Garrett Metal Detectors Radar Detector GTAx 550 User Manual

target acceptance / rejection, precise

discrimination and other key information,

you can spend more time digging treasure

and less time digging trash!

The GTAx 550 is factory preset to begin

operation in the COINS mode. Simply

press the POWER touchpad on your new

GTAx 550 and immediately begin hunting

without the troublesome interference from

typical trash items or ground minerals. Of

course, you can easily adjust the detector

to operate in its other hunting mode.

Thank you for choosing Garrett Metal

Detectors! Again, welcome to our treasure

hunting family. In becoming a part of

this great tradition and hobby, you have

made the right start to successful treasure

hunting.

ꢁ

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GTAx 550

Parts

Assembly

Features

Target ID Legend

Upper Scale

Lower Scale

Batt (Battery)

Hip Mount

Touchpads / Controls

Power

Pinpoint

Set Depth

Accept / Reject

Set Audio

- and +

Hunting with the GTAx 550

Pinpointing

Coin Depth Measurement

Proper Scanning Techniques

Junk Targets

Making Adjustments

Mode A (Zero Discrimination)

Mode B (Coins)

Setting Discrimination

Bench Tests

Test Plot Construction

Headphone Jack

Batteries

Searchcoils

Recommended Accessories

Maintenance

Specialized Hunting

Service & Repair

Recommended Reading

RAM Books Order Form

Specifications

Mind Your Manners!

Warning!

GARRETT GTAx 550™

Lower

Stem

Control

Housing

Upper

Stem

Searchcoil

LCD

Screen

Touchpad

Controls

Knob

Padded

Arm Cuff

Spring

Clip

Washer

Threaded

Bolt

S-shaped

Ramrod Stem

Handle

Grip

Detector

Stand

Headphone

Jack

PARTS

Before assembling your GTAx 550 metal detector

ensure you have the complete set of parts, which

include:

• Control Housing w/ S-Ramrod Stem

• Upper Stem

• Lower Stem with Spring Clip

• Two (2) Mounting Washers

• One (1) Wing Nut

• One (1) Threaded Bolt

• Searchcoil with Cable

• Instruction Video (not shown below)

• Warranty Registration Card

If any part is missing, contact your local dealer.

ꢂ

GTAx 550 ASSEMBLY

No tools are required to assemble the GTAx 550.

Hand tighten all necessary parts.

1. Press the two Mounting Washers into the Lower

Stem.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

2. Slide the searchcoil onto the Stem.

Figure 2

3. Insert the Threaded Bolt through the holes of

the Lower Stem and Searchcoil. Hand-tighten the

searchcoil assembly with the remaining Wing Nut.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

4. Depress the Spring Clip and insert the Control

Housing into the Upper Stem.

5. Depress the Spring Clip in the Lower Stem to

adjust to the most comfortable operating length.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

ꢃ

6.Wrap the Searchcoil cable snugly about the stem

with the first turn of the cable over the stem.

Figure 5.

Figure 5

7. Insert the Cable into the Connector of the Control

Housing and hand-tighten.

Figure 6.

Figure 6

FEATURES

The GTAx 550 is designed with Garrett's exclusive

Graphic Target ID technology, which indicates the

probable identity of a target along a horizontal scale

that reads from low conductive metals (e.g iron)

on the left to high conductive metals (e.g. silver) on

the right.

1. Target ID Legend - A Target ID Legend is

located directly above the LCD screen and indicates

commonly found targets and metals. When a target

is detected, the Target ID cursor will appear below

the word or symbol that most likely indicates the

type of target found, based on its conductivity.

2. Upper Scale - The Upper Scale has four

purposes:

• Indicates target discovered

• Indicates levels of settings

• Indicates maximum pinpoint signal

• Indicates the cursor's location for changing

discrimination notches

3. Lower Scale - The Lower horizontal scale,

or Notch Discrimination Scale, indicates the

discrimination pattern where the GTAx 550 will or

will not produce an audible signal when a target is

located. No audible signal will be produced when

a target is located where a notch (regions of Lower

Scale where no segments are visible) is present.

The Lower Scale also indicates Coin Depth when

pinpointing.

