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


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 6
Parts 7
Assembly 8
Features 11
Target ID Legend 11
Upper Scale 12
Lower Scale 12
Batt (Battery) 13
Hip Mount 13
Touchpads / Controls 15
Power 15
Pinpoint 16
Set Depth 16
Accept / Reject 18
Set Audio 18
- and + 20
Hunting with the GTAx 550 21
Pinpointing 22
Coin Depth Measurement 24
Proper Scanning Techniques 25
Junk Targets 28


Making Adjustments 29
Mode A (Zero Discrimination) 31
Mode B (Coins) 31
Setting Discrimination 32
Bench Tests 36
Test Plot Construction 38
Headphone Jack 39
Batteries 40
Searchcoils 43
Recommended Accessories 44
Maintenance 45
Specialized Hunting 46
Service & Repair 49
Recommended Reading 51
RAM Books Order Form 53
Specifications 55
Mind Your Manners! 57
Warning! 58


 GARRETT GTAx 550™

Lower
Stem Control
Housing

Searchcoil Upper
Stem LCD
Screen

Touchpad
Controls

Knob
Padded
Arm Cuff
Spring
Washer
Clip
Threaded
Bolt S-shaped
Ramrod Stem

Handle
Grip
Detector
Stand Headphone
Jack


PARTS

Before assembling your GTAx 550 metal detector

ensure you have the complete set of parts, which
include:
• Control Housing w/ S-Ramrod Stem
• Upper Stem
• Lower Stem with Spring Clip
• Two (2) Mounting Washers
• One (1) Wing Nut
• One (1) Threaded Bolt
• Searchcoil with Cable
• Instruction Video (not shown below)
• Warranty Registration Card
If any part is missing, contact your local dealer.


GTAx 550 ASSEMBLY
No tools are required to assemble the GTAx 550.
Hand tighten all necessary parts.

1. Press the two Mounting Washers into the Lower

Stem.
Figure 1.

Figure 1
2. Slide the searchcoil onto the Stem.
Figure 2

Figure 2

3. Insert the Threaded Bolt through the holes of
the Lower Stem and Searchcoil. Hand-tighten the
searchcoil assembly with the remaining Wing Nut.
Figure 3.

Figure 3

4. Depress the Spring Clip and insert the Control

Housing into the Upper Stem.

5. Depress the Spring Clip in the Lower Stem to

adjust to the most comfortable operating length.
Figure 4.

Figure 4

6.Wrap the Searchcoil cable snugly about the stem
with the first turn of the cable over the stem.
Figure 5.

Figure 5
7. Insert the Cable into the Connector of the Control
Housing and hand-tighten.
Figure 6.

Figure 6
10
FEATURES

The GTAx 550 is designed with Garrett's exclusive

Graphic Target ID technology, which indicates the
probable identity of a target along a horizontal scale
that reads from low conductive metals (e.g iron)
on the left to high conductive metals (e.g. silver) on
the right.

1. Target ID Legend - A Target ID Legend is

located directly above the LCD screen and indicates
commonly found targets and metals. When a target

11
is detected, the Target ID cursor will appear below
the word or symbol that most likely indicates the
type of target found, based on its conductivity.

2. Upper Scale - The Upper Scale has four

purposes:
• Indicates target discovered
• Indicates levels of settings
• Indicates maximum pinpoint signal
• Indicates the cursor's location for changing
discrimination notches

3. Lower Scale - The Lower horizontal scale,

or Notch Discrimination Scale, indicates the
discrimination pattern where the GTAx 550 will or
will not produce an audible signal when a target is
located. No audible signal will be produced when
a target is located where a notch (regions of Lower
Scale where no segments are visible) is present.

The Lower Scale also indicates Coin Depth when

pinpointing.

12
5. BATT (Battery) - Battery condition is reported
continuously by the horizontal row of squares on
the lower right of the GTA display. Four are visible
when fully charged batteries are being used. When
only one square remains, battery life is two hours
or less. Although it is not necessary to change
batteries until this warning flashes, you should
always have spares so that you will be ready. When
using rechargeable batteries, only three squares will
generally be illuminated with fully charged batteries.
However, when only one square is visible, battery
life has diminished to two hours or less.

