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Question For Dave J.

PennyFinder

New member
Recently, I picked up an orphaned Radio Shack Discovery 3, part number 630-3008 , that I just had to adopt. :angel:
There is some reference on the net, that this is basically a copy of George Payne's Big Bud Pro SED, is that correct?
Currently, which Bounty Hunter do you folks manufacture is as close to the Big Bud Pro SED in design?
Also you had mentioned one of your favorite Bounty Hunter machines was "one of those 2 knobby jobbies that sells for 50-70 dollars", specifically which models are those?

Kind Regards,
PennyFinder
 
This is some postings on the Discovery 3:
Here is a Detector that was sold just a week ago , on Canadian E-Bay for $72.00 !!!! . The person who got this Metal Detector was laughing all the way to the bank :lol::lol::lol::lol:. He bought a Metal Detector worth 4 times the amount he paid !!!!! He bought a "DISCOVERY 3 " .Was "Top of the line" , and was brand new in 1995 , very rare and very powerfull !!!!!!!! RADIO-SHACKS 100% LEGAL-CLONED COPY of "BOUNTY HUNTER'S BIG BUD PRO SED" . Discovery 3 also is the "Proto-type" of the discovery 3000 . WOW $72.00 Dollars:angry::angry::angry::angry:. If anyone should see this blue and white box that says "DISCOVERY 3" - BUY IT !!! I wish I had better photos , sorry !! OR EVEN BETTER YET , I WISH I OWNED THIS DETECTOR , NOT THE PICTURES:angry::angry::angry::angry:.............. ......Eugene

amtech2005
06-07-2008, 03:22 PM
HERE ARE A FEW MORE PHOTO'S OF DISCONTINUED MODEL'S . AND I AM STILL LOOKING FOR A CLEAN PHOTO OF MICRONTA DISCOVERY 3 !!!! ESPECIALLY THE CIRCUIT BOARD, WHICH WAS REALLY A BIG BUD PRO SED !!!! OK SO HERE ARE 3 PHOTO'S WHICH HAVE A SIMILAR CASE, 2 ARE "BOUNTY HUNTER MODEL'S" AND ONE IS MADE FOR RADIO SHACK. TOP LEFT IS BIG BUD PRO. TOP RIGHT IS MICRONTA DISCOVERY 2 AND BOTTOM RIGHT IS TRACKER I.D./505...............EUGENE


Older long-discontinued Bounty Hunter models:
TR550-D
1D-505
Eliminator X3

Older BH models that may still be sold at outlets or found used:

Tracker3= Walmart Pioneer VLF?

Bounty Hunter "Big Bud" series = ~ Radio Shack 630-3004 Discovery 2 Metal Detector

BH Big Bud Pro SED = RS 63-3008 Discovery 3 Metal Detector

Current BH models and their "equivalents". =~ means "basically equal with some differences":

Fast Tracker= RS 63-3011 Discovery 1000 Metal Detector
Tracker 4= Pioneer 101= Prospector

QuickDraw II = Pioneer 202 = JCPenny Lone Star minus depth readout= ~ Radio Shack 63-3007 Discovery 2000 (minus depth indicator)

Sharpshooter II = RS 630-3012 Discovery 3000 Metal Detector (same as Sharpshooter, but has a volume, also compared to the Land Star, it's sort of "in-between")

Pioneer 505 may be a Landstar without ground balance knob or a SS2 with depth readout.

Land Star = RS 630-3015

Bounty hunter 4" coil = RS 630-3014 Discovery 4" Coil System


The Bounty Hunter Challenger is an exclusive model sold by Bass Pro. The Challenger has a large screen display for the Sensitivity Meter that visually helps you see the size and strength of your located target. Essentially a Tracker IV without the toggle.

The Prospector DX is sold by Bass Pro and is a pioneer 505 by the looks

The Ranger Pro is a Land Ranger sold by Bass Pro


Other Radio Shack Models, that have no Bounty Hunter Equivalents that I am aware of:

28-006 Detector Kit

630-3001 Metal Detector ---made for RS by Alert

630-3003 VLF Discriminator Metal Detactor (Micronta 4003)

630-3005 Metal Detector

630-3006 Discriminator Metal Detector

630-3013 Metal Detector

NEW Radio shack Discovery 1100,2200,3300 are new to Radio shack made by Bounty Hunter.


PennyFinder
 
Here is the manual:

Discovery 3 Metal Detector
(630-300:geek: Specifications Faxback Doc. # 32363

Weight: ........................................................... 3 lbs.

