FAQ

First you need to know what type of detecting you will be doing; coin, treasure and relic hunting, gold prospecting or a combination of both. Coin, treasure and relic hunting and gold prospecting have different requirements because of ground conditions, target size, amount of trash in the ground, and the conductivity of targets.

Coin, treasure and relic hunting detectors
Coin, treasure and relic hunting grounds are often places like parks, farming land and beaches and therefore tend to be littered with buried trash such as bottle tops, ring pulls and nails. Metal detectors can see all of these targets, but digging up trash is time consuming and unrewarding. To solve this Minelab has a range of metal detectors with the ability to ‘discriminate’ whether a target is likely to be treasure or trash. The discrimination feature on Minelab detectors measure two target properties, ferrous properties and conductive properties.

Ferrous properties refer to how much iron is in a target and therefore how strongly it’s attracted to a magnet. Ferrous targets tend to be trash, so can be discriminated/masked out based on their ferrous properties alone by the detector. Conductive properties refer to how well a target conducts electrical current and therefore responds to a metal detector’s magnetic field. Trash like nails and foil have different conductive properties to valuable targets like coins and rings. In this case the metal detector can make a judgement as to whether the target is trash based on conductivity.

Minelab’s superior discriminating coin treasure and relic detectors are:

E-TRAC – Technology: FBS, Smartfind
Explorer SE Pro – Technology: FBS, Smartfind
Safari – Technology: FBS
Excalibur II – Technology: BBS
X-TERRA 305/505/705 – Technology: VFLEX
Sovereign GT – Technology: BBS

Gold prospecting detectors
Gold fields typically occur in areas where there are high levels of ground mineralisation. Ground mineralisation refers to how magnetic the ground is. This doesn’t mean that mineralised ground produces a magnetic field, but it does mean that particles or grains in the soil will be attracted to a magnet. Metal detectors see mineralised ground as one huge target, which makes detecting buried targets in mineralised ground difficult. To solve this Minelab has a range of gold prospecting metal detectors that have superior ground balancing technology to counter act ground mineralisation.

Minelab’s superior ground balancing gold detectors:

GPX 5000 – Technology: MPS, DVT, SETA
GPX 4800 – Technology: MPS, DVT, SETA
GPX-4500 – Technology: MPS, DVT, SETA
Eureka Gold – Technology: VLF (6.4kHz, 20kHz, 60kHz)
X-TERRA 705 Gold Pack – Technology: VFLEX
Sovereign GT – Technology: BBS

Dual purpose detector
Dual purpose detectors have both ground balancing abilities (compensation for ground mineralisation) and discrimination abilities (treasure from trash).

Minelab’s superior dual purpose detectors:

X-TERRA 705 – Technology: VFLEX
Sovereign GT – Technology: BBS

In summary, gold prospecting detectors can see through mineralised ground and coin, treasure and relic hunting detectors can discriminate treasure from trash.

Some scenarios to consider when choosing a detector:

“I’m a keen coin, treasure and relic hunter. I regularly go on dedicated trips to parks, open fields and beaches. I’m looking for the very best detector for depth and discrimination”

Detecting solution: E-TRAC

“I enjoy regularly detecting for coins, treasure and relics and want an easy to use top performing detector that will work in all conditions”

Detecting solution: Safari

“I do a lot of travelling, so I’m looking for a low priced detector, which will be used at playgrounds, parks and picnic areas along our travels”

Detector solution: X-TERRA 305/505

“I want to search for coins, treasure, and relics both inland and at the beach. I need a detector that punches deep, and has excellent discrimination capabilities. A mate of mine regularly visits the goldfields, so I may occasionally try my luck for some nuggets”

Detector solution: X-TERRA 705 Gold Pack

“I want a detector that works well at the beach, and I’d probably detect near the waters edge at low tide looking for older coins and gold rings. There’s an old goldfield on the way to my parents house in the country, so I’d also like to have a detect there looking for nuggets and old miners relics”

Detector solution: Sovereign GT

“I want a detector that will work well at the beach, but needs to be simple to use. I don’t really need an LCD screen, and I may also look for relics and coins on old farm house sites and ovals”

Detector solution: Sovereign GT

“I live a few hours away from some goldfields, which have produced nuggety gold over the years. I want the deepest, and most sensitive detector on the market, as I will be searching on the old diggings, as well as on the surrounding virgin ground”

Detector solution: GPX 5000

“The goldfields close to home historically gave up mainly fine gold and specimens, so I want a detector that is very sensitive. I may also look for relics, but can't afford a top of the range gold machine”

Detector solution: Eureka Gold

“Living right on the coast, I'm after a detector that I can use for wading and diving to search for lost jewellery and coins”

Detector solution: Excalibur II

Yes, Minelab metal detectors have the ability to ‘discriminate’ between different types of targets. The discrimination feature on Minelab detectors measure two target properties, ferrous properties and conductive properties.

