gold

MEDIUM TONE

Zinc Pennies (Post 1982),

Larger Gold Objects, Many

screw caps

HIGH TONE

Copper, Silver & Brass

Copper Pennies (Pre 1982)

In DISCRIMINATION Mode, targets
are identified both audibly and visually
as follows:

1.Different pitch tones for different types of

metals

2.A 2-digit Target-ID
3.An illuminated icon within the target

category best describing it The detector
must be in DISCRIMINATION Mode to
identify targets.
The ALL METAL Mode does not provide
target identification.

AUDIO TARGET IDENTIFICATION:

When in the 4-tone mode, tones identify
targets as follows:

BASS TONE- Ferrous objects, such as
iron and steel, like nails and tin cans.
Smallest-sized gold objects and steel
bottle caps
LOW TONE- Foil, pull-tabs (some new
style), nickels, steel bottle caps.
MEDIUM TONE- Newer pennies (post-
1982 are minted from zinc). Larger gold
pieces, small brass objects, and most bottle
screw caps. Most recent-vintage non-US
coins. Pull-tabs (old style, some new
style)
HIGH TONE- Silver and copper coins,
large brass objects. Older pennies (pre-
1982 were minted from copper). Dimes,
quarters, half-dollars, silver dollars. Susan
B. Anthony and Sacagawea dollar coins.
Flattened aluminum cans (with a stronger
signal than a coin)

2-Digit Target Identification

The 2-digit value in the middle of the
screen provides a specific target value to
help identify buried targets more

accurately. With practice in the field, you
will learn to associate target values with
specific objects. Coins are more likely to
yield the same value with each pass of the
coil due to their concentric shape. The
presence of multiple targets will yield
multiple tones. Trash objects are more
likely to yield a different number on each
pass. The angle of the coil relative to an
object may also influence target
identification. If waving coins over the
searchcoil for practice, wave with the flat
side parallel to the searchcoil; this is the
position you will most often find coins
buried in the ground.

2-Digit TARGET IDENTIFICATION Values

Typical

Numeric

Some Values

for

Value Common

Common

Category

Range

Objects

Iron

10 - 39

Foil

40 - 54

Nickel

55 - 59

US Nickel

Pull-Tab

60 - 64

S-Cap+

65 - 74

Zinc

75 - 79

US Zinc Penny

(after 1982)

Dime

80 - 84

US Dime

US Copper Penny

82 - 83

(pre-1982)

Quarter+

85 - 99

US Quarter

88 - 89

US Half-Dollar

91-93

US Silver Dollar

96-98

ASSEMBLY

●

Position S-Rod upright.

●

Rotate the LOCKING COLLAR fully in the
counterclockwise direction.

●

Insert your finger inside the tube and make sure the
INTERNAL CAM LOCK is flush with the inside of the
tube.

●

Insert the MIDDLE STEM into the S-ROD,

with the SILVER BUTTON pointed upward

●

Rotate the MIDDLE STEM until the SILVER BUTTON
locates in the hole.

●

Twist the LOCKING COLLAR fully in the clockwise
direction until it locks.

●

Repeat this process on the LOWER STEM.

●

Using the BOLT and KNURLED KNOB, attach the
SEARCHCOIL to the LOWER STEM.

●

Adjust the LOWER STEM to a length that lets you
maintain a comfortable upright posture, with your arm
relaxed at your side, and the SEARCHCOIL parallel to the
ground in front of you.

●

Wind the CABLE securely around the STEMS.

●

Connect CABLE PLUG to housing.
Do not twist the Cable or Plug. Turn Locking Ring only.
Use minimal finger pressure to start the threads. Do not
cross-thread. When the Locking Ring is fully engaged over
the threaded connector, give it a firm turn to make sure that it
is very tight. When the Locking Ring is fully engaged over the
threaded connector, it may not cover all of the threads.

●

Tighten both LOCKING COLLARS.

S-ROD

LOCKING

COLLAR

INTERNAL

CAM LOCK

SILVER BUTTON

MIDDLE

STEM

S-ROD

MIDDLE STEM

●

Note: Very tall users can purchase the optional Extended Lower Stem (TUBE5X), for extended reach.

Caution:

Forcing in MIDDLE STEM with CAM LOCK raised may form a burr on
camlock. If this happens, remove burr with knife to allow insertion.

