Instruction Manual
Quick Start 1 Congratulations on purchasing your Minelab 1. Turn on the detector metal detector! 2. Press Noise Cancel After 30 seconds electrical interference will be reduced. 3. Go Detecting! Metal detecting is a fascinating and rewarding activity enjoyed by people all over the world.
2 Contents 3 Inside Front Cover Quick Start 4 How Metal Detectors Work 5 The Technology of E-Trac 6 New Features 7 Assembly 10 Adjusting the Detector for Comfortable Detecting 13 Battery Packs 16 Introducing the Control Panel 18 Turning the Detector On 19 Reset 20 Discrimination 21 Smartfind™ 22 23 24 25 26 Introducing the Detection Screens Pattern Screen Digital Screen Depth Layout Summary of the Detection Screens 28 29 Detecting Basics A Simple Detecting Exercise 31 Noise C
How Metal Detectors Work The Technology of E-Trac Metal detectors create an electromagnetic (EM) field around the coil, which penetrates the ground. Because metal is conductive it causes a change in this field. The detector senses this change through the coil and sends a signal back to the control box, alerting the operator. Full Band Spectrum (FBS) Most detectors on the market operate on a single or dual frequency, ranging from 1 to 70 kilohertz (kHz).
6 New Features Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) E-Trac’s LCD has a viewing area of 72mm x 48mm and improved resolution compared to previous Explorer models. This provides clearer on-screen graphics and improved target identification, making detecting with E-Trac much easier. Ergonomic Keypad Layout The new keypad layout provides ergonomic, single-handed access to all of E-Trac’s functions and settings.
8 Assembly Attaching the Lower Shaft to the Upper Shaft: 9 Connecting the Shaft Assembly to the Handle Assembly: 1 Release the Upper Shaft camlock by pulling the lever away from the shaft. 1 Release the Control Box camlock by pulling the lever away from the Control Box. 2 Feed the coil cable up through the inside of the Upper Shaft, ensuring the camlock side of the shaft is facing the ground.
10 Adjusting the Detector for Comfortable Detecting 11 For comfortable detecting it is important to take the time to adjust the detector correctly. Holding the Detector Thread your arm through the armrest and strap. Grasp the handle of the detector and rest your forearm in the armrest. The correct position of the armrest should allow you to comfortably grip the handle. Your elbow should sit just above the back of the armrest and the detector should feel like an extension of your forearm.
12 Adjusting the Detector for Comfortable Detecting Battery Packs 13 E-Trac is supplied with two types of battery pack. Adjusting the Angle of the Coil: 1 Loosen the bolt that connects the Lower Shaft to the Coil. It should be loose enough to allow the Coil to be moved for adjustment, but tight enough that the Coil can hold its position. 2 While holding the detector as if detecting, lightly press the Coil to the ground until it sits flat/parallel with the ground.
14 Battery Packs Inserting the Battery Pack into the Battery Compartment: 15 Recharging NiMH Battery Pack with the Car Charger: 1 Lift the rubber seal of the handle assembly. 1 Remove the battery pack. 2 Slide the battery pack entirely into the handle assembly, until it clicks into place. 2 Insert the car charger plug into the accessories socket of your vehicle. 3 Close the rubber seal, to close the battery compartment.
16 Introducing the Control Panel 17 Power Backlight Pressing turns E-Trac On/Off. Holding for three seconds resets the detector (p. 19) to the Factory Preset settings, prior to startup. Press to turn the Backlight On/Off. The Backlight provides greater screen clarity in dim conditions. The Backlight glows during the startup sequence. Turning Off will extend battery life. Left Shift Right Shift Pressing in the Edit Screen changes the Edit Frame Size (pp. 44–5).
18 Turning the Detector On Overloading is not harmful to the electronics of the detector. E-Trac is designed to withstand coil overload. Note: Sometimes it is possible that a large object close to the coil will overload the detector’s electronics. When this happens, E-Trac displays an Overload message and emits a fading Overload sound which repeats until the coil is moved away from the source of the overload.
Discrimination Smartfind is Minelab’s unique two dimensional scale of discrimination. Smartfind graphically represents both the FE-CO target properties on the same display. The horizontal axis rates the target on its size/ conductivity (CO), ranging 1–50 from left to right. The vertical axis rates the extent of the target’s ferrous characteristics (FE), ranging 1–35 from top to bottom.