Ferrous properties refer to how much iron is in a target and therefore how strongly it’s attracted to a magnet. Ferrous targets tend to be trash, so can be discriminated/masked out based on their ferrous properties alone by the detector. Conductive properties refer to how well a target conducts electrical current and therefore responds to a metal detector’s magnetic field. Trash like nails and foil have different conductive properties to valuable targets like coins and rings. In this case the metal detector can make a judgement as to whether the target is trash based on conductivity.

The process for configuring the discrimination settings and the method used to indicate treasure or trash varies across the Minelab range of detectors.

 As a rule of thumb, the lower the frequency used by the detector, the deeper it can penetrate the ground. At low frequencies however, sensitivity to small low conductive targets is reduced. The higher the frequency, the higher the sensitivity to small targets, but will not penetrate as deeply. In general, gold detectors operate at higher frequencies (to find small nuggets), while coin and treasure detectors work at lower frequencies for deeper penetration. The exception to this is MPS type metal detectors that are sensitive and deep seeking simultaneously.

There are three main differences between coil types; size, shape and configuration.

Size
The size of a search coil can influence the detection depth or sensitivity of a metal detector. The larger the coil, the deeper it detects, but will have less sensitivity to small targets. Conversely the smaller the search coil’s diameter, the more sensitive it becomes but looses detection depth.

Smaller coils are lighter, easier to control and may be chosen for their ability to negotiate difficult terrain or undergrowth. They are also an advantage in areas of high trash.

Shape
The most common coil shapes are conventional solid round coils, elliptical shaped coils and the open web coils. The main reason for the change in shape is to conform to a physical requirement, i.e. an elliptical coil can be pushed around bushes or between rocks easier than a round coil and open web coils move through water easier and are lighter. Conventional round coils are often more stable and perform better and are particularly popular for gold prospecting.

Configuration
The three most common types of coil windings are Concentric, Double-D, and Monoloop. The difference between these coil types is the pattern the wire is wound within the search coil.

Concentric coil
A Concentric coil has an inner circle and an outer circle wire winding. Its search pattern is cone shaped and can be useful for accurately pinpointing a target. Concentric coils tend to be noisier in highly mineralised ground and require more over lap of sweep for thorough ground coverage.

Double-D coil
Double-D coils are the preferred coils for most detecting. They give a blade or chisel shaped signal that covers the ground more uniformly and once an operator becomes accustomed to the signal, pinpointing can be very accurate. Double-D coils are also preferred for their superior ground balancing ability.

Monoloop coil
Monoloop coils have one winding of wire around the circumference of the coil, which is used to both transmit and receive. The signal pattern of the Monoloop coil is cone shaped, requiring more overlapping. In extremely heavily mineralised grounds they can be more difficult to ground balance, however they tend to provide slightly better depth than the Double-D coils.

Warranty Terms and Conditions [Extract]

2.1 Electronic control boxes (with the exception of the Excalibur*), Minelab branded search coils, handles, shafts, headphones, bags and battery chargers are under warranty for a period of 3 years (36 months) from the date of retail purchase as set out in the warranty registration card ("date of purchase"); [* The Excalibur is warranted for a period of 1 year (12 months) from the date of purchase.]

2.2 Batteries and all accessory items not listed in paragraph 2.1 are under warranty for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase.

Read the complete warranty terms and conditions.

As always the answer to this question depends on your detecting style.

Normal mode is good for rapidly and automatically narrowing the audio response of a target.

Sizing mode is better when you want more control and don't want the detector to vary its baseline. The baseline is set by the operator when entering pinpoint. This is good for mapping a consistent outline of a target. It can also be useful if working in trashy ground when there are issues with adjacent targets.