5. BATT (Battery) - Battery condition is reported

continuously by the horizontal row of squares on

the lower right of the GTA display. Four are visible

when fully charged batteries are being used. When

only one square remains, battery life is two hours

or less. Although it is not necessary to change

batteries until this warning flashes, you should

always have spares so that you will be ready. When

using rechargeable batteries, only three squares will

generally be illuminated with fully charged batteries.

However, when only one square is visible, battery

life has diminished to two hours or less.

6. Hip Mount - Hip mount adaptability is built into

the 550. Since no extension cable cord is required,

you never have to worry about winding it around the

detector's stem or carrying it with you.

When you slip off the hip mount battery pack and

attach it to your belt with the built-in clip, you reduce

the weight of your detector by almost a pound. The

cable cord is conveniently coiled to prevent tangling.

When you use this hip mount feature the detector

1ꢁ

weighs less than 2 pounds. Yet, all of the controls

are still easily accessible and your GTAx 550 display

is visible on the control stem of the detector.

The removable hip mount pack and built in coiled

cable permit easy reassembly for carrying and

storage.

When reassembling, make certain the coil cored

slides into its tube and is not pinched in any way

between the armrest and battery compartment.

TOUCHPADS / CONTROLS

1 .

POWER-PressandreleasethePOWERtouchpad

to turn the detector on and off.

Note: After turning the detector off, wait 3 to 5

seconds before turning on again.

The POWER touchpad can also be used to reset all

settings to factory preset by pressing and holding for

5 to 10 seconds, or until the detectors beeps.

2. PINPOINT (Coin Depth) - Activates pinpointing

function and indicates depth of coin-sized targets on

the Lower Scale of the Graphic Display.

3. LAST MODE - Returns the detector to the

operating mode previously used. This touchpad

can be particularly helpful while scanning because

it effectively converts your GTAx 550 into a dual

mode detector.

NOTE: Pressing and releasing the touchpad makes

it easy to alternate between the A and B Modes.

4. SET DEPTH (Sensitivity) - Permits using the

+ and - touchpads to regulate depth (sensitivity) of

the detector. When the Depth touchpad is pressed,

the display screen will appear with factory settings

at approximately 75%, as indicated on the Upper

Scale. You can use the + and - touchpads to adjust

the depth (sensitivity) to which your detector will

operate effectively.

After pressing the Depth touchpad, press (+) to

increase depth and sensitivity; press (-) to decrease.

A single touch and release adjusts the level in a

small increment. A continuous pressing results in

a continuous adjustment. When you have made

your adjustment, press Depth again to reenter your

previous operating mode.

Although maximum depth is usually desired, any

detector's circuitry may be limited by the type of soils

over which you are scanning, electromagnetic or

power line interference, etc. Such considerations as

ground mineralization will also inhibit the detector's

ability to interpret target information. This Depth

(Sensitivity) control option permits you to regulate

sensitivity. This will result in achieving the maximum

detection depth possible in relation to any existing

condition.

Garrett engineers designed your GTAx 550 for

maximum detection depth power, but you may not

always be able to operate at a depth setting of 100%;

the same way you wouldn't operate your automobile

at 100% of its speed. Outside electromagnetic

1ꢂ

interference and irregular ground mineralization

may sometimes require reduced sensitivity which

usually results in less detection depth.

Do not worry about losing "deep" targets when

you reduce this setting. You will not lose any depth

since you will always be operating as deeply as soil

conditions permit.

Attempting to operate above a sensitivity level that

permits a quiet and stable audio threshold may

actually cause you to miss deep targets you would

have found had you not "pushed" the detector.

5. ACCEPT / REJECT - Permits acceptance or

rejection of specific target segments shown on the

Lower Scale to establish discrimination notches.

6. SET AUDIO - Permits using the + and -

touchpads to regulate the audio threshold. When

the audio touchpad is pressed, the display screen

will appear, use the (+) and (-) touchpads to adjust

the threshold of sound that is constantly being

produced by the GTAx 550 as it scans. Multiple

touches and releases are necessary to increase or

decrease threshold by one Upper Scale segment

at a time.

You can search silently or at any level of constant

sound. It is recommended that you always operate

the instrument at a minimum level of sound. You can

hear the audio increase sharply whenever a target

is encountered.

Also, you will be able to hear even the faint signals

that sometimes occur on tiny targets or deeply

buried coins. When headphones are used, it will

usually be necessary to decrease the threshold level

since sound is more audible through headphones.