Power Requirement: ..................................... Two 9 V Batteries

Search Coil Size: ............................................ 7.25 Inches

Operating Frequency: ..................................... 6.6 kHz +/- 10%

Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are
subject to change and improvement without notice.



Discovery3 Metal Detector
(630-300:geek: Features Faxback Doc. # 17722

Your Radio Shack Discovery3 Metal Detector is designed for versatility in
all areas of metal detecting and treasure hunting. The Discovery3 lets you
identify and locate precious metals with pinpoint accuracy. It can
distinguish between different types of metals and "tune out" the ones you
don't want to search for. You can use it to hunt for coins, relics,
jewelry, silver or gold, just about anywhere-even near the ocean!

The Discovery3's features include:

Dual LCD Displays - displays the type of metal being
detected and the depth reading at
the same time.

Ultra Slow Sweep VLF Discrimination - distinguishes between different
metals efficiently, even when the
detector is swung at slow speeds.

Three Tone Audio Discrimination - sounds distinctive tones for
different categories of metal
objects to make target
identification easier.

Notch and Auto Notch - let you distinguish between junk
and valuable metal objects, and
automatically reject junk targets.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORY

The best coil to use depends on where and what you will be targeting when
you are in the field. If you are looking for deeply-buried objects, a
medium sized coil, such as the standard coil that came with your detector,
is more efficient. If you are looking for tiny objects and coin-sized
objects that are not buried too deeply, a 4-inch coil might work better.

The Discovery 4-Inch Coil System (Radio Shack Cat. No 63-3009) is highly
sensitive and offers superior performance when hunting for small objects
(such as gold nuggets or small pieces of jewelry), or in mineralized or
highly trashed areas.

Because of its smaller size, the 4-inch coil has a narrower detection field
and is less susceptible to interference from trash items. This makes it
better able to isolate precious metals in trashy areas.


(JC/all-11/02/95)

Discovery3 Metal Detector
(630-300:geek: Assembly Faxback Doc. # 17723

Assembling your Discovery3 Metal Detector is easy and requires no special
tools. Just follow these steps:

1. Using the supplied bolt and nut with knobs, attach the searchcoil to
the lower stem.

2. Press the button on the upper end of the lower stem and slide the
lower stem into the upper stem.

Adjust the stem to a length that lets you maintain a comfortable
upright posture, with your arm relaxed at your side and the searchcoil
level to, and about 1/2 to 2 inches above the ground.

3. Wind the searchcoil cable around the stem. Leave enough slack in the
cable to let you adjust the coil when you are hunting on uneven
ground. Then tighten the knob at the end of the searchcoil.

NOTE: To adjust the coil, simply loosen the knob.

4. Insert the coil's plug into the matching connector on the control
housing. Be sure the holes and pins line up correctly.

CAUTIONS: Do not force the plug or you might damage it.

To disconnect the cable, pull out the plug. Do not pull on
the cable.

INSTALLING THE BATTERIES

Your metal detector requires two 9-volt alkaline batteries, such as Radio
Shack Cat. No. 23-553.

Follow these steps to install the batteries.

1. Press the battery compartment covers in the direction of the arrows.

2. Snap one battery onto each of the terminals, and place the batteries
inside the compartments.

3. Replace the compartment covers.

CAUTION: Only use fresh batteries of the required size and type.

NOTES: The low battery indicator lights briefly when you turn on
power, so you know the detector is working properly and the
batteries are good.

If the low battery indicator stays on continuously, replace the
batteries.

Many metal detector problems are caused by weak, dead, or
improperly connected batteries. If the detector does not come
on, has weak volume, will not tune properly, has erratic
operation, or drifts, replace the batteries.

You can extend battery life by using headphones.

Remove the batteries if you do not plan to use the detector for
a week or more.

USING HEADPHONES

Using headphones (not supplied) with your metal detector makes it easier to
identify subtle changes in the threshold levels for better detection
results, and also reduces drain on the batteries.

The detector has a stereo headphone jack. For the best sound, use stereo
headphones (such as Cat. No. 33-1029 or 33-1125).

To connect headphones, insert the headphones' 1/4-inch plug into the
headphone jack on the side of the detector's control housing.

Listening Safely

To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use headphones.

Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening.
After you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume
listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears
adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause
discomfort might still damage your hearing.

Traffic Safety

Do not wear headphones while operating your detector in traffic areas. This
can create a traffic hazard and is illegal in some areas.

Even though some headphones are designed to let you hear some outside
sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they still present a traffic
hazard.


(JC/all-11/02/95)
Discovery3 Metal Detector
(630-300:geek: Operation Faxback Doc. # 17724

Once your metal detector is assembled, it's time to learn how to use it.
Please read this section thoroughly before you use your Discovery3.