There are two possibilities:

Passing over a target in Normal mode causes the baseline to be reset every time based on the strength of the signal received by the detector. If this baseline is set by passing the coil over a stronger signal then a weaker signal may not be heard. This can happen when sweeping across a target at different heights. Simply wait, while no targets are seen by the detector, the baseline will fall to a lower level.

Pinpoint is a non-motion mode. When in this non-motion mode the detector is unable to compensate for the slow drift of the channels of the detector. To re-calibrate, the pin point mode may need to be reset if operating in pin point mode for extended periods. Simply exit and return to pin point mode. This same effect may also cause the detector to emit a louder pinpoint tone than expected.

Yes, they do work differently, because the Discrimination and Pinpoint modes operate differently; one is motion, the other non-motion, The Depth Indication must suit each.

Depth in Discrimination
When in Discrimination mode, as opposed to Pinpoint mode, E-TRAC is a motion detector, that is, if it is held still over a target, no detection will be registered. Just as holding a motion detector motionless over a target will quickly kill the audio signal, holding it still will also make the detector see any target as infinitely far away. The detector must be kept moving over a target for any signal to be registered, both for detection and for the measurement of its depth.

Depth in Pinpoint
In Pinpoint mode, the detection signal does not die away when the coil is held over a target. The Depth Indicator also responds to this 'DC' signal when in Pinpoint mode. However, before the Depth Indicator responds, the centre of the coil must pass beyond the target; not very far, but just far enough to produce a slight diminution of the signal. Only when the Depth Indicator knows that it has seen the maximum signal will it make a judgement of how deep the target is.

Notes on Depth
Exact determination of depth is always a challenge in metal detectors. Larger or smaller targets (the larger tend to be indicated shallower), and more or less conductive targets will always produce some slight inaccuracy in the measurement. While that is so, E-TRAC has been calibrated so as to produce the same indications for the same targets, whether it is in motion mode or Pinpoint mode.

1. Extended conductivity range
The range of conductivity and ferrous IDs for the E-TRAC is wider than that of the Explorer. For example it can separate between very low or very high conductivity targets, which are indistinguishable for the Explorer. Also, where the ranges overlap, it has more resolution. A crude example: IDs 1-5 and 45-50 are new; the rest of the IDs (e.g. 6-45, i.e. 40 of them) are still more than those of the Explorer (1-32 or so). Thus, the new range is wider and has more resolution. This, in turn, allows the user to better separate good targets from trash and to know what to expect before digging.

2. Straightened coins position
The ferrous coordinate of most coins in air is 12 +/-1, with slight deviations at the very high conductivity end. This makes it easier to remember the ID's of targets of interest or to note anomalies.

3. Ground rejection
There is a lot of action behind the scenes (i.e. outside the Smartfind window) and this will benefit the user in the sense of less blanking from mineralised ground and hot rocks. The blanking will now indicate mostly rejected targets (e.g. ferrous junk) and less mineralised ground, so the user will be able to identify high trash and low trash areas. Also, this is very handy for searching in all metal (e.g. for ferrous relic hunt, or ferrous coin detection) where the user does not want to be overwhelmed by ground signals, yet wants to detect any type of metal.

4. Large conductive objects
Very large conductivity objects can be detected at very low FE numbers and if these are of interest (e.g. for certain types of treasure hunt) the pattern where there is no rejection at the upper side could be used.

Manual Sensitivity is for users to adjust how strong a signal needs to be before their detector makes a sound.

Automatic Sensitivity removes the burden of constantly trying to get the best sensitivity out of the E-TRAC, by adjusting the sensitivity according to the strength of the signals coming from the ground. The philosophy behind the automatically chosen levels is that one of the great attributes of E-TRAC is its ability to discriminate ferrous targets, even in difficult conditions. Automatic Sensitivity is constantly working to get the best sensitivity, with this in mind. It is not simply an 'Auto' knob for the Manual Sensitivity; it operates three separate levels of sensitivity at once, each applied to its own type of signal, and the level that is the highest is the one that will detect the weakest signal.

Suggested Sensitivity is your friend. It shows the best setting of Manual Sensitivity for the conditions. Remember that it is showing the level that it optimises the depth/discrimination trade-off in a way that might be different from your ideas on detecting. In that case, you might want to add or subtract one or more from the suggested setting.

