Tesoro TIGER SHARK - User Manual

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Tiger Shark Operation Instruction Manual http://tesoro.com/TigerShark_Manual.htm

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TIGER SHARK OPERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CONGRATULATIONS

Your new TESORO metal detector was 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. I wish we could share

these experiences with you, and we wish you the best of success.

Your Tesoro metal detector is capable of meeting your needs in a wide range of treasure hunting

situations. As with any detector, operator and familiarity is probably the limiting factor in determining

how successful you will be. We recommend that you read and understand this manual fully before

attempting to use the instrument in the field. Then, as you practice and become familiar with your

detector, your rate of success will increase dramatically.

Your TESORO metal detector is a precision electronic instrument, which will last for years if properly

cared for. Treat it right and it won't let you down.

Good Hunting! Jack Gifford

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Tiger Shark uses microprocessor technology to create a true dual function machine. In Normal

Mode, the Tiger Shark works like any other Tesoro detector. It uses the same great ground balance and

discrimination features that made the Bandido and Eldorado series so successful. On land, the Tiger

Shark can be used for coin and relic hunting and even gold prospecting. By using the four controls on the

outside, you can fine tune your detector to handle whatever conditions you are working in.

We all know that working in the wet salt areas is different than working in any type of dry area. This is

where the Tiger Shark outshines the land detectors. In land conditions, the most crucial adjustment is

using the ground balance to tune out mineralization. In wet salt conditions, changes in the conductivity in

the sand cause most of the problems. The Tiger Shark uses a completely different set of internal settings

in the SALT Mode than in the NORM Mode. There are no special controls or techniques to remember.

When working on a salt water beach, just switch to SALT Mode, adjust the Ground Balance and start

hunting.

The Tiger Shark continues in the tradition of other great Tesoro underwater machines by having

interchangeable coils available. Along with the 8" coil that comes standard with the detector, we also

manufacture a 7" and a 10 1/2" coil. To see if one of these coils is right for you, ask your local dealer or

check the section in this manual titled "Selecting the Right Searchcoil."

UNPACKING THE BOX

Your Tiger Shark was shipped with these parts:

Main Page

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Tesoro TIGER SHARK and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Battery Installation; Replacement

Quickstart Test and Tuning Procedures

Perform Audio Battery Test

Tests detector's battery level by counting audible beeps, indicating charge status and replacement need.

Set Ground Adjust

Guides setting the Ground Adjust knob for air tests, specifying distinct procedures for NORM and SALT modes.

Perform Air Test in ALL MET Mode

Demonstrates detector response to targets in ALL MET modes, comparing FAST and SLOW tune speeds.

Check and Set the Internal Controls

Details accessing and adjusting internal Volume, Sensitivity, and Threshold controls for optimal performance.

Perform Air Test in MOTION DISC Mode

Explains using DISC LEVEL to filter unwanted targets, showing responses to various metal types.

Ground Balancing Your Tiger Shark

Selecting the Right Searchcoil

Recommended Recovery Methods

Method 1-Probe and Driver

A less damaging method for recovering shallow targets in moist lawns using probing and levering.

Method 2-Plugging

A method for recovering targets in natural wooded or moist lawn areas by cutting and lifting a soil plug.

Warranty Service

Lifetime Warranty

Outlines the lifetime warranty coverage, exclusions, and transferability for the original owner.

The Tesoro Tiger Shark is a dual-function metal detector designed for treasure hunting in various environments, including dry land, fresh water, and wet salt sand/salt water. It utilizes microprocessor technology to offer distinct operating modes tailored to different conditions.

Function Description:

The Tiger Shark operates in two primary modes:

Normal Mode: This mode is used for dry land and fresh water hunting. It leverages Tesoro's established ground balance and discrimination features, similar to the Bandido and Eldorado series, making it suitable for coin, relic hunting, and gold prospecting.
SALT Mode: Specifically designed for wet salt sand and salt water hunting, this mode employs a completely different set of internal settings to handle the unique conductivity changes found in these environments. This eliminates the need for special controls or techniques often required with land detectors in salt water.

The detector is equipped with four external controls for fine-tuning performance in various conditions. It also features interchangeable searchcoils, offering versatility for different target sizes and digging conditions.

Important Technical Specifications:

Operating Frequency: 12.5 kHz
Searchcoil Size (Standard): 8-inch diameter
Searchcoil Type: Round, open center concentric
Audio Frequency: Approximately 270 Hz
Audio Output: Stereo Piezo Headphones
Weight: Less than 4½ lbs.
Battery Requirement: (8) AA DC (alkaline)
Battery Life (at preset): 10 to 20 hours
Optimum Temperature Range: 30° to 100° F
Operating Modes:
- No-Motion All Metal - (Fast & Slow Tune)
- Normal Mode
- Salt Mode
- Silent Search Motion Discriminate
Maximum Depth Rating: 200 ft.

