White's M6 Owner's Guide

Chapter 1: Assembly

This section details the assembly of the White's M6 metal detector.

Assembly

A diagram illustrates the components: the search coil, loop ears with washers, clevis, lower rod, center rod, curved "S" rod, cable retainer, camlock, loop cable, control box, display with VDI reference chart, trigger, elbow cup strap, and headphone jack. It also shows the placement of rubber bumpers on the control box. The handle is inserted through the shipping carton.

Assembly Instructions

1. Remove all parts from the shipping carton and verify against the assembly diagram.
2. Secure the loop or search coil to the clevis/lower rod using the provided washers, fiber bolt, and thumbnut.
3. Unlock the rod camlocks and insert the clevis/lower rod into the center rod. Align the stainless steel spring slip buttons with an adjustment hole and secure with the camlock.
4. Unravel the loop cable, winding it around the rod assembly. Use the black cable retainers to secure the cable. Connect the loop connector to the control box and screw the lock ring tight.
5. Unlock the control box rod camlock and insert the curved "S" rod, aligning spring clip buttons and locking into place. The "S" rod can be oriented upwards towards the display or downwards. Connect the loop connector to the control box.
6. Grip the instrument by the handle, ensuring the elbow cup strap is secure. Adjust the elbow cup and rod length for comfortable sweeping.
7. Remove protective paper from the elbow cup foam pads and affix them inside the elbow cup.
8. Adjust the elbow cup strap for easy arm insertion and removal.
9. Install the battery holder, ensuring the lid decal faces down and contacts are correctly oriented.
10. Practice outdoors for best results, as indoor environments with metal construction can affect performance. Freshly-buried targets may not yield immediate accurate results.

Chapter 2: Batteries

This chapter covers battery types and management for the M6 metal detector.

Standard Battery Holder

The standard battery holder accommodates eight "AA" cell batteries, providing 12 volts. Alkaline batteries are recommended, offering approximately 40 hours of use. Non-alkaline or rechargeable batteries may reduce usage time to 30-35 hours. The detector displays "Lo Bat" when batteries reach 8 volts. Alkalines offer some reserve time after this warning, while rechargeables do not.

Using the Standard Battery Holder

To install batteries: Slide open the battery holder lid, remove old cells, and insert new "AA" cells, observing correct polarity. Close the lid securely. Insert the battery holder into the detector, ensuring the decal faces down and contacts align. Close the battery compartment door by securing the latches.

Rechargeable Battery (Optional)

Optional rechargeable battery systems are available. White's recommends specific battery (#802-5211) and charger (#509-0022) models. Rechargeable batteries maintain a more constant voltage but may degrade faster if fully depleted. It is advised to recharge them as soon as "Lo Bat" appears. Headphone use can extend battery life. Battery performance varies with temperature, target signals, battery type, brand, and shelf life.

A graph shows the relationship between battery voltage reading and charging hours for quick charging.

Chapter 3: M6 Quick Start

This section provides a quick guide to setting up and operating the M6 metal detector for initial use.

M6 Quick Start

The M6 features a trigger switch with three positions: Forward (Tone I.D.), Center (Search), and Squeezed and Held (Pinpoint/All Metal). The SENS control turns the unit ON/OFF and adjusts signal strength. The DISC control sets the level of trash metal rejection. The TRAC Toggle enables "Auto Trac®" for automatic ground balancing.

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 the recommended initial setting (often indicated by a symbol like " ").
4. Turn the SENS control clockwise to turn the unit ON and adjust sensitivity.
5. Lower the search coil to the ground and "pump" it up and down 2-4 inches to allow AutoTrac® to balance the ground mineralization.
6. Begin sweeping the search coil in overlapping passes close to the ground, moving at approximately one second per foot.
7. If false signals or constant beeping occur, set TRAC to LOCK or reduce SENS.

Special Notice: When demonstrating or testing targets in the air, the Auto Trac® toggle must be in the Lock position. If "On" or "Beach" modes are used without ground present, the detector may incorrectly identify targets as ground and attempt to track them out. Mineralized rocks can be used to demonstrate the ground balancing feature.

Chapter 4: M6 Display

This chapter explains the information displayed by the White's M6 metal detector.

M6 Display

The display provides information about metal targets, including software version and battery voltage upon startup. The M6 operates on a 12-volt system. "Lo Bat" appears at 8 volts, indicating low battery. The display offers five key indications:

1. VDI = number: The VDI (Visual Discrimination Indication) is a numerical reference based on the target's alloy, size, and shape. Numbers range from -95 to +94. A reference label below the display provides common VDI numbers for various targets.
2. Blocks: A series of 16 blocks at the bottom of the display correspond to target identification categories. A full block indicates complete information, a half block indicates partial information, and a quarter block indicates minimal information.
3. Labels: Common metal targets are listed on the display and referenced on the label. If two targets are listed, the first is the most common.
4. Depth Indication: When the trigger is squeezed and held, the display shows the depth of coin-sized targets in inches, aiding in locating them and assessing their value.
5. PP Blocks: Also activated when the trigger is held, PP blocks assist in pinpointing the exact center of a target. The depth reading during this mode is most accurate.

The M6 also provides seven distinct tone ranges corresponding to display categories, with lower tones for lower VDI numbers.

Chapter 5: Controls

This chapter details the various controls and their functions on the White's M6 metal detector.

Trigger (on hand grip)

The trigger has three positions:

• Center Position (Search): The primary search mode. The DISC control determines which metal items are rejected (quiet or broken audio) or accepted (smooth, solid audio).
• Forward Position (Tone I.D.): With DISC at minimum, seven different tones indicate target categories from Iron to Coins, allowing operators to identify target types by sound alone.
• Squeezed and Held (Pinpointing/Depth Reading): Activates pinpoint mode, displaying target depth in inches. Releasing the trigger returns the unit to the "Search" position.

AUTO TRAC® Toggle

The TRAC toggle selects ground mineral rejection and automatic tracking for different ground conditions:

• On: For normal ground conditions, automatically compensating for minerals and tracking ground changes.
• Lock: Monitors but does not track changing conditions. Useful for unstable ground or decomposing iron that causes noise.
• Beach: Provides extended ground balance and tracking for saltwater and alkali environments.

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

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

SENS Control/ON-OFF

The SENS control powers the unit ON/OFF and adjusts signal strength. Increasing sensitivity can help find deeper targets but may also cause "bounce" from ground mineralization, masking targets. The display may show "OVERLOAD-REDUCE SENS/LIFT LOOP" if mineralization is too high. In such cases, reduce SENS. This message can also appear for very large or shallow targets.

SENS Adjustment

Start with the SENS control at the "Initial Setting Triangle" (90-100). If ground mineralization is low, SENS can be increased. However, avoid increasing SENS at the expense of predictable results or if it causes false signals. It is normal to hear audio changes during SENS adjustments as the circuitry shifts. The M6 offers a wide SENS range, with maximum settings requiring significant operator skill.

DISC (Discrimination) Control

The DISC control adjusts audio rejection against trash metals. The preset position below NICKEL is recommended for general searching, rejecting iron and foil while accepting valuables. Lower settings reject less trash, while higher settings reject more, including pull tabs. The display may still show target IDs even if audio is rejected. The goal is to find the lowest setting that eliminates common trash in your area.

The M6 offers two DISC modes:

• Traditional DISC: Rejected trash metals produce no beep or a broken beep. Accepted valuable metals produce a consistent, solid beep.
• Tone I.D.: With the trigger in the forward position, different tones indicate target categories. Iron produces the lowest pitch, while coin-range targets produce the highest. The loop must be in motion for accurate discrimination.

Some large trash metals like lead, pot metal, aluminum, tin, brass, copper, or iron may produce a good sound regardless of DISC setting.

Chapter 6: Searching

This chapter provides guidance on searching techniques and target identification.

Pinpoint Technique

To pinpoint a target, use an "X marks the spot" technique. Sweep the coil side-to-side, note the center, turn 90 degrees, sweep again, and note the center. The intersection marks the digging spot. Practice with a coin on the ground. Shallow targets (0-3 inches) are harder to pinpoint; lift the coil slightly higher if needed.

Headphones

The headphone jack is on the control box. Use headphones with a volume control, as the M6 lacks this feature. Headphones improve comfort, reduce disturbance to others, and save battery. Higher impedance headphones (60 Ohms or greater) offer more sensitivity.

Field Use & Tuning Tips

Follow these steps for effective searching:

1. Set Trigger to "Search", TRAC to "On", SENS to " ", and DISC to " ".
2. Pump the search coil over the ground until it stops responding to mineralization.
3. Listen for distinct repeatable beeps from good metal targets. Practice with planted targets to learn sounds.
4. When a beep is located, consult the display and use the trigger to pinpoint and note the depth.
5. For identifying coins versus pull tabs: A high pitch beep likely indicates a coin. A medium pitch beep might be a pull tab; check depth. Shallow targets (0-2 inches) are likely pull tabs. Deeper targets in this range could be jewelry.
6. Heavy pull tab areas may require using Tone I.D. or a lower DISC setting to focus on coins and jewelry.
7. For Salt/Alkali environments, use the TRAC toggle in the "Beach" position.
8. For areas with abundant decomposed iron, use the TRAC toggle in the "Lock" position after pumping the loop over the ground.

The M6 is suitable for various environments like yards, parks, school grounds, and beaches. While coins and jewelry are primary targets, it also responds to relics and other valuable metal alloys. Choosing the correct TRAC setting (On, Beach, or Lock) is crucial. If the detector is unstable, try the "Lock" setting. If performance doesn't improve, adjust SENS or DISC. High SENS can find deeper targets but may cause noise; find a balance for predictable results.

Chapter 7: Information

This chapter provides essential information on care, service, and warranty.

Proper Care

• Cleaning: The coil and rod are waterproof and can be cleaned with water and mild soap. The control box is not waterproof and must be kept dry. Use a damp cloth for the control box.
• Weather: Avoid extreme temperatures (car trunk). Protect from direct sunlight during storage. The control box is rain-resistant but not waterproof.
• Storage: Turn the instrument OFF when not in use. For long-term storage, remove batteries. Store indoors in a protected area.
• Additional Precautions: Avoid dropping the detector. Do not use it for leverage. Do not use lubricants like WD-40®. Do not modify the instrument during the warranty period.

Service

White's offers factory-authorized service. Contact your dealer first for potential quick fixes. Before shipping, double-check batteries and try in a different area. Send all necessary parts (coil, batteries, holders) with a detailed explanation of the issue. Include contact information and package securely, insuring the shipment.

White's Authorized USA Service Centers:

• Centerville Electronics, Manassas, Virginia
• Electronic Exploration, Lombard, Illinois
• White's Electronics, Inc., Sweet Home, Oregon

Warranty

White's provides a two-year limited manufacturer warranty covering defects in material or workmanship. The warranty is transferable. Exclusions include non-rechargeable batteries, accessories, shipping costs, and damage from accident, misuse, neglect, or unauthorized service. Proof of purchase is required. Implied warranties are limited in duration, and incidental/consequential damages may not be covered.

Owner Information

Fields are provided to record the Serial Number, Purchase Date, Dealer Name, Address, Telephone, Payment Method, and Personal Markings.

White's Electronics (UK) Ltd. Warranty Statement

Details the limited warranty for units purchased through White's Electronics (UK) Ltd., including return procedures to their Inverness factory. Unauthorized service nullifies the warranty. Items excluded are non-rechargeable batteries and accessories.

Warranty Transfer (UK)

Instructions for transferring the warranty for UK units by contacting White's Electronics (UK) Ltd. in Inverness.