After you have made audio adjustments, press

AUDIO to re-enter your previous operating mode.

The GTAx 550 is equipped with Garrett's exclusive

™

Belltone Coin Alert that produces a distinctive

ringing tone when a target of high conductivity,

usually a coin, is discovered.

1ꢃ

- AND + - Use these touchpads to adjust levels of

threshold and depth and to move the cursor in the Upper

Scale when setting the discrimination.

HUNTING WITH THE GTAx 550

There are no dials to turn and no controls to adjust.

Just take the handle of your GTAx 550 and lower

the searchcoil to a level of about one foot above the

ground. Press and release the POWER touchpad.

After you hear two beeps, the GTAx 550 is ready

for detecting in Mode B, which is a factory pre-set

COINS mode. Whenever the detector has been in

use, it will always return to the mode that was being

used when it was turned off.

NOTE: Only a light touch is necessary to activate a

touchpad.

As noted, the GTAx 550 begins operating with

discrimination at factory-set levels. These settings

can be changed easily but you may never want to do

so. It is recommended that you use these settings

the first few hours of hunting with your detector.

ꢀ1

Target Identification

Target identification of the last target over which the

searchcoil passed will be indicated on the Upper

Scale of the graphic display. In most cases the type

of coin can also be determined by using the coin

ID guide. Encrustation or patina—and sometimes

ground mineralization—may affect conductivity of

the coin resulting in improper classification.

Recovery

Whenever your detector locates a target, you'll

want to recover it with the least amount of digging.

Locating your target precisely will enable you to

recover it by digging the smallest hole possible.

This is accomplished by pinpointing. (You can

then utilize another function of the GTAx 550 for

measuring coin depth.)

1. Manual Pinpointing

Pinpoint targets by first drawing an imaginary X on

the ground with the searchcoil at the place where

maximum sound occurs. You'll notice that the

searchcoil must be moving slightly and that you

cannot maintain detection sound with the searchcoil

held completely still above your target. This is called

manual pinpointing and for many treasure hunters

proves completely satisfactory.

2. Electronic Pinpointing

Precise pinpointing is an important capability of your

GTAx 550. When you press and hold the pinpoint

touchpad, the searchcoil can remain steady, directly

over your target. Move it around slightly and

maximum sound will be heard when the target is

directly over your target. This increase will be further

reflected in the Upper Scale of your graphic display.

Illumination of the Lower Scale's segments from left

to right will indicate the depth of your target.

For the most effective electronic pinpointing, place

the searchcoil on the ground near your target's

apparent location. Press and hold the Pinpoint

touchpad. Scan back and forth across the target,

maintaining searchcoil contact with the ground.

You will notice an even, more distinct audio sound

when the target is directly beneath the searchcoil's

center.

ꢀꢁ

You can also watch the Upper Scale illuminate from

right to left to indicate signal strength. The maximum

reading attained toward the left will indicate exact

target location.

Coin Depth Measurement

When Pinpoint button is held down, the lower scale indicates

the target's depth in inches.

Pinpoint targets as directed above. After completing

the pinpoint operation (maximum reading on the

Upper Scale) and while still pressing the Pinpoint

touchpad, check the Lower Scale to determine

coin depth in inches. You will notice that coin depth

always indicates the shallowest (most accurate)

reading even though subsequent scans across the

target, off center, show greater depth on the Lower

Scale.

Since the final step in recovery usually entails

digging, you will want to develop your own method(s)

of digging targets, depending on the grass, soil

conditions, etc. Always make as small a hole as

possible. It is quicker, requires less work and makes

refilling easier. You should always fill your holes.

Proper Scanning Techniques

Swing the searchcoil back and forth in front of you in

a straight line. Keep the searchcoil moving at a rate

of about one to two feet per second. Because of the

sensitivity of the GTAx 550 and its PROformance™

searchcoil, it is not necessary to operate with the

searchcoil touching the ground. The recommended

operating method is to hold the coil at a constant

height about one or two inches above the ground.

Detection of a metal target will be indicated by an

increase in sound and indications on your display.

Garrett's exclusive Belltone Coin Alert will indicate

you have discovered a target of high conductivity,

probably a coin.

