Metal detecting is a fascinating and rewarding activity enjoyed by people all over the world. By getting to know your X-Terra you can become one of the many who find valuable coins, relics and jewellery on a regular basis. The X-Terra is a high-precision instrument incorporating Minelab’s latest single 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-tuned and dependable detector.
VFLEX Technology Assembling Your X-Terra Connecting the Coil Shaft Assembly Armrest Assembly Connecting the Control Box Coil Cable Assembly Inserting Batteries Ready for Use Quick Start Reference 4 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Back Cover Detecting Basics Holding the Detector Sweeping the Coil Introducing the Control Panel Keypad Layout Turning on the Detector LCD Layout Detecting Exercise Example Detections How Detectors Work Target ID Discrimination Scale Preset Discrimination Patterns Choosing a Discriminati
Detailed Detector Operation LCD Icons Operation Selecting Menu Settings Sensitivity Adjusting Sensitivity Volume Adjusting Volume Noise Cancel* Choosing a Noise Cancel Channel* Ground Balance* Adjusting Ground Balance* Editing Discrimination Patterns Method 1 Method 2 Erasing Patterns Factory Presets 38 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 54 55 56 57 Reference Information Sounds Error Messages Battery Behaviour Care of your X-Terra Accessory Headphones Protective Accessories Accessory Coils X-Terra Specificat
Power Supply Audio Transmit Analog Signal The X-Terra detectors are Minelab’s first products to incorporate VFLEX Technology. VFLEX uses state of the art digital and mixed-signal components to enhance standard single frequency technology by replacing most of the analogue circuitry with digital signal processing.
Transmit Standard VLF Signal (Without VFLEX) SECONDARY MICRO (IN COIL) SENSING + TRANSMITTING COIL TYPE, SIZE, FREQUENCY Analog Signal Receive Coil Precision VFLEX Signal For the X-Terra user, this precision means dependable performance and improved immunity to environmental conditions such as ground mineralization, electromagnetic interference and temperature variations. VFLEX requires coils that are accurately constructed and calibrated.
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 Rubber washers (2) Plastic wing nut Plastic bolt Armrest screw Armrest strap Velcro tabs (2) :-) Warranty card Instruction manual you’re holding it
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. Fasten with the plastic wing nut provided, being careful not to damage the thread of the bolt by over-tightening. This may need to be loosened to adjust the coil to a comfortable detecting angle.
Ensure that the twistlocks of the shafts are loosened by rotating them counterclockwise. 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. Attach the middle shaft to the upper shaft in the same way. Once shafts are assembled, lock them in position by rotating twistlocks clockwise.
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, pg. 15) Insert the screw up through the stand, upper shaft and armrest. Tighten the screw, being careful not to overtighten and damage the thread. With the velcro side facing upwards, thread the armrest strap through both slots in the armrest.
Connecting With the LCD facing up, push the control box onto the end of the handle until it fits into place. The LCD window has a protective film affixed to prevent scratching. This may be removed when the detector is fully assembled. 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 the handle.
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. Align the coil plug and connect into the socket in the back of the control box, lightly tightening the retaining ring to hold it in place.
The X-Terra uses 4 X AA batteries which are not included with the detector. (Battery Behaviour, pg. 62) 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. Place individual batteries into the compartment as illustrated, ensuring the positive (+) and negative (–) contacts match the diagram on the control box. Close the battery door by pushing and sliding it downwards.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ASSEMBLED YOUR X-TERRA.
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.
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 shafts and move them up or down to suit. Once all shafts are clipped into position, rotate twistlocks clockwise onto the shafts until a firm clamping action is achieved. Shaft is the correct length (Shaft Assembly, pg.
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. This will increase detection depth and response to small objects.
