The Minelab SD2100v2
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MINELAB
W ARNING
THIS DOCUMENT CONT AINS
MINELAB ELECTRONICS
LIMITED RIGHTS TECHNICAL DA T A, OR
RESTRICTED RIGHTS DATA, OR BOTH.
© Minelab Electronics Pty Limited
This work is copyright. Ap art from any use
as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968,
no part may be reproduced by any process
without prior written permission from
Minelab Electronics Pty Limited
1 18 Hayward A venue,
T orrensville, SA 5031
Australia.
4901-0041-1.1 October 2002
The Minelab SD2100v2Page 2
The Minelab SD2100v2
Instruction Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................3
2. List of Parts ................................................................................................5
3. Unpacking and Assembly..........................................................................6
4. Control Box .................................................................................................8
4.1 Rear Panel Controls ........................................................................ 8
4.2 Front Panel Controls ........................................................................ 9
5. Operation ................................................................................................. 10
5.1 Quick Start Instructions................................................................. 1 0
5.2 Operating Instructions ................................................................... 11
6. Auxiliary Parts......................................................................................... 14
6.1 Battery ........................................................................................... 14
6.2 Battery Chargers........................................................................... 14
7. Detecting T echniques ............................................................................. 16
7.1 Searching...................................................................................... 16
7.2 Prospecting Tips........................................................................... 17
7.3 Hints for Maximum Gold Recovery ............................................... 18
7.4 Identifying Target Signals ............................................................. 18
7.5 Pinpointing.................................................................................... 19
7.6 Digging the Target ........................................................................ 20
7.7 Salty Environments ....................................................................... 21
8. Maintenance............................................................................................ 22
9. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 23
10. Specification............................................................................................ 24
11. Warranty .................................................................................................. 25
12. Accessories ............................................................................................ 26
12.1 Search Coils ................................................................................. 26
12.2 Batteries........................................................................................ 27
12.3 Corporate Clothing ....................................................................... 27
Page 4 The Minelab SD2100v2
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Minelab SD2100v2.
Y ou will find this detector to be one of the finest available for the detection
of metallic objects in highly mineralised environments. This detector can
‘see’ deeper than any other conventional detector available on the market
today , and its simplicity of operation means it is easy for both beginner and
professional alike. Its superior ability at cancelling mineralisation not only
invites the discovery of new sources of precious metals, but also reopens
old fields where ‘hot ground’ has shielded many nuggets from the prying
‘eyes’ of prospectors.
Minelab has studied the role that mineralisation plays in obscuring nuggets
and has developed the new Multi Period Sensing (MPS) technology which
enables detection of metallic targets, both large and small, even in the
hottest ground. Furthermore, its improved ground balancing requires
minimal adjustment during operation and is stable over a wide range of
mineralised grounds.
Minelab is confident that you will find this detector a pleasure to use, with
its stable and effective ground balancing, superior depth capability and
sensitivity.
Since there may be a range of options available in this detector
type, equipment may vary according to the model or country of
issue. Certain descriptions and illustrations may differ (in this
manual) from the exact model that you have 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.
