THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING GARRETT METAL DETECTORS!

Congratulations! As the proud owner of the Garrett GTAx 550™ you have joined an international family of treasure hunters. Men, women and children alike have used their Garrett detectors to find coins, relics and gold nuggets that are valued in the millions of dollars. So, to get the most out your GTAx 550 and treasure hunting experiences be sure to carefully read through this Owner's Manual!

Your GTAx 550 is engineered with microprocessor based technology and is backed by 40 years of metal detection research and development by Garrett's leading team of engineers. It is remarkable in its ability to locate coins, jewelry and other metallic objects at exciting depths. And with Garrett's revolutionary Graphic Target Analyzer (GTA™) display that offers

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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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GTAx 550 6Parts 7Assembly 8Features 11 TargetIDLegend 11 UpperScale 12 LowerScale 12 Batt(Battery) 13 HipMount 13Touchpads/Controls 15 Power 15 Pinpoint 16 SetDepth 16 Accept/Reject 18 SetAudio 18 -and+ 20HuntingwiththeGTAx550 21 Pinpointing 22 CoinDepthMeasurement 24 ProperScanningTechniques 25JunkTargets 28

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MakingAdjustments 29 ModeA(ZeroDiscrimination) 31 ModeB(Coins) 31 SettingDiscrimination 32BenchTests 36TestPlotConstruction 38HeadphoneJack 39Batteries 40Searchcoils 43RecommendedAccessories 44Maintenance 45SpecializedHunting 46Service&Repair 49RecommendedReading 51RAMBooksOrderForm 53Specifications 55MindYourManners! 57Warning! 58

GARRETT GTAx 550™

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Searchcoil

LowerStem

UpperStem

ControlHousing

LCDScreen

TouchpadControls

PaddedArmCuff

HeadphoneJack

DetectorStand

HandleGrip

S-shapedRamrodStem

SpringClip

ThreadedBolt

Washer

Knob

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PARTS

Before assembling your GTAx 550 metal detectorensure you have the complete set of parts, whichinclude:•ControlHousingw/S-RamrodStem•UpperStem•LowerStemwithSpringClip•Two(2)MountingWashers•One(1)WingNut•One(1)ThreadedBolt•SearchcoilwithCable•InstructionVideo(notshownbelow)•WarrantyRegistrationCardIfanypartismissing,contactyourlocaldealer.

GTAx 550 ASSEMBLYNo tools are required to assemble the GTAx 550.Handtightenallnecessaryparts.

1.PressthetwoMountingWashersintotheLowerStem.Figure1.

2.SlidethesearchcoilontotheStem.Figure2

8Figure2

Figure1

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3. Insert the Threaded Bolt through the holes oftheLowerStemandSearchcoil. Hand-tighten thesearchcoil assembly with the remaining Wing Nut.Figure3.

4. Depress the Spring Clip and insert the ControlHousingintotheUpperStem.

5. Depress the Spring Clip in the Lower Stem toadjust to the most comfortable operating length.Figure4.

Figure4

Figure3

6.WraptheSearchcoilcablesnuglyaboutthestemwiththefirstturnofthecableoverthestem.Figure5.

7.InserttheCableintotheConnectoroftheControlHousingandhand-tighten.Figure6.

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Figure5

Figure6

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FEATURES

TheGTAx 550 isdesignedwithGarrett'sexclusiveGraphic Target ID technology, which indicates theprobableidentityofatargetalongahorizontalscalethat reads from low conductive metals (e.g iron)onthelefttohighconductivemetals(e.g.silver)ontheright.

1. Target ID Legend -ATarget ID Legend islocateddirectlyabovetheLCDscreenandindicatescommonlyfoundtargetsandmetals.Whenatarget

isdetected, theTarget IDcursorwillappearbelowthe word or symbol that most likely indicates thetypeoftargetfound,basedonitsconductivity.

2. Upper Scale - The Upper Scale has fourpurposes:•Indicatestargetdiscovered•Indicateslevelsofsettings•Indicatesmaximumpinpointsignal•Indicatesthecursor'slocationforchangingdiscriminationnotches

3. Lower Scale - The Lower horizontal scale,or Notch Discrimination Scale, indicates thediscrimination pattern where the GTAx 550 will orwillnotproduceanaudiblesignalwhenatarget islocated. Noaudiblesignalwill beproducedwhenatargetislocatedwhereanotch(regionsofLowerScalewherenosegmentsarevisible)ispresent.

The Lower Scale also indicates Coin Depth whenpinpointing.

