White’s Electronics MXT 300 User Manual

MXT 300 Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Assembly

...............................................................................

Assembly Instructions

...............................................................................................................................

Chapter 2

Batteries

.................................................................................

Standard Battery Holder

...........................................................................................................................

Using the Standard Battery Holder

...........................................................................................................

Rechargeable Battery (Opt.)

....................................................................................................................

Battery Check

............................................................................................................................................

Chapter 3 MXT 300 Quick Start

............................................................

Chapter 4 Display

......

Coin & Jewelry

......................................................................................................................................

Relic

...................................................................................................................................................

Prospecting

.........................................................................................................................................

Chapter 5 Controls

...............................................................................

Mode

..................................................................................................................................................

Trac................................................................................................................................................

....

Gain...............

.....................................................................................................................................

Dual Control

.......................................................................................................................................

20-22

Disc

....................................................................................................................................................

20-21

SAT

.........................................................................................................................................................

Threshold

................................................................................................................................................

Chapter 6 Searching

.............................................................................

Pinpoint Technique

.................................................................................................................................

Headphones

.............................................................................................................................................

Field Use & Tuning Tips "Coin & Jewelry"

.....................................................................................

26-27

Field Use & Tuning Tips "Relic"

......................................................................................................

28-29

Field Use & Tuning Tips "Prospecting"

.............................................................................................

30-31

Chapter 7 Information

..........................................................................

Proper Care

.............................................................................................................................................

Service

.....................................................................................................................................................

Warranty

.................................................................................................................................................

Warranty Transfer

..................................................................................................................................

Warranty (UK)

........................................................................................................................................

Warranty Transfer (UK)

..........................................................................................................................

MXT 300 Table of Contents

Assembly

Chapter 1 MXT 300 Assembly

CUP

STRAP

CUP

CONTROL BOX

“S” ROD

CAMLOCK

WASHERS

TRIGGER

COMPARTMENT

CONNECTOR

JACK

CONTROL BOX

Twist and insert each end of

top of shipping carton into

second ﬂ ap.

CABLE RETAINER

COIL

control box, one in each of the front corners

CABLE

2/ Target Identiﬁ cation

3/ Iron Probability

4/ Target Signal Strength

5/ Target Depth

6/ Pinpoint Location

7/ Battery Voltage

Target VDI

all three modes:

/Coin & Jewelry

/Relic

/Prospecting

Trigger behind display has multi-

function capability depending

on which of the three

modes you select

CLEVIS

LOWER

ROD

Chapter 1 MXT 300 Assembly

Assembly Instructions

Remove all parts from shipping carton and

check the assembly page to make sure all parts are

present.

There are rubber washers between clevis/lower

rod and loop ears.

Use only nonmetallic washers,

ﬁ ber bolt, and thumbnut to secure loop/search

coil to clevis/lower rod.

Unlock "S" rod camlock and insert clevis/low-

er rod into curved "S" rod so that stainless steel

the adjustment holes in the curved "S" rod. Turn

camlock to secure. The second or third adjustment

holes are suitable for average size adults. Individ-

uals 6' or taller should use the fully extended posi-

tion. Individuals well over 6' tall should purchase

the optional

Unravel loop cable and wind the cable around

the clevis and rod assembly, ﬁ rst revolution over

the top of the rod. Wind cable all the way to the

top of the curved "S" rod, about ﬁ ve revolutions.

Use the black cable retainers, one near the loop,

and one near the top of the curved "S" rod, to hold

the loop cable in place.

Unlock control box rod camlock and insert

curved "S" rod so that stainless steel spring clip

buttons line up and lock into the rod on top of the

control box. The "S" rod is designed to curve up

toward the display. However, those who prefer to

assemble the "S" rod to curve down toward the

ground. Turn camlock to secure. Plug loop con-

nector into control box, screw lock ring to secure.

Remove the protective paper from the two black

elbow cup foam pads. Carefully align pads on the

inside of the elbow cup, one on each side of the

center rod, and press ﬁ rmly into place.

Adjust the elbow cup strap so that it is loose

enough for you to slide your arm in and out with-

out loosening each time you want to set the de-

tector down. The elbow cup strap provides extra

leverage and control. However, some prefer not to

use it.

Install battery as described in the next section,

decal facing down

tacts facing toward inside of battery compartment.

It should be noted at this point that the detector

may not work as expected indoors due to the high

degree of metals used in modern construction. It

is best to tune and practice out-of-doors to ensure

buried targets will not produce the normal depth

and discrimination results of targets that have been

naturally lost and settled in the ground. Due to the

abnormality caused by digging a hole in the ground

matrix, and the sophistication of the ground rejec-

tion circuitry, it may take a number of years for

freshly-buried targets to respond at true depths and

discrimination accuracy. The best way to determine

true detection depth is in real search conditions.

necessary, readjust clevis/lower rod length with the spring clip buttons so that the search coil can be held near the ﬂ oor without requiring stooping over.

Grip the instrument by the handle, with your arm in the elbow cup with strap secure, and sweep the loop/search coil over the ﬂ oor. If the instrument ﬁ t feels uncomfortable, adjust the elbow cup by removing and repositioning the bolt/thumbnut and installing in one of the optional positions. If

Chapter 2 MXT 300 Batteries

Standard Battery Holder

Slide open the battery holder lid (decal side of

battery holder) by applying gentle upward

pressure on the tab of the door so that it unlocks.

Slide the door away from the battery box

exposing the cell positions.

Remove any old cells from the holder. Note the

and (-) for each position marked inside the cell

tray. Install new “AA” cells

noting carefully the

correct (+) and (-) positions.

If the cells are installed incorrectly, the detector

may require service by an Authorized

Service Center.

Slide the door closed so that it snaps securely.

Insert the battery holder into the detector so that

the decal is facing down, with the battery

holder door tab and metal contact points facing

toward the inside of the battery compartment.

Close the battery compartment door and secure

the two latches on the bottom of the case. Hook

the front of each latch ﬁ rst, then press down on the

rear.

Standard Battery Holder

The standard battery holder holds eight “AA”

cell batteries equalling 12 volts total. Alkalines

are recommended for use with this model. During

normal searching conditions you can expect about

40 hours of hunting time from a quality set of eight

alkaline batteries.

Non-alkaline batteries can be used in this holder.

When non-alkalines or rechargeable “AA”

cells are used, detecting time (before replacement/

recharge) may be reduced to about 30-35

hours.

The battery voltage appears automatically on the

display when the Gain is used to turn the MXT 300

during searching. At that point the batteries should

be replaced. Alkalines provide some reserve time

after "Lo Bat" appears, rechargeable do not.

The battery compartment opens by gently pull-

ing down on the front of each of the two latches (on

the bottom of the control box) releasing the catch

and hinging open the door.

Chapter 2 MXT 300 Batteries

Non-rechargeable batteries will start to drop in

voltage as soon as they are put into use and then

rechargeable battery pack, however, will diminish

very slowly (plateau) in somewhat of a ﬂ at line and

then drop like a rock.

Headphone use prolongs all battery life.

Battery life will vary a great deal with temperature,

number of target signals, battery type, brand, and

Alkaline Batteries may be used (in a pinch) well

into the "LoBat" indication. Rechargeables can not.

When traveling far from home it is always a good

idea to carry 8 extra penlight alkaline batteries with

you.

A rechargeable battery system is not standard equip-

ment with your MXT 300, however, high quality

White's rechargeable battery #802-5211, and char-

ger #509-0022 are recommended and offer quick

charge and overnight charge options. (

QUICK

CHARGE

is for USA ONLY. It is not available

on 220-240 volt.)

Rechargeable batteries deliver fairly constant volt-

age until they're nearly dead. If you use them until

they are dead, they will deteriorate more quickly

than if you only use them till their voltage starts to

drop signiﬁ cantly. Therefore, recharge-ables should

be taken out of service and recharged as soon as

you notice "LoBat" on the display.

Rechargeable batteries will not provide the same

amount of continuous use as a new set of Alkaline

batteries.

Chapter 3 MXT 300 Quick Start

MODE Toggle

Three position switch for

Coin & Jewelry, Relic, Prospecting.

GAIN Control

Turns the MXT 300 ON/OFF and adjusts

the signal strength of targets, ground, and

electrical interference.

DUAL CONTROL

In Coin & Jewelry and Relic Modes

establishes the level of trash metal rejec-

tion (Discrimination). In the Prospecting

Mode establishes Self Adjusting Threshold

OLD "hum" recovers from the affects of

inconsistencies in ground mineralization.

