Treasure Cove TC-3020

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Summary

Features and Components

LCD Display

Describes the detector's LCD screen, showing target type, depth, and settings.

Audio Discrimination

Explains how distinct audio tones identify different types of metal.

Sweep and Coil Features

Covers Super Slow Sweep Identification and the waterproof search coil.

Headphone Jack

Details the connection for headphones, which silences the internal speaker.

Preparation and Setup

Assembling the Detector

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the metal detector.

Installing the Batteries

Instructions and cautions for installing the required 9V batteries.

Operation and Indications

Using Headphones and Listening Safely

Guidance on connecting headphones and protecting hearing.

Quick Look at the Detector

An overview of the detector's main components and controls.

Displays and Indicators

Details on target icons, depth indicators, and LCD readouts.

Gold Range Indications

Specific metal types identified in the gold range on the display.

Silver Range Indications

Specific metal types identified in the silver range on the display.

Tone Categories

Explanation of low, medium, and high tones for metal identification.

Operation Modes and Testing

Turning On the Detector

Procedure for powering on the metal detector.

Setting Operation Modes

Explanation of ALL METAL, DISC, and NOTCH operational modes.

Indoor Testing and Use

Steps for testing the detector's performance indoors.

Indoor Testing Notes

Important considerations and warnings for indoor testing.

Outdoor Testing and Use

Instructions for testing the detector's performance outdoors.

Search Coil Sweeping Hints

Techniques for effective and accurate search coil sweeping.

Adjusting Sensitivity

How to fine-tune the detector's sensitivity for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting Notes

Tips for interpreting signals and avoiding false readings.

Application and Maintenance

Pinpointing the Target

Methods for accurately locating buried targets.

Factors Affecting Detection

Variables that can influence detection results.

Detector Care and Maintenance

Guidelines for handling, cleaning, and maintaining the detector.

The Fortune Finder 'Platinum' Edition TC-3020 is a versatile and user-friendly metal detector designed for hunting coins, relics, jewelry, gold, and silver in various locations.

Function Description

The core function of the TC-3020 is to detect different types of metal objects buried underground or hidden. It achieves this through a search coil that interacts with metallic objects, sending signals back to the control box for analysis and display. The detector offers three primary operating modes:

ALL METAL Mode: This mode is designed to detect any type of metal without discrimination. When the detector identifies a metal object, it emits a single tone. In this mode, only the sensitivity (SENS) can be adjusted; the discrimination (DISC) and notch (NOTCH) functions are inactive.
DISC Mode (Discrimination): This mode allows the user to discriminate between different types of metal targets. By adjusting the target range, the detector can be set to identify specific metal types while rejecting others. For example, you can configure it to detect S-CAPS, 1¢, and 25¢ coins while ignoring other metals. The detector will display the detected metal type on the LCD and reject unwanted types without displaying them.
NOTCH Mode: This mode enables the user to ignore specific metal types they do not wish to detect. By selecting the desired metal types to ignore, the LCD segment will indicate these selections, and the detector will only respond to the remaining metal types.

The detector provides a Three Tone Audio Discrimination system, which means it produces distinctive audio tones for different categories of metal when operating in DISC or NOTCH modes. A low tone typically indicates foil, nails, bottle caps, or nickels. A medium tone suggests aluminum pull tabs, zinc, or copper items. A high tone is associated with brass or silver items. In ALL METAL mode, a single tone is emitted for any detected metal.

A key feature is the LCD Display, which provides visual information about detected targets. It shows the probable type of metal with an arrow, the estimated depth of the target, the DISC/NOTCH range, the sensitivity level (SENS) with a segment indicator, the current operating mode, and a low battery indication. When a strong signal is received, the arrow appears steadily; for weak signals, it blinks or may not appear. The arrow disappears if detecting pauses for about 5 seconds. The target icons at the top of the display include categories like GOLD RANGE (Iron Foil, 5¢/NICKEL, PULL TAB, S-CAPS, 1¢) and SILVER Range (10¢, 25¢). These indications are approximations, serving as a visual reference to help decide if an item is worth investigating.