POWER turns the detector Scrolls through the different discrimination patterns. on/off. Accesses and scrolls through detecting settings. This button has two functions. Assists in locating the exact position of a target prior to recovery (PINPOINT). Accepts or rejects certain metals by turning on/off individual discrimination segments. * Toggles between the selected discrimination pattern and the all metal pattern. * Activates the manual adjustment to compensate for different types of soil.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) area 50 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 AL AL 30 50
There are many metallic objects inside the house (e.g. nails in the floor, reinforcing in the walls) that will result in overloading the detector’s electronics. There may also be interference from TV sets and other household appliances. In this environment the detector may give erratic performance and numerous false signals. Press POWER A short start up sequence will display and a tune will be heard. Once on, the detector will be in automatic detection.
1 2 3 4 5 AL 30 1 2 3 4 5 AL 1 2 3 4 5 Blank detection display. There will be no numerical reading until a detection is made. AL 50 This LCD layout is a representation to show the differences between the two models. LCD icons are never all shown at the same time.
A good way to become familiar with detecting is to test the detector against a range of metal objects. This exercise is a simple lesson on how the detector interprets metal objects. Pass the coil across the objects, one at a time, and observe the LCD and the detector’s sounds as it detects each object. Gather a collection of different metal objects, e.g. various coins, gold and silver jewellery, a rusted nail, pull-tab, brass button and aluminium foil.
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 50 has additional ways of stabilising the detector’s signals for different environments. (Noise Cancel*, pg. 48, Ground Balance*, pg. 50) The X-Terra coil is waterproof. (Care of Your X-Terra, pg.
Discrimination Pattern The factory preset pattern 1 rejects ferrous metals and foil, and accepts non-ferrous metals. Patterns can be edited and saved according to detecting preferences. 1 2 Audio A detected non-ferrous target will give a medium - high tone audio response. Visual A detected non-ferrous target will give a visual indication within the non-ferrous section of the discrimination scale and a positive target ID.
0cm) 25 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. 1 2 Low Further understanding of detector basics and detailed detector operation may be obtained from the rest of this manual.
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. Metal detectors react to the size, shape and composition of objects. Typically, the larger the object, the deeper it can be detected. The X-Terra uses a single frequency (7.5kHz) as the standard operating frequency.
The X-Terra has a number of different icons that have been designed to best represent and identify the metal objects in the ground. Target ID Buried metal objects are referred to as targets. As the coil is passed over a target, it detects its conductivity and displays this as a number. Target Identification (ID) is used to distinguish one type of metal target from another. Target ID numbers range from -4 to 44 on the X-Terra 30 and -9 to 45 on the X-Terra 50.
In addition to the target ID, targets are also represented as a particular segment on a linear scale at the bottom of the display. Each discrimination segment represents a level of conductivity and ferrous content. Non ferrous targets are those that have no iron content, such as gold, silver, copper and bronze. Non-ferrous targets are often higher in conductivity and are represented by the right hand side segments. Ferrous targets are those that contain iron, for example nails and scrap metal.
5 AL 1 2 3 4 5 AL 29 30 1 ferrous 11 non-ferrous The X-Terra 30 has 12 segments. The target IDs range from -4 up to 44, increasing in steps of 4. 50 3 ferrous 15 non-ferrous The X-Terra 50 has 18 segments. The target IDs range from -9 to 45, increasing in steps of 3. The more segments available, the more separate target IDs available.
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. The X-Terra 30 has an all metal pattern and 1 preset pattern. The X-Terra 50 has an all metal pattern and 2 preset patterns. Patterns 1 and 2 can be edited to create your own custom discrimination patterns. Edited patterns are automatically saved. (Editing Discrimination Patterns, pg.
5 AL 1 2 3 4 5 AL All Metal Pattern 30 Accepts signals from all types of metals, everything from jewellery to rusty nails (all target IDs). No target signals are rejected 50 5 Pattern 1 AL 1 2 3 4 5 AL 1 2 3 4 5 30 Accepts signals from non-ferrous targets, e.g. gold and silver coins (X-Terra 30 IDs: 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44). (X-Terra 50 IDs: 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45).
On the X-Terra 30 PATTERNS toggles between the all metal pattern (AM) and pattern 1. 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 AL 1 2 1 2 The all metal pattern cannot be edited.
