Fisher F2 Hobby Metal Detector

Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble your Fisher F2 metal detector:

1. Position the detector upright.
2. Rotate the LOCKING COLLAR fully in the counterclockwise direction.
3. Insert your finger inside the tube and ensure the INTERNAL CAM LOCK is flush with the inside of the tube.
4. Insert the MIDDLE STEM into the S-ROD, with the SILVER BUTTON pointed upward.
5. Rotate the MIDDLE STEM until the SILVER BUTTON locates in the hole.
6. Twist the LOCKING COLLAR fully in the clockwise direction until it locks.
7. Repeat this process on the LOWER STEM.
8. Using the BOLT and KNURLED KNOB, attach the SEARCHCOIL to the LOWER STEM.
9. Adjust the LOWER STEM to a length that allows a comfortable upright posture, with your arm relaxed and the SEARCHCOIL parallel to the ground.
10. Wind the CABLE securely around the STEMS, leaving slack at the bottom.
11. Connect CABLE PLUG to housing. Do not twist the Cable or Plug. Turn the Locking Ring only. Use minimal finger pressure to start threads and avoid cross-threading. Ensure the Locking Ring is fully engaged and tight.
12. Tighten both LOCKING COLLARS.

Armrest Adjustment: To change the armrest position, remove the screw and move it to an alternate hole location.

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the main components of the F2 metal detector: the S-Rod, Middle Stem, Lower Stem, and Searchcoil. It illustrates how the Middle Stem connects to the S-Rod using a Locking Collar and Silver Button, and how the Searchcoil attaches to the Lower Stem with a Bolt and Knurled Knob. The control unit with the handle and headphone jack is also visible.

Batteries

Two 9-Volt ALKALINE batteries are supplied with the F2. They may be inserted backwards for storage; remove and install them correctly.

DO NOT MIX OLD AND NEW BATTERIES.

To install batteries:

1. Remove the battery cover by disengaging the clip at the back (pull straight back).
2. Align battery polarity correctly, with the positive "+" toward the coil plug connection.
3. Insert (2) 9-Volt ALKALINE batteries with contacts inward; press down to snap into place.
4. Replace the battery door.

Most metal detector problems stem from improperly installed or discharged batteries.

Battery Disposal & Recycling: Alkaline batteries may be disposed of normally or recycled. Non-Alkaline batteries must be recycled. In California, all battery types must be recycled. Refer to local municipalities for details.

Using Headphones

Using headphones (not included) improves battery life, prevents disturbing others, and allows clearer hearing of subtle sounds, especially in noisy locations. For safety, do not use headphones near traffic or other dangers. Use cables shorter than three meters.

Quick-Start Demonstration

I. Supplies Needed:

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

II. Position the Detector:

• Place the detector on a table with the searchcoil hanging over the edge, or have a friend hold it off the ground.
• Keep the searchcoil away from walls, floors, and metal objects.
• Remove jewelry or metal objects from hands and wrists.
• Turn off appliances or lights causing electromagnetic interference.
• Pivot the searchcoil back toward the detector body.

III. Power Up: Press the power button. The detector's 10-digit serial number is displayed on the LCD.

IV. Wave Each Object Over the Search Coil:

• Motion is required. Objects must be in motion over the searchcoil to be detected.
• Notice a different tone for each object:
  • Low Tone: Nail
  • Low Mid Tone: Nickel
  • Medium Tone: Zinc Penny
  • High Tone: Quarter

V. Press DISCRIMINATION Twice:

• The first press illuminates all target icons.
• The second press turns off the "IRON" icon.

(Quick-Start Demo continued on next page)

VI. Wave the Nail Over the Search Coil: The Nail will not be detected; it has been "Discriminated Out."

VII. Press DISCRIMINATION 5 times: Only the Dime, Quarter, and [+] icons will remain illuminated.

VIII. Wave All Objects Over the Search Coil: The Nail, Nickel, and Penny will not be detected. The Quarter will be detected with a high tone.

IX. Notch Feature:

• Press [NOTCH] button.
• Immediately press [DISCRIMINATION] [+] or [-].
• Press [NOTCH] again.
• The "Nickel" icon is again illuminated. You have "Notched In" the nickel.

X. Wave the Nickel Over the Searchcoil: The nickel is detected.

XI. Press and Hold [PINPOINT]: Hold a coin motionless over the searchcoil.

• All Metal objects are now detected.
• A monotone sound indicates the presence of any metal.
• Depth is indicated in inches. Move the coin toward & away from the search coil to observe depth indicator changes.

Control Panel

The operating controls are as follows:

SENSITIVITY

These controls change the detector's sensitivity; higher settings enable detection of deeper targets. At power-up, sensitivity is pre-set to 75% of maximum. Minimum sensitivity is 35%. Pressing the [+] or [-] touch pads adjusts sensitivity, displayed on the bar graph. The detector beeps twice at minimum or maximum settings.

High sensitivity detects deeper targets but is more susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and false signals in difficult ground conditions. Use lower settings to suppress interference or false signals from soil minerals. If the detector "Chatters", reduce sensitivity.

DISCRIMINATION

Press [DISCRIMINATION] [+] or [-] to adjust the target discrimination level. Each press increases or decreases discrimination, causing a target icon to appear or disappear. When an icon is not illuminated, that target category is eliminated from detection. The Dime, Qtr, and [+] target categories cannot be eliminated. Only one target category icon is visible at a time while searching. To display discrimination status, press [DISC] or [+/-]. The first press shows status; subsequent presses change the setting.

PINPOINT

Press and hold [PIN POINT] to activate this static detection mode. No coil motion is required. It is most effective for pinpointing the exact location of small buried objects. Reduced sensitivity and a smaller search field can be achieved by pressing the pad while an object is in the coil's detection field. Greatest sensitivity to large, deeply-buried objects is achieved in this mode.

NOTCH

This control allows selective inclusion or exclusion of target categories. To use:

1. First press [NOTCH].
2. Immediately press [DISCRIMINATION] [+] or [-]. Each press changes the status of a target category (starting with iron). An illuminated icon disappears (eliminated); a turned-off icon reappears (included).
3. Press [NOTCH] again to save the setting.

TIME-OUT: If [NOTCH] is not pressed for several seconds, the detector returns to normal operation without saving the setting.

Only one category can be notched at a time. To program multiple notches, press [NOTCH] again to change another category.

Practice using the [NOTCH] pad with the [DISCRIMINATION] [+] and [-] pads.

4-Tone Audio System

This system provides audio feedback to alert the user to the nature of buried objects, complementing the LCD display. It functions only in motion modes (DISCRIMINATION Mode). In PINPOINT Mode, a monotone sound is emitted.

The detector sounds four different tones:

• LOW TONE: Ferrous objects (iron, steel), smallest gold objects.
• LOW-MID: Pull-Tabs, nickels, smaller gold.
• MEDIUM TONE: Newer pennies (post-1982), larger gold objects, zinc, small brass objects, many recent non-U.S. currencies.
• HIGH TONE: Silver and copper coins, larger brass objects, older pennies (pre-1982), Quarters, dimes, and other precious coins.

Diagram Descriptions: Icons represent different metal types: LOW TONE (Nails, Iron Objects, Smallest Gold Objects), LOW-MID TONE (Pull Tabs, Nickels, Smaller Gold), MEDIUM TONE (Zinc Pennies (Post 1982), Larger Gold Objects), HIGH TONE (Copper, Silver & Brass Copper Pennies (Pre 1982)).

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

Depth and Target Display

Reading the Display

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows the probable identification and probable depth (in inches) of the target. The target category illuminates for best classification and stays lit until another target is identified. Consistent target identification indicates a located target. Inconsistent readings may suggest trash, oxidized metal, or a deep target. Accuracy depends on object type, distance, and coil.

GOLD TARGETS: Register on the left side of the LCD scale. Smaller gold registers further left. Gold flakes register as Iron. Small gold items register under Iron or Foil. Medium-sized gold items register under Nickel or Tab. Large gold items register under Tab or Zinc.

SILVER TARGETS: Register on the right side of the scale, under Dime, Qtr, or [+], depending on size. Larger objects register further right.

IRON: Ferrous objects register on the far-left side. Could be scrap or a valuable iron relic.

FOIL: Small pieces of aluminum foil, like gum wrappers.

NICKEL: Nickels and most newer pull-tabs (those attached to the can). Many gold rings may also register here.

TAB: Pull-tabs from older beverage cans. Few newer pull-tabs and many gold rings may also register here.

ZINC: Newer pennies (post-1982). Many non-U.S. coins of recent vintage may also register here.

DIME: Dimes and pre-1982 pennies. Copper coins and steel washers with similar diameter may also register here.

QTR: Quarters, Sacagawea and "Susan B. Anthony Dollars" register here.

+: Half-Dollar coins and Silver Dollars register here. Very large iron objects like Sewer Lids also register here.

Caution: Target indications are visual references; other metals can fall into these categories. While the F2 eliminates common trash items, accurate classification of ALL buried objects is impossible.

Depth Indicator

(In Pinpoint Mode) The Depth Indicator is calibrated to coin-sized objects and shows the depth in inches. Large and irregularly-shaped objects yield less reliable depth readings. The indicator lights up while an object is in the field of detection, showing distance from the searchcoil center to the target.

2-Digit Target Indicator

In the middle of the LCD, this indicator provides a specific target value to help identify buried targets. With practice, you will learn to associate values with probable identifications. The value can vary based on object angle and distance from the coil.

Target Readout Table

The table below lists common approximate target value equivalents:

Sensitivity Adjustment

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Use the Sensitivity Control to eliminate EMI. The searchcoil creates its own magnetic field. If the detector beeps erratically when the searchcoil is motionless, it is likely detecting another electromagnetic field. Sources include power lines, motors, appliances, and other metal detectors. Keep detectors at least 20 feet apart when detecting together.

If the detector beeps erratically, REDUCE THE SENSITIVITY by pressing the [-] pad.

In urban environments, search without chatter at the default setting (4 bars) or one level lower. Maximum sensitivity may cause "chatter" near power lines or electrical devices. Rapid chatter near the ground may help trace underground power lines.

To manage chatter:

1. REDUCE the SENSITIVITY until chatter stops.
2. Try sweeping over the ground. If chatter occurs while stationary, it may be quieter when sweeping.

Severe Ground Conditions

The Sensitivity Control also reduces false signals from severe ground conditions. While circuitry eliminates signals from most natural ground minerals, 100% cannot be anticipated. Highly magnetic soils (mountainous, gold-prospecting areas) or high saline content soils can cause false beeps. If the detector emits false, non-repeatable signals, REDUCE THE SENSITIVITY.

Search Techniques (in DISC Mode)

Target Verification

After detecting a target:

1. Walk around the target in a circle.
2. Continue sweeping the searchcoil across the target while circling.
3. Sweep every 30° or 40° of the circle.

If the tone and target ID value are consistent as you circle, identification is likely correct. If they change, you may have multiple targets or an irregularly shaped object. If the tone disappears at different angles, it may be trash or low-value metal. Dig all targets if new to the hobby; practice will improve identification.

Coil Movement

When swinging the coil, keep it level with the ground about 1/2 inch from the surface. Never swing the coil like a pendulum.

Diagram Description: Shows incorrect pendulum coil swing (WRONG) versus correct level coil swing (CORRECT).

Pinpointing in Motion (Not Pinpoint) Mode

1. Sweep over target in a narrowing side-to-side pattern.
2. Note the spot on the ground where the "beep" occurs.
3. Step 90° to the side of the target.
4. Sweep over the same area at 90° to the first sweep pattern.
5. This pinpoints the target location with an "X".

Target Pinpointing (No-Motion PINPOINT Mode)

After identifying a target using a motion mode, press the [PIN POINT] button to find its exact location. This technique can yield information about the target's shape and size.

Using [PIN POINT]:

1. Position the searchcoil just barely off the ground, to the side of the target.
2. Press and hold [PIN POINT] and raise the searchcoil about 2 inches. This makes the ground signal go negative, silencing the machine.
3. Slowly move the searchcoil across the target; the loudest sound indicates the target's location directly underneath.

Narrow It Down:

1. To narrow the response, position the searchcoil center near, but not directly over, the center of the response pattern.
2. Release, then press and hold [PIN POINT] again.
3. Repeat this procedure to further narrow the detection field.

Note: Depth indication is less accurate after narrowing.

Coil Drift

If [PIN POINT] is kept depressed for continuous searching, drift may occur, affecting sensitivity. Periodic retuning (release and press [PIN POINT]) is required.

Diagram Description: A person is shown using the metal detector, holding the searchcoil close to the ground, demonstrating the pinpointing technique.

5-Year Limited Warranty

Register your warranty online for a chance to win a FREE DETECTOR. Visit www.fisherlab.com for details.

The F2 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 is not covered. Decisions regarding abuse or misuse are at the manufacturer's discretion.

Proof of Purchase is required for warranty claims. Liability is limited to repair or replacement at Fisher Labs' option. Shipping costs to Fisher Labs are the consumer's responsibility.

To return for service, contact Fisher Labs for a Return Authorization (RA) Number. Reference the RA number on your package and return the detector within 15 days to:

Fisher Labs
1465 Henry Brennan Dr.
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: 915-225-0333 ext.118

Warranty coverage does not include transport costs for owners outside the U.S.A. For customers outside the U.S.A., warranty may vary; check with your distributor.

FCC Compliance: This device complies with FCC Part 15 Subpart B Section 15.109 Class B.

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 permission.
• Take care to refill all holes and leave no damage.
• Remove and dispose of all trash and litter found.
• Appreciate and protect natural resources, wildlife, and private property.
• Act as an ambassador for the hobby with thoughtfulness, consideration, and courtesy.
• Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.
• All treasure hunters may be judged by your example; conduct yourself with courtesy and consideration.

Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. Fisher® is a registered trademark of Fisher Research Labs.

www.fisherlab.com

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

Made in the USA from USA and imported parts.

Accessories

Fisher® Padded Carry Bag
Rugged double stitched construction. Includes handy exterior pocket for extra batteries or small accessories. (103693000C)

Fisher® Camo Pouch
Camo pouch with two inside pockets, belt included. (PCH-F)

Stereo Headphones
Lightweight and adjustable with true stereo sound, adjustable volume, 1/4 jack with 1/8 adaptor, 4' cable. (9720950000)

Metal Sand Scoop
Large galvanized metal scoop with filtering holes. Strong Rubberized grip.

Lesche Knife
Made from high quality heat-treated tempered steel. 12" length with a 7" serrated blade. Comes with a durable sheath.

Fisher® Baseball Cap
One size fits all. (FCAP)

Fisher® T-Shirt
100% cotton with Fisher® Logo. Sizes: S, M, LG, XL & XXL (FTSHIRT)

Replacement/Accessory Search Coils

• 11" Biaxial Standard Coil (replacement) – 11COIL-F4F
• 4" Concentric Accessory Coil – 4COILF
• 8" Concentric Accessory Coil – 8COIL-7BLKF
• 10" Concentric Accessory Coil – 10COILF

Coil Covers

• 11" Biaxial Standard Coil Cover – COVER-11DD
• 4" Concentric Accessory Coil Cover – 4COVER
• 8" Concentric Accessory Coil Cover – 8COVER-7
• 10" Concentric Accessory Coil Cover – 10COVER

Rain Cover

Neoprene rain cover specially made to protect your F2 from weather – RAINCOV-F2

Gold Prospecting Kits

Items Included:

For complete details, visit www.fisherlab.com or call 1-800-685-5050.