Instruction Manual
World Leader in Metal Sensing Technology Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd From our origins in 1985, Minelab have specialised in advanced electronic technologies. Our competitive advantage was created almost immediately with a highly competent and innovative Research and Development team, inspired by the genius of Mr Bruce Candy. PO Box 537, Torrensville Plaza Adelaide, South Australia, 5031 Australia Tel: +61 (0) 8 8238 0888 Fax: +61 (0) 8 8238 0890 Email: minelab@minelab.com.
2 3 contents 4 VFLEX Technology 6 8 9 10 11 12 Assembling Your X-Terra Connecting the Coil Shaft Assembly Armrest Assembly Connecting the Control Box Permanently Connecting the Control Box 13 Coil Cable Assembly 14 Inserting Batteries Quick Start Reference Back Cover Part Number: 4901-0071-1.
Power Supply Audio Transmit Transmit Standard VLF Signal (Without VFLEX) Analog Signal The 2nd generation X-Terra Series incorporate Minelab’s proven VFLEX Technology. VFLEX uses state of the art digital and mixed-signal components to enhance standard single frequency technology by replacing most of the analogue circuitry with digital signal processing.
6 Assembling your x-terra Before assembling your X-Terra please check that the package includes these parts: Coil Skidplate (fitted to coil) Lower shaft Middle shaft Upper shaft Armrest Stand Control box Control box screw Rubber washers (2) Plastic wing nut Plastic bolt Armrest screw Armrest strap Velcro tabs (2) Warranty card Instruction manual, you’re holding it 7
8 Connecting the coil Plug the two rubber washers into the holes on either side of the lower shaft yoke. Slide the yoke into the yoke bracket on top of the coil. Ensure that the spring loaded pin in the lower shaft is underneath. Insert the plastic bolt through the yoke and the yoke bracket. Fasten with the plastic wing nut provided, being careful not to damage the thread of the bolt by over-tightening. This may need to be loosened to adjust the coil to a comfortable detecting angle.
Connecting the control box 11 10 Armrest assembly Place the armrest onto the top of the upper shaft, lining up the central hole in the armrest with a hole in the aluminium shaft. Position the armrest to suit your arm length. (Holding the Detector, p. 16) Insert the screw up through the stand, upper shaft and armrest. Tighten the screw, being careful not to overtighten and damage the thread. With the velcro side facing upwards, thread the armrest strap through both slots in the armrest.
Coil cable assembly 13 12 Permanently connecting the control box While the X-Terra control box is designed to be easily removable for packing and transport, Minelab have made an option available to permanently attach the control box to the handle. Remove the small circular rubber insert in the top right-hand side of the handle. Insert the screw provided into the hole and tighten using a Phillips screwdriver. Store the rubber insert in a safe place in case you wish to reuse it in the future.
14 Inserting Batteries Holding the detector 15 The X-Terra uses 4 x AA batteries which are not included with the detector. (Battery Behaviour, p. 68) Access the battery compartment via the battery door located on the side of the control box. Slide the battery compartment door upwards with your thumb. Place individual batteries into the compartment as illustrated, ensuring the positive (+) and negative (–) contacts match the diagram on the control box.
Sweeping the coil 17 16 Holding the Detector Once outside, practice sweeping the coil over the ground in a side-to-side motion, while walking forward slowly. Slightly overlap the previous sweep to ensure a full ground coverage. An approximate sweep speed is 3 seconds from left to right to left. The correct position of armrest and length of shaft should allow you to swing the coil in front of your body without any uncomfortable stretching or stooping.
Keypad Layout 19 18 Introducing the control panel Power turns the detector On or Off. Scrolls through the different discrimination patterns. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) area Menu accesses and scrolls through detector settings. Pinpoint/Detect has two functions. Pinpoint assists in locating the exact position of a target prior to recovery. Detect exits menu settings and returns to detection. Adjusts settings and scrolls to the left (–) or right (+) through the discrimination segments.
