OWNER’S MANUAL

Your Surveyor is an advanced technology Metal

Detector. If you are new to the hobby or have never
used a metal detector before, we recommend that you:

1) Do Not Use Indoors. Household appliances generate

electromagnetic fields, which can interfere with the detector.

If demonstrating indoors, turn the sensitivity down and keep the

search coil away from floors, walls, and metal objects.

2) Turn SENSITIVITY knob to a low setting in the event of false

signals or chatter. A little practice is required to understand
when and how to position the sensitivity at or near 100%.

3) Use 9-volt ALKALINE batteries only.

4) Please read this manual.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TERMINOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

OPERATING MODES AND CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

GROUND BALANCING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

USAGE TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 - 8

UTILITY APPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

HOBBY APPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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 TERMINOLOGY
The following terms are used throughout the manual.

ELIMINATION
Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the detector will not emit a tone
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 a fixed-start-point elimination system.

IRON
Iron is a common, low-grade metal that is often an undesirable target in certain applications.
Examples of undesirable iron objects are concrete reinforcing bars, 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 earth, and can
therefore be very hard to isolate.

GROUND BALANCE
Ground Balancing is the ability of the detector to ignore, or "see through," the earth’s
naturally occurring minerals, When “ground balanced”, the detector can differentiate
between the metallic content of the soil, and buried metal objects. Professional metal
detectors, like your Bounty Hunter, have the ability to ground balance in many
different types of soils.

WATERPROOF
The search coil can be submerged in water. The control housing and cable-to-housing
connection must, however, stay dry.

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 ASSEMBLY
No tools are required.
Follow these steps:
1 Unpack your detector and find
the following parts:
•Detector body, attached to
S-rod handle and search coil.
•Lower stem (short metal
tube with plastic extension
and silver bottom).
• (2) Coil knobs. One with a
shaft attached, one without.
2 Depress the button on the lower
stem and push the lower stem
into the upper stem.

3 Wind the search coil cable

around the two-piece stem.

4 Leave some slack in the cable

as you reach the end of the
lower stem.

5 Attach the coil to the stem using

the coil knobs.

6 Install two (2) 9-volt ALKALINE

batteries (not included).
There are two battery doors on
the back of the detector body.

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 OPERATION
STANCE •Maintain the coil parallel to the
•Stand with your arm extended in ground. Do not raise the coil at the
front of your body. Hold the search end of each sweep.
coil off the ground, 1/2 to 1 inch
above the surface. •Move slowly and overlap each
sweep as you move forward,
•Position the search coil parallel to the sweeping the coil in half-circle
ground. movements.

•The coil must be in motion to detect

SWEEP metal. Your Surveyor incorporates
•Swing the coil slowly, from side to motion detection technology. A
side. The coil must be in motion to motionless search coil will not detect
detect metal. buried objects.

TARGET RESPONSE
Most desirable targets will induce
CORRECT repeatable tones. When the detector
emits a tone, pass the coil over the
same spot again, and listen for a
consistent repeatable tone each time
the coil passes over the target zone.

Broken tones and non-repeatable

tones usually indicate the presence of
WRONG trash or irregularly shaped objects.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
can cause false, or non-repeatable,
signals. EMI is emitted by power lines
(overhead or buried), other detectors
(keep 2 detectors 20 feet apart), or by
machinery and motors.

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 OPERATING MODES AND CONTROLS
The Surveyor has Two Operating Modes
1 ALL-METALS
a. All metals are detected
b. Single tone response, regardless of metal type
c. Maximum depth detection capability
Operating Controls
DISCRIMINATION knob does not apply APPROXIMATE
DISCRIMINATION
APPLICATIONS
POSITIONS
Utility applications for finding all types of
metal. May also be used for Relic
Hunting or Cache Hunting in hobby
applications.
2 DISCRIMINATION
a. Ferrous metals are automatically
eliminated from detection.
b. Two-tone audio response classifies
metals as illustrated below.
c. Adjust the DISCRIMINATION control
knob to completely eliminate unwanted items from detection.

