White's M6 Metal Detector Owner's Guide

Chapter 1: Assembly

Assembly Diagram

Illustration of the White's M6 metal detector components: search coil, loop or search coil, clevis, lower rod, center rod, S-rod, cable retainer, camlock, loop cable, control box, trigger, elbow cup with strap and foam pads, battery compartment, and display unit.

The display shows VDI numbers, target identification, target depth, pinpoint location, and battery voltage. A target VDI reference chart is also shown.

A decal behind the display indicates three functions/positions of the trigger.

A quick start guide diagram shows the placement of rubber bumpers on the bottom of the control box.

Assembly Instructions

1. Remove all parts from the shipping carton and check against the assembly page to ensure the kit is complete.
2. Place rubber washers between the loop ears and the clevis. Use the provided washers, fiber bolt, and thumbnut to secure the loop/search coil to the clevis/lower rod.
3. Unlock rod camlocks and insert the clevis/lower rod into the center rod. Insert the center rod into the curved "S" rod, aligning stainless steel spring slip buttons, and lock into an adjustment hole. Secure with the camlock.
4. Unravel the loop cable and wind it around the clevis and rod assembly, starting with the first revolution over the top of the rod. Wind the cable up the curved "S" rod for about five revolutions. Use the black cable retainers to secure the loop cable near the loop and behind the display. Plug the loop connector into the control box and screw finger tight.
5. Unlock the control box rod camlock and insert the curved "S" rod, aligning spring clip buttons and locking into the rod on top of the control box. The "S" rod can be oriented upwards towards the display or downwards towards the ground. Secure with the camlock. Plug the loop connector into the control box and screw the lock ring to secure.
6. Grip the instrument by the handle with your arm in the elbow cup and strap secured. Sweep the loop/search coil over the floor. If the fit is uncomfortable, adjust the elbow cup by repositioning the bolt/thumbnut. Readjust the clevis/lower rod length with spring clip buttons to hold the search coil near the floor comfortably.
7. Remove protective paper from the two black elbow cup foam pads. Align them on the inside of the elbow cup, one on each side of the center rod, and press firmly.
8. Adjust the elbow cup strap to be loose enough to slide your arm in and out without needing to readjust each time.
9. Install the battery, ensuring the lid decal faces down and the plastic tab and steel contacts face inward.
10. Note that the detector may not perform as expected indoors due to modern construction materials. It is best to tune and practice outdoors. Freshly-buried targets may not yield normal depth and discrimination results immediately; it can take years for them to respond accurately. True detection depth is best determined under real search conditions.

Chapter 2: Batteries

Standard Battery Holder

The standard battery holder accommodates eight "AA" cell batteries, providing a total of 12 volts. Alkaline batteries are recommended, offering approximately 40 hours of hunting time under normal conditions. Non-alkaline or rechargeable "AA" cells may reduce detecting time to about 30-35 hours.

Battery voltage is displayed when the SENS knob is turned ON. A "Lo Bat" indication appears at 8 volts or below, signaling the need for battery replacement. Alkaline batteries offer some reserve time after the "Lo Bat" warning, while rechargeables do not.

Using the Standard Battery Holder

1. Open the battery holder lid by applying gentle upward pressure on the tab. Slide the door away from the box to expose the cell positions.
2. Remove old cells and note the (+) and (-) positions marked inside the tray. Install new "AA" cells, carefully observing the correct polarity. Incorrect installation may require service.
3. Close the door until it snaps securely.
4. Insert the battery holder into the detector with the decal facing down, and the door tab and metal contacts facing inward.

Close the battery compartment door by hooking the front of each latch first, then pressing down on the rear.

Illustration of the battery holder and its insertion into the detector.

Rechargeable Battery (Optional)

A rechargeable battery system is an optional accessory. White's recommends rechargeable battery #802-5211 and charger #509-0022 for quick and overnight charging.

Rechargeable batteries maintain a more constant voltage but deteriorate faster if used until completely dead. Recharge them as soon as "Lo Bat" appears. They offer less continuous use than new alkaline batteries.

Non-rechargeable batteries show a steady voltage drop. Nicad rechargeable packs have a slow, plateau-like discharge before dropping quickly.

Headphone use extends battery life. Battery life is influenced by temperature, target signals, battery type, brand, and shelf life.

Alkaline batteries can be used well into the "Lo Bat" indication, but rechargeables cannot.

Spare Battery Packs (#802-7150) are available.

Diagram and graph illustrating the battery charger's quick charge settings and voltage readings.