Lcd Layout 21 20 Turning on the detector There are many metallic objects inside the house (e.g. nails in the floor, reinforcing in the walls) that will result in overloading the detector’s electronics. There may also be interference from TV sets and other household appliances. In this environment the detector may give erratic performance and numerous false signals. Press Power A short start up sequence will display and a tune will be heard. Once on, the detector will be in automatic detection.
23 22 A simple detecting exercise A good way to become familiar with detecting is to test the detector against a range of metal objects. This exercise is a simple lesson on how the detector interprets metal objects. Gather a collection of different metal objects, e.g. various coins, gold and silver jewellery, a rusted nail, pull-tab, brass button and aluminium foil. Take the detector outside, away from known electromagnetic fields or metal objects.
25 24 Example Detections Discrimination Pattern The factory preset pattern 1 rejects ferrous metals and foil, and accepts nonferrous metals. Patterns can be edited and saved according to detecting preferences. All Metal Pattern The all metal pattern turns off every discrimination segment, allowing all metals including ferrous targets to be detected. Audio A detected ferrous target will give a low tone audio response. Audio A detected nonferrous target will give a medium – high tone audio response.
target ID 27 26 How detectors work Metal detectors work due to the fact that metal is conductive. Metal detectors create an electromagnetic field, which penetrates the ground. When the coil senses a change in this field (caused by a metal object) it sends a signal back to the control box which then alerts the operator. Metal detectors react to the size, shape and composition of objects. Typically, the larger the object, the deeper it can be detected. The X-Terra uses a single frequency (7.
5 28 Discrimination Scale Nonferrous targets are those that have no iron content, such as gold, silver, copper and bronze. Nonferrous targets are often higher in conductivity and are represented by the right hand side segments. Ferrous targets are those that contain iron, for example nails and scrap metal. They generally have a low conductivity and are represented by the left hand side segments.
30 Preset Discrimination patterns AL The combinations of accepted and rejected segments are referred to as patterns. The X-Terra has preset discrimination patterns that have been customised to detect general desired targets such as coins and jewellery. The X-Terra 305 has an all metal pattern and 2 preset patterns. The X-Terra 505 has an all metal pattern and 3 preset patterns. Patterns 1,2 and 3 can be edited to create your own custom discrimination patterns.
33 32 Preset discrimination patterns Pattern 2 Patterns are an important part of detecting as they can save you from digging for unwanted targets. Accepts signals from most nonferrous targets (X-Terra 305 IDs: 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44). (X-Terra 505 IDs: 9, 12, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48). Example targets only Rejects those from ferrous objects and some nonferrous targets, e.g. aluminium foil and pull tabs (X-Terra 305 IDs: –4, 4, 8, 12). (X-Terra 505 IDs: –9, –6, –3, 3, 6, 15, 18).
34 Choosing a discrimination pattern – X-Terra 305 Choosing a discrimination pattern – X-Terra 505 35 On the X-Terra 305, Patterns toggles between pattern 1 and 2. On the X-Terra 505, Patterns toggles between pattern 1, 2 and 3. The X-Terra 305 has an All Metal shortcut. This toggles between the selected pattern and all metal. The X-Terra 505 has an All Metal shortcut. This toggles between the selected pattern and all metal. The all metal pattern cannot be edited.
37 36 Pinpointing high this target will produce a loud, high tone sound this target will produce a quiet, low tone sound low Enabling pinpoint instructs the X-Terra to temporarily disengage discrimination and become a non-motion detector. Targets normally discriminated against will emit a signal when beneath the coil. coil tone During normal detection, the X-Terra operates with discrimination patterns. When a target signal is heard, it is an advantage to identify the target’s exact position.
39 38 Recovering the target A trowel, knife or small spade are good tools for recovering targets. Once a target has been located, clear the surface of loose material and check again for a signal. If there is no signal then the target is amongst the surface material. In this case, search the surface material until the target is located. If the target is still in the ground, check again with pinpoint. The aim, when digging, is to leave the area of ground exactly as you found it.
