Minelab Safari User manual

Instruction Manual

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If you have any questions or comments
regarding the Safari 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
1Turn on Safari by pressing the
Power button.
2On initial start-up, your detector will default
to the factory Coin Mode.
3To select a dierent factory preset Detect
Mode, press and release the appropriate
Mode button.
4The icon next to the corresponding
preset Detect Mode, indicates that a
factory preset Mode has been selected. The
detector will apply the factory determined
Discrimination Pattern and audio response
for that Mode.
5Press the Noise Cancel button and wait
the 20 seconds it takes to select the most
stable channel.
6Once the Noise Cancel sequence is
completed you can start detecting!

1
Thank you for purchasing the Minelab Safari
metal detector.
Metal detecting is a fascinating and
rewarding activity enjoyed by people all over
the world. By getting to know your Safari
you can become one of the many successful
detectorists who combine their passion
for the outdoors with the excitement of
discovering valuable coins, relics, gold and
jewellery on a regular basis.
Safari will locate valuable metal objects such
as gold, coins, jewellery and other metallic
items. The detector’s easy-to-use control
panel enables anyone, from beginner to
expert, to start detecting immediately after
assembly.
Minelab recommends you initially use Safari
in one of the four selectable factory preset
modes to become familiar with its operation.
These Detect Modes have been optimised to
provide you with settings suitable for most
applications.
Your Safari is designed to provide you with
years of treasure hunting enjoyment. To
ensure you get the most from your Safari, we
recommend that you read this Instruction
Manual to help assemble, take care of and
learn how to operate your new detector.
Minelab wishes you every success with
your Safari!
Congratulations on purchasing
your Minelab

2
Contents
Quick Start
How Metal Detectors Work
The Technology of Safari
Assembly
Adjusting the Detector for Comfortable Detecting
Battery Packs
Turning the Detector On
Introducing the Control Panel
Introducing the Detect Screen
Detecting Basics
A Simple Detecting Exercise
Detect Modes
Coin Mode
Coin & Jewellery Mode
Relic Mode
All Metal Mode
Pinpoint
Menu
Sensitivity
Target Volume
Threshold
Noise Cancel
Contrast
Trash Density
Discrimination
Discrimination (Accept/Reject) Scale
To Modify the Discrimination Pattern
To Create and Save a User Mode
Technical Specications
Factory Presets
User Information
Recovering the Target
Treasure Locations
Detector Care and Safety
Troubleshooting
Warranty and Accessories
Service and Repair Form
Inside Front Cover
3
4
5
8
10
13
14
16
18
19
21
22
22
23
23
24
25
26
26
27
27
28
28
30
30
30
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

3
Metal detectors create an electromagnetic
(EM) eld around the coil, which penetrates
the ground. Because metal is conductive it
causes a change in this eld. The detector
senses this change through the coil 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.
A metal detector’s EM operating frequencies
are measured in kilohertz (kHz). Low
frequency EM elds (e.g. 1.5kHz) penetrate
the ground deeply, but sensitivity to smaller
targets is low. High frequency EM elds (e.g.
65kHz) have a shallower depth of penetration,
but sensitivity to small targets is high.
Safari’s multiple frequency operation provides
the advantage of both; good depth and high
sensitivity.
How Metal Detectors Work
Item Number: 4901 - 0070
Revision: 1.1

