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SILVER
µMax CONGRATULATIONS! Your new Tesoro Silver µMAX metal detector is part of a new series of detectors designed to provide you with many happy hours of enjoyment in the most rewarding hobby I can think of—treasure hunting. Ahead of you lie fascinating and exciting experiences as you step into the past—uncovering artifacts lost by past generations, or as you take pleasure in the great outdoors with family and friends searching for precious metals. I wish we could share these experiences with you, and all of us at Tesoro wish you the best of success. Your Tesoro detector is capable of meeting your needs in a wide range of treasure hunting situations. As with any other metal detector, familiarity with this instrument is probably the limiting factor in determining how successful you can be. I recommend that you read this manual and fully understand how to operate this detector before attempting to use it in the field. As you become more familiar with your detector through practice, your rate of success will increase dramatically. The Silver µMAX is a precision electronic instrument that will last for years if properly cared for. Treat it right and it won’t let you down. Good Hunting! Jack Gifford GETTING STARTED - UNPACKING THE BOX Your Silver µMax was shipped with these parts: 1 Upper Pole Assembly
1 Middle Pole Assembly With Pole Lock 1 ABS Lower Pole Assembly
1 8" Round Concentric Searchcoil With 3’ Cable 1 9 Volt Alkaline Battery 1 Operator Instruction Manual 1 Tesoro Warranty Card If any of these items are missing, contact the Tesoro Authorized Dealer where you purchased your detector immediately.
Assembly of the Silver µMax is simple and requires no special tools. Just install the battery, mount the searchcoil on the lower pole assembly, connect the pole assemblies together, wrap the excess cable around the pole and plug the cable into the control housing. Finally, adjust the pole length and searchcoil angle and you're ready! INSTALLING THE BATTERY Your Silver µMAX is equipped with an automatic battery test circuit so that you can always be sure you are getting top performance. The battery should be checked after the detector has been on for about 10 minutes and then periodically when used for long durations.
To install or replace the battery, first make sure the SENSITIVITY control is set to POWER OFF—turned completely counterclockwise past the “click.” Remove the battery door from the back of the control housing. Do this by pressing your thumb firmly on the louvered square—at the bottom of the battery door—and sliding the battery door upward in the direction of the arrow. Check the polarity on the battery and on the diagram inside the battery compartment. Make sure that they match and simply drop a fresh 9 volt alkaline battery into the compartment. Replace the battery door by sliding it into place making sure the upper mount slots are in line and the lock tongue is snapped in place. (Above photo depicts the Eldorado model; however, battery installation is the same for the Silver µMax.) ASSEMBLING YOUR DETECTOR
Note: The pole tip should fit very snugly into the mounting ears.
(Above photos are shown using the Eldorado model; however, assembly procedures are the same for the Silver µMax.) ADJUSTING THE POLE & SEARCHCOIL
You should be able to swing the detector back and forth in front of you—using relaxed shoulder movement—while keeping the searchcoil as close to the ground as possible. This swinging movement is often called a “sweep.” The searchcoil should not touch the ground during your sweep. The pole length should be adjusted to allow this without having to lift the detector with your elbow or shoulder. The searchcoil should rest about one inch above the ground while you are standing erect. The angle of the searchcoil should allow the bottom to be parallel to the ground. The pole length is adjusted by depressing the spring buttons and extending or shortening the pole until the spring buttons click into the set of holes that give you the most comfortable pole length. To adjust the searchcoil angle, simply loosen the searchcoil thumb nut slightly and move the searchcoil into the desired position. Tighten the searchcoil thumb nut by hand so that the searchcoil will hold in place. QUICKSTART - SELF-GUIDED TUTORIAL The Quickstart is designed to teach you how to use your new Silver µMax. It provides a quick and easy means of learning your detector and the concepts behind all of the functions. You will need the following items:
Here’s what you will do:
Prepare for the Quickstart Place your assembled Silver µMax on the nonmetal surface. Make sure that there are no metal objects near the coil and remove any jewelry from your hands and wrists.
Start with the controls as shown in the photo below:
Perform Audio Battery Test Turn the SENSITIVITY knob from OFF to about 7 or 8. You will hear a quick double beep tone. This is the detector letting you know that it is turned on and ready to go. Push the MODE switch to the left and release. The switch is spring loaded and will pop back into the center position. If the battery is fully charged, you will hear 6 or 7 beeps.
When you hear only 1 or 2 beeps, it will be time to replace your battery. This test can be performed at any time while the detector is turned on. Adjust SENSITIVITY The Silver µMax uses two channels or sets of circuits for all of its detecting modes. The two channels are amplified, processed and compared before the detector can make the appropriate response. In the ALL METAL Mode, the detector compares the signals and discriminates out most of the noise from changes in the ground mineralization. This allows hunting all metal without a lot of annoying ground chatter. The DISC Mode compares the two channels and will filter “good” targets from unwanted targets depending on the setting of the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL knob. The SENSITIVITY knob will change the sensitivity and gain settings for both the All Metal and Discriminate Modes on your Silver µMax. The SENSITIVITY knob is used to raise or lower the power to the operational amplifiers, which changes the gain. Gain is a measurement of how much a signal is amplified. The higher the gain the more depth and sensitivity to small objects a detector has. Unfortunately, any small interference that is amplified can cause the detector to become erratic. The SENSITIVITY control is used to find the best gain setting in any location without letting the detector become unstable. The SENSITIVITY knob is numbered from MIN to 10 and then has an orange area called the Max Boost Zone. For normal hunting, anywhere in the numbered zone will work very well. However, the Max Boost will allow you to increase the power to the operational amplifiers to the point of overload.