Instruction Manual Page 5
Figure 1 - SD2100v2 List of Parts
Page 6 The Minelab SD2100v2
2. List of Parts
The SD2100v2 is packed in a single box containing the detector and an
1 1” Double ‘D’ coil. The following parts are included (see Figure 1):
Part Item Number
1. 1 1” Double D Coil with Skidplate 2021-001 1
2. 1 1” Monoloop Coil with Skidplate (accessory) 2021-0027
3. 18” Monoloop Coil with Skidplate (accessory) 2018-0028
4. 8” Monoloop Coil with Skiplate (accessory) 2021-0009
5. SD2100v2 Control Box
6. Complete Shaft Assembly 8012-0029
7. Armrest (2 halves) 8001-0014
8. 1½” Nylon Bolts (2) 4001-0001
9. Nylon Wing Nuts (2) 4002-0003
10. Armrest Cover 8001-0012
11. Armrest Strap 8005-0019
12. 6V 12Ah Gell Cell Battery 031 1-0024
13. Battery Backpack & Harness 3001-0028
14. Battery Cable 301 1-0043
15. 12V Car Charger 0312-0002
16. Mains Charger Region Spec
17. Headphones 4523-0018
18. Bungy S trap 8006-0002
19. Teardrop Washers (4) 4005-0006
2” Nylon Bolts (2) 4001-0003
Nylon Wing Nuts (2) 4002-0003
Velcro T ape and Hook
20. SD2100v2 Instruction Manual 4901-0041
21. Warranty Card Region Spec
22. ‘Attention’ Card 5303-0006
23. Rubbish Bag 5302-0006
24. Carton and Insert
Instruction Manual Page 7
3. Unpacking and Assembly
a) Place the two armrest halves (7) on either side of the shaft assembly
(6) and ensure that the bolt holes line up.
b) Slide two nylon bolts (8) through the holes and screw nylon wing nuts
(9) onto the bolts with a couple of turns.
c) Slide the ‘T’ section on top of the control box (5) into the assembled
armrest (7), with the detector stand at the rear . T ighten the nylon wing
nuts (9) by hand.
d) Push the armrest cover (10) over the assembled armrest (7).
e) Ensure that the lower shaft has two teardrop rubber washers (19)
installed. They should always be full thickness and should be replaced
regularly as they wear out.
f) Push the lower shaft into the mounting bracket on the coil (1) and
ensure that the coil decal faces the front.
g) Align the holes in the coil mounting bracket and the lower shaft. Push
a nylon bolt (19) through the holes and fit a nylon wing nut (19) which
should be tightened by hand. DO NOT over tighten as the coil housing
may be damaged.
h) Adjust the shaft length and coil angle for a comfortable position. Minelab
recommends that the shaft length be set to give a comfortable sweep
length of approximately 2 metres (see Section 7 for more details on
detecting techniques).
i) Wind the coil cable around the shaft and plug the coil connector into
the coil socket on the control box. Ensure that the cable is firmly
attached to the shaft without strain and cannot move around, especially
near the coil. Fasten the cable to the shaft with the supplied Velcro
TM
straps (19). Leave enough slack at the bottom of the cable near the
coil to allow the coil angle to be adjusted without placing strain on the
coil cable. If the cable is able to move around, especially near the coil,
it will be ‘seen’ by the detector and cause random noises, which can
be very confusing.
NOTE: Always ensure that the Power switch on the control box is turned
“Off” before connecting or disconnecting the coil.
Page 8 The Minelab SD2100v2
j) Fit the battery (12) into the battery bag (13).
k) Plug the headphones (17) into the socket in the cap of the battery.
l) Put on the battery bag. Ensure that the Power switch on the control
box is set to “Off”. Plug the connector on the battery cable into the
power connector on the control box. This cable connects the battery
to the detector .
Figure 2 - SD2100v2 Battery Assembly
Instruction Manual Page 1
4. Control Box
4.1 Rear Panel Controls
Power Switch
The Power switch controls the power supply from the battery to the control
box. Always switch the control box “Of f” before connecting or disconnecting
the coil or battery , and when not in use.
Threshold
The Threshold control is used to adjust the loudness of background sound.
Minelab recommends a soft audible headphone signal that is comfortable
to listen to for extended periods.
Tone
The T one control can be adjusted to suit an individual’s hearing by changing
the pitch of the background threshold tone.
Tune
The Tune control is used to lower the effect s of electromagnetic interference
from sources such as power lines, radio transmitters and other metal
detectors.
Figure 3 - Rear Panel Controls
Page 2 The Minelab SD2100v2
4.2 Front Panel Controls
Search Switch
Ground Balance mode (Balance 1 and Balance 2)
To get the best results from your SD2100v2 it is important to know how
different ground conditions affect the detecting process.