On the X-Terra 50 PATTERNS toggles between pattern 1 and pattern 2. The X-Terra 50 also has an all metal shortcut. This toggles between the selected pattern and all metal. 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 AL 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 The all metal pattern cannot be edited.
Enabling pinpoint instructs the X-Terra to temporarily disengage discrimination and become a non-motion detector. Targets normally discriminated against will emit a signal when beneath the coil. high coil tone this target will produce a loud, high tone sound this target will produce a quiet, low tone sound low During normal detection, the X-Terra operates with discrimination patterns. When a target signal is heard, it is an advantage to identify the target’s exact position.
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 center of the coil. The detector will only produce a high volume when the center-ring of the coil is directly above the target. Taking note of the detector’s response, reduce the span of each successive pass of the coil until you are confident of the target’s location.
A trowel, knife or small spade are good tools for recovering targets. Once a target has been located, clear the surface of loose material and check again for a signal. If there is no signal then the target is amongst the surface material. In this case, search the surface material until the target is located. If the target is still in the ground, check again with pinpoint. The aim, when digging, is to leave the area of ground exactly as you found it.
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. Repeat this procedure until the target is located. Ensure that no other targets remain, then refill the hole. All soil and portions of grass on the plastic sheet should be returned to the hole as neatly as possible. Step lightly on the soil to compact it.
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 30 and -9 to 45 on the X-Terra 50. Negative numbers represent ferrous targets and positive numbers represent non-ferrous targets. 1 2 Numeric ID These numbers have another function.
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 non-ferrous. Patterns Preset discrimination patterns are used to suit different search preferences. X-Terra 30 has 1 pattern, X-Terra 50 has 2 patterns (Preset Discrimination Patterns, pg. 30). 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 * 5 1 2 AL AL AL Depth Indicator The depth indicator is a relative guide to how deep a target is.
Menu * The X-Terra has a list of settings (sensitivity, volume, noise cancel* 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.) Menu scale Consists of 10 segments and a circular scale line. This works in conjunction with the numeric ID to show the value of the selected setting adjustment.
Reject Identification This icon appears when rejecting a discrimination segment. It disappears when accepting a discrimination segment (pg. 54, 55). 1 2 Battery This icon indicates how much power is left in the batteries (pg. 62). Headphones: This icon indicates that the headphones are connected and that the headphone volume has been selected (pg. 66). 1 2 Headphones are not included with the X-Terra (Accessory Headphones, pg.
The X-Terra operates in two display states – Detection and Settings. Detection The target ID, discrimination segments and depth automatically translate detected signals. The last detected target ID stays on the display until another is detected. If the detector passes over a target that it rejects, the display will return to a blank detection screen represented by 2 dashes.
Detection Settings 1 3 4 5 AL 1 2 1 3 4 5 AL 1 2 Exits Settings, and returns to a blank detection display 1 3 4 5
The X-Terra detectors are highly sensitive and therefore have a wide sensitivity adjustment range. It is important to set the correct sensitivity level for your detecting conditions. Some experimentation with the sensitivity may be required for different areas. For beginners, start with a low setting and increase progressively. Sensitivity is the detector’s level of response to a target and its environment. Real targets are interpreted as distinct beeps.
1 2 1 3 4 5 AL 1 2 1 3 4 5 AL
Volume is the level of sound the detector gives when a target is detected. The volume control limits the potential loudness of target signals. The X-Terra has proportional target signal volume. The sound produced by a distant target starts softly. As you get closer, the volume level increases rapidly until it reaches the maximum level that has been set.
1 2 1 2 1 3 4 5 1 3 4 5 AL
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. Three channels are available, represented by the numbers -1, 0 and 1 and are also indicated on the menu scale.
1 3 4 5 AL 1 2 Menu scale segments will flash for 3 seconds while calibrating the channel 1 3 4 5 AL x2 1 2 1 3 4 5 AL
The X-Terra 30 has a fixed ground balance that allows adequate operation over most types of soils. Ground balancing the detector reduces false detections and enables good targets to be displayed and heard correctly. The X-Terra 50 has an adjustable ground balance which helps in compensating for false signals. Ground balance settings affect both normal discrimination detection and pinpoint operation.
