Previous detectors were effective at finding mines but had limitations caused by magnetised soils that can saturate magnetic detectors - so said Keith E. Carroll, Schiebel's south-east Asia area manager, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He continued: "There was also a technology limitation on sensitivity caused by self detection and/or susceptibility to extraneous signals and conditions.

New technology

"We have now found a way of enabling the detector to differentiate between magnetic ground signature and target signature" he said. "Also by effective use of new technology components and microprocessors we have been able to double the inherent sensitivity of our detectors thus enabling much greater detection in all types of soil and condition; Hence the title ATMID."

Continuous development

The improvements came as the result of Schiebel's continuous development programme, whereby information is fed back constantly from the field and improvements found for specific problems.

"This is an evolutionary approach that enables existing customers to benefit from our ongoing development with rapid low-cost upgrades," said Carroll. "The down side is that because our equipment and accessories look the same, the extent of technical improvement over the years can go unrecognised. ATMID is better than previous detectors because of its better-all-round detection and for a variety of other reasons" he said. "These include the use of self-controlled continuous microprocessor monitoring of performance parameters and diagnostics that prevent unsafe working, better target location with features such as over-edge-of-target indication and an ability to be reprogrammed whenever software improvements are made."

Pleasing performance

At least five customers have selected ATMID as the result of competitive trials and achieved field-test results in line with Schiebel's predicted performance. "Users of ATMID are very pleased with its performance and we are getting reports from five different users on how much easier it is to use in difficult conditions than previous detectors" he said.

"They also report detection of low-metal-content mines (e.g. Chinese 72 A AP mine) down to 20cm and UXO at depths down to a metre. In line with Schiebel philosophy ATMID will stay in continuous development and improvements can be anticipated."

ATMID explained

In addition to its new capabilities, ATMID retains the popular, proven and trusted features of the latest standard AN-19/2 (US Army AN/PSS-12) used in military, humanitarian and commercial mine clearance around the world. Like the AN19/2, it has been engineered to withstand the most rigorous use in the harshest of conditions, thus providing the highest standard of reliability.

Main components

These are compatible and interchangeable with AN19/2 items:
o Search head
o Telescopic pole
o Electronics unit
o Headphone
o Accessories

Operation

After a tone-driven set-up procedure, the operator sweeps the search head over and as close to the ground as possible, at a rate of approximately one metre per second. A clear distinctive signal will sound in the headphone when the head passes over a metal object.

To determine the exact location, the search head must be swept over the object several times. The acoustic signal changes in volume and frequency, reaching maximum intensity directly over the object. For large targets a ripple frequency provides edge-of-target indication.

Highly reliable

"ATMID is an easy-to-use, very sensitive and highly reliable detector, designed to withstand the rigours of long-term field use in extreme temperatures, and all-weather conditions" say Schiebel.

"This, together with its built-in self-test and ease of maintenance, makes it suitable for worldwide use, by any operator, with only the minimum of training.

"Even in adverse conditions and with long operating hours, ATMID's automatic warning tones, failsafe operating procedures and light weight will ensure minimum operator fatigue and maximum safety."

Main technical features

ATMID is designed to facilitate easy upgrade of its resident software via the internet. This enables new, experience-based customer-specific requirements to be incorporated at minimum cost. Such features and any other improvements will be made available to all users subsequently, also at minimum cost.

Other features include:

- Distinctive detection signal, free of side tone and static
- Excellent sensitivity independent of ambient temperature and battery condition
- Lightweight, reliable ergonomic configuration designed for greater operator comfort during sustained use
- Simple sensitivity setting and discrimination control
- Built-in test circuits automatically check all critical functions and battery condition

www.schiebel.com