Start by assembling your Fisher F22’s shaft, attaching the waterproof searchcoil, and installing two AA batteries. Power on using the red button, then select from four detection modes—Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, or Custom—by pressing MODE repeatedly. Adjust sensitivity between 1-10 using the SENS menu, starting around 7-8 for stable operation. Use the PP button for precise pinpointing, keeping your coil perpendicular to the ground. The detector provides four distinct audio tones and visual ID numbers to help you identify targets. This guide below explores advanced techniques for maximizing your detection success.
Key Takeaways
- Assemble by connecting stems with locking collars, attach searchcoil facing forward, and install two AA alkaline batteries in compartment.
- Press red power button to start; cycle MODE button to select Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, or Custom mode patterns.
- Adjust sensitivity (1-10) for depth versus stability; set discrimination level (0-65) to filter unwanted targets like iron.
- Use four distinct audio tones and LCD depth indicators to identify and locate targets before digging.
- Press PP button for pinpoint mode; reduce sensitivity in mineralized soil to prevent false signals and chatter.
Understanding Your Fisher F22 Components and Controls
Before you head out on your first treasure hunt, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the Fisher F22’s four main components: the control housing, searchcoil, shaft assembly, and display.
Your control housing contains six essential buttons—POWER, MODE, PP, MENU, and +/- adjustments—plus a large LCD showing target identification.
Battery maintenance is straightforward: access the sealed compartment on the right side for your 2 AA batteries.
The headphone connection uses a weatherproof 3.5mm jack with rubber stopper.
The 9-inch waterproof searchcoil detects coin-sized targets at 9+ inches deep.
Your three-piece shaft adjusts easily with spring buttons and weighs just 2.3 lbs—light enough for extended hunts.
The display shows VDI numbers (1-99), target categories, depth readings, and battery levels, giving you complete freedom to identify finds confidently. The shaft assembly includes the middle stem, lower stem, and S-rod with armrest that attaches using the provided screw and lock-nut hardware. The middle rod features 9 adjustment holes that allow you to customize the detector’s height for comfortable operation.
Setting Up and Powering On Your Detector
Once you’ve got your Fisher F22 unboxed, you’ll assemble it in five straightforward steps that take just minutes.
First, slide the armrest onto your S-rod and attach the control housing with the provided bolts.
Begin your assembly by sliding the armrest onto the S-rod, then secure the control housing using the bolts included in your package.
Next, connect the middle and lower stems by rotating the locking collars counterclockwise, inserting each piece until the silver button clicks into place, then twisting clockwise to lock.
Attach your 9-inch search coil facing forward using the knurled knob—this weatherproof design simplifies coil replacement when needed.
Wrap the cable snugly around the rod and plug it into the control housing without forcing it.
During final adjustments, position the lower stem to a comfortable length while keeping the coil parallel to the ground.
Finally, insert two fresh AA alkaline batteries (battery maintenance tip: never mix old with new) and press the red POWER button.
The LCD illuminates immediately, confirming your detector is powered and ready for operation.
You’re ready to start detecting.
Selecting the Right Operating Mode for Your Hunt
Your Fisher F22 offers four operating modes—Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, and Custom—each designed to enhance detection of specific target types while filtering out unwanted metals.
To switch modes, press the MODE button repeatedly until your desired setting appears on the right side of the LCD screen.
Understanding what each mode accepts or rejects will help you choose the right one before you start hunting, maximizing your finds and minimizing frustration from false signals. During field testing, Artifact mode appears quicker than other modes in response speed, making it particularly effective when scanning areas with multiple targets.
The F22’s 9″ concentric waterproof coil allows you to hunt in shallow water or wet conditions without concern, expanding your search possibilities across beaches, streams, and muddy terrain.
Understanding Each Mode’s Purpose
The Fisher F22 offers four distinct operating modes, each designed to filter targets differently based on what you’re hunting.
Jewelry Mode notches out iron, letting you focus on non-ferrous metals in trash-heavy sites.
Coin Mode eliminates both iron and foil, delivering clear numeric IDs for high-conductivity targets.
Artifact Mode accepts everything—iron, relics, oxidized metals—giving you complete freedom to decide what’s worth digging. This mode relies on tone and ID to help you distinguish between different target types without automatic filtering.
