Minelab Manticore User manual

Instruction Manual

MANTICORE® by Minelab
MANTICORE® is a powerful, fast and precise metal detector featuring
MULTI‑IQ+® Simultaneous Multi‑Frequency technology. It has an advanced 2D
Target Identification (ID) Map, rich audio options and an intuitive user interface
packaged in a rugged, lightweight and waterproof housing.
CAUTION
Before assembling, charging, or using your detector for the first time, read
the warnings and safety information listed in the following sections:
"Charger Information and Safety" (page 13)
"General Care and Safety" (page 72)

3
Contents
Getting Started
Assembly ................................................................................................................ 6
Quick Start .............................................................................................................7
Overview
Parts of the Detector ..................................................................................... 9
Screen Protector Application ............................................................................ 9
Controls..................................................................................................................10
Screens....................................................................................................................11
The Detect Screen.................................................................................................11
The Settings Menu ................................................................................................11
The Status Bar.......................................................................................................12
Batteries and Charging ................................................................................13
Charger Information and Safety......................................................................13
Charging the Battery ...........................................................................................13
Operating With a Power Bank...........................................................................14
Search Modes
Introduction to Search Modes.................................................................16
Choosing the Right Search Mode ...................................................................16
All‑Terrain..............................................................................................................17
Beach .......................................................................................................................18
Goldfield .................................................................................................................19
Detect Screen Settings
Sensitivity.............................................................................................................21
When to Adjust Sensitivity ................................................................................21
Recommended Sensitivity Settings...............................................................21
Extreme Sensitivity Settings............................................................................21
Adjusting the Sensitivity Level.........................................................................21
Depth Indicator.................................................................................................22
Target Identification, Pinpointing & Recovery
Target ID Number............................................................................................24
Target ID Number Overview..............................................................................24
Ferrous Target IDs ...............................................................................................24
Target ID Types .....................................................................................................24
Typical Target Examples....................................................................................25
Accuracy Factors .................................................................................................25
ID Map.....................................................................................................................26
Elements of the ID Map .....................................................................................26
Single Frequency ID Map...................................................................................26
Target Trace........................................................................................................27
Interpreting the Target Trace ..........................................................................27
Target Trace Examples.......................................................................................27
Pinpointing ......................................................................................................... 30
Pinpointing Methods.......................................................................................... 30
Pinpoint Mode....................................................................................................... 30
Locate a Target Using Pinpoint Mode ......................................................... 30
Locate a Target Manually...................................................................................31
General Settings
Vibration................................................................................................................33
Turn Vibration On/Off .........................................................................................33
Lighting................................................................................................................. 34
Open the Lighting Menu ................................................................................... 34
Display Backlight................................................................................................. 34
Keypad Backlight ................................................................................................ 34
Flashlight................................................................................................................ 34
Soft Keys ..............................................................................................................35
Assign the Soft Keys ..........................................................................................35
Soft Key Actions...................................................................................................35
Reset ...................................................................................................................... 36
Factory Reset ....................................................................................................... 36

