Minelab Equinox 800, Equinox 600 User Manual

Instruction Manual

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing your EQUINOX metal detector.

Metal detecting is a fascinating and rewarding activity enjoyed by people all over the world. By getting to know your EQUINOX detector you can become one of the many who find coins, treasure, artefacts, gold nuggets and more on a regular basis.

The EQUINOX is a high-performance detector incorporating Minelab’s new Multi-IQ technology. With the assistance of this Instruction Manual, and the accompanying Getting Started Guide, you will quickly learn how to set up your detector for the best results.

Minelab wishes you every success on your detecting adventures!

The latest product instruction manuals and detector software updates are available at:

www.minelab.com

We also encourage you to visit our other online resources regularly. They are frequently updated and are a continually evolving source for product information.

@MinelabMetalDetectors

Treasure Talk Blog

Metal Detecting Code of Ethics

• Respect the rights and property of others.

• Observe all laws, whether national, state or local.

• Always obtain permission before searching sites.

• Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.

• Leave the land and vegetation as it was.

• Always fill in your holes after digging.

/MinelabDetecting

Success Stories

"At heavily hunted beaches when you need to cover

ground quickly after a busy beach day, the EQUINOX’s amazing recovery speed helps you to stay one step ahead of the beach hunting competition."

– Gary Drayton, USA

"EQUINOX is the most exciting detector I have used in

a long time! It just keeps surprising me with what I'm finding in heavily detected parks."

– Mark Williams, Australia

An asterisk appears throughout the manual, indicating features only included with the EQUINOX 800 model.

Contents

Assembly & Getting Started

Detect Screen Functions

Target Tone 46

Selecting the Number of Target Tones 46

Carton Contents 5

Assembly 6

Assembled Detector 7

Detector Battery 8

Charging the Battery 8 Battery Status Indicator 8 Battery Maintenance 8 Operating With a Power Bank 8

Control Panel 9

LCD Icons 10

Quick Start 11

Global and Local Settings 12

Reset a Search Proﬁle 12 Factory Reset the Detector 12

Detecting Basics

How Detectors Work 14

Key Detecting Concepts 15

Detecting Technique 16

Holding the Detector 16 Adjusting the Length of the Shafts 16 Adjusting the Angle of the Coil 16 Sweeping the Coil 16 Targets 16

Detector Sounds 17

Simple Detecting Exercise 18

Pinpointing Technique 19

Coil Conﬁguration and Pinpointing 19 Pinpointing a Target Manually 19

Target Recovery 20

Digging Tools 20 Recovering a Target 20

Detect Modes

Detect Modes 22

Detect Mode Navigation 22 Adjusting Search Proﬁles 22 Choosing the Right Detect Mode 22

Park 23

Field 24

Beach 25

Gold* 26

Frequency 28

Changing the Frequency 28 Single Frequency Operation 28 Frequencies and Detect Modes 28 Multi-IQ Technology 29

Target ID & Discrimination 30

Target ID 30 Discrimination Scale 30 Typical Target Examples 31 Target ID Accuracy 31

Backlight 32

Turning the Backlight On 32 Adjusting the Backlight Brightness* 32

User Prole* 33

Save a User Proﬁle 33 Activating the User Proﬁle 33

Sensitivity 34

Sensitivity Indicator 34 Adjusting Sensitivity 34 Recommended Sensitivity Settings 34

Depth Gauge 35

Pinpoint 36

Pinpoint Visualisation 36 Pinpointing a Target 36

Settings Menu

Settings Menu 38

Settings 38 Advanced Settings 38 Settings Menu Navigation 38

Noise Cancel 39

Auto Noise Cancel 39 Manual Noise Cancel* 39

Ground Balance 40

Manual Ground Balance 40 Auto Ground Balance 40 Tracking Ground Balance 41

Volume Adjust 42

Adjusting the Volume 42

Tone Volume (Advanced Setting) 43

Adjusting Tone Volume 43

Threshold Level 44

Adjusting the Threshold Level 44 Gold Threshold 44 Park, Field, and Beach Threshold 44

Threshold Pitch* (Advanced Setting) 45

Adjusting the Threshold Pitch 45

Tone Pitch (Advanced Setting) 47

Adjusting Tone Pitch: 1, 2, or 5 Tones 47 Adjusting Tone Pitch: 50 Tones 48

Accept/Reject 49

Creating a Discrimination Pattern 49 All-Metal 49 Accepting/Rejecting Detected Targets 49