Custom Mode grants target programming and mode customization, letting you define your own discrimination patterns and audio responses.
Your choice depends on site conditions.
Iron-littered beaches demand Jewelry Mode.
Parks cluttered with tabs need Coin Mode.
Historical sites require Artifact Mode‘s full acceptance. Learning all settings prevents you from missing valuable finds in different environments.
Mode customization through Custom Mode adapts to any environment you encounter, storing your preferences for future hunts.
Switching Between Modes Effectively
Knowing which mode serves your objectives matters little if you can’t navigate between them confidently during a hunt. Press the mode button repeatedly to cycle through Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, and Custom—your active selection appears on the right side of the screen.
Mode switching techniques become second nature once you understand each setting’s discrimination patterns: Jewelry notches out iron, Coin eliminates iron, foil, and aluminum, while Artifact detects everything.
Your F22 automatically saves adjustments when you power down, so sensitivity and volume preferences remain intact. This non-volatile memory frees you from reconfiguring settings each session. The LCD display provides target identification numbers and depth indicators to help you evaluate potential finds before digging.
Practice shifting between modes in your test garden first. You’ll develop the muscle memory needed to adapt quickly when ground conditions change or promising targets emerge.
Adjusting Sensitivity and Discrimination Settings
Mastering your F22’s sensitivity and discrimination settings will dramatically improve your target detection and reduce frustrating false signals.
You’ll learn to adjust sensitivity levels based on ground conditions, set discrimination parameters to filter unwanted targets, and customize notch filters for specific hunting scenarios. These adjustments work together to help you hear the good targets clearly while ignoring trash and mineralized soil interference.
For optimal performance, keep your volume around 11-12 maximum and sensitivity typically below 9 for stable operation, adjusting these values as you encounter different ground mineralization levels.
Understanding Sensitivity Levels
How deeply can your Fisher F22 detect targets in challenging ground conditions? Your sensitivity controls detection depth through 10 adjustable levels, with default at 6. Higher settings amplify signals from small or deep targets, while lower levels combat ground mineralization and electrical interference.
You’ll access sensitivity calibration through the SENS menu in Custom mode—start at 1 for maximum stability, then increase gradually until you hear slight chatter. In highly mineralized soil, reduce sensitivity to eliminate false signals and erratic behavior.
When hunting clean ground, push toward level 10 for maximum depth on coin-sized objects up to 9 inches. Watch for “–” and rapid mid-tones indicating overload from large metal or magnetic soil.
Your detector’s non-volatile memory retains your preferred settings between hunts.
Setting Discrimination Parameters
While sensitivity determines how deeply your F22 can detect, discrimination controls which targets trigger an audible response. You’ll access this by pressing MENU until DISC LEVEL highlights, then adjust from 0-65 using +/- buttons. The default setting of 15 eliminates iron in programs 1 and 2, reducing iron masking that can hide valuable targets.
Objects registering below your chosen discrimination level won’t be detected, giving you control over what you hear. Lower numbers accept more targets including iron (1-19 on the display), while higher settings reject unwanted conductivity ranges.
This directly impacts discrimination depth—your ability to identify targets at maximum range.
You’re not locked into factory settings. Each preset mode (Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, Custom) offers different discrimination patterns.
Experiment freely to find what works best for your hunting environment.
Notch Filter Customization
Beyond basic discrimination, the F22’s notch filter lets you reject specific target categories while keeping others active. You’ll press the NOTCH button until “NOTCH” illuminates, then use arrows to select your target icon—like “3” for nickel.
Wait five seconds for the icon to flash and blank out, confirming activation. Adjusting notch settings gives you control over what you hear; notched targets produce zero audio when detected.
Customizing filters becomes powerful in different modes. Custom mode lets you combine notch preferences with sensitivity tweaks, while Coin mode pre-notches tabs and foil at IDs 2 and 4.
Your settings save automatically when powering off, preserving your configuration. Test your notch setup by passing sample targets over the coil—you’ll quickly verify what’s silenced and what’s broadcasting through.
Mastering Target Identification and Audio Signals
Four distinct audio tones work independently from the visual display, letting you identify targets without glancing down.