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5. BATT (Battery) - Battery condition is reportedcontinuously by the horizontal row of squares onthelowerrightoftheGTAdisplay.Fourarevisiblewhenfullychargedbatteriesarebeingused.Whenonly one square remains, battery life is two hoursor less. Although it is not necessary to changebatteries until this warning flashes, you shouldalwayshavesparessothatyouwillbeready.Whenusingrechargeablebatteries,onlythreesquareswillgenerallybeilluminatedwithfullychargedbatteries.However, when only one square is visible, batterylifehasdiminishedtotwohoursorless.

6. Hip Mount-Hipmountadaptabilityisbuiltintothe550.Sincenoextensioncablecordisrequired,youneverhavetoworryaboutwindingitaroundthedetector'sstemorcarryingitwithyou.

When you slip off the hip mount battery pack andattachittoyourbeltwiththebuilt-inclip,youreducetheweightofyourdetectorbyalmostapound.Thecablecordisconvenientlycoiledtopreventtangling.When you use this hip mount feature the detector

weighs less than2pounds.Yet,allof thecontrolsarestilleasilyaccessibleandyourGTAx 550displayisvisibleonthecontrolstemofthedetector.

The removable hip mount pack and built in coiledcable permit easy reassembly for carrying andstorage.

When reassembling, make certain the coil coredslides into its tube and is not pinched in any waybetweenthearmrestandbatterycompartment.

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TOUCHPADS / CONTROLS

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POWER-PressandreleasethePOWERtouchpadtoturnthedetectoronandoff.

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

ThePOWERtouchpadcanalsobeusedtoresetallsettingstofactorypresetbypressingandholdingfor5to10seconds,oruntilthedetectorsbeeps.

2. PINPOINT(CoinDepth)-Activatespinpointingfunctionandindicatesdepthofcoin-sizedtargetsontheLowerScaleoftheGraphicDisplay.

3. LAST MODE - Returns the detector to theoperating mode previously used. This touchpadcanbeparticularlyhelpfulwhilescanningbecauseit effectively converts your GTAx 550 into a dualmodedetector.

NOTE:PressingandreleasingthetouchpadmakesiteasytoalternatebetweentheAandBModes.

4. SET DEPTH(Sensitivity)-Permitsusingthe+and-touchpadstoregulatedepth(sensitivity)ofthedetector.WhentheDepthtouchpadispressed,thedisplayscreenwillappearwith factorysettingsat approximately 75%, as indicated on the UpperScale.Youcanusethe+and-touchpadstoadjustthe depth (sensitivity) to which your detector willoperateeffectively.

After pressing the Depth touchpad, press (+) to

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increasedepthandsensitivity;press(-)todecrease.A single touch and release adjusts the level in asmall increment. A continuous pressing results ina continuous adjustment. When you have madeyouradjustment,pressDepthagaintoreenteryourpreviousoperatingmode.

Although maximum depth is usually desired, anydetector'scircuitrymaybelimitedbythetypeofsoilsover which you are scanning, electromagnetic orpowerlineinterference,etc.Suchconsiderationsasgroundmineralizationwillalsoinhibit thedetector'sability to interpret target information. This Depth(Sensitivity) control option permits you to regulatesensitivity.Thiswillresultinachievingthemaximumdetectiondepthpossible in relation toanyexistingcondition.

Garrett engineers designed your GTAx 550 formaximumdetectiondepthpower,but youmaynotalwaysbeabletooperateatadepthsettingof100%;thesamewayyouwouldn'toperateyourautomobileat 100% of its speed. Outside electromagnetic

interference and irregular ground mineralizationmay sometimes require reduced sensitivity whichusuallyresultsinlessdetectiondepth.

Do not worry about losing "deep" targets whenyoureducethissetting.Youwillnotloseanydepthsinceyouwillalwaysbeoperatingasdeeplyassoilconditionspermit.

Attemptingtooperateaboveasensitivity levelthatpermits a quiet and stable audio threshold mayactuallycauseyoutomissdeeptargetsyouwouldhavefoundhadyounot"pushed"thedetector.

5. ACCEPT / REJECT-Permitsacceptanceorrejectionofspecific targetsegmentsshownon theLowerScaletoestablishdiscriminationnotches.

6. SET AUDIO - Permits using the + and -touchpads to regulate the audio threshold. Whentheaudio touchpad is pressed, thedisplay screenwillappear,usethe(+)and(-)touchpadstoadjustthe threshold of sound that is constantly being

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produced by the GTAx 550 as it scans. Multipletouchesandreleasesarenecessarytoincreaseordecrease threshold by one Upper Scale segmentatatime.

Youcansearchsilentlyoratany levelof constantsound.Itisrecommendedthatyoualwaysoperatetheinstrumentataminimumlevelofsound.Youcanhear theaudio increasesharplywhenevera targetisencountered.