The ground is made up of many different chemicals, minerals,
salts, etc. Some of these (which are often referred to as ‘ground
mineralisation’) will produce a response known as a ‘ground noise’ from
the detector.
The SD2100v2 has the ability to cancel out the effects of ground
mineralisation so that it minimises ground noise, while still retaining
maximum sensitivity to metal targets.
Cancelling out the effects of ground mineralisation is referred to as ‘ground
balancing’. This ensures that welcome signals from objects such as gold
are not confused with unwelcome ground noise.
The Balance 1 and Balance 2 controls should be adjusted with the Search
switch in their corresponding positions. If the effects of ground mineralisation
are not balanced, signals from metal objects can be very hard to distinguish
from ground noise.
Figure 4 - Front Panel Controls
Instruction Manual Page 1
5. Operation
The SD2100v2 does not have an external speaker. All sound is heard
through the headphones, which plug into the headphone socket in the top
of the battery pack.
5.1 Quick Start Instructions
These instructions can be followed by operators who are familiar with the
workings and general terminology of detectors. If you are new to detecting,
you are advised to proceed to the detailed Operating Instructions in Section
5.2.
a) Switch the Power switch to “On”.
b) Set the Threshold control so that the threshold level is just audible.
c) Move the coil around until interference noise is at its loudest.
With the coil in this position adjust the Tune control to reduce the
interference.
d) Set the Tone control to produce a pitch which suits your hearing.
e) Select Balance 1 with the Search switch and ground balance the
Balance 1 control knob.
f) Select Balance 2 with the Search switch and ground balance the
Balance 2 control knob.
NOTE: Ground balance the detector by listening to the pitch of the tone as
well as its volume. The SD2100v2 will always make the volume increase,
not reduce like other detectors do. The pitch of the threshold will both
increase and decrease.
g) Select the central Search position and start searching.
Minelab recommends that you take the time to read this manual thoroughly
to get the most out of your new SD2100v2.
Page 2 The Minelab SD2100v2
5.2 Operating Instructions
5.2.1 Detector Sounds
Threshold: This is the background sound produced by the detector. The
loudness of the background sound is set with the Threshold control. Set
this so that you can just hear it. The pitch of the threshold sound can be
set to your preference using the Tone control. The threshold tone of the
SD2100v2 will not drop below the level set with the Threshold control.
Object signal: This is an abrupt change of the threshold tone, volume,
and pitch. If the pitch drops first, then rises as the coil is passed over a
target, this generally indicates a small target. If the pitch rises first then
falls as the coil is passed over a target, this generally indicates a large
target.
Ground noise: These irregular noises are difficult or impossible to pinpoint
when moving the coil over the ground. They are caused by changing
chemistry or ‘mineralisation’ of the ground. Ground noise can be minimised
by the correct setting of ground balance controls (see section 5.2.6 Ground
Balancing).
5.2.2 Turning on the SD2100v2
Hold the coil away from the ground and any metal objects and switch the
Power switch to “On”.
5.2.3 Set the Threshold Control
The Threshold control should be set so that the background tone is barely
audible. Small surface objects, as well as large deep objects, will produce
very small changes in the threshold tone. It is important to set the Threshold
control correctly to ensure that these targets are heard. Minelab suggests
that you experiment with known targets to assist in setting the Threshold
and other controls to suit your hearing.
5.2.4 Set the Tone Control
Carefully adjust the Tone control until the background threshold tone is at
a comfortable pitch for your hearing. Note that interpretation of the detection
signals involves understanding the difference between the rising and falling
pitch of the threshold tone. Take time to experiment with known targets.
Generally , high pitch tones are more fatiguing but better for identifying the
faintest signals.
Instruction Manual Page 3
5.2.5 Set the Tune Control
With the SD2100v2 switched On and the Threshold control and Tone control
both set:
a) Hold the coil vertical to the ground and at waist height, then move the
coil slowly through a half circle.
b) Listen for an increase in interference as you move the coil. When the
interference is loudest, place the detector on the ground in this position,
with the coil still vertical to the ground.
c) Adjust the Tune control to minimise the effect of the interference. The
Tune control should be adjusted in small increment s. In some cases it
may not be possible to remove the interference completely, but the
effect will be greatly reduced.