41 40 LCD Icons Target ID All Metal Target signals contain both ferrous and conductivity information. This is digitally processed and results in a number being displayed that distinguishes between different types of metal. AM indicates that the all metal pattern has been selected. This pattern has no discrimination and will allow signals from all types of metals, both ferrous and nonferrous. Target ID numbers range from –4 to 44 on the X-Terra 305 and –9 to 48 on the X-Terra 505.
43 42 LCD Icons Menu Battery The X-Terra has a list of settings (Sensitivity, Noise Cancel, Threshold, Volume, Tones and Ground Balance) that can be adjusted to customise it for your own personal preferences. This icon indicates how much power is left in the batteries (p. 68). Note: Ground Balance cannot be accessed via the menu key, even though it is in the menu list on the LCD. Menu scale Consists of 10 segments and a circular scale line.
Selecting Menu settings 45 44 Operation The X-Terra operates in two display states – Detection and Settings. Detection Settings The target ID, discrimination segments and depth automatically translate detected signals. The last detected target ID stays on the display until another is detected. If the detector passes over a target that it rejects, the display will return to a blank detection screen represented by 2 dashes.
Adjusting sensitivity 47 46 Sensitivity The X-Terra detectors are highly sensitive and therefore have a wide sensitivity adjustment range. It is important to set the correct sensitivity level for your detecting conditions. Sensitivity is the detector’s level of response to a target and its environment. Real targets are interpreted as distinct beeps. Interference or false targets are interpreted as crackling or popping noises.
Choosing a noise cancel channel 49 48 Noise Cancel The detector may become noisy or erratic due to electrical interference from powerlines, electrical equipment or other detectors operating close by. This interference is interpreted as a crackling or popping noise. Noise Cancel allows you to change the noise cancel channel so that you experience less interference. Three channels are available for the 305, represented by the numbers –1, 0 and 1 and are also indicated on the menu scale.
Adjusting threshold 51 50 Threshold Threshold is the constant background sound produced by the detector to help distinguish between desirable and undesirable targets. When a rejected target is detected, the Threshold sound ‘blanks’ (becomes silent) to indicate that a rejected target is underneath the coil.
Adjusting volume 53 52 Volume Volume is the level of sound the detector gives when a target is detected. The volume control limits the potential loudness of target signals. The X-Terra has proportional target signal volume. The sound produced by a distant target starts softly. As you get closer, the volume level increases rapidly until it reaches the maximum level that has been set.
Adjusting Tones 55 54 Tones The number of Target ID Tones may be selected from the Tones menu. There are 4 different options for the X-Terra 305, and 5 for the X-Terra 505. 1 Tone 450Hz 450Hz 2 Tones 130Hz 130Hz 700Hz 700Hz 3 Tones 130Hz 450Hz 700Hz 130Hz 450Hz 130Hz 450Hz 700Hz 4 Tones* Multiple Tones 700Hz 950Hz Pitch can vary during target detection in the 130Hz-950Hz range. The pitch depends on the Target ID that is determined during the detection.
57 56 Ground Balance The X-Terra 305 and 505 have an adjustable ground balance which helps in compensating for false signals. Ground balancing the detector reduces false detections and enables good targets to be displayed and heard correctly. When the detector is unbalanced, it will detect targets, but it may also register false detections due to ground mineralisation.
59 58 Adjusting Ground Balance Using the detector in all metal, find a clear area of ground without any targets. Hold the coil parallel and 4” (10 cm) above the ground. Select Ground Balance .A constant hum known as the Ground Balance tone will sound when the coil is held steady. Continuously lower and raise the coil towards and away from the ground and listen to the Ground Balance tone. Try to lower the coil as close to the ground as possible without touching it.
60 Editing discrimination patterns – method 1 Editing discrimination patterns – method 2 61 The detector’s preset discrimination patterns can be edited to create custom patterns. Method 2 – to reject a specific target ID using + or – Method 1 – to reject a specific target ID using an actual target In detection, use + and – to scroll through and select the ID you want to modify. The flashing segment and the target ID numbers will indicate the selected ID.