6. Hip Mount - Hip mount adaptability is built into

the 550. Since no extension cable cord is required,
you never have to worry about winding it around the
detector's stem or carrying it with you.

When you slip off the hip mount battery pack and
attach it to your belt with the built-in clip, you reduce
the weight of your detector by almost a pound. The
cable cord is conveniently coiled to prevent tangling.
When you use this hip mount feature the detector

13
weighs less than 2 pounds. Yet, all of the controls
are still easily accessible and your GTAx 550 display
is visible on the control stem of the detector.

The removable hip mount pack and built in coiled

cable permit easy reassembly for carrying and
storage.

When reassembling, make certain the coil cored

slides into its tube and is not pinched in any way
between the armrest and battery compartment.

14
TOUCHPADS / CONTROLS

1.

POWER - Press and release the POWER touchpad

to turn the detector on and off.

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

seconds before turning on again.

The POWER touchpad can also be used to reset all

settings to factory preset by pressing and holding for
5 to 10 seconds, or until the detectors beeps.

15
2. PINPOINT (Coin Depth) - Activates pinpointing
function and indicates depth of coin-sized targets on
the Lower Scale of the Graphic Display.

3. LAST MODE - Returns the detector to the

operating mode previously used. This touchpad
can be particularly helpful while scanning because
it effectively converts your GTAx 550 into a dual
mode detector.

NOTE: Pressing and releasing the touchpad makes

it easy to alternate between the A and B Modes.

4. SET DEPTH (Sensitivity) - Permits using the

+ and - touchpads to regulate depth (sensitivity) of
the detector. When the Depth touchpad is pressed,
the display screen will appear with factory settings
at approximately 75%, as indicated on the Upper
Scale. You can use the + and - touchpads to adjust
the depth (sensitivity) to which your detector will
operate effectively.

After pressing the Depth touchpad, press (+) to

16
increase depth and sensitivity; press (-) to decrease.
A single touch and release adjusts the level in a
small increment. A continuous pressing results in
a continuous adjustment. When you have made
your adjustment, press Depth again to reenter your
previous operating mode.

Although maximum depth is usually desired, any

detector's circuitry may be limited by the type of soils
over which you are scanning, electromagnetic or
power line interference, etc. Such considerations as
ground mineralization will also inhibit the detector's
ability to interpret target information. This Depth
(Sensitivity) control option permits you to regulate
sensitivity. This will result in achieving the maximum
detection depth possible in relation to any existing
condition.

Garrett engineers designed your GTAx 550 for

maximum detection depth power, but you may not
always be able to operate at a depth setting of 100%;
the same way you wouldn't operate your automobile
at 100% of its speed. Outside electromagnetic

17
interference and irregular ground mineralization
may sometimes require reduced sensitivity which
usually results in less detection depth.

Do not worry about losing "deep" targets when

you reduce this setting. You will not lose any depth
since you will always be operating as deeply as soil
conditions permit.

Attempting to operate above a sensitivity level that

permits a quiet and stable audio threshold may
actually cause you to miss deep targets you would
have found had you not "pushed" the detector.

5. ACCEPT / REJECT - Permits acceptance or

rejection of specific target segments shown on the
Lower Scale to establish discrimination notches.

6. SET AUDIO - Permits using the + and -

touchpads to regulate the audio threshold. When
the audio touchpad is pressed, the display screen
will appear, use the (+) and (-) touchpads to adjust
the threshold of sound that is constantly being

18
produced by the GTAx 550 as it scans. Multiple
touches and releases are necessary to increase or
decrease threshold by one Upper Scale segment
at a time.

You can search silently or at any level of constant

sound. It is recommended that you always operate
the instrument at a minimum level of sound. You can
hear the audio increase sharply whenever a target
is encountered.

Also, you will be able to hear even the faint signals

that sometimes occur on tiny targets or deeply
buried coins. When headphones are used, it will
usually be necessary to decrease the threshold level
since sound is more audible through headphones.

After you have made audio adjustments, press

AUDIO to re-enter your previous operating mode.
The GTAx 550 is equipped with Garrett's exclusive
Belltone Coin Alert™ that produces a distinctive
ringing tone when a target of high conductivity,
usually a coin, is discovered.

