adjusting ground balance

Turn on (pg. 12)
Choose a detecting mode (pg. 12)
Coin & Treasure Mode (pg. 18)
Prospecting Mode (pg. 19)
Choose a Discrimination Pattern (pg. 22, 24)
Set the Iron Mask Level (pg. 22, 24)
Set Noise Cancel (Auto or Manual) (pg. 34)
Set Ground Balance (Auto, Manual or Track) (pg. 42)
Begin detecting!
These quick start instructions allow you to begin
detecting straight away and find important reference
information for setting up your X-Terra 70.
Minelab encourages all users to read the entire
manual to ensure a complete understanding of all
the features and functions that your X-Terra 70 offers.
CONGRATULATIONS ON
PURCHASING YOUR X-TERRA 70!
The World Leader in Metal Sensing Technology
From our origins in 1985, Minelab have specialised in advanced electronics
Metal detecting is a fascinating and rewarding activity
enjoyed by people all over the world. By getting to know
your X-Terra 70 you can become one of the many who find
valuable coins, relics, gold and jewellery on a regular basis.
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.
This commitment to innovation has enabled us to successfully market feature-
The X-Terra 70 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. In other words, a SERIOUS detector.
This manual is designed to help both the
beginner and expert treasure hunter get the
best performance out of the X-Terra 70.
For further product information
and detecting tips, refer to:
packed Consumer coin and treasure detectors enjoyed by hobbyists worldwide
as well as high quality gold detectors used by both professionals and amateurs.
Please return the
tear-off section
of your warranty
card to Minelab
as soon as possible.
Minelab’s advanced technology is also incorporated in detection equipment
designed for military and humanitarian de-mining projects throughout the world.
Today Minelab has manufacturing, distribution and customer service operations
in Australia, Europe and the United States, and is an ISO 9001 Quality Endorsed
Company. ISO 9001 is a worldwide quality standard certification that ensures
the highest level of product quality for our customers.
Working for a Cleaner,
Greener Future
For Consumers within the European Union:
Do not dispose of this equipment in general
household waste.
The crossed out wheeled bin indicated
on this equipment is an indicator that this
unit should not be disposed of in general
household waste, but recycled in compliance
with local government regulations or
environmental requirements.
Please dispose of this equipment via a
recycling service or centre, or by returning
the unit to the respective Minelab or Halcro
outlet as appropriate for your unit. This will
enable the equipment to be disposed
of in an environmentally safe manner.
Disposal of unwanted electronic equipment
in landfilled waste may contribute to
adverse long term environmental effect
due to the leaching of contaminating and
toxic substances contained within some
electronic equipment.
Disclaimer:
The Minelab metal detector discussed
in this operating manual has been
expressly designed and manufactured as
a quality hobbyist metal detector and is
recommended for use in coin, treasure and
general metal detection in non-hazardous
environments. This metal detector has not
been designed for use as a mine detector
or as a live munitions detection tool.
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH
PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES
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.
Please note:
Since there may be a variety of options
available for this detector, equipment
may vary according to the Model or
items ordered with your detector. Certain
descriptions and illustrations may also differ
(in this manual) from the exact Model that
you purchased. In addition, Minelab
reserves the right to respond to ongoing
technical progress by introducing changes
in design, equipment and technical
features at any time.
Item Number: 4901 - 0059
Revision: 1.1
CONTENTS
How Detectors Work
VFLEX Technology
2
2
Menu Operation
Adjusting Menu Settings
28
29
Assembling Your X-Terra 70
List of Parts
Connecting the Coil
Shaft Assembly
Armrest Assembly
Connecting the Control Box
Disconnecting the Control Box
Coil Cable Assembly
Inserting Batteries
4
4
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
Sensitivity
Adjusting Sensitivity
30
31
Volume
Adjusting Volume
32
33
Keypad Layout
LCD Layout
8
10
Turning the Detector On
Detecting Modes
Holding the Detector
Sweeping the Coil
A Simple Detecting Exercise
Detector Audio
12
12
14
15
16
17
Coin & Treasure Mode
Prospecting Mode
18
19
Target ID
Target ID Stability
20
20
Pattern Discrimination Scale
21
Preset Discrimination Patterns
Choosing a Discrimination Pattern
Pattern Discrimination
Iron Mask Discrimination
All Metal Shortcut
Editing Discrimination Patterns
22
24
24
24
24
25
Pinpointing
Recovering the Target
26
27
Noise Cancel
34
Choosing a Noise Cancel Channel 35
Threshold
Adjusting Threshold
36
37
Tones
Target Tones
Threshold Tone
Adjusting Tones
38
38
38
39
Ground Balance
Ground Balance (Normal)
Ground Balance (Beach)
Adjusting Ground Balance
40
40
40
42
Factory Presets
Mode Factory Preset
Erasing Patterns
44
44
44
Sounds
Battery Behaviour
Coil Identification
Error Messages
Accessories
Care of Your X-Terra
46
47
48
49
50
52
X-Terra 70 Specifications
Model Features
53
53
User Preferences
User Notes
Service Repair Form
54
55
56
Quick Start Reference
Back Cover
1
2
HOW DETECTORS WORK
Metal detectors create an electromagnetic field, which penetrates the
ground. Because metal is conductive
it causes a change in this field. The
detector senses this change and sends
a signal back to the control box,
alerting the operator.
Metal detectors can determine the
size, shape and composition of metallic
objects beneath the coil. Typically,
the larger the object, the easier it is
to detect.
The frequency of a detector is the
number of times a signal is transmitted
into the ground, per second (measured
in Hertz - Hz). 1000Hz = 1kHz.
3
The X-Terra 70 uses a single frequency
(7.5kHz) as it’s standard operating frequency.
This frequency has the ability to penetrate
deep into the ground and is the most
suitable for general purpose detecting.
“B
The X-Terra 70 has two basic coil
configurations, each with its own benefits.
!”
EEP
A Concentric coil is the
standard coil supplied
with the X-Terra 70 and is
an all purpose coil with
excellent pinpointing
capabilities.
Being the the top model in the X-Terra
product range, the X-Terra 70 is capable
of operating at frequencies of 3kHz and
18.75kHz, depending upon the selection
of appropriate accessory coils (pg. 48, 51).
The X-Terra 70 has two main detecting
modes: Coin & Treasure Mode (pg.18)
for general purpose detecting and
Prospecting Mode (pg. 19) for detecting
gold nuggets and relics.
The specialised Prospecting Mode has
improved Sensitivity and adjustable Iron
Mask Discrimination. It is the ideal mode
when searching for gold nuggets, small
relics, and some types of jewellery.
Power
Supply
Audio
Transmit
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. The small amount of
analogue circuitry still employed has been very carefully
designed and calibrated to obtain the outstanding
sensitivity, stability and repeatability required to match
the performance of the digital processing.
This radical departure from traditional approaches
to metal detector design has been made possible by
advances in electronics that power personal digital
assistants, cell (mobile) phones and high-fidelity
portable audio equipment.
Double D coils are available
as accessories. They provide
improved ground rejection
and have a different
detection profile.