Tone Break (Advanced Setting) 50

Adjusting Tone Break 50

Recovery Speed 51

Swing Rate 51 Adjusting Recovery Speed 51

Iron Bias (Advanced Setting) 52

Adjusting Iron Bias 52

Detector Audio

Audio Options 54

Wireless Audio Latency 54

WM08 Wireless Audio Module 55

Pairing the WM 08 55 Pairing Additional WM 08 Modules 55 Charging the WM 08 55

ML80 Wireless Headphones 56

Pairing Wireless Headphones 56 Adjusting ML 80 Volume 56 ML 80 Factory Reset 57 Charging ML 80 Headphones 57 ML 80 Auxiliary Cable 57

Wired Headphones 58

Connecting Wired Headphones 58 Adaptor Cable 58 Connecting Waterproof Headphones 58 Headphone Socket Submersion 58

Care & Safety

EQUINOX Accessories 60

Maintenance & Safety 61

Battery Charging Recommendations 62

Factory Presets 63

Troubleshooting 64

Error Codes 65

Technical Specications 66

Software Updates 67

Contents

Assembly & Getting Started

This section will show you how to assemble your EQUINOX Series detector, charge the battery, and will introduce you to the control panel.

Carton Contents | 5Contents

Carton Contents

EQUINOX Series detectors come with everything you need to get started detecting. The EQUINOX 800 comes with additional accessories for even greater versatility.

For a list of the main accessories that are compatible with your detector, read 'EQUINOX Accessories' on page 60.

Go online to see the full range at www.minelab.com/equinox-accessories.

Stand

Armrest

Upper shaft with handle

Middle shaft

Lower shaft

Armrest bolt

Armrest strap

EQX 11 Double-D smart coil

Skidplate (attached)

Velcro tabs (×2)

Coil yoke washers (× 2, attached)

Yoke nut and bolt (attached)

USB charging cable with

magnetic connector

Multi-language screen

protector pack

Getting Started Guide (×2)

(English and Russian)

Included with EQUINOX800Included with

EQUINOX600

3.5 mm (1/8-inch) wired headphones

WM 08 wireless audio module

USB charging cable with

magnetic connector

instruction sheet

Hard shell case

ML 80

Items and speciﬁcations may vary slightly from those shown and may be subject to change.

Carton contents reference

(English and Russian)

3.5 mm (1/8-inch)

Battery Charging

Recommendations

ML 80 wireless headphones

USB charging cableAuxiliary cable

Assembly

Follow these easy steps to assemble your EQUINOX Series detector.

Attach coil to lower shaft

1. Insert the two yoke washers into the holes on either side of the yoke.

2. Slide the yoke into the yoke bracket on top of the coil.

Ensure that the spring loaded pin in the lower shaft is underneath.

3. Insert the yoke bolt through the yoke and the yoke bracket.

4. Fasten with the yoke nut - Do not over-tighten.

Assembly | 6Contents

Assemble shafts

1. Loosen the twistlocks by rotating them counter-clockwise.

2. Press the spring loaded pin in the lower shaft and slide it into

the middle shaft until the pin reaches the adjustment holes. The pin will click into place.

3. Attach the middle shaft to the upper shaft in the same way.

4. Lock the position of the shafts by rotating twistlocks clockwise.

Attach armrest

1. Place the armrest onto the top of the upper shaft. Position the armrest just below your elbow, then align the central hole in the armrest with the nearest hole in the shaft.

2. Insert the screw through the stand, upper shaft and armrest. Tighten the screw carefully.

3. With the velcro side facing upwards, thread the armrest strap through both slots in the armrest. Ensure the end of the strap will be fastened outwards from your arm.

Connect coil

1. Wrap the coil cable around the lower and middle shaft enough times to take up the slack, but so the coil can still tilt without restriction.

2. Use the velcro tabs provided to secure the coil cable against the shaft.

3. Align the coil connector and plug into the socket in the back of the control unit, tightening the retaining ring.

×2

Assembled Detector | 7Contents

Assembled Detector

Once you have assembled your EQUINOX it should look like the below. The major parts listed are referred to throughout this Instruction Manual.