Locate your target precisely by scanning back and

forth over the target to determine where the signal

is the loudest.

ꢀ5

The Upper Scale of the graphic display will indicate

a detected target. This indication will remain for five

seconds or until a new target is detected (whichever

comes first). The Target ID Guide located above

the Graphic Display will help identify your detected

target.

When scanning, do not hurry. Walk at a pace

that is comfortable. Be methodical. Do not skip

any areas. Overlap each sweep at least 25%

of the searchcoil's width. Wear headphones for

greater sound perception and concentrate on your

scanning.

Erratic Sounds

When a metallic object is accepted, the detector's

speaker or headphone sound will increase from

your audio threshold level. Some rejected targets,

however, may cause the audio to "break up" or

sound erratic. This is generally a response to

shallow trash targets and can be remedied by

raising the height of your searchcoil when scanning.

Another indication of a reject target is an audio

signal as you scan one way and no response when

scanning from the other direction.

With Experience

After you have used the GTAx 550 for only a short

time, you will be surprised at how proficient you

have become with it. Do not expect to achieve

the greatest accuracy and success until you have

hunted with this detector for at least 100 hours or

more. Don't forget to take Charles Garrett's advice

to press only one touchpad and search in the factory

preset Coins Mode for at least 10 hours during your

learning phase.

Perfect practice makes more perfect treasure

hunting. The more you use your detector in the

correct manner, the more treasure you are likely to

discover.

ꢀꢂ

JUNK TARGETS

Your GTAx 550, in its factory set B (Coins) detection

mode, will not respond audibly to most junk items.

Occasionally, you'll encounter targets that cause

the detector to respond with a quick, sharp sound,

not like the clear, strong signal of a coin. Before you

dig up some of the targets that make irregular audio

"blips", see how they register on the Upper Scale

of the graphic display. Learn to recognize them.

Because your GTAx 550, in the factory preset Mode

B is set primarily to hunt coins, it will also precisely

identify small junk targets. Some larger objects

such as aluminum cans may, however, present a

"good" audio signal due to their composition. This

is normal.

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

When you first press the POWER touchpad, your

GTAx 550 is ready to hunt, in the B (Coins) operating

mode with threshold, depth and discrimination preset

at the factory. Any or all of these operating levels

can be easily changed.

Whenever your detector is on it will return to the

detection mode in which it was previously being

used. Mode selection will be illuminated on the

graphic display. You can change to the other mode

simply by pressing the Last Mode touchpad.

In addition to the familiar Zero and Coins

discrimination detection modes preset at the factory

as Modes A and B, the GTAx 550 permits a user

to design personal modes through use of the (+)

and (-) touchpads. It is important to remember that

these special modes of detection can be chosen at

the discretion of the individual operator. Many GTAx

550 owners will never use individual modes and will

hunt only in the preset B (Coins) or A (Zero) modes.

ꢀꢃ

Relic hunters, prospectors and others may adapt

one of these to hunt for specific targets.

Any personal preference adjustments you have set

in the GTAx 550 with the various operating functions

will be retained when the detector is turned off.

Because ground and / or atmospheric conditions

can vary from place to place, it may be necessary

for you to adjust DEPTH (Sensitivity) occasionally.

Remember that you can instantly restore the

factory-set levels of all its controls. Simply press

and hold the POWER touchpad for approximately

ten seconds, or until the detector beeps.

Operating Mode Descriptions

The GTAx 550 is a slow-motion detector with precise

ground balance. The searchcoil can be hovered

over a target for only a few seconds because of

automatic circuitry. It should always be kept moving

slightly for proper target detection to occur, except

when the pinpoint touchpad is pressed. Detection

will then continue with the touchpad depressed,

even when the searchcoil is stationary.

Mode A (Zero Discrimination)

You will want to hunt in this detection mode, which

is preset with no discrimination, when searching for

caches or deep relics. You may also wish to hunt in

this mode when hunting in areas with many targets

spaced closely together. This will help to identify

individual targets and improve recovery of coins

and other treasure. Gold hunting will also be carried

out in a ZERO discrimination mode. Because no

discrimination is programmed in this mode, your

detector will give an audible signal announcing

every piece of metal it scans over. Remember, you

can always return to the alternate discrimination

mode to quickly check a target by pressing the LAST

MODE touchpad.