THRESHOLD Control

Establishes the slight background sound "faint

hum" or edge of sound, that is heard continu-

ously during searching. Once this edge of sound

has been located some operators prefer to adjust

TRAC Toggle

Three position switch for setting

Ground Mineral Tracking. Salt,

Lock (hold), and Ground.

Trigger Switch has three positions;

2. Center (Primary Search).

3. Squeeze and Held (Pinpoint).

Chapter 3 MXT 300 Quick Start

Quick Start

With the MXT 300 properly assembled and

the batteries installed, follow the instruc-

tions below to start ﬁ nding treasures!

Set the Ground Balance Toggle to the

Ground position. "

Set the Trigger Switch (under the hand

grip) to the center (Primary Search)

position.

Set the MODE toggle to the position that

best describes your searching desire,

Coin & Jewelry, Relic, or Prospecting.

Set the DUAL CONTROL to the DISC

ring "

Mode or to the SAT ring "

Prospecting Mode.

Turn the GAIN control clockwise until the

power clicks "ON". Rotate the GAIN

control clockwise to "

Adjust the THRESHOLD control until you

hear a soft threshold "hum" (faint sound).

Lower the search coil to the ground, then

“pump” the coil up and down 2"-4" a

couple of times and Fast AutoTrac will

automatically balance or track out the

ground mineralization.

Start swinging the search coil in wide

ground surface as possible.

If you experience false signals or constant

beeping or popping and you are not near

common sources of electrical interference,

It is normal to hear very slight ﬂ uctuations

in the THRESHOLD “hum” as the MXT

300 tracks out the ground mineralization.

When operating in the Prospecting Mode,

ﬁ rst try reducing the Gain and/or increasing

the SAT speed. SAT speeds as high as HY-

PERSAT may be necessary in some ground

conditions. If Gain and SAT adjustments do

not smooth performance, then switch to the

Trac Lock position.

* SPECIAL NOTICE

If you attempt to demonstrate or test the MXT 300 by waving targets in the air in front of the search coil, it is ESSENTIAL to have the GROUND BALANCE toggle in the Lock position, NOT Ground or Salt.

This is necessary, for when the MXT 300 is in the Ground or Salt positions, the search coil must passing over the target or it will think that the target IS ground and will attempt to track it out. This is the case in all MODEs.

You may, however, demonstrate the fast ground balancing feature of Ground or Salt by waving or pumping a mineralized rock in the air in front of the search coil.

Testing the MXT 300 with targets while in TRAC Ground or Salt positions must be done in or on the ground.

SEE ground while it is

Chapter 4 MXT 300 Display

The MXT 300 display and reference label below the

display provide a wealth of information about the

metal target. It is important, however, to understand

the display information should only be consulted

after a solid repeatable audio tone "beep" has been

located.

The MODE selection changes the type and content

of the information shown by the display better suit-

ing the MXT 300 to the application, Coin & Jew-

elry, Relic, or Prospecting.

In all MODEs, the display will momentarily show

a software version and battery voltage upon ﬁ rst

turning the GAIN "on". The MXT 300 operates on

a twelve volt battery system which with new quality

batteries will indicate 12 + volts. During search-

ing "LoBat" will start appearing on the display at

for replacement. If using rechargeable batteries 8

volts is surely the end of their performance. If you

are using quality alkaline batteries you do have a

reserve after 8 volts. The MXT 300 utilizes a low

voltage regulator. Quality alkaline batteries will

provide normal performance (in a pinch) well into

the LoBat indication.

Coin & Jewelry MODE;

The Coin & Jewelry MODE provides 5 different

The VDI (Visual Discrimi-

nation Indication) is a reference number dictated

mostly by the metals targets exact alloy, size,

and shape. The reference label below the display

provides a comparison of known targets and their

common VDI numbers. Like targets produce like

VDI numbers. Similar targets produce similar VDI

numbers. And different targets produce different

VDI numbers. Different metal targets, however,

may share the same VDI numbers based on their

electrical characteristics. VDI numbers from -95 to

+94 are available and cover the entire range of al-

loys and sizes.

VDI number on display

VDI number range on reference label

forward for Coin and

Jewelry

2. Blocks -

A series of 16 blocks appear along the

bottom portion of the display and line up with the

indications on the reference label below the display.

It is important to note these blocks are a different

they may or may not agree. There is signiﬁ cance to

how these blocks appear. A full block indicates the

MXT 300 is conﬁ dent of indication. A half block in-

dicates the MXT 300 is not conﬁ dent but is making

an educated indication. A quarter block indicates the

MXT 300 is not conﬁ dent at all, guessing based on

what little information the target is producing.

3. Labels -

The most common metal target (or tar-

gets in some cases) to indicate that particular Block

is listed on the display as well as referenced in an

expanded format on the label below the display. If

two targets are listed the ﬁ rst to be listed is the most

common and the second listed slightly less common

than the ﬁ rst.

4. Depth Indication -

Trigger (on hand grip)

of coin sized metals. Starting at 12 inches and

indicating in descending order (as the target gets

closer to the bottom of the search coil) the DEPTH

= 12 provides not only an aid in better locating the

target in the ground (how deep you will need to

dig) but also clues as to if the metal target is likely

worth digging. For example if the display is unsure

range, and the depth reads deep 6 to 12 inches, you

targets get deeper into undisturbed ground. If the

display reads unsure (quarter block), indicates in

the FOIL area, and the depth reads shallow 0 to 2

inches, the target is most likely not worth digging.

Foil will not sink deeply into undisturbed ground.

Targets that indicate depth readings from 3 - 5

inches are not as predictable.

5. PP Blocks -

Trigger (on the hand grip) squeezed

and held, the PP blocks aid in pinpointing the exact

center of the metal target. Only when the search coil

is directly over the center of the metal target (lon-

gest possible length PP Blocks) is the depth reading

giving you the most accurate depth indication. Also

of importance is that with some experience the rela-

tive size and shape of the metal target can be recog-

nized during pinpointing.

Chapter 4 MXT 300 Display

Relic MODE;

The Relic MODE also provides 5 different signiﬁ -

cant indications on the display.

As with the Coin and Jewelry

mode the relic VDI (Visual Discrimination Indica-

tion) is a reference number dictated mostly by the

metal targets exact alloy, size, and shape. And just

like coins and jewelry, relics can present with simi-

lar VDI numbers for different objects because their

makeup and electrical charasteristics are similar.

Using the reference label below the display one can

and objects like brass buttons and buckles with a

high concentration of non-ferrous metal or alloy

rate higher VDI numbers compared to their size and

purity.

2. Blocks -

The MXT 300 Relic mode uses the

mode to further conﬁ rm, on the reference label, the

connection between the VDI number and software's

best determination of the target identity. The verti-

cal size (one quarter, one half, or the whole block)

tells one how sure the MXT 300 is of the target ID.

Full bar and half bar usually means dig. Quarter

blcoks are uncertain.

3. Labels -

In Relic mode you will see target ID

labels in the upper right of the display. The labels

are Hot Rock, IRON, BUTTON, BULLET and

BUCKLE. Obviously there are many more relic

items possible. Just keep your imagination open for

what possible objects were produced in metal and

how they might compare in size and alloy to the

ones mentioned above.

Chapter 4 MXT 300 Display

The ﬁ lled in block and the VDI number are

separate opinions by the software and may agree or

disagree.

The top

display is a sure

display with its

quarter size bar

suggests un-

certain unless

theDepth reading

switch Center

for Relics

Chapter 4 MXT 300 Display

4. Depth Indication -

Trigger (on hand grip)

of coin sized metals. Just as in the Coin and Jewelry

mode, Depth not only tells you how deep the target

is but combined with the block reading and target

label on the right side of the display it can indicate

if the item is worth digging. A 6 - 12 Depth read-

ing and any Block indication means dig. Shallower

targets and a quarter or half size block suggests

trash. This is because the heavier more desirable

targets settle deeper into undisturbed ground. The

to warrant digging.

Chapter 4 MXT 300 Display

Before

squeezing the

trigger, the quar-

ter Block reading

says the MXT

300 isnot sure.

A depth reading

can help

you decide to

dig or not.

A depth of

gests you

should dig.

a depth of

3 with only

a quarter

suggests

the target is

questionably

trash.

technique to "Pinpoint" the exact center of the target.

