Minelab x-terra 305 Instruction Manual

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Instruction manual (41 pages)

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Page 1 Enters the Menu. All Metal Accept/Reject Accesses and scrolls through These quick start instructions allow you Minelab encourages all users to read the entire Toggles between the the detecting settings. Accepts or rejects selected discrimination to begin detecting straight away and find manual to ensure a complete understanding discrimination segments.
Page 2 The X‑TERRA is a high‑precision instrument available on the X‑TERRA incorporating Minelab’s proven single 505 model. frequency technology, VFLEX. VFLEX processes a pure single frequency, ensuring that you can enjoy the hobby at all times, confident that you are using a highly‑...
Page 3: Table Of Contents
CONTENTS VFLEX Technology Detecting Basics 15 Holding the Detector Assembling Your X‑TERRA 17 Sweeping the Coil Connecting the Coil 18 Introducing the Control Panel Shaft Assembly 19 Keypad Layout 10 Armrest Assembly 20 Turning on the Detector 11 Connecting the Control Box 21 LCD Layout 12 Permanently Connecting the 22 Detecting Exercise...
Page 4 Detailed Detector Operation Reference Information 40 LCD Icons 64 Sounds 44 Operation 66 Error Messages 67 Coil Identification 45 Selecting Menu Settings 46 Sensitivity 68 Battery Behaviour 47 Adjusting Sensitivity 70 Care of your X‑TERRA 48 Noise Cancel 72 Accessories 49 Choosing a Noise Cancel Channel 74 X‑TERRA Specifications 50 Threshold...
Page 5 Audio Transmit Supply Analog Signal The 2nd generation X‑TERRA Series incorporate Minelab’s proven VFLEX Technology. VFLEX uses state of the art digital and mixed‑signal PRIMARY MICRO components to enhance standard single frequency (IN CONTROL BOX) technology by replacing most of the analogue DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP) circuitry with digital signal processing.
Page 6 Transmit Standard VLF Signal Precision VFLEX Signal (Without VFLEX) For the X‑TERRA user, this precision means dependable performance and improved immunity to environmental conditions such as ground mineralisation, electromagnetic interference and SECONDARY MICRO temperature variations. (IN COIL) SENSING + TRANSMITTING VFLEX requires coils that are accurately constructed COIL TYPE, SIZE, FREQUENCY and calibrated.
Page 7: Assembling Your X-Terra
ASSEMBLING YOUR X‑TERRA Before assembling your X‑TERRA please check that the package includes these parts: Coil Skidplate (fitted to coil) Lower shaft Middle shaft Upper shaft Armrest Stand Control box Control box screw Rubber washers (2) Plastic wing nut Plastic bolt Armrest screw Armrest strap Velcro tabs (2)
Page 9: Connecting The Coil
CONNECTING THE COIL Plug the two rubber washers into the holes on either side of the lower shaft yoke. Slide the yoke into the yoke bracket on top of the coil. Ensure that the spring loaded pin in the lower shaft is underneath. Insert the plastic bolt through the yoke and the yoke bracket.
Page 10: Shaft Assembly
SHAFT ASSEMBLY Ensure that the twistlocks of the shafts are loosened by rotating them counter‑ clockwise. Compress the spring loaded pin in the lower shaft and slide it into the middle shaft until the pin reaches the adjustment holes. The pin will spring out and click into place.
Page 11: Armrest Assembly
ARMREST ASSEMBLY Place the armrest onto the top of the upper shaft, lining up the central hole in the armrest with a hole in the aluminium shaft. Position the armrest to suit your arm length. (Holding the Detector, p. 16) Insert the screw up through the stand, upper shaft and armrest.
Page 12: Connecting The Control Box
CONNECTING THE CONTROL BOX Connecting With the LCD facing up, push the control box onto the end of the handle until it fits into place. The control box may be easily removed for packing and transport in a carry bag. Disconnecting Brace the detector firmly against yourself, grasp the control box and pull it away from...
Page 13: Permanently Connecting The Control Box
PERMANENTLY CONNECTING THE CONTROL BOX While the X‑TERRA control box is designed to be easily removable for packing and transport, Minelab have made an option available to permanently attach the control box to the handle. Remove the small circular rubber insert in the top right‑hand side of the handle.
Page 14: Coil Cable Assembly
COIL CABLE ASSEMBLY Wind the coil cable around the lower and middle shaft enough times to take up the slack. Use the velcro tabs to keep the coil cable in place against the shaft. It is recommended that one tab is used on the lower shaft close to the coil and the other tab on the middle shaft before the cable reaches across to the control box.
Page 15: Inserting Batteries