The Super Slow Sweep Identification allows for discrimination of different metal types with a very slow sweep of the search coil. The Waterproof Search coil ensures the detector can be used even if the coil needs to be submerged in water. Additionally, a Headphone Jack is included, allowing users to connect headphones (not supplied) for private operation without disturbing others or being disturbed by ambient noise. When headphones are plugged in, the internal speaker is disconnected.

Usage Features

Before using the detector in the field, it is recommended to test it indoors and outdoors to understand how it reacts to different metals.

Assembly: The detector is easy to assemble without special tools. This involves connecting the smaller stem to the bigger stem, inserting the handle's latch into the control box's assembly hole and securing it with a screw, and finally attaching the search coil to the stem, winding the cable, and plugging it into the control box. The stem's length is adjustable to ensure comfortable use, with the search coil positioned 1/2 to 2 inches above the ground when standing upright.

Battery Installation: The detector requires two 9-volt alkaline batteries (not supplied). Batteries are installed by sliding off the covers and matching the polarity symbols. It's crucial to use fresh alkaline batteries and avoid mixing old and new ones or different types. For prolonged storage, batteries should be removed to prevent leakage and damage to electronic parts.

Headphone Use: Headphones (3.5mm plug) can be connected to the PHONE jack. The volume should be set to a comfortable level to protect hearing, avoiding extremely high volumes that could lead to permanent hearing loss. It's also advised not to wear headphones in high-traffic areas for safety.

Turning On and Mode Selection: To operate, slide the power switch to ON. The unit will display all symbols on the LCD, sound low, medium, and high tones, and then enter a stand-by state. The LCD will show "ALL METAL" and "SENS" with a default sensitivity level of 5. The DISC/NOTCH range is also available. Operating modes (ALL METAL, DISC, NOTCH) are selected via touch keys.

Sensitivity Adjustment: Sensitivity (SENS) can be adjusted by pressing the SENS button and then the UP or Dn keys. Higher sensitivity allows for detecting deeply buried targets, but setting it to the maximum position can lead to interference and false signals from broadcast antennas or other electronic lines, resulting in unstable arrow and irregular tone indications.

Testing and Using:

Indoor Testing: Place the detector on a non-metallic surface (like a wooden or plastic table), remove personal metal jewelry, and adjust the search coil to point upwards. Sweep a sample metal object (e.g., a gold ring or coin) 2-3 inches above the search coil. The detector will sound a tone, display an arrow below the target icon, and show the target's depth. Avoid testing on floors inside buildings due to potential metal interference. For coins, holding them flat and parallel to the search coil improves detection accuracy.
Outdoor Testing: Find a metal-free area outdoors. Place a sample metal object on the ground (marking its location if it's valuable). Hold the search coil 1-2 inches above the ground and slowly sweep it side-to-side over the sample.
Search Coil Sweeping Hints: Sweep the search coil slowly in an arc line of about 3 inches, keeping it parallel to the ground. Avoid sweeping it like a pendulum or raising it at the end of a sweep, as this can cause false readings. Hurrying the sweep can lead to missed targets.
Interpreting Signals: A repeating signal after several sweeps indicates a valuable metal object. Non-repeating or broken signals are likely from junk metal, trashy ground, electrical interference, or large irregular pieces of junk metal.

Pinpointing the Target: Accurately pinpointing a target makes excavation easier.

When a buried target is detected, continue sweeping the search coil over it in a narrowing side-to-side motion.
Note the exact spot on the ground where the detector beeps.
Stop the search coil directly over this point, then move it straight forward and back a couple of times.
Repeat these steps at a right angle to the original search line, marking an "X." The target will be directly below the "X" at the point of the beep response.

Factors Affecting Detection: Several factors can influence detection accuracy: the angle of the target in the soil, its depth, the level of oxidization, its size, and electro-magnetic/electrical interference. Patient and correct practice is key to achieving satisfactory results.

Maintenance Features

Proper care and maintenance ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the TC-3020 metal detector.

Gentle Handling: The detector should be handled gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit boards and cases, leading to improper functioning.
Temperature Environment: Use the detector only in normal temperature environments. Extreme temperatures can shorten the life of electronic components and damage the detector's casing.
Cleanliness: Keep the detector away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature wear of parts.
Cleaning: Wipe the detector with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Avoid using harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents, as these can damage the device.