PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-600
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 600
NOVEMBER 2002
…and Safer
PS 600
NOV 02
16
AN/PSS-12 Mine Detector…
So here are the
new, improved ways
to make sure your
detector detects
mines before they
find you.
Detecting Just Got Better
Be More Sensitive
The cable that runs from the search head to the electronics unit can affect the
detector's sensitivity if it's not connected correctly. To connect the cable:
1.
Attach the cable to a
bottom cable clamp placed
2 inches above the wing nut
that attaches the search head
to the telescoping wand.
3.
Attach a third cable
clamp halfway between
the two clamps. But
don't attach the cable to
this clamp. The clamp
will be used for a
sensitivity check
marker.
2.
Attach the cable
to a second cable
clamp placed 2
inches from the top
of the plastic pole.
Do not attach
the cable to the
upper aluminum
shaft.
That hurts
sensitivity!
Set the sensitivity of your mine detec-
tor
before
you go in the minefield by
using a sensitivity target.
Use a disarmed
mine that is the most difficult type to
detect and that is the kind you will most
likely encounter. Its metal content should
be the same as an armed mine. If you
don't have a disarmed mine, use the 5-cm
test piece that comes with AN/PSS-12.
Bury the target in soil like you'll find in
the mine field and where there is no metal
clutter. Bury it at the deepest depth you
expect to find a mine. If you're using the
test piece, bury it vertically with the
metal end down. If you're not sure what
depth mines will be buried, bury the test
piece so the inside metal piece is under 2
inches of dirt. This puts the top of the test
piece flush with the surface.
Place the detector head right over the
target and then turn up the SENSITIVI-
TY knob until you get a clear sound from
the detector. A higher sensitivity setting
gives more false alarms, but a lower set-
ting may cause you to miss mines.
Bury
metal end
under two
inches
of dirt
Turn up SENSITIVITY until
you get clear sound
2"
{
{
2"
Through research
and testing, the Army
has found the old
methods of operating
the AN/PSS-12 mine
detector didn't
always find mines.
That's dangerous.
Metal
end
600. 16-17 (C)
9/28/02
11:41 AM
Page 1
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