4
Contents (Continued)
Settings Menu
Frequency............................................................................................................ 38
Change the Frequency ...................................................................................... 38
Frequencies and Search Modes .................................................................... 38
Multi-IQ+ Operation ............................................................................................ 38
Single Frequency Operation............................................................................ 39
Audio Theme...................................................................................................... 40
Choosing an Audio Theme................................................................................ 40
Normal..................................................................................................................... 40
Enhanced..................................................................................................................41
Depth .........................................................................................................................41
Prospecting .............................................................................................................41
Profile .......................................................................................................................42
Threshold Level and Pitch.................................................................................42
'Reference' Threshold Tone ............................................................................. 43
'True' Threshold Tone......................................................................................... 43
Target Tones...................................................................................................... 44
Choosing a Target Tones Setting .................................................................. 44
The Target Tones Editor.....................................................................................45
Adjust the Volume of Tone Regions ..............................................................45
Adjust the Width/Pitch of Tone Regions.....................................................45
Ferrous Tones ................................................................................................... 46
Ferrous Volume.................................................................................................... 46
Ferrous Pitch ........................................................................................................ 46
Ferrous Limits...................................................................................................47
Upper and Lower limits ......................................................................................47
Ferrous Limits Audio.......................................................................................... 48
Preset Ferrous Limits........................................................................................ 48
Select the Preset Ferrous Limits.................................................................. 48
Copy Preset Limits to Custom ....................................................................... 49
Custom Ferrous Limits Editor ........................................................................ 49
Edit Custom Ferrous Limits ............................................................................ 49
Edit Ferrous Limits for Specific Targets .................................................... 50
Discrimination Pattern ................................................................................52
The Discrimination Pattern Editor.................................................................52
Edit a Discrimination Pattern ..........................................................................52
Accept/ Reject an ID Upon Detection ..........................................................53
All Metal...................................................................................................................53
Recovery Speed................................................................................................54
Adjust the Recovery Speed..............................................................................54
Swing Rate..............................................................................................................54
Ground Balance ................................................................................................55
Auto Ground Balance..........................................................................................55
Manual Ground Balance.....................................................................................56
Tracking Ground Balance ..................................................................................56
Noise Cancel.......................................................................................................57
Auto Noise Cancel................................................................................................57
Continuous Auto Noise Cancel....................................................................... 58
Manual Noise Cancel.......................................................................................... 58
Search Mode.......................................................................................................59
Change the Search Mode..................................................................................59
Favourite Mode .....................................................................................................59
Reset A Search Mode ........................................................................................ 60
Search Mode Information ................................................................................ 60
Volume.....................................................................................................................61
Adjust the Volume.................................................................................................61
Detector Audio
Wireless Headphones.................................................................................. 63
ML 105 Wireless Headphones ........................................................................ 63
Pair Wireless Headphones............................................................................... 63
Re-Connect Previously Paired Headphones ............................................. 63
The Wireless Audio Indicator.......................................................................... 63
Factory Reset the Headphones..................................................................... 63
Wired Headphones ........................................................................................ 64
Connect Wired Headphones............................................................................ 64
Connect Waterproof Headphones ................................................................ 64
Headphone Socket Submersion .................................................................... 64
Troubleshooting & Errors
Solving Noise..................................................................................................... 66
General Troubleshooting.............................................................................67
Errors..................................................................................................................... 69
Safety, Care & Maintenance
Detector Care and Safety ..........................................................................72
General Care and Safety....................................................................................72
Maintenance of Parts.........................................................................................73
Specifications, Presets & Compliance
Technical Specifications.............................................................................75
Software Updates...........................................................................................76
MANTICORE® Default Settings ...............................................................78

5
CONTENTS
Getting Started

CONTENTS 6
ATTACH THE COIL
1. Confirm that the 2× Coil Washers are in the
Yoke Bracket on the top of the Coil.
2. Slide the Shaft Yoke over the Yoke Bracket, align the
holes, then insert the Bolt through the Yoke and the
Yoke Bracket and tighten by hand. Do not use tools to
tighten, over-tightening may damage the shaft.
EXTEND THE SHAFTS
3. Open the Upper and Lower Camlocks.
4. Extend the Shafts to their approximate detecting
length. Do not extend beyond the red line.
5. Close the Camlocks.
If the Shafts are slipping, they can be adjusted.
See "Tightening the Camlocks" on page 73.
ATTACH THE ARMREST
6. Unlock the Armrest Lock.
7. Slide the Armrest onto the Armrest Rail.
8. Lock the Armrest, then insert your arm into the Armrest
to check the position is correct and adjust as needed —
the armrest should be positioned just below your elbow.
If you are left-handed, you can reverse the Armrest
Strap so that it fastens away from your body for
improved comfort.
CONNECT THE COIL
9. Wrap the Coil Cable around the Shaft enough times to
take up the slack, but so the Coil can still tilt
without restriction.
10. With the arrow on the Coil Connector at the top, align
the Coil Connector with the Interface on the back of the
Control Pod. Plug-in and tighten the Retaining Ring.
Assembly
1
6
9
10
8
7
2
5
3
4

CONTENTS 7
Quick Start
1TURN ON
Press the Power button on the side of the Control Pod.
2
SELECT A SEARCH MODE
Select a Search Mode that suits your detecting location
and intended target type.
Navigate to Search Mode: Settings > Search Mode,
then press /to select a Search Mode.
3NOISE CANCEL
Navigate to Noise Cancel: Settings > Noise Cancel,
then press the Right Soft Key (Auto Noise Cancel).
4GO DETECTING
Press (Back) to return to the Detect Screen,
and begin detecting.
If there is excessive ground noise after completing the Quick Start steps, perform a Ground Balance (page 55).
If excessive noise is still being experienced, try reducing the Sensitivity Level a little (page 21).
For more information on how to manage noise, see "Solving Noise" on page 66.
Before first use, it is recommended that you fully charge the battery.
This may take 7 to 8 hours (page 13).