INSERTING BATTERIES The X‑TERRA uses 4 x AA batteries which are not included with the detector. (Battery Behaviour, p. 68) Access the battery compartment via the battery door located on the side of the control box. Slide the battery compartment door upwards with your thumb.
Page 16: Holding The Detector
HOLDING THE DETECTOR Thread your arm through the armrest and strap. Grasp the handle of the detector and rest your forearm in the armrest. Your elbow should sit just above the top of the armrest. Lightly tighten the velcro strap and secure it around your arm.
Page 17 HOLDING THE DETECTOR The correct position of armrest and length of shaft should allow you to swing the coil in front of your body without any uncomfortable stretching or stooping. To adjust the length of the shafts, undo the twistlocks, compress the spring pins of the Shaft is the shafts and move them up or down to suit.
Page 18 Once outside, practice sweeping the coil over the ground in a side‑to‑side motion, while walking forward slowly. Slightly overlap the previous sweep to ensure a full ground coverage. An approximate sweep speed is 3 seconds from left to right to left. It is important to keep the coil close and parallel to the ground at all times.
Page 19: Introducing The Control Panel
INTRODUCING THE CONTROL PANEL Power turns the detector Scrolls through the different On or Off. discrimination patterns. Menu accesses and scrolls through detector settings. Accepts or rejects certain metals by turning on/off individual Pinpoint/Detect has two discrimination segments. functions. Pinpoint assists in locating the exact position of a target prior to recovery.
Page 20: Keypad Layout
KEYPAD LAYOUT Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) area X‑TERRA305 X‑TERRA505...
Page 21: Turning On The Detector
TURNING ON THE DETECTOR There are many metallic objects inside the Press Power house (e.g. nails in the floor, reinforcing in the walls) that will result in overloading the A short start up sequence will display and a tune will be heard. detector’s electronics.
Page 22: Lcd Layout
LCD LAYOUT X‑TERRA305 Blank detection display. There will be no numerical reading until a detection is made. X‑TERRA505 This LCD layout is a representation to show the differences between the two models. LCD icons are never all shown at the same time.
Page 23: Detecting Exercise
A SIMPLE DETECTING EXERCISE A good way to become familiar with detecting Pass the coil across the objects, one at a is to test the detector against a range of metal time, and observe the LCD and the detector’s objects. This exercise is a simple lesson on how sounds as it detects each object.
Page 24 Don’t worry if the detector isn’t producing a sound over the nail, this is because the detector begins in the default Pattern 1, a setting which rejects signals from common junk targets. The X‑TERRA coil is waterproof. (Care of Your X‑TERRA, p. 70)
Page 25: Example Detections
EXAMPLE DETECTIONS Discrimination Pattern The factory preset pattern 1 rejects ferrous metals and foil, and accepts nonferrous metals. Patterns can be edited and saved according to detecting preferences. Audio A detected nonferrous target will give a medium – high tone audio response. Visual Medium High...
Page 26 All Metal Pattern The all metal pattern turns off every discrimination segment, allowing all metals including ferrous targets to be detected. Audio A detected ferrous target will give a low tone audio response. Visual A detected ferrous target will give a visual indication within the ferrous section of the discrimination scale and a negative target ID.
Page 27: How Detectors Work
HOW DETECTORS WORK Metal detectors work due to the fact that metal is conductive. Metal detectors create an electromagnetic field, which penetrates the ground. When the coil senses a change in this field (caused by a metal object) it sends a signal back to the control box which then alerts the operator.
Page 28: Target Id
TARGET ID The X‑TERRA has a number of different icons Depth indicator that have been designed to best represent and A guide to how deep a metal object is under the Target ID identify the metal objects in the ground. ground.
Page 29: Discrimination Scale
DISCRIMINATION SCALE In addition to the target ID, targets are also Desired and undesired targets may appear represented as a particular segment on a linear anywhere along the discrimination scale, e.g: scale at the bottom of the display. Desired ferrous target – Canadian coin Undesired ferrous target –...
Page 30 1 ferrous 11 nonferrous The X‑TERRA 305 has 12 segments. The target IDs range from –4 up to 44, increasing in steps of 4. 3 ferrous 16 nonferrous The X‑TERRA 505 has 19 segments. The target IDs range from –9 to 48, increasing in steps of 3. The more segments available, the more separate target IDs available.