PRIMARY MICRO
(IN CONTROL BOX)
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
(DSP)
CODEC SIGNAL CONVERSION
Standard VLF Signal
(Without VFLEX)
SECONDARY MICRO
(IN COIL)
SENSING + TRANSMITTING
COIL TYPE, SIZE, FREQUENCY
Analog Signal
Keypad
LCD
Receive
Receive
Control Box
Coil
Precision VFLEX Signal
For the X-Terra user, this precision means dependable
performance and improved immunity to environmental
conditions such as ground mineralisation, electromagnetic
interference and temperature variations.
VFLEX requires coils that are accurately constructed
and calibrated. Every time the detector starts up, the
micro-controllers in the control box and the coil establish
communication through a digital data link.
Information about the coil is sent to the control box, so the
detector ‘knows’ what type of coil is attached and can set
the appropriate operating parameters.
This optimizes performance, and also makes the detector
‘future proof’, in that it will be capable of operating
at different frequencies depending on the electronic
properties of the coil.
4
ASSEMBLING YOUR X-TERRA 70
List of Parts
Connecting the Coil
Before assembling your X-Terra 70, please
check that the package includes these parts:
Coil
Skidplate (fitted to coil)
Lower shaft
Middle shaft
Upper shaft
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 the coil
shaft, pointing downwards.
Insert the plastic bolt through the yoke
and the yoke bracket.
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
5
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.
The coil cable is directly wired into
the coil and is not removable. Any
attempt to disconnect this cable will
void your warranty.
Shaft Assembly
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.
The upper shaft assembly location uses
two spring loaded pins to strengthen
the joint, one on either side of the shaft.
6
ASSEMBLING YOUR X-TERRA 70
7
Armrest Assembly
Coil Cable Assembly
Place the armrest onto the top of the
upper shaft, lining up the central hole in
the armrest with one of the holes in the
aluminium shaft. Position the armrest to
suit your arm length
Wind the coil cable around the lower
and middle shaft enough times to take
up the slack.
(Holding the Detector, pg. 14).
Insert the screw up through the stand,
upper shaft and armrest. Tighten the
screw, being careful not to overtighten
or damage the thread.
With the velcro side facing upwards,
thread the armrest strap through both
slots in the armrest. Ensure that the end
of the strap will be fastened outwards
from your arm.
The X-Terra 70 is designed to be
used in either the left or right hand.
This diagram shows the velcro strap
threaded outwards for the left arm.
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 push it into
the socket in the back of the control box,
firmly tightening the retaining ring to
hold it in place.
Inserting Batteries
The X-Terra 70 uses 4 X AA batteries which
are not included with the detector
Connecting the Control Box
(Battery Behaviour, pg. 47).
With the LCD facing up, push the control
box onto the end of the handle until it
fits into place.
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.
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.
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.
Disconnecting the Control Box
Brace the detector firmly against
yourself, grasp the control box and
pull it away from the handle.
If the detector does not turn on
correctly, check the battery orientation.
The detector will not be damaged if the
batteries are inserted incorrectly.
8
KEYPAD LAYOUT
9
POWER
Turns the detector on/off.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) area
ACCEPT REJECT
Accepts or rejects certain
metals by turning on/off
individual discrimination
segments (Coin & Treasure
Mode only).
PATTERNS
Scrolls through the different
Discrimination Patterns
(Coin & Treasure Mode only).
This button has three functions.
TRACK
(MODE) toggles between Coin &
Treasure Mode and Prospecting Mode.
Activates Target ID Stabiliser.
Toggles between Ground
Balance and Tracking
Ground Balance.
(AUTO) selects the automatic option for
Ground Balance and Noise Cancel.
GROUND BALANCE
Activates the Ground Balance
adjustment to compensate
for different types of soil.
ALL METAL
Toggles between the selected
discrimination pattern and
the All Metal pattern.
This button has two functions.
Adjusts settings, reduces
Iron Mask and scrolls to the
left through the discrimination
segments.
MENU SELECT
Accesses and
scrolls through the
detecting settings.
(PINPOINT) assists in locating the exact
position of a target prior to recovery.
(DETECT) exits menu settings and
returns to detection.
Adjusts settings, increases
Iron Mask and scrolls to
the right through the
discrimination segments.
10 LCD LAYOUT
11
All Metal (AM)
Battery
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 (Preset Discrimination
Headphones
This icon indicates
Stability
that headphones
indicates that
are connected and
Target ID Stability has
that the headphone
been selected (Target
Volume and Threshold ID Stability, pg. 20).
(Battery Behaviour, have been selected
Target ID
This icon
indicates how
much power
is left in the
batteries
pg. 47).
Coin & Treasure
Mode
This icon indicates that
the Coin & Treasure Mode
has been selected
Prospecting Mode
Track
This icon indicates that
the Prospecting Mode
has been selected.
This icon indicates that
Tracking Ground Balance
has been selected (Adjusting
(Prospecting Mode, pg. 19).
Ground Balance, pg. 42).
(Coin & Treasure Mode, pg. 18).
(Volume, pg. 32).
Beach
This icon indicates that
Ground Balance (Beach)
has been selected (Ground
Patterns, pg. 22).
Balance (Beach), pg. 40).
Patterns
Preset Discrimination
Patterns are used to suit
different search
preferences (Coin &
Treasure Mode only).
The X-Terra 70 has
three patterns.
(Preset Discrimination
Patterns, pg. 22).
Depth Indicator
Iron Mask (IM)
Pinpoint
Indicates that the Iron Mask
discrimination has been
selected (Prospecting Mode
only) (Preset Discrimination
Indicates that Pinpoint
has been activated
(Pinpointing, pg. 26).
Patterns, pg. 22).
Menu Scale
Target ID
Target ID numbers range
from -8 to 48. Negative
numbers indicate ferrous
targets and positive
numbers indicate nonferrous targets (Coin &
Treasure Mode).
These numbers also have
other functions. They are
used when adjusting
menu settings and for
displaying the Iron Mask
value (Target ID, pg. 20).
Menu
Discrimination Scale
Used for Pattern
Discrimination (Coin &
Treasure Mode only)
and Iron Mask
Discrimination
(Prospecting Mode only)
(Pattern Discrimination
Scale, pg. 21).
Reject Identification
appears when rejecting a
discrimination segment. It
disappears when accepting a
discrimination segment (Editing
A list of settings
(Sensitivity, Volume,
Noise Cancel, Threshold
and Tones) that can be
adjusted to customise
personal preferences
(Menu Operation, pg. 28).
Discrimination Patterns, pg. 25).
Headphones are not
included with the
X-Terra 70
(Accessories, pg. 50).
Ground Balance can
only be accessed via
the GROUND BALANCE
button)
Consists of 10 segments
within a circular scale line.
This works in conjunction
with the Numeric ID to
show the value of the
selected setting
adjustment. The Menu
Scale also works with
Pinpoint to indicate how
close the coil is to the
target (Menu Operation,
pg. 28).
The depth indicator is
a relative guide to how
deep a target is. The
more arrows displayed,
the deeper the target
is likely to be (Coin &
Treasure Mode only).
