Minelab GPX5000 User manual

Instruction Manual

Set the Front Control Panel switches to the
following positions.
Press and release the On/Off switch on the Rear
Control Panel (p. 26).
Raise the coil off the ground and Press the Auto Tune (p. 32)
button to reduce electrical interference. The tuning process
takes approximately 60 seconds. Do not move the coil or
pass metal objects near the coil until you hear 3 beeps.
Turn the Threshold (p. 33) control clockwise until a hum is
audible through the headphones.
Whilst raising and lowering the coil, between 25mm and
100mm (1" and 4") from the ground, change the Ground
Balance switch to Tracking (p. 40). Any variations in the
Threshold will smooth out within 3–5 seconds.
Adjust the Threshold (p. 33) to a very faint but still audible
level. It should be smooth with only minor fluctuations.
You are now ready to start searching!
Minelab is always interested in your opinions. If you have
any questions or comments regarding your GPX Series or
any other Minelab product, please feel free to contact us
directly or via your local Authorised Minelab dealer.
For further product information and detecting tips, refer to:
www.minelab.com
Quick Start

1Congratulations on purchasing
your Minelab
metal detector!
Gold detecting is a fascinating and rewarding activity enjoyed by people all over the world. By
getting to know your GPX Series detector you can become one of the many who find gold and
valuable treasure on a regular basis.
The GPX 5000 and GPX 4800 are Minelab's most advanced gold detectors. They are high precision
instruments incorporating Multi-Period Sensing (MPS), Dual Voltage Technology (DVT), Smart
Electronic Timing Alignment (SETA) and the latest in high-tech analogue components combined
with advanced digital processing.
The GPX 5000 and GPX 4800 will locate gold in all types of ground, especially highly mineralised
ground conditions, with greater efficiency than any previous detector.
This manual is designed to help both the beginner and expert prospector get the best
performance out of their GPX 5000 and GPX 4800.
Minelab wishes you every success in your quest for gold and treasure!
Read your Instruction Manual!
A comprehensive explanation on how to use your GPX 5000’s or GPX 4800’s
functions and settings are set out within these pages. By thoroughly reading this
Instruction Manual you will have a better understanding on how to operate your
Minelab metal detector.
At the top of each page that explains a GPX Series setting you can change, the
“Range” and “Factory Preset” will be stated for that setting. Some settings are
not adjustable depending on your model and have been Factory Set. In the
example above, the available range for the GPX 5000 is Normal and Inverted,
and the Factory Preset is Normal. For the GPX 4800 you cannot adjust the setting
and it has been Factory Set to Normal.

2Contents
Quick Start
Introducing the GPX 5000 and GPX 4800
List of Parts
Assembly
Adjusting the Detector for Comfortable Detecting
Charging the Battery
Battery LED Patterns
Taking Care of Your Battery
Detecting Basics
Detector Sounds
Front Control Panel
Rear Control Panel
Turning the Detector On
LCD Menu Structure
Search Mode
Tune / Reducing electrical interference.
Auto Tune
Threshold / Adjusting the background audio level.
Soil/Timings / Optimising for soil and target types.
Coil/Rx / Changing transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) fields.
Ground Balance / Compensating for ground mineralisation.
Ground Balance Procedure for Tracking
Ground Balance Procedure for Fixed
Restoring Factory Presets
Factory Presets
Function Select Control / Scrolling through functions.
Setting Control / Adjusting settings.
4
6
8
16
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
31
32
33
35
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
49
Front Panel Functions
Item Number: 4901-0096 Revision: 2

3
LCD Backlight
Battery Test / Viewing the battery voltage.
Volume Limit / Setting the maximum volume of all sounds.
Ground Balance Type
Ground Balance Procedure for Specific
Special / Soil/Timings.
Manual Tune / Reducing electrical interference.
Changing Search Modes / Via the LCD.
Motion / Adjusting sweep speed.
Rx Gain / Adjusting the sensitivity of the detector.
Audio Type / Changing the audio response of target signals.
Audio Tone / Adjusting the pitch of the Threshold.
Stabilizer
Signal Peak / Adjusting the pitch variation of target signals.
Target Volume
Response / Inverting the pitch of the target signal.
Tracking Speed / Keeping up with changing ground.
Iron Reject
Iron Reject / Rejecting ferrous targets.
Custom Name / Changing your Custom Search Mode name.
Pinpointing / Locating the target.
Recovering the Target
Detecting Tips
Commander Coils
Choosing the Right Coil for the Job
Troubleshooting
Glossary
Taking Care of Your Detector
User Preferences
Technical Specifications
Warranty
Service and Repair Form
50
51
52
54
56
57
59
60
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
72
74
76
77
79
81
83
85
87
88
91
92
94
95
96
Rear Panel Functions

