Minelab EXPLORER II User manual

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
1
Minelab Explorer II
!
™
"4901-0047 Rev1.0
P0591-A

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
2
www.minelab.com
© Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
Thisdocumentcontainsproprietaryinformationwhichisprotectedby
copyright.ApartfromanyuseaspermittedundertheCopyrightAct
1968,nopart maybereproduced byanyprocess withoutwritten
permissionfromMinelabElectronicsPtyLtd,118HaywardAvenue,
Torrensville,SA5031,Australia.
WARNING. ThisdocumentcontainsMinelabElectronicsPtyLtdrights,
technicaldataorrestrictedrightsdata,orboth.Patentsandtrademarks
apply.
Since there may be a range of options available in this detector
type, equipment may vary according to the model or items ordered
with your detector. Certain descriptions and illustrations may differ
(in this manual) from the exact model that you purchased. In
addition, Minelab reserve the right to respond to ongoing technical
progress by introducing changes in design, equipment and
technical features at any time.

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
3
TABLEOFCONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
Aboutthismanual ..................................................................................................................................... 2
IntroducingtheMinelabExplorerII ......................................................................................................... 3
Minelab’suniquetechnology.................................................................................................................... 4
ASSEMBLY............................................................................................................................ 9
UnpackingyourExplorerII[easyreference]....................................................................................... 10
Unpacking your Explorer II ....................................................................................................................11
Assemblingthedetector ......................................................................................................................... 12
Connectingthesearchcoil..................................................................................................................... 13
Theshaftassembly ................................................................................................................................15
Connectingtheshaftassembly.............................................................................................................. 16
Thehandleassembly ............................................................................................................................. 18
Headphones............................................................................................................................................ 20
Replacingandfittingthesearchcoil....................................................................................................... 21
BATTERIES.......................................................................................................................... 23
Thebatterypack..................................................................................................................................... 24
Batteryperformance ............................................................................................................................... 27
THECONTROLPANEL....................................................................................................... 29
Thecontrolpanel[easyreference] ........................................................................................................ 30
PowerandBacklightbuttons ................................................................................................................. 31
MenuandBackbuttons ......................................................................................................................... 32
Shortcutbuttons ...................................................................................................................................... 33
Shiftbuttons ............................................................................................................................................ 35
contents
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4
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
contents
QUICKSTART ...................................................................................................................... 37
Gettingstarted......................................................................................................................................... 38
Beginneruse .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Quickstartdisplay[easy reference]....................................................................................................... 40
Quickstart’sSmartfinddisplay ............................................................................................................... 42
TheIronMask ........................................................................................................................................ 45
Quickstart’sDigitaldisplay .................................................................................................................... 47
Modifyingthedisplay............................................................................................................................. 48
Adjustingsensitivity ............................................................................................................................... 49
Adjustingthreshold ................................................................................................................................. 50
Audioresponse....................................................................................................................................... 51
Audiomenu............................................................................................................................................. 52
Audio:adjustingthevolume................................................................................................................... 53
Audio:adjustingthetone ........................................................................................................................ 55
Audio:adjusting thesounds ................................................................................................................... 56
Testingtargetaudioresponses[tutorial] ................................................................................................ 58
Pinpointingtheobject.............................................................................................................................. 59
Recoveringtheobject............................................................................................................................. 61
Selectingtargets ..................................................................................................................................... 62
Selectingtargets[easyreference] ......................................................................................................... 63
Acceptingandrejectingtargets [tutorial] ............................................................................................... 64
Advancedmodeoption........................................................................................................................... 65