The target depth bar graph illuminates progressively as objects get deeper, so you’ll know before digging whether it’s surface trash or buried treasure.
Icon indicators flash immediately—Fe for iron, Gold for precious metals, Silver for high-value conductors.
Your detector’s giving you freedom through information.
Using Pinpoint Mode for Accurate Target Recovery
Once you’ve located a promising target during your sweep, press and hold the pinpoint button to activate precision mode—you’ll see “PP” flash briefly on the screen.
Keep your target motionless beneath the searchcoil during activation. Pinpoint accuracy depends on proper coil positioning—maintain a perpendicular angle to the ground surface for reliable depth readings.
Lower your target gradually while listening for the audio peak that signals you’re directly over it. The 3-segment bar graph illuminates progressively, showing depth levels.
Move in circular patterns around the target to establish its exact center point.
Your 9-inch waterproof coil delivers enhanced sensitivity even in wet conditions.
The numeric Target-ID display remains visible throughout, helping you confirm what you’re recovering before digging.
Best Practices for Different Hunting Environments
When you’re ready to take your F22 into the field, matching your detector’s settings to your environment dramatically improves target recovery success.
For urban parks, engage Coin mode with automatic ground balance and adjust sensitivity between levels 5-7 to handle typical low-mineralization soil. The 7.69 kHz frequency delivers fast target response among trash.
At historical sites, switch to Artifact mode and activate Fe-Tone to identify iron relics while reducing unwanted audio clutter. Use Custom mode’s notch discrimination to filter junk while preserving signals from oxidized iron artifacts up to 18 inches deep.
Beach hunting requires Jewelry mode on dry sand only—the F22’s waterproof coil handles shallow water, but avoid wet saltwater beaches where conductivity overwhelms the detector.
The lightweight 2.3 lbs design keeps you comfortable during extended shoreline searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Warranty Last on the Fisher F22?
You’ll get a 5-year limited warranty coverage on your F22, protecting against manufacturing defects. Remember, proper battery maintenance helps prevent issues that aren’t covered. Register online at fisherlab.com to activate your protection and start detecting freely!
Can I Use Rechargeable Batteries Instead of Alkaline AA Batteries?
You’re free to break from alkaline’s grip—rechargeable NiMH batteries offer excellent battery compatibility with your F22. However, they’ll deliver shorter runtime per charge. Explore charging options like the Tenergy TN156 for convenient, cost-effective power management.
Is the Fisher F22 Control Box Waterproof or Just the Coil?
Only the coil’s waterproof design allows you to hunt in shallow water. The control box isn’t waterproof—it’s weather-resistant. You’ll need coil protection while keeping your control box dry during beach hunts and wet conditions for safe operation.
What Aftermarket Coils Are Compatible With the Fisher F22?
You’ll find excellent coil compatibility with Detech’s 13″ Ultimate and 11″ DD elliptical aftermarket options for your F22. These upgrades release deeper detection depths and better target separation, giving you freedom to explore beyond your stock coil’s limitations.
Does the F22 Work Well for Gold Prospecting or Nugget Hunting?
No, the F22 isn’t well-suited for gold prospecting or nugget hunting. Its 7.69 kHz frequency and lack of ground balance struggle with highly mineralized soils common in gold fields. You’ll experience better metal detecting success coin shooting instead.
References
- https://seriousdetecting.com/products/fisher-f22-metal-detector
- https://firsttexasproducts.com/products/fisher-f22-metal-detector
- https://www.metaldetector.com/products/fisher-f22-weatherproof-metal-detector-with-9-waterproof-coil
- https://kellycodetectors.com/fisher-f22-weatherproof-metal-detector-with-9-coil/
- https://encoredetectors.com/product/fisher-f22-metal-detector/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnLlN42d8bQ
- https://detecthistory.com/reviews/fisher-f11-f22-f44-review/
- https://www.highplainsprospectors.com/products/fisher-f22-metal-detector-with-11-dd-coil-trailblazer-bundle
- https://manuals.plus/m/4f6de0c3663e5ac402437d2170cbce2a718a77c95d4d24feb23dc5d42758cbd7
- http://hobby-detecting.com/reviewing-the-fisher-f22-tips-photos/