1 arrow is approx. 0-2” (0-5 cm)
Shallow target
Deep target
Actual depth will
be more accurate
for coins than junk
ferrous targets
12 TURNING THE DETECTOR ON
13
It is best to only turn the detector on,
when outdoors, away from sources
of electromagnetic disturbance.
Press POWER.
There are many metallic objects inside
a house (e.g. nails in the floor,
reinforcing in the walls) that might
overload the electronics of the detector.
Once on, the detector will be in the
factory default Coin & Treasure Mode.
There will be no numeric reading
until a metal object is detected.
There may also be interference from TV
sets and other household appliances.
In this environment the detector may
perform erratically, giving numerous
false signals.
If the detector emits an overload sound
and displays OL on the LCD move
the coil away from the source of the
overload (Error Messages, pg. 49).
Overloading is not harmful to the
electronics of the detector.
Detecting Modes
Before detecting, it is important to
understand that the X-Terra 70 can
operate in two different detecting
modes (Coin & Treasure Mode, pg. 18)
Prospecting Mode, pg.19).
The Coin & Treasure Mode and
Prospecting Mode symbols will
appear throughout the rest of this
manual to indicate functions
specific to each mode only.
A short start-up sequence will display
and a tune will be heard.
This illustration is a representation
of the LCD layout showing some of
the icons that appear during startup.
Please note that not all LCD icons are
displayed at the same time.
Coin & Treasure Mode Factory Presets
Discrimination Pattern
1
Sensitivity
16
Volume (Speaker)
25
Volume (Headphones)
20
Noise Cancel Channel
0
Threshold (Speaker)
12
Threshold (Headphones)
12
Target Tones
Ground Balance
4
(Fixed) 27
Press MODE AUTO to toggle between
Coin & Treasure Mode and
Prospecting Mode.
Prospecting Mode Factory Presets
Iron Mask
5
Sensitivity
22
Volume (Speaker)
25
Volume (Headphones)
20
Noise Cancel Channel
0
Threshold (Speaker)
Threshold (Headphones)
Threshold Tone
Ground Balance
The X-Terra 70 can save separate settings
for each mode. When a mode has been
selected, the menu settings that have
changed will flash for three seconds.
E.g. default Sensitivity is 16 in Coin &
Treasure Mode and 22 in Prospecting
Mode. When changing modes, the
Sensitivity icon will flash for three
seconds.
If Sensitivity is adjusted to 16 in
Prospecting Mode, the Sensitivity icon
will not flash when changing modes.
(Menu Operation, pg. 28).
10
8
22
(Track)
Many of the screen diagrams in this
manual, that refer to features and
settings common to both modes, show
the Coin &Treasure Mode display only.
SWEEPING THE COIL 15
14 HOLDING THE DETECTOR
To hold 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.
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 they are firmly clamped
(Shaft Assembly, pg. 5).
Once outside, practise sweeping the coil
over the ground in a side-to-side motion,
while walking forward slowly. Slightly
overlap the previous sweep to ensure
full ground coverage. An average sweep
speed is three seconds from left to right
to left.
To adjust the position of the armrest
remove the armrest screw and move the
armrest and stand to the desired position
Try sweeping the coil faster in Coin &
Treasure Mode for improved target
detection and identification.
(Armrest Assembly, pg. 6).
Try sweeping the coil slower in
Prospecting Mode for improved target
detection and separation from ground
mineralisation signals.
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. Avoid
excessive brushing of the coil on the
ground, as this may result in false signals
and inaccurate Target ID’s.
A variation in coil height at the end of
each swing may also cause confusing
sounds and reduce detection depth.
Think of the detector as an extension
of your arm. It should be straight
with your forearm and feel light and
comfortable when you pick it up.
1” (2.5cm)
coil parallel to
the ground
Shaft is the
correct length
The X-Terra 70 coil is waterproof.
(Care of Your X-Terra 70, pg. 52)
Shaft is too short
DETECTOR AUDIO 17
16 A SIMPLE DETECTING EXERCISE
Buried metal objects are referred to as
targets. Before attempting to pinpoint
or recover real targets, it is important to
understand how to interpret the audio
and visual signals of the detector.
A good way to become familiar with
detecting is to test the detector with a
range of metal objects. This exercise is
a simple lesson on how the detector
interprets metal objects.
Gather a collection of different metal
objects, e.g. various coins, gold and
silver jewellery, a nail, pull-tab, brass
button and aluminium foil.
Take the detector outdoors, away from
known electro-magnetic fields or metal
objects.
Lay objects in a line, sufficiently spaced
apart to allow the coil to pass between
the objects.
Pass the coil across the objects, one
at a time, and observe the LCD and the
sounds of the detector as it detects
each object.
This test exercise may be used when
adjusting the settings of the detector
(Sensitivity, pg. 30, Volume, pg. 32,
Threshold, pg. 36, Tones, pg. 38).
Don’t worry if the detector is not
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,
including ferrous targets.
Note: If you are getting signals from a clear patch
of ground, there could be buried metal objects.
Try finding another area.
If the detector is making popping and
crackling sounds and displaying numbers
when the coil is not over one of the metal
objects, try reducing its Sensitivity (pg. 30).
Once stable, the detector will sound and
display numbers only when the coil is
passed over a target.
Target Response
(Metal Object Response)
This is the sound given by the detector
when a target is located and not
discriminated (rejected).
In Coin & Treasure Mode, a target that
is highly conductive (e.g. a large silver
coin) generally causes a high tone beep
and ferrous targets generally cause a low
tone beep.
In Prospecting Mode, a target signal
will cause an abrupt change in pitch
and volume of the Threshold sound.
Detections are indicated by sound only.
(Tones, pg. 38)
(Sounds, pg. 46)
Threshold (Background sound)
This is the background ‘buzz’ produced
by the detector, used to help distinguish
between desired and undesired objects.
Blanking
When a rejected target is detected, the
Threshold sound ‘blanks’ (becomes
silent) indicating that a target is located
underneath the coil, but has been
rejected by you. Blanking is a useful way
of distinguishing between desired and
undesired targets.
Normal Signal
Threshold
Ground Noise
The detector may also produce sounds
when over the ground. These may not
be object signals, but signals caused
by mineralisation in the soil, or signals
from the surrounding environment.
The Ground Balance and Noise Cancel
settings can be used to overcome these
false signals.
(Noise Cancel, pg. 34)
(Ground Balance, pg. 40).
‘Blanking’ (No Sound)
Threshold
Highly mineralised
soil may produce false
signals and distract
from real targets.
PROSPECTING MODE 19
18 COIN & TREASURE MODE
Coin & Treasure Mode is used for detecting
Prospecting Mode is used to find metal such as gold
valuable objects, including old and modern coins,
jewellery and artifacts. Undesired objects such as
pull-tabs and bottle caps may be rejected. This mode
can be used in a variety of environments, such as
parks and salt water beaches.
nuggets and relics, in highly mineralised, ‘difficult’ areas.
Targets are identified by audio only, the number on the display
is not related to the target directly, but shows the value of
Iron Mask, as does the Discrimination Scale. In this mode, the
detector becomes more sensitive to small target signals.
