Ferrous Hound is activated via a toggle switch located on a small control housing attached to the operator's belt or the metal detector using the fittings provided. When being employed as a ferrous/non-ferrous metal discriminator, Ferrous Hound is activated after the metal detector has indicated a metal target and the operator wishes to determine whether or not the target is ferrous. Alternatively, the metal detector can be turned completely OFF, and Ferrous Hound used in its magnetometer/gradiometer mode as previously described. A relatively loud buzzer contained in the control housing alerts the operator to the presence of ferrous metal or other magnetic substance. Ferrous Hound operation requires minimal initial adjustment of basic controls; there-after only the activating switch is used. Ferrous Hound should be turned OFF once the discrimination process has been completed.

The simple scanning techniques appropriate to ferrous/non-ferrous metal discrimination using the metal detector attachment version of Ferrous Hound are described and illustrated in the Ferrous Hound User Manual.

Metal Detector/Search Coil Compatibility

Most VLF and PI metal detectors do not need to be turned OFF prior to activating Ferrous Hound. However, since Ferrous Hound has its own audio system, distinguishing Ferrous Hound audio from metal detector audio when detecting a ferrous target is best achieved by turning the metal detector audio OFF or DOWN before Ferrous Hound is activated. This eliminates any metal detector audio feedback which sometimes occurs while Ferrous Hound is operating. Appropriate headphone positioning also permits short term, simultaneous Ferrous Hound/ metal detector audio without discomfort.

Modifying the metal detector to include an audio ON/OFF switch and/or VOLUME control if it does not have one is a simple, inexpensive task easily undertaken by capable metal detector owners, metal detector dealers, or electronic service providers. Since the Ferrous Hound audio is unmistakable for most operators even when wearing headphones, the modification is not essential. Nevertheless, it is a convenient option, and will significantly advantage operators with a hearing disability.

In limited circumstances, the metal detector might need to be turned completely OFF to use Ferrous Hound effectively. This will be necessary, for example, when using some monoloop coils on the Minelab SD series metal detectors. The very strong magnetic field inside some monoloop coils can cause interference in Ferrous Hound. Turning the SD completely OFF is not necessary when using medium to large double-D (DD) coils. Note that many of the more popular metal detectors do not need re-tuning if they are turned OFF and ON in the same location.

The Ferrous Hound sensor head has been designed to permit it to be permanently attached to any compatible induction balance (eg. DD) or monoloop search coil for most ground balancing and/or motion detection VLF and PI metal detectors i.e. removal of the sensor head from the search coil when Ferrous Hound is not activated is not necessary for such metal detectors. In a very few instances, some metal detectors will require the sensor head to be attached to the metal detector shaft (or elsewhere) away from the coil using small velcro tabs when the metal detector is operating, and relocated to the coil when discrimination is required. This could be necessary, for example, if the metal detector does not have ground balancing or motion detection provisions, or when using some coils containing internal printed circuit boards.

Turning the metal detector completely OFF, or turning the metal detector audio DOWN or OFF (or doing neither) when the sensor head is relocated to the coil in the circumstances just described are all optional, since the discrimination process usually only takes a few seconds, and any metal detector audio feedback occurring during the discrimination process does not prevent Ferrous Hound operating as required. When using Ferrous Hound in this way it can be more time efficient, depending on the abundance of ferrous trash, to detect several targets with the metal detector, mark their locations, then transfer to Ferrous Hound operation and check each marked target for ferrous content.

Using the Ferrous Hound operating procedure appropriate to your particular metal detector and search coil type absolutely guarantees no loss of sensitivity or detection depth by either your metal detector or Ferrous Hound arising from the combined operation of both instruments.

The Ferrous Hound User Manual provides detailed information and suggestions concerning sensor head placement on the metal detector search coil.

Sensitivity and Detection Range

Ferrous Hound's detection range for small (staples, bobby-pins, screws) and large (wire, bolts, cans) ferrous targets is similar to that provided by high quality metal detectors. Many ferrous targets are detected well beyond the detection limits of any currently available metal detector.

100% Accurate Discrimination

Ferrous Hound provides 100% accurate discrimination between ferrous metal and non-ferrous metals such as gold, silver, aluminium, copper, and brass. Note that Ferrous Hound will not detect non-magnetic stainless steel. Magnetic stainless steel is detected.

Compact, ULTRA-Lightweight/Low Bulk/Low Profile

The Ferrous Hound sensor head attached to the metal detector search coil weighs approximately 40 grams - about the same as an average pair of reading glasses.

See Diagram

Mineralised Soil

One function of the Threshold control on the control housing is to adjust Ferrous Hound response to mineralised soil. However Ferrous Hound is best operated with slightly more ground clearance than is customary when using a metal detector if detecting in strongly magnetic soil. Removing a few centimeters of surface soil immediately over the target prior to activating Ferrous Hound is recommended in these circumstances. Lightly mineralised soil can be scanned using nil or minimal Threshold adjustment and the same ground clearance as a conventional metal detector.

Beach/Lake use

Ferrous Hound is unaffected by electrically conductive soils or matrices and provides the same ferrous detection sensitivity in an electrolytic (salty) environment as it would were the electrolytic characteristics not present. Hence, it is ideal for use on either wet or dry beach soil and lake perimeters. However, since neither the sensor head nor the control housing has been engineered for immersion in water, any damage to either arising from water ingress voids any warranties applying. In particular, the control housing should not be immersed in water or exposed to rain. While the sensor head can probably be waterproofed relatively easily for wading applications, every care should be taken in doing so, since any damage to the sensor head arising from such a course of action automatically voids its warranty.

Power Supply

Ferrous Hound is powered by a small, lightweight external battery pack and connecting lead. The battery pack can be attached to the metal detector, or belt mounted, using the small battery pouch provided.

Absolute MAXIMUM supply voltage = 15 Volts.

Recommended MINIMUM supply voltage = 9 Volts.

Note that Ferrous Hound's detection range is independent of the supply voltage, i.e. a higher voltage DOES NOT increase detection depth.

(N.B. A single 9V (PP3) battery is NOT suitable to operate Ferrous Hound).

Noise Immunity

When operating in its ferrous metal detection mode, Ferrous Hound has very high immunity to ambient noises such as those emanating from proximate domestic or industrial appliances, power supply lines, and the metal detector itself.

Fitting/Removal

Fitting and removal of Ferrous Hound to/from a host metal detector is accomplished in seconds.

Ferrous Hound/Metal Detector Discrimination Options

Ferrous Hound operates independently of the host metal detector's discrimination provisions (if any), allowing the metal detector to remain in its most advantageous ground balanced/tracking, all-metal detection mode at all times. That is, there is none of the depth or sensitivity "trade-off" commonly associated with operating the metal detector in its iron discrimination mode. The metal detector's discrimination circuitry can still be used as normal to provide supplementary target information if desired.

Metal Detector Warranty

Because Ferrous Hound is entirely external to the metal detector, and does not transmit a detecting field of its own, it cannot electronically damage the metal detector or search coil in any way, or void any warranties applying to either.

Ferrous Hound Warranty

All Ferrous Hound components, including items in the complimentary pack, carry a twelve months parts and labour warranty covering faulty production and component failure. Damage arising from misuse or accident is not covered by warranty. Detailed local and international warranty procedures are included in the Ferrous Hound User Manual.

Complimentary Pack

Ferrous Hound is supplied with a free field pack containing: