This document contains proprietary information which is protected by
copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act
1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written
permission from Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd, 118 Hayward Avenue,
T orrensville, SA 5031, Australia.
WARNING. This document contains Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd rights,
technical data or restricted rights data, or both. Patents and trademarks
apply.
Since there may be a range of options available in this detector
type, equipment may vary according to the model or items ordered
with your detector. Certain descriptions and illustrations may differ
(in this manual) from the exact model that you purchased. In
addition, Minelab reserve the right to respond to ongoing technical
progress by introducing changes in design, equipment and
technical features at any time.
About this manual .............................................................................................................. .......................2
Introducing the Minelab Explorer II ......................................................................................................... 3
The battery pack..................................................................................................................................... 24
Beginner use .......................................................................................................................................... 39
The Iron Mask ........................................................................................................................................ 45
Quickstart’s Digital display .................................................................................................................... 47
Modifying the display............................................................................................................................. 48
Audio: adjusting the volume................................................................................................................... 53
Audio: adjusting the tone ........................................................................................................................ 55
Audio: adjusting the sounds ................................................................................................................... 56
T esting target audio responses [tutorial] ................................................................................................ 58
Pinpointing the object.............................................................................................................................. 59
Recovering the object............................................................................................................................. 61
Options menu ......................................................................................................................................... 82
Settings menu ......................................................................................................................................... 87
5
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
T ABLE OF CONTENTS
USER INFO ......................................................................................................................... 89
User preferences.................................................................................................................................... 93
Control Panel button functions ............................................................................................................... 95
Quickstart menu structure ...................................................................................................................... 96
Advanced menu structure ...................................................................................................................... 97
Service repair form................................................................................................................................. 99
T echnical specifications for the Minelab Explorer II............................................................................ 102
Explorer model features ....................................................................................................................... 103
Glossary of terms................................................................................................................................. 104
Detector care and safety ...................................................................................................................... 108
contents
6
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
1
Introduction
The Explorer II is the most
technologically advanced detector ever
produced.
It is possible to start treasure hunting as
soon as you have assembled the detector,
but it is worth familiarizing yourself with
its many features.
7
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual is designed to introduce the detector’s features, give you step-by-step
directions for everything from assembling and adjusting your detector to basic
detector use and customizing your own advanced settings.
!
1. INTRODUCTION
Basic overview of the Explorer II
and this User’s Manual.
2. ASSEMBLY
This chapter provides details and
instructions on assembling and
adjusting the Explorer II.
3. BATTERIES
The Explorer II is powered by
alkaline batteries or a rechargeable
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery
pack. This chapter provides details
on battery installation, use and
performance.
4. CONTROL P ANEL
This chapter is designed to familiarize
you with the various features of the
Explorer II control panel. A few
minutes spent reading this chapter will
be a worthwhile preliminary to basic
or advanced detecting.
"
5. QUICKST ART
However experienced you are at
using a metal detector, it is important
that you read this chapter to
understand how to use the Explorer II
in Quickstart mode.
6. ADVANCED USE
Once you are comfortable with basic
detector use and Quickstart it is time to
investigate the more advanced
features of the Explorer II.
7. USER INFO
This chapter provides a glossary of
terminology, user guides, technical
specifications, warranty and repair
details and troubleshooting tips.
8
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
INTRODUCING THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
Thank you for purchasing a MinelabExplorer II detector. The
Explorer II is different to conventional metal detectors and features a
number of technological innovations and design features which are
introduced and explained in this manual.
The Explorer II is designed to locate valuable metal objects in a
wide variety of ground conditions including extreme salt conditions
and sea water, wet beach sand and highly mineralized ground
conditions. The detector’s simple-to-use control panel and fully
automatic Quickstart mode enable the beginner to start detecting
immediately after assembling the detector. Advanced mode’s options
will enable you to customize your detector for years to come.
Before you attempt to use your detector in the field, you should
P0591-A
follow the chapters of this manual to assemble, understand and
customize the Explorer II to suit your personal requirements. Please
read all the information thoroughly.
Minelab Electronics wish you every success in your treasure
hunting.