Page 31: Preset Discrimination Patterns
PRESET DISCRIMINATION PATTERNS The combinations of accepted and rejected segments are referred to as patterns. The X‑TERRA has preset discrimination patterns that have been customised to detect general desired targets such as coins and jewellery. Example targets only The X‑TERRA 305 has an all metal pattern and 2 preset patterns.
Page 32 All Metal Pattern Accepts signals from all types of metals, everything from jewellery to rusty nails (all Target IDs). No target signals are rejected Pattern 1 Accepts signals from nonferrous targets, e.g. gold and silver coins (X‑TERRA 305 IDs: 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44).
Page 33 PRESET DISCRIMINATION PATTERNS Patterns are an important part of detecting as they can Example targets only save you from digging for unwanted targets. Example targets only...
Page 34 Pattern 2 Accepts signals from most nonferrous targets (X‑TERRA 305 IDs: 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44). (X‑TERRA 505 IDs: 9, 12, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48). Rejects those from ferrous objects and some nonferrous targets, e.g.
Page 35: Choosing A Discrimination Pattern
CHOOSING A DISCRIMINATION PATTERN – X‑TERRA 305 On the X‑TERRA 305, Patterns toggles between pattern 1 and 2. The X‑TERRA 305 has an All Metal shortcut. This toggles between the selected pattern and all metal. The all metal pattern cannot be edited.
Page 36 CHOOSING A DISCRIMINATION PATTERN – X‑TERRA 505 On the X‑TERRA 505, Patterns toggles between pattern 1, 2 and 3. The X‑TERRA 505 has an All Metal shortcut. This toggles between the selected pattern and all metal. The all metal pattern cannot be edited.
Page 37: Pinpointing
PINPOINTING During normal detection, the X‑TERRA operates coil with discrimination patterns. When a target signal is heard, it is an advantage to identify this target will produce a loud, the target’s exact position. This is determined high tone sound by using Pinpoint this target will Enabling pinpoint instructs the X‑TERRA to produce a quiet,...
Page 38 Once the approximate target location is known, move the coil outside of that area and press Pinpoint Sweep the coil over the target location. The menu scale segments on the LCD indicate how close the target is to the centre of the coil. The detector will only produce a high volume when the centre‑ring of the concentric coil is directly above the target.
Page 39: Recovering The Target
RECOVERING THE TARGET A trowel, knife or small spade are good tools Ask for permission before for recovering targets. searching on private property. Once a target has been located, clear the surface of loose material and check again for A long blunt‑tipped screwdriver is a signal.
Page 40 Check the hole for the target. If it is not in the hole, place the detector on the ground with the coil flat, pick up a handful of soil and pass it over the coil. Be sure not to wear rings, bracelets or a watch which will produce a signal.
Page 41: Lcd Icons
LCD ICONS Target ID Target signals contain both ferrous and conductivity information. This is digitally processed and results in a number being displayed that distinguishes between different types of metal. Target ID numbers range from –4 to 44 on the X‑TERRA 305 and –9 to 48 on the X‑TERRA 505.
Page 42: All Metal
All Metal AM indicates that the all metal pattern has been selected. This pattern has no discrimination and will allow signals from all types of metals, both ferrous and nonferrous. Patterns Preset discrimination patterns are used to suit different search preferences. X‑TERRA 305 has 2 patterns, X‑TERRA 505 has 3 patterns (Preset Discrimination Patterns, p.
Page 43 LCD ICONS Menu The X‑TERRA has a list of settings (Sensitivity, Noise Cancel, Threshold, Volume, Tones and Ground Balance) that can be adjusted to customise it for your own personal preferences. Note: Ground Balance cannot be accessed via the menu key, even though it is in the menu list on the LCD.
Page 44 Battery This icon indicates how much power is left in the batteries (p. 68). Headphones This icon indicates that the headphones are connected and that the headphone volume has been selected (p. 72). Headphones are not included with the X‑TERRA (Accessories, p. 72) Reject Identification This icon appears when rejecting a discrimination segment.
Page 45: Operation
OPERATION The X‑TERRA operates in two display states – Detection and Detection Settings The target ID, discrimination segments and The X‑TERRA has a range of settings that depth automatically translate detected signals. should be adjusted to ensure optimum The last detected target ID stays on the display performance in different environments.
Page 46: Selecting Menu Settings