The numerals (Target ID) and the segmented scale
(Pattern Discrimination Scale) are used to identify
particular metal objects in the ground.
Target ID
The numerals (Iron Mask Level) and the segmented scale (Iron
Mask Discrimination Scale) are used to identify the amount of
iron signals being rejected by the detector.
A metal object in Coin &
Treasure Mode is identified
by a single ‘beep’ tone
(Target Tones, pg. 38).
Metal objects are called
targets. The Target ID is
the numeric indication of a
particular metal object.
Pattern Discrimination Scale
Depth
Every detected target is represented
as a segment on the Pattern
Discrimination Scale. By turning on/off
individual segments, you are rejecting
or accepting target signals. A flashing
icon indicates a particular metal
detection.
The depth arrows indicate
the relative depth of a
target from the coil.
The depth arrows
operate in Coin &
Treasure Mode only.
Iron Mask (IM) Level
The numeric indication
of the Iron Mask Level
(not as the identifier of
particular targets as it is in
Coin & Treasure Mode).
Iron Mask Discrimination Scale
The visual indication of the Iron Mask
Discrimination Scale. By increasing the
Iron Mask Level you are rejecting more
iron signals. The Iron Mask range is 0-20
and uses only the first 20 segments of the
Discrimination Scale.
Gold nuggets
Non-ferrous coin
A metal object in Prospecting
Mode is identified by an abrupt
change in pitch and volume
of the Threshold sound
(Threshold Tone, pg. 38).
PATTERN DISCRIMINATION SCALE 21
20 TARGET ID
Buried metal objects are referred to as
targets. Target signals contain ferrous
and conductivity information.
As the coil is passed over a target, the
detector digitally processes the target
signal 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 -8 to 48.
Negative numbers represent ferrous
targets and positive numbers represent
non-ferrous targets.
The last detected Target ID stays on the
display until another target is detected.
If the detector passes over a target that it
rejects, the display will show two dashes
instead of a number.
Target ID
The numeric identifier
of a particular metal
object underneath the
ground.
Discrimination segment
Each segment refers to a certain type of
metal signal. Segments can be turned off (to
accept targets) or turned on (to reject targets),
accepting or rejecting signals from the
corresponding metal objects.
In addition to the Target ID, targets are
also represented as a particular segment
on a linear scale at the bottom of the
display.
Ferrous targets are those that contain
iron (e.g. nails). They are generally
magnetic and are represented by the
left-hand side segments.
Each discrimination segment represents
a level of conductivity and ferrous
content.
Desired and undesired targets may
appear anywhere along the
discrimination scale, e.g.
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.
Desired ferrous target - Canadian coin
Undesired ferrous target - iron nail
Desired non-ferrous target - gold coin
Undesired non-ferrous target - pull-tab
Discrimination segments may be turned
on or off, rejecting or accepting certain
targets, respectively (Editing Discrimination
Patterns, pg. 25).
A grey icon on the diagrams in
this manual represents a flashing
icon on the detector.
Target ID Stability
The X-Terra 70 has a fine Discrimination
Scale, but this may result in some
instability of the displayed Target ID in
some areas with highly mineralised soil.
In these cases, the Target ID numbers
may be further stabilised by using the
Target ID Stabiliser. The Target Tone may
not always match the stabilised Target ID.
4 ferrous
The X-Terra 70 has 28 ID segments.
The target ID’s range from -8 to 48,
increasing in steps of 2.
Press and hold to
activate/de-activate
Target ID Stability.
Activating Target ID Stability
In the detection screen, press and hold
MODE AUTO for three seconds. The
icon
will appear, indicating that Target ID
Stability is activated.
To de-activate Target ID Stability, press
and hold MODE AUTO for three seconds.
The icon will disappear, indicating that
Target ID Stability is de-activated.
24 non-ferrous
Many of the screen diagrams in this
manual refer to the X-Terra 70 operating
in the default Coin & Treasure Mode.
Rejected segments appear as black, accepted
segments disappear altogether (allowing signals
from metal objects). The combinations
of accepted and rejected segments are called
Discrimination Patterns.
22 PRESET DISCRIMINATION PATTERNS
The X-Terra 70 has an All Metal Pattern,
three preset Discrimination Patterns and
Iron Mask.
The combinations of accepted and
rejected segments are referred to as
Discrimination Patterns. The X-Terra
70 has preset Discrimination Patterns
that have been customised to detect
general desired targets, such as coins
and jewellery.
Patterns 1, 2 and 3 can be edited
by you, to create your own custom
Discrimination Patterns. Edited patterns
are automatically saved, when switching
patterns and when the detector is
turned off.
(Editing Discrimination Patterns, pg. 25)
(Erasing Patterns, pg. 44)
(User Preferences, pg. 54)
In Prospecting Mode, the objective is
to find targets in mineralised ‘difficult’
ground, where target signals overlap
each other.
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 non-ferrous
targets, e.g. gold jewellery and silver
coins (target IDs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42,
44, 46). Rejects ferrous objects and hot
rocks (target IDs: -8, -6, -4, -2, 48).
Pattern 2
Accepts signals from most nonferrous targets (target IDs 8, 10, 12, 28,
30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46). Rejects
those from ferrous objects, hot rocks
and some non-ferrous targets, e.g.
aluminium foil and pull tabs (target IDs
-8, -6, -4, -2, 2, 4, 6, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26,
48).
The Discrimination Scale becomes an
expanded Ferrous Discrimination Scale
(Iron Mask Discrimination Scale).
Pattern 3
If the Iron Mask setting is adjusted
towards 0, most gold nuggets will be
accepted, but some ferrous junk may
also be accepted.
(target IDs -6, -4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42,
44, 46). Rejects those from ferrous
If the Iron Mask setting is adjusted
towards 20, more ferrous junk will be
rejected but some gold nuggets may
also be rejected.
It is recommended that Iron Mask
levels be kept low to avoid missing
valuable targets.
23
Accepts signals from some ferrous
(relics) and most non-ferrous targets
objects, hot rocks and some nonferrous targets, e.g. aluminium foil
(target IDs -8, -2, 2, 4, 48).
Iron Mask
Example targets only
Iron Mask level = 5
Iron Mask Level =5
Iron Mask Level = 20
Accepts or rejects signals from ferrous
and non-ferrous targets, e.g. gold
nuggets.
Gold
Ferrous
0
The Iron Mask only uses 20 segments
of the Discrimination scale.
5
20
24 CHOOSING A DISCRIMINATION PATTERN
Pattern
Discrimination
In Coin & Treasure
Mode use PATTERNS
to toggle between
Pattern 1, Pattern 2
and Pattern 3.
All Metal Shortcut
The X-Terra 70 has an All
Metal shortcut available
in both modes.
In Coin & Treasure Mode,
press ALL METAL to toggle
between the selected
Pattern and All Metal.
EDITING DISCRIMINATION PATTERNS 25
The Preset Discrimination Patterns may be
edited to create custom patterns.
Method 1 - to reject a specific
Target ID using an actual target
When detecting a target, 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 icon
will appear to indicate that the detected
ID is now rejected.
Check that the Target ID has been
rejected by detecting again. There should
be no audio response (blanking) from that
target (Detector Audio, pg. 17).
