Garrett Ace 250 Owners Manual⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed exploration of the Garrett Ace 250 metal detector‚ covering its features‚ operation‚ and maintenance. From basic setup to advanced techniques‚ this manual serves as a valuable resource for both novice and experienced treasure hunters. It will equip you with the knowledge necessary to maximize your detecting experience and uncover hidden treasures.
Introduction
The Garrett Ace 250 is a renowned metal detector that has captivated treasure hunters for years. It is a highly-rated and popular choice for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. Its user-friendly design‚ impressive features‚ and reliable performance have solidified its position as a best-selling model in the metal detecting world. This manual serves as your guide to unlocking the full potential of the Garrett Ace 250‚ empowering you to navigate its various functions and confidently embark on your treasure hunting adventures.
Key Features and Specifications
The Garrett Ace 250 boasts a range of features that make it a versatile and effective metal detector. It operates at a frequency of 6.5 kHz‚ providing excellent sensitivity for detecting a wide variety of targets. The Ace 250 features a user-friendly interface with adjustable sensitivity‚ discrimination settings‚ and target ID. Its lightweight design and adjustable stem make it comfortable to use for extended periods. The standard 6.5×9 PROformance search coil offers a balance of depth and coverage‚ while optional coils are available for specialized applications. The Ace 250 also incorporates a Target ID system that helps you identify different types of metals‚ and audio tones provide audible feedback for target detection.
Assembly and Setup
Setting up your Garrett Ace 250 is a straightforward process that requires no tools. The detector comes pre-assembled‚ with only a few simple steps required to get started. Begin by extending the telescoping stem to your desired height. Next‚ attach the search coil to the lower stem section‚ ensuring a secure connection. Insert four AA batteries into the battery compartment located on the control unit. The Ace 250 includes a built-in speaker‚ but you can also connect headphones for discreet operation. Once assembled‚ you are ready to familiarize yourself with the control panel and its various buttons and functions. The manual provides detailed instructions and diagrams to guide you through the setup process.
Operating the Garrett Ace 250
The Garrett Ace 250 is designed for intuitive operation‚ making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned metal detectorists. The control panel features a clear layout with buttons and dials for adjusting various settings. Powering on the detector is as simple as pressing the Power button. The unit automatically enters the “All Metal” mode‚ which detects all types of metal; To change modes‚ you can cycle through the various options‚ including Jewelry‚ Coins‚ and Custom. The sensitivity knob allows you to fine-tune the detector’s responsiveness to targets. Higher sensitivity settings enhance depth detection‚ while lower settings reduce interference from unwanted signals. The Discrimination settings enable you to filter out unwanted targets‚ such as iron‚ while focusing on specific types of metals like gold or silver.
Power Button and Modes
The Garrett Ace 250 features a single‚ multi-functional Power button that serves as the control center for the device. Pressing and releasing the button turns the detector on and initiates the search process. Holding the Power button down for a few seconds resets the detector to factory settings‚ ensuring optimal performance. The Ace 250 offers a selection of operating modes to cater to different detection needs. The All Metal mode detects all types of metal‚ ideal for general treasure hunting. The Jewelry mode prioritizes the detection of small‚ precious metal objects‚ while the Coins mode focuses on detecting larger‚ coin-sized objects. The Custom mode allows users to create personalized discrimination settings‚ enabling selective targeting of specific metal types.
Sensitivity Adjustment
The Sensitivity adjustment on the Garrett Ace 250 allows you to fine-tune the detector’s responsiveness to buried targets. By increasing the sensitivity‚ you enhance the detector’s ability to pick up faint signals from deeper or smaller objects. However‚ higher sensitivity can also lead to more false signals from ground mineralization or trash. Conversely‚ lowering sensitivity reduces the detector’s range but minimizes false signals. The ideal sensitivity setting depends on the type of terrain‚ target depth‚ and the presence of interfering factors. The Ace 250 features a numbered sensitivity scale‚ ranging from 1 to 10‚ with higher numbers indicating greater sensitivity. Experimenting with different settings will help you determine the optimal level for your specific detecting needs.