Chapter 4 MXT 300 Display

Prospecting MODE

The Prospecting MODE changes the display infor-

mation signiﬁ cantly.

Gold in it's natural state can be any size and shape

from very tiny pinhead size ﬂ akes to large placer

gold nuggets as well as veins of various size in

quartz rocks. The Prospecting MODE takes these

facts into consideration and changes the display

accordingly. When prospecting an operator must

expect to dig nonferrous (not of iron) trash metals

of these metals can and do elicit the same response

as gold and MUST BE DUG. Attempts should be

made to avoid only IRON targets and only when

possible. The MXT 300 displays information which

is intended to help the user determine whether the

target is NON-IRON (dig) or IRON (don't dig). In

heavy mineralized ground tiny pieces of gold can

numbers and Iron Probability scale both provide

help in determining when to dig.

The Prospecting MODE provides four signiﬁ cant

display indications.

The VDI number is listed on the display

and referenced on the label below the display. Gold

can indicate anywhere from slightly negative to +80

on the scale, however, most small nuggets indicate

in the -20 to +40 range. Metals that indicate above

+80, or below -20 are highly unlikely to be gold

unless they are conglomerated with highly unusual

alloys. If the VDI number tends to jump back and

forth from small negative numbers to small positive

numbers it is usually a small piece of some metal

and should be investigated by digging. Remember,

pick can sort out a small shard of iron quickly.

2. IRON TARGET? -

Indicates the likelihood the

target is ferrous (iron) expressed in a %. This indi-

cation can be different in different areas depending

upon the degree of mineralization. As a general rule

targets registering 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% are going

to be iron. 80% and over will produce the audio

grunt in the primary (Trigger Center) mode. Targets

that register 10%, 20%, 30% or 40% are going to be

gold or (lead, copper, aluminum, brass). All targets

registering 50% or below should be investigated.

As mentioned under the VDI section, iron ground

mineralization can distort the way the detector re-

acts to gold. It is always a good idea to place a test

nugget just under the surface of the ground where-

ever you are going to be prospecting and note how

it reacts to the IRON TARGET %. This will give

you a gauge as to what to expect. The degree of de-

pendability is affected by ground minerals and the

piece of gold in very bad ground to read 70% prob-

ability of being iron. Remember when in doubt...

DIG. Use both the VDI and % IRON PROBABIL-

ITY. Dig often at ﬁ rst, till you get a feel for the area

and accuracy in that ground.

The display reading above would indicate a

target with a proper VDI number for gold and a low

enough iron target percentage to dig.

switch Down for

Chapter 4 MXT 300 Display

Ground phase indications are a doubled edged

predominately ferrous (iron) such as black sands /

magnetite. Lower numbers simply mean less iron

and/or predominately conductive nonferrous (not

of iron) content, such as gold per ton of rock. So in

a dry wash, outcropping, or vein, a shift in either

direction (higher or lower numbers) may be of

interest. For example a black sand streak may have

a lot of ﬂ our gold at one end. It will indicate a high

ground phase number on the end without the ﬂ our

gold, and a lower ground phase on the end with

the ﬂ our gold. The same applies to veins or an

outcropping. It is the change that brings about the

interest more so than if it is either high iron (high

number) or high conductive (lower numbers).

Knowing that the ground is high iron (magnetite),

outlining black sand pockets, and checking veins

for consistency (change), and comparing rock

ground phase. Again, change is of the most inter-

esting, not direction.

3. GND -

Indicates the phase (measurement) of

the ground . This is useful in two different environ-

ments.

Within a dry wash the gold will settle

with the heavier materials (black sands).

When searching you notice the ground

phase is declining (lowering in number),

generally you are working further away

from the heavy black sand deposits. If you

notice the ground phase is increasing,

generally you are working toward (closer) to

the heavier deposits. By following the more

intense ground phase you increase your

likelihood of ﬁ nding nuggets.

Checking outcropping or veins, the

ground phase can also be useful in a similar

way by indicating the consistency or change

of the veins ground phase.

Generally speaking, the ground numbers will hold

fairly consistent in most open terrain areas, such

as hydraulic sites and desert areas. GND readings

in the high 70's and 80's are considered heavy iron

mineralization. Alkali or salt areas will display

much lower numbers, possibly into the 30's and

40's.

Alkalai or salt area in a dry wash

concentration

at one end of

Watching the change in Ground Number in the upper right of the display, you will ﬁ rst look

for a change to a high number indicating high mineralization or black sand. When that streak is

Center Position "Primary Searching" (tradition-

al DISC control) .

In other words with the Trigger

on the hand grip in the center position, the DISC

control works like most traditional metal detectors

are suppressed (quiet or broken) by the audio and

metal items accepted by the DISC control setting

produce a smoother solid audio beep.

Forward Position (Alternate Mode) "Pull Tab

Range Notched Out (suppressed)".

In other words with the Trigger on the hand grip in

the forward position, the typical pull tab range is

rejected regardless of the DISC controls position. If

you are accepting nickels, pull tabs above that set-

ting on the DISC control range are still suppressed

(quiet or broken) by the audio.

Squeezed and held "Pinpointing/Depth Read-

ing".

MODE when the Trigger on the hand grip is

squeezed and held, the display provides a screen

that indicates the depth of coin sized targets. Once

released the trigger will automatically return to the

discrimination control. Further clockwise settings

provide greater degrees of trash metal rejection.

Further counterclockwise settings provide lesser

degrees of trash metal rejection.

The MODE toggle selects the operating MODE or

type of searching desired on that particular outing.

Major changes occur with the selection between

the three available operating MODEs. For example

the function and information of the display changes

between the three MODEs, the function and avail-

able features of the TRIGGER switch on the hand

grip changes between the three MODEs, and the

DUAL CONTROL function changes between the

MODEs. For quick ﬁ eld reference, the silk screen

painted on the bottom of the control box is provided

to simplify these changes and features.

Further explanation is provided as follows;

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

COIN & JEWELRY MODE

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

Center Position "Primary" "Two Tone ID" (disc

accept high tone, reject low tone).

In other words while operating in the Relic MODE,

targets below the DISC control setting produce a

beep lower in pitch, targets above the DISC control

setting produce a beep higher in pitch. Two differ-

ent tones, lower trash/rejects, higher good met-

als, accepts all based on the DISC control setting.

Edgy target responses are normal for this mode as

Disc working simultaneously. Unlike other White's

models some loop motion is always required for

good target responses. Targets singles that are not

readily identiﬁ able are assigned a tone between the

two, Threshold pitched.

Forward Position (Alternate Mode) "DISC Sup-

presses Rejects" (at "0" DISC iron low tone/non-

iron high tone).

ger on the hand grip in the forward position, and

the DISC control set in any typical trash rejection

setting, discrimination against trash metals occurs

like any traditional metal detector in that metals

below the Disc setting are suppressed (quiet or

broken) and metals above the DISC setting produce

a smoother solid beep. With the trigger forward

and the DISC control set to ZERO, however, fer-

rous metals (iron) produces a lower pitch beep and

nonferrous metals (not iron) produce a higher pitch

beep.

Squeezed and held "Pinpointing/Depth Read-

ing".

display provides a screen that indicates the depth of

coin, medium button, medium bullet sized targets.

to the Center "Primary Search" position.

control. Further clockwise settings provide greater

degrees of trash metal rejection. Further counter-

clockwise settings provide lesser degrees of trash

metal rejection.

mary Searching" (iron audibly grunts).

targets 80% and over produce an audio grunt when

detected.

Forward position (Alternate Mode) "Without

Iron Grunt" (all targets same audio).

(zip sound) regardless of metal type. Iron doesn't

grunt.

Squeezed and held "Temporally Disables (stops)

ground tracking".

Depth reading can only accurately be calibrated by

knowing ahead of time approximate target size. No

two nuggets are the same size so any attempts to ap-

ply depth indications are fundamentally ﬂ awed (in

error). Therefore while operating in the Prospecting

MODE rather than giving a known ﬂ awed depth

the hand grip simply and temporarily stops ground

tracking. This is an important feature. In order for

the MXT 300 to recognize a target in mineralized

ground it must ﬁ rst be able to cancel the ground

mineral. This is done by the fast tracking system

built into the software. It must actually see ground

with every sweep (on either side of the target) in

order to separate the target from the ground. This

user usually hovers for a while over the target and

makes repeated passes in order to decide whether

or not to investigate the signal. thus, analyzing

audio and display information. This hovering can

often cause the detector to see more target than

ground and cause the detector to think the target is

ground and attempt to track into it. Squeezing and

holding the trigger when analyzing the signal stops

tracking and prevents errors.