LOCKING

COLLAR

VELCRO

STRAP

LOWER

STEM

SILVER

BUTTON

SILVER

BUTTON

LOCKING

COLLAR

MIDDLE

STEM

CABLE

KNURLED

KNOB

BOLT

SEARCHCOIL

S-ROD

VELCRO

STRAP

The detector requires a single 9-volt ALKALINE battery
(battery not included).
Do not use ordinary zinc carbon batteries.
Do not use “Heavy Duty” batteries.

Rechargeable batteries can also be used.
If you wish to use rechargeable batteries, we recommend using a
Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable battery.

The battery compartment is located on the back side of the housing.
Slide the battery door to the side and remove it to expose the battery
compartment.

BATTERY LIFE

Expect 20 to 25 hours of life from a 9-volt alkaline battery.
Rechargeable batteries provide about 8 hours of usage per charge.

SPEAKER VOLUME AND BATTERY CHARGE

You may notice the speaker volume drop while one battery segment is
illuminated.
With one segment flashing, low speaker volume will be very apparent.

BATTERY INDICATOR

The remaining battery life is proportional to the percentage of the battery icon
illuminated.

After the battery indicator begins flashing, expect the detector to shut off within
10 minutes.

BATTERIES

When operating in ALL METAL Mode the goal is to eliminate the
sound as the coil is being pumped over the ground. In some soils,
the sound is not completely eliminated. If the ground balance
adjustment is incorrect, there will be a difference in the sound as the
searchcoil is either moving toward or away from the ground. It may
sound like you are either pulling the sound out of the ground, or
pushing the sound into the ground.

• If the sound is louder as you raise the searchcoil, increase the

ground balance setting.

• If the sound is louder as you lower the searchcoil, reduce the

ground balance setting.

NOTE: Experienced users often prefer to adjust the ground

balance to get a weak but audible response when lowering the
searchcoil. This is called adjusting for positive response.

Positive and Negative Response
The purpose of ground balancing is to adjust the metal detector to
ignore ground minerals. If the setting is incorrect, ground minerals will
give either a positive or a negative response, depending on which
direction the adjustment is off.

POSITIVE RESPONSE
If the G.B. setting is too high a number, the response of minerals will
be positive. This means that when the searchcoil is lowered to the
ground in PinPoint or All Metal Mode, the sound will get louder as the
searchcoil approaches the ground. The sound will grow quieter as the
searchcoil is raised. What, if anything, you will hear in Discrimination
Mode depends on the discrimination setting. When searching in All
Metal Mode, if ground balance is properly set to cancel the ground,
and you sweep over a positive hot rock, the rock will give a “zip”
sound similar to that of a metal object.

NEGATIVE RESPONSE
If the G.B. setting is too low a number, the response of minerals will
be negative. When the searchcoil is lowered to the ground in
PinPoint or All Metal Mode, the machine will be silent. The machine
will sound off as the searchcoil is lifted away from the ground. What,
if anything, you hear in Discrimination Mode depends on the
discrimination setting. When searching in All Metal Mode, a negative
hot rock will produce a “boing” sound after passing over it, making it
difficult to know where it is located. It will not have the sound and
“feel” of a metal object.

GROUND BALANCING

continued

OPERATION and CONTROLS

QUICK-START DEM ONSTRATION

I. Supplies Needed

• a Nail • a Zinc Penny (dated after 1982) • a Nickel • a Quarter

II. Position the Detector

a. Place the detector on a table, with the searchcoil hanging over the edge.

Or better, have a friend hold the detector, with the searchcoil off the ground.

b. Keep the searchcoil away from walls, floors, and metal objects.
c. Remove watches, rings, and jewelry.
d. Turn off lights or appliances, whose electromagnetic

emissions may cause interference.

e. Pivot the searchcoil back.

III. Power Up

Press .

IV. Wave each object over the searchcoil.

a. Notice a different tone for each object:

Nail:

Low Tone

Coins: Sound varies in pitch and volume depending on distance from coil

b. Motion is required.

Objects must be in motion over the searchcoil to be detected in this mode.

V. Press

twice to enter the DISC. LEVEL program.

Then press

until “40” appears in the center of the screen.

a. The word “IRON” disappears from the display

VI. Wave the nail over the searchcoil.

a. The nail will not be detected
b. The nail has been “discriminated out.”

VII. Press

until “80” appears.

a. The words FOIL, NICKEL, PULL-TAB, S-CAP+ and ZINC disappear.