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
Contact Minelab
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Explorer II or any other Minelab product,
please feel free to contact us via your local Authorized Minelab dealer, or write to us:
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
PO Box 537 Torrensville Plaza
South Australia 5031
AUSTRALIA
email: ho@minelab.com.au
tel: 61-8-8238 0888
Visit our site www.minelab.comfor the latest information on Minelab products and services.
The Explorer II is one of a new generation of detectors from Minelab. Its sleek, sturdy
design, innovative control panel and comprehensive targeting options set it apart from
any other detector available today.
Two mode detecting
The Explorer II is so feature-packed that the research team at
Minelab decided to offer two modes of operation: fully automated
detection (Quickstart mode) and personally customized precision
detecting (Advanced mode).
All of the detector’s vital functions are common to Quickstart and
Advanced mode. Because the Explorer II is such an innovative
machine, even the seasoned treasure hunter will benefit from
beginning in Quickstart mode.
Quickstart mode
10
Smartfind display
Main Menu
Figure 1.1Quickstart mode
MINELAB’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
As soon as you have assembled the Explorer II, you are ready to
start detecting. When it leaves the factory, the detector is
programmed to start in Quickstart.
Quickstart settings are optimized to provide you with accurate
detection in most conditions you will encounter in the field, so you
can concentrate your attention on the objects you discover.
This manual’s Chapter 4: Control Panel, outlines all of the control
panel features needed to use your detector in Quickstart (or
Advanced mode) including shortcut buttons, special functions like
Pinpoint and adjusting your detector settings.
Chapter 5: Quickstart, explains basic use in detail and provides tips
on everything from sweeping the detector coil to digging up objects.
Advanced mode
Smartfind display
Main Menu
Figure 1.2Advanced mode
Factory Reset Power On Tune
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
Once you are familiar with the feel and functions of the detector, it is
a simple matter to move into Advanced mode. This will enable you to
change the appearance of the display, modify audio responses,
specify custom targets and edit and save personal settings. Chapter
6: Advanced Use provides all of the information you need to
personalize your Explorer for specialized targeting.
Getting Lost?
If at any time you become a little confused with the settings for your
detector, or just want to brush up on basic detector use, it is simple to
reset the Explorer II to its original factory settings.
T urn the detector off and then PRESS AND HOLD THE POWER BUTTON
until a six-note musical tune is sounded (rising C-major chord). The
Minelab logo and the words ‘FACT ORY PRESETS’ will be briefly displayed
on the screen (as shown above).
This will return you to the original Quickstart mode settings. You can
resume basic detecting or make selections from the Main Menu.
MINELAB’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
11
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
Discrimination
Discrimination is the ability of a
metal detector to identify the user’s
desired target (e.g. jewelry) and
eliminate signals from undesirable
material (e.g. nails).
Full Band Spectrum (FBS)
When developing Full Band Spectrum (FBS) technology, Minelab’s
scientists looked at improving the already successful Broad Band
Spectrum (BBS) technology used in previous Minelab detectors.
Discussions with seasoned treasure hunters from around the world
identified a number of possible enhancements for operators. The
improvements to the Explorer II detectors include:
The Explorer II can be programmed
in a number of ways to discriminate
against unwanted targets in different
types of ground.
Figure 1.3. Metal detector comparisons
•increased detection depth;
•accurate identification of targets to greater depth;
•enhanced detection of desired targets amidst iron trash;
•adjustments to improve operation for searching salt-water
beaches.
Most detectors on the market
operate on a single (or dual)
frequency, ranging from 1 to 70
kilohertz (kHz). Although this
technology has served the industry
well for years, Minelab’s scientists
found that a frequency that worked
well in one area would often offer
only marginal performance when
used in another location. Ground
mineralisation, trash content, and
target size all had an effect on how
effective a detector transmitting a single frequency would operate.
Full Band Spectrum technology combines Minelab’s existing multiple
frequency BBS technology with a powerful new microprocessor to
give:
12
•greater detecting depth;
•consistent sensitivity over a wide range of targets;
•less interference from electromagnetic sources;
•more accurate identification of target characteristics.