DUAL CONTROL functions as a Self Adjusting

under the section dedicated to the DUAL CON-

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

RELIC MODE

PROSPECTING MODE

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

TRAC TOGGLE

TRAC Toggle

The TRAC toggle selects the type of ground

mineral rejection (ground balance) and automatic

tracking to ground mineral changes best suited to

the speciﬁ c area. Three different positions each for

a speciﬁ c ground condition (ground type) are pro-

vided.

The

Ground

position is used for normal or typical

ground conditions. In this position the MXT 300

will quickly compensate for ground minerals in a

few pumps of the search coil over the ground being

ground changes as you sweep the search coil during

will be used for over 90% of your searching condi-

tions.

The

Lock

position monitors, however, doesn't track

to changing ground conditions. Man made iron

decomposes to the point of tricking the Ground and

Salt position tracking into thinking it is a mineral-

ized part of the ground. This can create noise and

instability during searching as the tracking system

bounces radically up and down the scale, always

is never able to ﬁ nd it. This makes it difﬁ cult for

an operator to recognize worthwhile targets and/or

run at the higher performance GAIN settings. In

these conditions it is recommended to ﬁ rst go to the

Ground position and pump the search coil over a

clean area of ground representative of the area (free

of man made iron) then switch the TRAC control to

Lock. By doing so stability and success searching

these trashy areas will improve dramatically. Be-

cause ground changes are monitored during Lock,

once an operator switches back to either Ground or

Salt tracking positions, updates to an appropriate

ground setting are virtually instantaneous.

Another example of when Lock would be used is if

a particular mineralized rock or patch creates dif-

ﬁ culties in searching an area. A hard rock mine for

example with a low mineralized base rock and ran-

dom high mineralized rocks or patches. Place the

TRAC control in the Ground position and balance

of the high mineral rock or patches. Then Lock in

that ground rejection setting "place the TRAC con-

trol in the Lock position". The entire area can then

be searched without the distraction of the inconsis-

tencies the high mineral patches create.

The

Salt

position provides an extended ground

balance and tracking range to compensate for

conductive salts also called alkali. Ground rejec-

tion against salt/alkali slightly overlaps the lower

end of the conductive target (metal) range. In other

words if you ground balanced against signiﬁ cant

metals (metals low on the VDI target scale) can be

expected. The advantage and performance improve-

ments of rejecting the salt, however, far outweighs

any loss. Because the Salt TRAC setting can track

well into the target range it is not recommended for

normal conditions, only for areas known to contain

regions. The Ground setting will not track into the

nonferrous metal region. The Salt setting will. The

MXT 300 ground rejection system is capable, in

both the Ground and the Salt settings, of consider-

ing some iron a ground mineral.

If operating in a known salt area, salt water beaches

for example, it

is not

necessary to balance in the

Ground TRAC setting. Simply select the Salt

TRAC setting and proceed to pump the search coil

over the ground to be searched. The Salt setting

will balance and then track to changes identically

to the Ground setting only with an extended range,

well into the conductive target area.

Summary -

The

Ground

TRAC setting is recom-

mended for most searching conditions.

Lock

used to hold a ground rejection setting that is ﬁ rst

established in the Ground or Salt TRAC positions.

Lock is recommended for areas that cause detector

instability due to extreme ground peculiarities such

as a lot of decomposing man made iron. Salt pro-

vides extended ground rejection range to compen-

pear low on the VDI scale. The Ground TRAC set-

ting will not balance nor track into the nonferrous

metal region. Despite this draw back the Salt setting

operating in the salt/alkali ground condition.

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

Gain Control/ON-OFF

GAIN Control

Ground Mineralization too high, large or shallow target

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

With the GAIN control, you turn the instrument on/off and select the signal strength. You might expect increased signal strength to always ﬁ nd more at greater depths. However, high ground mineralization will "bounce" the signal back and mask good targets. It is therefore necessary to ADJUST the GAIN to give you the maximum allowable GAIN without masking targets or overloading the circuit and at the same time allowing you to operate the detector with a constant faint threshold hum so that faint signals (deep or small targets) can be detected.

This is where the new MXT 300 can help you out. When ground mineralization is too high for the current GAIN control setting, the display indicates "OVERLOAD-REDUCE GAIN/LIFT LOOP" along with an audible "squawk". Reduce the GAIN till the overload warning ceases. On occasion, while searching, you might sweep the loop over a very large or very shallow target. The message on the LCD display will read "OVERLOAD-RE- DUCE GAIN/LIFT LOOP". All such targets should be checked by sweeping the loop a little higher over the area and noting the display and audio indications. The MXT 300 will self correct after the message and you can continue to search as normal.

Gain Adjustment

1. The GAIN control knob turns the MXT 300 ON and OFF and controls the GAIN. Starting from the POWER OFF position and going clockwise, the power is turned ON and the dial increases the GAIN from a minimum level of "1" to a maximum level of "+3". Set the control to the "Initial Setting Triangle" ( between level 9 & 10 ).

2. Although the setting of (9-10) gives more than ample GAIN, if the ground mineralization is low enough, you might attempt to raise the GAIN above this level toward +3.

Gain Adjustment (continued)

LIFT LOOP"

SAT SPEED CONTROL

GAIN Control

Gain Adjustment (continued)

GAIN/LIFT LOOP"

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

5. In the Prospecting MODE the use of the SAT (variable self-adjusting threshold) control will help to maintain a smooth THRESHOLD "hum" particularly at higher GAIN settings and will be covered in a later section.

6. While using a steady slow search coil sweep speed, simultaneously advance GAIN towards "+3". If the

alert keeps popping up on the display, if a quiet smooth background THRESHOLD "hum" doesn't continue, or if ground noises are a problem reduce GAIN.

If, of course, "OVERLOAD-REDUCE GAIN/ LIFT LOOP" message is displayed common for very nasty ground mineralization, you must heed it and reduce the GAIN rather than raise it.

3. The object of increasing the GAIN is to get the maximum available depth from the detector WITHOUT causing the

message to appear which

indicates an overload of the circuit.

4. In addition, any increase in GAIN adjustment should NOT BE at the expense of maintaining a smooth and constant THRESHOLD "hum". False signals, beeps and static from bits of mineralization, erratic behavior, and lapses in THRESHOLD all can be the result of running with too much GAIN.

7. The trash I.D. capability of the MXT 300 also functions more accurately when the GAIN is set at a level which allows for smooth operation. Too much GAIN can cause bad ground to distort the proper identiﬁ cation of iron and non-iron targets.

8. Note: It is normal to hear changes, clicks or soft beeps, coming from the audio (speaker) during GAIN adjustments as the circuit shifts between hardware and software gains (different electrical parts of the circuitry). The GAIN control adjusts both the hardware gain (hard physical component) as well as the software gain (computer code) alternating between the two throughout it's range. As the MXT 300 shifts between these two intricate parts of the circuitry an audio indication notes the transitions. This can be helpful. If you adjust the Gain slightly, the audio notes a signiﬁ cant rather than slight change.

9. The MXT 300 provides more GAIN control range than is typically useful assuring performance is not left on the plate due to restricted assess/ range. Likely few areas will allow maximum GAIN (full clockwise) without at least some degree of radical (noisy) operation. Setting in the + area requires a high degree of operator skill.

When in COIN & JEWELRY and RELIC MODE

VARIABLE SELF ADJUSTING THRESHOLD SPEED (SAT)

When in Prospecting MODE.

While operating in the Coin & Jewelry or Relic

MODEs the Dual control operates as a DISC (dis-

crimination ) control.

DISC (Discrimination) is used to adjust the level of

audio rejection against trash metals.

The "P" (Preset) just below NICKEL is recom-

mended for most general purpose searching. In this

position, the detector will provide a reject response

to most iron and light foil and respond to most valu-

ables including jewelry.

Positions lower than "P" (counterclockwise)

provide less trash metal rejection, to the point of

detecting virtually all types of common metals.

Positions higher than “P” (clockwise) will reject

more trash metals including aluminum pull tabs.

The display will continue to indicate I.D. even

though the audio discriminator will signal with a

reject (suppressed or broken) sound. Nickels and

tings much greater than "P".