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TABLEOFCONTENTS
contents
ADVANCED USE ................................................................................................................. 67
Advancedmode’sMainMenu [easy reference] ................................................................................. 68
StartinginAdvancedmode .................................................................................................................... 69
AdvancedMode’sdisplays [easyreference]...................................................................................... 70
Advancedmode’sLearn display[easyreference] ............................................................................... 71
Learningtargets ...................................................................................................................................... 72
Learn’stargetselection[tutorial] ............................................................................................................ 73
Advancedmode’sEditdisplay [easyreference]................................................................................. 75
Editingpatterns ....................................................................................................................................... 76
Editingandsavingtargetpatterns [tutorial].......................................................................................... 77
Advancedmode’sSelectmenu............................................................................................................. 79
Savingtargets......................................................................................................................................... 80
Audiomenu............................................................................................................................................. 81
Optionsmenu ......................................................................................................................................... 82
Options:noise......................................................................................................................................... 83
Options:response .................................................................................................................................. 84
Options:recovery .................................................................................................................................. 86
Settingsmenu ......................................................................................................................................... 87

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7USER INFO ......................................................................................................................... 89
Helpfulhints............................................................................................................................................ 90
Batteryperformancecomparisons ......................................................................................................... 92
Userpreferences.................................................................................................................................... 93
ControlPanelbuttonfunctions ............................................................................................................... 95
Quickstartmenustructure ...................................................................................................................... 96
Advancedmenustructure ...................................................................................................................... 97
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................... 98
Servicerepairform................................................................................................................................. 99
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................... 101
TechnicalspecificationsfortheMinelab ExplorerII............................................................................ 102
Explorermodelfeatures ....................................................................................................................... 103
Glossaryofterms................................................................................................................................. 104
Detectorcareandsafety ...................................................................................................................... 108
TABLEOFCONTENTS
contents

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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1
Introduction
The Explorer II is the most
technologicallyadvanced detectorever
produced.
It is possible to start treasure hunting as
soon as you have assembled the detector,
but it is worth familiarizing yourself with
itsmany features.
!

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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ABOUTTHISMANUAL
This manual is designed to introduce the detector’s features, give you step-by-step
directions for everything from assembling and adjusting your detector to basic
detector use and customizing your own advanced settings.
1. INTRODUCTION
Basicoverviewof theExplorerII
andthisUser’sManual.
2. ASSEMBLY
Thischapterprovidesdetailsand
instructionsonassemblingand
adjustingtheExplorerII.
3.BATTERIES
The Explorer II is powered by
alkalinebatteriesorarechargeable
NickelMetalHydride(NiMH) battery
pack. Thischapterprovidesdetails
onbatteryinstallation,useand
performance.
4.CONTROLPANEL
Thischapterisdesignedtofamiliarize
youwiththevariousfeaturesofthe
ExplorerIIcontrolpanel.Afew
minutesspentreadingthischapterwill
beaworthwhilepreliminarytobasic
oradvanceddetecting.
5.QUICKSTART
However experienced you are at
usingametaldetector,itisimportant
thatyoureadthischapterto
understandhowto usetheExplorer II
inQuickstartmode.
6.ADVANCED USE
Onceyouarecomfortablewithbasic
detectoruseandQuickstartitistimeto
investigatethemoreadvanced
featuresoftheExplorerII.
7. USER INFO
Thischapterprovidesaglossaryof
terminology,userguides,technical
specifications,warrantyandrepair
detailsandtroubleshootingtips.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
"
!
PINPOINT
IRONMASK
DETECT
POWER
NOISE
CANCELBACKLIGHT
BACK
MENU
ExplorerII
ON/OFFON/OFF
MINELAB
Ir on In