Armrest

Stand

Control unit (rear view)

Side buttons

Speaker

Headphone socket

3.5 mm (1/8-inch) with waterproof dust-cap

Armrest strap

Middle shaft

Attachment

points

Upper shaft

Handle

(With internal Lithium-ion

rechargeable battery)

Upper shaft twistlock

Charging interface

Coil cable connector socket

EQX 11 smart coil

Skidplate

Middle shaft twistlock

Coil yoke assembly

Lower shaft

Yoke bolt

Yoke

Yoke bracket

Coil cable

Yoke nut

Yoke Washers (×2)

Detector Battery | 8Contents

Detector Battery

The EQUINOX detector is powered by an internal Lithium-ion battery.

Read 'Battery Charging Recommendations' on page 62 for important safety information.

For instructions on how to charge the WM 08 Wireless Audio Module read page 55. For instructions on how to charge the ML 80 Wireless Headphones read page 57.

Charging the Battery

Going detecting with a fully charged battery is recommended. Typical battery runtime is approximately 12 hours.

EQUINOX Series detectors are supplied with a USB charging cable that features a snap-on magnetic connector.

1. Plug the supplied charging cable into any standard powered USB-A port.

2. Connect the magnetic connector to the charging interface on the rear of the EQUINOX control unit.

The green charge status LED on the top left of the control panel will flash slowly.

3. When the battery is fully charged, the charge status LED will remain on.

Charge Status LED

Charging (flashing)

Battery Status Indicator

The battery status indicator shows the current battery level.

70% –100%

30% – 70%

<30%

<5% (Charging required)

When the battery level is critically low, ‘bF’ will appear on the Target ID Display. The detector will then turn off automatically.

The detector regulates the battery voltage so that its performance remains constant regardless of the charge remaining in the battery.

Battery Maintenance

Lithium-ion battery performance may degrade if unused for long periods of time. Fully charge the battery at least once every 3–4 months to prevent this from occurring.

Even with correct care and maintenance, Lithium-ion battery performance reduces over time with normal use. Therefore the battery may need to be replaced every few years. Replacement batteries can be supplied and installed by an Authorised Service Centre.

Fully charged (on)

The charge time from completely flat to 100% is approximately 4 hours when a high capacity (>1.7A @ 5V) charger is used. Car and wall charging accessories are available for separate purchase.

Any standard USB port compatible with USB battery charging 1.2 (BC1.2) can be used to charge your battery, however charge times may be longer if using lower-power options.

If the detector is turned on during charging, the charge time will be longer.

Disconnecting the Charger

The charging cable can be removed from the charging interface by pulling it sideways, or by pulling it directly backwards.

Operating With a Power Bank

The detector must not be used underwater whilst charging or when connected to a power bank.

You can use your EQUINOX detector whilst plugged into a portable power bank. This means you can continue detecting even if the detector battery is flat.

Connect the power bank to your detector using the supplied EQUINOX USB charging cable, and continue detecting. You can fasten it to the armrest stand via the armrest attachment points.

Control Panel | 9Contents

Control Panel

The EQUINOX control panel has a large monochrome LCD with a backlight, a keypad, and side buttons. These display and control all of the detector functions.

Charge Status LED

Shows the charge status of the detector battery.

Power Button

Turns the power on/off, and is used for Factory Reset.

Backlight Button

Turns the backlight on/off and selects the backlight brightness*.

Detect Mode Button

Scrolls through the Detect Modes: Park, Field, Beach, Gold*.

Each Detect Mode has 2 customisable Search Profiles.

All-Metal Button

Toggles between the current discrimination pattern and All-Metal to accept all targets.

LCD Screen

Large monochrome LCD with backlight.

Wireless Audio Button

Activate Bluetooth® or Wi-Stream to

connect wireless headphones or the

WM 08 wireless audio module.

User Profile Button*

Saves the current detector settings for

future instant access.

Settings Button

A short press of the Settings button accesses

and scrolls through the Settings Menu.

A long press when in the Settings Menu

accesses Advanced Settings where available.

Accept/Reject Button

Press when a detection occurs to reject the

detected Target ID. Rejected Target IDs will

not produce an audio signal when detected.

Use to create discrimination patterns and

adjust Tone Regions via the Settings Menu.

Pinpoint/Detect Button

Press when in the Settings Menu to return to the Detect Screen.

Press while detecting to activate Pinpoint. Press again to return to the Detect Screen.

