DE 280 OUTLAW...................

[Joe(TX)]

.........................I think that this detector is an underdog............or not really given the praise that it deserves!................Probably from the late 1970's or early 1980's ...................It is a VLF/TR..................Mine has a Green Target Light( besides the meter) that glows brightly or dimly..........depends on the target's response!!.........Only fault is the battery compartment ............all the batteries has a very tight fit plus the battery cover is easily lost!!...............Joe

 

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[Keppy]

.........................I think that this detector is an underdog............or not really given the praise that it deserves!................Probably from the late 1970's or early 1980's ...................It is a VLF/TR..................Mine has a Green Target Light( besides the meter) that glows brightly or dimly..........depends on the target's response!!.........Only fault is the battery compartment ............all the batteries has a very tight fit plus the battery cover is easily lost!!...............Joe

Show a picture of it

 

[csyfjks]

Hi I have a DE 280, and was wondering if you had any information about it, or knew where to find it. when i put batteries in it it makes noise, and the green light lights up constantly, and i don't know what most of the knobs do. I would be grateful for any help

 

[Joe(TX)]

Hi I have a DE 280, and was wondering if you had any information about it, or knew where to find it. when i put batteries in it it makes noise, and the green light lights up constantly, and i don't know what most of the knobs do. I would be grateful for any help

...................Forgive me for not looking at my DE 280 Outlaw-detector right now (I had a long day!).........The battery compartment has connections for a 9 volt battery and for a 1.5 volt 8 pack(?) You may have this reversed!!??...............Hold the Push button on the end of the handle and rotate the tuning control until ty you can regulate the threshold sound!...........You may have to do full rotations on this control to the right 5 or 10 turns if no response ...........go into reverse to the left and rotate it until you can regulate the threshold of sound.....Once you get to the threshold sound you can release the push button .................If the batteries were in the wrong positions and you corrected it the green light should go off and only light up upon contact of a target.............Sorry do not know of any repair shops in the Austin area........I can give you info about Keith Wills of www.brokendetector.com GOOD LUCK JOE

 

[huggie]

Old post I know,try www.treasureenterprises.com in queensland australia,they have photocopies of most of
the old manuels for bountyhunters only a couple of aussie dollars.Hope this helps
Huggie

 

[Ed in SoDak]

NOTE: The following manual was scanned with OCR software. Be aware that there may be a few misspellings or anomalies due to the inaccuracies of the software translation. Images are excluded due to the memory requirements; therefore, there will be references to illustrations that do not exist in this text only document.

Outlaw DE 280

INTRODUCTION

The Outlaw is a Very low Frequency discriminating metal detector, utilizing the balanced Transmit/Receive CTR) technique to provide excellent stability and sensitivity in an all purpose instrument. In the All-Metal mode, not only are all metals detected but ground mineralization can be rejected to allow operation in all types of soil conditions.

In the "Discriminating" mode the Outlaw DE 280 is an ideal detector for the serious coinshooter, allowing the operator to control the amount of rejection of unwanted "junk" targets. Rather than a good/bad indication, the Outlaw merely ignores unwanted targets, yielding no audio tone as the coil passes over them.

Do NOT use pliers or wrench to tighten knurled collar.

Control and features of your Outlaw DE 280

1) On/Off Volume Control. Turning knob clockwise turns the instrument on and increases the audio volume level. Rotating this control completely counterclockwise until it clicks turns the instrument off. Since the audio indication for a detected target is an increase in volume (loudness), the volume control should be near maximum. If the volume control is turned too low, weak responses to deep targets may be lost due to insufficient volume.

2) Tuning Control. The Tuning Control is used to adjust the detector circuitry for maximum sensitivity. Maximum sensitivity is that point at which the sound just starts. This point is called the "Threshold".

3) Mode Selector. This is a two position toggle switch which is used to select the desired operating characteristics of the detector, based on the type of searching being done. The two position)s are as follows~

a) All-Metal: In this position the detector will respond to all metals, both ferrous and nonferrous.

b) Discriminate: In this position, the detector will still respond to nonferrous metals such as gold, silver, and copper, but will reject tinfoil, bottle caps, pull tabs, and other pieces of trash.

4) Discriminating Level Control. The control allows the operator to set the desired degree of trash rejection while in the Discriminate mode. The amount of discrimination (rejection of unwanted targets) is at minimum when the control is turned to "O" (fully counterclockwise) and increases as the control is turned clockwise toward 10.