VIII. Wave the nickel

a. The nickel will not be detected.

IX. Press

twice to toggle down to NOTCH.

Then press

three times

a. The word “NICKEL” reappears on the display

X. Wave the Nickel.

The nickel is now again detected.
The nickel has been “notched in.”

XI. Press

once to toggle down to ALL METAL

XII. Pass the quarter over the searchcoil.

Move the quarter closer to and farther away from the searchcoil. Notice
the changing depth-display values at the bottom of the screen.

XIII. Press and hold

. Pass the quarter over the searchcoil

Move the quarter closer to and farther away from the searchcoil. Notice

the changing 2-digit depth-display values in the middle of the screen.

When manually ground balancing, try to “feel out” a spot on the ground
to make sure there is no metal present. In order to avoid locking onto
metal, the detector will not ground grab where the GROUND setting is
less than 40. Where the ground reads less than 40, the ground value is
displayed as “--”, and manual ground balancing is required.

To perform the Manual Ground Balancing operation, do the following:

1. Select the GROUND GRAB

Mode

The legend GROUND appears near the top of the screen.
The present ground balance setting is displayed (0-99).

2. Physically pump the searchcoil and detector up and down over

the ground. Lift it about 6 inches above the ground and lower it
to within 1 inch of the ground, about once or twice a second. You
are trying to balance the sound as described on the top of page 19.
a. If the detector balances, use this setting as a starting point for

manual balancing.

b. If “--” is displayed press

until you find the desired setting.

3. While pumping the coil, press

to change the ground

balance setting.

GROUND BALANCING

continued

The range of ground balance settings indicated on the display range
from 0 to 99; however, each displayed number spans about 10 pad
presses of the

and

buttons. The actual internal ground balance

settings change with each step; there are a total of

1000

different settings.

The

scale at the upper-right of the screen indicates the AMOUNT

of magnetic mineralization. The searchcoil must be in motion to
measure this. The most accurate measurement is obtained by
pumping the searchcoil, as in the Ground Grab

procedure.

The indicators are as follows:
V-H = Very High Mineralization
L

= Low Mineralization

= Moderate Mineralization

= High Mineralization

The two-digit GROUND setting number displayed at the center of the
LCD indicates the TYPE of ground mineralization.
Some typical ground mineralization types are:

0 -10 Wet salt and alkalis
5 - 25 Metallic iron. Very few soils in this range. You are probably

over metal.

26-39 Very few soils in this range -occasionally some saltwater beaches
40-75 Red, yellow, and brown iron-bearing clay minerals
75-95 Magnetite and other black iron minerals

OPERATION and CONTROLS

THE BASICS OF METAL DETECTING

A hobby metal detector is intended for locating buried metal objects. When
searching for metals, underground or on the surface, you have the following
challenges and objectives:

1. Ignoring signals caused by ground minerals.
2. Ignoring signals caused by metal objects that you do not want to find, like pull-tabs.
3. Identifying a buried metal object before you dig it up.
4. Estimating the size and depth of objects, to facilitate digging them up.
5. Eliminating the effects of electromagnetic interference from other

electronic devices.

Your metal detector is designed with these things in mind.

1. Ground Minerals

All soils contain minerals. Signals from ground minerals can interfere with the
signals from metal objects you want to find. All soils differ, and can differ greatly,
in the type and amount of ground minerals present. You therefore want to
“calibrate” the detector to the specific ground conditions where you are hunting.
The detector incorporates a semi-automated ground-balancing feature which will
eliminate false signals from most types of soils. But if you want to maximize the
detector’s target identification accuracy and depth of detection, use the
GROUND GRAB

function to calibrate the detector to the ground where you are

searching. See the section on GROUND GRAB

for details.

2. Trash

If searching for coins, which will induce higher tone sounds, you want to
ignore items like aluminum foil, nails, and pull-tabs. These undesirable items
induce lower tones. You can listen to the sounds of all objects detected, and
decide on what you want to dig up. Or you can eliminate unwanted metals
from detection by using the DISCRIMINATION feature.

3. Identifying Buried Objects

When searching in the DISCRIMINATION Mode, different objects induce
different tones (high, medium, low) and are classified on the display screen in
different categories from left to right. A 2-digit numerical reading is also provided
in the middle of the display for more precise target identification. The
DISCRIMINATION Mode requires motion: sweep the coil over the metal object.