Equivalent Sensitivity gives a guide to the sensitivity of E-TRAC as it is operating in Automatic Sensitivity. As ground conditions deteriorate, Equivalent Sensitivity falls; as they improve, Equivalent Sensitivity rises. Equivalent Sensitivity is almost always higher than the Suggested Sensitivity, because Automatic Sensitivity can adjust the three levels of sensitivity independently of one another; in Manual Sensitivity, the chosen level is tied to the average level.

The Stabilizer function controls the point at which faint variations in the Threshold begin to be heard. These faint variations can either be ambient noise or faint target signals. As you increase the Stabilizer control, faint target signals will become louder, but the noise level will also increase, which may potentially hide a desirable target signal. The Stabilizer allows you to mask these faint variations to provide a perfectly stable threshold, improving your ability to identify faint target signals.

The Stabilizer is best left in the FP (factory preset) position until the soil conditions in the location are determined. Once the Rx Gain level has been set for the local conditions and other audio settings have been selected, the Stabilizer can then be used to fine tune the Threshold stability.

To find the optimal position of the Stabilizer, ensure that the coil is being swept across the ground. One number below the point at which the threshold begins to chatter, is generally the best setting.

The effect of the Stabilizer could be seen as having a similar effect to that of the Rx Gain control. However, the Stabilizer affects the audio processing only and does not change the Receive (Rx) signal, so should be used as a final stage fine tune. After making any adjustments to the Stabilizer, if the ground conditions change or you wish to change coils, you may need to reset the Rx Gain, but before doing so, return the Stabilizer to the Factory Preset setting first. This will ensure you select the most appropriate Rx Gain level to suit the conditions, and then you can fine tune using the Stabilizer.

Tip: By turning the Stabilizer control close to minimum (anti-clockwise) the threshold will be very stable, but you will have lost a lot of sensitivity to smaller targets. This can be a desirable feature in certain scenarios such as looking for large nuggets in a high-trash area, or using the GPX 5000 and GPX 4800 to search for coins or treasure. 

Tip: We would recommend the best order for setting these controls are:

1. Select an appropriate Search Mode
2. Select the desired Audio Type
3. Adjust Rx Gain until the threshold starts to break up
4.Adjust Stabilizer to smooth out the threshold.

Minelab's patented MPS detectors require precision aligning of the different operating channels in order to minimise interference caused by various sources of magnetic interference. Different timings can require a slightly different alignment for maximum effectiveness. The GP series introduced an option of three timings, and even though the performance of these timings were quite different, a single alignment still worked well, as the timings were quite similar electronically. With so many different timing options packed into the GPX-4500, it was no longer possible to rely on a single alignment, and so the Smart Electronic Timing Alignment or SETA concept was born.

SETA automatically sets a precise alignment for each Timing option, and these are saved to the built-in memory. What this means is that if you are regularly switching between timings, you should have no problems with noises caused by magnetic interference. This means that the threshold will remain more stable, and signals from highly magnetic rocks will be significantly reduced. This will allow you to harness all the power of the GPX 5000 and GPX 4800, and operate them more efficiently under different conditions.

A bonus of SETA technology is that the ground balance setting of each timing is also saved, so if you are switching between timings when investigating a suspected target signal, you won't have to continually re-ground balance the detector.

The Target Volume controls the strength of target signals, and at settings above 8 it will slightly increase the volume of the threshold as well. This is useful for very windy conditions, for people suffering from hearing loss, or when using external speakers. With the audio amplifier built into the Li-Ion battery pack, you can plug a speaker directly into the battery, and set an appropriate level of amplification using the Target Volume. Be aware that when switching from headphones to an external speaker, you may need to make minor adjustments to your Threshold and Volume Limit controls.

The Target Volume can be used as an Audio boost in quiet conditions, and can also be used to reduce or smooth out ground noise signals in highly mineralised soils. This is a powerful feature, and will work in conjunction with the Stabilizer control, giving you the ultimate in fine tuning ability. A bit of experimenting may be required to find the optimum combination in different conditions.

NOTE: Whenever adjustments to the Gain are required, due to a change of coil or location, make sure the Target Volume is returned to the FP setting first. You can then fine tune to suit the new conditions.