19
- AND + - Use these touchpads to adjust levels of
threshold and depth and to move the cursor in the Upper
Scale when setting the discrimination.

20
HUNTING WITH THE GTAx 550

There are no dials to turn and no controls to adjust.

Just take the handle of your GTAx 550 and lower
the searchcoil to a level of about one foot above the
ground. Press and release the POWER touchpad.
After you hear two beeps, the GTAx 550 is ready
for detecting in Mode B, which is a factory pre-set
COINS mode. Whenever the detector has been in
use, it will always return to the mode that was being
used when it was turned off.

NOTE: Only a light touch is necessary to activate a

touchpad.

As noted, the GTAx 550 begins operating with

discrimination at factory-set levels. These settings
can be changed easily but you may never want to do
so. It is recommended that you use these settings
the first few hours of hunting with your detector.

21
Target Identification
Target identification of the last target over which the
searchcoil passed will be indicated on the Upper
Scale of the graphic display. In most cases the type
of coin can also be determined by using the coin
ID guide. Encrustation or patina—and sometimes
ground mineralization—may affect conductivity of
the coin resulting in improper classification.

Recovery
Whenever your detector locates a target, you'll
want to recover it with the least amount of digging.
Locating your target precisely will enable you to
recover it by digging the smallest hole possible.
This is accomplished by pinpointing. (You can
then utilize another function of the GTAx 550 for
measuring coin depth.)

1. Manual Pinpointing
Pinpoint targets by first drawing an imaginary X on
the ground with the searchcoil at the place where
maximum sound occurs. You'll notice that the
searchcoil must be moving slightly and that you

22
cannot maintain detection sound with the searchcoil
held completely still above your target. This is called
manual pinpointing and for many treasure hunters
proves completely satisfactory.

2. Electronic Pinpointing
Precise pinpointing is an important capability of your
GTAx 550. When you press and hold the pinpoint
touchpad, the searchcoil can remain steady, directly
over your target. Move it around slightly and
maximum sound will be heard when the target is
directly over your target. This increase will be further
reflected in the Upper Scale of your graphic display.
Illumination of the Lower Scale's segments from left
to right will indicate the depth of your target.

For the most effective electronic pinpointing, place

the searchcoil on the ground near your target's
apparent location. Press and hold the Pinpoint
touchpad. Scan back and forth across the target,
maintaining searchcoil contact with the ground.
You will notice an even, more distinct audio sound
when the target is directly beneath the searchcoil's
center.
23
You can also watch the Upper Scale illuminate from
right to left to indicate signal strength. The maximum
reading attained toward the left will indicate exact
target location.

Coin Depth Measurement

When Pinpoint button is held down, the lower scale indicates

the target's depth in inches.

Pinpoint targets as directed above. After completing

the pinpoint operation (maximum reading on the
Upper Scale) and while still pressing the Pinpoint
touchpad, check the Lower Scale to determine
coin depth in inches. You will notice that coin depth
always indicates the shallowest (most accurate)
reading even though subsequent scans across the
target, off center, show greater depth on the Lower
Scale.

Since the final step in recovery usually entails

digging, you will want to develop your own method(s)
24
of digging targets, depending on the grass, soil
conditions, etc. Always make as small a hole as
possible. It is quicker, requires less work and makes
refilling easier. You should always fill your holes.

Proper Scanning Techniques

Swing the searchcoil back and forth in front of you in
a straight line. Keep the searchcoil moving at a rate
of about one to two feet per second. Because of the
sensitivity of the GTAx 550 and its PROformance™
searchcoil, it is not necessary to operate with the
searchcoil touching the ground. The recommended
operating method is to hold the coil at a constant
height about one or two inches above the ground.
Detection of a metal target will be indicated by an
increase in sound and indications on your display.
Garrett's exclusive Belltone Coin Alert will indicate
you have discovered a target of high conductivity,
probably a coin.

Locate your target precisely by scanning back and

forth over the target to determine where the signal
is the loudest.

25
The Upper Scale of the graphic display will indicate
a detected target. This indication will remain for five
seconds or until a new target is detected (whichever
comes first). The Target ID Guide located above
the Graphic Display will help identify your detected
target.

