Instruction Manual Page 1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL The Minelab Sovereign Elite MINELAB
Page 2 The Minelab Sovereign Elite WARNING THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS MINELAB ELECTRONICS PTY LTD RIGHTS TECHNICAL DATA OR RESTRICTED RIGHTS DATA OR BOTH. Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd, 118 Hayward Avenue, Torrensville, SA 5031, Australia. 4901-0044-1.
Instruction Manual Page 3 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Instruction Manual 1. Introduction .............................................................................4 2. BBS Technology ......................................................................5 3. List of Parts .............................................................................7 4. Accessories ............................................................................7 5. Assembling the Detector ....................................
Page 4 The Minelab Sovereign Elite 8. Digital Target Indication Meter ..........................................25 8.1 Installation.................................................................................25 8.2 Callibration................................................................................26 9. Quick Operating Instructions ...........................................28 9.1 Disc Mode................................................................................ 28 9.2 All Metals Mode.
Instruction Manual 1. Page 5 Introduction Congratulations on purchasing Minelab’s Sovereign Elite detector. The Sovereign Elite metal detector has been designed for general purpose treasure hunting and is an improved version of the highly successful Sovereign eXtra Sensitive detector which was voted America’s “Detector of the Year 1997” by Treasure Hunter’s Gazette.
Page 6 2. The Minelab Sovereign Elite BBS Technology When developing BBS technology, Minelab’s scientists first looked at technology that was already available in the market and identified its limitations in field use. Discussions with seasoned treasure hunters from around the world identified a number of common problems facing detector operators. These problems included: • • • • Loss of detection depth in highly mineralised ground. Inaccurate target identification beyond 5 or 6 inches.
Instruction Manual Page 7 Therefore, the treasure hunter is more likely to detect targets normally missed. Single Frequency Dual Frequency 17 Multiple Frequencies P0176-A Figure 1 - Detector comparison chart The most important factor when comparing detectors, with and without BBS circuitry, is that BBS-based detectors have the ability to hunt even in the most mineralised areas at maximum performance without the need to manually ground-balance the detector.
Page 8 3. The Minelab Sovereign Elite List of Parts The box in which the Sovereign Elite is shipped should contain the following items. Please check that all of these items are in the box: Control Box 10” or 8” Round Tornado coil (inc. skid plate attached) 2-Piece Shaft Assembly (inc. Fiberglass lower shaft) Black Aluminium Armrest (inc.
Instruction Manual 5. Page 9 Assembling the Detector Please follow these instructions to assemble the Sovereign Elite. Refer to the drawings to identify parts and how they are positioned. Please contact your Minelab dealer for further instructions should any difficulties arise. 5.1 Armrest/Upper Shaft Assembly 6 a) Place the two arm rest halves (4) on either side of the upper shaft (2) and ensure that the bolt hole is aligned.
Page 10 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Note: Ensure that the black nylon spring clip near the top of the fibreglass tube is pointing toward the rear of the coil. d) Push the black nylon bolt (11) through the holes in the bracket on the coil from the cable entry side and tighten the wing nut (12) by hand. 5.3 Completing the Shaft Assembly a) Slide the lower shaft assembly (3) into the Aluminium upper shaft (2).
Instruction Manual Page 11 c) Connect the coil connector (13) to the plug on the rear of the control box (14). 8 d) Use VelcroTM tabs to secure cable in the correct position on the shaft maintaining slack at coil and control box. 14 13 P0572-A Note: Weather Protection - The hipmounted bag (available as an accessory item) is Figure 5 - Mounting designed so that it can be used to the control box on the weatherproof your control box while detecting shaft in inclement weather.
Page 12 5.6 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Hipmounting/Chestmount Hipmounting is an alternative to mounting the detector on the shaft and significantly reduces physical strain, enabling longer search time without undue fatigue. A hipmount bag is available as an accessory item for this purpose. a) Check that there are charged batteries in the control box. b) Place the control box into the hipmount bag with its control panel facing outwards (see figure 7).
Instruction Manual 6. Page 13 Batteries Your Sovereign Elite is supplied with a rechargeable 12 Volt NiMH battery pack and mains charger. A car charger is also available as an accessory item from your authorised Minelab Dealer. 6.1 Installation of NiMH Battery Pack a) Ensure your NiMH pack is fully charged. b) Place the base of the battery pack at the rear of the battery compartment (A). Push the front edge of the battery pack into position (B).
Page 14 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Caution: Good quality alkaline batteries will power the Sovereign for about 10 to 15 hours. Using headphones will extend battery life. Good quality alkaline batteries should always be used instead of standard carbon batteries. Alkaline batteries should be removed from the detector if it is to be stored for extended periods to avoid damage caused by leaking batteries. 6.