The "P" position is recommended for most

MODES. If when searching at the "P" position you

feel you are digging too much trash, adjust DISC

the common trash metals in your area is important

in order to ﬁ nd items of jewelry.

The MXT 300 provides six signiﬁ cantly different

DISC (Discrimination) modes.

mode is available;

In the Coin & Jewelry MODE with the

Trigger on the hand grip in the center

position

And in the Relic MODE with the Trigger

in the forward position (with the DISC

control set for typical trash rejection).

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

When a trash metal is being rejected in a Tradi-

tional DISC MODE, it will produce no beep at all

or a suppressed beep that is shorter sounding typi-

cally inconsistent, a click or ﬂ utter-sounding beep.

When a valuable metal is accepted it will produce a

consistent, smooth, solid, and longer sounding beep.

When operating below Threshold "silent search"

very deep or small targets may appear as mere

threshold level responses.

Some large trash metals, such as pieces of lead, pot

metal, aluminum, tin, brass, copper, or signiﬁ cant

iron will produce a good sound regardless of the

DISC control position. An operator must dig these

unusual scrap metals to be a successful detectorist.

2. Pull Tab Notch (Coin & Jewelry Mode).

While operating in the Coin & Jewelry

MODE with the Trigger on the hand grip in

the forward position, the Pull Tab range is

"notched out" or suppressed regardless of

where the DISC control is set. This can be

used exclusively as a search MODE or

switched to from the center position

(traditional DISC) to quickly audibly

determine if the target located falls within

the Pull Tab range or not. The DISC control

should be used at or near "P" to allow for

the nickel range to be accepted or ideally set

to the highest setting that accepts the nickel.

3. Two Tone I.D. (Relic Mode).

While operating in the Relic MODE

with the Trigger on the hand grip in the

center position, and the DISC control set

at any typical rejection level, two tone I.D.

also referred to as a "Mixed Mode"

(characteristics of both all metal and Disc

features) is available. Metals set to be

rejected by the DISC control setting produce

a lower pitched beep, targets accepted by the

DISC control setting produce a higher

pitched beep. Some search coil motion is

required to achieve detection with either

tone.

4. Ferrous (iron) & Nonferrous (not iron) tone

I.D. (Relic Mode).

While operating in the Relic MODE

with the Trigger on the hand grip in the

forward position, and the DISC set to "0",

Ferrous (iron) metals produce a lower pitch

beep and Nonferrous (not iron) produce a

higher pitch beep.

5. Iron Grunt (Prospecting Mode)

While operating in the Prospecting

MODE, with the trigger in center primary

position, signiﬁ cant ferrous (iron) produces

a distinctive audio grunt, nonferrous (not

iron) produces a high pitch VCO dependant

zip zip sound.

With the Trigger in the forward position

all metals respond with the same VCO

dependant zip zip sound.

NOTE

VISUAL

IRON I.D. SYSTEM IS

OPERATING IN ALL THREE TRIGGER POSI-

TIONS. The % of Iron Probability is indicated on

the display. This system is totally independent of

the Audio System.

An operator may wish to choose different DISC

levels based on their preferred type of discrimina-

tion when using either the Coin & Jewelry or Relic

Modes.

The loop must be swept (in motion) for metals to

respond and provide accurate discrimination. Each

pass of the loop from left to right (or from right to

left) should overlap the last by at least 50% and take

about two seconds.

At this point, it is a good idea to ﬁ nd an area out-

of-doors relatively free of metal to practice. Place

a coin on the ground. Pass the loop over the coin.

Note that some loop movement is necessary to

receive a good clean sound. Note that if you sweep

the loop too slow the coin doesnʼt respond well.

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

DUAL CONTROL, SAT

When in the Prospecting MODE the DUAL CON-

TROL is used to adjust the level or speed of SAT

continuous faint hum heard during operation of

the MXT 300 can rise or disappear due to environ-

mental interference or by interference of ground

mineralization. This can be heard as chatter when

excessive. Faster SAT speeds tend to calm this in-

terference allowing for target sounds to be separated

from ground noise.

The MXT 300 is computerized, which allows im-

proved SAT in ways not practical in the past. These

improvements "kick in" progressively at higher

variable ground. At these higher settings, cold

rocks (rocks well below the current ground min-

eral rejection level) will sound "different" giving

a "double blip" sound or vanishing entirely, rather

than giving the "boing" sound you will get at lower

Another difference between a gold nugget and a

cold rock is that when you sweep back and forth ,

the gold nugget will "stay in one spot" but the cold

rock will seem to keep wandering around. This can

also be the case with a pocket of negative mineral-

ization.

GAIN and VARIABLE SAT (Self Adjusting

Threshold) Speed:

The TRAC feature compensates for common

ground minerals in the area. The SAT control com-

pensates for the inconsistency of the ground miner-

alization. The greater the degree of inconsistencies,

the more SAT is needed to quiet ground noise. If

the THRESHOLD becomes too erratic or noisy, it

might be necessary to use the SAT feature and/or

reduce the GAIN control. This noisy behavior will

make it difﬁ cult to recognize a true target (possible

nugget) from pieces of mineral, commonly referred

to as "hot rocks". It is not wise to keep a high level

of GAIN if the detector will not operate smooth-

ly. This is a false sense of security. Maintain as

Recognizing a true target is the most important

part of detecting. This is an example of when less

GAIN will produce more nuggets. You must be the

best judge of just how much noise you can tolerate

and still identify nuggets, and thus the amount of

SAT and GAIN to use to produce the desired results

in your area. Therefore, if you have been operating

your MXT 300 at the full level of GAIN (+3) and

you determine that this is too high because either

the threshold is erratic or the detector is giving false

the Initial Setting triangle. If this does not correct

the problem, start adding some SAT speed by turn-

ing the SAT control slowly clockwise. If this does

not correct the problem, go back to the GAIN and

reduce it a little more and add a bit of SAT. As I

mentioned earlier it is sort of like seasoning a pot of

drop in GAIN below (7-8) will result in some loss

of depth. Any increase in SAT speed above the "P"

However, before reducing the Gain below 7 - 8 you

might try to experiment a bit with the HYPERSAT

range of the SAT control. This function is unique

to White's SAT. The Threshold will almost buzz and

loss of depth will be minimal. Reserve this option

for situations where ground is unusual or conditions

extreme. If you can't control your Threshold with

then "jump start" your SAT into the HYPERSAT

range. Before attempting this, you might practice

We like to use the analogy of driving on a straight

road versus a curvy road. The object is to get from

point A to point B. 65 m.p.h. might get you there

on a straight road, but you will have to slow to 35

m.p.h. if the road is curvy, or you will end up off

the road. The straight road is like low mineralized

ground and the curvy road is like heavy mineraliza-

tion. High Gain and slower SAT will not get you

the Gold in heavy mineralization as well as lower

GAIN and faster SAT.

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

Threshold Control

The THRESHOLD control sets the loudness of

the background "hum" or edge of sound. This

background "hum" should normally be maintained

during searching. In order to hear the tiniest and

deepest targets the THRESHOLD "hum" should be

At this point, we can't recommend too highly the

advantage of using HEADPHONES. With HEAD-

PHONES you can lower THRESHOLD "hum" lev-

els, you will hear the faintest of target signals while

cancelling out environmental background noise and

improving concentration.

Threshold Adjustment

The MXT 300 has an improved microprocessor

driven THRESHOLD control that is adjusted with

a single turn. It does not, therefore, require a 10

turn pot for precise adjustment. Digital software

provides much higher resolution, thus you can set

the "hum" faster and more accurately. Set the knob

all the way to the left or counterclockwise and then

rotate it clockwise until the faintest audible level

of "hum" is attained (edge of sound). If the "hum"

disappears for any reason (other than bumping the

control) you may be either swinging the coil too

fast or your GAIN control is set too high, or in the

prospecting MODE you may need to increase the

Silent Search

With microprocessor driven THRESHOLD controls

arguably skillful operators can "cheat the system"

and use silent search with high performance results.

Once the threshold is found, edge of sound, setting

the Threshold control slightly counterclockwise

achieves silent search where no threshold hum is

heard during searching. By further optimizing Gain

to radical levels, much of that resulting noise can

be hidden under the Threshold and thus good ﬁ eld

results. Best reserved for more experienced opera-

tors, a balancing act between higher Gain V.S. a

THRESHOLD CONTROL

“HUM”

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

Due to the wide scan nature of modern search coils

it can be difﬁ cult to locate small targets under the

physical center of the loop. Use an "X" marks the

the portion of ground the metal target is in. Pros-

pecting for small nuggets, because small metal

targets are more difﬁ cult to isolate to an exact loca-

tion compared to coin or relic hunting, may require

removing the soil under the center of the "X" until

the target is no longer in the hole, but in your pile

of dirt. Techniques for examining the pile of dirt are

discussed later in the manual.