4
Single Frequency
FBS Comparison
Dual Frequency
FBS Multiple Frequency
The Technology of Safari
Full Band Spectrum (FBS)
Most detectors on the market operate on a
single or dual frequency, ranging from 1 to 70
kilohertz (kHz).
Although this technology has served the
industry well for years, Minelab found that
a frequency that worked well in one area
would often oer only marginal performance
when used in another location. Ground
mineralisation, trash content and target
size all had an impact on how eectively
a detector transmitting a single frequency
would operate.
FBS technology combines Minelab’s
multiple frequency BBS (Broad Band
Spectrum) technology with a powerful new
microprocessor to give:
• Greaterdetectingdepth
• Highsensitivityoverawiderangeof
targets
• Lessinterferencefromelectromagnetic
sources
• Moreaccurateidenticationoftarget
characteristics
The FBS circuit automatically transmits
multiple frequencies simultaneously. This
increased frequency range means that the
signal received from the detector coil is
analysed from a wide range of responses.
This allows Safari to analyse more target
information so that the target identication
(ID) is more accurate.
Minelab’s unique FBS technology means
deep, sensitive, accurate detecting.
Discrimination (Disc.)
Discrimination is the ability of a metal
detector to identify your desired targets (e.g.
coins and jewellery) and eliminate signals
from undesirable material (e.g. nails).
Safari can be programmed in a number
of ways to discriminate against unwanted
targets in dierent types of ground.
Ground Compensation
Safari uses a sophisticated approach for
the elimination of ground mineralisation
eects. It uses advanced digital ltering to
eliminate the inuence of ground signals. This
is achieved automatically, allowing you to
concentrate on detecting targets.

5
Attaching the coil to the Lower Shaft:
Note: Before attaching the coil to the Lower
Shaft, remove the nut, bolt and washers
from the coil.
1Plug the two rubber washers into the holes
on either side of the Lower Shaft.
2Feed the coil cable up through the inside
of the Lower Shaft, ensuring the coil cable
appears out the top of the Lower Shaft.
Assembly
3Place the coil on a at surface.
4Slide the Lower Shaft into the bracket on
top of the coil. Ensure that the open side of
the Lower Shaft faces the ground.
5Insert the bolt through the Lower Shaft and
the bracket on top of the coil.
6Fasten with the nut provided, taking
care not to damage the thread of the
nut by over-tightening. This will need to
be loosened later to adjust the coil to a
comfortable detecting angle.
WARNING: The coil cable is directly
wired into the coil and is not removable.
Any attempt to remove this cable will
void your warranty.

6
Attaching the Lower Shaft to the
Upper Shaft:
1 Release the Upper Shaft camlock by pulling
the lever away from the shaft.
2 Feed the coil cable up through the inside
of the Upper Shaft, ensuring the camlock
side of the shaft is facing the ground.
Connecting the Shaft Assembly to the
Handle Assembly:
1 Release the Control Box camlock by pulling
the lever away from the Control Box.
2 Align and push the coil cable connector
into the socket underneath the Control Box,
rmly tightening the retaining ring
to secure.
3 Slide the Upper Shaft over the Lower Shaft,
so the coil cable appears out the top.
3 Push the Handle Assembly onto the Upper
Shaft, as far as it will go.
4 Lock the Control Box camlock by pushing
the lever at onto the Control Box.
Assembly

7
Attaching the Armrest Strap:
1Clip both buckles onto the outer sides of
the armrest.
Disconnecting the coil:
1Reverse the steps in ‘Connecting the
Shaft Assembly to the Handle Assembly’,
‘Attaching the Lower Shaft to the Upper
Shaft’ and ‘Attaching the coil to the
Lower Shaft’.
2Pull the coil cable out from inside the
lower shaft.
Attaching the Headphones:
1Plug the headphone jack into the
headphone socket, located in the
rubber seal at the battery end of the
Handle Assembly.
The headphones may be plugged or
unplugged at any time.
WARNING: Do not attempt to
completely remove the shaft assembly
while the coil cable is still connected to
the Control Box.

8
Adjusting the Detector for
Comfortable Detecting
For comfortable detecting it is important to
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.
The correct position of the armrest should
allow you to comfortably grip the handle.
Your elbow should sit just above the back of
the armrest and the detector should feel like
an extension of your forearm.
Adjusting the Armrest Strap:
1 Loosen the strap by tilting the top edge
of the buckle out to release it from
the armrest.
2 Undo the Velcro and pull the buckle
outwards (towards yourself) to loosen
the strap.
3 Clip the buckle back into place and tighten
the strap until your arm is secure whilst in
the armrest. Re-attach the Velcro.
2While holding the detector, slide the
armrest to sit just below your elbow.
3Remove your arm. Tighten screw (turn
clockwise) to lock the armrest into position.
Adjusting the Position of the Armrest:
1Use a screwdriver, or the edge of a coin,
to loosen the screw in the centre of the
armrest (turn counter-clockwise).