Mode B (Coins)

Discrimination preset at the factory mode is designed

to eliminate the detection of lower conductivity trash

targets normally encountered in coin hunting such

as foil, nails and most pull tabs. Bent pull tabs and

pull tab pieces may not be eliminated from detection.

Successful treasure hunters, however, expect to dig

some junk on occasion.

ꢁ1

Setting Discrimination (Selecting

Notches)

Using only the discrimination of its two factory-set

operating modes, the GTAx 550 will more than satisfy

the requirements of almost every treasure hunter.

Many will never require any other discrimination.

Still, this detector offers more; it offers precise

controls that enable any treasure hunter to tailor a

detection mode to his or her specific requirements

by setting accept/reject notches.

The Lower Scale of the Graphic Display contains

segments. Those that are displayed represent

targets that will cause the detector's sound to

increase when they are detected. In Mode A for

instance, all segments shown indicate that every

metal target will cause the GTAx 550 to respond

audibly. Specific notches can be created by adding

or removing targets from acceptance in either

operating mode.

Every target detected will always be indicated by the

target ID cursor.

There are two ways to set discrimination.

First method: Press the (+) and (-) touchpads to

position the blinking Upper Scale cursor above

the Lower Scale segment corresponding to the

particular target to be detected or ignored. If the

segment is displayed, that particular target will

be detected. If you wish to reject that type of

target, press the ACCEPT/REJECT touchpad. The

segment will disappear, creating a reject notch. If

the Lower Scale segment is not displayed, press the

ACCEPT/REJECT touchpad to illuminate it, creating

an accept notch, and your GTAx 550 will begin

detecting targets represented by that segment.

Second method: Pass the searchcoil over an

object to be accepted or rejected as a target or pass

the particular target across the face of the coil about

two inches from its surface. Check to make certain

there is an appropriate cursor on the Upper Scale of

the Graphic Display. Then press ACCEPT/REJECT

depending upon your discrimination choice for this

specific target.

ꢁꢁ

Note: Each time the detector is turned off, the

accept/reject discrimination selections will be

retained in both modes. All selections will be lost

when you return your detector to the factory set

detection calibrations by pressing and holding the

POWER touchpad for 10 seconds or until it beeps.

There are reasons why you would want to accept or

reject specific targets. For example:

You may be looking for only one item, a certain lost

piece of jewelry for example. You can program the

GTAx 550 to reject all other types of metal targets.

You may be hunting in an area where you encounter

large amounts of a specific type of trash. You can

reject just this type of trash and continue to hunt with

no other discrimination detecting all other metal.

You may have your own special ideas for designing

a detection mode. The GTAx 550 gives you unlimited

opportunities to try out any and all of your ideas.

Special Note on Settings

If you are ever unsure about the settings of your

detector, simply press and hold the POWER

touchpad for 10 seconds, or until the detector

beeps, to restore the detector to the factory set B

(Coins) mode.

ꢁ5

BENCH TESTS

Bench Tests enable you to test typical trash items

and to learn about the discrimination capabilities

of the GTAx 550 before taking it into the field or

trying to set your own discrimination notches.

The following tests should be performed with the

searchcoil perpendicular to a bench, floor or other

non-metallic surface and several feet away from any

metallic object.

1. Select the factory preset A mode of operation

with no discrimination (all Lower scale segments

displayed). Bring various metallic targets across the

bottom of the coil at a distance of about two inches.

All targets will cause the sound to increase, which

represents true non-discrimination operation.

2. Use the Last Mode touchpad to select the

alternate detection mode with its factory preset B

discrimination notches. On your graphic display,

Mode B will be illuminated. Bring the same targets

across the bottom of the searchcoil and listen for

the sound to increase when each item is scanned.

Notice the specific cursor(s) in the Upper Scale of

the Graphic display that are shown when various

target(s) are scanned across the coil.

3. Begin to experiment with the (+) and (-), ACCEPT/

REJECT touchpads. Notice carefully which of the

24 segments are illuminated by targets. Try to

imagine how these targets will affect your search for

coins. The possibilities are truly countless; your only

limit is your imagination.

4. Be methodical. Keep written records of your

results and use them when hunting in the field.