Chapter 3: M6 Quick Start

Quick Start Diagram

Diagram illustrating the location and function of the Trigger Switch (Tone I.D., Search, Pinpoint/All Metal), SENS control (ON/OFF, signal strength adjustment), and TRAC Toggle (Beach, On, Lock/Off) on the control box and handle.

Quick Start Instructions

1. Set the Auto Trac® Toggle to the "On" position.
2. Set the Trigger Switch to the center (Search) position.
3. Set DISC to " ".
4. Turn the SENS control clockwise until power turns ON, then continue clockwise to adjust sensitivity.
5. Lower the search coil to the ground and "pump" it up and down 2-4 inches a couple of times. AutoTrac® will automatically balance or track out ground mineralization.
6. Begin swinging the search coil in wide, overlapping sweeps close to the ground surface, approximately one second per foot.
7. If false signals or constant beeping occur, and you are not near sources of interference, set TRAC to LOCK and/or reduce SENS (counterclockwise).

Diagrams illustrate coil pumping and sweeping techniques.

Chapter 4: M6 Display

The M6 display and reference label provide detailed information about detected metal targets. The display is most effective after a solid, repeatable audio beep.

Upon turning the SENS knob ON, the display momentarily shows the software version and battery voltage (typically 12+ volts for new batteries). After 35-40 hours, "Lo Bat" appears at 8 volts or below. Rechargeable batteries should be removed at this point; alkaline batteries offer a small reserve.

The M6 provides five significant indications on the display:

1. VDI = number: Visual Discrimination Indication. A reference number based on the target's alloy, size, and shape. The reference label below the display shows common VDI numbers for various targets. Numbers range from -95 to +94.
2. Blocks: A series of 16 blocks at the bottom of the display indicate the completeness of target identification. A full block means complete information; a half block means partial; a quarter block means minimal information.
3. Labels: The most common metal target(s) for a given block are listed on the display and reference label.
4. Depth Indication: When the trigger is squeezed and held, the display shows the depth of coin-sized metals, starting at 12 inches and descending. This aids in locating the target and assessing its value.
5. PP Blocks: When the trigger is squeezed and held (Pinpoint/All Metal mode), PP blocks help pinpoint the exact center of the target. The depth reading is most accurate when the search coil is directly over the target's longest dimension.

The display also shows target identification (e.g., 25¢, 1¢, 10¢) and can indicate if a target is in the Pull Tab range.

Screenshots illustrate various display readings, including VDI numbers, target IDs, depth indications, and PP blocks.

The M6 has seven distinct tone ranges corresponding to target types, indicated by beep pitch. Lower tones correspond to lower VDI numbers.

Chapter 5: Controls

Trigger (on hand grip)

The trigger has three positions:

• Center Position (Discrimination) "Search": The DISC control rejects metal items below the set level, producing a quiet or broken audio signal. Items above the setting are accepted with a smooth, solid beep.
• Forward Position "Tone I.D.": With DISC at minimum, seven different tones indicate target categories from Iron to Coins. This allows immediate awareness of the likely item category without looking at the display.
• Squeezed and Held "Pinpointing/Depth Reading": When squeezed and held, the display shows the depth of coin-sized targets. Releasing the trigger returns it to the "Search" position.

AUTO TRAC® Toggle

The TRAC toggle selects ground mineral rejection (ground balance) and automatic tracking for specific ground conditions.

• On: For normal ground conditions. The M6 compensates for ground minerals and automatically tracks ground changes as you sweep the coil. Recommended for over 90% of searching conditions.
• Lock: Monitors but does not track changing ground conditions. Use for unstable ground (e.g., decomposing iron) that creates noise and instability. Find a clean area, pump the loop, and move the toggle to "Lock". Update occasionally.
• Beach: Provides extended ground balance and tracking for salt water beaches and alkali environments. It may slightly reduce sensitivity to conductive targets but significantly improves saltwater rejection. Recommended only for saltwater beaches and areas known to contain salt.

Eliminating Hot Rocks: Use "Lock" to balance directly over a hot or cold rock to eliminate its ground response and detect targets only.

Summary: "On" is for most conditions. "Lock" holds a setting for unstable ground. "Beach" is for saltwater/alkali.

SENS Control/ON-OFF

The SENS control turns the instrument ON/OFF and adjusts signal strength. Increased signal strength does not always mean more targets at greater depths. High ground mineralization can mask targets. Adjust SENS for maximum allowable signal without masking or overloading.