Also,youwillbeabletoheareventhefaintsignalsthat sometimes occur on tiny targets or deeplyburied coins. When headphones are used, it willusuallybenecessarytodecreasethethresholdlevelsincesoundismoreaudiblethroughheadphones.

After you have made audio adjustments, pressAUDIO to re-enter your previous operating mode.TheGTAx 550 isequippedwithGarrett'sexclusiveBelltone Coin Alert™ that produces a distinctiveringing tone when a target of high conductivity,usuallyacoin,isdiscovered.

- AND + - Use these touchpads to adjust levels ofthresholdanddepthandtomovethecursorintheUpperScalewhensettingthediscrimination.

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HUNTING WITH THE GTAx 550

Therearenodialstoturnandnocontrolstoadjust.Just take the handle of your GTAx 550 and lowerthesearchcoiltoalevelofaboutonefootabovetheground. Press and release the POWER touchpad.After you hear two beeps, the GTAx 550 is readyfordetecting inModeB,which isa factorypre-setCOINSmode.Whenever thedetectorhasbeen inuse,itwillalwaysreturntothemodethatwasbeingusedwhenitwasturnedoff.

NOTE:Onlyalighttouchisnecessarytoactivateatouchpad.

As noted, the GTAx 550 begins operating withdiscrimination at factory-set levels. These settingscanbechangedeasilybutyoumayneverwanttodoso. It is recommended thatyouuse thesesettingsthefirstfewhoursofhuntingwithyourdetector.

Target IdentificationTargetidentificationofthelasttargetoverwhichthesearchcoil passed will be indicated on the UpperScaleofthegraphicdisplay.Inmostcasesthetypeof coin can also be determined by using the coinID guide. Encrustation or patina—and sometimesground mineralization—may affect conductivity ofthecoinresultinginimproperclassification.

RecoveryWhenever your detector locates a target, you'llwanttorecoveritwiththeleastamountofdigging.Locating your target precisely will enable you torecover it by digging the smallest hole possible.This is accomplished by pinpointing. (You canthen utilize another function of the GTAx 550 formeasuringcoindepth.)

1. Manual PinpointingPinpointtargetsbyfirstdrawinganimaginaryXonthe ground with the searchcoil at the place wheremaximum sound occurs. You'll notice that thesearchcoil must be moving slightly and that you

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cannotmaintaindetectionsoundwiththesearchcoilheldcompletelystillaboveyourtarget.Thisiscalledmanual pinpointing and for many treasure huntersprovescompletelysatisfactory.

2. Electronic PinpointingPrecisepinpointingisanimportantcapabilityofyourGTAx 550. Whenyoupressandhold thepinpointtouchpad,thesearchcoilcanremainsteady,directlyover your target. Move it around slightly andmaximum sound will be heard when the target isdirectlyoveryourtarget.ThisincreasewillbefurtherreflectedintheUpperScaleofyourgraphicdisplay.IlluminationoftheLowerScale'ssegmentsfromlefttorightwillindicatethedepthofyourtarget.

For themosteffectiveelectronicpinpointing,placethe searchcoil on the ground near your target'sapparent location. Press and hold the Pinpointtouchpad. Scan back and forth across the target,maintaining searchcoil contact with the ground.Youwillnoticeaneven,moredistinctaudiosoundwhenthetarget isdirectlybeneaththesearchcoil'scenter.

YoucanalsowatchtheUpperScaleilluminatefromrighttolefttoindicatesignalstrength.Themaximumreading attained toward the left will indicate exacttargetlocation.

Coin Depth Measurement

Pinpointtargetsasdirectedabove.Aftercompletingthe pinpoint operation (maximum reading on theUpper Scale) and while still pressing the Pinpointtouchpad, check the Lower Scale to determinecoindepthininches.Youwillnoticethatcoindepthalways indicates the shallowest (most accurate)readingeventhoughsubsequentscansacrossthetarget,offcenter,showgreaterdepthontheLowerScale.

Since the final step in recovery usually entailsdigging,youwillwanttodevelopyourownmethod(s)

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WhenPinpointbuttonishelddown,thelowerscaleindicatesthetarget'sdepthininches.

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of digging targets, depending on the grass, soilconditions, etc. Always make as small a hole aspossible.Itisquicker,requireslessworkandmakesrefillingeasier.Youshouldalwaysfillyourholes.

Proper Scanning TechniquesSwingthesearchcoilbackandforthinfrontofyouinastraightline.Keepthesearchcoilmovingatarateofaboutonetotwofeetpersecond.BecauseofthesensitivityoftheGTAx 550andits PROformance™searchcoil, it is not necessary to operate with thesearchcoil touchingtheground.Therecommendedoperating method is to hold the coil at a constantheightaboutoneor two inchesabove theground.Detectionof ametal targetwill be indicatedbyanincrease in sound and indications on your display.Garrett's exclusive Belltone CoinAlert will indicateyou have discovered a target of high conductivity,probablyacoin.