Consider the 10.5" Double-D high frequency coil. This coil provides great depth and has outstanding sensitivity to the widest variety of targets both large and small.

The X-TERRA 705 is the perfect choice for this application as it has a Beach Ground Balance and Tracking options. The X-TERRA 305 and X-TERRA 505 will also perform admirably on beaches.

For each model high sensitivity settings can be used on dry sand. On wet sand, or in transition areas where dry and wet sand combine, lower sensitivity settings on the X-TERRA 305 and X-TERRA 505 will reduce false sounds. Users in any case should not be afraid to reduce sensitivity. By being able to work more quietly you can often increase your "finds" through the increased quietness. We also advise against allowing the coil to touch the sand's surface - keep it flat and level and about an inch (2-3 cm) from the wet surface. Try "walking the beach" - adopting a line toward the surf line with sensitivity set to maximum. If the X-TERRA begins to "chirp" lower the sensitivity setting until the sounds disappear. Then turn and walk parallel to the surf line adjusting sensitivity so that the detector remains quiet.

Most X-TERRA Coils are waterproof - feel free to walk in the water if you wish but protect the control box! Continue to increase the sensitivity as long as the detector remains quiet.

After use at the beach, remove the batteries and clean their terminals. Clean and dry the rest of the detector with a soft cloth.

In short, always! The abilities of your X-TERRA product in detecting some forms of electromagnetic interference (EMI) are more advanced than the human ear. Having detected the EMI the Noise Cancel feature will eliminate its effect, smoothing stability and improving overall performance. Even in remote areas, sources of EMI include engine alternators, computers and refrigerators.

We always recommend selecting based on comfort and audio quality so check as many sets of headphones as possible before purchasing.

The following specifications will further assist in guiding your decision:

Frequency response: 18 - 20,000 Hz
Impedance: 100 ohm

Audio levels on the X-TERRA 305, X-TERRA 505 and X-TERRA 705 are set separately for headphone or speaker operation. Connecting or disconnecting headphones resets the audio level to the previously set level for that mode.

Target IDs are a measure of conductivity of a detected metal object. Different metal targets have different conductivity. X-TERRA Series detectors measure this electronically and display it as a number. More conductive targets such as silver coins have higher Target IDs such as 42. Thin foil has a much lower conductivity and can have a Target ID as low as 0 to 6.

There are two issues to consider - frequency and coil type and size. Your choice of coil will depend on the type of ground you want to search and the types of targets you wish to find. Double-D coils are best suited to mineralised ground. A 10.5" Double-D coil is well suited to beach detecting. Double-D coils provide the best depth. Concentric coils suit soils that are cluttered with many individual targets - both wanted and unwanted. Pinpointing is sharper on concentric coils.

High frequency coils, such as the 18.75 kHz 10" x 5" elliptical coil, are recommended for gold hunting and for searching productive ancient sites where low conductivity items are more likely to be found. High frequency detecting can result in an increased tendency to signal more ferrous (unwanted) items. Smaller 6" coils are ideal for finding jewellery in manicured lawns, cluttered sites where wanted and unwanted targets might be located very close to each other, gold nugget hunting in rocky areas and working in shallow streams.

Your choice depends on the type of detecting you will do. Use larger coils, such as the 10.5" Double-D coil for deep cache detecting. Consider a smaller 6" concentric if your search site is cluttered where wanted and unwanted targets might be located very close to each other. The commonly-used 9" concentric is ideal for general purposes detecting and a variety of applications, for example if searching for coins, perhaps in a school yard.

Generally speaking modern gold coins (such as those found in Europe that are less than 200 years old) are smaller and will likely produce a mid-range Target ID. Typically, smaller gold coins will usually have Target IDs in the range 13-19. Medium sized gold coins will usually have Target IDs in the range 20-29. Very large gold coins can have Target IDs of 30 or more. Some very small Celtic type gold coins have been found with a lower-than-normal conductivity and as such can have a Target ID less than 10.

When detecting allow experience to guide you since you may experience some variability due to your choice of X-TERRA model and coil. With experience you will find the sound of gold is fuller and more rounded. Take account also of the tonal response of all targets.

The value of experience lies in the ability to assess the signal tone and sound in addition to the numeric display when specifically searching for gold coins.

Use Prospecting Mode for nuggets. It is more sensitive to gold than other modes.