ꢁꢂ

TEST PLOT CONSTRUCTION

As you operate and use your GTAx 550, you will quickly

grow more proficient in its use. It is recommended that

you build your own test plot. Bury several items, including

a nail, a piece of foil, a pull tab, a bottle cap and several

coins at depths ranging from one to four inches. Bury

them about 18 inches apart and clearly mark the location

of each target. Then scan and study the detection

signals.

Remember that newly buried objects, especially coins,

will be somewhat more difficult to detect than items

that have been buried for some time. This is primarily

a metallurgical phenomenon. Experiment with various

detection modes and pay attention to both audio and

graphic display signals as you scan over your test plot.

Note carefully the response of your detector at various

settings.

Practice pinpointing and locating targets precisely.

Use both the manual and the electronic methods of

pinpointing.

HEADPHONE JACK

The headphone jack on the GTAx 550 is located at

the rear of the removable battery pack under the

armrest. Headphones are a valuable accessory

for any metal detector to mask interference from

outside noise. They permit you to hear small and

deep targets that might be missed when using only

audio from the detector speaker. Headphones are

particularly essential when you are hunting where

noise of people and/or traffic is excessive.

ꢁꢃ

BATTERIES

The GTAx 550 is equipped with two battery packs,

eachholdingfourstandardAAbatteries.Thedetector

is also designed to use rechargeable batteries (Ni-

MH). It is recommended that top quality heavy duty

or alkaline batteries be used. All adjustments or

settings you have entered into the detector will be

replaced by the factory settings when batteries are

removed for approximately four minutes or more.

Although standard battery packs can be used

interchangeably in the detector, it is recommended

that both packs being used at the same time always

contain the same type of battery. For example, don't

mix carbon zinc and alkaline batteries.

The GTAx 550 should operate 25 to 35 hours with

carbon or alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries

will offer slightly less time, depending upon the type

used. These estimates are for speaker operation.

Operating with headphones will extend battery life.

Battery Replacement

1. Turn the detector off by pressing the POWER

touchpad.

2. Slide the battery case back slightly from its normal

position beneath the arm rest. Place both thumbs on

the lower sides of the cuff with your fingers on the

front of the case. Firm pressure will then disengage

the case from below the armrest and allow it to slide

backward.

3. Slide the two covers up on the battery panel and

remove them completely.

4. Take out the battery holders (which are not

connected by wire) by tilting the battery pack. Each

of the holders contains four AA batteries.

5. Press out the old batteries from the holders.

6. Install the new batteries. Carefully observe polarity

of the batteries and place them in the holders.

7. Replace the holders in the detector. It is important

that you make certain that the rivet on each battery

holder is visible in the center of the battery case. If

the holders are replaced incorrectly, it will be difficult

to install the battery covers.

8. Press the battery covers down firmly.

Remember when the battery pack is removed for

more than four minutes, you will lose settings you

have made in audio, depth and disc. All settings will

automatically return to those set at the factory.

It is recommended that you remove the batteries

when the detector is not in use, particularly for

a period of several weeks. Always take the four

batteries out of each holder when storing them.

You can then reinsert the empty holders into your

detector to prevent their being misplaced.

Caution: Use only high quality rechargeable, carbon,

alkaline or heavy duty batteries.

SEARCHCOILS

The 7"x10" PROformance searchcoil that comes

with your GTAx 550 is suitable for searching for

almost any target in any terrain.

Optional searchcoils are also available for the GTAx

550.

The 10"x14" DD PROformance Elliptical—Use in

areas with moderate to heavily mineralized soils.

Part No. 2217200

4ꢁ

The 9"x12" PROformance—Use to increase

detection depth and scanning width for hunting a

broad target range.

Part No. 2220700

The 4.5" Super Sniper™—Use in trashy locations

or in tight places where a larger searchcoil will not

reach.

Part No. 2218800

When changing searchcoils, only hand tighten the

knobs. Never use tools of any kind.

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

Headphones

10"X14" DD elliptical searchcoil

9"x12" PROformance searchcoil

4.5" Super Sniper searchcoil

Carry bag

Coin hunter kit (pouch, probe, digging tool)

Coil covers

MAINTENANCE

Your GTAx 550 is a sensitive instrument built to

withstand rugged treatment in the outdoors. Use

your Garrett detector to the fullest extent, yet always

protect and handle it with reasonable care.