4. Size and Depth of Buried Objects

When using the detector in the motion DISCRIMINATION Mode, the relative
depth of an object is displayed at the bottom of the display in a 3-segment
format: shallow, medium, or deep. A more accurate depth reading is
available in a no-motion mode, using PINPOINT or ALL METAL Mode. These
modes display target depth in inches. These no-motion modes do not require
the coil to be in motion to detect metals. The ability to hold the searchcoil
motionless over the target also aids in tracing an outline of the buried object,

GROUND BALANCING

4. GROUND GRAB

COMPUTERIZED GROUND BALANCING

All soils contain minerals. Signals from ground minerals interfere with the
signals from metal objects. All soils differ, and can differ greatly, in the type and
amount of ground minerals present. This detector incorporates ground
balancing algorithms which eliminate interference caused by the ground
minerals found in most soils.

The GROUND GRAB

and MANUAL GROUND balancing feature allows the

user to more precisely calibrate the detector’s internal circuitry to the specific
ground you are searching.

We therefore recommend that you use GROUND GRAB

to most accurately

calibrate the detector to the specific ground conditions where you are hunting. It is
a quick and automated process, and will instantly grab the ground reading of any
patch of ground you are standing over. This process will maximize the detector’s
target identification accuracy and depth detection capability.

AUTOMATIC GROUND BALANCING PROCEDURE USING GROUND GRAB

1. Find a spot of ground where there is no metal present.
2. Hold the detector with the searchcoil about one foot

above the ground.

3. Enter the GROUND GRAB

Mode.

4. Push and hold

5. Physically pump the searchcoil and detector up and

down over the ground.
Lift it about 6 inches above the ground and lower it to within
1 inch of the ground, about once or twice a second.

6. A 2-digit ground value will appear on the display. This is the

Ground Balance setting.

7. When the 2-digit ground value stabilizes, release the button.

Note:

GROUND GRAB

will not automatically balance over highly conduc-

tive soils, such as a wet salt water beach. Automatic balancing is not possi-
ble in soils with ground values less than 40. The screen will display “--” and
an alarm will sound if over metal or in ground with a value less than 40.

MANUAL GROUND BALANCING

In most situations, it is preferable to use GROUND GRAB

to automatically

ground balance. Generally, it is best to first let the detector automatically
cancel interference from ground minerals. However, for gold prospecting,
searching on a wet saltwater beach, or searching in an area with so much
metal trash that there is no clean ground for the detector’s internal computer
to sample, we recommended that you manually ground balance. Manual
ground balancing requires a bit of skill, acquired with some practice.

OPERATION and CONTROLS

or in pinpointing the exact location of the object using techniques described
in the pinpointing section.

5. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

The searchcoil produces a magnetic field and then detects changes in that
magnetic field caused by the presence of metal objects. This magnetic field
that the detector creates is also susceptible to the electromagnetic energy
produced by other electronic devices. Power lines, microwave ovens,
lighting fixtures, TVs, computers, motors, etc…. all produce EMI which can
interfere with the detector and cause it to beep when no metal is present,
and sometimes to beep erratically.

The SENSITIVITY control lets you reduce the strength of this magnetic field,
and therefore lessen its susceptibility to EMI. You may want to operate at
maximum strength, but the presence of EMI may make this impossible, so if
you experience erratic behavior or “false” signals, reduce the sensitivity.

THE BASICS OF METAL DETECTING

How to Pinpoint
Position the searchcoil an inch or two
(2.5-5cm) above the ground, and to the
side of the target. Then press and hold

. Now move the searchcoil slowly

across the target, and the sound will
communicate the target’s location. As
you sweep from side to side, and hear
no sound at the ends of the sweep, the
target is located in the middle of that
zone, where the sound is loudest. If the
sound is loud over a wide area, the
buried object is large. Use Pinpoint to
trace an outline of such large objects.

Narrow It Down
To further narrow the field of detection,
position the searchcoil near the center
of the response pattern (but not at the
exact center), release

, and

then quickly press-and-hold it again.
Now you will only hear a response
when the searchcoil is right over the

top of the target. Repeat this
procedure to narrow the zone even
further. Each time you repeat the
procedure, the field of detection will
narrow further.

