Instruction Manual
Quick Start
1 Turn on Safari by pressing the
Power button.
2 On initial start-up, your detector will default
to the factory Coin Mode.
3 To select a dierent factory preset Detect
Mode, press and release the appropriate
Mode button.
4 The icon next to the corresponding
preset Detect Mode, indicates that a
factory preset Mode has been selected. The
detector will apply the factory determined
Discrimination Pattern and audio response
for that Mode.
5 Press the Noise Cancel button and wait
the 20 seconds it takes to select the most
stable channel.
6 Once the Noise Cancel sequence is
completed you can start detecting!
Minelab is always interested in your opinions.
If you have any questions or comments
regarding the Safari or any other Minelab
product, please feel free to contact us directly
or via your local Authorised Minelab dealer.
For further product information
and detecting tips, refer to:
WWW.MINELAB.COM
Congratulations on purchasing
your Minelab
Thank you for purchasing the Minelab Safari
metal detector.
Metal detecting is a fascinating and
rewarding activity enjoyed by people all over
the world. By getting to know your Safari
you can become one of the many successful
detectorists who combine their passion
for the outdoors with the excitement of
discovering valuable coins, relics, gold and
jewellery on a regular basis.
Minelab recommends you initially use Safari
in one of the four selectable factory preset
modes to become familiar with its operation.
These Detect Modes have been optimised to
provide you with settings suitable for most
applications.
1
Safari will locate valuable metal objects such
as gold, coins, jewellery and other metallic
items. The detector’s easy-to-use control
panel enables anyone, from beginner to
expert, to start detecting immediately after
assembly.
Your Safari is designed to provide you with
years of treasure hunting enjoyment. To
ensure you get the most from your Safari, we
recommend that you read this Instruction
Manual to help assemble, take care of and
learn how to operate your new detector.
Minelab wishes you every success with
your Safari!
2
Contents
Inside Front Cover
10
13
14
16
18
19
21
22
22
23
23
24
25
26
26
27
27
28
28
30
30
30
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Quick Start
3
How Metal Detectors Work
4
The Technology of Safari
5
Assembly
8
Adjusting the Detector for Comfortable Detecting
Battery Packs
Turning the Detector On
Introducing the Control Panel
Introducing the Detect Screen
Detecting Basics
A Simple Detecting Exercise
Detect Modes
Coin Mode
Coin & Jewellery Mode
Relic Mode
All Metal Mode
Pinpoint
Menu
Sensitivity
Target Volume
Threshold
Noise Cancel
Contrast
Trash Density
Discrimination
Discrimination (Accept/Reject) Scale
To Modify the Discrimination Pattern
To Create and Save a User Mode
Technical Specications
Factory Presets
User Information
Recovering the Target
Treasure Locations
Detector Care and Safety
Troubleshooting
Warranty and Accessories
Service and Repair Form
3
How Metal Detectors Work
Metal detectors create an electromagnetic
(EM) eld around the coil, which penetrates
the ground. Because metal is conductive it
causes a change in this eld. The detector
senses this change through the coil and
sends a signal back to the control box,
alerting the operator.
Metal detectors can determine the size, shape
and composition of metallic objects beneath
the coil. Typically, the larger the object, the
easier it is to detect.
A metal detector’s EM operating frequencies
are measured in kilohertz (kHz). Low
frequency EM elds (e.g. 1.5kHz) penetrate
the ground deeply, but sensitivity to smaller
targets is low. High frequency EM elds (e.g.
65kHz) have a shallower depth of penetration,
but sensitivity to small targets is high.
Safari’s multiple frequency operation provides
the advantage of both; good depth and high
sensitivity.
Item Number: 4901 - 0070
Revision: 1.1
4
The Technology of Safari
Full Band Spectrum (FBS)
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 found that
a frequency that worked well in one area
would often oer only marginal performance
when used in another location. Ground
mineralisation, trash content and target
size all had an impact on how eectively
a detector transmitting a single frequency
would operate.
FBS technology combines Minelab’s
multiple frequency BBS (Broad Band
Spectrum) technology with a powerful new
microprocessor to give:
• Greaterdetecting depth
• Highsensitivity over awide rangeof
targets
• Lessinterferencefromelectromagnetic
sources
• More accurate identicationof target
characteristics
Discrimination (Disc.)
Discrimination is the ability of a metal
detector to identify your desired targets (e.g.
coins and jewellery) and eliminate signals
from undesirable material (e.g. nails).
Safari can be programmed in a number
of ways to discriminate against unwanted
targets in dierent types of ground.