22 Introducing the Detection Screens Pattern Screen The E-Trac comes pre-programmed with three unique Detection Screens. The selection of the appropriate Detection Screen for the current conditions will depend on your preferences and experience. The three Detection Screens are: When the detector is turned on for the first time, the Pattern Screen will be displayed on the LCD and E-Trac is ready to begin detecting.
24 Digital Screen Depth E-Trac has the Digital Screen that shows both the ferrous content (FE; range 1–35) and the conductivity (CO; range 1–50) of a target. The enlarged FE and CO numbers are the coordinates of the Target Crosshair displayed in the Smartfind Discrimination Pattern. To switch between Smartfind and Pattern displays, press the Detect button. The conductivity and ferrous information of the target will clear as you switch between Pattern and Digital, until a new detection is made.
26 Layout Summary of the Detection Screens When the detector is turned On for the first time, the Pattern Screen will appear on the LCD and E-Trac is ready to begin detecting. 27 Target information is presented via visual and audio prompts. An introduction to the most common elements of the Detection Screens is below: Minelab User Mode User Mode Number User Mode Modified The Minelab logo is displayed when a Minelab User Mode is selected (pp. 38–41).
28 Detecting Basics Sweeping the Coil You will obtain the best performance when the coil is swept close and parallel to the ground at all times. This will increase detection depth and improve the response to small objects. Avoid excessive brushing of the coil on the ground. Though the coil assembly is rigid and durable, sudden jolts or bangs can cause random signals and inaccurate target IDs. Careful sweeping will ensure the coil performs to an optimum level at all times.
30 A Simple Detecting Exercise Noise Cancel Detector Sounds (cont) The E-Trac may become noisy due to electrical interference from power lines, electrical equipment or other detectors operating close by. The detector interprets this interference as inconsistent, short beeps and erratic movement of the Target Crosshair in the Smartfind window, or erratic changing of FE-CO numbers in the Digital display.
32 QuickMask™ QuickMask allows you to adjust the level of Ferrous and Conductivity rejection, independent of the Pattern/Digital Smartfind Discrimination Pattern. QuickMask is a useful tool for checking accepted/rejected targets with an extra Discrimination Pattern, without needing to load or edit the current Pattern/Digital Smartfind Discrimination Pattern. QuickMask has two slider controls to adjust the level of Ferrous and Conductivity discrimination.
34 Main Menu The Main Menu provides you with access to all of E-Trac’s functions and settings. By pressing the Menu button at any time the Main Menu will be displayed on the LCD. The Main Menu allows you to browse through the each of the Menus. These are: – User Modes – Discrimination – Sensitivity – Audio – Expert – Preferences 35 By using the Left and Right Navigation buttons you can scroll across each of the Menus.
36 Menu Structure 37 Dialogue Boxes When you perform certain functions with E-Trac a dialogue box may appear asking you to confirm the adjustment you are making. Below is an example of a dialogue box. The three possible selections that can be made in a dialogue box are: Yes – This confirms that the adjustment you have made will be applied. No – This denies the adjustment you have made and subsequent application.
E-Trac Modes Mode Settings These settings define E-Trac’s performance for a particular location (such as the beach or park) or type of treasure hunting (such as coins or relics). E-Trac is designed to allow you to save these Mode Settings as a User Mode. A User Mode can be saved in, or retrieved from, E-Trac memory; or shared with another user via E-Trac Xchange (p. 80). Universal Settings These settings affect E-Trac’s performance but can be adjusted regardless of your location and desired treasure type.
40 User Modes Menu A User Mode is a collection of preset detector settings and a Discrimination Pattern. E-Trac comes with four Minelab User Modes and space for you to save your own User Modes. The Minelab User Modes are: – Coins 41 Discrimination Pattern is also displayed next to the name of the User Mode. If you select Save, from the User Mode Menu, you can either select an empty slot to save your User Mode in, or overwrite an existing User Mode.
42 Discrimination Menu The Discrimination Menu allows you to Select, Save, Edit and Combine Discrimination Patterns. 43 Selecting a Discrimination Pattern Saving a Discrimination Pattern In the Select sub-Menu you will find a list of all available Discrimination Patterns: The Save sub-Menu allows you to save the current Discrimination Pattern to one of the empty slots or overwrite an existing Pattern.
44 Discrimination Menu 45 Edit Screen By selecting the Edit option in the Discrimination Menu, you will enter the Edit Screen. You can use the various functions of the Edit Screen to modify an existing Discrimination Pattern, or create your own. Any changes made to a Discrimination Pattern may then be saved for future use, via the Discrimination Menu (p. 43).