Factory presets 63 62 Erasing patterns The settings Sensitivity, Ground Balance, Noise Cancel, Threshold, Volume and Tones are saved when the X-Terra is switched off. To return to the preset menu values: Custom patterns are saved when the X-Terra is switched off. To erase custom patterns and return to preset patterns: Turn the detector off. While pressing and holding Pattern , turn the detector back on, by pressing Power once. Press and hold Press once Turn the detector off.
65 64 Sounds Start Up Sequence When the detector is turned on, there is a short three note tune during its start up sequence. Positive Acknowledgement The detector emits a short beep for every accepted key press. Negative Acknowledgement The detector emits a low double beep to indicate an invalid keypress. Patterns Erased / Factory Preset A six note tune will announce when these settings are complete. Error A six note tune will sound to indicate a detector error (Error Messages, p. 66).
Coil identification 67 66 Error messages Coil Unplugged 1 The coil has been disconnected from the detector. Coil Error The coil is not communicating with the control box. 1 2 3 4 5 AL The menu scale line icon will slowly flash until the coil is plugged back in. 1 1 2 3 4 5 Turn the detector off before connecting a standard coil. AL Coil Incompatible The coil is communicating with the control box but the detector is not recognising it. Take the coil away from the source of overload.
69 68 Battery behaviour The X-Terra is capable of using different types of AA batteries: 1.5V Alkaline 1.5V Carbon 1.5V Lithium (non-rechargeable) 1.2V NiMH (rechargeable) 1.2V NiCad (rechargeable) Overvoltage If the battery voltage is too high, (above 8 V) the battery icon will flash and the detector will shut down. Full 2 black segments inside the outline. The adjacent graph is a representation of how two types of batteries may discharge over time.
71 70 Care of Your X-Terra The X-Terra is a high quality electronic instrument, finely engineered and packaged in a durable housing. Taking proper care of your X-Terra is common sense. The X-Terra’s storage temperature is –4˚F to 149˚F (–20˚C to +65˚C) and the operating temperature is 32˚F to 113˚F (0˚C to 45˚C). Do not leave the detector in excessive heat or cold for longer than necessary. Try to avoid leaving it in a closed trunk or in a car sitting in sunlight.
73 72 Accessories Headphones have many advantages. They block out external noise such as wind and traffic, allowing you to listen more closely to target signals. Headphones also minimise disturbance to other people in the area and they extend battery life. Connecting Headphones The X-Terra is able to save separate settings for both the speaker volume and headphone volume, switching from one to the other as soon as the headphones are connected. (Volume, p.
X-Terra model features 75 74 X-Terra Specifications Transmission Single Frequency Sine Wave Technology Coil Visual Display Audio Search Mode Discrimination Batteries (Not Included) Padded Armrest VFLEX Standard 9” Concentric 7.5 kHz (Waterproof) Positive Reflective LCD Internal Speaker and Headphone Output Motion Detector Multi Segment Accept/Reject 4 x AA Alkaline/Carbon/Lithium or NiMH/NiCad 4 Position Adjustable with Stand & Armrest Length Extended 56” (1.42m) Length Collapsed 48” (1.
76 Service and repair form Working for a Cleaner, Greener Future For Consumers within the European Union: Do not dispose of this equipment in general household waste. Owners Name Address Telephone Day ( Fax ( ) Home ( The crossed wheeled bin symbol on this equipment indicates this unit should not be disposed of in general household waste, but recycled in compliance with local government regulations and environmental requirements.
Turn on (p. 20) Choose a Discrimination Pattern (pp. 30–35) Adjust Sensitivity (p. 46) and Volume (p. 52) Choose a Noise Cancel channel (p. 48) Adjust Ground Balance (p. 56) Begin detecting! These quick start instructions allow you to begin detecting straight away and find important reference information for setting up your X-Terra. Minelab encourages all users to read the entire manual to ensure a complete understanding of all the X-Terra features and functions.