9
Adjusting the Length of the Shafts
A correct shaft length will allow you to
swing the coil over the ground without
uncomfortably stretching or stooping.
If the coil is too far from your body it will be
dicult to balance and manoeuvre
while detecting.
Shaft is the
correct length
Shaft is
too short
If the coil is too close to your body it may
detect your digging tools or any other
metal which you are carrying, causing
confusing sounds.
Adjust the lower shaft to the correct length,
securing the camlock to hold it in place.
A longer lower shaft is available for
tall people (p. 39).
Adjusting the Angle of the Coil:
1Loosen the bolt that connects the Lower
Shaft to the Coil. It should be loose
enough to allow the Coil to be moved for
adjustment, but tight enough that the Coil
can hold its position.
2While holding the detector as if detecting,
lightly press the Coil to the ground until it
sits at/parallel with the ground. The Coil
should remain parallel when lifting to the
sweep height, approximately 25mm (1”)
above the ground.
3Tighten the bolt, but do not over-tighten it.

10
Battery Packs
Safari comes with a standard Alkaline battery
pack. Eight high quality, fresh, 1.5V AA alkaline
batteries will power the Safari for up to 14
hours of constant use.
Optional accessory NiMH battery packs are
available as well (See Accessories p. 39). The
NiMH 1600 mAh battery pack will power the
detector for up to 12.5 hours of constant use
and the NiMH 1800 mAh battery pack for 14
hours.
Unlike Nickel Cadmium batteries, the
NiMH battery pack DOES NOT have to be
discharged before recharging. Whenever
the detector has been unused for a lengthy
period, recharge the battery pack to ensure
full performance. There is no limit to the time
the battery pack can be left on charge.
Note: Removal instructions apply to both types
of battery packs.
Removing the Battery Pack from the
Battery Compartment:
1Ensure that the detector is turned o
before removing the battery pack.
2Rest the detector on a at surface.
Disconnect the headphones.
3Lift the rubber seal of the battery
compartment located at the end of the
handle assembly.
4Raise the yellow tab to release the spring
loaded battery pack.
5Remove the battery pack entirely from the
battery compartment.
Inserting the Battery Pack into the
Battery Compartment:
1Lift the rubber seal of the handle assembly.
2Slide the battery pack entirely into the
handle assembly, until it clicks into place.
3Close the rubber seal, to close the battery
compartment.
WARNING: Do not attempt to
disassemble the NiMH battery pack.
If disposing of battery pack, do not
incinerate. Contact your local authorities
to enquire about disposal or recycling
facilities.

11
Replacing ‘AA’ Batteries:
1Slide the lid of the battery pack in the
direction of the arrow to open.
2Place eight high quality AA cell alkaline
batteries into the battery pack, ensuring
that the + and – terminals are aligned as
indicated on the label.
3Slide the battery pack lid closed until it
‘clicks’ into place.
High quality alkaline batteries are
recommended for optimum detection
time. Rechargeable alkaline, NiMH or NiCad
AA batteries may be used but must be
removed and recharged separately. Check
tment of rechargeable batteries prior to
purchase, as some do not comply with
standard size requirements.
– Please note the following:
–Do not use rechargeable Lithium Ion
batteries with your Safari. They may
damage the detector and void your
warranty. Rechargeable Lithium Ion
batteries will give a combined voltage
above 13V and therefore cannot be used
with Safari.
–Do not leave drained AA batteries in the
detector as they can leak.
–The optional rechargeable battery packs
will not be damaged if left on the charger
for more than 22 hours.
–The battery chargers will not recharge
rechargeable alkaline or NiCad AA batteries.
–Using a non-Minelab charger with the
battery pack may damage it and will void
the product warranty.
–Unlike Nickel Cadmium batteries, the NiMH
battery pack DOES NOT need to be drained
of all power before being recharged.
–Do not charge the battery at temperatures
above 45°C (113°F).
–Do not charge the battery at temperatures
below 0°C (32°F).
–Do not leave the battery exposed to very
hot conditions (e.g. on the dashboard or
rear parcel shelf of your car) or very
cold conditions.