SELECTING MENU SETTINGS Detection Settings Noise Cancel Sensitivity Threshold Tones Exits Settings, and returns to a blank Volume detection display...
Page 47: Sensitivity
SENSITIVITY The X‑TERRA detectors are highly sensitive and Decreasing the X‑TERRA’s sensitivity may help therefore have a wide sensitivity adjustment stabilise the detector, reducing false signals range. It is important to set the correct and interference, and assisting in differentiating between signals caused by soil mineralisation sensitivity level for your detecting conditions.
Page 48: Adjusting Sensitivity
ADJUSTING SENSITIVITY The highest sensitivity settings, (7–10 = X‑TERRA 305) (15–20 = X‑TERRA 505) should only be used in the quietest, most stable conditions.
Page 49: Noise Cancel
NOISE CANCEL The detector may become noisy or erratic due to electrical interference from powerlines, electrical equipment or other detectors operating close by. This interference is interpreted as a crackling or popping noise. Noise Cancel allows you to change the noise cancel channel so that you experience less interference.
Page 50: Choosing A Noise Cancel Channel
CHOOSING A NOISE CANCEL CHANNEL When a channel is selected the menu scale segments will flash followed by a beep. There is no loss in depth or sensitivity if the Noise Cancel channel is changed.
Page 51: Threshold
THRESHOLD Threshold is the constant background sound headphones are plugged in, the headphones produced by the detector to help distinguish icon will be displayed and all changes to between desirable and undesirable targets. the Threshold setting are applied to the headphones Threshold.
Page 52: Adjusting Threshold
ADJUSTING THRESHOLD...
Page 53: Volume
VOLUME Volume is the level of sound the detector gives Set the speaker volume without headphones when a target is detected. The volume control connected. Set the headphone volume with limits the potential loudness of target signals. the headphones connected. Use the exercise (p.
Page 54: Adjusting Volume
ADJUSTING VOLUME...
Page 55: Tones
TONES The number of Target ID Tones may be selected from the Tones menu. There are 4 different options for the X‑TERRA 305, and 5 for the X‑TERRA 505. 1 Tone 450Hz 450Hz 2 Tones 130Hz 700Hz 130Hz 700Hz 3 Tones 130Hz 450Hz 700Hz...
Page 56: Adjusting Tones
ADJUSTING TONES...
Page 57: Ground Balance
GROUND BALANCE The X‑TERRA 305 and 505 have an adjustable Ground balancing the detector reduces false ground balance which helps in compensating detections and enables good targets to be for false signals. displayed and heard correctly. When the detector is unbalanced, it will detect Ground balance settings affect both normal targets, but it may also register false detections discrimination detection and pinpoint...
Page 58 Highly mineralised soil may produce false signals and distract from real targets. Mineralised ground and ‘hot rocks’ may register as –9 when detecting in all metal. This is more likely to happen at high sensitivity settings and with an unbalanced detector.
Page 59: Adjusting Ground Balance
ADJUSTING GROUND BALANCE Using the detector in all metal, find a clear area of ground without any targets. Hold the coil parallel and 4” (10 cm) above the ground. Select Ground Balance constant hum known as the Ground Balance tone will sound when the coil is held steady. Continuously lower and raise the coil towards and away from the ground and listen to the Ground Balance tone.
Page 60 High Medium Quiet...
Page 61: Editing Discrimination Patterns 60 Method
EDITING DISCRIMINATION PATTERNS – METHOD 1 The detector’s preset discrimination patterns can be edited to create custom patterns. Method 1 – to reject a specific target ID using an actual target In detection, a discrimination segment will flash, indicating its position on the discrimination scale and the target’s ID number will appear on the LCD.
Page 62 EDITING DISCRIMINATION PATTERNS – METHOD 2 Method 2 – to reject a specific target ID using + or – In detection, use + and – to scroll through and select the ID you want to modify. The flashing segment and the target ID numbers will indicate the selected ID.
Page 63: Erasing Patterns
ERASING PATTERNS Custom patterns are saved when the X‑TERRA is switched off. To erase custom patterns and return to preset patterns: Turn the detector off. Press and hold Press While pressing and holding once Pattern , turn the detector back on, by pressing Power once.
Page 64: Factory Presets
FACTORY PRESETS The settings Sensitivity, Ground Balance, Noise Cancel, Threshold, Volume and Tones are saved when the X‑TERRA is switched off. To return to the preset menu values: Turn the detector off. Press and hold Press once While pressing and holding Menu , turn the detector back on, by pressing Power...
Page 65: Sounds