Consider Purchasing a Pinpointer
When you kneel down to unearth an
object, you may find it frustrating as the
object can appear exactly like the
surrounding soil. You may hold the
object in your hand, and find it
necessary to pass a handful of dirt over
the searchcoil to see if it contains
metal. An easier way is to use a
handheld pinpointer. It is a probe-like
device which is poked into the ground,
making close up pinpointing a snap,
reducing digging time, and minimizing
the size of the holes you will dig.
TEKNETICS offers a robust and
inexpensive pinpointer designed for
this purpose.

MODE SELECTIONS

continued

CORRECT

WRONG

OPERATION and CONTROLS

HEADPHONE JACKS

The detector has a 1/4” headphone jack on the left side of the housing.

When the headphone jack is connected, speaker audio is disabled..

USING HEADPHONES

Using a detector with headphones facilitates detection of the weakest sig-
nals and also extends the battery life.

It also allows you to hear subtle changes in the sound more clearly, particular-
ly if searching in a noisy location. For safety reasons, do not use headphones
near traffic or where other dangers are
present. This device is to be used with
interconnecting cables/headphone
cables shorter than three meters.

Headphone

Jack

OPERATION and CONTROLS

Press or Buttons

CHANGE THE SETTING

of the active menu item.

The active menu item is

the Highlighted line on the

left side of the display.

Press or Buttons

CHANGE THE SETTING

of the active menu item.

The active menu item is

the Highlighted line on the

left side of the display.

HOW TO WORK THE CONTROLS

POWERING UP

Press

• The detector always starts in the DISCRIMINATION Mode.

Motion is required.

• Sensitivity is at about 70% of maximum (value reads “80”)
• All target categories are illuminated, meaning that all metal objects will

be detected.

MODE SELECTIONS

There are four selections under the MODE section of the display.

• Press

to toggle between DISCRIMINATION, ALL METAL and

GROUND GRAB

• While operating in the DISCRIMINATION or ALL METAL Mode, press

to activate PINPOINT Mode.

• While operating in the GROUND GRAB

Mode, press

automatically ground balance the detector.

1. DISCRIMINATE Mode

This mode is the default mode, and requires the searchcoil to be in motion in
order to detect and identify targets. This is the mode most commonly used for
continuous searching. In this mode, targets are identified with distinct tones,
and are classified in categories at the top of the display. A two-digit numerical
value, on a scale of 10 to 99, is displayed in the middle of the screen. The
depth range of the target is also displayed at the bottom of the display. All
menu items can be selected and customized in this mode.

2. ALL METAL Mode

This mode is similar to the “Fast Autotune” or “SAT™” Mode found in other
detectors. Only the SENSITIVITY and VOLUME menu items are adjustable in
this mode.

3. PINPOINT

To activate this mode, you must first be in either the DISCRIMINATION or ALL
METAL Mode. Press and hold

to activate pinpoint. This mode is

momentary; pinpoint detection is only active for as long as you keep
depressed.

Metal targets are detected with the searchcoil motionless over the target.
Target identification is not possible in this mode. All metal objects will induce
a single monotone hum. The 2-digit value in the middle of the screen
represents the approximate target depth, in inches.

Pinpoint is used to find the exact location of a target which was previously
located and identified using the Discrimination Mode. As this mode does not
require motion over the target, the user can move the coil more slowly and
then narrow the detection field when near the target.

OPERATION and CONTROLS

While in

DISCRIMINATE

ALL METAL

Mode,

press and hold

the Pinpoint button to

actuate

PINPOINT

While in

GROUND GRAB®

Mode, press and hold

the Pinpoint button to

actuate

GROUND GRAB®

Press

MENU

button

to select the

menu item you

want to adjust.

Press

MODE

button

TOGGLE

between

the Discrimination,

All Metal and

Ground Grab™ Modes.

POWER

ON/OFF

OPERATION and CONTROLS

MENU SELECTIONS

1. SENSITIVITY

Use

and

to increase or decrease sensitivity while the SENSITIVITY

line is highlighted.

Maximum sensitivity setting is 99.
Minimum sensitivity setting is 05.

If the detector beeps erratically or beeps when there are no metal objects
being detected, reduce the sensitivity.

The searchcoil produces a magnetic field and then detects changes in that
magnetic field caused by the presence of metal objects. This magnetic field
that the detector creates is also susceptible to the electromagnetic energy
produced by other electronic devices. Power lines, microwave ovens, lighting
fixtures, TVs, computers, motors, etc…. all produce EMI which can interfere
with the detector and cause it to beep when no metal is present, and
sometimes to beep erratically.