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
9
ContactMinelab
Thankyoufor purchasingaMinelabExplorerII detector.The
ExplorerIIisdifferenttoconventionalmetaldetectorsandfeaturesa
numberoftechnologicalinnovationsanddesignfeatureswhichare
introducedandexplainedinthismanual.
TheExplorerIIisdesignedtolocatevaluablemetalobjectsina
widevarietyofgroundconditionsincludingextremesaltconditions
andseawater,wetbeachsandand highlymineralizedground
conditions. Thedetector’ssimple-to-usecontrolpanelandfully
automaticQuickstartmodeenablethebeginnertostartdetecting
immediatelyafterassemblingthedetector.Advancedmode’soptions
willenableyoutocustomizeyourdetectorforyearstocome.
Beforeyouattempttouseyourdetectorinthefield,youshould
followthechaptersofthismanualtoassemble,understandand
customizetheExplorerIItosuityourpersonalrequirements.Please
readalltheinformationthoroughly.
Minelab Electronics wish you every success in your treasure
hunting.
INTRODUCINGTHEMINELABEXPLORERII
INTRODUCING THE MINELAB EXPLORER
MinelabElectronicsPtyLtd
POBox 537 TorrensvillePlaza
SouthAustralia 5031
AUSTRALIA
email:[email protected]
tel:[phone]
If you have any questions or comments regarding the Explorer II or any other Minelab product,
please feel free to contact us via your local Authorized Minelab dealer, or write to us:
Visitoursitewww.minelab.comforthelatestinformationonMinelabproductsandservices.
MinelabUSA
2700EPatrickLane,Suite11
LasVegas,Nevada 89120
UNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA
email:[email protected]
tel:[phone]
MinelabInternationalLimited
Laragh,Bandon
Co. Cork
IRELAND
email:[email protected]
tel:[phone]

P0591-A
Minelab USAInc
871 Grier Drive, Suite B1,
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119
UNITED STATES OFAMERICA
email: [email protected]
tel: [phone]

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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www.minelab.com
MINELAB’S UNIQUETECHNOLOGY
The Explorer II is one of a new generation of detectors from Minelab. Its sleek, sturdy
design, innovative control panel and comprehensive targeting options set it apart from
any other detector available today.
MINELAB’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
Two mode detecting
TheExplorerIIissofeature-packedthattheresearchteamat
Minelabdecidedtooffertwomodesofoperation:fullyautomated
detection(Quickstartmode)andpersonallycustomizedprecision
detecting(Advancedmode).
Allofthedetector’svitalfunctionsarecommontoQuickstartand
Advancedmode.BecausetheExplorerIIissuchaninnovative
machine,eventheseasonedtreasurehunterwillbenefitfrom
beginninginQuickstartmode.
Quickstart mode
As soon as you have assembled the Explorer II, you are ready to
startdetecting.Whenitleavesthefactory,thedetectoris
programmedtostartinQuickstart.
Quickstartsettingsareoptimizedtoprovideyouwithaccurate
detectioninmostconditionsyouwillencounterinthefield,soyou
canconcentrateyourattentionontheobjectsyoudiscover.
Thismanual’sChapter4:ControlPanel,outlinesallofthecontrol
panelfeaturesneededtouseyourdetectorinQuickstart(or
Advancedmode)includingshortcutbuttons,specialfunctionslike
Pinpointandadjustingyourdetectorsettings.
Chapter5:Quickstart,explainsbasicuseindetailandprovidestips
oneverythingfromsweepingthedetectorcoiltodiggingupobjects.
Advanced mode
Figure 1.1 Quickstart mode
MainMenu
Smartfinddisplay

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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Onceyouarefamiliarwiththefeelandfunctionsofthedetector,itis
asimplemattertomoveintoAdvancedmode.Thiswillenableyouto
changetheappearanceofthedisplay,modifyaudioresponses,
specifycustomtargetsandeditandsavepersonalsettings.Chapter
6:AdvancedUseprovides allofthe informationyouneed to
personalizeyourExplorerforspecializedtargeting.
MINELAB’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
If at any time you become a little confused with the settings for your
detector, or just want to brush up on basic detector use, it is simple to
reset the Explorer II to its original factory settings.
Turn the detector off and then PRESS AND HOLD THE POWER BUTTON
until a six-note musical tune is sounded (rising C-major chord). The
Minelablogoandthewords‘FACTORYPRESETS’willbebrieflydisplayed
onthescreen(asshownabove).
This will return you to the original Quickstart mode settings. You can
resume basic detecting or make selections from the Main Menu.
GettingLost?
Factory Reset Power On Tune
MainMenu
Smartfinddisplay
Figure 1.2 Advanced mode