5) Ground Adjust. This control, when properly adjusted, enables the operator to reject ground mineralization which otherwise would cause a loss in depth and stability. The detector can only be "ground adjusted" in the All-Metal made.

6) Earphone Jack. This jack enables operator to bypass the speaker for private listening by using headphones. Headphones are especially desirable in noisy areas where background noise can drown out the weaker signals which normally indicate the older, more valuable targets. The jack is designed for standard 4-16 ohm stereo headphones with 2/4" plug.

7) Meter. Provides a visual target indication. Meters are used in conjunction with the audio response to verify in-doubt signals or to aid in pinpointing.

8) Battery Test. Provides a meter indication of remaining battery supply power.

9) Detection Indicating Light. Indicates the strength of signal. The stronger the signal, the brighter the light will burn.

10) Push-button Tuning Button. The Outlaw DE 280 features a convenient thumb-push button at the tip of the handle that eliminates the need to manually adjust the tuning control once the unit is tuned and adjusted for searching. The push button is used as follows:

Hold push button in.

Turn tuning knob clockwise until the "Threshold" of sound is reached.

c) Release push button.

d) When retuning is required due to changing modes, discrimination level, or changing ground conditions, simply depress button momentarily and release. This will retune the detector to the original setting.

The unit is now adjusted to respond positively to all coins and jewelry but to ignore tin foil and ferrous objects such as nails and rusty bottle caps. Aluminum is not being rejected at this setting. Fortunately, almost all foil is tin foil and not aluminum foil. However, the aluminum pull-tab does present a problem. The Discrimination Level Control can be increased to the point at which pull-tabs are rejected. However, this causes some loss in sensitivity, and nickel coins and Some small gold rings are lost. For this reason, most serious coinshooters do not choose to reject pull-tabs until it is absolutely necessary, such as under bleachers or around picnic tables.

Note that if the coil passes less than an inch over a piece of trash, you may hear a sharp audio "blip". This blip is caused by the circuitry being overdrawn, and the unit will not give a normal target sound. To make certain that you have passed over a piece of trash, raise the coil two inches above the target, retune, and pass over it again. Only good targets will respond.


NOTE: The DE 280 Outlaw is shipped with both 8" and 12" diameter search coils. The 8" coil is a general purpose coil and is especially desirable for "coinshooting" (searching for coins and jewelry, usually in a fairly concentrated area). Maneuverability and pinpoint ability are more important for this type of hunting. The 12" coil is ideal when added ground coverage and more depth on larger targets is desired, for example in relic or cache hunting.

The Outlaw DE 280 has been designed far simplicity of operation, but, as is the case with any detector, operator skill and familiarity with the instrument will determine, in large part, the success of the hunt. We recommend that you read thoroughly the operating instructions and spend some time familiarizing yourself with the instrument. The time you spend doing this will pay off handsomely later.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Set the All-Metal/Discriminate mode selector switch to the desired position, based on the type of searching being done.

All-Metal -- for relic or cache hunting when all metals including iron~ wanted, for coin hunting in areas relatively free of trash, or for use in highly mineralized soil' which prevents adequate performance in the Discriminate mode.

Discriminate - searching for coins and jewelry (coinshooting) in trashy areas with average or better ground conditions.

ALL METAL MODE 1. Turn the On/Off-Volume control fully clockwise. 2. Depress push-button.

3. While holding push button depressed, rotate tuner control clockwise until sound just starts (threshold) and then release button. 4. Lower the search coil to the ground.

a) If the sound DECREASES, turn the Ground Adjust contra! clockwise approximately one full turn.

b) If the sound INCREASES, turn the Ground Adjust counterclockwise. Raise the search coil at least one foot above the ground and depress push button to retune. Lower the search coil to the ground again and if the sound changes, repeat step (a) or (b) accordingly.

Repeat this procedure, turning the ground adjust in smaller and smaller increments until you obtain the least amount of change in sound when going from air to ground with search coil. II

The detector has now been "ground adjusted" so that searching may be done independent of ground conditions.

NOTE: The Ground Adjust is a I0-turn control and may require several turns for proper adjustment. There is a slight drag to indicate each end of the control. If the ground adjust is improperly adjusted (i.e., if it is turned to the extreme right), the unit will actually reject coins and jewelry in the normal mode.