Notice that the sensitivity settings behave differently above 90. From 05 to 90,
gain is changing. Above 90, the threshold level changes. Setting above 94 will
be noisy or sound erratic.

HOW DEEP WILL IT GO?

The Gamma 6000 Metal Detector will detect a coin-sized object, like a quarter,
to a distance of about 11” (28cm) from the searchcoil at maximum sensitivity.
Large metal objects can be detected to a depth of several feet. Detectability
is directly related to the size of the metal object -- the larger the object, the
deeper it can be detected.

Accuracy of target identification is also related to distance from the coil.
Beyond a distance of 8”, the accuracy of target identification begins to
diminish.

All modes share the same sensitivity setting. If sensitivity is adjusted in any
mode, the change is also effective for the other modes.

MENU SELECTIONS

continued

4. # OF TONES

While the # OF TONES line is highlighted, use

and

to program the

number of different audio tones.

Different target categories are identified by different audio tones in order to give
you the fastest real-time reference while searching. Most experienced users
become familiar with the tones and search without always looking at the display.

Use this selection to program the number of audible tones the detector
will emit.
The default setting is 3 tones.
Depending on your number of tones selection, audio target categories are:.

# Tones Iron Foil

Nickel

PullTab SCAP

Zinc

Dime Qtr+

1 *VCO VCO

VCO

VCO VCO

Bass VCO

VCO

VCO VCO

Bass Low

Low

High High

Bass Low

Medium Low

Low

High High

*VCO (originally referred to as Voltage Control Oscillator)

Pitch increases with increasing signal strength. A given target will
induce a HIGH PITCH when close to the coil, but a LOWER PITCH
when farther away.
The audio volume always varies in proportion to signal strength. The
closer a target gets to the coil, the louder the volume.

5. VOLUME

While the VOLUME line is highlighted, use

and

to change the

speaker volume.

The default volume setting is 10. Maximum is 10.
Minimum is 0 (volume off). At levels 1, 2 and 3, high tones will be inaudible or
barely audible.

The speaker volume will diminish as battery voltage drops. For maximum
speaker volume, use 3 or 4 tones, as the low and bass tones generate the
loudest sounds.

Volume can be set while in either the DISCRIMINATION or ALL METAL
Modes, but only one setting applies to both modes. Volume in the two modes
cannot be set independently.

OPERATION and CONTROLS

MENU SELECTIONS

continued

2. DISC. LEVEL

Use

and

to increase or decrease DISCRIMINATION level.

Each time you press

, more types of metals are eliminated from detection.

Elimination occurs from left to right. When a category description (for example
“IRON”) disappears from the display, then all targets classified in that category
will not be detected.
Pressing

reverses the discrimination process. With each press of

, more types of metals will be included and therefore detected.

Discrimination is a cumulative elimination system. Targets can be eliminated
from left to right on the scale, with each additional press of

, resulting in

more objects being eliminated from detection.

3. NOTCH

The category icon will remain illuminated until the number printed to the right
of the icon is reached. The number remaining illuminated in the middle of the
display is the lowest target value included, and therefore detected. All lower
value targets are eliminated from detection

Use

and

to notch target categories IN or OUT while the NOTCH line

is highlighted.

Whereas the discrimination feature eliminates all categories sequentially from
detection, the NOTCH control allows you to selectively include or exclude
target categories from detection.

With each press of

, the notched category moves across the

display screen. As you move the position of the notched category, you are
changing the detection status of the selected category.

• If a target category was previously eliminated (word not visible) then

notching that category will return it to detection.

• If a target category was previously retained (word is visible) then

notching that category will remove it from detection.

Only one target category at a time can be selected for notching. To notch
multiple categories in or out, press

again while NOTCH is highlighted.

Each subsequent press of

allows you to set an additional

notch. Each time you press

, followed by

, the notch program will

begin by changing the status of the IRON segment.

At any time, the display screen indicates the current category notches or
discrimination settings. Any category whose description is not visible will not
be detected.

For example, the following settings tell us that:

• The nickel, dime, and quarter categories will be detected.
• All other categories of targets (iron, foil, pulltab, s-cap+, and zinc) will not

be detected.

MENU SELECTIONS

continued

NOTCH

continued

OPERATION and CONTROLS

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