NO LOW BROKEN HIGH

RESPONSE TONE TONE TONE

Iron & Steel Gold & Nickel Old & New Pull Tabs Copper, Silver & Brass

GROUND BALANCING
As you sweep the coil from side-to-side, the detector is constantly
scanning the ground and self-adjusting to changing soil conditions. Soils
vary in their magnetic, conductive and alkaline properties. Soils vary by
region of the country, and can even vary within small areas; soil at the
top of a hill can be different from the soil in a nearby depression.

Automatic ground balancing requires a level, consistent coil sweep. Do

not lift the coil at the ends of your sweeps. Maintain a consistent coil
speed as you move the coil from side to side.

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 USAGE TIPS
TONE RESPONSE
With practice in the field, you will learn to classify buried objects
according to the different tones and the clarity and repeatability of the
tones.

Only dig up targets that induce repeatable tones. Each time you pass the
search coil over a possible target, you should hear the same tone. If the
tone does not repeat on each pass, varies in tone, or varies in location,
then the target is USUALLY not of value.

Inconsistent tones are evidence of high oxidation (rusted metals) or

irregularly shaped objects. Note, however, that multiple tones may be
evidence of multiple targets. If you cannot pinpoint the location of a very
strong signal, lift the coil higher off the ground until a weaker, but more
precise signal, is heard. For very weak signals, try moving the coil in
short, rapid sweeps, close to the ground.

PINPOINTING
Accurate pinpointing takes practice and is best accomplished by "X-ing"
the suspected target area.
1. When a buried target is identified by a repeatable tone response,
continue sweeping the coil over the target in a narrowing side-to-
side pattern.
2. Take visual note of the place on the ground where the "beep"
occurs.
3. Stop the coil directly over this spot on the ground.
4. Turn your stance 90
degrees, facing the
target from a different
angle.
5. Sweep the coil back
and forth, making
visual reference of the
intersection of these
two sweep paths.
6. If necessary, "X" the
target at different
angles to "zero in" on
the exact location on
the ground at which
the beep occurs.
When pinpointing a target, try drawing an “X”, as illus-
trated, over where the tone is induced.
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 USAGE TIPS (continued)
DISCRIMINATION CONTROL
In the DISC mode, as you rotate the DISCRIMINATION knob clockwise,
more types of metals are eliminated from detection. Discrimination is a
cumulative elimination system; objects eliminated at a low setting remain
eliminated at higher settings.

SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT
Use the SENSITIVITY knob to eliminate Electromagnetic Interference
(EMI). EMI is both naturally occurring and man-made. Common
sources of EMI are power lines, both suspended and buried, and
broadcasting antennas. Operating machinery can also produce EMI.
If your detector chatters or beeps erratically with the SENSITIVITY knob
in the 100% clockwise position, reduce the sensitivity until the chatter
stops (usually to the 1:00 to 3:00 position)
The SENSITIVITY knob can also be used if you suspect the presence of
deeper targets underneath a shallower target. Reduce the sensitivity to
eliminate the detection of the deeper target, so as to properly locate and
identify the shallower target.
TARGET LOCATOR
The target locator meter will move when metal is detected. It shows the
strength of the signal and helps with pinpointing the object. Watch for
the location where the needle on the meter jumps strongly to the right –
that’s where the target is.

UTILITY APPLICATIONS
ALL METAL MODE
Many utility applications require the all-metal mode of operation so that
iron will be detected. Iron property markers, concrete reinforcing bars
and old pipes are items that may be detected for this purpose. To use
this mode, turn the power control on and adjust sensitivity as needed.
Leave the discriminator control in the off position.

DISCRIMINATION
For utility applications, you may want to eliminate iron if you are
specifically looking for brass or copper pipes or fittings. To use this
mode, turn the discriminator control on and adjust according to the metal
you want to eliminate. For brass, keep the discriminator low. If you are
looking for copper, you may turn the discriminator higher to eliminate
iron and trash items.
There are two tones in this mode:
Lower tone – nickel, brass, zinc
Higher tone – copper, silver
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 HOBBY APPLICATIONS
The Surveyor is a great tool that may also be used for many hobby applications
as described below.