8
CONTENTS
Overview

CONTENTS 9
Parts of the Detector
11
1
10
24
1. Control Pod
2. Display
3. Keypad
4. Side Buttons (×4)
5. Speaker
6. Flashlight
7. Headphone Socket 3.5 mm/⅛"
(with waterproof dust-cap)
8. Charging Interface
9. Coil Connector Interface
10. Handgrip
with vibration and internal
Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
11. SCORPION™ Armrest
12. Stand
13. Armrest Lock
14. Armstrap
15. Armrest Rail
16. Shaft Bung
17. Shafts
18. Upper Shaft
19. Upper Camlock
20. Middle Shaft
21. Lower Camlock
22. Lower Shaft
23. Shaft Yoke
24. Coil (with cable)
25. Skidplate
26. Coil Cable
2 7. Coil Connector
28. Retaining Ring
29. Coil Washers (×2)
30. Coil Bolt
31. Yoke Bracket
19
29 3
23
7 48 2
5
20
26
30
18
27 15
22
25
21
23
28
9
6
31
17
16
12
14
13
SCREEN PROTECTOR APPLICATION
Applying a screen protector will protect your screen
against scuffing and scratching from normal use.
NOTICE: Never clean the Display lens using
solvents or alcohol-based cleaners. To clean the
Display lens, use a slightly damp cloth with mild
soap detergent.
1. Remove the thin plastic film from the detector screen.
Make sure the screen is free of dust and fingerprints.
2. Peel the backing off of the screen protector, being
careful not to touch the adhesive side.
3. Hold the edges of the screen protector, align it to the
screen, and apply gently.
4. Wipe any bubbles to the edge with a soft, clean cloth.
5. Peel off the front layer.

CONTENTS 10
Controls
1. Charge Status LED (page 14)
Displays the charge status when charging the
detector battery.
2. Power (page 36)
Turns the detector On/Off.
Press-and-hold from Off (7 seconds) for Factory Reset.
3. Backlight/Lighting (page 34)
Press to open the Lighting Menu. Press again to adjust
the Display Backlight brightness from high-to-low.
4. Action Bar Soft Keys (×2) (page 35)
The Soft Key Actions change depending on the Screen
you are viewing. The available Actions are displayed
directly above each Soft Key in the Action Bar.
The Soft Keys are user-customisable. When in the
Detect Screen, the Soft Keys will perform the Actions
assigned by the user.
5. Keypad (page 34)
Keypad with Backlight for detecting at night.
6. Light Sensor (page 34)
When the Display Backlight setting is Auto, the
Light Sensor monitors environmental light levels and
automatically adjusts the Backlight brightness.
7. Wireless Audio On/Off (page 63)
Turns Wireless Audio On/Off.
Long-press to initiate Wireless pairing mode to connect
wireless headphones.
8. Side Soft Key (page 35)
Provides a short-cut to a user-assigned Action.
Long-press to open the Soft Keys Selector.
9. Navigation Arrows (×4)
Navigate the user interface menus and adjust settings.
Press from the Detect Screen to open the Settings
Menu (page 37).
Press /from the Detect Screen to adjust Sensitivity.
Press from the Detect Screen to turn Pinpoint Mode
On/Off (page 30).
8
7
6
2
3
1
59
44
The Action Bar Soft Keys
perform the Action displayed
on the screen in the Action Bar
directly above the Soft Key.
The Soft Key Actions change
depending on the Screen you
are viewing.

CONTENTS 11
Screens
20
88
20
Volume
THE DETECT SCREEN
1. Status Bar (page 12)
The Status Bar is displayed at the top of all Screens.
2. Frequency (page 38)
Shows the current operating Frequency.
3. Sensitivity Level (page 21)
Displays the Sensitivity Level.
4. ID Map (page 26)
Detected targets appear on the ID Map depending on
their conductive and ferrous properties.
5. Action Bar
Displays the Actions that will be performed by the
Soft Keys directly below each icon the Action Bar.
6. Target Depth Indicator (page 22)
Shows the approximate depth of a detected target.
7. Target ID Number (page 24)
A numerical value between 0 to 99 is assigned to each
detected target based on its Conductive properties.
This allows objects to be identified before digging.
For example, a US quarter will always have a Target ID
Number of 88.
2
3
6
7
THE SETTINGS MENU
The Settings Menu contains key detecting settings
as well as general settings for customisation and
control of your MANTICORE detector.
For detailed information for each setting, see the Settings
Menu section starting on page 37.
5
4
General Settings Discrimination Pattern
Frequency Recovery Speed
Audio Theme Ground Balance
Target Tones Noise Cancel
Ferrous Tones Search Mode
Ferrous Limits Volume
The Left and Right
Actions in the Action Bar
on the Detect Screen can
be customised.
Press () from
the Detect Screen
to Open the
Settings Menu
Pay attention to the Action Bar when you are
in the Settings Menu — the Actions change for
different Settings.
1