Locateyour targetpreciselybyscanningbackandforthover the target todeterminewhere thesignalistheloudest.

TheUpperScaleofthegraphicdisplaywillindicateadetectedtarget.Thisindicationwillremainforfivesecondsoruntilanewtargetisdetected(whichevercomes first). The Target ID Guide located abovetheGraphicDisplaywillhelpidentifyyourdetectedtarget.

When scanning, do not hurry. Walk at a pacethat is comfortable. Be methodical. Do not skipany areas. Overlap each sweep at least 25%of the searchcoil's width. Wear headphones forgreatersoundperceptionandconcentrateonyourscanning.

Erratic SoundsWhen a metallic object is accepted, the detector'sspeaker or headphone sound will increase fromyour audio threshold level. Some rejected targets,however, may cause the audio to "break up" orsound erratic. This is generally a response toshallow trash targets and can be remedied byraisingtheheightofyoursearchcoilwhenscanning.Another indication of a reject target is an audio

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signalasyouscanonewayandnoresponsewhenscanningfromtheotherdirection.

With ExperienceAfteryouhaveusedtheGTAx 550 foronlyashorttime, you will be surprised at how proficient youhave become with it. Do not expect to achievethe greatest accuracy and success until you havehunted with this detector for at least 100 hours ormore.Don't forget to takeCharlesGarrett'sadvicetopressonlyonetouchpadandsearchinthefactorypresetCoinsModeforatleast10hoursduringyourlearningphase.

Perfect practice makes more perfect treasurehunting. The more you use your detector in thecorrectmanner,themoretreasureyouarelikelytodiscover.

JUNK TARGETS

YourGTAx 550,initsfactorysetB(Coins)detectionmode,willnot respondaudibly tomost junk items.Occasionally, you'll encounter targets that causethedetector torespondwithaquick,sharpsound,notliketheclear,strongsignalofacoin.Beforeyoudigupsomeofthetargetsthatmakeirregularaudio"blips", see how they register on the Upper Scaleof the graphic display. Learn to recognize them.BecauseyourGTAx 550,inthefactorypresetModeBissetprimarilytohuntcoins,itwillalsopreciselyidentify small junk targets. Some larger objectssuch as aluminum cans may, however, present a"good" audio signal due to their composition.Thisisnormal.

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MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

When you first press the POWER touchpad, yourGTAx 550isreadytohunt,intheB(Coins)operatingmodewiththreshold,depthanddiscriminationpresetat the factory. Anyorallof theseoperating levelscanbeeasilychanged.

Whenever your detector is on it will return to thedetection mode in which it was previously beingused. Mode selection will be illuminated on thegraphicdisplay.YoucanchangetotheothermodesimplybypressingtheLastModetouchpad.

In addition to the familiar Zero and Coinsdiscriminationdetectionmodespresetatthefactoryas ModesA and B, the GTAx 550 permits a userto design personal modes through use of the (+)and(-)touchpads.Itisimportanttorememberthatthesespecialmodesofdetectioncanbechosenatthediscretionoftheindividualoperator.ManyGTAx 550ownerswillneveruseindividualmodesandwillhuntonlyinthepresetB(Coins)orA(Zero)modes.

Relic hunters, prospectors and others may adaptoneofthesetohuntforspecifictargets.

AnypersonalpreferenceadjustmentsyouhavesetintheGTAx 550withthevariousoperatingfunctionswill be retained when the detector is turned off.Because ground and / or atmospheric conditionscanvary fromplace toplace, itmaybenecessaryforyoutoadjustDEPTH(Sensitivity)occasionally.

Remember that you can instantly restore thefactory-set levels of all its controls. Simply pressand hold the POWER touchpad for approximatelytenseconds,oruntilthedetectorbeeps.

Operating Mode DescriptionsTheGTAx 550isaslow-motiondetectorwithpreciseground balance. The searchcoil can be hoveredover a target for only a few seconds because ofautomaticcircuitry.Itshouldalwaysbekeptmovingslightly forproper targetdetection tooccur,exceptwhen the pinpoint touchpad is pressed. Detectionwill then continue with the touchpad depressed,evenwhenthesearchcoilisstationary.

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Mode A (Zero Discrimination) Youwillwanttohunt inthisdetectionmode,whichispresetwithnodiscrimination,whensearchingforcachesordeeprelics.Youmayalsowishtohuntinthismodewhenhuntinginareaswithmanytargetsspaced closely together. This will help to identifyindividual targets and improve recovery of coinsandothertreasure.Goldhuntingwillalsobecarriedout in a ZERO discrimination mode. Because nodiscrimination is programmed in this mode, yourdetector will give an audible signal announcingeverypieceofmetalitscansover.Remember,youcan always return to the alternate discriminationmodetoquicklycheckatargetbypressingtheLASTMODEtouchpad.

