The µMAX Cutlass was designed for coin hunting and all-purpose use. It will find both smaller and deeper objects under good conditions. Because it is sensitive to all metals, it can be used on a variety of jewelry, relics, gold etc. When using this machine you will also find unwanted "trash" metal such as nails, foil, pull tabs, etc. just as you would with any detector.
This OPERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL is designed to help you learn to operate the detector properly for maximum performance in various search conditions. Operating instruction are found in two sections:
. If you are new to metal detecting, we highly recommend reading and following the entire
section to develop the "feel" of your detector. Then, study and practice the
section to get the best performance from your detector. If you are an experienced detectorist and are familiar with the concepts of metal detecting, you may want to go directly to the
section. Whatever your prior detecting experience is, the more skilled you become at operating this detector, the more rewarding your results will be.
If you are new to treasure hunting with metal detectors, keep in mind that if there are no valuable metal objects buried where you are searching, it won't matter how good your metal detector is or how skilled and persistent you are. To learn more about where to search for treasure check with your local metal detector dealer or book-seller for magazines and books on treasure hunting.
Field Use
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 Cutlass 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.
Handling your detector
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 Cutlass 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.
Recognizing the target response sound
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 Cutlass. 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
Pinpointing a target is probably best accomplished by “X-ing” the target with the searchcoil. Remember that the detector will beep just as the target passes under the center of the searchcoil. Swing the searchcoil over the target from side to side and then from front to back until you can identify the center of the "X": the spot on the ground - under the coil center- where the detector beeps. 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.
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.
Target recovery
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.
Be sure to fill all holes after you recover the target. Your dealer should be able to explain the preferred methods of digging in your area. 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 the holes filled.