Once this control has been set for the location you are searching, it
should not require readjustment unless conditions change or new
interference is introduced, such as other detectors operating in the
vicinity.
5.2.6 Ground Balancing
It is important to ground balance the SD2100v2 to the local conditions
before commencing a search. For best results, ground balance to the
‘noisiest’ area of the ground you wish to search.
Assuming that the detector is operating with the Threshold and Tone both
set, adjust the Balance controls using the following procedure:
a) Set the Search switch to the
Balance 1 setting. Move the coil up
and down between 20mm and
100mm above the ground, taking
about two seconds for each
complete up and down movement.
As the coil moves up and down,
the volume and pitch of the
threshold tone will change if the
detector is not ground balanced.
Figure 5 - Ground Balancing
Page 4 The Minelab SD2100v2
b) Adjust the Balance 1 control so that no variation in volume or pitch is
heard as the coil is moved up and down. The greater the change in the
volume or pitch of the threshold tone as the coil is moved above the
ground, the further out of adjustment the balance controls are.
c) When the detector is balanced with the Search switch in the Balance 1
position, switch to Balance 2 and, using the Balance 2 control knob,
repeat the process as described above.
d) When the detector has been balanced in both positions, switch to
Search and again raise and lower the coil a couple of times. There
should be minimal to no deviation in the threshold as the coil is moved.
The detector is now said to be ‘balanced’ or ‘ground balanced’.
e) In almost all circumstances the Search switch should be set to the
central Search position when detecting. There are very few
circumstances in which there is any value in changing this setting.
The function of the Search switch is to select which of the ‘channels’ the
detector uses to generate signals. Each ‘channel’ is sensitive to its own
range of target types and sizes and complements the other ‘channel’. When
set to Search, the detector uses the best ‘channel’ for a particular target to
generate the signal.
In extreme circumstances, operating with the Search switch in the
Balance 1 position can help to reduce ground noise from very noisy ground.
It can sometimes stabilise the Threshold which will assist in hearing faint
targets in such conditions. However, when operating in Balance 1, there
will be some gold nuggets which may not give a signal.
If ‘ground noise’ becomes excessive while searching, simply ground
balance the detector again using the technique described above. In ground
with low mineralisation, ‘ground noise’ will also be minimal and the Balance
controls will need little adjustment.
Instruction Manual Page 5
6. Auxiliary Parts
6.1 Battery
The 6 volt rechargeable battery supplied with your SD2100v2 can be used
for approximately 14 to 15 hours after being fully charged. When the battery
charge drops to a low level, the detector will indicate that the battery needs
to be recharged by flashing the Battery Low light. The detector may become
unstable when the charge drops to a low level.
CAUTION
Only use 6 volt batteries as recommended by Minelab.
Never use a 12 volt battery as this will damage the detector. This
damage is not covered by warranty.
6.2 Battery Chargers
Two dif ferent kinds of battery chargers (mains and 12 volt car) are supplied
with the SD2100v2 to facilitate charging the battery under various conditions.
The supplied battery , unlike NiCads, does not suffer from memory problems
and may be recharged at any time during its discharge cycle. It is very
important to fully charge the battery before storage. DO NOT leave a battery
fully discharged for longer than one day as this could cause permanent
damage.
6.2.1 Charging the Battery
a) Turn the SD2100v2 Off before disconnecting the battery.
b) Disconnect the battery cable from the control box and plug into the
appropriate charger. While it is being charged, the battery must be
kept in an upright position.
6.2.2 Mains Charger
a) Charge the battery from the local mains (AC) power.
Page 6 The Minelab SD2100v2
b) Plug the battery lead into the charger, then plug the mains charger into
a mains outlet. Switch the mains outlet on. Check the charger
nameplate; it will be rated at 1000 mAh or 500 mAh. The 1000 mAh
charger will recharge at a rate of approximately ½ hour for each hour
of past use, while the 500 mAh charger will recharge at a rate of 1 hour
for each hour of past use.