SOUNDS Start Up Sequence Error When the detector is turned on, there is A six note tune will sound to indicate a detector error (Error Messages, p. 66). a short three note tune during its start up sequence. Overload Positive Acknowledgement If the coil is passed across a large shallow The detector emits a short beep for every target, the detector will give a repeating...
Page 66 Low Battery Shutdown Noise A long announcement tune (descending A random jittery sound indicates that the tones) will sound just before the detector shuts detector is picking up external interference. down. Sensitivity or Noise Cancel should be adjusted. Target Response False Detections This is the sound given by the detector when a A partial or chopped non‑repeatable signal.
Page 67: Error Messages
ERROR MESSAGES Coil Unplugged The menu scale line icon will slowly The coil has been flash until the coil is disconnected from plugged back in. the detector. Coil Error The coil is not communicating with Turn the detector off the control box. before connecting a standard coil.
Page 68: Coil Identification
COIL IDENTIFICATION Concentric The X‑TERRA Series are capable of operating Standard at different transmission frequencies set by Frequency VFLEX compatible coils; Low (3kHz)*, Standard (7.5kHz) and High (18.75kHz). Concentric Frequency To view the type of coil: Press Menu/Select to enter the Concentric settings screen.
Page 69: Battery Behaviour
BATTERY BEHAVIOUR Overvoltage The X‑TERRA is capable of using different types If the battery voltage is too high, of AA batteries: (above 8 V) the battery icon will flash and the detector will shut down. 1.5V Alkaline 1.5V Carbon 1.5V Lithium (non‑rechargeable) Full 1.2V NiMH (rechargeable) 2 black segments inside the outline.
Page 70 The use of headphones will increase battery life. 1.5 V Alkaline 1.2 V NiMH/NiCad...
Page 71: Care Of Your X-Terra
CARE OF YOUR X‑TERRA The X‑TERRA is a high quality electronic The coil can be submersed in water up instrument, finely engineered and packaged in to 20” (0.5m), yet the control box is not a durable housing. Taking proper care of your waterproof.
Page 72 Do not use rechargeable Lithium Ion before changing coils. batteries as their voltage is too high. Non‑ Coils from other models of Minelab rechargeable Lithium batteries may be used. detectors will not function with the X‑TERRA Series (Accessories, p. 73). Only VFLEX compatible coils will operate correctly with the X‑TERRA Series.
Page 73: Accessories
ACCESSORIES Connecting Headphones Headphones have many advantages. They block out external noise such as wind and Always use headphones with a ¼“ jack. traffic, allowing you to listen more closely Open the rubber headphone cover located to target signals. Headphones also minimise on the left hand side of the control box.
Page 74 Skid Plate Accessory coils come in different types (Double A skid plate comes D and Concentric), sizes and frequencies. as standard with the These coils are suitable for different ground detector. If it wears conditions and specific targets. out from excessive To attach an accessory coil: sweeping along the Turn the detector off using Power...
Page 75: Terra Specifications
4 Position Adjustable with Stand & Armrest Length Extended 56” (1.42m) Length Collapsed 48” (1.22m) Weight (Excluding Batteries) 2.9lbs (1.3kg) Optional Accessories Headphones, Skidplates, Environmental Cover, Coils In the interest of product improvement, Minelab reserves the right to make changes without notice.
Page 76: Terra Model Features
X‑TERRA MODEL FEATURES Model Features X‑TERRA 305 X‑TERRA 505 Coil Frequency Options 2 (Standard 7.5 kHz, High 18.75 kHz) 3 (Low 3kHz, Standard 7.5 kHz, High 18.75 kHz) Discrimination Patterns 2 + All Metal 3 + All Metal All Metal Shortcut Discrimination Scale (Segments) Ferrous Nonferrous...
Page 77: Service And Repair Form
SERVICE AND REPAIR FORM Owners Name Address Telephone Day ( Home ( Fax ( Email Todays Date Detector / Model Serial Number Purchased From Purchase Date Faulty Part(s) DESCRIPTION OF FAULT Please explain how we can replicate the problem in order to fix your detector.
Page 78 Threshold menu. any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any Headphones electronic equipment. process without written permission from Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd, 2 Second Ave, Mawson Indicates headphones are Ground Balance Volume Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.

This manual is also suitable for:

X-terra 505

Minelab x-terra 305 Instruction Manual

4 VFLEX Technology

Assembling Your X-TERRA

Detailed Detector Operation

Sensitivity

Noise Cancel

Threshold

Volume

Tones

Ground Balance

Editing Discrimination Patterns 60 Method

Reference Information

Service and Repair Form

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