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.
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*. A 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. Try to lower the coil as close to the ground as possible without touching it.
1 3 4 5 Low AL 1 2 1 High 3 4 5 AL 1 2 Medium quiet 1 3 4 5 AL
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 1 2 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. Press ACCEPT REJECT to reject that target ID. The discrimination segment and X icon will appear and the target ID number will disappear to indicate the rejected ID.
Method 2 - to reject a specific target ID using + – 1 2 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. Press ACCEPT REJECT to either accept or reject that ID. The discriminated segment and the X icon will appear (become shaded) if rejected. The segment and the X icon will disappear if accepted. 1 2 3 ACCEPT REJECT toggles between accepting and rejecting targets.
56 Custom patterns are saved when the X-Terra is switched off. To erase custom patterns and return to preset patterns: 1 2 3 4 5 Turn the detector off. AL While pressing and holding PATTERNS, turn the detector back on, by pressing power once. During the start up sequence, release PATTERNS. After the start up sequence, the patterns erased message (PE) will appear for 3 seconds to indicate that the current patterns have been erased and returned to the preset patterns.
56 The settings sensitivity, volume, noise cancel* and ground balance are saved when the X-Terra is switched off. To return to the preset menu values: 1 2 3 4 5 AL Turn the detector off. While pressing and holding MENU SELECT, turn the detector back on, by pressing POWER once. During the start up sequence, release MENU SELECT.
Start Up Sequence Error When the detector is turned on, there is a short three note tune during its start up sequence. A six note tune will sound to indicate a detector error (Error Messages, pg. 60). Positive Acknowledgement If the coil is passed across a large shallow target, the detector will give a repeating buzzing sound. This indicates that the target signal is too strong for the detector to interpret. The detector emits a short beep for every accepted key press.
Target Response This is the sound given by the detector when a target is located and not discriminated against (rejected). Generally a target that is highly conductive (e.g. a large silver coin) emits a high tone beep. A low tone beep is produced for ferrous targets. Low Pinpoint Response When in pinpoint, the detector emits a variable tone, that increases in pitch and volume as the coil gets closer to the target.
Coil Unplugged 1 The coil has been disconnected from the detector. The menu scale line icon will slowly flash until the coil is plugged back in. Turn the detector off. Send the coil and detector to be repaired. Coil Error 1 The coil is not communicating with the control box. 1 2 3 4 5 AL 1 2 3 4 5 AL The menu scale line icon will slowly flash until a standard coil is connected. Turn the detector off before connecting a standard coil.
Coil Incompatible 1 The coil is communicating with the control box but the detector is not recognising it. The menu scale line icon will slowly flash. 1 The detector has received a signal that is too strong for it to interpret. This will appear until there is no more overload (pg. 20). 1 2 3 4 5 AL Turn the detector off before connecting a standard coil. Overload 1 2 3 4 5 AL Take the coil away from the source of overload.
The X-Terra is capable of using different types of AA batteries: 1.5 V Alkaline 1.5 V Carbon 1.5 V Lithium (non-rechargeable) 1.2 V NiMH (rechargeable) 1.2 V NiCad (rechargeable) The adjacent graph is a representation of how both types of batteries may discharge over time. How the detector is used will affect how long the batteries last for.
1.5 V Alkaline 1.
The X-Terra is a high quality electronic instrument, finely engineered and packaged in a durable housing. Taking proper care of your X-Terra is common sense. The X-Terra’s storage temperature is -4˚F to 149˚F (-20˚C to +65˚C) and the operating temperature is 32˚F to 113˚F (0˚C to 45˚C). Do not leave the detector in excessive heat or cold for longer than necessary. Try to avoid leaving it in a closed trunk or in a car sitting in sunlight. Covering it when not in use will help protect it.