TURNING ON YOUR DETECTOR

Hold the detector in a comfortable position and turn it on by rotating
POWER/mode to DISC, NOTCH, or AUTO NOTCH. The detector sounds three beeps.

SETTING THE MODE

Your Discovery3 has two operating modes: ALL METAL and DISC
(discriminating).

In the ALL METAL mode, the detector sounds a tone for as long as the target
is under the searchcoil. For ALL METAL tuning, push the toggle switch to
TUNE, then release it to the center position.

In the DISC mode, the detector must be in motion to accurately detect an
item, and you can set it to reject iron and various levels of junk item.
For fine tuning, set the toggle switch to DISC (discriminate).

If you set the toggle switch to DISC, use POWER/mode to select the search
mode (DISC, NOTCH, or AUTO NOTCH). See "Fine Tuning" for instructions about
how to use the discriminate mode.

READING THE DISPLAY

The LCD display is located at the top of the control housing. The display
shows a probable identification of the object (on the target ID meter), as
well as its approximate depth (on the depth meter).

The target ID meter displays various coins and metal objects, and a range
from SILVER to GOLD. When the detector senses a target, <--- appears next
to the name of a coin or metal object to show you the type of object it
thinks it is detecting.

NOTE: When the arrow points to a coin, the detector could be sensing
either a coin or another type of metal (such as jewelry, tokens,
medals, or even junk metal).

The depth meter shows about how deep the object is. The window shows
numbers representing inches (from 0 to 10). Two arrows on the display point
to numbers to show a range of possible depths (SHALLOW, MEDIUM, or DEEP).
When the arrows point to 0 and 4, for example, this means the target is 4
inches or less below the surface.

NOTES: Sometimes only one arrow appears to indicate depth.

The depth meter is more effective at detecting small objects than
larger ones.

SWEEPING

Hold the detector in a position that is comfortable for you, as close to
the ground as possible without touching the ground. Sweep from side to side
in about a three-foot arc, at a pace that doesn't wear you out.

Sweep in a slightly overlapping pattern. The search signal peaks as you
pass a target's center.

Try to keep the searchcoil parallel to the ground at all times and avoid
lifting the coil off the ground at the end of each swing.

When you use the detector, some false signals can occur at the end of your
swing. The detector is most susceptible to "ghost" noise when the coil
reverses direction. "Ghost" signals do not repeat as you swing the
searchcoil over the suspected target several times; true target responses
repeat.

Very large (or many closely spaced) junk targets can also cause the
detector to emit "ghost" sounds. Generally these signals sound chopped and
do not repeat, and you can learn to recognize them.

In the ALL METAL mode, if the response is weak, it might be a good deep
target, but if it is very strong, the target is probably junk. When in
doubt, DIG. If you don't dig at all, you are surely passing up some good
finds!

HINTS: Hitting the ground or rocks can cause a false signal similar to the
sound of detecting a target.

If you sweep the coil too high above the ground, you will only be
able to detect targets near the surface.

If you receive a signal and you cannot determine the target, you
might have detected a combination of targets.

THREE TONE AUDIO TARGET IDENTIFICATION (ATI)

When the Discovery3 is in the discrimination (DISC) mode (with the toggle
switch to the left), its Audio Target Identification (ATI) system
automatically classifies metal objects into three categories, to make it
easier to identify your target.

The detector sounds three different tones to distinguish between categories
of detected items: a low tone for small gold and nickel; a medium tone for
most old and new pull tabs and some gold; and a high tone for copper,
silver, and brass.

NOTES: In the DISC mode, the detector does not sound a tone for iron and
steel.

The detector must be in motion to make a detection in the DISC
mode.

ADJUSTING GROUND AND SALTWATER BALANCE

In the ALL METAL mode (with the toggle switch in the center position), the
detector senses any metal, ferrous ( containing iron) or nonferrous.

When you use this mode, you must set GND/salt ADJ to distinguish between
elements commonly found in the ground and metal objects, and to balance the
effects of saltwater when you search near the ocean.

NOTE: If there is metal on or under the ground where you perform this
adjustment, you cannot tell whether any tones you hear are caused by
the metal or by elements in the ground (or salt in the water).
Before you start, be sure there is no metal visible on the ground.
If you think there might be metal under the ground, move to another
spot and proceed.

1. Begin with GND/salt ADJ adjusted toward Salt (if you are searching near
saltwater) or Preset (if you are searching elsewhere), and lift the
searchcoil about waist high in the air.