• Avoid extreme temperatures as much as possible,

such as storing the detector in an automobile trunk

during the summer or winter months. When storing

longer than about one month, remove the battery

holders and batteries from the detector.

• Keep the detector clean. Wipe the housing after

use and wash the coil when necessary. Protect

the GTAx 550 from dust and sand as much as

possible.

•Your7x10"PROformancesearchcoilissubmersible,

but your GTAx 550's control housing is not. Never

submerge the control housing and always protect it

from heavy mist, rain or blowing surf.

• Disassemble the stem and wipe it clean after use

in sandy areas.

SPECIALIZED HUNTING

For literature that will explain more about the various

types of hunting possible with your GTAx 550 see

the RAM Books section (page 53).

Although it has universal capabilities, the GTAx

550 has been designed primarily as a coin hunting

metal detector. The greater depth and precise

discrimination patterns possible with microprocessor

controlled circuitry combine with the detector's light

weight and ease of handling to make is a superb

instrument for finding coins and metallic jewelry.

Finding Coins—Whether you choose to hunt for

coins and jewelry in a park or at the beach, the Coins

Mode offers discrimination that responds ideally to

conditions normally encountered. From time to

time you will discover specific trash targets that are

not being eliminated from detection by factory-set

discrimination. Here's how to use the ACCEPT/

REJECT touchpad to eliminate junk targets.

Move your searchcoil across one type of these

pieces of trash metal. Watch the target ID cursor

for its response and push the ACCEPT/REJECT

touchpad. You'll have no more trouble from that type

of junk. When you use discrimination segments on

your GTAx 550 to determine a proper discrimination

pattern, you'll spend less time digging trash and

more time digging coins! Some jewelry hunters,

however, prefer to hunt with no discrimination,

especially on the beach.

Finding Relics—Relics of all shapes and sizes can

be found with a GTAx 550. To find them, however,

you will want to search with all Discrimination

segments turned on (Zero discrimination) and you

must be prepared to dig metallic trash since your

detector will sound off on any metal object it

locates.

Finding Gold—Gold and other precious metals can

also be found in various forms with a GTAx 550. You

will most likely be searching for gold nuggets, which

this detector can locate in streams or on dry land.

4ꢂ

Since the 550 is a motion detector, it is capable of

finding only somewhat larger nuggets (at least BB

size).

It must be emphasized that prospectors using the

GTAx 550, or any other quality detector, usually

prefer to operate in the Zero Discrimination Mode.

When prospecting, discrimination may reduce the

amount of small nuggets found, but some areas

contain so much iron trash that a small amount

of discrimination becomes highly desirable, even

necessary. A special notch can eliminate a particular

junk metal target if needed.

Hard work, patience and research are three of the

keys to success in electronic prospecting. Research

is important because it is vital that gold always be

found in areas where it is known to exist. More

information is contained in You Can Find Gold with

a Metal Detector.

SERVICE AND REPAIR

In case of difficulty, read this Owner's Manual

thoroughly to make certain your detector is not

inoperable due to manual adjustments (Press and

hold the POWER button for ten (10) seconds

to return to the factory recommended settings).

Contact your dealer for additional assistance.

When your detector must be returned to the factory

for service, make certain:

You have checked batteries, switches and

connectors. (Weak batteries are the most common

cause of detector "failure".)

You have contacted your dealer, particularly if you

are not familiar with the GTAx 550.

You have included a letter that fully describes the

problem and conditions under which they occur.

Make certain to include your name, address and a

phone number where you can be contacted between

8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., C.S.T.

4ꢃ

You have carefully packed the detector in its original

shipping carton or other suitable box.

Make certain that proper insulation or packing

material is used to secure all parts. Do not ship

stems or headphones unless they are part of the

problem. Be certain to return all coils.

Ship to:

Garrett Metal Detectors

1881 West State Street

Garland, Texas 75042

Call Garrett's Customer Service Department (800-

527-4011) if you have further questions. Please

allow approximately one week for Garrett technicians

to examine and repair your detector after they

receive it, plus another week for return shipping.

All equipment will be returned UPS or parcel post

unless written authorization is given by you to ship

collect by air parcel post, UPS Blue (air) or air

freight.