4Introducing the
and
The GPX Series utilise Minelab’s proven 'Dual Voltage
Technology' (DVT). This ensures an accurate Ground Balance to
provide maximum sensitivity and depth in all ground types.
The GPX 5000 offers a total of eight Timing options, the
GPX 4800 offers six; each incorporating the all-new SETA
technology. Smart Electronic Timing Alignment (SETA)
ensures the detector is precisely aligned for each individual
Timing option. This improvement in calibration reduces the
susceptibility to certain types of interference, and significantly
improves the detector’s immunity to highly magnetic
rocks and soils.
Through a process of dynamic noise compensation,
SETA ensures that the threshold stability is improved and
maintained, allowing you to operate the GPX 5000 and GPX
4800 with maximum efficiency under all conditions.
The GPX 5000 offers six preprogrammed Search Modes, and
the GPX 4800 offers three. Both models are set up for the most
common search techniques.
Each Search Mode can be fine tuned by simply scrolling
through the various functions of the detector and adjusting
the settings.
With improved functionality and new timings the GPX 5000
and GPX 4800 are capable of finding nuggets in a diverse
range of ground conditions with greater ease than
previous detectors.
Timings stability
prior to SETA
Precisely aligned
timings after
SETA processing
Dynamic
Noise
Compensation

5Features
Ground Balance (GB) Type
Ground Balance Type has three settings:
Normal, Specific, and GB Off. Normal is the
preferred setting for most soil types. Specific
Ground Balance is designed to be used in
very hot ground, and is especially useful with
Monoloop coils. GB Off switches the ground
balance circuit off for maximum depth in very
mild soils, sand etc.
Custom Search Mode (GPX 5000)
With Custom selected, a range of Custom
Search Modes become available from the
LCD menu. A mode name picker is also
included so you can name your own Search
Modes for different locations, and use them
for future visits.
Timings
The GPX Series feature a number of new
timings, increasing performance in different
conditions. Fine Gold, Salt/Gold and Coin/
Relic are new timings for the GPX 5000. Coin/
Relic is also new to the GPX 4800.
Rx Gain
The Rx Gain function sets the overall
sensitivity level of your detector. In areas
where soil conditions are mild you can
increase the Rx Gain. In areas that are more
difficult Rx Gain can be reduced.
Motion
The speed at which you sweep the coil has an
effect on target response time and Ground
Balance adjustment. Matching your preferred
coil sweep speed with the corresponding
Motion setting can reduce noise and improve
your ability to pick up targets at depth.
Response (GPX 5000)
The Response function allows you to invert
the target response. Deep targets can now
sound like the more familiar ‘rising and falling’
pitch of a shallow target signal.
Stabilizer
This feature allows you to fine tune your
audio, in order to obtain the best compromise
between smooth operation and clear
target signals.
Target Volume
Used to control the built-in amplifier which
affects the volume of target signals. It is
active with both headphones and an external
speaker. Target Volume can also be used to
reduce the severity of ground signals.

6List of Parts
Battery Harness
Lower Shaft11" Coil Upper Shaft
Handle
(with Quick-Trak
Button)
Power CableLithium-ion Battery
Control Box
Headphones
Instruction Manual
& Warranty Card
Armrest (2 sections)
Armrest Bolts
Armrest Wingnuts
Armrest Straps Armrest Cover
Vehicle Charger Adaptor
Velcro Tabs
Bungy Cord Clamp
(Bow Knuckle) with
Bolt and Wingnut
Bungy Cord
Lower Shaft Washers Lower Shaft BoltLower Shaft Wingnut
Mains Charger Adaptor