2. Push the toggle switch toward TUNE and release. The switch springs back
to the middle position.

3. Lower the searchcoil to about one inch above the ground. If the
detector emits a tone, lift the searchcoil waist high in the air and
try again.

4. Turn GND/salt ADJ counterclockwise slightly, about an eighth of a
turn. Push the toggle switch toward TUNE and release again. Then lower
the searchcoil as described in Step 3. If the detector still emits a
tone, repeat this procedure.

When the detector no longer emits a tone when you lower the searchcoil
to the ground, it is properly ground balanced for that area.

IMPORTANT: To assure you achieve an optimum threshold level when adjusting
GND/salt ADJ, turn it in small increments. If you think you've
turned GND/salt ADJ too far counterclockwise, turn it clockwise
until the detector emits a tone, then turn it counterclockwise
slightly until the detector no longer emits a tone.


(JC/-11/02/95)
Discovery3 Metal Detector
(630-300:geek: Fine Tuning Faxback Doc. # 17727

Once you become familiar with how your metal detector works, you can fine
turn it to make it less sensitive to interference and more selective in
what it finds. For example, you can make it tune out undesirable objects
and tune in precious metals, such as having it distinguish between iron and
gold.

ADJUSTING SENSITIVITY

Use SENSITIVITY to adjust the detector's sensitivity to conditions that can
cause it to respond erratically. For example, broadcasting antennas and
power lines can cause false signals.

Although SENSITIVITY does not affect the detector's sensitivity when the
toggle switch is set to ALL METAL, the target ID and depth readings might
be erratic if the sensitivity is set too high when the toggle switch is set
to DISC.

Rotate SENSITIVITY clockwise to increase, or counterclockwise to decrease
the detector's sensitivity. Always set SENSITIVITY as high as possible
while minimizing "ghost" signals.

ADJUSTING DISC/NOTCH

You can set DISC/NOTCH so the detector distinguishes between junk and
valuable metal objects, and only detects the types of objects that you want
to search for.

Using DISC

With POWER/mode set to DISC and the toggle switch in the left (DISC)
position, the control functions as a standard variable discriminator. As
you rotate DISC/NOTCH clockwise from its full counterclockwise position, it
rejects iron, foil, nickels, pull tabs, and screw caps (in that order).

Using NOTCH

When you set POWER/mode to NOTCH with the toggle switch in the left (DISC)
position, DISC/NOTCH functions as a variable notch rejection window. Then
you can adjust DISC/NOTCH to reject (or "notch out") selected types of pull
tabs or other trash.

For example, many types of gold rings are rejected along with nickels, but
you can eliminate some pull tabs without rejecting nickels.

NOTE: Some pull tabs or tab pieces cannot be distinguished from nickels
and gold rings.

To set the DISC/NOTCH position, use a pull tab or other object of the type
you want to reject.

1. Adjust DISC/NOTCH to FOIL.

2. Slowly turn DISC/NOTCH clockwise until the detector emits no sound.

NOTE: Check a nickel to be sure the Discovery3 still detects it.

With DISC/NOTCH properly adjusted, the Discovery3 detects nickels while
rejecting pull tabs.

Using AUTO NOTCH

With the toggle switch in the left (DISC) position and POWER/mode set to
AUTO NOTCH, the detector rejects most trash items and emits a low tone (for
gold and nickel) or a high tone (for copper, silver, and brass).

Expect some targets to be junk items, even if the detector emits a tone.
Besides nickel, other items that might emit a low tone include foil, some
pull tabs, and small gold rings. Besides copper and silver, other items
that might emit a high tone include brass and medals.

You can use DISC/NOTCH to widen the spectrum of discrimination. For
example, as you turn DISC/NOTCH clockwise, the detector rejects zinc
pennies.


(JC/all-11/02/95)
Discovery3 Metal Detector
(630-300:geek: Care and Maintenance Faxback Doc. # 17726

Your Discovery3 Metal Detector is an example of superior design and
craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your metal
detector so you can enjoy it for years.

Handle the metal detector gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage
circuit boards and cases and can cause the metal detector to work
improperly.

Use and store the metal detector only in normal temperature
environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic
devices and distort or melt plastic parts.

Wipe the metal detector with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it
looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong
detergents to clean the metal detector.

The coil is waterproof and can be submerged in either fresh or saltwater.
Be careful to prevent water from entering the chassis. After using the coil
in saltwater, rinse it (the coil) with fresh water to prevent corrosion of
the metal parts.

Modifying or tampering with the detector's internal components can cause a
malfunction and might invalidate your detector's warranty. If your detector
is not performing as it should, take it to your local Radio Shack store for
assistance.