This may cause your detector to become unstable and force you to turn the SENSITIVITY knob to a lower setting. An overload situation will not hurt your detector, but it will maximize the gain that is used by your detector. This can, in certain conditions such as low mineralization in the soil, cause your detector to penetrate deeper into the ground and become more sensitive to small targets. Take some time to try waving targets in front of the coil with different sensitivity settings and in either mode. Notice that the higher the sensitivity setting, the farther away from the coil that a target can be and still respond with an audio signal. Perform Air Test in DISC Mode As discussed before, the Discriminate Mode is used to filter unwanted targets from good targets. The principle behind this is pretty simple. The detector sends out a signal and then receives it back creating a small electronic field. As metal passes through the field that the detector generates, it causes a change in the received signal.
The amount of change that each type of metal causes is fairly constant; therefore, we can tune our detectors to miss targets that we don’t want to find. The change is based on the type of conductivity that each target has. The general list of conductive targets is as follows: iron, foil, nickels, gold jewelry, pull tabs, screw tabs, pennies and silver coins starting with dimes and working up to silver dollars. This list is meant to be a guide only. There is a point that some pull tabs, nickels and gold jewelry overlap. Also the depth of the target and its orientation in the ground can change the received signal. A coin that is flat to the coil will produce a better signal than a coin that is on edge. Take some time to try different combinations of depths and orientation of your targets and find out how your detector responds. We are now ready to discriminate targets from each other. We will start with the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL at MIN and the MODE switch in the center or DISC position. Please notice that the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL knob has words that correspond to the items that are discriminated out. All four targets (the iron, nickel, pull tabs and quarter) will respond with a good audio signal at the MIN setting. Next, we will turn the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL up to IRON. This should be high enough to knock out the iron target and still get a positive response on the nickel, pull tabs and quarter. When you are done with the IRON level, turn the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL to the 5˘ setting. This level is high enough to knock out the nickel.
At this time the iron target and the nickel should give no response, while most of the pull tabs and the quarter will give a solid response. Next, turn the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL knob just past the TAB marking. At this time most or all of the pull tabs should not give any audio signal. Only the quarter should give a strong signal. Now roll the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL all the way to MAX. Notice that the quarter is still responding. The discrimination will not go high enough to lose most of the silver coins. This Air Test was designed to show you quickly how your Discriminate Mode works. Each machine may be a little different from all of the others, so you may want to take some time and try different targets to find responses of your machine. At a later date, you may want to build a test garden to test your detector in the field. Perform Air Test in ALL METAL Mode Push the MODE switch all the way to the right. It will lock into the ALL METAL position. Check all of your targets and you will get a positive response from all of them. You may also want to set the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL knob at various settings and notice that the detector will still give a positive response. In the ALL METAL Mode, the DISCRIMINATE LEVEL knob does not change any target signals. Take some time to try all of your targets.
Conclusion Congratulations, you have just finished the Quickstart for your new Silver µMax detector and in the process have learned quite a lot about your detector. But experience is the best teacher. I would recommend that you get out and practice with your detector as much as possible. Any time spent using your detector will give you valuable experience. OPERATING TECHNIQUES - FIELD USE 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 in "Getting Started." Swing the detector from side to side in about a three foot arc, overlapping succeeding strokes well. This motion is called a “sweep.” The Silver µMax 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 in a hurry. 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 items in an area that you know is clear of other metal objects. Check the area with DISC LEVEL set at MIN to be sure it's 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 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 Silver µMax. 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. 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! RECOMMENDED RECOVERY METHODS Adapted from "Tools 'N Techniques" By Robert H. Sickler METHOD 1 - "PROBE AND DRIVER" Used in less moist lawns where targets are not so deep (1 to 4 inches) and where “plugging” is objectionable. This method requires more practice but is much less damaging to grass than Method 2- “Plugging” shown in the next section. After pinpointing the target, use a nonmetallic probe such as a modified fiberglass fishing rod or a metallic probe such as a blunted ice pick (the former causes less damage to the target) to locate the target depth (Figure 1A). Next insert an eight-inch screwdriver on center just above the target and rotate slightly to open the ground (Figure 1B). Now insert the screwdriver just under the target at an angle and lever the target to the surface (Figure 1C). Brush all loose dirt back into the hole and close the hole by exerting pressure all around the opening (Figure 1D).