Mode B (Coins)Discriminationpresetatthefactorymodeisdesignedtoeliminatethedetectionoflowerconductivitytrashtargets normally encountered in coin hunting suchasfoil,nailsandmostpulltabs.Bentpulltabsandpulltabpiecesmaynotbeeliminatedfromdetection.Successfultreasurehunters,however,expecttodigsomejunkonoccasion.

Setting Discrimination (Selecting Notches)Using only the discrimination of its two factory-setoperatingmodes,theGTAx 550willmorethansatisfythe requirements of almost every treasure hunter.Many will never require any other discrimination.Still, this detector offers more; it offers precisecontrols thatenableany treasurehunter to tailoradetectionmode tohisorherspecific requirementsbysettingaccept/rejectnotches.

The Lower Scale of the Graphic Display containssegments. Those that are displayed representtargets that will cause the detector's sound toincrease when they are detected. In Mode A forinstance, all segments shown indicate that everymetal target will cause the GTAx 550 to respondaudibly.Specificnotchescanbecreatedbyaddingor removing targets from acceptance in eitheroperatingmode.

EverytargetdetectedwillalwaysbeindicatedbythetargetIDcursor.

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Therearetwowaystosetdiscrimination.

First method: Press the (+) and (-) touchpads toposition the blinking Upper Scale cursor abovethe Lower Scale segment corresponding to theparticular target to be detected or ignored. If thesegment is displayed, that particular target willbe detected. If you wish to reject that type oftarget, press theACCEPT/REJECT touchpad.Thesegment will disappear, creating a reject notch. IftheLowerScalesegmentisnotdisplayed,presstheACCEPT/REJECTtouchpadtoilluminateit,creatingan accept notch, and your GTAx 550 will begindetectingtargetsrepresentedbythatsegment.

Second method: Pass the searchcoil over anobjecttobeacceptedorrejectedasatargetorpasstheparticulartargetacrossthefaceofthecoilabouttwoinchesfromitssurface.ChecktomakecertainthereisanappropriatecursorontheUpperScaleoftheGraphicDisplay.ThenpressACCEPT/REJECTdependinguponyourdiscriminationchoice for thisspecifictarget.

Note: Each time the detector is turned off, theaccept/reject discrimination selections will beretained in both modes.All selections will be lostwhen you return your detector to the factory setdetection calibrations by pressing and holding thePOWERtouchpadfor10secondsoruntilitbeeps.

Therearereasonswhyyouwouldwanttoacceptorrejectspecifictargets.Forexample:

Youmaybelookingforonlyoneitem,acertainlostpieceof jewelryforexample.YoucanprogramtheGTAx 550torejectallothertypesofmetaltargets.

Youmaybehuntinginanareawhereyouencounterlargeamountsofaspecific typeof trash.Youcanrejectjustthistypeoftrashandcontinuetohuntwithnootherdiscriminationdetectingallothermetal.

Youmayhaveyourownspecialideasfordesigningadetectionmode.TheGTAx 550givesyouunlimitedopportunitiestotryoutanyandallofyourideas.

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Special Note on SettingsIf you are ever unsure about the settings of yourdetector, simply press and hold the POWERtouchpad for 10 seconds, or until the detectorbeeps, to restore the detector to the factory set B(Coins)mode.

BENCH TESTS

BenchTestsenableyou to test typical trash itemsand to learn about the discrimination capabilitiesof the GTAx 550 before taking it into the field ortrying to set your own discrimination notches.The following tests should be performed with thesearchcoil perpendicular toabench, floororothernon-metallicsurfaceandseveralfeetawayfromanymetallicobject.

1. Select the factory preset A mode of operationwith no discrimination (all Lower scale segmentsdisplayed).Bringvariousmetallictargetsacrossthebottomofthecoilatadistanceofabouttwoinches.All targetswillcause thesound to increase,which

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representstruenon-discriminationoperation.

2. Use the Last Mode touchpad to select thealternate detection mode with its factory preset Bdiscrimination notches. On your graphic display,ModeBwillbeilluminated.Bringthesametargetsacross the bottom of the searchcoil and listen forthesoundto increasewheneach item isscanned.Notice thespecific cursor(s) in theUpperScaleofthe Graphic display that are shown when varioustarget(s)arescannedacrossthecoil.

3.Begintoexperimentwiththe(+)and(-),ACCEPT/REJECT touchpads. Notice carefullywhichof the24 segments are illuminated by targets. Try toimaginehowthesetargetswillaffectyoursearchforcoins.Thepossibilitiesaretrulycountless;youronlylimitisyourimagination.