Method 2 - to reject a specific
Target ID using + –
Iron Mask
Discrimination
In Prospecting Mode use
+ and – to adjust the
Iron Mask Discrimination
scale.
When the Iron Mask Level is set to 0,
the detector behaves the same as in
All Metal Pattern.
In Prospecting Mode,
press ALL METAL to
toggle between Iron
Mask and All Metal.
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 icon will appear if
rejected. The segment and the icon
will disappear if accepted.
The All Metal Pattern
cannot be edited.
ACCEPT REJECT toggles between
accepting and rejecting targets.
RECOVERING THE TARGET 27
26 PINPOINTING
When a signal is heard, it is an advantage to
identify the exact position of the target.
This is determined by using PINPOINT.
high
this target will
produce a loud,
high tone sound
this target will
produce a quiet,
low tone sound
low
In Pinpoint, the detector gives a continuous
audio response. This continuous response
indicates the strength of the target signal
directly below the coil.
coil
tone
Enabling Pinpoint instructs the X-Terra 70 to
temporarily disengage discrimination and
become a non-motion detector. Targets
normally discriminated against will emit a
signal when underneath the coil.
A trowel, knife or small spade are good
tools for recovering targets.
low
high
low
volume
When digging, the aim is to leave the
area of ground exactly as you found it.
Using a sharp tool, cut a neat portion
of grass or soil and place it on a plastic
sheet. This prevents the material being
scattered around and allows the hole to
be refilled quickly.
The Pinpoint audio response is tone and
volume modulated. The difference in tone
and volume produced will help locate the
position and depth of the target.
The X-Terra 70 updates the Target ID
and Depth whilst Pinpointing in Coin
& Treasure Mode.
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.
Once the approximate target location is
known, move the coil away from that area
and press PINPOINT.
Sweep the coil slowly 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 produce
the highest volume and tone when the
center-ring of the standard coil is directly
above the target.
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.
Taking note of the response, reduce the span
of each successive pass of the coil until you
are confident of the location of the target.
Make a mental note of the position or, mark
a line with your shoe or a digging tool.
Move to one side so that you can pass the
coil over the target at right angles to your
initial direction. When the detector sounds
you should know exactly where to dig.
In Pinpoint, Tracking Ground Balance
is automatically disabled and
renabled upon exiting Pinpoint.
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.
If you have difficulty Pinpointing the
target, press PINPOINT DETECT again to
take the detector out of Pinpoint and
then return to Step 1.
The detector may become noisy if left in
Pinpoint. If this occurs, return to normal
detection then try Pinpoint again.
Leaving holes, or a scarred area, may
result in action being taken to prevent
the use of metal detectors. Please
ensure that an area of ground is left as
you found it. Remove all rubbish.
Ask for permission before searching
on private property.
ADJUSTING MENU SETTINGS 29
28 MENU OPERATION
The X-Terra 70 operates in two display states – Detection and Settings.
Detection (display state)
Settings (display state)
In Coin & Treasure Mode, the Target ID,
discrimination segments and depth
automatically translate target 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 detection screen represented by
two dashes.
The X-Terra 70 has a range of settings
that should be adjusted to ensure
optimum performance in different
environments. These settings are
accessed from the menu, or with
shortcuts.
In Prospecting Mode, the numeric
identification and the Iron Mask
Discrimination Scale are used to indicate
the Iron Mask Level. Detections are
indicated by sound only.
Detection
Settings
To access the menu settings, press
MENU SELECT to repeatedly scroll down
through the adjustable settings.
To exit the menu press PINPOINT DETECT.
The last detected Target ID will
disappear and the depth icons will
flash in sequence until a new Target
ID is detected.
The Iron Mask Discrimination level
will return.
Exits Settings, and
returns to a blank
detection display
The X-Terra 70 has three categories of settings; Mode Specific, General and Mode Dependent.
Mode Specific Settings
Mode Dependent Settings
The Mode Specific Settings are used,
and also saved, for one mode only.
The Mode Dependent Settings are saved
separately for each mode. The detector
automatically saves the settings of the
previous mode when a new detect mode
is selected or when the detector
is turned off.
› Discrimination Pattern
› Target Tones
› Target ID Stability
› Iron Mask Level
› Threshold Tone
General Settings
The General Settings do not change
when toggling between Coin &
Treasure Mode and Prospecting Mode.
› Noise Cancel channel
› Sensitivity
› Volume for the speaker
› Volume for the headphones
› Threshold for the speaker
› Threshold for the headphones
› Ground Balance
› Tracking Ground Balance
› Ground Balance (Beach)
Ground Balance can only be accessed
via the GROUND BALANCE button.
Sensitivity has a range of 1-30.
Volume has a range of 0-30.
Threshold has a range of –5 to 25.
Each segment on the menu scale represents
three numbers of the Numeric ID.
Ground balance has a range of 0-90.
Each segment on the menu scale represents
nine numbers of the Numeric ID.
ADJUSTING SENSITIVITY 31
30 SENSITIVITY
The X-Terra 70 is highly sensitive and has
a wide Sensitivity adjustment range. It is
important to set the correct Sensitivity
level for your detecting conditions.
Sensitivity is the detector’s level
of response to a target and its
environment. Real targets are indicated
by distinct beeps. Interference or false
targets are interpreted as crackling or
popping sounds.
Press MENU SELECT and choose Sensitivity.
Use the + and – buttons to adjust the
Sensitivity level.
Press PINPOINT DETECT, to return
to detection.
Tiny ferrous junk targets might be
detected when the Sensitivity is set to
a high level. The detector will also be
affected by minerals in certain soils and
signals from electrical appliances.
Some experimentation with the
Sensitivity scale may be required for
different areas. For beginners, start with
a low setting and increase it progressively.
Decreasing the Sensitivity of the X-Terra
70 may stabilise the detector, reducing
false signals and interference, and
assisting in differentiating between
signals caused by soil mineralisation and
those of metal targets. Always choose
the highest stable Sensitivity setting to
ensure optimum performance.
For beach detecting, a setting below 15
may be required. In high trash areas, such
as modern parks, a setting below 9 may
be required, especially when searching
for shallow coins.
The highest Sensitivity settings, 22-30,
should be used only in the quietest,
most stable conditions.
Recommended Sensitivity Settings
Difficult ground or noisy conditions
Park with trash
1-8
9
New user
12
Salt water beach
15
Coin & Treasure Mode (Default)
16
Park with no trash
20
Prospecting Mode (Default)
22
Experienced user
23-30
ADJUSTING VOLUME 33
32 VOLUME
Volume is the level of sound emitted by
the detector when a target is detected.
The Volume control limits the maximum
volume of target signals.
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.
The sound produced by the detector
in Pinpoint or Ground Balance will vary
in volume and tone depending on the
signal strength (from a target or ground
mineralisation). This volume range is
proportional to the maximum volume
setting.
Speaker/Headphone Volume
When the detector battery is low
(indicated by the low battery icon)
the speaker volume limit will be
automatically reduced. This saves battery
power and extends detecting time.
You may choose to override this and
increase the volume limit, but you then
risk the detector shutting down sooner.
