ATMID - All Terrain Mine Detector

Schiebel Corporation

The All Terrain Mine Detector, ATMID fully meets the dynamic challenge encountered by mine clearance professionals on the battlefield and in post-conflict humanitarian de-mining.

It is designed to detect low-metal-content mines in all types of soil and is especially effective in areas with severe laterite (a high content of iron or aluminium oxides). ATMID incorporates digital spectral technology to compensate for soil effects and provide reliable and consistent mine detection in any type of terrain (including beach and shoreline), across the full climatic range. It is equally effective in extreme wet or dry conditions and is not adversely affected by surface water or moisture.

In addition to its new capabilities, ATMID retains the popular, proven and trusted features of the latest standard AN-19/2 (U.S. 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. Its simple and failsafe operation makes it "user friendly"

for all skill levels and reduces training problems. Frequent use and experience will, of course, ensure maximum efficiency of detection.

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 subsequently be made available to all Users, 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 great operator comfort during sustained use
• Simple sensitivity setting and discrimination control
• Built-in test circuits automatically check all critical functions and battery condition

• Search Head
• Telescopic Pole
• Electronics Unit
• Headphone
• Accessories

The search head contains a molded antenna array with integrated noise reduction features. The cable is molded to the search head with a plug at the opposite end for connection to the electronic unit. The telescopic pole consists of an inner and outer tube, arm support and handgrip that are adjustable to suit all users and minimize fatigue during operation. A screw-on cover is mounted on the face of the search head to prevent wear during operation.

The watertight electronics unit consists of the control panel, printed circuit board, and battery compartment. Connection sockets are mounted on the control panel alongside the:

• Master switch
• Headphone volume control
• Sensitivity control
• Condition indicating LED

This military standard, single speaker headphone, which has a coiled connecting cable with molded plug, is designed for wear under a ballistic helmet.

A backpack-style carry-bag, with individual Velcro accessory pockets houses the complete ATMID, including all accessories and spare batteries. The full carry-bag easily fits in a watertight aluminium transport and storage case.

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 several times over the object. 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.

ATMID is an easy to use, very sensitive and highly reliable detector, designed to withstand the rigors of long-term field use in extreme temperatures, and all weather conditions. This, together with its built-in self-test and ease of maintenance, make it suitable for worldwide use, by any operator, with only the minimum of training. Even in adverse conditions and long operating hours, ATMID's automatic warning tones, failsafe operating procedures and light weight will ensure minimum operator fatigue and maximum safety.