(JC/all-11/02/95)
630-3008 LCD PRO METAL DETECTOR Faxback Doc. # 25575

To order parts call 1-800-843-7422 or visit your local RadioShack store.

Reference # Cat.No. Description NP Part #
------------------------------------------------------------------------
915-855-4206 AA0000X
11455466 LOWER PANEL DB1782
10641918 TAPE G0046
11455748 INSERT HL0288
11455771 3-THUMBSCREWS/1-BOLT HW6303008
11455813 HOUSING J1357
11455821 ATTACHMENT J1369
11455920 KNOBS,CONTROL K4921
11455953 CONNECTORS L0556
11456019 ISOLATOR MB0368
11885720 LOWER STEM MB90008
D318 11452786 MANUAL USERS PHOTO COPY MU6303008
11452786 WARRANTY IS CORRECT MU6303008
11456324 OF CONTROL HOUSING P1614
11456332 CONTROL HOUSING P1615
11456423 DISC/NOTCH/AUTO NOTCH S0802
11456431 SWITCH,MODE TOGGLE S0803
11572708 SPEAKER,2" 8 OHM SP0308
STOCKED XB0000X
11456738 UPPER CASE WITH LABEL Z5393
11456746 INSERTS AND LABELS Z5397
11456753 WITH MALE PLUG & LABEL Z5416

(This list was generated on 07/08/2005)

PennyFinder
 
All I "know" about a RS Discovery 3 is what can reasonably be deduced from your posts. I don't know much about the Big Buds either. I would guess that the present 3300 platform products are the closest we have to the Discovery 3 and that the latter is a lot like the Big Bud.

The low end 2-knob platform I referred to comes in several slightly different flavors depending on the distribution it's being sold through and is most commonly identified as the BH Junior or the BH Fun Finder. I think it's on the BH website as the BH Junior. Unlike some of the Chinese imports in this same price range which were designed by people who didn't know what the heck they were doing, to be sold in mass markets to customers who don't know what the heck they're buying, the BH Jr. works like a real metal detector.

--Dave J.
 
Thanks Dave, you know many folks have a high regard for the Big Bud Pro SE, I wonder if First Texas still has the schematics to build a Big Bud SE II?
That would be cool, I'd buy one. :beers:


PennyFinder
 
Might be one buried in the archives someplace but I've never seen one and wouldn't know where to look for it. Maybe you could pry one loose from Discovery (if they're still in business, I don't know) or from George Payne.

And trust me on this, I know enough about the oldies but goodies to be able to say with complete confidence that if I stumble across a schematic there will be zero temptation to resurrect the thing-- or any other earlier design for that matter, even my own. The 1260-X (my design) revolutionized the beep industry in 1982, over the years the concept got beefed up to the 1266-X which still has fans, and guess what? The 1266-X is in the graveyard never to be resurrected and repainted with some fresh lipstick, and boy am I glad! The 1266-X may (just may) beat an Omega equipped with 11 inch searchcoil in an air test on a 25 cent piece, but in every other respect it flunks comparison, and in 2010 dollars the 1266-X would cost a bunch more than an Omega.

Back in the early 80's I had a '62 Ford Falcon that I really liked. Even though it was a cheapie it was very comfortable and easy to drive. That made it easier to ignore its deficiencies besides the vacuum windshield wipers which were a bad idea from the very beginning, the electric motor had already been around for half a century! About 1990 the Falcon got replaced with a barebones Ford Escort Hatchback. The human comfort that had been engineered into the Falcon was gone, but what remained was tolerable, and for the rest of it? Great gas mileage, nearly the agility of a Jeep on a dirt road, and nearly the carrying capacity of a pickup truck. And working on it? forget it, too much fancy stuff that baling wire and chewing gum couldn't fix.

--Dave J.
 
Yup, I really didn't think the Big Bud Pro SE would be resurrected again, don't hurt to ask though.:wiggle:
Dave I still have my 1266XB, it's like my old pair of shoes...so comfy, it's a great machine for silver.
Don't get wrong, I am not always living in the past, as I do have the T2, F75LTD, Gold Bug SE in my arsenal, it's good to have both analog and digital.
The analog units still give you a lot of information of your targets by the subtle differences of the sounds, which my brain can process.
On the digital units I love the simplicity of the T2 and the GB SE. The expanded iron range is great for my mineralized soil here on the Pacific Northwest with lower conductive targets. Our Canuck coins are copper and nickle plated steel, hard to see on our black sand beaches. I dig all in all metal for higher gold capture.
Oh yes, I have your marvelous Diablo
 
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