12
Charging the 1600/1800mAh NiMH
Battery Packs (optional accessories)
To charge your battery, only use the Minelab
charger designed for your NiMH battery.
Using other chargers may damage your
battery and will void the product warranty.
Battery Packs
Recharging NiMH Battery Packs with the
Mains Charger:
1Remove the battery pack.
2Insert the mains charger cable into the
socket at the tapered end of the battery
pack.
3Plug the mains charger into the wall socket
and turn on the switch.
4Leave for 18 hours to fully recharge the
1600mAh pack (22 hours for the 1800mAh
pack). If the battery was not completely
discharged, the charging time will be
shorter. New batteries will reach their full
capacity after several charge/discharge
cycles.
5Once charged, disconnect the battery
charger plug from the battery pack.
Note: It is normal for the tip of the
rechargeable battery to get warm
while charging.
Recharging NiMH Battery Pack with the
Car Charger:
1Remove the battery pack.
2Insert the car charger plug into the
accessories socket of your vehicle.
3Insert the car charger plug into the socket
at the tapered end of the battery pack.
A small light on the car charger illuminates
indicating that the car charger is in
operation.
4Leave for 18 hours to fully recharge the
1600mAh pack (22 hours for the 1800mAh
pack). If the battery was not completely
discharged, the charging time will
be shorter.
5Some vehicles may require the ignition to
be switched on to ‘Accessories’ for power to
be supplied to the charger.
6Charging the battery for longer than 18
hours will not damage the NiMH battery
pack. However, it may gradually discharge
your car battery.
Note: The car charger is provided with a
fuse for short circuit protection. This can be
accessed by unscrewing the tip of the
charger plug.

13
To Turn on Safari:
Press and release the Power button to turn
your detector on/o. On rst time start-up,
your detector will default to the Coin Mode
and you can begin detecting.
Turning the Detector On
When you turn your detector on, the detector
will start with the last setting used in your
previous detecting session.
Quick Start
–Turn on Safari by pressing the
Power button.
–On initial start-up, your detector will default
to the factory Coin Mode.
–To select a dierent factory preset Detect
Mode, press and release the appropriate
Mode button.
–The icon next to the corresponding
preset Detect Mode, indicates that a
factory preset Mode has been selected. The
detector will apply the factory determined
Discrimination Pattern and audio response
for that Mode.
–Press the Noise Cancel button and wait
the 20 seconds it takes to select the most
stable channel.
–Once the Noise Cancel (p. 27) sequence is
completed you can start detecting!
Important: While performing a Noise
Cancel it is important to keep the
detector’s coil motionless, and also ensure
that no metallic objects are moved in close
proximity to the detector’s coil.

14
Introducing the Control Panel
Pinpoint
Pressing turns Pinpoint On/O . Pinpoint (p. 24)
assists in locating the exact position of a target prior
to recovery.
Coin & Jewellery
Pressing activates the Coin & Jewellery Detect Mode
(p. 22).
Coin
Pressing activates the Coin Detect Mode (p. 22).
Power
Pressing turns Safari On/O.
Holding for approx. ve seconds resets the detector
(p. 34) to the Factory Preset settings, prior to startup.
Minus & Plus (–/+)
Pressing in the Menu will step through the settings.
Pressing within a Menu setting will adjust that setting
(p. 25).
Menu
Used to access the Menu at any stage of detector
operation. This allows access to various settings (p. 25).