When scanning, do not hurry. Walk at a pace

that is comfortable. Be methodical. Do not skip
any areas. Overlap each sweep at least 25%
of the searchcoil's width. Wear headphones for
greater sound perception and concentrate on your
scanning.

Erratic Sounds
When a metallic object is accepted, the detector's
speaker or headphone sound will increase from
your audio threshold level. Some rejected targets,
however, may cause the audio to "break up" or
sound erratic. This is generally a response to
shallow trash targets and can be remedied by
raising the height of your searchcoil when scanning.
Another indication of a reject target is an audio

26
signal as you scan one way and no response when
scanning from the other direction.

With Experience
After you have used the GTAx 550 for only a short
time, you will be surprised at how proficient you
have become with it. Do not expect to achieve
the greatest accuracy and success until you have
hunted with this detector for at least 100 hours or
more. Don't forget to take Charles Garrett's advice
to press only one touchpad and search in the factory
preset Coins Mode for at least 10 hours during your
learning phase.

Perfect practice makes more perfect treasure

hunting. The more you use your detector in the
correct manner, the more treasure you are likely to
discover.

27
Junk Targets

Your GTAx 550, in its factory set B (Coins) detection

mode, will not respond audibly to most junk items.
Occasionally, you'll encounter targets that cause
the detector to respond with a quick, sharp sound,
not like the clear, strong signal of a coin. Before you
dig up some of the targets that make irregular audio
"blips", see how they register on the Upper Scale
of the graphic display. Learn to recognize them.
Because your GTAx 550, in the factory preset Mode
B is set primarily to hunt coins, it will also precisely
identify small junk targets. Some larger objects
such as aluminum cans may, however, present a
"good" audio signal due to their composition. This
is normal.

28
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

When you first press the POWER touchpad, your

GTAx 550 is ready to hunt, in the B (Coins) operating
mode with threshold, depth and discrimination preset
at the factory. Any or all of these operating levels
can be easily changed.

Whenever your detector is on it will return to the

detection mode in which it was previously being
used. Mode selection will be illuminated on the
graphic display. You can change to the other mode
simply by pressing the Last Mode touchpad.

In addition to the familiar Zero and Coins

discrimination detection modes preset at the factory
as Modes A and B, the GTAx 550 permits a user
to design personal modes through use of the (+)
and (-) touchpads. It is important to remember that
these special modes of detection can be chosen at
the discretion of the individual operator. Many GTAx
550 owners will never use individual modes and will
hunt only in the preset B (Coins) or A (Zero) modes.

29
Relic hunters, prospectors and others may adapt
one of these to hunt for specific targets.

Any personal preference adjustments you have set

in the GTAx 550 with the various operating functions
will be retained when the detector is turned off.
Because ground and / or atmospheric conditions
can vary from place to place, it may be necessary
for you to adjust DEPTH (Sensitivity) occasionally.

Remember that you can instantly restore the

factory-set levels of all its controls. Simply press
and hold the POWER touchpad for approximately
ten seconds, or until the detector beeps.

Operating Mode Descriptions

The GTAx 550 is a slow-motion detector with precise
ground balance. The searchcoil can be hovered
over a target for only a few seconds because of
automatic circuitry. It should always be kept moving
slightly for proper target detection to occur, except
when the pinpoint touchpad is pressed. Detection
will then continue with the touchpad depressed,
even when the searchcoil is stationary.
30
Mode A (Zero Discrimination)
You will want to hunt in this detection mode, which
is preset with no discrimination, when searching for
caches or deep relics. You may also wish to hunt in
this mode when hunting in areas with many targets
spaced closely together. This will help to identify
individual targets and improve recovery of coins
and other treasure. Gold hunting will also be carried
out in a ZERO discrimination mode. Because no
discrimination is programmed in this mode, your
detector will give an audible signal announcing
every piece of metal it scans over. Remember, you
can always return to the alternate discrimination
mode to quickly check a target by pressing the LAST
MODE touchpad.