4. Be methodical. Keep written records of yourresultsandusethemwhenhuntinginthefield.

TEST PLOT CONSTRUCTION

AsyouoperateanduseyourGTAx 550,youwillquicklygrowmoreproficient in itsuse. It is recommended thatyoubuildyourowntestplot.Buryseveralitems,includinganail,apieceoffoil,apulltab,abottlecapandseveralcoins at depths ranging from one to four inches. Burythemabout18inchesapartandclearlymarkthelocationof each target. Then scan and study the detectionsignals.

Remember that newly buried objects, especially coins,will be somewhat more difficult to detect than itemsthat have been buried for some time. This is primarilya metallurgical phenomenon. Experiment with variousdetection modes and pay attention to both audio andgraphicdisplaysignalsasyouscanoveryour testplot.Note carefully the responseof yourdetectorat varioussettings.

Practice pinpointing and locating targets precisely.Use both the manual and the electronic methods ofpinpointing.

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HEADPHONE JACK

TheheadphonejackontheGTAx 550islocatedatthe rear of the removable battery pack under thearmrest. Headphones are a valuable accessoryfor any metal detector to mask interference fromoutside noise. They permit you to hear small anddeeptargetsthatmightbemissedwhenusingonlyaudio from the detector speaker. Headphones areparticularly essential when you are hunting wherenoiseofpeopleand/ortrafficisexcessive.

BATTERIES

TheGTAx 550 isequippedwithtwobatterypacks,eachholdingfourstandardAAbatteries.Thedetectorisalsodesignedtouserechargeablebatteries(Ni-MH).Itisrecommendedthattopqualityheavydutyor alkaline batteries be used. All adjustments orsettingsyouhaveentered into thedetectorwillbereplacedbythefactorysettingswhenbatteriesareremovedforapproximatelyfourminutesormore.

Although standard battery packs can be usedinterchangeably inthedetector, it isrecommendedthatbothpacksbeingusedatthesametimealwayscontainthesametypeofbattery.Forexample,don'tmixcarbonzincandalkalinebatteries.

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TheGTAx 550shouldoperate25 to35hourswithcarbonoralkalinebatteries.Rechargeablebatterieswillofferslightlylesstime,dependinguponthetypeused. These estimates are for speaker operation.Operatingwithheadphoneswillextendbatterylife.

Battery Replacement1. Turn the detector off by pressing the POWERtouchpad.

2.Slidethebatterycasebackslightlyfromitsnormalpositionbeneaththearmrest.Placeboththumbsonthe lowersidesof thecuffwithyour fingerson thefrontofthecase.Firmpressurewillthendisengagethecasefrombelowthearmrestandallowittoslidebackward.

3.Slidethetwocoversuponthebatterypanelandremovethemcompletely.

4. Take out the battery holders (which are notconnectedbywire)bytiltingthebatterypack.EachoftheholderscontainsfourAAbatteries.

5.Pressouttheoldbatteriesfromtheholders.

6.Installthenewbatteries.Carefullyobservepolarityofthebatteriesandplacethemintheholders.

7.Replacetheholdersinthedetector.Itisimportantthatyoumakecertainthattherivetoneachbatteryholderisvisibleinthecenterofthebatterycase.Iftheholdersarereplacedincorrectly,itwillbedifficulttoinstallthebatterycovers.

8.Pressthebatterycoversdownfirmly.

Remember when the battery pack is removed formore than fourminutes, youwill losesettings youhavemadeinaudio,depthanddisc.Allsettingswillautomaticallyreturntothosesetatthefactory.

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It is recommended that you remove the batterieswhen the detector is not in use, particularly fora period of several weeks. Always take the fourbatteries out of each holder when storing them.You can then reinsert the empty holders into yourdetectortopreventtheirbeingmisplaced.

Caution:Useonlyhighqualityrechargeable,carbon,alkalineorheavydutybatteries.

SEARCHCOILS

The 7"x10" PROformance searchcoil that comeswith your GTAx 550 is suitable for searching foralmostanytargetinanyterrain.

OptionalsearchcoilsarealsoavailablefortheGTAx 550.The 10"x14" DD PROformance Elliptical—Use inareaswithmoderatetoheavilymineralizedsoils.PartNo.2217200

The 9"x12" PROformance—Use to increasedetection depth and scanning width for hunting abroadtargetrange.PartNo.2220700

The 4.5" Super Sniper™—Use in trashy locationsor intightplaceswherea largersearchcoilwillnotreach.PartNo.2218800

Whenchanging searchcoils, only hand tighten theknobs.Neverusetoolsofanykind.