CAUTION
When using the mains charger:
DO NOT leave partially discharged batteries charging overnight,
and
DO NOT leave the mains charger on for extended periods of time
as reduced battery life can
6.2.3 Vehicle Battery Charger
a) The vehicle battery charger supplied with the SD2100v2 will charge
the detector battery from the cigarette lighter socket of a motor vehicle.
b) Plug the vehicle battery charger into the cigarette lighter socket and
turn the vehicle ignition switch to ‘Accessories’ to supply 12 volt power
to the cigarette lighter socket. This voltage is reduced by the vehicle
battery charger to 6 volt output to charge the detector battery .
c) If the battery voltage of the vehicle drops below 11 volts the charger
will stop charging. This prevents the battery charger from flattening
the vehicle battery .
CAUTION
The charger is designed for use with vehicles with a negative earth
electrical system (i.e. most cars made after 1970). If you plug the
charger into a vehicle with a positive earth system, the fuse in the
cigarette lighter socket will blow and the LED will not light.
Instruction Manual Page 7
7. Detecting Techniques
7.1 Searching
The SD2100v2 is a ‘motion’ detector , which means that it must be moving
in relation to a target in order to detect it. DO NOT set your shaft length too
short. If the coil is too close to your body it may detect your pick, the battery ,
or any other metal that you may be carrying.
NOTE: DO NOT wear steel cap boots or shoes with metal eyelets when
detecting.
If you find that you are getting false signals as you sweep the coil, check
that they are not produced by any metal that you are carrying. Move the
coil closer and further away from your body to determine if the signals are
coming from items such as your pick or the battery . If the signals are from
these items you must increase the distance between them and the coil.
The coil should be swept over the
ground in a side-to-side motion.
As the operator moves slowly
forward, the search pattern
resembles a snaking path. To
ensure that the ground is
thoroughly searched, it is
advisable to approach the area
from three directions as shown
in Figure 6.
While sweeping the coil it is
important to keep it parallel to
and at a constant height from the
ground at all times. The easiest
way to achieve this is to have the
coil lightly brushing the ground.
Be aware of any tendency to
raise the coil at the ends of each
sweep as this will reduce the
detection depth (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 - Detecting Motion Procedure
Page 8 The Minelab SD2100v2
Each sweep should overlap the area covered by the previous sweep. This
will ensure a full coverage of the searched area. Be aware of the search
pattern of the coil and overlap your sweeps to take this into account.
7.2 Prospecting Tips
The SD2100v2 has superior ground balancing features and is possible to
find quite large objects near the surface in well-worked areas simply
because other detectors have been unable to cope with the high degree of
mineralisation. In light of this, you should not ignore what can seem to be
‘unlikely’ responses. Ino ther words, dig all signals, even in ‘thrashed’ areas.
Large variations in the mineralisation of an area can produce a signal in
the detector. T ypically , in the Victorian goldfields you might get a response
from a concentration of orange/reddish ‘dyke’ material or clay . Similarly, in
the loamy conditions of Western Australia a pocket of dark orange/reddish
clay or rock may produce a sudden signal variation.
It is not recommended that you try to ground balance the detector on top of
a signal in an attempt to cancel a questionable response, as this can also
cancel weak signals from very deep targets. If in doubt, scrape away some
soil above the suspect signal. If the signal gets stronger, it is a target, so
dig it!
If the ground is extremely variable and causes the detector to be very noisy ,
you may try operating with the Search switch set to the Balance 1 position.
This will reduce noises caused by the varying mineralisation, but some
nuggets may not be detected. The full range of nuggets are only detected
when the Search switch is set to the central Search position, not in
Balance 1 or Balance 2.