Again, the procedure is to sweep over the target

from side to side noting the side to side center. Then

turn 90 degrees and sweep the coil side to side not-

ing the center from this new direction. "X" marks

the spot that you need to dig. You can practice

OTE:

Turn the detector 90° to the ﬁ rst side to side loop

movement and repeat for "X"ing the

center.

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

with a coin or small pieces of lead or gold on top of the ground to become acquainted with the technique.

During Prospecting it is a good idea to have a magnet handy, preferably in the handle of your digging pick, to pull iron out of the dirt pile. It will speed up your recovery time. It will work on small almost invisible iron rocks as well.

The headphone jack on the MXT 300 is located

on the control box above the battery compartment.

There is a dust cover on the headphone jack that

needs to be removed before the stereo plug from

the headphone is inserted. Replace it when head-

phones are not being used. Most users prefer high

quality stereo headphones so White's has chosen

to wire the headphone jack for stereo. If you have

a mono headphone, you can purchase an adapter

that will allow sound in both earpieces. Some

headphones come with a switch for stereo or mono

jacks.

In choosing headphones, make sure they have a

VOLUME CONTROL as there is no target vol-

ume control on the MXT 300. This is an important

comfort issue. Remember that you want the faint-

est THRESHOLD "hum" possible but a strong

comfortable target signal. With headphones you

will be able to work with a lower THRESHOLD

others with a "beeping" box, and save on bat-

tery life. Many high quality headphones from full

ear enclosure to lightweight summer models that

offer a bit more safety in snake and bear country

are available on the market. Higher impedance

headphones (60 Ohms or greater) give the most

targets most likely to be heard while prospecting.

Properly balanced impedance is important as well

as low distortion.

Chapter 5 MXT 300 Controls

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

2. Trigger (on hand grip)

center "primary Search-

ing" position.

3. TRAC

to Ground position.

4. GAIN

to "P" position.

5. Threshold,

adjust for slight hum (edge of

6. DUAL CONTROL

to DISC "P".

7. Pump the search coil

on the ground to be

8. Move the coil

just over the ground and listen

for the distinct repeatable beep produced by a good

metal target. It is wise to plant metals just under

the soil to practice on in order to learn to recog-

nize what it will sound like. Planting a metal target

disturbs the ground mineral, which usually reduces

the depth it would have been found in undisturbed

ground. It will take practice to determine the proper

to overlap your sweep path so that you won't miss

the small and/or deeper metal targets.

9. Once a solid repeatable beep is located:

Consult the display information.

Squeeze and hold the Trigger on the

hand grip and "X" the area to pinpoint and

note how deep you will need to dig listed on

the display.

Push the Trigger forward and sweep the

search coil over the target area.

If it still beeps it is likely a coin

worth digging, procede with 2.

If it doesn't beep it is in

the Pull Tab range, Squeeze

and hold the Trigger on the

hand grip and check the

depth. If it is shallow (0 - 2

inches) depending on the

hardness of the ground, it is

most likely a Pull Tab and

should be ignored. If it is

deeper (beyond 2 inches)

depending upon the hardness

of the ground, it is likely

heavier gold jewelry and

should be dug.

Consult the display information.

Squeeze and hold the Trigger on

the hand grip and "X" the area to

pinpoint and note how deep you will

need to dig listed on the display.

In areas littered with hun-

dreds of Pull Tabs it may be necessary to search

full time in the Trigger forward position and save

your time and efforts digging coins and jewelry that

indicate outside the pull tab range.

For Salt/Alkali environments proceed

exactly as above only with the TRAC toggle

in the Salt position.

For areas with an abundance of decom-

posed man made iron (which may make

the MXT 300 appear unstable only during

above only once you pump the loop over the

ground, then set the Trac control to Lock.

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

OPTIONAL method for Pull Tab/Jewelry

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

separation:

Coin & Jewelry MODE

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

The Coin & Jewelry MODE provides good general

purpose searching for a wide variety of targets and

environments.

From residential yards, parks and school grounds,

farm ﬁ elds, to beaches (for beaches use TRAC

Salt), the Coin & Jewelry MODE should be used if

there is any doubt at all regarding which of the three

available MODEs is most practical for your current

As the name implies, Coins & Jewelry are the

primary goals of this mode, however, these settings

and features will also respond to any better alloy

including common relics and any other item made

of a valued metal alloy.

The 1st choice a user should consider is the selec-

tion of an appropriate TRAC toggle setting for the

area. The Ground setting and Salt settings should

be almost self explanatory. If you are searching

in typical ground, use the TRAC Ground setting.

If you are in a salt water or desert alkali ground

condition, use the TRAC Salt setting. When to use

the Lock setting can be less obvious. If it seems

like something is wrong with the detector, wildly

ﬂ uctuating Threshold hum (only while sweeping

the search coil), try the Lock setting. If the detec-

tor smooths out and starts operating more predict-

ably, you made the correct choice. If there isn't any

change, you may need to either reduce the Gain

control counterclockwise and/or increase the Dual

control (Disc) clockwise and try again. An area

littered with man made iron would dictate the Lock

dictate the Reduced Gain and/or higher discrimina-

tion settings.

The 2nd choice is Gain. Some areas require, and

operation reduced Gain settings provide, where as

others prefer to push Gain to the limits of their pa-

tience to ﬁ nd the deepest targets. There is a point of

diminishing returns either indicated by the display

telling you to lift the loop due to a Gain setting

too high for the ground, or a user missing targets

because they can not sort them from sporadic noise

experienced at high Gain.

The 3rd choice is the alternate MODE "Pull Tab

Notch" accessed by pushing the Trigger (on the

hand grip) forward. Many prefer, after locating a

target in the primary Trigger center position, to

check targets with the Pull Tab Notch, others use

the Pull Tab Notch as their primary search mode.

It depends a lot on the area and degree of alumi-

num Pull Tabs present. Remember, the display will

indicate if a metal target is in the Pull Tab range

in either Trigger position. Also remember a metal

target that indicates in the Pull Tab range however,

provides a deep depth indication, is more likely to

be jewelry than a Pull Tab. There are three types of

targets that typically indicate in the Pull Tab range,

Aluminum, Lead, Brass, and Gold. Without con-

you is that it indicates within that range of targets.

It is up to the operator to identify the common trash

items of each area and then gamble with the odds

weighing the likelihood of good targets compared to

wasted time digging trash.

The 4th choice is the level of audio Discrimination

popular setting rejecting most iron and small foil

and accepting nickels and most jewelry. Remember

you have the display to further sort out accepted

metals. However, if the common trash of the area

consistently produces an audio to the point of

distracting from ﬁ nding anything at all, an operator

can increase discrimination (clockwise) and cherry

pick the area for silver and copper. If a hot spot of

multiple coins is located an operator may then want

to search isolated spots within that area at lower dis-

crimination settings. Even with modern discriminat-

ing metal detectors, it takes a good deal of patience

to search high trash areas.

The 5th choice is Threshold level. It is best to

of sound). You can hear rejected targets (threshold

fades) and be made aware when and where concen-

trations of trash items lay, indicating trafﬁ c areas

more likely to produce good targets. It, however,

requires more patience and concentration. Finding

the Threshold, and then setting the Threshold just

counterclockwise of it (Silent Search), provides

good performance for those who can not tolerate the

continuous Threshold hum all the time.

Coin & Jewelry MODE

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

2. Trigger (on hand grip)

center "primary Search-

ing" position.

3. TRAC

to Ground position.

4. GAIN

to "P" position.

5. Threshold,

adjust for slight hum (edge of

6. DUAL CONTROL

to DISC "P".

7. Pump the search coil

on the ground to be

8. Move the coil

just over the ground and listen for

the distinct repeatable beep (high or low tone) pro-

duced by a metal targets. It is wise to plant metals

just under the soil to practice on in order to learn to

recognize what it will sound like. Planting a metal

target disturbs the ground mineral, which usually

reduces the depth it would have been found in un-

disturbed ground. It will take practice to determine

the proper search speed and technique. Do not go

too fast. Try to overlap your sweep path so that you

won't miss the small and/or deeper metal targets.

