Detector Sounds - Minelab EQUINOX 600 Instruction Manual

Contents

Detector Sounds

The EQUINOX produces a variety of different sounds for target and environmental signals
and various detector functions.
Targets
A target signal is the sound produced by the detector when any
metal object is detected.
Typically, a ferrous (iron) target gives a low tone response and
a non-ferrous target gives a higher tone response that varies
according to the conductive properties of the metal (e.g. silver will
give a higher tone than aluminium).
Volume and Target Proximity
Large targets and targets close to the ground-surface give louder
audio signals.
Signals produced by targets a long way from the coil are quiet,
becoming rapidly louder as the coil nears the target.
Deep Targets
No signal Quiet signal
The sound produced by the detector in Pinpoint or Ground
Balance will vary in volume and pitch depending on the signal
strength (from a target or ground mineralisation). This volume
range is proportional to the maximum volume setting.
Noise/False Signals
The detector may pick up unwanted noise signals, either through
the air or from the ground. These false signals can be reduced by
using Noise Cancel or Ground Balance. Turing down Sensitivity will
also allow you to operate the detector effectively in difficult (or
noisy) locations.
Electrical Noise
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) may occur near power-lines,
phone towers or electric fences. This can cause a detector to
perform erratically, causing false signals and inaccurate Target ID.
The effects of electrical noise can be reduced using Noise Cancel
(page 39).
Shallow Targets
Quiet signal Loud signal
A large deep target signal will
be the same volume as a small
shallow target signal.
EMI can also be received from other metal detectors operating
nearby. Always detect a minimum of 15 metres (45-feet) away from
other detectors.
15 m (45")
EQUINOX should not be operated indoors. Metal in the
floors and walls, and household appliances will cause
significant noise interference.
Ground Noise
Ground interference (or ground noise) may occur when there are
high levels of mineralisation in the soil. This can be very common
in detecting locations, especially goldfields.
The effects of ground noise can be reduced using Ground Balance
(page 40).
Keypad
The detector will make a sound whenever buttons on the keypad
are pressed. A valid button press makes a short high pitched 'bip'
sound. An invalid button press makes a low pitched beep.
Threshold
The constant background 'hum' that can be produced by the
detector is called the Threshold. Some users like to hear a threshold
tone so that they can hear both target signals and rejected target
audio 'blanking' .
When a rejected target is detected, the Threshold 'blanks' (becomes
silent), indicating that a target is located underneath the coil, but
has been rejected by the discrimination pattern.
Detection (Audio signal)
Threshold tone
Accepted target
Detector Sounds | 17
Blanking (No Sound)
Rejected target