Garrett Metal Detectors Radar Detector GTAx 550 User Manual

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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.  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
GTAx 550  
Parts  
6
7
Assembly  
8
Features  
11  
11  
12  
12  
13  
13  
15  
15  
16  
16  
18  
18  
20  
21  
22  
24  
25  
28  
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  
4
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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  
29  
31  
31  
32  
36  
38  
39  
40  
43  
44  
45  
46  
49  
51  
53  
55  
57  
58  
Mind Your Manners!  
Warning!  
5
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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  
6
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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.  
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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  
Figure 2  
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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  
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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  
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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  
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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.  
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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  
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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.  
14  
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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.  
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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  
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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  
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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  
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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.  
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- AND + - Use these touchpads to adjust levels of  
threshold and depth and to move the cursor in the Upper  
Scale when setting the discrimination.  
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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.  
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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  
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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.  
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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)  
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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.  
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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  
26  
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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  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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  
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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  
44  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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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.  
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RECOMMENDED READING  
Since Garrett's GTAx 550 is one of the world's  
premier coin hunting detectors, you will be especially  
interested in The New Successful Coin Hunting, by  
Charles Garrett, filled with "how to" tips and success  
stories about finding coins. The GTAx 550 is an  
excellent detector for finding every type of treasure  
and all of the RAM books are pertinent to its use.  
Treasure hunters will also appreciate the revised  
version of Garrett's popular Modern Metal Detectors,  
a basic text that will help you to understand all types  
of metal detection equipment and how to use them.  
A special section of the revised edition is devoted to  
the use of One Touch computerized detectors.  
For beginners the new edition of Treasure Hunting  
for Fun and Profit will prove especially interesting  
and helpful.  
Where can you hunt? How about ghost towns and  
deserted structures? You will read about them in  
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Charles Garrett's Ghost Town Treasures. Bob  
Marx's Buried Treasures You Can Find locates  
thousands of sites where treasure is known to have  
existed. This book also includes good information  
about One-Touch detectors such as the GTAx 550.  
Hobbyists of all ages will want to read Gold Panning  
is Easy, but it is especially applicable to those  
interested in gold prospecting.  
52  
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RAM BOOKS ORDER FORM  
Please send me the following RAM books:  
(Please indicate number of copies desired.)  
___ New Successful Coin Hunting....................$9.95  
___ Treasure Hunting for Fun and Profit .........$9.95  
___ Treasure Caches Can Be Found.................$9.95  
___ Ghost Town Treasures................................$9.95  
___ You Can Find Gold with a Metal Detector....$9.95  
___ Buried Treasures You Can Find...............$14.95  
___ Gold of the Americas..................................$9.95  
___ New Modern Metal Detectors..................$12.95  
___ Gold Panning is Easy.................................$9.95  
___ How to Find Lost Treasure*.......................$3.95  
___ How to Find Gold ......................................$3.95  
___ How to Search Sand and Surf ....................$3.95  
* Free with the purchase of any other RAM book or  
Garrett product. If you do not wish to purchase anything but  
would like a free copy of How to Find Lost Treasure, mail  
$2.00 for postage/handling to our address. U.S. orders only.  
For international orders, contact [email protected].  
Please send payment to:  
RAM Publishing Co.  
1881 West State Street  
Garland, Texas 75042  
(Order form continued on back of this page)  
5ꢁ  
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MAIL-IN ORDER FORM  
Add $2.00 for first book, and $1.00 for each additional book  
ordered (maximum $3.00) for handling and shipping charges.  
Total for books  
$______________  
8.25% Tax (TX/CA residents) $______________  
Handling Charge  
$______________  
$______________  
TOTAL  
Payment Options:  
___ Enclosed check or money order  
___ I prefer to order through:  
___ American Express  
___ Visa  
___ MasterCard  
___ Discover  
Card Number: ______________________________  
Expiration Date of Card: _____________________  
Phone Number: ____________________________  
Signature: _________________________________  
Required on credit card purchases  
Name: ____________________________________  
Address: __________________________________  
__________________________________  
City/State/Zip: _____________________________  
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SPECIFICATIONS  
• Detector type: Very Low Frequency (VLF)  
transmitter / receiver, Graphic TargetAnalyzer (GTA)  
with multiple notch discrimination  
• Controls: Easy access touch panel  
• Display: High visibility LCD adjacent to the touch  
panel; data accessible at any angle.  
• Detection Frequency: 7.0 kHz  
• Circuitry: Linear transmitter/receiver/filter front  
end 10-bit data acquisition, Microcomputer with 8  
Kbyte memory, Crystal controlled 4 MHz operation,  
High reliability surface mount printed circuit board  
construction  
• Audio Frequency: 275 to 710 Hz  
• Batteries: 8 AA  
• Battery Life (approximate): Alkaline - 30 hours  
Carbon Zinc - 20 hours; Rechargeable—12-15  
hours  
• Humidity:To 95% non-condensing  
Temperatures: Operating—0 to 140°F; Storage  
- 20 to 150°F  
• Construction: Aluminum and high strength glass  
filled nylon; Ramrod S stem with handle mounted  
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control, display and panel.  
• Convertible hip mount with self storing cord for  
minimum weight and optimum balance; Hip Mount  
• Cable Length: 62 inches  
• Weight: 3 lbs, 4 oz  
• Shipping weight: 5 lbs  
56  
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MIND YOUR MANNERS!  
The following is a Code of Ethics that many  
treasure hunt clubs endorse and hobbyists follow to  
preserve our exciting hobby of metal detecting. We  
encourage you to do the same:  
• I will keep informed on and obey all laws,  
regulations and rules governing federal, state and  
local public lands.  
• I will aid law enforcement officials whenever  
possible.  
• I will cause no willful damage to property of a n y  
kind, including fences, signs and buildings.  
• I will always fill the holes I dig.  
• I will not destroy property, buildings or the remains  
of ghost towns and other deserted structures.  
• I will not leave litter or uncovered items lying  
around.  
• I will carry all trash and dug targets with me when  
I leave each search area.  
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• I will observe the Golden Rule, using good  
outdoor manners and conducting myself at all  
times in a manner which will add to the stature  
and public image of all people engaged in the  
field of metal detection.  
WARNING!  
When searching for treasure with your Garrett  
detector, observe these precautions:  
• Never trespass or hunt on private property without  
permission.  
• Avoid areas where pipelines or electric lines may  
be buried.  
• National and state parks / monuments, etc. are  
absolutely off-limits.  
• Deepseeking detectors can detect concealed  
pipes, wiring and other potentially dangerous  
material. When those are located, the proper  
authorities should be notified.  
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• Do not hunt in a military zone where bombs or  
other explosives may be buried.  
• Do not disturb any pipeline, particularly if it could  
be carrying flammable gas or liquid.  
• Use reasonable caution in digging toward any  
target, particularly in areas you are uncertain of  
the ground conditions.  
• If you are unsure if you can use your metal  
detector in any area, seek permission from the  
proper authorities.  
5ꢃ  
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1881 W. State Street  
Garland, Texas 75042  
Toll Free: 800.527.4011  
Tel: 972.494.6151  
Fax: 972.494.1881  
© 2008 Garrett Electronics, Inc.  
PN 1525300.D.0608  
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