MINELAB’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
Operating Frequencies
A metal detector’s
electromagnetic operating
frequencies are measured in
kiloHertz (kHz).
Low signal frequencies
(e.g. 1.5 kHz) penetrate deepest,
but sensitivity to smaller targets
is low.
On the other hand, higher
frequencies have a more
shallow depth of penetration
but high sensitivity to small
targets.
The Explorer II’s multiple-
frequency operation provides
the advantage of both.
The Full Band Spectrum (FBS) circuit automatically transmits 28
frequencies simultaneously. This increased frequency range means
that the signal received from the detector coil is analyzed from a
wide range of responses. This information is relayed to the operator
via the speaker or headphones and the control panel’s liquid crystal
display as an audio or visual target response.
Put simply, Minelab’s unique FBS technology means deep, sensitive,
accurate detecting.
Ground Compensation
The Explorer II uses a sophisticated approach to the elimination of
ground mineralisation. It uses advanced digital filtering to eliminate
the influence of ground signals.
You are now ready to proceed to Chapter 2: Assembly.
!
MINELAB’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
13
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
14
2
Assembly
This chapter provides details and
instructions on assembling and
adjusting the Explorer II.
The box in which the Explorer II is shipped should contain the items
illustrated on the facing page. Please check that all of these items are
in the box. If any of these components are missing, contact your
Minelab dealer immediately.
Accessories
The following items are available for purchase separately:
•NiMH Battery Pack (spare)
•NiMH Battery Pack (high capacity)
•8” Coil with Lower Shaft
•Weatherproof Control Box Cover
•Spare Coil Covers
•Carry Bag
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
•Minelab Cap, Minelab Poloshirt.
For further information on these and other Minelab
products, contact your Minelab dealer.
You can also visit us on the web
UNPACKING YOUR EXPLORER
17
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
ASSEMBLING THE DETECTOR
Handle assembly
Shaft assembly
Search coil
P0591-A
18
Please follow these instructions to assemble the Explorer II. Refer to
the drawings to identify parts and how they are positioned. The
detector’s components are organized into three categories:
•the search coil;
•the shaft assembly, made up of the upper shaft and lower
shaft;
•the handle assembly, made up of the handle, armrest and
control box.
NOTE To avoid difficulties or damage to the detector’s
electronic components, it is strongly recommended you
follow the sequence of instructions for assembly.
Please contact your Minelab dealer for further instructions should
any difficulties arise.
ASSEMBLING THE DETECTOR
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
CONNECTING THE SEARCH COIL
The search coil transmits electromagnetic signals into the ground and receives
the response.
Rubber Washer
Coil Cable
Coil Yoke
Yoke Nut
Yoke Bolt
Search Coil
Figure 2.1Connecting the search coil
to the lower shaft
Yoke Bracket
P0608-A
Connecting the search coil to the lower shaft
Figure 2.1–2.3
CAUTION DO NOT attempt to disconnect the coil cable
where it enters the search coil itself. They are shipped
pre-assembled and any attempt to disconnect will void your
detector warranty.
T o attach the search coil to the lower shaft:
STEP 1 Place the search coil on a flat surface close to the coil yoke.
STEP 2 (Figure 2.2, following page) Plug the two black plastic
washers into the recesses provided on either side of the coil
yoke.
(Continued next page)
CONNECTING THE SEARCH COIL
19
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
STEP 3 Check the orientation of the search coil and shaft ensuring
that the open side of the yoke faces the ground.
STEP 4 (Figure 2.2) To join the shaft to the search coil, slide the
yoke into the yoke bracket on top of the coil.
STEP 5 (Figure 2.3) Insert yoke bolt through the search coil’s yoke
bracket and the coil yoke. Fasten with the yoke nut
provided, being careful not to damage the thread of the nut
by over-tightening. This may need to be loosened to adjust
the coil to a comfortable detecting angle.
P0605-A
Figure 2.2 Inserting coil yoke into
bracket
P0606-A
Figure 2.3Securing yoke to search
coil
You are now ready to proceed to the shaft assembly.