The display window may be prone to scratching or damage if not treated with care. A protective control box cover is available. (Protective Accessories, pg. 68) Ensure the coil cable is in good condition and not subject to undue stress (particularly where it is connected to the coil). Always remember to turn off the detector before changing coils. Previous Minelab coils will not function with the X-Terra detector. Old, flat or faulty batteries may cause many detector problems, through electrolyte leakage.
Headphones have many advantages. They block out external noise such as wind and traffic, allowing you to listen more closely to target signals. Headphones also minimise disturbance to other people in the area and they extend battery life. The X-Terra is able to save separate settings for both the speaker volume and headphone volume, switching from one to the other as soon as the headphones are connected. (Volume, pg. 46) Ensure that the headphone volume does not reach an extremely loud level.
Connecting Headphones Always use headphones with a ¼“ jack. Open the rubber headphone cover located on the left hand side of the control box. Plug the headphone jack into the socket. When the detector is turned on, the headphones icon will appear on the LCD to indicate that the headphones are connected. When not using headphones, keep the rubber cover closed to protect the control box electronics from moisture and dust.
Environmental Cover Skid Plate A skid plate comes as standard with the detector. If it wears out from excessive sweeping along the ground, accessory skidplates are available for purchase. Protects the control box from environmental conditions such as rain and dirt.
Accessory coils come in different types (Double D and Concentric), sizes and frequencies*. These coils are suitable for different ground conditions and specific targets. To attach an accessory coil: Turn the detector off using POWER. Follow the steps of Coil Cable Assembly (pg. 12) and Connecting the Coil (pg. 8) in reverse order to disconnect the coil from the detector. Repeat the same steps in the correct order to connect a different coil.
Transmission Single Frequency Sine Wave Technology VFLEX Coil 9” Concentric 7.5 kHz Visual Display Audio Positive Reflective LCD Internal Speaker and Headphone Output Search Mode Motion Detector Discrimination Batteries (Not Included) Padded Armrest Multi Segment Accept/Reject 4 X AA Alkaline/Carbon/Lithium or NiMH/NiCad 4 Position Adjustable with Stand & Armrest Length Extended 56” (1.42m) Length Unextended 48” (1.22m) Weight (Excluding Batteries) Optional Accessories 2.9lbs (1.
Model Features Coil Frequency Options Discrimination Patterns All Metal Shortcut Discrimination Scale (Segments) Ferrous Non-ferrous Numeric Range (Target ID Numbers) Depth Depth Indication Icons Sensitivity Adjustment Noise Cancel Channels Ground Balance Adjustment Pinpoint (Audio & Visual) Volume Adjustment Audio Tones for Targets Low Battery Audio Alarm User Interface Keys LCD Icons Shaft Colour X-Terra 30 1 (Standard 7.5 kHz) 1 + All Metal X-Terra 50 2 (Standard 7.5 kHz, High 18.
5 AL 30 5 AL 5 AL 1 2 3 4 5 1 AL 2 3 4 5 1 AL 2 3 4 5 AL 50
Turn on (pg. 20) Choose a discrimination pattern (pg. 32, 33) Adjust sensitivity (pg. 45) and volume (pg. 47) Choose a noise cancel* channel (pg. 49) Adjust ground balance* (pg. 52) Begin detecting! (pg. 24) These quick start instructions allow you to begin detecting straight away and find important reference information for setting up your X-Terra. Minelab however encourages all users to read the entire manual to ensure a complete understanding of all features and functions your X-Terra offers.
The World Leader in Metal Sensing Technology From our origins in 1985, Minelab have specialised in advanced electronics technologies. Our competitive advantage was created almost immediately with a highly competent and innovative Research and Development team, inspired by the genius of Mr. Bruce Candy.
Please return the tear off section of your warranty card to Minelab as soon as possible. Working for a Cleaner, Greener Future Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. For Consumers within the European Union: Do not dispose of this equipment in general household waste.
Today’s Date Detector Model Serial Number Purchased From Purchase Date Faulty Part(s) Owners Name Address Phone ( Fax ( Email ) Day ) Home