Mode B (Coins)
Discrimination preset at the factory mode is designed
to eliminate the detection of lower conductivity trash
targets normally encountered in coin hunting such
as foil, nails and most pull tabs. Bent pull tabs and
pull tab pieces may not be eliminated from detection.
Successful treasure hunters, however, expect to dig
some junk on occasion.
31
Setting Discrimination (Selecting
Notches)
Using only the discrimination of its two factory-set
operating modes, the GTAx 550 will more than satisfy
the requirements of almost every treasure hunter.
Many will never require any other discrimination.
Still, this detector offers more; it offers precise
controls that enable any treasure hunter to tailor a
detection mode to his or her specific requirements
by setting accept/reject notches.

The Lower Scale of the Graphic Display contains

segments. Those that are displayed represent
targets that will cause the detector's sound to
increase when they are detected. In Mode A for
instance, all segments shown indicate that every
metal target will cause the GTAx 550 to respond
audibly. Specific notches can be created by adding
or removing targets from acceptance in either
operating mode.

Every target detected will always be indicated by the

target ID cursor.

32
There are two ways to set discrimination.

First method: Press the (+) and (-) touchpads to

position the blinking Upper Scale cursor above
the Lower Scale segment corresponding to the
particular target to be detected or ignored. If the
segment is displayed, that particular target will
be detected. If you wish to reject that type of
target, press the ACCEPT/REJECT touchpad. The
segment will disappear, creating a reject notch. If
the Lower Scale segment is not displayed, press the
ACCEPT/REJECT touchpad to illuminate it, creating
an accept notch, and your GTAx 550 will begin
detecting targets represented by that segment.

Second method: Pass the searchcoil over an

object to be accepted or rejected as a target or pass
the particular target across the face of the coil about
two inches from its surface. Check to make certain
there is an appropriate cursor on the Upper Scale of
the Graphic Display. Then press ACCEPT/REJECT
depending upon your discrimination choice for this
specific target.

33
Note: Each time the detector is turned off, the
accept/reject discrimination selections will be
retained in both modes. All selections will be lost
when you return your detector to the factory set
detection calibrations by pressing and holding the
POWER touchpad for 10 seconds or until it beeps.

There are reasons why you would want to accept or

reject specific targets. For example:

You may be looking for only one item, a certain lost

piece of jewelry for example. You can program the
GTAx 550 to reject all other types of metal targets.

You may be hunting in an area where you encounter

large amounts of a specific type of trash. You can
reject just this type of trash and continue to hunt with
no other discrimination detecting all other metal.

You may have your own special ideas for designing

a detection mode. The GTAx 550 gives you unlimited
opportunities to try out any and all of your ideas.

34
Special Note on Settings
If you are ever unsure about the settings of your
detector, simply press and hold the POWER
touchpad for 10 seconds, or until the detector
beeps, to restore the detector to the factory set B
(Coins) mode.

35
BENCH TESTS

Bench Tests enable you to test typical trash items

and to learn about the discrimination capabilities
of the GTAx 550 before taking it into the field or
trying to set your own discrimination notches.
The following tests should be performed with the
searchcoil perpendicular to a bench, floor or other
non-metallic surface and several feet away from any
metallic object.

1. Select the factory preset A mode of operation

with no discrimination (all Lower scale segments
displayed). Bring various metallic targets across the
bottom of the coil at a distance of about two inches.
All targets will cause the sound to increase, which

36
represents true non-discrimination operation.

2. Use the Last Mode touchpad to select the

alternate detection mode with its factory preset B
discrimination notches. On your graphic display,
Mode B will be illuminated. Bring the same targets
across the bottom of the searchcoil and listen for
the sound to increase when each item is scanned.
Notice the specific cursor(s) in the Upper Scale of
the Graphic display that are shown when various
target(s) are scanned across the coil.

3. Begin to experiment with the (+) and (-), ACCEPT/

REJECT touchpads. Notice carefully which of the
24 segments are illuminated by targets. Try to
imagine how these targets will affect your search for
coins. The possibilities are truly countless; your only
limit is your imagination.

4. Be methodical. Keep written records of your

results and use them when hunting in the field.

37
TEST PLOT CONSTRUCTION

As you operate and use your GTAx 550, you will quickly
grow more proficient in its use. It is recommended that
you build your own test plot. Bury several items, including
a nail, a piece of foil, a pull tab, a bottle cap and several
coins at depths ranging from one to four inches. Bury
them about 18 inches apart and clearly mark the location
of each target. Then scan and study the detection
signals.