Press MENU SELECT and choose Volume.
Use the + and – buttons to adjust the
Volume limit.
Press PINPOINT DETECT, to return to
detection.
The X-Terra 70 is able to save separate
settings for both the speaker volume
and headphones volume, switching from
one to the other automatically as the
headphones are connected
(Accessories, pg. 50).
Set the speaker volume without
headphones connected. Set the
headphones volume with the
headphones connected. Use the simple
detecting exercise (pg. 16) with different
targets to confirm both the speaker and
headphones volume settings.
Volume
=
Audible Target Response
Audible Target Response
Target #2
Target #2
Volume
=
Target #1
Target #1
Threshold
When Volume and Threshold settings are used together,
there is greater control over target audio response.
Threshold
34 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. Five
channels are available, represented by
the numbers -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, and are also
indicated on the menu scale.
CHOOSING A NOISE CANCEL CHANNEL 35
Manual
Press MENU SELECT and choose Noise
Cancel.
Use the + and – buttons to select the
quietest Noise Cancel channel.
Press PINPOINT DETECT, to return to
detection.
It is best to choose a channel with
the coil in the detection (horizontal)
position because interference received
in a vertical position may be different
from the interference received in the
horizontal position.
The coil should be held in the air and
away from large targets when changing
Noise Cancel channels.
There is no loss in depth or Sensitivity
if the Noise Cancel channel is changed.
Auto
Press MENU SELECT and choose Noise
Cancel.
Press MODE AUTO to activate Automatic
Noise Cancel. The letters AU will
appear and the menu scale segments
will be animated as a progress bar.
Keep the detector still while this is
occurring. After 15 seconds, the
detector will automatically select a
Noise Cancel channel.
Press PINPOINT DETECT, to return to
detection.
Auto Noise Cancel will always
choose the channel with the least
amount of noise. This may change
each time Auto is used.
During Auto Noise Cancel,
all button presses are ignored.
ADJUSTING THRESHOLD 37
36 THRESHOLD
Threshold is the constant background
sound produced by the detector to help
distinguish between desirable and
undesirable targets.
When a rejected target is detected, the
Threshold sound ‘blanks’ (becomes
silent) to indicate that a rejected target
is underneath the coil.
Normal Signal
The Threshold volume should be set to
the preferred level. It is important to note
that small surface objects, as well as large
deep objects, will produce very small
changes in the Threshold sound. It is
therefore important to set the Threshold
control correctly to ensure that these
targets are heard. Try experimenting
with known targets to assist in setting
this control.
Press MENU SELECT and choose
Threshold.
Threshold
‘Blanking’ (No Sound)
Threshold
Use the + and – buttons to select a
suitable Threshold level.
Press PINPOINT DETECT, to return to
detection.
Speaker/Headphone Threshold
The X-Terra 70 is able to save separate
settings for both the speaker Threshold
and headphones Threshold, switching
from one to the other automatically
as the headphones are connected
(Accessories, pg. 50).
When the headphones are unplugged,
all changes to the Threshold setting are
applied to the speaker Threshold. When
the headphones are plugged in, the
headphones icon will be displayed and
all changes to the Threshold setting are
applied to the headphones Threshold.
Volume
= 30
Audible Target Response
Volume
= 30
Audible Target Response
Volume
= 30
Target #2
Target #2
Target #2
Target #1
Inaudible
Target #1
Threshold
=
Audible Target Response
Target #1
Threshold
=
Threshold
=
The tone of the Threshold can be
adjusted in Prospecting Mode only
(Threshold Tone, pg. 38).
If the Threshold is set to a negative value,
small target signals will not produce a signal big
enough to go above the Threshold of audibility.
If the Threshold is set to 0, the Threshold
audio/sound is disabled and detector will
produce target signals sounds only.
If the Threshold is set to a positive value,
the detector will produce target signals
and a Threshold sound.
When Threshold and Volume settings are used together,
there is greater control over target audio response.
ADJUSTING TONES 39
38 TONES
Target Tones
Press MENU SELECT and choose Tones.
The number of Target Tones may
be selected from the Tones menu.
There are five different options
listed in the table below.
Use the + and – to select either 1, 2, 3, 4,
or Multiple Target Tones (99).
Adjusting Target Tones in Coin & Treasure Mode
Press PINPOINT DETECT, to return to
detection.
1 Tone
450Hz
2 Tones
130Hz
700Hz
3 Tones
130Hz
450Hz
700Hz
Adjusting Threshold Tone in Prospecting Mode
4 Tones
130Hz
Multiple Tones
450Hz
700Hz
950Hz
Pitch can vary during target detection in the 130Hz-950Hz range.
The pitch depends on the Target ID that is determined during the detection.
Threshold Tone
In Prospecting Mode, the pitch of the
Threshold Tone can be adjusted using the
Tones menu. This is a personal preference
and will vary depending on the type of
headphones being used. The Threshold
pitch ranges from 140Hz to 1010Hz.
The frequency/pitch of the Threshold
tone for the Coin & Treasure Mode is set
to 230Hz and cannot be changed.
Press MENU SELECT and choose Tones.
Use the + and – buttons to select a
Threshold Tone (1–30).
Press PINPOINT DETECT, to return to
detection.
40 GROUND BALANCE
The X-terra 70 is capable of operating
in two different types of grounds,
magnetic (ie. inland parks) and
conductive (wet areas of salt water
beaches). Ground mineralisation
may cause false target signals in all
environments. Ground Balancing
the detector reduces these ground
signals and enables good targets to be
displayed and/or heard correctly.
Ground Balance (Normal)
Ground Balance (Normal) is suitable for
inland use and is operating when the
beach icon is off.
An unbalanced detector in Coin &
Treasure Mode will blank continuously
(if a pattern rejecting –8 is used) or
detect –8 continuously (if a pattern
accepting –8 is used).
An unbalanced detector in Prospecting
Mode will produce a continuous
‘warbling’ sound that differs from the
sharper sound of a real target signal.
Ground Balance (Beach)
Ground Balance (Beach) is suitable for
salt water beach use and is operating
when the beach icon is on.
In Ground Balance (Beach) the X-Terra
70 can Ground Balance any combination
of magnetic and conductive soil (e.g.
a mixture of sand, soil and salt water).
However, ferrous and some low
conductivity targets can be balanced
out. For this reason in Ground Balance
(Beach), Tracking should be used only
when targets are far apart.
Try reducing Sensitivity (pg. 30)
before Ground Balancing.
41
Activating Ground Balance
(Beach)
Press GROUND BALANCE.
Press and hold GROUND BALANCE for
three seconds. The beach umbrella
icon will appear to indicate that
Ground Balance (Beach) is activated.
Press and hold
To de-activate Ground Balance (Beach),
press and hold GROUND BALANCE for
three seconds. The beach umbrella
icon will disappear indicating that
Ground Balance (Beach) is de-activated.
GROUND BALANCE
for three seconds
to activate Ground
Balance (Beach)
Press PINPOINT DETECT or GROUND BALANCE
to return to detection.
Ground Balance settings affect both
normal detection and Pinpoint
operation.