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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Full Band Spectrum (FBS)
WhendevelopingFullBandSpectrum(FBS)technology,Minelab’s
scientistslookedatimprovingthealreadysuccessfulBroadBand
Spectrum(BBS)technologyusedinpreviousMinelabdetectors.
Discussionswithseasonedtreasurehuntersfromaroundtheworld
identifiedanumberofpossibleenhancementsforoperators.The
improvementstotheExplorerIIdetectorsinclude:
•increaseddetectiondepth;
•accurateidentificationoftargetstogreaterdepth;
•enhanceddetectionofdesiredtargetsamidstirontrash;
•adjustmentstoimproveoperationforsearchingsalt-water
beaches.
Mostdetectorsonthemarket
operateonasingle (or dual)
frequency,rangingfrom1to70
kilohertz(kHz).Althoughthis
technologyhasservedtheindustry
wellforyears,Minelab’sscientists
foundthatafrequencythatworked
wellinoneareawouldoftenoffer
onlymarginalperformancewhen
usedinanotherlocation.Ground
mineralisation,trashcontent,and
targetsizeallhadaneffectonhow
effectiveadetectortransmittingasinglefrequencywouldoperate.
FullBandSpectrumtechnologycombinesMinelab’sexistingmultiple
frequencyBBStechnologywith apowerfulnewmicroprocessorto
give:
•greaterdetectingdepth;
•consistentsensitivityoverawiderangeoftargets;
•lessinterferencefromelectromagneticsources;
•moreaccurateidentificationoftargetcharacteristics.
MINELAB’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
Discrimination
Discrimination is the ability of a
metaldetectortoidentifythe user’s
desired target (e.g. jewelry) and
eliminate signals from undesirable
material (e.g. nails).
The Explorer II can be programmed
in a number of ways to discriminate
againstunwantedtargetsin different
types of ground.
Figure 1.3. Metal detector comparisons

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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!
MINELAB’S UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
TheFullBandSpectrum(FBS)circuitautomaticallytransmits28
frequenciessimultaneously. Thisincreasedfrequencyrangemeans
thatthesignalreceivedfromthedetectorcoilisanalyzedfroma
widerangeofresponses. Thisinformationisrelayedtotheoperator
viathespeakerorheadphonesandthecontrolpanel’sliquidcrystal
displayasanaudioor visualtargetresponse.
Putsimply,Minelab’suniqueFBStechnologymeansdeep,sensitive,
accuratedetecting.
Ground Compensation
TheExplorerIIusesasophisticatedapproachtotheeliminationof
groundmineralisation.Itusesadvanceddigitalfilteringtoeliminate
theinfluenceofgroundsignals.
You are now ready to proceed to Chapter 2: Assembly.
OperatingFrequencies
Ametaldetector’s
electromagneticoperating
frequenciesaremeasuredin
kiloHertz(kHz).
Lowsignalfrequencies
(e.g.1.5kHz)penetrate deepest,
butsensitivitytosmallertargets
is low.
On the other hand, higher
frequencieshaveamore
shallow depth of penetration
but high sensitivity to small
targets.
The Explorer II’s multiple-
frequencyoperationprovides
the advantage of both.

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
15
2
Assembly
This chapter provides details and
instructions on assembling and
adjusting the Explorer II.