Select from the available frequency options:

Multi, 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz* and 40 kHz*.

Frequency Button

Screen Protector Application

Applying a screen protector will protect your screen against scuffing and scratching from normal use.

Additionally, the screen protector includes a text guide to help you learn the top level settings in the Settings Menu.

For screen protectors in languages you will not use, cut the black section oﬀ carefully with sharp scissors, and

then apply as usual.

Minus / Plus

Press when in the Detect Screen to

adjust the Sensitivity level.

Press when in the Settings Menu to

adjust the value of the selected setting.

1. Remove the thin plastic film from the detector screen. Make sure the screen is clean and free of dust and fingerprints.

2. Peel the backing off of the screen protector, being careful not to touch the adhesive side.

3. Hold the edges of the screen protector, align it to the screen, and apply gently.

4. Wipe any bubbles to the edge with a soft, clean cloth.

5. Peel off the front layer.

LCD Icons | 10Contents

LCD Icons

All of the information you need to see during detecting and when adjusting your detector settings is displayed on the large LCD in the control panel.

Battery Status Indicator

Displays the charge level of the battery. (page 8)

Backlight

Appears when the backlight is on. (page 32)

Target ID Display

Shows the Target ID of a detected target. (page 30)

The Target ID Display also shows the values of detector settings as they are adjusted.

Discrimination Scale

High resolution 50 segment (–9 to 40) Discrimination Scale for accurate, stable target identification. (page 30)

The Discrimination Scale indicates target signal strength when in Pinpoint. (page 36)

It is also used to adjust Tone Regions for advanced audio settings.

Sensitivity Indicator

Indicates approximate Sensitivity level - 25 levels shown in increments of 5.

(page 34)

Settings Menu

Settings and Advanced Settings are in the Settings Menu.

(page 37)

Setting

Advanced Setting

Beach Overload Indicator

Indicates an automatically reduced transmit signal strength in order to prevent overload in Beach Mode in extreme conditions.

(page 25)

Setting Advanced Setting

Noise Cancel

Ground Balance

Volume Adjust Tone Volume

Threshold Level Threshold Pitch*

Target Tone Tone Pitch

Accept/Reject Tone Break

Recovery Speed Iron Bias

Pinpoint

Appears when Pinpoint is active. (page 36)

Audio Connectivity

Displays the current wired

and wireless audio devices

connected to your detector.

(page 53)

Tracking Ground Balance

Appears when Tracking Ground

Balance is active. (page 40)

User Profile*

Appears when the saved User

Profile is active. (page 33)

Depth Gauge

Indicates the approximate

depth of a detected target.

(page 35)

Frequency Display

Shows the current operating

Frequency. (page 28)

The Frequency Display also

shows error codes and indicates

the selected Tone Region for

Advanced Settings.

Detect Modes

Displays the Detect Mode:

Park, Field, Beach, Gold*

Each Detect Mode has 2

customisable Search Profiles.

(page 22)

Detect Mode

Search Profiles

Quick Start | 11Contents

Quick Start

EQUINOX is so easy to use, even a beginner can successfully begin detecting right out of the box! There are just 4 easy steps to get started.

Before ﬁrst use, it is recommended that you fully charge the battery for 4 hours (page 8).

Turn On

Press the Power button on the side of the control panel.

Select a Detect Mode

Select the optimum Detect Mode Search Profile for your detecting location. (EQUINOX 800 shown).

See 'Detect Modes' on page 22 for more information on how to choose the most suitable Detect Mode.

Noise Cancel

Select Noise Cancel from the Settings Menu, then press to initiate an Auto Noise Cancel. This will take approximately 8 seconds to complete.

Begin Detecting!

Press to return to the Detect Screen, and begin detecting!

If excessive ground noise is heard after performing the Quick Start steps, carry out the Ground Balance

procedure (page 40).

If excessive noise is still being experienced try adjusting the Sensitivity to a lower level to reduce noise (page 34).

Global and Local Settings | 12Contents

Global and Local Settings

When you are adjusting Settings and Advanced Settings, the icons of aﬀected Detect Modes will appear on the LCD.

Global Settings

Adjustments to some Settings and Advanced Settings are

Global. All Detect Mode Search Profiles will be affected by changes to the setting.

Global Settings e.g. Volume; All Detect Modes and Search Proﬁle icons are on.