Instruction Manual 7. Page 1 Control Panel This section gives detailed descriptions of the Sovereign Elite’s controls and functionality. It is important that this section is read carefully as it will provide all the information required to set and adjust these controls. It may be beneficial to refer back to this section in the future. Note: Each control has a recommended setting (indicated by a white or blue dot) called a Quickstart Setting (see section 7.1).
Page 2 7.2 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Volume Control and On / Off Switch This control, located at the bottom right of the control panel, is used to adjust a target’s signal volume in addition to switching the Sovereign Elite On or Off. When in the fully anti-clockwise position, the Sovereign Elite is turned Off. Turning the control clockwise, will “click” the Sovereign Elite On. Continuing to turn this control in a clockwise direction will increase the volume of the target signals.
Instruction Manual Page 3 Experienced operators detecting in wet sand at the beach should set the Sensitivity control out of Auto and into the area marked Beach or as far anti-clockwise as possible, with minimal false signalling. In general, the more moist the beach sand, the more clockwise the knob must be turned. The incidence of false signalling is minimised if the operator concentrates on sweeping the coil as parallel and even to the beach sand surface as possible, whether in or out of the water.
Page 4 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Ideally this control should be set to a position where the threshold tone is just audible. At this level, the presence of small or deep targets will be more easily recognised. Turning the Threshold control in a clockwise direction will increase the threshold tone. At the most clockwise setting, the threshold is at its “maximum”.
Instruction Manual Page 5 In Disc. mode the detector will null or cancel target signals made from unwanted metals. The degree of discrimination is set by using the Disc and Notch control knobs. When Disc/All Metal Switch is in Disc position with Disc and Notch control at minimum, the Sovereign Elite will cancel all ferrous metals. As the Disc control is increased (turned clockwise) more non-ferrous metals will be cancelled.
Page 6 7.6 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Disc Control The Disc (Discriminate) control is located at the top left-hand side of the control panel and is used when in Disc. Mode to “discriminate” or “ignore” unwanted non-ferrous metal targets.
Instruction Manual Page 7 CONDUCTIVITY LOW CONDUCTIVITY FOIL LOW COINS AND RINGS PULL-TABS HIGH CONDUCTIVITY HIGH COINS AND RINGS COPPER, SILVER, BRASS and LEAD NON-FERROUS FERROUS P0234-A Figure 13 - Target conductivity Turn the Disc control further clockwise and objects of greater conductivity will be ignored.
Page 8 The Minelab Sovereign Elite FO IL 4 13 IN G S Small iron bolts, nails, etc. REJECTED S R P U L LTA B Most fine white gold rings, foil, and some yellow gold rings will also be ignored. With experience, setting the Disc control to ignore most unwanted targets (in combination with the Notch control) will become second nature. Silver, copper, brass, lead ACCEPTED P0201-B Figure 15 - Disc control 7.
Instruction Manual Page 9 CONDUCTIVITY LOW CONDUCTIVITY DISC HIGH CONDUCTIVITY NOTCH FOIL LOW COINS AND RINGS FERROUS PULL-TABS HIGH COINS AND RINGS COPPER, SILVER, BRASS and LEAD NON-FERROUS ACCEPTED IGNORED P0236-C Figure 16 - Ignoring targets using the Notch control When using the Notch and Disc controls in combination, most unwanted objects can be successfully ignored (see Figure 16).
Page 10 7.8 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Tone ID Switch Fixed Tone ID or Variable Tone ID in Disc. In the Fixed position, the tone of the audio signal from a target will always be the same as the volume increases to indicate the target, regardless of the object’s conductivity. Variable Fixed P0253-A Tone ID In the Variable position, the tone of audio signals received will change to help identify the object that has been detected.
Instruction Manual 7.10 Page 11 Audio Output The audio output of the Sovereign Elite is available through either an in-built loudspeaker or via a 1/4” stereo headphone jack. When a pair of headphones are plugged in, the loudspeaker is disconnected. Headphones are recommended for serious treasure hunting for several reasons: they are more sensitive to slight target signals than the loudspeaker and their use will increase battery life. Headphones used should be of a low impedance.
Instruction Manual 8. Page 1 Digital Target Indication Meter (available as accessory) The Digital Target meter has been designed to aid in the identification of metal targets before their recovery. It provides a digital display of the target ID tones produced by the Sovereign Elite detector, and connects between the search coil and the control box without requiring any modification to the detector’s electronics.
Page 2 8.2 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Calibration Before using the Digital Target meter, it is necessary to calibrate it as follows: a) Set the Calibration control knob (situated to the rear of the meter) to the center position of its range. b) Place the detector in a stationary position with the coil flat on the ground. c) Set the Sensitivity control on the Control box to Auto (extreme anti-clockwise).