Charcoal can sound loud at times and rather like a metallic object when
close to the surface. Charcoal is usually created by bushfires or by farmers
burning off tree stumps. The charcoal may be below the ground level and
is not always obvious until you have actually dug up and located the cause
of these noises a few times. Once the charcoal is removed from the ground
the signal will vanish.
Instruction Manual Page 9
7.3 Hints for Maximum Gold Recovery
a) Keep the coil as close to the ground as possible.
b) Listen very carefully. This is more important than concentrating on
looking.
c) SLOW DOWN! DO NOT rush — take your time.
7.4 Identifying Target Signals
Metallic targets will usually give a ‘solid’ sounding response when the coil
is swept across the object from any direction and are generally narrow,
sharp and mostly symmetrical. Ground noises usually give a broad irregular
response when the coil is swept from different directions.
If you are not sure whether the sound is ground noise or a target, you need
to determine the validity of the signal. Scrape a shallow hole about 70mm
to 100mm deep over the suspected target.
Sweep the coil over the hole at the original ground level; DO NOT dip the
coil into the hole. If the signal has decreased in volume and area it is ground
noise. If the signal remains the same or increases, it is a metallic target. If
you are still not sure, make the hole deeper and repeat the process.
Be aware that this technique is not entirely reliable and should be used
only after you have learned to interpret the various signals. The ‘Halo Effect’,
which builds up around a buried metal object, makes the object appear to
be larger to the SD2100v2 than it actually is. The ‘Halo Effect’ will be reduced
once the soil has been moved. This may cause the strength of the object
signal to reduce, which may then be mistaken for ground noise.
An example of this is when a small target, detected at a substantial depth
with the SD2100v2, may be barely or not even detectable once recovered
from the ground, even if reburied. It is not recommended that you try to
eliminate what might appear to be a faint, isolated ground noise by balancing
the SD2100v2, as you might be balancing out the response from a deeply
buried metallic target.
Page 10 The Minelab SD2100v2
7.5 Pinpointing
In order to save time in the recovery of an object and to reduce the size of
the hole required to extract it from the ground, it is necessary to pinpoint
the exact location of the object. The technique described here will be
particularly useful with the Double ‘D’ coil, but will also work with a Monoloop
coil.
When a likely object is detected, sweep the general area with the coil,
taking note of where the strongest signal is received. Raise and lower the
coil to one side of the target to make sure you are still ground balanced. If
necessary balance the detector again, then recheck the signal. If the ground
balance is accurate you may begin the pinpointing procedure. Decrease
the length of the sweep and it should be possible to draw an imaginary line
in the ground where the strongest signal is located (see Figure 7). Now,
move around the target and sweep the coil at 90 degrees to the initial
direction. Repeat the process of drawing an imaginary line. Where the two
imaginary lines cross is where the object is located.
Figure 7 - Pinpointing Procedure
If using a Monoloop coil, small shallow
nuggets will give a signal near the rim
of the coil. An alternative pinpointing
technique for Monoloop coils is to turn
the detector coil on its side and move
the coil while it is vertical across where
you suspect the target to be. This may
assist in pinpointing as shown in
Figure 8.
Figure 8 - Alternative Pinpointing
Instruction Manual Page 11
7.6 Digging the Target
Once you have established the location of the target it is necessary to dig
a small hole to recover it. In order to preserve the environment, it is essential
to make the hole as small as possible and always replace any soil and
grass that you have removed. Carry at least one of the following digging
tools with you when searching. The best tools are:
· a small, strong, digging spade
· a pick
· a shovel
· a crowbar (for very deep objects in hard ground)
Before digging, clear the area of loose surface material and check that the
sound is still there. If it is not, the target must be among the surface material.
If the signal is still there, dig down 50mm to 100mm. If the target is not
visible, sweep over the hole. If the signal has gone then it must be in the
pile just dug. Make sure that there are no objects buried in the soil beneath
the pile.
T ake care when you dig because damaging a nugget can reduce its value.
Minelab suggests you start digging about 100mm in front of the target to
reduce the chance of damage. Pile the diggings carefully as it might be
necessary to search them systematically later. They must also be replaced,
just as they were dug, once your search ends.