7
Battery Harness
Lower Shaft11" Coil Upper Shaft
Handle
(with Quick-Trak
Button)
Power CableLithium-ion Battery
Control Box
Headphones
Instruction Manual
& Warranty Card
Armrest (2 sections)
Armrest Bolts
Armrest Wingnuts
Armrest Straps Armrest Cover
Vehicle Charger Adaptor
Velcro Tabs
Bungy Cord Clamp
(Bow Knuckle) with
Bolt and Wingnut
Bungy Cord
Lower Shaft Washers Lower Shaft BoltLower Shaft Wingnut
Mains Charger Adaptor

8Assembly
Spring loaded pin
The Coil cable is directly wired into the coil and is not
removable. Any attempt to disconnect this cable will void
your warranty
Attaching the Coil to the Lower Shaft:
1 Plug the two rubber washers into the holes on either side of
the lower shaft.
2 Ensure that the spring loaded pin of the lower shaft is
pointing downwards. Slide the lower shaft into the bracket
on top of the coil.
3 Insert the bolt through the lower shaft and the bracket on
top of the coil. Fasten with the nut provided; being careful
not to damage the thread of the nut by over-tightening. This
may need to be loosened to adjust the coil to a comfortable
detecting angle.
Note: If the coil becomes loose over time the rubber washers
may need replacing.

9
Attaching the Lower Shaft to
the Upper Shaft:
1 With the twistlock facing away from you, rotate the twistlock
of the upper shaft clockwise to ensure it is loosened, as
pictured left.
2 Compress the spring loaded pin of the lower shaft. Slide
the lower shaft into the upper shaft until the pin reaches an
adjustment hole. The pin will spring out and clip into place.
3 Rotate the twistlock counter-clockwise to clamp the lower
shaft and prevent movement.
Attaching the Handle to the Upper Shaft:
1 Slide the bungy cord clamp onto the upper shaft.
2 Slide the handle onto the upper shaft so that it angles away
from you, as shown below.
Attaching the Armrest to the Upper Shaft:
1 Place the two armrest halves on either side of the upper
shaft, aligning the armrest and upper shaft holes.
2 Insert the bolts through the armrest and upper shaft holes.
3 Loosely fasten the wing-nuts onto the bolts (these will be
tightened after the control box is attached).

10 Assembly
Continued...
Note: If the Quick-Trak cable
becomes loose try securing
it onto the shaft with
electrical tape.
Attaching the Armrest Straps to
the Armrest:
1 Press both strap studs onto the armrest studs.
2 Push the armrest straps through the slots in the armrest
cover and then slide the cover over the armrest.
Connecting the Control Box to
the Upper Shaft:
1 Place the detector on a flat surface, with the handle
facing upwards.
2 Position the armrest on top of the control box.
3 Clip the control box onto the armrest, ensuring the battery
plug faces away from the coil.
4 Fasten with the wing-nuts.
5 Wind the Quick-Trak button cable around the upper shaft
and plug it into the Smart Point socket in the control box.
Ensure that the cable is wrapped firmly but avoid strain on
the connector.

11
Connecting the Coil Cable:
1 Wind the coil cable around the lower and upper shafts
enough times to take up the slack. Leave enough slack at
the bottom of the cable near the coil to allow the angle of
the coil to be adjusted while detecting.
2 Use the velcro straps to secure the coil cable to the shaft.
3 Plug the coil connector into the coil socket on the control
box, firmly tightening the retaining ring to hold it in place.
Always ensure that the control box is turned off before
connecting or disconnecting the coil to avoid damage to
the detector's electronics.

12 Assembly
Continued...
Connecting the Battery Pack:
1 Place the battery into the battery harness pouch.
2 Connect the headphones and the power cable to the
appropriate sockets in the battery.
Note: The illustration shows
the battery orientated for a
user holding the detector with
their left hand.
Caution: The new battery should initially be charged for
8 hours before use.

13
Making use of the Minelab Lithium-ion
battery Amplifier:
The Minelab Lithium-ion battery contains an amplifier which
automatically increases the audio level when a correctly
wired speaker is used.
The Minelab Lithium-ion battery will automatically detect
if headphones or a speaker is in use and adjust the audio
level accordingly.
See wiring diagram below for correct speaker to audio
jack wiring.
Note: After market accessory
boosters may not operate in
conjunction with this built
in amplifier. However, the
detectors 'Target Volume'
adjustment allows you to
adjust the target signal
volume and threshold, so
accessory boosters are not
recommended.
Caution: Never re-wire your headphones so that they are
similar to the external speaker as the high audio level may
damage your hearing.
External Speaker
TipRing¼” TRS Plug
Not connected

14 Assembly
Continued...
Fitting the Battery Harness:
1 Thread your arms through the harness,
so the battery pack sits on your back.
2 Clip the waist and chest buckles together.
For more detail see Adjusting the Detector for
Comfortable Detecting (p. 16).