Targets to deep or small to achieve good tone iden-

tiﬁ cation will sound at the threshold level tone.

9. Once a solid repeatable beep is located:

Consult the display information.

Squeeze and hold the Trigger on the

hand grip and "X" the area to pinpoint and

note how deep you will need to dig listed on

the display.

OPTIONAL method for lesser interest in iron

and/or quieter searching:

Rejected targets are now suppressed

rather than indicating a lower pitched beep.

Lock Trigger (on hand grip) forward.

Set DISC control to "0".

Ferrous (iron) indicates with a lower

pitched beep.

Nonferrous (not iron) indicates with a

higher pitched beep.

Some loop motion is required for

detection and identiﬁ cation to occur.

For Salt/Alkali environments proceed

exactly as above only with the TRAC toggle

in the Salt position.

For areas with an abundance of decom-

posed man made iron (which may make

the MXT 300 difﬁ cult to operate), proceed

exactly as above only once you pump the

loop over the ground in the Ground TRAC

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

Relic MODE

The Relic MODE also provides good general

purpose searching for a wide variety of targets and

environments although it will require greater pa-

tience to use in populated areas compared to Coin

& Jewelry as the Relic MODE is designed to locate

a wider variety of metal alloys.

As the name and target labels imply, the Relic

MODE is designed with late century war artifacts in

mind as the primary goals, however, these settings

and features will also respond to any better alloy

including common coins and any other item made

of a valued metal alloy.

In the primary Trigger (on the hand grip) center

position, any target accepted by the discrimination

target rejected by the discrimination setting pro-

duces a lower pitched beep. Uncertain targets may

respond in-between with the Threshold pitch.

The 1st choice a user should consider is the selec-

tion of an appropriate TRAC toggle setting for the

area. The Ground setting and Salt settings should

be almost self explanatory. If you are searching

in typical ground, use the TRAC Ground setting.

If you are in a salt water or desert alkali ground

condition, use the TRAC Salt setting. When to use

the Lock setting can be less obvious. If it seems

like something is wrong with the detector, wildly

ﬂ uctuating Threshold hum (only during sweeping

the search coil), try the Lock setting. If the detec-

tor smooths out and starts operating more predict-

ably, you made the correct choice. If there isn't

any change, you may need to return to the Ground

or Salt setting and either reduce the Gain control

counterclockwise and/or increase the Dual control

littered with man made iron would dictate the Lock

dictate Reduced Gain and/or higher Disc settings.

The 2nd choice is Gain. Some areas require, and

operation reduced Gain settings provide, where

as others prefer to push Gain to the limits of their

patience to ﬁ nd the deepest targets.

There is a point of diminishing returns either indi-

cated by the display telling you to lift the loop due

to a Gain setting too high for the ground, or a user

missing targets because they can not sort them from

The 3rd and 4th choices are the traditional discrimi-

nator accessed by pushing the Trigger (on the hand

grip) forward and using a typical discrimination

level. Or reducing discrimination to "0" and utiliz-

ing a high tone for nonferrous (not of iron) and low

tone for ferrous (iron). The traditional discriminator

produces fewer noises suppressing any metal target

the discrimination to 0 for two tone requires greater

patience as all metals respond with either a high

tone (not iron) or low tone (iron). The advantage is

in sorting multiple targets, and locating iron.

The 4th choice is the level of audio Discrimination

popular setting rejecting most iron and small foil

and accepting nickels and most jewelry. Remember

you have the display to further sort out accepted

metals. However, if the common trash of the area

consistently produces an audio to the point of

distracting from ﬁ nding anything at all, an operator

can increase discrimination (clockwise) and "cherry

pick" the area for silver and copper. If a hot spot of

multiple coins is located an operator may then want

to search isolated spots within that area at lower dis-

crimination settings. Even with modern discriminat-

ing metal detectors, it takes a good deal of patience

to search high trash areas.

The 5th choice is Threshold level. It is best to

of sound). You can hear rejected targets (thresh-

old fades) and be made aware when and where

concentrations of trash items lay, indicating trafﬁ c

areas more likely to produce good targets. It, how-

ever, also requires more patience and concentra-

tion. Finding the Threshold, and then setting the

Threshold just counterclockwise of it, provides

good performance for those who can not tolerate the

continuous Threshold hum.

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

2. Trigger (on hand grip)

center "primary Search-

ing" position.

3. TRAC

to Ground position.

4. GAIN

to "P" position.

5. Threshold,

adjust for slight hum (edge of

6. DUAL CONTROL

to SAT "P".

7. Pump the search coil

on the ground to be

8. Move the coil

just over the ground and listen

for the distinct repeatable beep produced by a metal

target. The Prospecting Mode utilizes a VCO (Volt-

age Controlled Oscillator) audio thus the pitch of

the beep varies with the strength of the target. It is

wise to plant metals just under the soil to practice

on in order to learn to recognize what it will sound

like. Planting a metal target disturbs the ground

mineral, which usually reduces the depth it would

have been found in undisturbed ground. It will take

practice to determine the proper search speed and

technique. Do not go too fast. Try to overlap your

deeper metal targets.

9. Once a solid repeatable VCO beep is located:

Consult the display VDI number and %

? Iron.

Squeeze and hold the Trigger on the

hand grip and "X" the area to pinpoint.

OPTIONAL method for iron.

Ferrous (iron) targets now sound the

same as all other metals rather than being

indicating by a grunt.

For Salt/Alkali environments proceed

exactly as above only with the TRAC toggle

in the Salt position.

For areas with an abundance of decom-

posed man made iron (which may make

the MXT 300 difﬁ cult to operate), proceed

exactly as above only once you pump the

loop over the ground in the Ground TRAC

For highly inconsistent ground it may be

necessary to increase the Dual Control SAT

adjustment clockwise. Hyper SAT provides

threshold maintenance for the most extreme

conditions. Search coil motion becomes

increasing more critical at these higher SAT

speeds.

Prospecting MODE

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

The Prospecting MODE will require greater pa-

tience to use compared to the Coin & Jewelry and

Relic MODEs. It is designed to locate all varieties

of metal alloys and then give some indications as to

if the metal being detected is made of ferrous (iron)

or nonferrous (not iron).

As the name and target labels imply, the Prospect-

ing MODE is designed to ﬁ nd gold nuggets, how-

ever, these settings and features will also respond to

all metal alloys including common coins.

In the primary Trigger (on the hand grip) center po-

an audio grunt and any metal target not readily

identiﬁ ed as iron (nonferrous) produces a traditional

VCO pitched beep (zip sound). With the Trigger (on

the hand grip) in the forward position, or squeezed

and held position, all metals produce the same tra-

ditional VCO pitched beep (zip sound) and ground

tracking doesn't occur.

The 1st choice a user should consider is the selec-

tion of an appropriate TRAC toggle setting for the

area. The Ground setting and Salt settings should

be almost self explanatory. If you are searching

in typical ground, use the TRAC Ground setting.

If you are in a salt water or desert alkali ground

condition, use the TRAC Salt setting. When to use

the Lock setting can be less obvious. If it seems

like something is wrong with the detector, wildly

ﬂ uctuating Threshold hum (only during search coil

passes), try the Lock setting. Before switching to

the Lock setting, be sure to pump the search coil

up and down over the ground a few times in the

Trac Ground or Salt setting to insure that you have

achieved proper ground balance for that area. If

the detector smooths out and starts operating more

predictably in Lock, you made the correct choice.

If there isn't any change, you may need to return

to the Ground or Salt setting and either reduce the

Gain control counterclockwise and/or increase the

Dual control (SAT) clockwise and try again. An

area littered with man made iron would dictate the

Lock setting. On the other hand an area with very

inconsistent ground would not, such an area would

dictate Reduced Gain and/or higher SAT settings.

The 2nd choice is Gain. Some areas require, and

operation normal "P" or reduced Gain settings

provide. Where as others prefer to push Gain to the

limits of their patience to ﬁ nd the deepest targets.

There is a point of diminishing returns either indi-

cated by the display telling you to lift the loop due

to a Gain setting to high for the ground, or a user

missing targets because they can not sort them from

The 3rd choices goes hand in hand with the Gain

the DUAL CONTROL. Higher (faster) SAT speeds

are more user friendly, however, may compromise

well as adding additional search coil sweep require-

ments. On the other hand faster SAT will allow for

higher Gain settings and more inconsistent ground

conditions. A balancing act must be achieved be-

tween the Gain control and SAT speed that provides

both good performance and enough stability to

recognize nuggets from ground or external noise.