If it becomes evident that the target is in the removed soil pile, sweep the
coil over the pile and pinpoint where it lies. Progressively halve the pile
containing the target. If the target is still difficult to find, lay the detector
down with the coil flat on the ground. Take a handful of the diggings and
pass them over the coil. If there is no signal, place the handful carefully
away from the pile and repeat with another handful. Of course, your hands
and wrists must be free of any metallic jewellery and watches. Once the
object has been recovered it is a good idea to sweep the hole again to
ensure that there are no other targets to be detected.
When you have found an object in a particular hole, search the surrounding
area very carefully as it is very likely that there are more objects nearby . If
you hear a target, keep searching until you find it. It is there and it might be
valuable.
Page 12 The Minelab SD2100v2
NOTE: Always refill the hole you have dug, and leave the area as you
found it.
7.6.1 Digging Deep Targets
The SD2100v2 has unparalleled depth capabilities which will surprise
experienced and new prospectors alike. If the target appears to be buried
deeply , it will help to use the following technique:
· Use the cross-sweeping method to locate the target as accurately
as you can. Scrape a hole about 100mm deep and large enough to
take the coil. Keep testing the target location as you dig deeper and
deeper . Be careful that the target is not in the wall of the hole and
you dig past it.
· If using a Monoloop coil, turn the detector coil onto its edge, making
it vertical, and probe various sections of the hole, listening for the
loudest reading.
7.7 Salty Environments
The SD2100v2 will find objects at great depth in salty environments, but
interfering signals caused by the saturated salt or highly concentrated salt
can not be completely ‘balanced out’. The 11” Double ‘D’ coil will give the
best results in salty conditions.
Instruction Manual Page 13
8. Maintenance
The SD2100v2 is a high quality electronic instrument which is finely
engineered and housed in a durable container. T aking care of it is common
sense.
· It is vitally important to keep all the connectors dry and clean.
· DO NOT expose the detector to high temperatures, or leave it in the
sun longer than necessary . Shading it will help protect it. A void leaving
it in a closed vehicle, especially in the sun.
· The search coil housing will wear through if you scrub the ground with
it while searching. Minelab recommends that you use a replaceable
Skidplate on the coils to protect them.
· Extra protection can be gained by covering the perimeter of the coil
with a silk tape such as Leukosilk
®
(which is available from chemists).
Using other tapes, such as insulation tape, can result in a loss of
performance.
· The control box is not waterproof, even though it has been designed to
be water-resistant. Avoid getting it wet.
· The coil is not waterproof. Although it is water resistant and can be
used in the rain and in wet vegetation, etc., it should not be immersed
in water.
· The control box and coil must not come into contact with petrol or
other oil-based liquids.
If any part of the detector comes into contact with corrosive substances,
including salt or salt water, it must be washed with fresh water. Keep the
unit dry and clean. DO NOT use solvents to clean the detector — use a
damp cloth with mild soap detergent.
Page 14 The Minelab SD2100v2
9. Troubleshooting
Use the following table to check for problems which you can diagnose:
If you need to return your detector to Minelab for service, please supply as
many details as possible about the fault. This will enable our service
engineers to rectify the fault quickly and efficiently . Return the detector in a
cardboard box for protection.
DO NOT forget to supply your name, address, telephone number,
purchase date and serial number when sending in detector parts for repair .
Instruction Manual Page 15
10. Specification
NOTE: In the interest of product improvement, Minelab reserves the right
to make changes to this specification without notice.