COINSHOOTING
The most popular metal detecting application. When coinshooting, you want to
discriminate out pull-tabs, screw caps, and iron objects. Beware that highly
oxidized steel may also be detected. In the event of low tones, tune
Discrimination control to induce "scratchy" tones; these might be trash items.
Control Settings Required:
1) DISC Mode
2) DISCRIMINATION knob in 2:00 position

RELIC HUNTING
A relic is a historical object, sometimes of great value. Relics can be found in
abandoned homes, plowed fields, or even your own back yard. Research the
local library to learn of historical events or places in the area. You can then target
your search to a specific area and gain valuable insight into the local history.
Always obtain permission before entering private or government property.

Control Settings Required:

1) ALL-METALS Mode
2) SENSITIVITY at High

CACHE HUNTING
A cache, pronounced "cash" is a buried or hidden valuable stored inside a case,
strongbox, or bag. A cache can be hidden in the floor or walls of a house, or
buried nearby.
Control Settings Required:
1) ALL-METALS Mode
2) SENSITIVITY at High

JEWELRY HUNTING
Jewelry can be found wherever people congregate. Beaches, parks,
schoolyards, and fair grounds are all littered with lost jewelry. Gold necklaces
are very difficult to detect unless they are packed tightly together. Rings can
induce tones similar to pull-tabs.
Control Settings Required:
1) DISC Mode
2) DISCRIMINATION Control adjusted constantly to discern nature of
buried object.

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 TROUBLESHOOTING

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION
No power, no • Dead batteries • Replace batteries
sounds • Batteries not • Securely snap
connected properly batteries on to
connections

Detector chatters • Electromagnetic • Stay away from Power

or Beeps Erratically Interference line, operating machinery

• Using Indoors • Use Outdoors Only

• Using Near Another • Keep 2 detectors at

Metal Detector least 20 feet apart

• Wrong Type of Batteries • Use 9-Volt ALKALINE

batteries only. DO NOT
USE HEAVY DUTY
BATTERIES
• Sensitivity Set Too High • Reduce Sensitivity
for Environment

Detector Beeps at End • Improper Sweep • Sweep Coil Parallel to

of Sweeps Technique – Swinging Ground
(false signals) Coil Like a Pendulum

Many False Signals in • Sensitivity Too High • Reduce Sensitivity

the Field
• Oxidized Targets • Only Dig Up
Repeatable Signals

• Increase
Discrimination Level
(turn control 100%
clockwise)

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 ACCESSORIES
MAXIMIZE YOUR METAL DETECTING EXPERIENCE WITH THESE
BOUNTY HUNTER ACCESSORIES
FINDS POUCH
With adjustable waistband
and Velcro closure

DIGGING TOOL
Narrow Spade to minimize
damage to environment

7-INCH COIL COVER

Protect coil bottom from
severe surface

HEADPHONES
Increase battery life and find
more deeply buried objects,
evidenced by faint signals
sometimes undetected with
the standard speaker

CARRY BAG
Custom-sized to carry your
Surveyor. Padded, with space
for other accessories

www.detecting.com

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TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS:
1. Respect the rights and property of others.
2. Observe all laws, whether national, state or local.
3. Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.
4. Leave the land and vegetation as it was. Fill in your holes.
5. All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set.
Always obtain permission before searching any site. Be
extremely careful while probing, picking up, or discarding trash
items. And ALWAYS COVER YOUR HOLES!

FIRST TEXAS PRODUCTS, LP

5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

This product is warranted against defects in work-

manship or materials under normal use for five years
from date of purchase to the original user. Liability in
all events is limited to the purchase price paid.
Liability under this Warranty is limited to replacing or
repairing, at our option, any Bounty Hunter Detector
returned, shipping cost prepaid, to First Texas
Products, LP. Damage due to neglect, accidental
damage or misuse of this product is not covered by
this warranty.

Copyright ©2002 by First Texas Products, L.P.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form, except for the
inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Published by First Texas Products, L.P.

Bounty Hunter® and Surveyor® are registered trademarks of First Texas Products, L.P.

www.detecting.com

First Texas Products, LP

1100 Pendale Road
El Paso, TX 79907
(915) 633-8354
REVISED 10/02
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