Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Owner's Manual

Table of Contents

• ACE 200 Control Panel
• Quick Start Guide
• ACE 200 Contents
• Detector Assembly
• Power On/Basic Controls
• Target Information
• Audio Features
• Selecting Modes (Discrimination Patterns)
• Sensitivity
• Bench Tests
• Hunting Tips With Your ACE 200
• Troubleshooting Guide
• Battery Replacement
• Metal Detecting Code of Ethics
• Cautions
• Caring For Your ACE 200 Detector
• ACE 200 Warranty / Service
• ACE 200 Accessories

ACE 200 Control Panel

The ACE 200 control panel features a digital display and several buttons for operation. The display includes:

• Target ID Legend: Indicates metal types across a scale (e.g., IRON, NICKEL, GOLD, SILVER, COINS).
• Digital Target ID: A numerical value from 0 to 99 indicating probable target identity.
• Target ID Cursor: A cursor that moves along the Target ID Legend to show the probable identity of a detected target.
• Lower Scale: Displays the current discrimination pattern, with lighted pixels indicating accepted targets and blank pixels indicating rejected targets.
• Coin Depth Indicator: Shows the depth of a coin-sized target, with markings for 2", 4", and 6"+.

Buttons and indicators include:

• MODE Button: Selects the detection mode (discrimination pattern).
• SENSITIVITY Button: Increases or decreases the sensitivity level.
• POWER Button: Turns the detector ON or OFF. Holding for 5 seconds performs a Factory Reset.
• Mode Indicator: Shows the currently selected mode.
• Low Battery Level Indicator: Alerts the user when batteries are low.
• Sensitivity Setting: Indicates the current sensitivity level.

Quick Start Guide

1. Power ON: Press and release the ON/OFF Power button. The ACE 200 powers on in the last used mode, automatically adjusts for ground minerals, and is ready to search. It operates with four (4) AA batteries. The factory default mode is Coins.
2. Select Mode: Use the MODE button to select a different detection mode if desired.
3. Adjust Settings: Adjust the Sensitivity setting if desired.
4. Begin Scanning: Lower the searchcoil to approximately 1 inch above the ground. Scan the coil left and right at approximately 3 ft/second. The coil must be in motion for target detection.

ACE 200 Contents

Your ACE 200 package includes:

• Control housing with S-shaped stem
• Searchcoil
• Upper and lower stem (connected)
• Batteries (installed)
• Nut, bolt, and mounting washers
• Owner's Manual
• Warranty card

If any part is missing, please contact Garrett Customer Service.

Detector Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble your ACE 200:

1. Loosen the lower camlock and extend the lower stem.
2. Insert the mounting washers.
3. Connect the searchcoil to the stem as shown and hand-tighten the wing nut.
4. Loosen the upper camlock, insert the S-stem with the control housing.
5. Adjust the lower stem to a comfortable length and hand-tighten the camlocks.
6. Wrap the cable snugly around the stem, ensuring the first turn of the cable goes over the stem.

Note: The arm cuff can be adjusted by removing the screw on the bottom and moving it to the other hole.

Power On/Basic Controls

Power ON/OFF: Press this button to turn the power ON or OFF.

Factory Reset: To restore factory settings, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds (until the detector produces a fast double beep).

Low Battery Indicator: When the detector's batteries become weak, the Low Battery Indicator will remain on.

Target Information

The ACE 200 provides information about detected targets through its display.

• Target ID Legend: Works with the Target ID Cursor to indicate a target's probable identity. Ferrous (iron) targets are on the left, non-ferrous targets with low conductivity are in the middle, and thick or high conductivity targets (e.g., thick silver) are on the right.
• Lower Scale: Displays the current discrimination pattern. Lighted pixels indicate accepted targets, while blank pixels indicate rejected targets.
• Target ID Cursor (Upper Scale): Displays for every target, but produces audio only for targets accepted on the Lower Scale.
• Digital Target ID: Provides a value from 0 to 99 to identify targets more precisely than the ID cursor.
• Coin Depth Indicator: Shows the depth of a coin or similar-sized target. Note: Larger targets may display shallower, and smaller targets may display deeper than their actual depth.

A sample chart on the following page provides Digital Target ID ranges for commonly found items.

Target ID Chart Example

Target ID can vary based on size and thickness. Mineralized soils can also cause errors.

Tip: Target ID is most reliable when the target is centered under the searchcoil and the coil is swept flat and at a constant height.

Audio Features

The ACE 200 produces three distinct tones based on a target's metal type and conductivity:

• High conductivity targets (Digital ID > 80): Produce a unique belltone signal.
• Medium to low conductivity targets (Digital ID of 21–80): Produce a medium-pitched signal.
• Ferrous targets (Digital ID < 21): Produce a low-pitch signal.

Headphone Jack: Use any headphones with a 1/4” plug.

Selecting Modes (Discrimination Patterns)

Choose from three preset discrimination patterns using the MODE button:

• ZERO-DISC Mode: Detects every type of metal. All 5 discrimination pixels are switched on; no metals are notched out. Use this mode to find all metal items or when the desired object's material is unknown. It can also aid in locating a target when its signal is inconsistent, which might indicate a trash target close to a good one.
• JEWELRY Mode: Designed to find jewelry such as rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces, while ignoring most iron trash.
• COINS Mode: Designed to find U.S. and similar coins and to eliminate common trash items like iron, small foil, and pull-tabs. Be aware that some jewelry may be missed if it reads the same as a pull-tab. Some digging of junk targets (e.g., aluminum cans) is to be expected.