Ground Balance continuously.

Always use the Noise Cancel feature.

Use the highest Sensitivity setting that your ground conditions allow.

It may help to reduce the Preset Iron Mask to 0 (zero).

Always have a Threshold Tone on such that you can hear sounds which are faint but which are not confused by sounds from the ground itself.

Search slowly. Before proceeding allow the detector to reset after detecting unwanted targets.

Switch to Coin/Relic Mode to discriminate a target or, preferably, dig it anyway.

Always dig targets found in Prospecting Mode if they disappear in Coin/Relic Mode.

Use a Double-D high frequency coil (the elliptical 10" x 5" coil is recommended) for goldfields with highly mineralised soils. 

Always Noise Cancel and Ground Balance before switching on Automatic Tracking.

Listen for faint, repeatable sounds. If they are faint but repeatable, dig them.

Lower numbers indicate higher levels of ground mineralisation. Remember Double-D coils generally have better capabilities in highly mineralised soils than concentric coils and may provide a better option.

The discrimination pattern of the Relic mode has a low rejection level. This is because relics can have low conductivity or ferrous content. This mode uses the ferrous content (of the target) to determine the pitch of the target signal, rather than its conductivity, which is used in the Coin and Coin/Jewellery modes.

The Trash Density settings are designed to assist the user in locations where the amount of trash in the soil may vary. 'HIGH' improves the chances of detecting a good target in amongst a trashy area, without any loss in detection speed. It is also suited to varying or heavily mineralized ground. The new 11" FBS coil also aids in this mode due to its faster response and clearer audio generation. The recovery speed is very quick in this 'HIGH' Trash Density setting. 'LOW' can be used in a non-trash area and as such may be more suitable for beaches. 'LOW' will have a slightly better depth performance in 'clean' areas. The Accept/Reject functionality is also improved in the 'LOW' setting.

This feature is much improved over its predecessor, the Quattro MP. The visualization now follows the audio response, unlike on the Quattro MP where a partially filled animation sounded relatively the same, because the audio was monotone. Tone changes are far easier to pick up than volume changes. The other advantage is that the target's centre is located in the middle of the coil.

The Sovereign GT is designed for the serious coin and relic hunter and doesn't have the sensitivity to smaller gold nuggets like a true gold detector. However, unlike other coin machines, it is equipped with a true automatic ground balance in the All-Metal mode, so can be used in the heavy mineralized goldfields, with good depth on larger targets. In high trash areas in the goldfields, the excellent discrimination and Iron Mask feature helps it to eliminate the ferrous trash, yet still detect larger nuggets as well as those associated with Ironstone.

1. The Sovereign shares one rather unusual characteristic with the Excalibur - if you've been hunting for several hours and you notice that the Threshold volume level begins to gradually get louder and louder, this is telling you that the Battery Pack needs to be re-charged!

2. If you've charged your NiMH Battery Pack overnight and the little green LED light on the Pack is still lit, this is normal. They will gradually grow dimmer as the battery is charged. However, the light will normally not go completely off.

3. The Sovereign GT Meter should be calibrated for a reading of "550" with a U.S. Quarter, like all the earlier versions of the Sovereign.

The Eureka Gold is designed to be a superior small gold detector for difficult soils. The inclusion of two automatic tracking speeds, three separate frequencies and the variable discriminator makes the unit a very good gold detector, with the added versatility of being very sensitive to small gold jewellery, and small relics. The improved ferrous discrimination and 6.4 kHz mode, make the Eureka a capable little coin machine as well. It is the ideal detector for someone who has not yet decided what type of metal detecting he or she likes the best.

The Eureka Gold will not get the same depth as the SD or GP series with the exception of the tiniest pieces. In mild ground it may match the Explorer and Safari for depth on mid-sized targets, however in highly mineralized goldfield soil, the Eureka Gold will achieve greater depth, especially on smaller targets. In comparison to the Musketeer, the Eureka Gold will achieve greater depth on smaller targets, and on all targets in heavily mineralized conditions.

Salt, sand and grit will accumulate on the Excalibur II. So make sure you thoroughly rinse it with fresh water after use, including the coil cover, shafts and battery pack. Don't forget the vent holes on each headphone diaphragm as these need to be clear if used for diving purposes to allow for ear equalisation.