Adjusting Ground Balance
The Ground Balance setting can be
adjusted in three ways, automatically,
manually, or with Tracking.
Auto Ground Balance will generally
give a good Ground Balance setting.
This may be further adjusted manually,
using the + and – buttons.
Press GROUND BALANCE.
Adjust Ground Balance with Auto,
Manual or Track (pg. 42).
Press PINPOINT DETECT or GROUND
BALANCE to return to detection.
When detecting on the beach, adjusting
Ground Balance may not give significant
improvements. Try adjusting Sensitivity
and altering Patterns for best results.
Adjust Ground Balance with
Auto, Manual or Track (pg. 42)
42 ADJUSTING GROUND BALANCE
Auto
Auto
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.
43
Press MODE AUTO to activate Automatic
Ground Balance, and begin to continuously
lower and raise the coil over the ground.
The letters AU will appear and the menu
scale segments will be animated as a
progress bar. The detector will automatically
select a Ground Balance setting.
4” (10 cm)
Manual
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.
Continuously lower and raise the coil over
the ground and listen to the Ground Balance
tone. Try to lower the coil as close to the
ground as possible without touching it.
If the detector is in Tracking, and then
the Ground Balance is manually
adjusted, Tracking is automatically
de-activated.
Track
Tracking Ground Balance follows the
changes in ground conditions and constantly
adjusts the Ground Balance while detecting.
As Tracking Ground Balance constantly
updates the Ground Balance automatically,
repeated passes over a target may result in
the detector balancing to the target instead
of the ground, diminishing the target signal.
It is recommended that Tracking Ground
Balance is toggled off when a target is
detected.
If the tone is low, increase the Ground
Balance setting using +, if the tone
is high, decrease the setting using –.
Aim for a minimum volume and the
transition between a low tone and a
high tone. The menu scale and Numeric
ID will indicate the chosen setting.
If the detector makes a sound when the
coil goes down, increase the Ground
Balance setting using +. If the detector
makes a sound when the coil goes up,
decrease the Ground Balance setting
using –. Aim for a minimum volume
variation. The menu scale and numeric
ID will indicate the chosen setting.
Press TRACK to activate Tracking Ground
Balance.
While Tracking Ground Balance is activated,
the Tracking icon and current Ground
Balance value will be displayed. The setting
scale will also become animated.
To de-activate, press TRACK again.
Once TRACK is pressed, the detector will
Track very fast for the first three seconds.
The detector will then continue to Track at
a slower speed until Track is de-activated.
Low
Minimum
Sound
High
If Ground Balance is between
two numbers, select the
lowest number.
Tracking can be activated in
either the detection or the
Ground Balance screen.
When Pinpoint is activated,
Tracking Ground Balance
is automatically disabled.
When Pinpoint is deactivated,
Tracking Ground Balance is
automatically re-enabled.
44 FACTORY PRESETS
45
Factory Preset
Mode Factory Preset
Mode Specific, General and Mode
Dependent settings are all saved when
the X-Terra 70 is switched off (pg. 12).
The X-Terra 70 allows the user to reset
settings for the current detect mode only.
To return to all of the preset menu values:
Select the detect mode which
needs to be reset.
Turn the detector off.
Turn the detector off.
While pressing and holding MENU SELECT,
turn the detector back on, by pressing
POWER once.
While pressing and holding MODE AUTO
turn the detector back on, by pressing
POWER once.
During the start-up sequence, release
MENU SELECT.
During the start-up sequence,
release MODE AUTO.
After the start-up sequence, the Factory
Preset message (FP), will appear for three
seconds to indicate that all settings have
been returned to the preset values.
After the start-up sequence the
Mode Factory Preset message (FP)
will appear for three seconds to indicate
that all settings have been returned to
the preset values.
Factory Preset does not
erase Discrimination Patterns.
Press
once
or
Press and hold
(Mode Factory
Preset)
Coin & Treasure Mode Factory Presets
Discrimination Pattern
The Mode Factory Preset does
not erase General Settings and
Discrimination Patterns.
Press and hold
(Factory Preset)
1
Sensitivity
16
Volume (Speaker)
25
Volume (Headphones)
20
Noise Cancel Channel
0
Erasing Patterns
Threshold (Speaker)
12
Custom patterns are saved when the
X-Terra 70 is switched off. To erase custom
patterns and return to preset patterns:
Threshold (Headphones)
12
Target Tones
Ground Balance
4
(Fixed) 27
Turn the detector off.
While pressing and holding PATTERNS,
turn the detector back on by pressing
POWER once.
Prospecting Mode Factory Presets
Press and hold
(Erase Patterns)
Iron Mask
5
Sensitivity
22
During the start-up sequence, release
PATTERNS.
Volume (Speaker)
25
Volume (Headphones)
20
After the start-up sequence, the Patterns
Erased message (PE) will appear for three
seconds, indicating that the custom
patterns have been erased and returned
to the preset patterns.
Noise Cancel Channel
0
Threshold (Speaker)
Threshold (Headphones)
Threshold Tone
Ground Balance
10
8
22
(Track)
Press
once
46 SOUNDS
BATTERY BEHAVIOUR 47
Threshold
Start Up Sequence
This is the background ‘buzz’ given
by the detector, to help distinguish
between accepted and rejected targets.
When the detector is turned on, there is
a short three-note tune during its startup sequence.
Blanking
Positive Acknowledgement
When a rejected target is detected, the
Threshold sound ‘blanks’ (becomes
silent) to indicate that a rejected target
is underneath the coil.
The detector emits a short beep for
every valid key press.
This is the sound given by the detector
when a target is located and not
rejected.
In Coin & Treasure Mode, a target that
is highly conductive (e.g. a large silver
coin) generally causes a high tone beep
and ferrous targets generally cause a
low tone beep.
In Prospecting Mode, a target signal will
cause an abrupt change in the pitch and
volume of the Threshold sound.
Pinpoint Response
When in Pinpoint, the detector emits
a variable tone, that increases in tone
and volume as the coil gets closer to the
target.
Noise
A random, jittery sound indicates that
the detector is picking up external
interference. Sensitivity or Noise Cancel
should be adjusted.
False Detections
Ground mineralisation can cause sounds
that can be mistaken for target signals.
False detections can be partial, random
beeps (Coin & treasure Mode) or a
continuous ‘warbling’ sound that differs
from the sharper sound of a real target
signal (Prospecting Mode).
The detector emits a low double beep
to indicate an invalid keypress.
Completed
When the detector battery is low, the
speaker volume limit will be reduced,
saving battery power and extending
detecting time. The headphone volume
is not affected.
1.5 V Alkaline
1.5 V Carbon
1.5 V Lithium (non-rechargeable)
1.2 V NiMH (rechargeable)
1.2 V NiCad (rechargeable)
Rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries
will give a combined voltage above 8 V
and therefore cannot be used with the
X-Terra 70.
The use of headphones will extend
battery life.
A three-note tune indicates the
completion of a function (e.g. Auto Noise
Cancel channel calibration).
Patterns Erased / Factory Preset
A six-note tune will announce when
these settings are complete.