METHOD 2 - “PLUGGING” Used only where allowed in natural wooded areas and very moist lawn areas. Plugging in hard dry ground can damage grass roots leaving yellow “dead spots” in time. After pinpointing the target, use a six-inch sturdy hunting knife to cut three sides of a four-inch cube around the target center (Figure 2A). Cutting a “hinged” cube-shaped plug rather than a complete cone-shaped plug will properly orient its return, prevent its removal by a lawnmower, and lessen the chance of scratching the target. With the knife blade, carefully pry against the cube side opposite the “hinge” and fold back (Figure 2B). Sweep the searchcoil over the plug and hole to isolate the target location. If the target is in the plug, carefully probe until located. If the target is in the hole and is not visible, probe the bottom and sides until located, then remove it (Figure 2C). Repeat sweep for additional targets. Replace all loose dirt with the plug. Seat the plug firmly with your foot (Figure 2D).
GENERAL INFORMATION - CARE AND USE Basic Care The Silver µMAX is a sturdy instrument, but it is not designed to withstand abuse. In caring for your Silver µMAX, there are several important “DO NOTs” to remember. DO NOT use it to pry rocks loose or to beat bushes out of the way. DO NOT drop the machine into water. DO NOT use it unprotected in the rain. DO NOT leave it exposed at night where dew could form on it. DO NOT store it in places that could get extremely hot (next to a woodstove, in an attic). DO NOT leave it in the trunk of a car or in the back of a hatchback-style car where high temperatures could build up. DO NOT store it with the battery installed as batteries may leak. DO NOT spray lubricants such as WD-40, or any type of cleaners, solvents, sealants or other chemicals into or onto the electronic parts, switches or controls. And finally, DO NOT attempt to modify or repair the detector’s electronics as this will void your detector's warranty. THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE
RESULTING Protecting your investment Often detectorists are disappointed when their new detector slowly becomes less and less responsive and seems to have lost some of its original peak performance. You can help avoid this from happening to your detector by following these basic care and protection guidelines:
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES Tesoro metal detectors and genuine Tesoro accessories are sold only through independent Tesoro Authorized Dealers, who are almost always metal detectorists themselves. They can answer your questions about your Tesoro detector, what accessories may be helpful and about metal detecting in general. See your Tesoro Authorized Dealer for more information and prices on optional accessories. Scuff Covers We highly recommend using a scuff cover to protect your searchcoil at all times. The scuff cover for the Silver µMax fitted with the 8" searchcoil, is Tesoro Part # SCUF-8R-B. Searchcoils The 8" concentric searchcoil provided with the Silver µMax is designed for best all-around performance. Optional searchcoils may add to your detector's performance. Smaller searchcoils give better “target separation”—that is, more distinct target response for metal objects buried closely together—which is very useful when hunting trashy sites. Very small searchcoils can deliver the best response and depth to small targets such as fine gold chains with some sacrifice in depth on larger objects. Larger searchcoils give a wider sweep, covering more ground, and provide greater depth especially on larger objects; however, they may not detect some very small objects such as half dimes and will have difficulty in very trashy areas. Wide scan searchcoils ignore ground mineralization better than concentric searchcoils and may offer improved performance in extreme ground conditions. Selecting the right optional searchcoil depends on factors such as what you are searching for and search site conditions. No one searchcoil is better than all the rest. Several optional interchangeable searchcoils are available for the Silver. They are all easy to mount and require no special tools. See the following list of these searchcoils with the Tesoro part # and description. Tesoro Searchcoils
Optional scuff covers are also available for any Tesoro searchcoil. Headphones Most metal detectorists prefer to use headphones instead of the detector's built-in speaker. Headphones help block out background noise (such as wind) and make it easier to hear faint signals. Headphones with a built-in volume control will allow you to adjust the sound volume to your preference. SPECIFICATIONS
METAL DETECTORIST'S CODE OF ETHICS
WARRANTY SERVICE Your Tesoro metal detector is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, the terms of which are listed below. If your metal detector should require service, you may return it to the Tesoro factory at the address below. LIMITED WARRANTY DESCRIPTION This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. This instrument is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship as long as it is owned by the original consumer purchaser. This warranty is not transferable and is valid only if the warranty registration card has been completed and mailed within 10 days of purchase. TESORO will, at its option, repair or replace any instrument covered by this warranty, without charge, except for transportation charges, at its factory in Prescott, Arizona. This warranty excludes batteries, damage caused by leaky batteries, cable breakage due to flexing on body mount units, and wear of the searchcoil housing. Also excluded are instruments which have been abused, altered, or repaired by an unauthorized party. Under the copyright laws this documentation may not be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic or machine-readable form, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Tesoro Electronics Incorporated, except in the manner described in this documentation. © 2001 Tesoro Electronics Incorporated. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States.
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The
pole length should be adjusted so that the detector does not become
uncomfortable or tiring after long periods of use. The detector grip
should rest in your hand with your arm relaxed, your elbow straight
but not locked, and with the pole extending out in front of you at the
approximate angle shown in the photo. 
| Tesoro Electronics, Inc. | 715 White Spar Road | Prescott, AZ | 86303 | USA | 1-928-771-2646 |