Semi-Global Settings

For Semi-global Settings and

Advanced Settings, Park Field,

and Beach Mode Search Profiles all have the same setting, and Gold Mode Search Profiles have another.

Semi-Global Settings e.g. Threshold Level; The Detect Modes and Search Proﬁles aﬀected by changes are on.

Local Settings

Adjustments to some Settings

and Advanced Settings are

Local. Only the active Detect Mode Search Profile will be affected by changes to the setting.

Local Settings e.g. Recovery Speed; Only the Detect Mode Search Proﬁle aﬀected by changes is on.

Global and Local Settings Reference

Frequency Local

Noise Cancel Local

Ground Balance Local

Volume Adjust Global

Tone Volume Local

Threshold Level Semi-global

Threshold Pitch* Semi-global

Target Tone Local

Tone Pitch Local

Accept/Reject Local

Tone Break Local

Recovery Speed Local

Iron Bias Local

Sensitivity Global

Backlight Global

Reset a Search Profile

Individual Search Profiles can easily be returned to their factory preset settings. Only the local settings will be reset; any global settings will remain in their last-use state.

1. Navigate to the Detect Mode Search Profile you wish to reset.

2. Press and hold the Detect Mode button for 5 seconds.

3. The Mode icon will flash, 'SP' will appear on the Target ID

Display, indicating that the Search Profile has been reset.

'SP' will appear on the Target ID Display when a Detect Mode Search Proﬁle is reset.

4. Release the Detect Mode button. There will be a rising confirmation tone.

Factory Reset the Detector

Factory Reset will return all detector settings and Detect Modes to factory preset values, and will unpair all wireless headphones.

1. Turn the detector off.

2. Press and hold the Power button for approximately 8 seconds.

The start-up animation will display.

3. 'FP' will then appear on the Target ID Display, indicating that Factory Presets are restored.

'FP' will appear on the Target ID Display when Factory Presets are restored.

4. Release the Power button. There will be a rising confirmation tone.

Contents

Detecting Basics

This section contains great information for both new and experienced detectorists.

It explains basic detecting principles and techniques. You can learn how to set up your detector for maximum comfort and ease of use.

How Detectors Work | 14Contents

How Detectors Work

Metal detectors create an electromagnetic ﬁeld which penetrates the ground. Metal objects cause a change to this ﬁeld because they conduct electricity. The detector senses this change and sends a signal back to the control unit, alerting the operator.

Basic Principles

Metal detectors work by transmitting an electromagnetic field from the search coil into the ground. Any metal objects (targets) within this electromagnetic field will become energised, creating their own circular electric currents (eddy currents) and transmit an electromagnetic field of their own. The detector’s search coil senses this receive signal and alerts the user by producing a target response. Minelab metal detectors are also capable of discriminating (or differentiating) between different target types and can be set to ignore unwanted targets.

1. Battery (Inside handle)

The battery provides power to the detector.

2. Control Unit

This is where the transmit signal is generated and the receive signal is processed and converted into a target response.

3. Search Coil

The detector’s search coil transmits the electromagnetic field into the ground and receives the return electromagnetic field from a target.

4. Transmit Electromagnetic Field (blue)

The transmit (Tx) electromagnetic field energises targets to enable them to be detected.

5. Target

A target is any metal object that can be detected by a metal detector. In this example the detected target is treasure, which is a good (accepted) target.

6. Unwanted Targets

Unwanted targets can be ferrous (iron), such as nails, and can also be non-ferrous, such as pull-tabs. If the metal detector is set to reject unwanted targets then a target response will not be produced for those targets.

7. Receive Electromagnetic Field (yellow)

The receive (Rx) electromagnetic field is generated from energised targets and is received by the search coil.

8. Target Response (green)

When a good (accepted) target is detected the metal detector will produce an audible response, such as a beep or a change in tone, and a visual display of target information will be shown on the screen.

Key Detecting Concepts | 15Contents

Key Detecting Concepts

It is beneﬁcial to understand a few key metal detecting technology principles so that you can select the best settings for diﬀerent detecting conditions.

For a complete glossary of detecting terms, visit www.minelab.com/knowledge-base/getting-started/glossary-of-terms.

Frequency

The operating frequency of a metal detector is one of the main characteristics that determines how well targets can be detected.

The frequency of a detector is the number of times a signal is transmitted into the ground per second, and is measured in Hertz (Hz). 1000 Hz = 1 kHz.