If ground mineralization is too high for the current SENS setting, the display shows "OVERLOAD-REDUCE SENS/LIFT LOOP" with an audible squawk. Reduce SENS until the warning ceases. This message can also appear for very large or shallow targets; lift the loop higher and the M6 will self-correct.

SENS Adjustment

1. Turn the SENS control clockwise from OFF to ON. The dial increases SENS from 1 to 100+. Set to the "Initial Setting Triangle" (between 90 & 100) for general use.
2. If ground mineralization is low, SENS can be raised above 100.
3. For highly mineralized ground, SENS settings below the initial triangle may be necessary for target identification and depth.
4. Do not increase SENS at the expense of predictable results (avoid false signals, beeps, and static).
5. When sweeping slowly, advance SENS towards "100". If overload or ground noise persists, reduce SENS counterclockwise.
6. Trash I.D. functions more accurately with smooth operation. Excessive SENS can distort target identification.
7. Changes, clicks, or soft beeps during SENS adjustment indicate shifts between hardware and software SENS.
8. The M6 offers a wide SENS range; settings above 100 require significant operator skill.

DISC (Discrimination) Control

DISC adjusts audio rejection against trash metals.

• The preset position just below NICKEL is recommended for general searching, rejecting most iron and small foil while accepting valuables like jewelry.
• Positions lower than ▼ (counterclockwise) provide less rejection, detecting more common metals.
• Positions higher than ▼ (clockwise) reject more trash metals, including aluminum pull tabs. The display will still show I.D., but audio will be rejected. Nickels and some jewelry may also be rejected at higher settings.

The ▼ position is recommended. If digging too much trash, adjust DISC slightly clockwise. Finding the lowest position that eliminates common trash metals in your area is key to finding jewelry.

The M6 has two DISC modes:

1. Traditional DISC: In "Search" mode, rejected trash produces no beep or a suppressed, inconsistent beep. Accepted valuable metals produce a consistent, smooth beep.
2. Tone I.D.: In "Tone I.D." (trigger forward) mode, with DISC at a typical rejection level, seven different pitch beeps indicate target categories. Iron produces the lowest pitch, coins the highest. Search coil motion is required for detection and Tone I.D.

Loop motion is necessary for accurate discrimination. Sweeps should overlap by at least 50% and take about two seconds.

The Visual I.D. system operates in both toggle positions.

Practice by placing a coin on the ground and sweeping over it to understand necessary loop movement for a clean sound.

Chapter 6: Searching

Pinpointing Technique

Due to the wide scan of search coils, locating small targets precisely can be difficult. Use an "X marks the spot" technique.

Squeezing and holding the trigger accesses pinpoint and depth reading mode, allowing slower sweeps to center over the target. Use the loudest tone and display depth reading to find the exact center.

To pinpoint, sweep side-to-side noting the center, then turn 90 degrees and sweep again. "X" marks the dig spot. Practice with a coin on the ground.

Shallow targets (0-3" depth) are harder to pinpoint. Lift the loop several inches higher above the area and then "X" to pinpoint.

Headphones

The headphone jack is on the control box. A dust cover protects it. Most users prefer stereo headphones; the jack is wired for stereo. Mono headphones may require an adapter.

Ensure headphones have a VOLUME CONTROL, as the M6 does not have a target volume control. Headphones also avoid bothering others and save battery life. Higher impedance headphones (60 Ohms or greater) offer more sensitivity. Balanced impedance and low distortion are important.

Field Use & Tuning Tips

1. Set Trigger to "Search" (center).
2. Set TRAC to "On".
3. Set SENS to " ".
4. Set DISC CONTROL to DISC " ".
5. Pump the search coil on the ground until it stops responding to ground mineralization.
6. Move the coil just over the ground and listen for a distinct, repeatable beep from a good metal target. Planting practice targets under soil helps learn responses. It takes practice to determine proper search speed and technique. Overlap sweeps to avoid missing targets.
7. Once a solid repeatable beep is located:
   1. Consult the display information.
   2. Squeeze and hold the Trigger to "X" the area for pinpointing and note the required digging depth on the display.
8. Once a solid repeatable beep is located:
   1. Push the Trigger forward and sweep the coil over the target area.
   2. If it beeps with a high pitch tone, it's likely a coin.
   3. If it beeps with a medium pitch tone (Pull Tab range), check depth. Shallow (0-2 inches) is likely a Pull Tab to be ignored. Deeper (beyond 2 inches) may be heavier gold jewelry.
   4. Consult the display information.
   5. Squeeze and hold the Trigger to "X" the area for pinpointing and note the digging depth.
9. For areas with hundreds of Pull Tabs, consider searching full-time in Tone I.D. or with the " " DISC setting to focus on coins and jewelry outside the pull tab range.
10. Ground Mineralization: For Salt/Alkali environments, use TRAC in "Beach" position. For areas with abundant decomposed iron causing instability, use TRAC "Lock" after pumping the loop over the ground.