15
All Metal
Pressing activates the All Metal Detect Mode (p. 23).
Relic
Pressing activates the Relic Detect Mode (p. 23).
Noise Cancel
Starts the scan for the quietest operating frequency.
The scan takes approx. 20 seconds (p. 27).
Accept/Reject
Pressing in the Detect Screen accepts or rejects the
detected target (p. 30).
Legend Scale
When a target is detected it is categorized based on the types of metal objects that typically produce a similar
kind of signal. This is represented by the “ashing” icon in the Graphic Identication Bar. The Legend Scale is
designed to be a useful guide to the “probable” composition of a target based on the detected signal. The
accuracy of this representation is dependent on certain factors such as: ground type, target conductivity, the
angle of the target in the ground, its depth, age and physical condition.
Note: In some instances this can result in similar target objects appearing in different areas of the Graphic Identification
Bar, which is not unusual. For example, the metal content of older pennies compared to new pennies can vary greatly
and aluminium objects such as pull tabs (ring-pulls) may also display similar characteristics. The broken lines on the
Legend Scale, between typical target types, represent the potential for overlap.
As you gain experience with your Safari you will become more familiar with the audio and visual clues that the detector
will provide.

16
Introducing the Detect Screen
Mode Indicator
This icon, next to the corresponding preset
Detect Mode, indicates that a factory preset Mode
has been selected. The detector will apply the factory
determined Discrimination Pattern and audio response
for that Mode.
The other icons that can appear here are:
Target ID Number
When a target is detected while searching, a number
appears on the left side of the Detect Screen
identifying the characteristics of the target.
ID numbers ranging from –10 through to +40 are
Safari’s numerical identication of the type of target
that has been located. Dierent target types will bring
up dierent numbers.
Note: You can use these same ID numbers to make
alterations to the Discrimination Pattern (p. 30) and they
will also be useful for recognising common targets.
Depth Gauge
Located in the centre of the Detection Screen is a
vertical bar which predicts the likely depth of
the target.
On shallow targets the cursor is very close to the top
and the bar becomes almost fully shaded, whereas for
deep targets the cursor is quite close to the bottom
and the bar is only partially lled.
– This icon means that a Detect Mode has been
modied but not yet saved.
– This icon means that one of your User Modes
has been selected.

17
Graphic Identication Bar
Located across the base of the screen is a horizontal
bar graph which serves a number of purposes. It
shows you the Discrimination Pattern that has been
set, as well as:
–Dark bars showing the areas of rejection. This means
certain unwanted target types will be rejected (or
ignored) by the detector.
–Light bars showing areas of acceptance. This means
the detector will recognise, and indicate to you,
when certain desirable targets are found.
–When a target is detected, a triangular cursor will
ash three times above a cursor box, the location of
which corresponds to the ID number shown in the
Detect Screen.
Target Icons
Safari will also indicate the likely target type located,
using a select number of generic icons. At times
the Detect Screen may display two icons at once,
indicating that the characteristics of the target located
are similar to that of a number of targets.
Note: Target icons only appear in the Coin and Coin &
Jewellery Detect Modes.
Battery Power Icon
This shows the level of stored power in your battery.
A fully charged battery shows the icon as fully shaded.
As the power in the battery is used the shaded area
depletes until a fully discharged battery is un-shaded.

18
Sweeping the Coil
You will obtain the best performance
when the coil is swept close and parallel
to the ground at all times. This will increase
detection depth and improve the response to
small objects. Avoid excessive brushing of the
coil on the ground. Though the coil assembly
is rigid and durable, sudden jolts or bangs
can cause random signals and inaccurate
target IDs. Careful sweeping will ensure the
detector performs to an optimum level
at all times.
Targets
Metal objects are referred to as targets.
Targets are comprised of ferrous and
nonferrous metals. Ferrous metals are those
containing iron; such as steel, nails and some
types of coins.
Nonferrous metals are those which are not
magnetic, such as gold, silver, copper, bronze
and aluminium.
You may wish to nd a range of both ferrous
and nonferrous targets.
Examples of common targets:
Desired high ferrous target – war relic
Undesired high ferrous target – iron nail
Desired nonferrous target – gold coin
Undesired nonferrous target – pull-tab
Practise sweeping the coil over the ground
in a side-to-side motion while slowly walking
forward at the end of each sweep. Slightly
overlap the previous sweep to ensure full
ground coverage. An average sweep speed is
four seconds from left to right to left.
CAUTION: Incorrect coil sweeping can
generate false signals or miss targets.
Detecting Basics