Sweep the coil across the ground in an are about 6 feet wide, advance about b inches and sweep the coil back, overlapping each are. (See Search Techniques) An object detected will cause an increase in sound level.

It would be good practice to bury several coins about one inch to three inches deep in your yard and practice detecting them to familiarize yourself with the instrument and its control and to practice pinpointing the buried objects.

When using the detector in short grass, the coil can be slid back and forth on top of the grass to help maintain the constant height and maximum sensitivity.

NOTE: All of the time you spend practicing with your detector will pay off in increased finds and in digging smaller holes to recover them.

DISCRIMINATE MODE:

The Discriminate mode allows the operator to control the detector response to unwanted items such as nails, tin foil, bottle caps, and aluminum pull-tabs. The amount of rejection of such junk" finds is controlled by the "Discriminate Level Control." The setting of this control has no effect on the detector when used in the "All-Metal" mode.

To begin searching in the Discriminate mode, place the mode selector in the Discriminate position, and the Discriminate Level Control on minimum degree (O). When changing from All-Metal to Discriminate, the threshold will be lost. Simply press the push-button to retune to the threshold.

Mineralized Soil:

If the ground becomes highly mineralized, it is recommended that the searching be done in All-Metal until a target is detected; then, if desired, the unit can be switched to Discriminate to verify before digging. At a sacrifice in sensitivity, it is possible to search in the Discriminate mode in some mineralized areas by detuning the detector slightly. By operating just below the threshold, the false target indications due to mineralization can be eliminated.

NOTE: The electronic circuitry of this detector was designed to provide excellent stability but, as with any detector, it is a good idea to check the control settings occasionally to maintain the best sensitivity and discrimination level.

NOTE: Approximately 90% of the problems from metal detectors are caused by weak, dead, or improperly connected batteries. If the unit does not come on, or comes on but has weak volume, will not tune properly, has erratic operation, or drifts - CHECK THE BATTERIES !

When replacing batteries, make sure fresh batteries are purchased. Many units are received at the factory for repair because bad batteries were replaced by "new" batteries with expired shelf life.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

The Outlaw DE 280 is equipped with two battery packs -- a 9 volt pack containing six (6) 1.5 v batteries and a 12 volt pack containing eight (8) 1.5 v. batteries.

Access to the batteries is gained by pulling out on the nylon snaplok fastener on the battery cover on the rear of the unit and removing the cover.

A battery lead connector snaps to the respective battery terminals. The "8" (9 volt) battery pack powers part of the circuitry and the "A" (12 volt) battery pack powers the remaining circuitry, plus the audio output.

Batteries should last from 15-30 hours of use, depending on the make and freshness of the batteries and the length of hunt periods. Using headphones will extend the battery life of the "A" battery.

When replacing the battery cover, insert the cover tabs in the slots, close the cover inserting the snaplok fastener through the round hale and press the fastener until it snaps into the locked position.

Caution:

When the detector is to be stored for a month or more, it is a good practice to remove the batteries from the unit as weak batteries can vent and leak. This leakage is corrosive and fan do serious damage to the unit.

PROPER CARE OF YOUR DETECTOR

Metal detectors are sensitive electronic instruments. Although it does not have to be babied, reasonable care must be taken to help ensure a long trouble-free life for your detector.

KEEP IT CLEAN -- Take a few minutes after each use to remove dirt and dust. Wipe the housing and wash the coil, especially if it has been dipped in salt water. A plastic bag over the control box at the beach will help protect the unit from sand and prevent corrosion due to salt air.

KEEP IT COOL -- Never store your detector in an extremely hot environment, such as an automobile trunk in the summer, for extended periods of time. The' prolonged heat will not only shorten battery life considerably, but can cause electronic component breakdown.

KEEP If SAFE -- Never transport your detector in such a manner that will subject it to extreme vibration or shock. The unit may be cushioned by wrapping it in a blanket or by putting it in a carrying bag or case designed for the purpose.



TREASURE HUNTING TIPS

1. Use headphones They are more sensitive than the speaker and will greatly increase the audio battery life.

2. Always try to run the coil as close to the ground as possible. Coil covers are available to protect the c~oil when scrubbing the ground. 3. In order to thoroughly cover an area, always search in both directions. Many deeper coins on edge might be missed going North and South, but detected~d going East and West.