Remember that newly buried objects, especially coins,

will be somewhat more difficult to detect than items
that have been buried for some time. This is primarily
a metallurgical phenomenon. Experiment with various
detection modes and pay attention to both audio and
graphic display signals as you scan over your test plot.
Note carefully the response of your detector at various
settings.

Practice pinpointing and locating targets precisely.

Use both the manual and the electronic methods of
pinpointing.

38
Headphone Jack

The headphone jack on the GTAx 550 is located at

the rear of the removable battery pack under the
armrest. Headphones are a valuable accessory
for any metal detector to mask interference from
outside noise. They permit you to hear small and
deep targets that might be missed when using only
audio from the detector speaker. Headphones are
particularly essential when you are hunting where
noise of people and/or traffic is excessive.

39
BATTERIES

The GTAx 550 is equipped with two battery packs,

each holding four standard AA batteries. The detector
is also designed to use rechargeable batteries (Ni-
MH). It is recommended that top quality heavy duty
or alkaline batteries be used. All adjustments or
settings you have entered into the detector will be
replaced by the factory settings when batteries are
removed for approximately four minutes or more.

Although standard battery packs can be used

interchangeably in the detector, it is recommended
that both packs being used at the same time always
contain the same type of battery. For example, don't
mix carbon zinc and alkaline batteries.

40
The GTAx 550 should operate 25 to 35 hours with
carbon or alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries
will offer slightly less time, depending upon the type
used. These estimates are for speaker operation.
Operating with headphones will extend battery life.

Battery Replacement
1. Turn the detector off by pressing the POWER
touchpad.

2. Slide the battery case back slightly from its normal

position beneath the arm rest. Place both thumbs on
the lower sides of the cuff with your fingers on the
front of the case. Firm pressure will then disengage
the case from below the armrest and allow it to slide
backward.

3. Slide the two covers up on the battery panel and

remove them completely.

4. Take out the battery holders (which are not

connected by wire) by tilting the battery pack. Each
of the holders contains four AA batteries.

41
5. Press out the old batteries from the holders.

6. Install the new batteries. Carefully observe polarity

of the batteries and place them in the holders.

7. Replace the holders in the detector. It is important

that you make certain that the rivet on each battery
holder is visible in the center of the battery case. If
the holders are replaced incorrectly, it will be difficult
to install the battery covers.

8. Press the battery covers down firmly.

Remember when the battery pack is removed for

more than four minutes, you will lose settings you
have made in audio, depth and disc. All settings will
automatically return to those set at the factory.

42
It is recommended that you remove the batteries
when the detector is not in use, particularly for
a period of several weeks. Always take the four
batteries out of each holder when storing them.
You can then reinsert the empty holders into your
detector to prevent their being misplaced.

Caution: Use only high quality rechargeable, carbon,

alkaline or heavy duty batteries.

SEARCHCOILS

The 7"x10" PROformance searchcoil that comes

with your GTAx 550 is suitable for searching for
almost any target in any terrain.

Optional searchcoils are also available for the GTAx

550.

The 10"x14" DD PROformance Elliptical—Use in

areas with moderate to heavily mineralized soils.
Part No. 2217200

43
The 9"x12" PROformance—Use to increase
detection depth and scanning width for hunting a
broad target range.
Part No. 2220700

The 4.5" Super Sniper™—Use in trashy locations

or in tight places where a larger searchcoil will not
reach.
Part No. 2218800

When changing searchcoils, only hand tighten the

knobs. Never use tools of any kind.

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

Headphones
10"X14" DD elliptical searchcoil
9"x12" PROformance searchcoil
4.5" Super Sniper searchcoil
Carry bag
Coin hunter kit (pouch, probe, digging tool)
Coil covers

44
MAINTENANCE
Your GTAx 550 is a sensitive instrument built to
withstand rugged treatment in the outdoors. Use
your Garrett detector to the fullest extent, yet always
protect and handle it with reasonable care.