20
CONNECTING THE SEARCH COIL
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
THE SHAFT ASSEMBL Y
The shaft assembly is made up of the upper and lower shafts connected by the shaft
camlock. The assembly houses the coil cable and connects the search coil to the
handle assembly. These instructions assume that the search coil is connected to the
lower shaft.
Camlock Released
P0601-A
Figure 2.4Feeding coil cable into upper shaft
Shaft assembly
Search Coil
Shaft Camlock
Upper Shaft
Figure 2.5Sliding lower shaft into
upper shaft
P0602-A
Figure 2.4, 2.5
T o assemble the lower and upper shaft:
CAUTION Release the shaft camlock lever before inserting
the lower shaft.
STEP 1 (Figure 2.4) Feed the coil cable which is inside the lower
shaft through the inside of the upper shaft.
STEP 2 (Figure 2.5) Slide the lower shaft entirely into the upper shaft
until the camlock rests against the yoke.
STEP 3 Pull the coil cable’s metal connector through the open end of
the upper shaft until it ‘dangles’ from the opening.
You are now ready to connect the shaft assembly to the
handle assembly.
21
THE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
CONNECTING THE SHAFT ASSEMBL Y
Connecting the shaft assembly to the handle
assembly
Figure 2.6–2.9
NOTE Shaft orientation: camlock is on lower side of upper
shaft.
T o connect the shaft assembly to the handle assembly:
P0597-A
Figure 2.6Attaching coil cable to
control box
STEP 1 (Figure 2.6) Release the control box camlock lever to the
open position.
STEP 2 (Figure 2.6) Align the connections and push the coil cable
connector into the socket underneath the handle assembly
control box. Ensure the connector’s threaded bracelet is
firmly secured.
STEP 3 (Figure 2.7) To prevent the coil cable from ‘bunching’,
extend the lower shaft from the upper shaft by approximately
15cm (6 inches).
STEP 4 (Figure 2.8) Making sure that the control box camlock lever
is in the released position, push the upper shaft firmly into
the control box until you feel it has reached the back of the
control box.
22
P0614-A
Figure 2.7Preventing the coil cable
‘bunching’
CONNECTING THE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
P0598-A
Figure 2.8Inserting shaft assembly
into control box
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
STEP 5 Secure upper shaft in position by locking the control box
camlock.
STEP 6 (Figure 2.9) Adjust shaft to the desired length and then lock
with shaft camlock lever.
STEP 7 (Figure 2.9) Tilt the search coil to the most comfortable
angle, keeping in mind it will need to be parallel to the
ground during detecting.
NOTE To avoid difficulty securing the control box camlock
lever, ensure the shaft camlock is released to allow greater
shaft movement.
You are now ready to proceed to the handle assembly.
Figure 2.9Adjusting the shaft and
angle of the search coil
Coil not connected?
$
These instructions require the
search coil to be connected to the
lower shaft. For directions on this
procedure, refer to page 13.
P0599-A
23
CONNECTING THE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
THE HANDLE ASSEMBL Y
The handle assembly is made up of the armrest, straps and the control box. It is
connected to the shaft assembly by the control box camlock.
Adjusting the armrest assembly
Figure 2.10
T o adjust armrest:
STEP 1 Loosen the screw in the center of the armrest (turn counter-
clockwise). Use a screwdriver or the edge of a coin.
STEP 2 Slide armrest to your desired position. Your hand should
comfortably grip the angled neck of the handle assembly,
P0268-C
Figure 2.10Armrest adjustment
with the detector feeling like an extension of your forearm.
STEP 3 Gently remove your arm.
STEP 4 Tighten screw (clockwise) to lock into position.
24
THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Figure 2.11Fitting buckle to armrest strap
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
Fitting the armrest strap
Figure 2.11–2.13
T o fit and adjust the armrest strap:
STEP 1 (Figure 2.11) Thread the strap through the buckle openings
as illustrated.
STEP 2 (Figure 2.12) Clip both buckles into the openings at each
outer side of the armrest.
STEP 3 T est by sliding your arm underneath the strap and resting
your forearm on the armrest (which should be adjusted to a
comfortable setting).