Discrimination Settings
The discrimination feature on the Garrett Ace 250 allows you to filter out unwanted targets‚ such as iron or pull tabs‚ while focusing on the types of objects you’re searching for. The Ace 250 employs a numbered discrimination scale‚ ranging from 0 to 99‚ with higher numbers indicating a greater level of discrimination. By adjusting the discrimination setting‚ you can choose which types of metal targets the detector will respond to. For example‚ setting the discrimination to a low number will allow the detector to detect all metals‚ while a higher setting will ignore certain types of metals. To effectively use discrimination‚ you should familiarize yourself with the target ID numbers associated with different metals. This knowledge will enable you to fine-tune the discrimination setting to target specific types of objects‚ such as coins‚ jewelry‚ or relics‚ while excluding unwanted metals.
Target ID
The Target ID feature on the Garrett Ace 250 is a valuable tool that helps you identify the type of metal you’ve detected. When the detector picks up a target‚ it displays a numerical value on the LCD screen‚ ranging from 0 to 99. This number‚ known as the Target ID‚ provides a general indication of the type of metal detected. Each metal has a specific Target ID range‚ allowing you to differentiate between ferrous metals like iron‚ non-ferrous metals like copper and silver‚ and other conductive materials. For example‚ a Target ID in the low range (0-20) typically indicates iron‚ while a Target ID in the mid-range (20-70) suggests non-ferrous metals like coins or jewelry. While the Target ID is not a definitive identifier‚ it offers valuable clues about the composition of the target‚ enabling you to make informed decisions about whether to dig or pass over the target.
Audio Tones
The Garrett Ace 250 utilizes audio tones to provide an auditory indication of the type of metal detected. These tones are an integral part of the detector’s operation‚ offering valuable information about the target even in noisy environments. The detector produces different tones based on the Target ID of the metal‚ allowing you to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. For instance‚ a low‚ grunting tone often signals iron‚ while a higher-pitched tone indicates a more valuable metal like silver or gold. The pitch of the tone helps you quickly assess the potential value of the target without needing to constantly check the LCD screen. Adjusting the tone volume and pitch settings can further enhance your detecting experience‚ allowing you to tailor the audio cues to your personal preference and the environment.
Search Coils and Accessories
The Garrett Ace 250 comes equipped with a standard 6.5×9 PROformance search coil‚ providing a balance of coverage and depth for a variety of detecting applications. However‚ the detector’s versatility can be further enhanced with a selection of optional search coils‚ each designed to excel in specific environments and target types. For deeper penetration in mineralized ground‚ a larger coil like the 11″ concentric coil can be highly beneficial. Conversely‚ smaller coils‚ such as the 4.5″ DD coil‚ prove advantageous when navigating tight spaces and pinpointing targets with greater precision. Additionally‚ waterproof search coils allow you to explore underwater treasures in shallow depths. Beyond coils‚ a range of accessories‚ including headphones‚ carrying cases‚ and protective covers‚ are available to further personalize your detecting experience and optimize performance.
Standard 6.5×9 PROformance Search Coil
The Garrett Ace 250’s standard 6.5×9 PROformance search coil is a versatile and reliable tool for a wide range of detecting applications. Its balanced size and shape provide a good combination of ground coverage and depth penetration‚ making it suitable for finding coins‚ jewelry‚ relics‚ and other targets. The coil’s construction is durable and waterproof‚ allowing you to search in wet or dry conditions‚ even in shallow water. The PROformance coil’s design also incorporates Garrett’s proprietary technology‚ which enhances target identification and discrimination‚ helping you to distinguish between valuable finds and unwanted targets. This standard coil is a great starting point for beginners and seasoned detectorists alike‚ offering a solid foundation for successful treasure hunting.
Optional Search Coils
To enhance your Garrett Ace 250’s capabilities and adapt to specific hunting environments‚ a range of optional search coils are available. These coils offer different sizes‚ shapes‚ and features to optimize performance for various targets and terrain. For instance‚ a smaller coil can be beneficial for detecting small objects in cluttered areas‚ while a larger coil provides greater ground coverage for open fields. Specialized coils‚ such as those designed for beach hunting‚ are equipped with features to handle saltwater environments and minimize interference. Consider the type of targets you seek and the terrain you’ll be exploring to choose the optional coil that best suits your needs. These upgrades can significantly expand the versatility and effectiveness of your Garrett Ace 250‚ unlocking new possibilities for treasure hunting.