• Avoid extreme temperatures as much as possible,

such as storing the detector in an automobile trunk
during the summer or winter months. When storing
longer than about one month, remove the battery
holders and batteries from the detector.

• Keep the detector clean. Wipe the housing after

use and wash the coil when necessary. Protect
the GTAx 550 from dust and sand as much as
possible.

• Your 7x10" PROformance searchcoil is submersible,

but your GTAx 550's control housing is not. Never
submerge the control housing and always protect it
from heavy mist, rain or blowing surf.

• Disassemble the stem and wipe it clean after use

in sandy areas.
45
SPECIALIZED HUNTING

For literature that will explain more about the various

types of hunting possible with your GTAx 550 see
the RAM Books section (page 53).

Although it has universal capabilities, the GTAx

550 has been designed primarily as a coin hunting
metal detector. The greater depth and precise
discrimination patterns possible with microprocessor
controlled circuitry combine with the detector's light
weight and ease of handling to make is a superb
instrument for finding coins and metallic jewelry.

Finding Coins—Whether you choose to hunt for

coins and jewelry in a park or at the beach, the Coins
Mode offers discrimination that responds ideally to
conditions normally encountered. From time to
time you will discover specific trash targets that are
not being eliminated from detection by factory-set
discrimination. Here's how to use the ACCEPT/
REJECT touchpad to eliminate junk targets.

46
Move your searchcoil across one type of these
pieces of trash metal. Watch the target ID cursor
for its response and push the ACCEPT/REJECT
touchpad. You'll have no more trouble from that type
of junk. When you use discrimination segments on
your GTAx 550 to determine a proper discrimination
pattern, you'll spend less time digging trash and
more time digging coins! Some jewelry hunters,
however, prefer to hunt with no discrimination,
especially on the beach.

Finding Relics—Relics of all shapes and sizes can

be found with a GTAx 550. To find them, however,
you will want to search with all Discrimination
segments turned on (Zero discrimination) and you
must be prepared to dig metallic trash since your
detector will sound off on any metal object it
locates.

Finding Gold—Gold and other precious metals can

also be found in various forms with a GTAx 550. You
will most likely be searching for gold nuggets, which
this detector can locate in streams or on dry land.

47
Since the 550 is a motion detector, it is capable of
finding only somewhat larger nuggets (at least BB
size).

It must be emphasized that prospectors using the

GTAx 550, or any other quality detector, usually
prefer to operate in the Zero Discrimination Mode.
When prospecting, discrimination may reduce the
amount of small nuggets found, but some areas
contain so much iron trash that a small amount
of discrimination becomes highly desirable, even
necessary. A special notch can eliminate a particular
junk metal target if needed.

Hard work, patience and research are three of the

keys to success in electronic prospecting. Research
is important because it is vital that gold always be
found in areas where it is known to exist. More
information is contained in You Can Find Gold with
a Metal Detector.

48
SERVICE AND REPAIR

In case of difficulty, read this Owner's Manual

thoroughly to make certain your detector is not
inoperable due to manual adjustments (Press and
hold the POWER button for ten (10) seconds
to return to the factory recommended settings).
Contact your dealer for additional assistance.

When your detector must be returned to the factory

for service, make certain:

You have checked batteries, switches and

connectors. (Weak batteries are the most common
cause of detector "failure".)

You have contacted your dealer, particularly if you

are not familiar with the GTAx 550.

You have included a letter that fully describes the

problem and conditions under which they occur.
Make certain to include your name, address and a
phone number where you can be contacted between
8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., C.S.T.
49
You have carefully packed the detector in its original
shipping carton or other suitable box.

Make certain that proper insulation or packing

material is used to secure all parts. Do not ship
stems or headphones unless they are part of the
problem. Be certain to return all coils.
Ship to:
Garrett Metal Detectors
1881 West State Street
Garland, Texas 75042

Call Garrett's Customer Service Department (800-

527-4011) if you have further questions. Please
allow approximately one week for Garrett technicians
to examine and repair your detector after they
receive it, plus another week for return shipping.
All equipment will be returned UPS or parcel post
unless written authorization is given by you to ship
collect by air parcel post, UPS Blue (air) or air
freight.