Instruction Manual Page 3 Target Recognition Table Object US quarter AUS 20c Type non-ferrous non-ferrous Reading 55 50
Page 4 9. 9.1 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Quick Operating Instructions Disc Mode a) Install charged batteries. b) Set the Mode switch to Disc. c) Turn the Sovereign Elite On by turning the Volume control to the most clockwise or “maximum” setting. d) Turn the Threshold control in a clockwise direction until the tone becomes “just” audible. e) Set the Sensitivity control to Auto or at the maximum manual setting without interference.
Instruction Manual 10. Page 5 Practising the Controls Take some time to become familiar with how the Sovereign Elite responds to various metal objects. a) Gather a collection of different metal objects such as a rusted nail, pull-tab, brass button, aluminium foil, various coins, and some gold and silver jewelry. b) Take the detector outside, away from known electromagnetic devices or metal objects. Lay the various objects out on an area of ground known to be barren of other metal objects.
Page 6 The Minelab Sovereign Elite j) Turn the Disc control progressively clockwise in steps and pass the coil over the objects. Take note of when certain objects are rejected, this will enable more accurate discrimination of these objects in the field. k) Turn the Disc control to the position where it ignores the pull-tab. Passing the coil over objects with lower conductivity (such as the aluminium foil) will not produce a signal. Take note of the threshold tone as it disappears and then returns again.
Instruction Manual 11. Page 7 Treasure Hunting Tips The Sovereign Elite will perform at its best when the Sovereign’s Tornado coil is kept in close proximity to the ground. Inexperienced operators should practice maintaining a constant coil height at the extremity of each swing; maintaining contact with the ground will make this easier. This is important, as variation in coil height at the end of each swing can cause confusing sounds and will reduce detection depth.
Page 8 11.1 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Pinpointing the Target When the approximate location of the target has been determined, move the coil slowly over the target. The audio signal will increase in volume while moving towards the target and decrease in volume as the coil is passed away from it. The signal will be loudest when the coil is directly over the target. Quite often the detector will be producing its maximum volume for a broad area over the target.
Instruction Manual 11.2 Page 9 Recovering the Object Once the target has been pinpointed, clear the surface of loose material and check again for the 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, recheck using the pinpoint mode. Cut a grass plug in a horse shoe shape leaving one corner attached, then bend the sod back.
Page 10 12. The Minelab Sovereign Elite Environmental Concerns Firstly, it should be pointed out that treasure hunting with a metal detector is the most environmentally friendly way to recover coins, rings, and other treasure items. However, it is important to leave an area searched in the same condition you found it. When searching parklands or properties where the grassland or lawn is sensitive to disturbance, always use special tools to enable the recovery of targets without digging large holes.
Instruction Manual 13. Page 11 Detector Care The Sovereign Elite is a high-quality electronic instrument, finely engineered and packaged in a durable housing. Taking proper care of the detector is mostly common sense. • Do not leave alkaline batteries in the control box when the detector is not in use for any period exceeding two weeks. Damage caused by leaking batteries would be severe and would void the warranty through user negligence.
Page 12 14. The Minelab Sovereign Elite Troubleshooting Guide Fault Solution No Sound Check batteries and battery connections. Check headphones and their connection. Erratic Noises Check battery charge and battery connections. Ensure coil connector is tightened firmly. Reduce the Sensitivity by turning clockwise or return to the Auto position. Switch Noise Cancel switch to other Band Check headphones and their connection. Check for sand or grit between coil cover and coil.
Instruction Manual 15. Page 13 Specifications These specifications are subject to change without notice. Applications: Length: Weight: Batteries: Coil: Headphones: Transmission: Ground Rejection: Detection Modes: All Metals/Pinpoint: Disc/Iron Mask: Controls: Visual Display: Warranty: Patents: Coin, relic, and treasure hunting Inland, beach or shallow water Extended 55” (1400mm) Unextended 33” (840mm) Control Box (excl. Batt) 550 g 8” Tornado Coil 590 g 10” Tornado Coil 780 g Alkaline Cells Eight 1.
Page 14 16. The Minelab Sovereign Elite Warranty and Service There is a two-year parts and labour warranty for the electronic control box and Tornado Coils of the Sovereign Elite. Conditions apply, please refer to the Warranty Card for further details. Note: Please return the enclosed warranty card, correctly filled out, to your dealer or direct to Minelab Electronics. This will assist Minelab to service your needs promptly.
Instruction Manual Page 15 FCC Compliance NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Page 16 The Minelab Sovereign Elite Minelab Service Repair Form Today’s Date: .......................................................... Detector Model: ...............................Serial No.: ................................. Purchased From: ................................................................................... Purchase Date: ......................................................... Parts being returned: .......................................................................... ..........