Length Maximum 1.3m
Minimum 1.1m
Weight Complete (excl. battery) 2.4kg
Configuration Shaftmount Yes
Transmission Multi Period Sensing
Ground Rejection Dual Ground Balance
Search Mode Motion
Controls “On/Off” 2 Position Switch
Threshold 1 Turn
Balance 1 10 Turn
Balance 2 10 Turn
Search 3 Position Switch
Tone 1 Turn
Tune 15 Turn
Audio O/P Loudspeaker No
1/4” Headphone Jack Stereo or Mono
Batteries 6 V olt 12Ah Gel Cell
Duration Approx. 14-15hrs
Search Coil Windings Double ‘D’
1 1” Round Weight 720g
(other search coils are available as accessories)
Patents Patents Apply
Page 16 The Minelab SD2100v2
11. Warranty
There is a two-year parts and labour warranty on the SD2100v2 control
box. Refer to your Product Warranty card for details.
Search coils are warranted for one year against malfunction.
In all instances, refer to your supplier or Minelab for service, either in or out
of warranty .
NOTE: This warranty is not transferable or valid unless the enclosed
warranty registration card is returned to Minelab Electronics Pty. Limited
or an authorised regional distributor within 14 days of the date of the original
purchase, for the purpose of recording the purchase date, which is the
actual commencement of the warranty.
The Minelab warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse,
neglect, alteration, modification, or unauthorised service. For specific details
of the Minelab warranty please refer to the Product Warranty card.
Please note it is the responsibility of the owner to pay transport costs for
the detector to and from Minelab for repair .
Instruction Manual Page 17
12. Accessories
Figure 9 - Coil Search Patterns
12.1 Search Coils
The SD2100v2 is supplied with the 11” Double ‘D’ as its standard coil.
Three other coils are available as accessories for use on the SD2100v2
— the 18”, 1 1”, and 8” Monoloop coils.
CAUTION
DO NOT PLUG ANY SD SERIES COILS INTO ANY OTHER
DETECTOR!
This action can damage other detectors and such damage is not
covered by warranty
Monoloop coils tend to give slightly stronger or more sensitive signals than
the Double ‘D’ coil. However , Monoloop coils are also a little more ‘noisy’ if
the ground is heavily mineralised.
Larger diameter coils tend to give better ground coverage and deeper depth
than smaller coils. However, a smaller coil tends to have increased
sensitivity to tiny targets than larger coils.
There is, therefore, a definite advantage and purpose for each of the range
of coil types and sizes.
Page 18 The Minelab SD2100v2
Each Monoloop coil consists of only one coil of wire and gives a detection
pattern similar to a concentric coil. Each Double ‘D’ coil contains two
D-shaped coils of wire, which overlap and produce a ‘blade’ like detection
pattern (see Figure 9).
The following table summarises the characteristics of each coil:
Coil In ‘average’ Highly variable In high
mineralisation mineralisation salt content
8” Greatest depth Can be adversely
Monoloop on small nuggets affected by some Good
variable mineralisation
11” Good depth on Can be adversely
Monoloop small & medium affected by some Good
nuggets variable mineralisation
11”
Double ‘D’ Good, but Monoloops Good Good
(standard are recommended
issue)
18” Greatest depthon Can be adversely
Monoloop large and medium affected by some Poor
sized nuggets variable mineralisation
12.2 Batteries
As well as the supplied 12Ah battery, Minelab has a smaller, light-weight
battery available. This is 4.5Ah, which gives approximately 4 -5hrs running
time per charge. The total weight of this small battery is only 968 grams.
12.3 Corporate Clothing
Minelab has available a range of functional, good quality clothing such as
caps, T-shirts, and jackets. Ask your local dealer for details.
Instruction Manual Page 19
Page 20 The Minelab SD2100v2
Instruction Manual Page 21
Page 22 The Minelab SD2100v2
Instruction Manual Page 23
Minelab Service Repair Form
Today’s Date:....................................................
Detector Model: ....................................... Serial No.:..............................
Purchased From: ....................................................................................
Purchase Date: ................................................
Part(s) Supplied for Service: ...................................................................
................................................................................................................
Description of Fault: ................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
Owner’s Name:.......................................................................................
Address: ..................................................................................................
................................................................................................................
Phone: B/H ( )................................... A/H ( ) .............................
Fax: ( ) ................................................ Email: .................................
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