CONTENTS 12
Screens (Continued)
THE STATUS BAR
1. Search Mode (page 15)
Displays the current Search Mode.
2. Favourite Mode (page 59)
Indicates the Favourite Search Mode.
3. Large Metal Overload Indicator (page 69)
Indicates a large metal object is overloading the
detector electronics.
4. Tx Disable
Indicates that the Coil transmit is temporarily disabled
because the detector is connected to a computer via
the supplied USB charging/data transfer cable.
5. Flashlight Indicator (page 34)
Indicates that the Flashlight is On.
6. Tracking Ground Balance (page 56)
Indicates that the Tracking Ground Balance is On.
Flashes during Auto Ground Balance.
7. Wireless Audio Indicator (page 63)
Indicates the current Wireless audio connection status.
8. Headphones Connection (page 62)
Appears when headphones are connected — wireless
or wired.
9. Battery Level/Charging (page 13)
Indicates the current battery level and charging status.
Lightning bolt appears when the detector is charging.
5
1
3 4
6 7 8 9
2

CONTENTS 13
Batteries and Charging
CHARGER INFORMATION AND SAFETY
MANTICORE is supplied with a USB charging cable with a
snap-on magnetic connector.
The charge time from completely flat to 100% is
approximately 7 hours when a high capacity (>2A @ 5V)
charger is used. A range of charging accessories are
available for separate purchase.
Any standard USB port compatible with USB battery
charging can be used to charge your battery, however
charge times may be longer if using lower-power ports
or chargers.
CAUTION: Charge your detector with a good-quality
USB charger that has a minimum charging capacity
of 2A @ 5 V. Risk of USB charger failure if a
low-quality charger is used.
Look for the following marks on USB chargers:
CAUTION: Only charge the detector in ambient
temperatures between 0°C and +40°C.
CAUTION: DO NOT use the detector underwater
whilst charging or when connected to a power bank.
NOTICE: Minelab Metal detectors and accessories
are not intended to be operated while connected to
a mains (AC) charger.
Going detecting with a fully charged battery
is recommended. Typical battery runtime is
approximately 10 hours.
NOTE: All-Terrain High Conductors is a
high-powered Search Mode that will reduce battery
runtime by approximately one hour.
CHARGING THE BATTERY
If the detector is powered On during charging, the charge
time will be longer.
1. Plug the supplied charging cable into any standard
powered USB-A port.
2. Connect the magnetic connector to the Charging
Interface on the rear of the Control Pod. Make sure the
interfacing parts are clean and dry before connecting.
USB-A
3. The green Charge Status LED on the top left of the
Control Pod will flash slowly. When the battery is fully
charged, the Charge Status LED will remain On.
Charge Status LED
Charging (flashing)
Fully charged (on)

CONTENTS 14
Batteries and Charging (Continued)
Battery Level Indication
The current battery level is shown in the Status Bar.
100%–90%
90%–7% (50% shown)
Less than 7%
Charging
The detector regulates the battery voltage so that
detector performance remains constant regardless
of the battery level.
Automatic Shut-Down
When the battery level is critically low (< 1% remaining), an
Error message will be displayed briefly before the detector
automatically powers Off. See "Critically Low Battery
Error" (page 69).
OPERATING WITH A POWER BANK
CAUTION: DO NOT use the detector underwater or
in a wet, salty environment whilst charging or when
connected to a power bank.
You can use your MANTICORE detector whilst plugged
into a portable power bank. This means you can continue
detecting even if the detector battery is flat.
Connect the power bank to your detector using the
supplied USB charging cable, and continue detecting.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
See "Battery Maintenance" (page 73).