46 Discrimination Menu 47 Manual Mode Manual Mode allows you to manually move the Edit Frame around the Discrimination Pattern. By using the Accept/Reject button you can edit areas of the Discrimination Pattern to either accept (white areas) or reject (black areas) certain targets. To move the Edit Frame: Press, or press and hold, the Navigation buttons (Up, Down, Left and Right) to move the Edit Frame around the Disc. Pattern. To reject the framed area: Press the Accept/Reject button.
48 Discrimination Menu 49 Auto Latch Mode The Auto Latch Mode automatically selects the FE-CO coordinates of a detected target. This allows you to either accept or reject the target from the Discrimination Pattern using the Accept/Reject button. Auto Accept Mode To Auto Latch the target: 1 Place the target on the ground When a target is detected in Auto Accept Mode, the Discrimination Pattern will be automatically modified to accept the FE-CO coordinates of that target.
50 Discrimination Menu 51 Auto Reject Edit Mode When a target is detected in Auto Reject Mode, the Discrimination Pattern will be automatically modified to reject the FE-CO coordinates of that target. The Combine Function To Auto Reject the target: 1 Place the target on the ground 2 Press the Right Shift button until the Auto Reject Edit Mode is selected 3 Swing the coil several times over the desired target until the detector rejects it by filling an area in the Smartfind Window.
52 Discrimination Menu 53 To Combine Discrimination Patterns: 1 Press the Menu button The Accept/Reject button is used to modify the flashing area of a selected Discrimination Pattern. The first press accepts, the second press rejects, and a third press cancels any accepting or rejecting of that pattern applied to the Combine Pattern.
54 Sensitivity Menu 55 Sensitivity Auto Sensitivity Range: Manual or Auto Factory Preset: Auto Range: –3, –2, –1, A, +1, +2, +3 Factory Preset: A E-Trac has three internal signal channels (high, medium and low) used to identify targets. E-Trac continually measures the magnetic ground interferences that affect these channels and adjusts the level of Sensitivity individually for each channel, to provide the most stable Target ID for each channel.
56 Sensitivity Menu Audio Menu Sensitivity (cont) The Audio settings control the types and levels of sounds emitted by the detector while detecting and when a target is found. Manual Sensitivity Range: 1–30 Factory Preset: 22 Manual Sensitivity allows you to control the Sensitivity directly. Manual Sensitivity is suitable for the beach, nonmagnetic ground or when there is EMI.
58 Audio Menu 59 Threshold Level Range: 1–50 Factory Preset: 30 The constant background ‘hum’ produced by the detector is called the Threshold. Variations in the Threshold help you to hear very small and deep targets. When a rejected target is detected, the Threshold sound ‘blanks’ (becomes silent) indicating that an undesired target is underneath the coil. The Threshold is controlled by Threshold Level and Threshold Pitch (p. 69).
Audio Menu 61 High Vol. Limit Audio range that you are able to hear. To adjust the Volume Limit: 1 Press the Menu button 2 Scroll across to Audio (using the Right or Left Navigation button) 3 Scroll down to Volume Limit (using the Down Navigation button) 4 Press either the Left or Right Navigation button to change the Volume Limit 5 Press the Detect button to exit the Menu and resume detecting A low Volume Limit will not allow a great difference between a small and large target.
Audio Menu After becoming familiar with the way E-Trac interprets various targets, it is recommended you experiment with the Response settings listed right. Each Response will suit certain detecting conditions. You will soon develop your own preference by experimentation. Peak Target Signal Time Normal lasts until the target signal drops, then audio blanks bringing a crisp end to the detection. Response Blanking Normal Emits a short response to targets (almost a ‘beep’).
Audio Menu Range: Conduct or Ferrous Factory Preset: Conduct You may select how many different tonal responses there are while detecting. The Sounds setting allows you to set the detector to emit a distinct audio response based on either a target’s ferrous characteristics or its conductive properties. To test your selection it is necessary to move the coil across one or more targets with different conductive and ferrous characteristics. These are: – 1; all sound is monotone, – 2; all sound is duo tone i.
Audio Menu 67 Tone ID (cont) Variability A low ‘blaat’ tone denotes a highly ferrous object, displayed on the bottom of the Smartfind Window and having a high FE number. A high-pitched ‘squeak’ tone denotes a nonferrous target, displayed on the top of the Smartfind Window and having a low FE number. High Pitch It may be useful to select Ferrous if searching in QuickMask. There is less chance of a highferrous target producing a high tone signal due to its high conductive characteristics.