50
RECOMMENDED READING

Since Garrett's GTAx 550 is one of the world's

premier coin hunting detectors, you will be especially
interested in The New Successful Coin Hunting, by
Charles Garrett, filled with "how to" tips and success
stories about finding coins. The GTAx 550 is an
excellent detector for finding every type of treasure
and all of the RAM books are pertinent to its use.

Treasure hunters will also appreciate the revised

version of Garrett's popular Modern Metal Detectors,
a basic text that will help you to understand all types
of metal detection equipment and how to use them.
A special section of the revised edition is devoted to
the use of One Touch computerized detectors.

For beginners the new edition of Treasure Hunting

for Fun and Profit will prove especially interesting
and helpful.

Where can you hunt? How about ghost towns and

deserted structures? You will read about them in

51
Charles Garrett's Ghost Town Treasures. Bob
Marx's Buried Treasures You Can Find locates
thousands of sites where treasure is known to have
existed. This book also includes good information
about One-Touch detectors such as the GTAx 550.

Hobbyists of all ages will want to read Gold Panning

is Easy, but it is especially applicable to those
interested in gold prospecting.

52
 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 [email protected].
Please send payment to:
RAM Publishing Co.
1881 West State Street
Garland, Texas 75042
(Order form continued on back of this page)

53
 MAIL-IN ORDER FORM
Add $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: _____________________________

54
Specifications

• Detector type: Very Low Frequency (VLF)

transmitter / receiver, Graphic Target Analyzer (GTA)
with multiple notch discrimination
• Controls: Easy access touch panel
• Display: High visibility LCD adjacent to the touch
panel; data accessible at any angle.
• Detection Frequency: 7.0 kHz
• Circuitry: Linear transmitter/receiver/filter front
end 10-bit data acquisition, Microcomputer with 8
Kbyte memory, Crystal controlled 4 MHz operation,
High reliability surface mount printed circuit board
construction
• Audio Frequency: 275 to 710 Hz
• Batteries: 8 AA
• Battery Life (approximate): Alkaline - 30 hours
Carbon Zinc - 20 hours; Rechargeable—12-15
hours
• Humidity:To 95% non-condensing
• Temperatures: Operating—0 to 140°F; Storage
- 20 to 150°F
• Construction: Aluminum and high strength glass
filled nylon; Ramrod S stem with handle mounted
55
control, display and panel.
• Convertible hip mount with self storing cord for
minimum weight and optimum balance; Hip Mount
• Cable Length: 62 inches
• Weight: 3 lbs, 4 oz
• Shipping weight: 5 lbs

56
MIND YOUR MANNERS!

The following is a Code of Ethics that many

treasure hunt clubs endorse and hobbyists follow to
preserve our exciting hobby of metal detecting. We
encourage you to do the same:
• I will keep informed on and obey all laws,
regulations and rules governing federal, state and
local public lands.
• I will aid law enforcement officials whenever
possible.
• I will cause no willful damage to property of a n y
kind, including fences, signs and buildings.
• I will always fill the holes I dig.
• I will not destroy property, buildings or the remains
of ghost towns and other deserted structures.
• I will not leave litter or uncovered items lying
around.
• I will carry all trash and dug targets with me when
I leave each search area.

57
• 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
field of metal detection.

Warning!

When searching for treasure with your Garrett

detector, observe these precautions:
• Never trespass or hunt on private property without
permission.
• Avoid areas where pipelines or electric lines may
be buried.
• National and state parks / monuments, etc. are
absolutely off-limits.
• Deepseeking detectors can detect concealed
pipes, wiring and other potentially dangerous
material. When those are located, the proper
authorities should be notified.
58
• Do not hunt in a military zone where bombs or
other explosives may be buried.
• Do not disturb any pipeline, particularly if it could
be carrying flammable gas or liquid.
• Use reasonable caution in digging toward any
target, particularly in areas you are uncertain of
the ground conditions.
• If you are unsure if you can use your metal
detector in any area, seek permission from the
proper authorities.

59
 1881 W. State Street
Garland, Texas 75042
Toll Free: 800.527.4011
Tel: 972.494.6151
Fax: 972.494.1881
Email: [email protected]

© 2008 Garrett Electronics, Inc.

PN 1525300.D.0608