Using the Garrett Ace 250 for Different Applications
The Garrett Ace 250 is a versatile detector suitable for a variety of treasure hunting applications. It excels in finding coins‚ jewelry‚ and relics‚ thanks to its sensitivity and discrimination capabilities. When hunting for coins and jewelry‚ the Ace 250’s ability to pinpoint small targets and distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals proves invaluable. For relic hunting‚ its depth and discrimination features allow for the discovery of historical artifacts buried beneath the surface. Beach hunting presents unique challenges‚ but the Ace 250’s robust design and adaptable search coils make it capable of handling the salty environment. Whether you’re searching for lost treasures‚ historical artifacts‚ or valuable metals‚ the Garrett Ace 250 provides the tools and performance needed to embark on successful treasure hunts.
Coin and Jewelry Hunting
The Garrett Ace 250 is a popular choice for coin and jewelry hunting‚ thanks to its sensitivity and discrimination capabilities. The detector’s ability to pinpoint small targets and distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals makes it ideal for finding lost coins‚ rings‚ necklaces‚ and other valuable items. When searching for coins‚ adjust the discrimination settings to eliminate unwanted targets‚ such as iron and foil‚ and focus on the tones that indicate valuable metals like silver and gold. The Ace 250’s audio tones provide clear feedback‚ making it easy to identify potential targets. Remember to use a slow and methodical approach‚ sweeping the coil over the ground in overlapping patterns to ensure that you don’t miss any valuable items.
Relic Hunting
The Garrett Ace 250 is a capable tool for relic hunting‚ offering the sensitivity and discrimination needed to unearth historical artifacts buried deep beneath the earth. The detector’s ability to identify various metals‚ including iron‚ brass‚ and silver‚ allows you to uncover a wide range of relics‚ from old coins and buttons to military artifacts and lost treasures. When relic hunting‚ it’s often beneficial to lower the discrimination settings to include iron targets‚ as many relics are made of this material. The Ace 250’s depth capabilities enable you to locate relics buried in challenging environments‚ while the Target ID feature helps to identify potential targets for further investigation. Remember to always respect historical sites and obtain proper permits before conducting relic hunting activities;
Beach Hunting
The Garrett Ace 250 can be a reliable companion for beach hunting‚ though it’s important to note that the control unit is not submersible. The included 6.5×9 PROformance search coil is waterproof and can be submerged in wet‚ non-salty environments‚ making it ideal for searching along the shoreline and in shallow water. While the Ace 250 performs well in dry beach environments‚ its effectiveness in salty sand can be limited. The detector’s sensitivity can be affected by the high mineral content of saltwater‚ potentially leading to increased false signals. However‚ with proper adjustments to the discrimination settings and sensitivity levels‚ you can minimize these challenges and still find valuable treasures along the coast. Always be mindful of local regulations and ensure you have the necessary permits before conducting any beach hunting activities.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
While the Garrett Ace 250 is a robust and reliable metal detector‚ occasional issues may arise. If you encounter problems‚ refer to the instruction manual for troubleshooting tips and solutions. Common issues include weak or erratic signals‚ battery problems‚ and malfunctioning buttons; Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for preserving the longevity of your detector. After each use‚ wipe down the control unit and search coil with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the surfaces. Store the Ace 250 in a dry‚ cool place to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal performance. If you suspect a more serious issue‚ contact Garrett customer support for assistance and potential repair options.
FAQ
The Garrett Ace 250 is a popular metal detector‚ and users often have questions about its features and capabilities. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your Ace 250⁚
- Is the Garrett Ace 250 waterproof? While the search coil is waterproof‚ the control unit is not. This means you can submerge the coil in water‚ but the control unit should be kept dry.
- Is the Garrett Ace 250 discontinued? Yes‚ the Garrett Ace 250 was discontinued in 2019. However‚ it remains a sought-after model due to its reliability and affordability.
If you have any further questions‚ consult the Garrett Ace 250 manual or contact Garrett customer support.
Is the Garrett Ace 250 waterproof?
The Garrett Ace 250 is not entirely waterproof‚ but it features a waterproof search coil. This means you can safely submerge the coil in water‚ making it ideal for beach hunting or detecting in wet conditions. However‚ the control unit is not waterproof and should be kept dry at all times. If you plan to use the Ace 250 in very wet environments‚ consider investing in a waterproof cover for the control unit to protect it from damage.
Is the Garrett Ace 250 discontinued?
Yes‚ the Garrett Ace 250 was discontinued in 2019. However‚ it remains a popular and highly sought-after metal detector due to its affordability‚ ease of use‚ and reliable performance. While it’s no longer in production‚ you can still find used Ace 250s for sale online or at local metal detecting stores. If you’re considering purchasing a used Ace 250‚ be sure to check its condition thoroughly and ensure it comes with all necessary accessories.