Ground Compensation
Safari uses a sophisticated approach for
the elimination of ground mineralisation
eects. It uses advanced digital ltering to
eliminate the inuence of ground signals. This
is achieved automatically, allowing you to
concentrate on detecting targets.
FBS Comparison
Single Frequency
Dual Frequency
The FBS circuit automatically transmits
multiple frequencies simultaneously. This
increased frequency range means that the
signal received from the detector coil is
analysed from a wide range of responses.
This allows Safari to analyse more target
information so that the target identication
(ID) is more accurate.
Minelab’s unique FBS technology means
deep, sensitive, accurate detecting.
FBS Multiple Frequency
5
Assembly
Attaching the coil to the Lower Shaft:
Note: Before attaching the coil to the Lower
Shaft, remove the nut, bolt and washers
from the coil.
1 Plug the two rubber washers into the holes
on either side of the Lower Shaft.
2 Feed the coil cable up through the inside
of the Lower Shaft, ensuring the coil cable
appears out the top of the Lower Shaft.
3 Place the coil on a at surface.
4 Slide the Lower Shaft into the bracket on
top of the coil. Ensure that the open side of
the Lower Shaft faces the ground.
5 Insert the bolt through the Lower Shaft and
the bracket on top of the coil.
6 Fasten with the nut provided, taking
care not to damage the thread of the
nut by over-tightening. This will need to
be loosened later to adjust the coil to a
comfortable detecting angle.
WARNING: The coil cable is directly
wired into the coil and is not removable.
Any attempt to remove this cable will
void your warranty.
6
Assembly
Attaching the Lower Shaft to the
Upper Shaft:
1 Release the Upper Shaft camlock by pulling
the lever away from the shaft.
2 Feed the coil cable up through the inside
of the Upper Shaft, ensuring the camlock
side of the shaft is facing the ground.
3 Slide the Upper Shaft over the Lower Shaft,
so the coil cable appears out the top.
Connecting the Shaft Assembly to the
Handle Assembly:
1 Release the Control Box camlock by pulling
the lever away from the Control Box.
2 Align and push the coil cable connector
into the socket underneath the Control Box,
rmly tightening the retaining ring
to secure.
3 Push the Handle Assembly onto the Upper
Shaft, as far as it will go.
4 Lock the Control Box camlock by pushing
the lever at onto the Control Box.
7
Attaching the Armrest Strap:
1 Clip both buckles onto the outer sides of
the armrest.
Attaching the Headphones:
1 Plug the headphone jack into the
headphone socket, located in the
rubber seal at the battery end of the
Handle Assembly.
The headphones may be plugged or
unplugged at any time.
Disconnecting the coil:
1 Reverse the steps in ‘Connecting the
Shaft Assembly to the Handle Assembly’,
‘Attaching the Lower Shaft to the Upper
Shaft’ and ‘Attaching the coil to the
Lower Shaft’.
2 Pull the coil cable out from inside the
lower shaft.
WARNING: Do not attempt to
completely remove the shaft assembly
while the coil cable is still connected to
the Control Box.
8
Adjusting the Detector for
Comfortable Detecting
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.
Adjusting the Armrest Strap:
1 Loosen the strap by tilting the top edge
of the buckle out to release it from
the armrest.
2 Undo the Velcro and pull the buckle
outwards (towards yourself ) to loosen
the strap.
3 Clip the buckle back into place and tighten
the strap until your arm is secure whilst in
the armrest. Re-attach the Velcro.
Adjusting the Position of the Armrest:
1 Use a screwdriver, or the edge of a coin,
to loosen the screw in the centre of the
armrest (turn counter-clockwise).
2 While holding the detector, slide the
armrest to sit just below your elbow.
3 Remove your arm. Tighten screw (turn
clockwise) to lock the armrest into position.
9
Adjusting the Length of the Shafts
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
dicult to balance and manoeuvre
while detecting.
Shaft is
too short
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.
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 at/parallel with the ground. The Coil
should remain parallel when lifting to the
sweep height, approximately 25mm (1”)
above the ground.
3 Tighten the bolt, but do not over-tighten it.
Adjust the lower shaft to the correct length,
securing the camlock to hold it in place.
A longer lower shaft is available for
tall people (p. 39).
Shaft is the
correct length
10
Battery Packs
Safari comes with a standard Alkaline battery
pack. Eight high quality, fresh, 1.5V AA alkaline
batteries will power the Safari for up to 14
hours of constant use.