A new SAT feature "Hyper SAT", provides for the

most extreme conditions with very unique charac-

teristics.

The 4th choice is Threshold level. It is best to

gets and be made aware when the SAT speed is

doing its job maintaining the Threshold hum. It,

however, also requires more patience and concen-

tration. Finding the Threshold, and then setting

the Threshold just counterclockwise of it, provides

good performance for those who can not tolerate the

continuous Threshold hum.

The 5th choice is if you prefer the normal Primary

position, that provides a distinctive grunt on iron, or

the Trigger forward position that produces the same

VCO audio tone for all targets.

PROSPECTING MODE

Chapter 6 MXT 300 Searching

I. Cleaning

Both the coil and rod are waterproof and can

be cleaned with fresh water and mild soap. The

control box is not water proof and must be kept

dry.

Never

lift a wet coil above the height of

the control box as water can run down the

inside of the rod damaging the electronics. A

damp cotton cloth can be used to wipe off a

dirty control box.

II. Weather

Do not expose your detector to the condi-

tions of a car trunk during winter and/or sum-

mer extremes.

Protect it from direct sunlight during storage.

The control box is rain resistant. However, it

must be protected from heavy rain.

III. Storage

When the instrument is not in use, make sure

it is turned OFF.

If you plan on storing your detector for

long, remove the battery holder from the in

strument and remove the batteries from the

holder.

Store the instrument indoors, in an area

where it will be protected from abuse. Over the

years Whiteʼs has noted more service repairs

and physical damage, on units in storage than

those experiencing daily use.

IV. Additional Precautions

Avoid dropping your detector while attempt

ing to set it down to dig.

Avoid using your detector for leverage when

standing up from a dig.

Do not use any lubricants, such as WD-40,

on any part of your detector.

Do not modify your instrument during its

warranty period.

Chapter 7 MXT 300 Information

Sweet Home, OR 97386

(541) 367 6121

Fax (541) 367 6629

nbaker@whiteselectronics.com

2. Electronic Exploration

575 West Harrison

Lombard, IL 60148

(800) 392-3223

(630) 620-0618

(630) 620-1005 FAX

tony@ee-il.com

3. Centreville Electronics

Manassas, Va. 20110

(888) 645-0202

(703) 367-7999

(703) 367-0868 FAX

centelec@vwx.com

Whiteʼs reputation has been built on quality

products backed by quality service. Our Factory

Authorized Service Centers are factory trained and

equipped. They offer the same quality service as

the factory. Service before and after the sale is the

cornerstone of our customer relations.

Contact your Dealer. There may be a

quick, simple ﬁ x or explanation that will prevent

having to send the detector in for service.

Double check the obvious, such as batteries,

and try the detector in another area to be sure there

isn't interference.

Be sure to send all necessary parts with your

detector, such as batteries and holders, as these

items can result in symptoms.

Always include a letter of explanation about

your concerns, even if you have talked to the Ser-

vice Center by telephone.

Take care in packaging instruments for ship-

ping. Always insure your package.

detectors for service

White's Authorized Service

Centers

Chapter 7 MXT 300 Information

If for any reason you should sell your Spectrum MXT 300

prior to the date the warranty

expires, the remaining warranty is transferable.

This transfer is authorized by calling 1-800-

547-6911, and getting an Authorization Number.

Simply ﬁ ll out the following information, including the Authorization Number, seal it in a

White's Electronics, 1011 Pleasant Valley Road, Sweet Home,

Oregon 97386.

The remaining warranty period will then be available to the new owner.

The Warranty Statement applies to both the original owner as well as the second owner.

WARRANTY TRANSFER

Original Owner:

Name: __________________________________________________________

Address (Which appears on the original warranty card):

________________________________________________________________

Instrument Serial Number: __________________________________________

Date Code: ______________________________________________________

Original Purchase Date:_____________________________________________

New Owner:

Name: __________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Comments: ______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Distributor Authorization Code:

_______________________________________________

WARRANTY TRANSFER

Chapter 7 MXT 300 Information

If within two years (24 months) from the original date of purchase, your White's detector fails due

to defects in either material or workmanship, White's will repair or replace at its option, all necessary parts

without charge for parts or labor.

Simply return the complete detector to the Dealer where you purchased it, or to your nearest

Authorized Service Center. The unit must be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the symptoms of

the failure. You must provide proof of date-of-purchase before the unit is serviced.

This is a transferable manufacturer warranty, which covers the instrument two years from the

original purchase date, regardless of the owner.

Items excluded from the warranty are non-rechargeable batteries, accessories that are not standard

equipment, shipping/handling costs outside the continental USA, Special Delivery costs (Air Freight, Next

Day, 2nd Day, Packaging Services, etc.) and all shipping/handling costs inside the continental USA 90

days after purchase.

White's registers your purchase only if the Sales Registration Card is ﬁ lled out and returned to the

factory address soon after original purchase for the purpose of recording this information, and keeping you

up-to-date regarding White's ongoing research & development.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, neglect, alterations,

modiﬁ cations, unauthorized service, or prolonged exposure to corrosive compounds, including salt.

Duration of any implied warranty (e.g., merchantability and ﬁ tness for a particular purpose)

any incidental or consequential damages. Some states however, do not allow the limitation on the length

of implied warranties, or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages. Therefore, the above

limitations may not apply to you.

In addition, the stated warranty gives you speciﬁ c legal rights, and you may have other rights

which vary from state-to-state.

The foregoing is the only warranty provided by White's as the manufacturer of your metal detector.

Any "extended warranty" period beyond two years, which may be provided by a Dealer or other third party

on your detector, may be without White's authority, involvement and consent, and might not be honored by

White's.

WHITE'S ELECTRONICS INC.

Chapter 7 MXT 300 Information

WHITE'S ELECTRONICS (UK) Ltd.

After Sales Service

The serial number which is unique to your unit is on a white label inside the battery compartment.

Please quote this number on any correspondence regarding your detector.

White's Electronics has always been concerned with the absolute quality of their mineral/metal detectors. Service after the sales is

of extreme importance to us and we always do our utmost to ensure that customers are satisﬁ ed with our units. If your unit should

require servicing or repair, simply return it to us at the factory in Inverness and we shall carry out the necessary work for you.

Any work carried out by unauthorized persons will automatically nullify the warranty.

If within two years (24 months) from the original date of purchase, your White's detector fails due to de-

fects in either material or workmanship, White's Electronics (UK) Ltd. will repair or replace at its option,

all necessary parts without charge for parts or labor.

Simply return the detector to our factory in Inverness, Scotland, giving details of the faults.

Items excluded from the warranty are non-rechargeable batteries and other accessories.

The warranty is not valid unless the Warranty Registration Card is returned to the factory address within

date of the warranty.

This warranty does not cover damage to the detector caused by accident, misuse, neglect, alterations,

modiﬁ cations or unauthorized service.

Duration of any implied warranties (e.g., merchantability and ﬁ tness for a particular purpose) shall not be

longer than the stated warranty.

Neither the manufacturer nor the retailer shall be liable for any incidental or consequential damages result-

ing from defects or failures of the instrument to perform.

This warranty does not affect your statutory legal rights.

Whiteʼs Electronics (UK) Ltd

35 Harbour Road ~ Inverness ~ Scotland ~ IV1 1UA

Telephone: (01463) 223456 Fax: (01463) 224048

Email:

sales@whelects.demon.co.uk.

Web site: www.whites.co.uk

Chapter 7 MXT 300 Information (UK)

Chapter 7 MXT 300 Information

Warranty Transfer

If for any reason you should sell your White's detector prior to the date the warranty ex-

pires, the remaining warranty may be transferable.

Simply ﬁ ll out the following information, and send it to

White's Electronics, (UK) Ltd.,

35 Harbour Road, Inverness, Scotland, IV1 1UA.

Whiteʼs will then advise you what, if

any Warranty is available.

The Warranty Statement must be completed with Serial number and information on previ-

ous and new owners.

Original Owner:

Name: __________________________________________________________

Address (as on original warranty card):

________________________________________________________________

Serial Number: (inside battery door)___________________________________

New Owner:

Name: __________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Tel: ____________________ Email:_______________________________

WARRANTY TRANSFER

) Printed in U.S.A. 3/2008)

White’s Electronics MXT 300 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual