• MAKE SURE THE MODE SWITCH IS SET TO DISC
• TURN THE SENSITIVITY CONTROL TO 1
  Clockwise past the "click".

The µMAX Bandido has only five controls, all mounted on the front panel of the housing for fingertip adjustment. How these controls should be set for peak performance will depend on the type of metal you are searching for, search site conditions, mineral content of the soil and so forth. Use the information in this section and the TUNING YOUR DETECTOR section as a basis for setting the controls on your detector. Using your detector in the field will allow you to learn the detector's responses to various conditions and will guide you in fine tuning the detector's operating controls.

SENSITIVITY - ON/OFF Sensitivity Control

This rotary switch control has three functions:

The detector should be held in a position that is comfortable for you as shown in the ADJUSTING THE POLE & SEARCHCOIL section. Swing the detector from side to side in about a three foot arc, overlapping succeeding strokes well. This motion is called a “sweep.” The µMAX Bandido was designed to get maximum depth without the frantic pace required of earlier motion detectors, so go at a pace that is comfortable for you. In fact, trying to hunt too fast may even cause a loss of depth in heavily mineralized locations.

Regardless of which mode you are using, try to keep your searchcoil height constant and close to the ground. Most people tend to raise the coil at the end of a sweep - much like a pendulum - especially if they are hurrying. Try to avoid this as any increase in height from the ground will cause a corresponding loss of depth.

In areas with well kept lawns, the easiest way to maintain a constant searchcoil height is to allow the coil to rest on the grass as you sweep from side to side. In rough and rocky areas it is best not to “scrub” the coil on the ground, as the rocks will act like abrasives, and wear away the coil bottom (an optional coil scuff cover will protect against this.) Sweep the coil as close to the ground as possible without touching. Hitting the ground or rocks may cause a false signal much like a desired target would. Sweeping the coil too high above the ground results in a loss of depth.

Planting a Test Garden

To better learn how your detector will perform in the field, it would be helpful to bury some coins and trash metal junk items in an area that you know is clear of other metal objects, and then try the µMAX Bandido in its two different operating modes. Check the area in All Metal Mode first to be sure its clear of trash then bury the targets at least 1 foot apart, and from 2 to 4 inches deep to start. Make a map of the area to be sure you know what each target is and how deep it is. Practice on these targets to familiarize yourself with your detector’s target response. This will also help you learn the proper sweep speed for best operation. This type of practice area is often called a “test garden” or “test bed” and is one of best tools to help you develop your metal detecting skills.

Recognizing False Signals in Discriminate Mode

When operating in the Discriminate Mode, some “false signals” may be caused by 1) heavy concentrations of trash metal objects, 2) very large trash metal objects, or 3) electrical interference. These signals are generally short, choppy sounds and sound different than “good signals” (good target response sounds).

At the end of your sweep, as you the reverse the coil direction, the detector is most susceptible to trash induced noise. There are two ways to tell whether these sounds are good deep signals or trash “noise.” The first is by repeatability. Trash induced noises will not be regular as you sweep the coil over the suspected target several times, whereas a good target response will be repeatable. The second method is to switch to All Metal Mode and check the target response sound. If the response is weak, it may well be a deep, good target; but if the response is very strong, it is probably trash. Note that a coin close to the surface can give a double beep sound, but it is regular and repeatable. Raising the coil an inch or two will restore the single beep on surface targets.

When searching in the Discriminate Mode, it is best not to use a higher DISC LEVEL setting than necessary. Nickels and most smaller rings are rejected when the DISC LEVEL is set to reject pull tabs on any metal detector that is a TR Discriminator like the µMAX Bandido. If you don’t dig any junk at all, you are surely passing up a lot of good finds as well. Set the DISC LEVEL only high enough to suit the conditions where you are searching. If there is any doubt whether a target is good or not, dig it.

Pinpointing a Target

When pinpointing a target, the All Metal Mode/Normal Tuning Mode can offer advantages over Discriminate Mode, such as no false signals and no need to move the searchcoil to get a target response.

A good method for pinpointing in All Metal mode is “X-ing” the target with the searchcoil. Remember that the targets response sound is always greatest when the target is directly under the center of the searchcoil. To “X” a target, sweep the searchcoil over the target from side to side and them from front to back until you can identify the center of the X: the spot on the ground where the target response sound is the greatest. Hold your searchcoil stationary over the center of the X and hit the RETUNE switch. Now repeat the X-ing; this time watching for the exact spot—under the coil center—where the detector beeps. That spot is where the target is located.