Usage Features:

Adjustable Pole Assembly: The detector can be assembled in multiple configurations (under arm, under pole, diver's setup, body mount) to suit user preference and comfort. The pole length and searchcoil angle are adjustable to prevent discomfort during long periods of use, ensuring the searchcoil remains parallel to the ground about one inch above it.
Easy Battery Installation/Replacement: The Tiger Shark uses a drop-in 8-cell AA battery pack. The process involves releasing two draw bolts, gently pulling the control panel, and ensuring correct battery polarity.
Audio Battery Test: Upon turning on the detector, a series of beeps indicates battery charge level (6-7 beeps for fully charged, 1-2 beeps for low).
Threshold Tone: After the battery test, a slight humming sound (threshold tone) is heard. This reference tone helps in identifying subtle signal changes from small or deep targets. The threshold level can be adjusted internally.
Ground Balance: This crucial feature allows tuning the detector to the specific ground matrix, maximizing depth and stability. The process involves lifting and lowering the coil while adjusting the GROUND ADJUST knob to eliminate positive or negative threshold changes on the downstroke.
ALL MET Mode (Fast & Slow Tune):
- ALL MET FAST: Retunes the threshold tone in 1-2 seconds after a target response, ideal for quick pinpointing.
- ALL MET SLOW: Retunes in 4-6 seconds, useful for pinpointing deep or small targets and tracing large target outlines.
MOTION DISC Mode: This silent search mode filters unwanted targets based on their conductivity. The DISC LEVEL knob allows users to discriminate against various metals (iron, foil, nickels, pull tabs) while still detecting desired targets like silver coins.
Internal Controls: Volume, Sensitivity, and Threshold controls are located inside the waterproof housing. These are factory-set for optimal performance but can be fine-tuned by the user.
- Volume Control: Adjusts headphone volume to a comfortable level.
- Threshold Control: Adjusts the level of the steady background hum, making subtle target signals easier to hear.
- Sensitivity Control: Raises or lowers the power to the operational amplifiers, affecting gain, depth, and sensitivity to small objects. It should be set just before the detector starts to "chatter" due to interference.
Pinpointing: The detector's slow sweep speed in Motion Discriminate Mode allows for pinpointing by moving the coil slowly side-to-side and front-to-back over the target. Raising the coil slightly and slowing the sweep further narrows the detection area. Switching to ALL METAL Mode provides a no-motion pinpointing capability, identifying the strongest sound directly below the coil center.
Optional Searchcoils: In addition to the standard 8-inch coil, a 10 1/2-inch coil is available for easier digging in less trashy areas, and a 7-inch coil is useful for smaller targets like gold nuggets.

Maintenance Features:

Waterproof Housing: The detector is designed with a waterproof case. It is crucial to ensure the instrument is dry before opening the housing to prevent water damage to the circuit board.
O-ring Maintenance: The O-ring must be kept clean and free of dirt or sand. Regular wiping with a dry cloth and application of diver's silicone grease are recommended to prevent leaks. Failure to maintain the O-ring can lead to extensive damage not covered under warranty.
Coil Connector Care: The coil connector should be tightened fingertight, avoiding pliers, to prevent damage. The cable should be wrapped snugly around the pole to prevent false signals from moving wires.
General Care:
- Operate the detector as recommended in the manual.
- Avoid modifying or repairing the electronics.
- Use only high-quality carbon-zinc, alkaline, or nicad batteries; remove them during long-term storage.
- Never spray lubricants or chemicals on or into the detector.
- Protect the searchcoil with a scuff cover and clean it periodically to remove mineralized or metallic particles.
- Clean the detector with a soft cloth after use.
- Avoid transporting or storing the detector in extreme temperatures or conditions (e.g., car trunk, attics, basements, garages).
- Ensure cables are properly wound and protected to prevent erratic noises.
- When shipping, use the original carton or a similar heavy-duty container with at least one inch of padding.
Recovery Methods: Two recommended recovery methods are provided:
- Probe and Driver: For less moist lawns and shallower targets, this method minimizes grass damage. It involves probing for target depth, inserting a screwdriver to open the ground, and levering the target to the surface, then brushing dirt back and closing the opening.
- Plugging: Suitable for natural wooded areas and very moist lawns, this method involves cutting a three-sided, four-inch cube around the target, folding it back, isolating the target, removing it, and then replacing the plug and dirt. This method is not recommended for hard, dry ground as it can damage grass roots.

The Tesoro Tiger Shark is a robust and versatile electronic instrument, designed for durability in normal treasure hunting applications, but it requires proper care and handling to ensure long-term performance and to maintain its lifetime warranty.