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

Headphones10"X14"DDellipticalsearchcoil9"x12"PROformancesearchcoil4.5"SuperSnipersearchcoilCarrybagCoinhunterkit(pouch,probe,diggingtool)Coilcovers

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MAINTENANCE

Your GTAx 550 is a sensitive instrument built towithstand rugged treatment in the outdoors. UseyourGarrettdetectortothefullestextent,yetalwaysprotectandhandleitwithreasonablecare.

•Avoidextremetemperaturesasmuchaspossible,suchasstoringthedetectorinanautomobiletrunkduringthesummerorwintermonths.Whenstoringlonger than about one month, remove the batteryholdersandbatteriesfromthedetector.

• Keep the detector clean. Wipe the housing afteruse and wash the coil when necessary. Protectthe GTAx 550 from dust and sand as much aspossible.

•Your7x10"PROformancesearchcoilissubmersible,but yourGTAx 550's control housing isnot.Neversubmergethecontrolhousingandalwaysprotectitfromheavymist,rainorblowingsurf.

•Disassemblethestemandwipeitcleanafteruseinsandyareas.

SPECIALIZED HUNTING

Forliteraturethatwillexplainmoreaboutthevarioustypesofhuntingpossiblewith yourGTAx 550 seetheRAMBookssection(page53).

Although it has universal capabilities, the GTAx 550 hasbeendesignedprimarilyasacoinhuntingmetal detector. The greater depth and precisediscriminationpatternspossiblewithmicroprocessorcontrolledcircuitrycombinewiththedetector'slightweight and ease of handling to make is a superbinstrumentforfindingcoinsandmetallicjewelry.

Finding Coins—Whether you choose to hunt forcoinsandjewelryinaparkoratthebeach,theCoinsModeoffersdiscrimination that responds ideally toconditions normally encountered. From time totimeyouwilldiscoverspecifictrashtargetsthatarenot being eliminated from detection by factory-setdiscrimination. Here's how to use the ACCEPT/REJECTtouchpadtoeliminatejunktargets.

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Move your searchcoil across one type of thesepieces of trash metal. Watch the target ID cursorfor its response and push the ACCEPT/REJECTtouchpad.You'llhavenomoretroublefromthattypeof junk.WhenyouusediscriminationsegmentsonyourGTAx 550todetermineaproperdiscriminationpattern, you'll spend less time digging trash andmore time digging coins! Some jewelry hunters,however, prefer to hunt with no discrimination,especiallyonthebeach.

Finding Relics—Relicsofallshapesandsizescanbe foundwithaGTAx 550.To find them,however,you will want to search with all Discriminationsegments turned on (Zero discrimination) and youmust be prepared to dig metallic trash since yourdetector will sound off on any metal object itlocates.

Finding Gold—GoldandotherpreciousmetalscanalsobefoundinvariousformswithaGTAx 550.Youwillmostlikelybesearchingforgoldnuggets,whichthisdetector can locate in streamsorondry land.

Sincethe550isamotiondetector, it iscapableoffindingonlysomewhat largernuggets (at leastBBsize).

It must be emphasized that prospectors using theGTAx 550, or any other quality detector, usuallyprefer tooperate in theZeroDiscriminationMode.When prospecting, discrimination may reduce theamount of small nuggets found, but some areascontain so much iron trash that a small amountof discrimination becomes highly desirable, evennecessary.Aspecialnotchcaneliminateaparticularjunkmetaltargetifneeded.

Hardwork,patienceandresearchare threeof thekeystosuccessinelectronicprospecting.Researchis importantbecause it isvital thatgoldalwaysbefound in areas where it is known to exist. MoreinformationiscontainedinYou Can Find Gold with a Metal Detector.

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SERVICE AND REPAIR

In case of difficulty, read this Owner's Manualthoroughly to make certain your detector is notinoperable due to manual adjustments (Press andhold the POWER button for ten (10) secondsto return to the factory recommended settings).Contactyourdealerforadditionalassistance.

Whenyourdetectormustbereturnedtothefactoryforservice,makecertain:

You have checked batteries, switches andconnectors.(Weakbatteriesarethemostcommoncauseofdetector"failure".)

Youhave contacted your dealer, particularly if youarenotfamiliarwiththeGTAx 550.

You have included a letter that fully describes theproblem and conditions under which they occur.Makecertain to includeyourname,addressandaphonenumberwhereyoucanbecontactedbetween8:30a.m.and4p.m.,C.S.T.

Youhavecarefullypackedthedetectorinitsoriginalshippingcartonorothersuitablebox.

Make certain that proper insulation or packingmaterial is used to secure all parts. Do not shipstems or headphones unless they are part of theproblem.Becertaintoreturnallcoils. Shipto: GarrettMetalDetectors 1881WestStateStreet Garland,Texas75042

Call Garrett's Customer Service Department (800-527-4011) if you have further questions. PleaseallowapproximatelyoneweekforGarretttechniciansto examine and repair your detector after theyreceive it, plus another week for return shipping.All equipment will be returned UPSor parcel postunlesswrittenauthorizationisgivenbyyoutoshipcollect by air parcel post, UPS Blue (air) or airfreight.

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RECOMMENDED READING

Since Garrett's GTAx 550 is one of the world'spremiercoinhuntingdetectors,youwillbeespeciallyinterestedinThe New Successful Coin Hunting,byCharlesGarrett,filledwith"howto"tipsandsuccessstories about finding coins. The GTAx 550 is anexcellentdetectorforfindingeverytypeoftreasureandalloftheRAMbooksarepertinenttoitsuse.

Treasure hunters will also appreciate the revisedversionofGarrett'spopularModern Metal Detectors,abasictextthatwillhelpyoutounderstandalltypesofmetaldetectionequipmentandhowtousethem.AspecialsectionoftherevisededitionisdevotedtotheuseofOneTouchcomputerizeddetectors.

Forbeginners theneweditionofTreasure Hunting for Fun and Profit will prove especially interestingandhelpful.

Wherecanyouhunt?Howaboutghost townsanddeserted structures? You will read about them in

Charles Garrett's Ghost Town Treasures. BobMarx's Buried Treasures You Can Find locatesthousandsofsiteswheretreasureisknowntohaveexisted. This book also includes good informationaboutOne-TouchdetectorssuchastheGTAx 550.

HobbyistsofallageswillwanttoreadGold Panning is Easy, but it is especially applicable to thoseinterestedingoldprospecting.

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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 international@garrett.com.

Please send payment to:RAM Publishing Co.1881 West State StreetGarland, Texas 75042

(Order form continued on back of this page)

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MAIL-IN ORDER FORMAdd $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 ___ MasterCard___ Visa ___ 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,GraphicTargetAnalyzer(GTA)withmultiplenotchdiscrimination•Controls:Easyaccesstouchpanel•Display:HighvisibilityLCDadjacent to the touchpanel;dataaccessibleatanyangle.•DetectionFrequency:7.0kHz• Circuitry: Linear transmitter/receiver/filter frontend 10-bit data acquisition, Microcomputer with 8Kbytememory,Crystalcontrolled4MHzoperation,High reliability surface mount printed circuit boardconstruction•AudioFrequency:275to710Hz•Batteries:8AA•BatteryLife(approximate):Alkaline-30hoursCarbon Zinc - 20 hours; Rechargeable—12-15hours•Humidity:To95%non-condensing• Temperatures: Operating—0 to 140°F; Storage-20to150°F• Construction:Aluminum and high strength glassfilled nylon; Ramrod S stem with handle mounted

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control,displayandpanel.• Convertible hip mount with self storing cord forminimumweightandoptimumbalance;HipMount•CableLength:62inches•Weight:3lbs,4oz•Shippingweight:5lbs

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MIND YOUR MANNERS!

The following is a Code of Ethics that manytreasurehuntclubsendorseandhobbyistsfollowtopreserveourexcitinghobbyofmetaldetecting.Weencourageyoutodothesame:• I will keep informed on and obey all laws, regulationsandrulesgoverningfederal,stateand localpubliclands.• I will aid law enforcement officials whenever possible.• Iwillcausenowillfuldamagetopropertyofa n y kind,includingfences,signsandbuildings.• IwillalwaysfilltheholesIdig.• Iwillnotdestroyproperty,buildingsortheremains ofghosttownsandotherdesertedstructures.• I will not leave litter or uncovered items lying around.• Iwillcarryalltrashanddugtargetswithmewhen Ileaveeachsearcharea.

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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 fieldofmetaldetection.

WARNING!

When searching for treasure with your Garrettdetector,observetheseprecautions:• Nevertrespassorhuntonprivatepropertywithout permission.• Avoidareaswherepipelinesorelectriclinesmay beburied.• National and state parks / monuments, etc. are absolutelyoff-limits.• Deepseeking detectors can detect concealed pipes, wiring and other potentially dangerous material. When those are located, the proper authoritiesshouldbenotified.

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• Do not hunt in a military zone where bombs or otherexplosivesmaybeburied.• Donotdisturbanypipeline,particularlyif itcould becarryingflammablegasorliquid.• Use reasonable caution in digging toward any target, particularly in areas you are uncertain of thegroundconditions.• If you are unsure if you can use your metal detector in any area, seek permission from the properauthorities.

1881 W. State StreetGarland, Texas 75042

Toll Free: 800.527.4011Tel: 972.494.6151Fax: 972.494.1881

Email: sales@garrett.com

© 2008 Garrett Electronics, Inc.PN 1525300.D.0608