68 Audio Menu 69 Tone ID (cont) Threshold Pitch Limits Range: 1–30 Factory Preset: 15 Range: 1–30 Factory Preset: 30 Limit allows you to adjust the maximum audio pitch of all tones emitted for Tone ID Sounds; Ferrous and Conduct. Limits is only available if the Number of Tones is set to Multi. A high Limit setting will allow E-Trac to produce very high pitched target signals as well as low pitched. Minelab recommends setting the Limit control to the highest tone you are comfortable with.
Expert Menu Recovery Deep Recovery Fast Range: On–Off Factory Preset: Off Range: On–Off Factory Preset: Off This setting affects only weak target signals, enhancing identification of deep targets. This setting should be selected in relatively uncluttered areas where deep targets are anticipated. Strong signals are unaffected. By selecting this setting, the detector will react faster to target signals, but the discrimination and Target ID may be slightly more erratic.
72 Expert Menu 73 Trash Density Range: Low or High Factory Preset: Low The Trash Density setting will enable you to optimise the Discrimination of the detector for areas that have highly variable ground mineralisation or unusually high amounts of ferrous objects. When the Discrimination Pattern is ‘All Metal’, the Trash Density setting has no effect. When the Discrimination Pattern has rejected (black) areas E-Trac will produce different detection results depending on the Trash Density setting.
74 Expert Menu 75 Ground Noise Cancel Range: Neutral or Difficult Factory Preset: Difficult Range: 1–11 Factory Preset: 6 The Ground setting affects the way the detector responds to the mineralisation of the soil. The correct Ground setting for your detecting conditions will reduce false signals from the soil and improve the stability of the Target ID. Selecting the appropriate Ground setting will also improve the performance of the Depth Gauge in those soils.
76 Preferences Menu The Preferences Menu allows you to change the appearance of E-Trac’s Detection Screens by using settings such as Contrast, Display Timeout, and Show Sensitivity. It also allows you to select a different Pinpoint Mode and perform a Master Reset. 77 Pinpoint Mode Range: Normal or Sizing Factory Preset: Normal There are two different Pinpoint Modes; Normal and Sizing. Normal After activating Pinpoint, the first sweep over a target will generate a wide audio response.
78 Preferences Menu 79 Show Sensitivity Show Mode Info Display Timeout Range: On or Off Factory Preset: On Range: On or Off Factory Preset: Off Range: On or Off Factory Preset: Off You can select whether the Sensitivity Gauge (pp. 54–6) appears on the Detection Screens or not. If the Sensitivity Gauge is On, you will be able to adjust the Sensitivity using the Navigation Buttons. If the Sensitivity Gauge is Off, you need to enter the Sensitivity Menu to adjust the Sensitivity settings.
80 E-Trac Xchange Communicating between E-Trac and your Personal Computer Technical Specifications To connect E-Trac to your PC: Detector Transmission Full Band Spectrum (FBS). Simultaneous Frequency Transmission ranging from 1.
82 Factory Presets Table 83 All Settings Setting Title User Mode Settings Factory Presets Range Factory Preset My Preferred – Coins Mode – Coins Mode Auto or Manual Auto 1–30 22 Tone ID No.
Battery Performance E-Trac has a Battery Icon on the LCD that indicates the present charge level, and provides advanced warning of the need to recharge or replace the battery. The Battery Icon displays the battery charge level in four segments. As E-Trac operates, the segments of the Battery Icon will decrease relative to the voltage left in the battery. When the last segment disappears, the Battery Icon will begin to flash and the Battery Low sound will emit every 20 seconds.
86 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, Pinpoint its position. Treasure Locations Check the hole for the target.
88 Accessories Parts and Accessories available for E-Trac: Detector Care and Safety 8” FBS Coil – 8” FBS Coil E-Trac is a high-quality electronic instrument, finely engineered and packaged in a durable housing. Taking proper care of your detector is mostly common-sense.
90 Troubleshooting Detector does not start at all Warranty 91 – Check the condition of the batteries and battery connections. – Ensure battery pack is fully inserted, and it has clicked into place. – If using alkaline batteries, check whether they have been loaded in the right polarity. – Ensure that you are not holding, or pressing, the Backlight button while pressing the Power button. – Ensure that you allowed longer than 1 second between Power Off and Power On.
Service and Repair Form Owners Name Address Telephone Fax ( Day ( ) Home ( The World Leader in Metal Sensing Technology ) 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.
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