EQUINOX is unique in that it offers both multi-frequency and single frequency operation. Read 'Frequency' on page 28 for more information.

Find out more about the EQUINOX Multi-IQ technology on the Minelab Treasure Talk blog.

Ground Balance

Ground Balance is a variable setting that improves detection depth by reducing noise in mineralised ground. Mineralised ground may contain salts, e.g. wet beach sand, or fine iron particles, e.g. red soil. These minerals respond to a detector’s transmit field in a similar way that a target does. Due to the much larger mass of the ground compared to a buried target, the effect of mineralisation can easily mask small targets.

EQUINOX has different Detect Modes (Park, Field, Beach, Gold*) to cope with typical ground conditions.

A Ground Balance setting is also available, read 'Ground Balance'

on page 40 for further information.

Detection Depth Factors

The most common question about metal detectors is “How deep do they go?”

The simple answer is “as deep as the diameter of the coil for a coin-sized target”. Therefore detectors with larger coils will detect deeper. However, detection depth also depends upon detector technology and many environmental factors. A more complete answer is usually more complex, and starts with “It depends...” The depth that a metal detector can detect a target depends on a number of factors:

Target Size

Large targets can be detected deeper than small targets.

Target Shape

Circular shapes (e.g. coins and rings) can be detected deeper than long thin shapes (e.g. nails or screws).

Target Orientation

A horizontal coin (e.g. lying flat) can be detected deeper than a vertical coin (e.g. standing on its edge).

Target Composition

Highly conductive metals (e.g. silver) can be detected deeper than less conductive metals (e.g. lead).

Ground Mineralisation

A target in benign (unmineralised) ground can be detected deeper than a target in heavily mineralised ground.

Detecting Technique | 16Contents

Detecting Technique

Correct detecting technique is important to get the most out of your detector. The techniques described will give you the best chance of success.

Holding the Detector

Insert your arm through the armrest and armrest 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.

Adjusting the Length of the Shafts

The lower shaft can be adjusted to several set lengths between fully extended and fully retracted. Adjust the lower shaft to the correct length and tighten the twist lock to hold it in place.

A correct shaft length will allow you to swing the coil over the ground without uncomfortably stretching or stooping. If the coil is too far from your body it will be difficult to balance and manoeuvre while detecting. If the coil is too close to your body it may detect your digging tools or any other metal which you are carrying, causing confusing sounds.

Though the coil assembly is rigid and durable, sudden jolts or bangs may cause random signals and inaccurate Target IDs, as well as excessive wear and tear. Careful sweeping will ensure the coil performs to an optimum level at all times.

Sweep Parallel to the Ground

You will obtain the best performance when the coil is swept close and parallel to the ground at all times. This will maximise detection depth and improve the response to small objects. Avoid excessive brushing of the coil on the ground.

Overlap Your Sweep

Practice sweeping the coil over the ground in a side-to-side motion while slowly walking forward at the end of each sweep. Slightly overlap the previous sweep to ensure full ground coverage. An average sweep speed is 2 to 3 seconds from right-to-left-toright.

Adjusting the Angle of the Coil

1. Loosen the yoke nut and bolt that fastens 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 in the detecting position, lightly press the coil to the ground until it sits flat/parallel with the ground. The coil should remain parallel when lifted to the sweep height, approximately 25 mm (1-inch) above the ground.

3. Tighten the yoke nut just enough to hold the coil in position.

Sweeping the Coil

EQUINOX Series detectors are motion detectors, meaning that the coil must be moving across the ground in order to detect a target. If the coil is held stationary over a target, it will not be detected. The side-to-side detecting motion is called 'sweeping' or 'swinging', and with practice will become a comfortable and fast way to cover ground.

Sweeping the coil incorrectly can cause you to miss targets or can generate false signals.

Targets

Metal objects are referred to as targets. Targets are comprised of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are those containing iron such as steel, nails and some types of coins. Nonferrous metals are those which are not magnetic, such as gold, silver, copper, bronze and aluminium.

You may wish to find a range of both ferrous and non-ferrous targets.

Examples of Common Targets:

• Desired ferrous target – war artefact

• Undesired ferrous target – iron nail

• Desired non-ferrous target – gold coin

• Undesired non-ferrous target – pull-tab

Detector Sounds | 17Contents

Detector Sounds

The EQUINOX produces a variety of diﬀerent sounds for target and environmental signals and various detector functions.