15
Attaching the Bungy Cord:
1 Create a loop in the bungy cord.
2 Undo the plastic wingnut and remove the bolt from
the clamp.
3 Push the bolt back through the clamp and loop to
secure the bungy cord to the shaft.
4 Fasten the screw with the wingnut.
5 Clip the bungy cord onto one of the harness
shoulder strap rings.
For more detail see Adjusting the Detector for
Comfortable Detecting (p. 16).

16 Adjusting the Detector for
Comfortable Detecting
Note: For comfortable, long
term detecting, it is important
you take the time to adjust the
detector correctly.
Holding the Detector:
Thread your arm through the armrest and strap. Grasp the
handle of the detector and rest your forearm in the armrest.
Adjusting the Position of the Handle:
Your elbow should sit just above the back of the armrest
allowing you to comfortably grip the handle.
Slide the handle into position. Using a screwdriver, tighten the
two screws which hold the handle onto the shaft. Adjust the
handle strap to a comfortable position.
Adjusting the Length of the Lower Shaft:
If the coil is too far from your body it will be difficult to balance
and manoeuvre while detecting.
If the coil is too close to your body it may detect your pick, the
battery, or any other metal which you are carrying; causing
confusing sounds.
Rotate the twistlocks of the shafts counter-clockwise to ensure
that they are loosened.
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.
The correct length of the lower shaft should allow you
to swing the coil in front of your body without any
uncomfortable stretching or stooping.
Shaft is the
correct length
Shaft is too short
Shaft is the
correct length
Shaft is too short

17
Adjusting the Battery Harness:
A comfortable fitting battery harness will ensure the longest
detecting session possible without fatigue.
Ideally the battery should be placed on your back so that it
counter-balances the weight of the detector. You should be
able to reach the switches of the detector without putting
excess strain on the bungy cord.
Pull the straps outwards and downwards to tighten. Push the
straps back through the buckle to loosen.
The harness may also be adjusted around your body by
threading the front straps through different loops on
the waist belt.
Adjusting the Bungy Cord Clamp
(Bow Knuckle):
The correct position of the bungy cord clamp (bow knuckle)
along the shaft can help take the weight of the coil.
Loosen the clamp screw so it can slide along the shaft. Slide
it to a position that feels most comfortable for you.
Note: You may need to change the length of the bungy cord,
or the position of the bungy cord clamp, when you change
coils or detect on sloping ground.
Tip: Some operators may
find it more comfortable to
fit the battery around the
waist. However, make sure
the detector isn't detecting
a signal from the battery. If
using a large coil, position
the battery as high up on
your back as practical (and
comfortable) to avoid any
unwanted interference.

18 Charging the Battery
The aluminium battery case contains the 7.4V Lithium-
ion (Li-ion) battery pack and an internal charging circuit.
Supplied with the GPX 5000 and GPX 4800 is a mains
charger adaptor and a 12V vehicle charger adaptor.
When fully charged, the battery will provide enough power
to operate the detector for approximately 12 hours.
The charger will recharge a flat battery in approximately 5
hours, but partially discharged batteries require a shorter
recharge time. There is no need to fully discharge the Li-ion
battery before recharging, it can be recharged at any time
you are not detecting.
Note: Some after market coils can drain the battery at
a higher rate which may reduce your operating time by
up to 30%.
Tip: A spare battery is
available as an accessory.
If travelling into remote
areas a spare battery will
ensure you can continue
detecting for long
periods of time.
Caution: The new battery should initially be
charged for 8 hours before use.
Mains Charger Adaptor
The mains charger adaptor will charge the battery from local
mains (AC) power outlets.
To Charge with the Mains Charger Adaptor:
1 Disconnect the power cable from the battery.
2 Connect the mains charger adaptor to the battery power
plug and the wall socket.
3 Switch the wall socket on.
The colour scheme of the tri-colour LED (p. 20) will indicate
the status of the charging process.