Optional accessory NiMH battery packs are
available as well (See Accessories p. 39). The
NiMH 1600 mAh battery pack will power the
detector for up to 12.5 hours of constant use
and the NiMH 1800 mAh battery pack for 14
hours.
Unlike Nickel Cadmium batteries, the
NiMH battery pack DOES NOT have to be
discharged before recharging. Whenever
the detector has been unused for a lengthy
period, recharge the battery pack to ensure
full performance. There is no limit to the time
the battery pack can be left on charge.
Note: Removal instructions apply to both types
of battery packs.
Removing the Battery Pack from the
Battery Compartment:
1 Ensure that the detector is turned o
before removing the battery pack.
2 Rest the detector on a at surface.
Disconnect the headphones.
3 Lift the rubber seal of the battery
compartment located at the end of the
handle assembly.
4 Raise the yellow tab to release the spring
loaded battery pack.
WARNING: Do not attempt to
disassemble the NiMH battery pack.
If disposing of battery pack, do not
incinerate. Contact your local authorities
to enquire about disposal or recycling
facilities.
5 Remove the battery pack entirely from the
battery compartment.
Inserting the Battery Pack into the
Battery Compartment:
1 Lift the rubber seal of the handle assembly.
2 Slide the battery pack entirely into the
handle assembly, until it clicks into place.
3 Close the rubber seal, to close the battery
compartment.
11
Replacing ‘AA’ Batteries:
1 Slide the lid of the battery pack in the
direction of the arrow to open.
2 Place eight high quality AA cell alkaline
batteries into the battery pack, ensuring
that the + and – terminals are aligned as
indicated on the label.
– Please note the following:
– Do not use rechargeable Lithium Ion
batteries with your Safari. They may
damage the detector and void your
warranty. Rechargeable Lithium Ion
batteries will give a combined voltage
above 13V and therefore cannot be used
with Safari.
– Do not leave drained AA batteries in the
detector as they can leak.
– The optional rechargeable battery packs
will not be damaged if left on the charger
for more than 22 hours.
– The battery chargers will not recharge
rechargeable alkaline or NiCad AA batteries.
– Using a non-Minelab charger with the
3 Slide the battery pack lid closed until it
‘clicks’ into place.
High quality alkaline batteries are
recommended for optimum detection
time. Rechargeable alkaline, NiMH or NiCad
AA batteries may be used but must be
removed and recharged separately. Check
tment of rechargeable batteries prior to
purchase, as some do not comply with
standard size requirements.
battery pack may damage it and will void
the product warranty.
– Unlike Nickel Cadmium batteries, the NiMH
battery pack DOES NOT need to be drained
of all power before being recharged.
– Do not charge the battery at temperatures
above 45°C (113°F).
– Do not charge the battery at temperatures
below 0°C (32°F).
– Do not leave the battery exposed to very
hot conditions (e.g. on the dashboard or
rear parcel shelf of your car) or very
cold conditions.
12
Battery Packs
Charging the 1600/1800mAh NiMH
Battery Packs (optional accessories)
To charge your battery, only use the Minelab
charger designed for your NiMH battery.
Using other chargers may damage your
battery and will void the product warranty.
Recharging NiMH Battery Packs with the
Mains Charger:
1 Remove the battery pack.
2 Insert the mains charger cable into the
socket at the tapered end of the battery
pack.
3 Plug the mains charger into the wall socket
and turn on the switch.
4 Leave for 18 hours to fully recharge the
1600mAh pack (22 hours for the 1800mAh
pack). If the battery was not completely
discharged, the charging time will be
shorter. New batteries will reach their full
capacity after several charge/discharge
cycles.
5 Once charged, disconnect the battery
charger plug from the battery pack.
Recharging NiMH Battery Pack with the
Car Charger:
1 Remove the battery pack.
2 Insert the car charger plug into the
accessories socket of your vehicle.
3 Insert the car charger plug into the socket
at the tapered end of the battery pack.
A small light on the car charger illuminates
indicating that the car charger is in
operation.
4 Leave for 18 hours to fully recharge the
1600mAh pack (22 hours for the 1800mAh
pack). If the battery was not completely
discharged, the charging time will
be shorter.
5 Some vehicles may require the ignition to
be switched on to ‘Accessories’ for power to
be supplied to the charger.
6 Charging the battery for longer than 18
hours will not damage the NiMH battery
pack. However, it may gradually discharge
your car battery.
Note: The car charger is provided with a
fuse for short circuit protection. This can be
accessed by unscrewing the tip of the
charger plug.
Note: It is normal for the tip of the
rechargeable battery to get warm
while charging.
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