The M6 is suitable for various environments. Coins and Jewelry are primary goals, but it also responds to common relics and other valuable alloys.

TRAC Settings: "On" for typical ground, "Beach" for salt water/alkali. "Lock" can be used if the detector is fluctuating wildly; if it smooths out, "Lock" was the correct choice. If not, reduce SENS or increase DISC. "Lock" is also indicated for areas with man-made iron.

SENS: Some prefer reduced SENS for predictable operation; others push SENS for deeper targets, risking overload or missing targets due to noise.

Tone I.D.: Trigger forward. Helps identify target categories by pitch. Aluminum, Lead, Brass, and Gold can indicate in the Pull Tab range. Operator must identify common trash items.

Discrimination Level: The " " setting rejects iron/foil and accepts nickels/jewelry. Increase discrimination (clockwise) to reject more trash if distracting audio is an issue. Silver and copper can be checked by increasing discrimination.

Chapter 7: Information

Proper Care

I. Cleaning

The coil and rod are waterproof and can be cleaned with fresh water and mild soap. The control box is not waterproof; keep it dry. Never lift a wet coil above the control box to prevent water damage to electronics. Use a damp cloth for the control box.

II. Weather

Do not expose the detector to extreme temperatures (e.g., car trunk in summer/winter). Protect from direct sunlight during storage. The control box is rain-resistant but must be protected from heavy rain.

III. Storage

Ensure the instrument is turned OFF when not in use. For long-term storage, remove the battery holder and batteries. Store indoors in an area protected from abuse.

IV. Additional Precautions

• Avoid dropping the detector when setting it down to dig.
• Do not use the detector for leverage when standing up from a dig.
• Do not use lubricants like WD-40®.
• Do not modify the instrument during its warranty period.

Service

White's Authorized USA Service Centers offer factory-trained service. Before shipping for service:

1. Contact your Dealer for potential quick fixes.
2. Double-check batteries and try in another area to rule out interference.
3. Send all necessary parts (search coil, batteries, holders).
4. Include a detailed letter explaining your concerns.
5. Package securely and insure the shipment.

Contact information for Centerville Electronics, Electronic Exploration, and White's Electronics, Inc. is provided.

Warranty

White's offers a two-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in material or workmanship. Repair or replacement is at White's option. Return the detector to the Dealer or an Authorized Service Center with proof of purchase and a detailed explanation of the failure.

This is a transferable warranty. Implied warranties are limited to the stated warranty period. White's is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. State laws may grant additional rights.

Excluded from warranty: non-rechargeable batteries, non-standard accessories, shipping/handling costs outside continental USA (90 days for inside USA).

Warranty does not cover damage from accident, misuse, neglect, alterations, unauthorized service, or corrosive compounds.

White's registers purchases via the Sales Registration Card for updates.

Warranty Transfer

The remaining warranty is transferable if the detector is sold before expiration. Authorize the transfer by calling 1-800-547-6911 for an Authorization Number. Fill out the form and send it to White's Electronics, Sweet Home, Oregon. The warranty applies to both original and new owners.

A Warranty Transfer form is provided for completion.

Owner Information

Fields are provided to record Serial Number, Purchase Date, Dealer Name, Address, Telephone #, Payment method, and Personal markings.

White's Electronics (UK) Ltd. Limited Warranty Statement

White's Electronics (UK) Ltd. offers a two-year warranty for defects in material or workmanship. Return the Control Box, Searchhead, and rechargeable battery/charger to their Inverness factory with fault details. Non-rechargeable batteries and accessories are excluded. Warranty is void if unauthorized persons perform work. Warranty registration card must be returned within 10 days of purchase. Does not cover damage from accident, misuse, neglect, alterations, or unauthorized service. Contact details for White's Electronics (UK) Ltd. are provided.

Warranty Transfer (UK)

To transfer the warranty for UK purchases, fill out the Warranty Transfer form and send it to White's Electronics (UK) Ltd. in Inverness. They will advise on warranty availability.

A UK Warranty Transfer form is provided for completion.