Error
A six-note tune will sound to indicate
a detector error (Error Messages, pg. 49).
Overload
If the coil is passed across a large shallow
target or very highly mineralised ground,
the detector might give a repeating
buzzing sound. This indicates that
the target signal is too strong for the
detector to interpret.
The graph below is a representation of how 1.5 V and 1.2 V batteries may discharge
over time. How the detector is used will affect how long the batteries last for.
Overvoltage
If the battery voltage is too
high (above 8V), the battery
icon will flash and the
detector will shut down.
Full
2 black segments
inside the outline.
Low Battery Signal
When the battery power becomes low,
there will be a short announcement tune
(descending tones) every 60 seconds.
Low Battery Shutdown
A long announcement tune (descending
tones) will sound just before the detector
shuts down.
1.5 V Alkaline
1.2 V NiMH/NiCad
Half
1 black segment
inside the outline.
Low
The icon will begin to
flash for a period of time
and there will be audio
announcements every 60
seconds before the detector
finally shuts down.
Battery Voltage (volts)
Target Response
Negative Acknowledgement
The X-Terra 70 is capable of using
different types of AA batteries:
Approximate Time in Hours
ERROR MESSAGES 49
48 COIL IDENTIFICATION
The X-Terra 70 is capable of operating at
three different transmission frequencies
set by VFLEX compatible coils.
Coil Unplugged
The coil is not connected
to the detector.
Standard (7.5kHz)
This frequency is most suitable for
general detecting for most ground
conditions. These coils have a black serial
number label starting with the letter M.
Press and
hold
Coil Error
The coil is not communicating
with the control box.
Low (3kHz)
This frequency is more suited to
searching for larger, deeper targets,
higher-conductivity coins (eg. most
US coins) and has improved ferrous
rejection. These coils have a grey serial
number label starting with the letter L.
High (18.75kHz)
This frequency is more suited to
searching for smaller shallow targets and
low conductivity targets (e.g. hammered
coins, fine jewellery). These coils have a
white serial number label starting with H.
To view the type of coil:
Press MENU SELECT to enter the
settings screen.
Press and hold ACCEPT REJECT to view
the coil identification screen.
Release ACCEPT REJECT to return to
settings.
Press PINPOINT to return to detection.
Concentric
Standard
Frequency
Concentric
Low
Frequency
Concentric
High
Frequency
Double D
Standard
Frequency
Double D
Low
Frequency
Coil Incompatible
The coil is communicating with
the control box but the detector
is not recognising it.
The circular scale line icon will
slowly flash until a suitable coil is
connected.
Overload
The detector has received a signal
that is too strong for it to interpret.
The letters OL will appear until signal
is no longer too large (pg. 12).
Double D
High
Frequency
Release
The X-Terra 70 operates with
Concentric (c) and Double D (d) coils.
Once all errors are resolved, the
detector will begin operation with
a blank detection screen.
50 ACCESSORIES
51
The use of headphones while
detecting, has 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.
Short Shaft
A short shaft is available
to decrease the length
of the detector.
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.
The X-Terra 70 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. 32).
Ensure that the headphone volume
does not reach an extremely loud
level. This may increase the risk of
hearing damage.
Accessory Coils
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.
Are available in different types
(Concentric and Double D), 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. 7) and Connecting the Coil (pg. 5) in
reverse order to disconnect the coil
from the detector.
Repeat the same steps in the correct
order to connect a different coil.
Turn the detector on using POWER.
Environmental Cover
Protects the control box
from environmental conditions
such as rain and dirt.
X-TERRA 70 SPECIFICATIONS 53
52 CARE OF YOUR X-TERRA 70
The X-Terra 70 is a high quality electronic instrument,
finely engineered and packaged in a durable housing.
Taking proper care of your X-Terra 70 is common sense.
The storage temperature of the
X-Terra 70 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.
The coil can be submerged in water
up to 20” (0.5m), but the control
box is not waterproof. Although it
has been designed to be weather
resistant, it is advisable to protect
the control box in wet conditions.
A protective control box cover is
available (Accessories, pg. 51).
Never allow the detector to come
into contact with gasoline or other
petroleum-based liquids.
Keep the detector clean and dry
and avoid getting sand and grit into
the shafts or fastenings (e.g. yoke,
twistlocks). Do not use solvents to
clean the detector. Use a damp cloth
with mild soap detergent.
Always remember to turn the
detector off before changing coils.
Coils from other models of Minelab
detectors will not function with the
X-Terra 70 (Accessories, pg. 51).
Only VFLEX compatible coils will
operate correctly with the X-Terra
detectors (Coil Identification, pg. 48).
The display window may be prone
to scratching or damage if not
treated with care. A protective
control box cover is available
(Accessories, pg. 51).
Ensure that the coil cable is in
good condition and not subject to
undue stress, particularly where it
is connected to the coil.
Old, flat, or faulty batteries can
cause many problems with the
detector, through electrolyte
leakage. Take the batteries out if
the detector will be unused for
more than 1 week. Ensure that only
good quality batteries are used and
that they are replaced when the
low battery signal sounds.
Do not use rechargeable Lithium
Ion batteries as their voltage is too
high. Non-rechargeable Lithium
batteries may be used.
Transmission
Technology
Coil
Visual Display
Audio
Search Mode
Discrimination
Batteries (Not Included)
Padded Armrest
Length Extended
Length Unextended
Weight (Excluding Batteries)
Optional Accessories
Patents
Single Frequency Sine Wave
VFLEX
9” Concentric 7.5 kHz
Positive Reflective LCD
Internal Speaker and Headphone Output
Motion Detector
Multi-Segment Accept/Reject/Iron Mask
4 x AA Alkaline/Carbon/Lithium or NiMH/NiCad
4 Position Adjustable with Stand & Armrest
56” (1.42m)
48” (1.22m)
2.9lbs (1.3kg)
Headphones, Skidplates, Environmental Cover,
Coils, Short Shaft
Pending
Model Features
Coil Frequency Options
3 (Standard 7.5 kHz, Low 3kHz, High 18.75 kHz)
Detecting Modes
Coin & Treasure, Prospecting
Discrimination Patterns
3 + All Metal
Iron Mask Discrimination (Prospecting Mode)
0 to 20
All Metal Shortcut
Discrimination Scale (Segments)
28
Ferrous
4
Non-ferrous
24
Numeric Range (Target ID Numbers)
Steps of 2 (-8, -4, -2, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12,
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34,
36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48)
Depth
Maximised
Depth Indication Icons
5
Sensitivity Adjustment
Manual, 1 to 30
Noise Cancel Channels
5 (-2, -1, 0, 1, 2), Auto
Ground Balance Adjustment
Manual 1-90, Auto, Track, Beach
Pinpoint (Audio & Visual)
Volume Adjustment
0 to 30
Threshold Adjustment
–5 to 25
Audio Tones for Targets
1, 2, 3, 4, Multiple
Low Battery Audio Alarm
User Interface Keys
10 + Power
LCD Icons
82
Dulux Notre Dame 36672
Shaft Colour
In the interests of product improvement,
Minelab reserves the right to make changes without notice.
54 USER PREFERENCES
USER NOTES 55