15
CONTENTS
Search Modes

CONTENTS 16
Introduction to Search Modes
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEARCH MODE
Search Modes each have unique characteristics and default settings optimised for
specific targets and conditions.
Choosing the right Search Mode is important to get the best performance for
the environment you are detecting in, and your detecting intent. For example, if
detecting an inland field with the intent of finding large silver coins, choose All Terrain
High Conductors to maximise your chances of success.
Each Search Mode belongs to one of three typical detecting locations: All-Terrain,
Beach, and Goldfield. Each Search Mode is uniquely pre-configured to optimise the
detector for the best performance in the conditions typical to that location.
There are additional options for each Search Mode that can be edited/viewed via the
Search Mode Menu. You are able to:
Change the Search Mode (page 59)
Set the Favourite Search Mode (page 59)
Reset the Search Mode to its factory preset settings (page 60)
View information about the Search Mode (page 60)
ALL-TERRAIN
Great for high-trash recreational
areas, fields and historical locations
including most general detecting.
BEACH
Perfect for all salty conditions — dry
sand, wet sand, surf and underwater.
GOLDFIELD
Ideal for gold nugget prospecting in
mineralised goldfield locations.
First, choose the location that best
matches your surroundings.
Then, choose the Search Mode that
best suits your detecting intent.
General
Trash Reject
Low Conductors
High Conductors
Fast
General
Deep
Surf & Seawater
Low Conductors
General
Can't decide which Mode to use?
Use the General Mode for your
detecting location.

CONTENTS 17
All-Terrain
Great for high‑trash
recreational areas, fields and
historical locations including
most general detecting.
All-Terrain Modes are designed for
searching inland sites including parks,
agricultural fields, pasture, ruins, and other
sites of modern or ancient habitation where
there may be coins, jewellery and other
relics. There is often a lot of other metallic
litter such as iron nails, aluminium foil, pull
tabs and bottle caps at these sites.
The All-Terrain Modes provide great depth,
accurate Target Identification and good
discrimination in the conditions that each
Search Mode is optimised for.
If in doubt in a new area or when first
detecting, try an All-Terrain Mode, or
All-Terrain General first.
General
Inland general purpose detecting. Excellent all round
performance for most targets and conditions.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection

Fast
Inland detecting optimised for separation of targets.
Coke rejection makes this mode suitable for sites of
ancient habitation.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection

Low Conductors
Inland detecting optimised for small or thin metal targets such
as hammered or cut coins and fine jewellery. Coke rejection
makes this mode suitable for sites of ancient habitation.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection

High Conductors
Inland detecting optimised for large or thick metal targets, such
as copper, gold, or silver coins. Special discrimination capabilities
make this mode ideal for highly conductive targets such as
coin stacks.
This is a high-powered Search Mode that will reduce battery
runtime by approximately one hour.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection

Trash Reject
Inland detecting optimised for maximum rejection of
iron trash and foil.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection


CONTENTS 18
Beach
Perfect for all salty conditions
— dry sand, wet sand, surf
and underwater.
Beach Modes are for salt-water beaches
including dry sand, wet sand, surf and
underwater conditions. Beach modes are
designed to minimise the noise generated
by the presence of conductive salt water
for a smooth, quiet detecting experience
in these conditions. Multi-IQ+ is better
able to reduce this noise than any single-
frequency can. Therefore Multi-IQ+ is the
only Frequency option.
Beach Modes specifically identify any
residual salt response and assign a
Target ID of 0 (zero), and a low tone similar
to that given to ferrous targets so that it is
easily distinguished from desirable targets,
and can be discriminated out.
General
Salt water beach general-purpose detecting. Excellent all round
performance for most targets in dry sand or wet sand.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection

Low Conductors
Salt water beach detecting for small or thin metal objects such
as fine jewellery items in dry or wet sand.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection

Deep
Salt water beach detecting for small or thin metal objects such
as fine jewellery, with aggressive settings for maximum depth.
Suitable for dry and wet sand.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection

Surf & Seawater
Salt water Beach detecting, suitable for difficult salt water
conditions, including in the surf zone and salt wash.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection


CONTENTS 19
Goldfield
Ideal for gold nugget
prospecting in mineralised
goldfield locations.
Goldfield General Mode is for gold
prospecting. Generally, gold nuggets are
found in remote goldfields where the
ground is often mineralised and targets are
more sparsely distributed.
For Goldfield General Mode, the default
Audio Theme is set to Prospecting
(page 41), providing a 'true' threshold
tone which maximises sensitivity to
weak target signals. When a target is
detected, the signal volume and pitch vary
proportionally to the strength of the
target signal.
Most goldfield locations have a variable
level of iron mineralisation that requires
constant Ground Balance adjustment,
therefore Tracking Ground Balance is the
default setting.
Goldfield Mode is suited to finding smaller
surface gold nuggets (and some larger
deeper ones) in mineralised ground.
General
Goldfield detecting, suitable for small nuggets in benign to
moderate soil mineralisation conditions.
Target Separation

Trash Rejection


20
CONTENTS
Detect Screen Settings