Example: The preset notch discrimination pattern for COINS Mode is shown on the control panel display.

Sensitivity

Use the SENSITIVITY button to step through the four (4) levels. Increase sensitivity when searching for very small or deep targets. Decrease sensitivity if the detector behaves erratically due to excessive metallic trash, highly mineralized soils, electrical interference, or the presence of other metal detectors, and the erratic operation cannot be resolved with discrimination.

Bench Tests

Conduct bench tests to become more familiar with your detector's operation.

1. Place the searchcoil on a flat, non-metallic surface several feet from other metallic objects.
2. Select the ZERO-DISC mode.
3. Pass various metal objects (coins, bottle caps, nails, etc.) across the searchcoil at a distance of 3 to 4 inches. The detector will audibly and visually identify the target.
4. Perform this test in all available modes, observing the sounds and graphics on the LCD.
5. Record the results of your bench tests and refer to them when hunting in the field.

After determining how targets register during bench tests, test them in the soil. Bury targets at recorded depths to create a "test plot," noting how they read when lying flat or at various angles. Keep records or markers for your test plot targets and their depths. Re-test after several months, during drought, or after rain to note any changes.

Hunting Tips With Your ACE 200

• If you are new to metal detecting, start searching in areas with sandy and loose soil to make it easier to learn how to use your detector, pinpoint, and dig targets.
• Keep your searchcoil height about 1 inch above and parallel to the ground at all times for best detection results.
• Swing your searchcoil parallel to plow lines and the water's edge to minimize negative effects from uneven ground or moisture. Do not swing perpendicular to these lines, as this can reduce performance.
• Walk slowly, scanning your searchcoil in a straight line from side to side at about 2 to 5 feet per second. Advance the searchcoil about half its length at the end of each sweep.

Scanning Technique: To fully search an area, overlap the swings of your searchcoil by half the length of the coil (about 4.5 inches). Sweep the searchcoil in a straight line or with a slight arc at a sweep speed of about 3 ft/sec.

Troubleshooting Guide

Battery Replacement

The Low Battery Indicator will switch on when batteries become weak. The detector will maintain full performance, but batteries should be replaced soon. NiMH rechargeable batteries may be used but may have a shorter life per charge. Expect 20 to 40 hours of operation depending on battery type and quality.

Replace batteries by sliding the cover off the control housing. Remove batteries if the ACE 200 will be stored for longer than 30 days.

Note: 1.5V/cell Lithium batteries can be used, but 3.7V/cell Lithium batteries will damage the detector.

Metal Detecting Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is followed by many treasure hunters and clubs to preserve the sport of metal detecting:

• Respect private and public property, historical and archaeological sites; do not metal detect without proper permission.
• Stay informed on and obey all local and national legislation regarding the discovery and reporting of found treasures.
• Aid law enforcement officials whenever possible.
• Cause no willful damage to property, including fences, signs, and buildings.
• Always fill the holes you dig.
• Do not destroy property, buildings, or the remains of deserted structures.
• Do not leave litter or other discarded junk items lying around.
• Carry all rubbish and dug targets when leaving a search area.
• Observe the Golden Rule, using good outdoor manners and conducting yourself in a manner that adds to the stature and public image of all people engaged in metal detection.

Cautions

When searching for treasure with your Garrett detector, observe these precautions:

• Never trespass or hunt on private property without permission.
• National and state parks, monuments, and military zones are off-limits.
• Avoid areas where pipelines or electric lines may be buried. If found, do not disturb and notify proper authorities.
• Use reasonable caution when digging any target, especially if uncertain of conditions.
• If unsure about using the detector in any area, always seek permission from proper authorities.

Caring For Your ACE 200 Detector

Your Garrett detector is rugged and designed for outdoor use. To maintain its high performance:

• Avoid extreme temperatures (e.g., storing in a hot car trunk or sub-freezing weather).
• Keep your detector clean. Disassemble the stem and wipe it, the control housing, and the searchcoil with a damp cloth when necessary.
• Remember that your searchcoil is submersible, but the control housing and connectors are not.
• Protect your control housing from heavy mist, rain, and blowing surf.
• When storing for longer than one month, remove the batteries.
• When changing batteries, use quality alkaline or rechargeable batteries and replace all at once for optimum performance.

ACE 200 Warranty & Service

Your ACE 200 detector is warranted for 24 months, limited parts and labor. Damage caused by alteration, modification, neglect, accident, or misuse is not covered.

If you encounter problems, carefully read this Owner's Manual. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to return to factory settings.

Ensure you have:

1. Checked your batteries and connectors. Weak batteries are the most common cause of detector "failure."
2. Contacted your dealer for help if you are unfamiliar with the ACE 200.

For repairs or warranty service, contact the local retail outlet where the detector was purchased. To avoid shipping charges, do not return products to the factory in the United States.

Information on international warranty/repair needs can be found on the Garrett website: www.garrett.com. Navigate to the Sport/Hobby Division and then the Warranty/Support page.

ACE 200 Accessories

Garrett offers a complete line of accessories to increase your success and enjoyment of treasure hunting.

These products, including optional ACE searchcoils, Garrett Pro-Pointer pinpointing detectors, and books on treasure hunting, are available from your dealer or by calling Garrett's factory at 1-800-527-4011.

Images show optional ACE searchcoils, Garrett Pro-Pointer pinpointing detectors, and books on treasure hunting.

To see Garrett's complete collection of metal detector accessories and books, please visit www.garrett.com and view products within their Hobby/Sport Division.