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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MAIN CARTON
•HANDLE ASSEMBLY
(CONTAINING ALKALINE
BATTERY PACK)
•UPPER SHAFT ASSEMBLY
•LOWER SHAFT ASSEMBLY
•SEARCH COIL (NUT & BOLT FOR
COIL)
•HEADPHONES
•RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK
UNPACKING YOUR EXPLORER
UNPACKINGYOUREXPLORERII
ACCESSORY BOX
•ARMREST STRAP AND BUCKLES
•CAR CHARGER
•MAINS CHARGER
DOCUMENTATION PACK
•MANUAL
•FIELD GUIDE
•WARRANTY CARD
easy reference
P0592-A
DOCUMENTATION
RECHARGEABLE
BATTERY PACK
ACCESSORY BOX CONTAINING
CAR CHARGER & MAINS CHARGER
SEARCH COIL
LOWER SHAFT ASSEMBLY
UPPER SHAFT ASSEMBLY
HANDLE ASSEMBLY

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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UNPACKINGYOUREXPLORERII
List of Parts
TheboxinwhichtheExplorerII isshippedshouldcontaintheitems
illustratedonthefacingpage.Pleasecheckthatalloftheseitemsare
inthebox.Ifanyofthesecomponentsaremissing,contactyour
Minelabdealerimmediately.
Accessories
Thefollowingitemsareavailableforpurchaseseparately:
•NiMHBatteryPack(spare)
•NiMHBatteryPack(highcapacity)
•8”CoilwithLowerShaft
•WeatherproofControlBoxCover
•Spare Coil Covers
•Carry Bag
•MinelabCap,MinelabPoloshirt.
For further information on these and other Minelab
products, contact your Minelab dealer.
You can also visit us on the web
UNPACKING YOUR EXPLORER

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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ASSEMBLINGTHEDETECTOR
ASSEMBLING THE DETECTOR
Handle assembly
Shaft assembly
Search coil
PleasefollowtheseinstructionstoassembletheExplorerII.Referto
thedrawingstoidentifypartsandhowtheyarepositioned.The
detector’scomponentsareorganizedintothreecategories:
•the search coil;
•theshaft assembly,madeupoftheupper shaftand lower
shaft;
•thehandle assembly,madeupofthehandle,armrestand
controlbox.
NOTE To avoid difficulties or damage to the detector’s
electronic components, it is strongly recommended you
follow the sequence of instructions for assembly.
PleasecontactyourMinelabdealerforfurtherinstructionsshould
anydifficultiesarise.
P0591-A

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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Connecting the search coil to the lower shaft
Figure 2.1–2.3
CAUTION DO NOT attempt to disconnect the coil cable
where it enters the search coil itself. They are shipped
pre-assembled and any attempt to disconnect will void your
detector warranty.
Toattachthesearchcoiltothelowershaft:
STEP1 Placethesearchcoilonaflatsurfaceclosetothecoilyoke.
STEP2 (Figure2.2,followingpage)Plugthetwoblackplastic
washersintotherecessesprovidedoneithersideofthecoil
yoke.
CONNECTINGTHESEARCHCOIL
The search coil transmits electromagnetic signals into the ground and receives
the response.
CONNECTING THE SEARCH COIL
Figure 2.1 Connecting the search coil
to the lower shaft
(Continued next page)
Rubber Washer
Yoke Nut
Coil Yoke
Search Coil
Yoke Bracket
Yoke Bolt
Coil Cable
P0608-A

THE MINELAB EXPLORER II
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STEP3 Checktheorientationofthesearchcoilandshaftensuring
thattheopensideoftheyokefacestheground.
STEP4 (Figure2.2)Tojointheshafttothesearchcoil,slidethe
yokeintotheyokebracketontopofthecoil.
STEP5 (Figure2.3)Insertyokeboltthrough thesearchcoil’syoke
bracketandthecoilyoke.Fastenwiththeyokenut
provided,beingcarefulnottodamagethethreadofthenut
byover-tightening.Thismayneedto beloosenedtoadjust
thecoiltoacomfortabledetectingangle.
You are now ready to proceed to the shaft assembly.
CONNECTING THE SEARCH COIL
Figure 2.3 Securing yoke to search
coil
Figure 2.2 Inserting coil yoke into
bracket
P0606-A
P0605-A