4. After you have dug up a coin, always recheck the hole. It is not unusual to find several coins in one hole.

5. If a strong signal is received but then last after cutting a divot, check the loose dirt at the bottom of the hole for a coin on edge. 6. In order to do the very best in a particular area, try searching immediately following a good rain while the soil is damp. Coins, jewelry, and relies oxidize. This oxidation causes a "halo" effect surrounding the item. The longer an item is buried, the larger it appears to the detector. This Halo effect is more pronounced when the soil is damp. Not only are the signals stronger at this time, but probing is also easier when the ground is soft.

Don't worry about how many times a particular area has been searched. Usually the very best finds still remain in a supposedly "worked" area. Persistence and a positive attitude are the two main ingredients for successful treasure hunting.

Use your imagination. It's your best source for ideas of places to search - possibly productive areas previously overlooked by other THers, but...

9. Also listen to the "pros" with many years of TH'ing experience. If they say that old church yards are good for old coins, or swimming areas are the best places to find lost jewelry, etc., you can bet that they know what they are talking about.



PLEASE -- -- -

Help protect our great hobby by respecting the rights of others. Always obtain permission before searching on private property. Be extremely careful with your probing, picking up and discarding trash, and ALWAYS COVER YOUR HOLES.

 

[jeff of pa]

The Outlaw DE 280 is equipped with two battery packs -- a 9 volt pack containing six (6) 1.5 v batteries and a 12 volt pack containing eight (8) 1.5 v. batteries.

Access to the batteries is gained by pulling out on the nylon snaplok fastener on the battery cover on the rear of the unit and removing the cover.

A battery lead connector snaps to the respective battery terminals. The "8" (9 volt) battery pack powers part of the circuitry and the "A" (12 volt) battery pack powers the remaining circuitry, plus the audio output.

boomboom402 I Believe you need these

 

[boomboom402]

Thank you very much, think i'm going to like this site !

 

[jeff of pa]

Thank you very much, think i'm going to like this site !

Your Welcome boomboom !

& Welcome to treasureNet.

Radio Shack still Carries the Packs I Think

If not

EBay usually has them.

Just make sure they are the type
with the 9 Volt Battery type connector
& Not wire connection types

http://cgi.ebay.com/Battery-Holder-...205?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4150e3cb2d

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-1-PCS-6-x-A...331?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27af26f49b

 

[Deleted member 103125]

Hello Jeff, A CLUELESS NOOB, I picked up a Bounty Hunter VLF-TR-D / DE-280 at a local thrift store for a few bucks. It seemed to all be rattling around as pieces in a cardboard box. Knowing which end of a soldering iron NOT to grab I got it all put back together The batteries were corroded and the back battery cover was missing. Used a Q-TIP moistened with LIMEAWAY ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lime-A-W...st-Remover-With-Toggle-Top-Only-One/346524781 ) to remove the crud before using a DREMEL with a brass wire wheel to clean it all up. The dried-on duct tape residue came off with charcoal lighter fluid and a plastic single-edge razor blade ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Expert-G...ess-Lighter-Fuel-32-Oz/117320624?athbdg=L1200 https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...4756386273.htm?tid=-110183474997191843&ipos=2 ) One of the coils needed to have some sliced wires soldered and re-insulated. Then fabricated a battery door cover of PLEXI held in place by Self Adhesive Industrial 3M Fasteners ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/3M-244890-1-x-1-in-Extreme-Fasteners-Black-44-12-Count/628411851 ). HELP! WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT; HAVE A PROBLEM. The downloaded instructions show TWO battery boxes; one 6xAA ( 9v) and one 8xAA (12v ). Mine has TWO SNAP TOP 9vDC batteries Am I doing something wrong ? The 280 turns on, the battery checker seems to work and fiddling around some metal stuff indeed was detected on my living room floor ? One last question; can I use the same corrosion inhibitor from PERMATEX ( https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...65-c-10098.htm?tid=1069002615903706599&ipos=1 ) I rely on with my TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE ? Thank you for your patience .

boomboom402 I Believe you need these

View attachment 493857 View attachment 493861

 

[jeff of pa]

WOW when it comes to questions like that.
Your going way over my Head.

Hopefully someone else here can pipe in.
Cool you got it working though with parts falling off , I'd have given up