Targets

A target signal is the sound produced by the detector when any metal object is detected.

Typically, a ferrous (iron) target gives a low tone response and a non-ferrous target gives a higher tone response that varies according to the conductive properties of the metal (e.g. silver will give a higher tone than aluminium).

Volume and Target Proximity

Large targets and targets close to the ground-surface give louder audio signals.

Signals produced by targets a long way from the coil are quiet, becoming rapidly louder as the coil nears the target.

Deep Targets Shallow Targets

Quiet signal

No signal

The sound produced by the detector in Pinpoint or Ground Balance will vary in volume and pitch depending on the signal strength (from a target or ground mineralisation). This volume range is proportional to the maximum volume setting.

Quiet signal

A large deep target signal will

be the same volume as a small

shallow target signal.

Loud signal

EMI can also be received from other metal detectors operating nearby. Always detect a minimum of 15 metres (45-feet) away from other detectors.

15 m (45")

EQUINOX should not be operated indoors. Metal in the ﬂoors and walls, and household appliances will cause signiﬁcant noise interference.

Ground Noise

Ground interference (or ground noise) may occur when there are high levels of mineralisation in the soil. This can be very common in detecting locations, especially goldfields.

The effects of ground noise can be reduced using Ground Balance

(page 40).

Keypad

The detector will make a sound whenever buttons on the keypad are pressed. A valid button press makes a short high pitched ‘bip’ sound. An invalid button press makes a low pitched beep.

Noise/False Signals

The detector may pick up unwanted noise signals, either through the air or from the ground. These false signals can be reduced by using Noise Cancel or Ground Balance. Turing down Sensitivity will also allow you to operate the detector effectively in difficult (or noisy) locations.

Electrical Noise

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) may occur near power-lines, phone towers or electric fences. This can cause a detector to perform erratically, causing false signals and inaccurate Target ID.

The effects of electrical noise can be reduced using Noise Cancel

(page 39).

Threshold

The constant background ‘hum’ that can be produced by the detector is called the Threshold. Some users like to hear a threshold tone so that they can hear both target signals and rejected target audio 'blanking'.

When a rejected target is detected, the Threshold ‘blanks’ (becomes silent), indicating that a target is located underneath the coil, but has been rejected by the discrimination pattern.

Detection (Audio signal)

Blanking (No Sound)

Threshold tone

Accepted target Rejected target

Simple Detecting Exercise | 18Contents

Simple Detecting Exercise

Before attempting to ﬁnd real targets, it is important to understand how to interpret the audio and visual signals of the detector.

1. Gather a collection of different metal objects, e.g. various coins, gold and silver jewellery, a nail, a pull-tab, a brass button and aluminium foil.

2. Take the detector outdoors, away from known sources of electromagnetic interferences (EMI) and metal objects.

3. Lay the objects in a line, sufficiently spaced apart to allow the coil to pass between them.

4. Sweep the coil across the test targets one at a time. Observe the Detect Screen and listen to the sounds of the detector as it passes over each object. The Detect Screen and audio response will give you detailed information about the Target ID.

Don’t worry if the detector is not producing a sound over the nail — this is because the detector begins in the default Park Mode Profile 1, which rejects signals from common trash targets, including ferrous targets.

If you are getting signals from a clear patch of ground, there could be buried metal objects. Try finding a different area.

You may like to make a record of the Target IDs for each of your targets.

When you go detecting, always carry a 'test target' with you, e.g. a coin, which is similar to the targets you are looking for.

Bury it at around 4 – 6 inches within your detecting location and adjust your EQUINOX settings until the desired response is heard over the test target.

This way you are guaranteed to detect the same types of targets if they are there. Remember to dig up your test target after you are ﬁnished!

Nail or Screw Pull-Tab Tiny Coin Fine Gold Ring Large CoinSmall Coin Heavy Silver Chain

Pinpointing Technique | 19Contents

Pinpointing Technique

A good pinpointing technique helps you to quickly narrow down the location of a buried target, allowing you to determine its exact location before digging.

By combining a good pinpointing technique with the EQUINOX Pinpoint function, you will be able to accurately locate a buried target within an area before you dig.

For additional information on Pinpointing with the help of the Pinpoint function, read 'Pinpoint' on page 36.