Pinpointing a target in Discriminate Mode is probably best done by “X-ing” as well. Remember that the detector will beep just as the target passes under the center of the searchcoil. Slowing the sweep speed down will help you pick out the center of the X because the target response is reduced at very slow speeds making it easier to correlate the sound with the coil center.

Another easy method is to sweep the coil from side to side across the target in very short sweeps, as you slowly move forward and backward across the target. Slow down the sweep rate and shorten the sweeps until you just barely get a response at one spot. The target will be directly below the coil center at this response time.

Another method of pinpointing in Discriminate Mode is to quickly change to All Metal Mode to check the target response. Remember that All Metal Mode is not susceptible to the false signals of Discriminate Mode and can sometimes give a clearer and more consistent response to difficult targets such as a dime buried next to a pull-tab. By switching back and forth between modes and comparing the target response sound in All Metal to the target response sound in Discriminate you can often better identify the likely location of the target.

Finally, raising the searchcoil during pinpointing can also help by narrowing the response to the target. Practice pinpointing often, and you will soon become more accurate and faster.

Recovering a target

If the target is shallow and the soil is soft, you may be able to “probe” and find the exact location of the target before you dig it. Since filling all holes after you recover the target is so important, digging a small precise hole is best. If the target is deep, you may need to dig a larger hole. As you dig, occasionally check the hole with your detector to see if you have moved the object, can probe it, or have already dug it. Be sure to fill all holes after you recover the target. Two methods are shown on the next two pages that work most everywhere.

Be sure to protect your hobby by leaving the site cleaner than you found it and with all holes filled!

• Operate your detector exactly as recommended in this OPERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
• Use only high-quality alkaline batteries of the correct voltage. Never substitute a different voltage. When using a Ni-Cad battery always use a separate convertible pack with the proper voltage output for the detector’s design.
• It is best to remove the battery from the detector after each use. This will prevent damage to the detector if the battery leaks. Never store the detector with the battery installed.
• The searchcoil cable is hard wired to the searchcoil and protected by a strain relief. It is very important that the strain relief remains intact and should never be adjusted or tampered with.
• Keep cables properly wound around the pole stems and protect them during use. Floppy, pinched, or cables that become snagged during use may short, causing erratic noises or unnecessary replacement of the searchcoil.
• Sweep the searchcoil carefully, especially when using around rocks and building foundation and avoid hitting the searchcoil against hard, solid objects and surfaces.
• Keep your searchcoil off of the ground slightly during the sweep especially when using in gravel or hard, rocky dirt.
• Always use a properly designed protective scuff cover on the searchcoil. (See OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES.)
• Remove and clean out scuff covers periodically to avoid build up of mineralized dirt particles which will affect performance.
• The searchcoil is waterproof and can be submerged in either fresh or salt water. After the searchcoil is used in salt water, rinse it and the lower stem assembly well with fresh water to prevent corrosion of the metal parts.
• The searchcoil is waterproof but the electronics are not, so always prevent any moisture or water from entering the control housing and never allow the cable connectors to become submerged in water.
• If working in or near water, or if there is a possibility of rain, use a protective weather resistant pouch or plastic bag to cover the control housing. Make sure it can "breathe" in order to ensure against condensation buildup inside.
• After each use, clean the detector with a soft cloth.
• When transporting the detector in a car during hot weather, store it on the floor of the passenger compartment if possible. Using a carry bag gives additional protection. In any case, never allow the detector to roll around unprotected in the trunk or back of a pickup truck.
• Protect your detector from dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures during storage.
• When shipping, use the original factory carton or similar heavy-duty container, and provide a minimum one inch of padding around all parts.
• Treat your detector as you would any sensitive electronic instrument. Though ruggedly constructed and designed to withstand the demands of normal treasure hunting, proper care is essential.

Operating Frequency.........................	12 kHz
Searchcoil Type................................	Round, open center concentric
Searchcoil Size..................................	8" diameter
Cable Length....................................	Approx. 3' (1 meter)
Audio Frequency..............................	Approx. 300 Hz
Audio Output....................................	1 1/2" speaker and headphone jack
Headphone Compatibility...................	1/4" stereo plug
Weight (may vary slightly)..................	2.2 lbs.
Battery Requirement..........................	One 9 volt DC (alkaline)
Battery Life (typical)..........................	10 to 20 hours
Optimum Temperature Range............	30 to 100 degrees F
Optimum Humidity............................	0 to 75% R.H.
Operating Modes..............................	Silent Search All Metal Silent Search Discriminate

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