STEP 4 (Figure 2.13) Loosen strap by tilting the edge of the buckle
out to release it from the armrest. Undo the velcro and pull
the buckle outwards (towards yourself). Clip the buckle back
into place and tighten the strap by pulling up (in the direction
of the top arrow in Figure 2.13).
The armrest should now be adjusted to your satisfaction. Next time
you use your detector, all you will need to do is click the buckle back
into the armrest.
Figure 2.12Fitting armrest strap to
armrest
Figure 2.13Tightening armrest strap
25
THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
HEADPHONES
Headphone
Attaching headphones
Figure 2.14
The use of headphones when treasure hunting with the Explorer II
will avoid disturbing others in the area. The reduced power
demands of the headphones will also extend the battery life.
Socket
The socket for the headphone plug is located in the top right of the
rubber seal at the top of the handle assembly . The headphones may
be plugged into this socket or unplugged at any stage of operation.
P0595-A
Figure 2.14 Inserting headphone
Congratulations! Your Explorer II is now assembled. You are
now ready to proceed to Chapter 3: Batteries.
!
Should you wish to remove the search coil, instructions
follow on the next two pages.
26
HEADPHONES
REPLACING AND FITTING THE SEARCH COIL
Coil Cable
Yoke Bolt
Search Coil
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
Rubber Washer
Coil Yoke
Yoke Nut
Yoke Bracket
P0608-A
Figure 2.14 Replacing the search coil
Pull cable down
from inside
shaft/yoke
Figure 2.15 Removing cable
P0607-A
Replacing the search coil
Figure 2.14–2.16
CAUTION DO NOT attempt to remove the coil cable from the
search coil. Any attempt to disconnect will void your
detector warranty.
T o replace the search coil:
STEP 1 Disconnect the shaft assembly from handle assembly by
reversing the procedure outlined in Connecting the shaft
assembly onpage 16.
CAUTION DO NOT attempt to remove the shaft assembly
without disconnecting the coil cable from the control box.
STEP 2 Separate the two shaft assemblies by releasing the shaft
camlock and sliding the lower shaft out.
STEP 3 (Figure 2.14) Loosen the yoke nut and carefully remove the
bolt from the yoke bracket. This removes the yoke from the
search coil. Be careful not to lose the two plastic washers.
(Continued next page)
27
REPLACING AND FITTING THE SEARCH COIL
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
STEP 4 (Figure 2.15) Gently pull the coil cable from inside the yoke/
lower shaft.
STEP 5 (Figure 2.16). Carefully feed the coil cable of the new coil
back into yoke and lower shaft. Continue to feed the cable
into the shaft unitl the connector is visible at the top of the
shaft.
Note: It may be easier to pull the cable through the lower
shaft using a length of string or cord. Once this is completed
you should be able to see approximately 4 inches (100mm)
of cable between the coil yoke and the search coil. This is
the slack necessary to allow adjustment to the angle of the
search coil.
STEP 6 Re-attach the yoke and the search coil. Be careful not to
damage the thread of the nut by over-tightening. See Figure
2.2 and 2.3.
STEP 7 Reconnect cable to control box (as directed in Connecting
the shaft assembly, page 16).
28
Pull Coil Cable
up inside of
yoke/shaft
P0613-A
Figure 2.16 Removing the coil cable
REPLACING AND FITTING THE SEARCH COIL
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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4
Control Panel
It is important to familiarize yourself
4
CONTROL PANEL
with the features of the Explorer II control
panel. A few minutes spent reading this
chapter will be a worthwhile preliminary
to basic or advanced detecting.
29
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4
CONTROL PANEL
THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
THE CONTROL PANEL
easy reference
As the control panel provides user access to all Explorer II functions, the
various buttons will be referred to throughout this User’s Manual. The
terminology will remain consistent with the elements labelled below and
will be a useful reference as you begin detecting.
2
6
1
6
7
30
THE CONTROL PANEL
3
4
1
Power button (see page 31)
Display screen (for details see page 40)
2
Main Menu button (see page 32)
3
Shortcut buttons (see pages 33-34)
4
5
Back button (see page 32)
Shift buttons (see page 35)
6
7
Backlight button (see page 31)
5
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