It is possible to pinpoint a target successfully without

using Pinpoint, however this requires practice.

Coil Configuration and Pinpointing

The standard EQUINOX Series EQX 11 detector coil has a wire winding configuration know as Double-D.

When pinpointing, it is useful to know that a Double-D coil has two overlapping wire windings in the shape of two D’s. The regions created by the overlapping windings (running from the front centre of the coil to the back) is the most sensitive area and will give the loudest response when a target is directly beneath it.

The line shows the strongest signal zone on the EQX 11 coil. This is also the same for all EQX Double-D accessory coils.

Pinpointing a Target Manually

1. Sweep the coil slowly across the target location keeping the coil parallel to the ground.

2. Locate the centre of the target by listening for the loudest target signal response.

3. Make a mental note of the position, or mark a line on the soil with your shoe or a digging tool.

4. Move to one side so that you can pass the coil over the target at right angles to your initial direction.

5. Line up the target at 90° from the initial direction and repeat the process. The object is located where the two imaginary lines cross.

Beep!

Front view of the

Double-D strongest signal

proﬁle.

The benefits of this configuration include lower noise susceptibility (especially in mineralised ground), higher sensitivity, and a very thorough search pattern requiring less sweep overlap.

Double-D coils may produce complex signals from shallow targets. Sometimes three separate signals can be heard for a single target as the coil is swept over it.

The strongest signal

occurs where the Tx and Rx

coil windings overlap.

2-3

Make a line where the strongest

signal is heard.

Beep!

4-5

Move 90° and repeat.

The intersection of the two lines marks the

exact location of the target.

Target Recovery | 20Contents

Target Recovery

Using the right tools and a good target recovery technique is important to prevent damage to a buried target, which could signiﬁcantly reduce its value.

Digging Tools

Different detecting locations have different types of ground, so you will need to take the right tools with you. You may wish to use a combination of tools when you dig to speed up the recovery process.

Buy the best quality digging tools you can; Purchase them from a detecting specialist, as tools found in hardware stores can be inadequate for recovering a target and vary widely in quality.

You don’t want to be out on a detecting trip with a broken digging tool!

Park

Field

Beach

Gold*

In Park locations, a digging knife with a serrated edge is great for cutting through turf and fine roots to form a neat plug of earth. A small strong spade is useful for digging bigger holes for deeper targets.

Field locations are often composed of dense clay soil that will clump together. A small strong spade is useful for digging bigger holes for deeper targets.

Typical sandy Beach locations mean targets can be easily recovered with the use of a plastic scoop, or even your hands. A long handled sand scoop is required for recovering submerged targets from the water.

In typical Gold locations, a small pick will help to break open the earth, while a plastic scoop will assist with checking the soil for gold nuggets without damaging them.

Recovering a Target

Be sure not to wear rings, bracelets or a watch, as they will produce a signal when you are recovering targets.

A Minelab PRO-FIND Series pinpointer is another useful tool for quickly narrowing down the location of a buried target within a hole.

1. Once a target has been pinpointed, clear the ground surface of loose material and check the ground again for a signal. If there is no signal, then the target is amongst the surface material. If the target is still in the ground, Pinpoint again.

2. Try to leave the ground exactly as you found it. Using a sharp tool, cut a neat plug, leaving some grass attached on one side like a hinge. Lift the plug out and over. This prevents soil from being scattered and allows the hole to be refilled quickly.

3. Check the hole for the target. If the target is not in the hole, place the detector on the ground with the coil flat. Pick up a handful of soil and pass it over the coil, returning soil to the hole after you have checked it. Repeat this procedure until the target is located.

4. Check that no other targets remain in the hole. Refill the hole with all soil and grass as neatly as possible. Step lightly on the soil to compact it.

Leaving holes or a scarred area may result in action being taken to prevent the use of metal detectors. Please ensure that the area of ground is left as you found it, and remove all rubbish.

Contents

Detect Modes

EQUINOX is equally adaptable for all target types and ground conditions… just select your detecting location and go!

Detect Modes are based on common detecting locations, making it easy for anybody to conﬁdently choose the right Mode for their detecting session.

This section explains the diﬀerences between the Detect Modes, and includes some great tips to help you master each Mode.

The Detect Mode descriptions in the following section are for typical detecting locations. Some Detect Modes will be useful in locations not represented by the Mode name, icon, or description.

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