Minelab SD2100v2 User manual

The Minelab SD2100v2
INSTRUCTIONMANUAL
MINELAB

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Minelab Electronics Pty Limited
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Australia.
4901-0041-1.1 October 2002

The Minelab SD2100v2
Instruction Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................3
2. List of Parts ................................................................................................5
3. Unpacking and Assembly ..........................................................................6
4. ControlBox .................................................................................................8
4.1 Rear Panel Controls........................................................................8
4.2 Front Panel Controls........................................................................9
5. Operation ................................................................................................. 10
5.1 Quick Start Instructions ................................................................. 10
5.2 Operating Instructions ...................................................................11
6. Auxiliary Parts ......................................................................................... 14
6.1 Battery ........................................................................................... 14
6.2 Battery Chargers ........................................................................... 14
7. Detecting Techniques ............................................................................. 16
7.1 Searching...................................................................................... 16
7.2 Prospecting Tips........................................................................... 17
7.3 Hints for Maximum Gold Recovery ............................................... 18
7.4 Identifying Target Signals ............................................................. 18
7.5 Pinpointing.................................................................................... 19
7.6 Digging the Target ........................................................................ 20
7.7 Salty Environments ....................................................................... 21
8. Maintenance ............................................................................................ 22
9. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 23
10. Specification............................................................................................ 24
11. Warranty .................................................................................................. 25
12. Accessories ............................................................................................ 26
12.1 Search Coils ................................................................................. 26
12.2 Batteries........................................................................................ 27
12.3 Corporate Clothing ....................................................................... 27
TheMinelabSD2100v2Page2

Page4 TheMinelabSD2100v2
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Minelab SD2100v2.
You will find this detector to be one of the finest available for the detection
of metallic objects in highly mineralised environments. This detector can
‘see’ deeper than any other conventional detector available on the market
today, and itssimplicityof operation means it iseasyfor both beginner and
professional alike. Its superior ability at cancelling mineralisation not only
invites the discovery of new sources of precious metals, but also reopens
old fields where ‘hot ground’ has shielded many nuggets from the prying
‘eyes’ of prospectors.
Minelabhasstudiedtherolethatmineralisation plays in obscuring nuggets
andhasdeveloped the new MultiPeriodSensing (MPS) technology which
enables detection of metallic targets, both large and small, even in the
hottest ground. Furthermore, its improved ground balancing requires
minimal adjustment during operation and is stable over a wide range of
mineralised grounds.
Minelab is confident that you will find this detector a pleasure to use, with
its stable and effective ground balancing, superior depth capability and
sensitivity.
Since there may be a range of options available in this detector
type, equipment may vary according to the model or country of
issue. Certain descriptions and illustrations may differ (in this
manual) from the exact model that you have 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.

InstructionManual Page5
Figure 1 - SD2100v2 List of Parts

Page6 TheMinelabSD2100v2
2. List of Parts
The SD2100v2 is packed in a single box containing the detector and an
11” Double ‘D’ coil.The following parts are included (see Figure 1):
Part Item Number
1. 11” Double D Coil with Skidplate 2021-0011
2. 11” Monoloop Coil with Skidplate (accessory) 2021-0027
3. 18” Monoloop Coil with Skidplate (accessory) 2018-0028
4. 8” Monoloop Coil with Skiplate (accessory) 2021-0009
5. SD2100v2 Control Box
6. Complete Shaft Assembly 8012-0029
7. Armrest (2 halves) 8001-0014
8. 1½” Nylon Bolts (2) 4001-0001
9. Nylon Wing Nuts (2) 4002-0003
10. Armrest Cover 8001-0012
11. Armrest Strap 8005-0019
12. 6V12AhGell Cell Battery 0311-0024
13. Battery Backpack & Harness 3001-0028
14. Battery Cable 3011-0043
15. 12V Car Charger 0312-0002
16. MainsCharger Region Spec
17. Headphones 4523-0018
18. Bungy Strap 8006-0002
19. Teardrop Washers (4) 4005-0006
2” Nylon Bolts (2) 4001-0003
Nylon Wing Nuts (2) 4002-0003
VelcroTapeandHook
20. SD2100v2 InstructionManual 4901-0041
21. Warranty Card Region Spec
22. ‘Attention’Card 5303-0006
23. Rubbish Bag 5302-0006
24. Carton and Insert

InstructionManual Page7
3. Unpacking and Assembly
a) Place the two armrest halves (7) on either side of the shaft assembly
(6) and ensure that the bolt holes line up.
b) Slide two nylon bolts (8) through the holes and screw nylon wing nuts
(9) onto the bolts with a couple of turns.
c) Slide the ‘T’ section on top of the control box (5) into the assembled
armrest (7), with the detector stand at the rear.Tighten the nylon wing
nuts (9) by hand.
d) Push the armrest cover (10) over the assembled armrest (7).
e) Ensure that the lower shaft has two teardrop rubber washers (19)
installed.Theyshouldalwaysbefull thickness and should be replaced
regularly as they wear out.
f) Push the lower shaft into the mounting bracket on the coil (1) and
ensure that the coil decal faces the front.
g) Align the holes in the coil mounting bracket and the lower shaft. Push
a nylon bolt (19) through the holes and fit a nylon wing nut (19) which
shouldbe tightened by hand. DONOTover tighten as thecoilhousing
may be damaged.
h) Adjusttheshaftlengthandcoilangleforacomfortableposition.Minelab
recommends that the shaft length be set to give a comfortable sweep
length of approximately 2 metres (see Section 7 for more details on
detecting techniques).
i) Wind the coil cable around the shaft and plug the coil connector into
the coil socket on the control box. Ensure that the cable is firmly
attachedto theshaftwithout strainandcannotmove around,especially
near the coil. Fasten the cable to the shaft with the supplied VelcroTM
straps (19). Leave enough slack at the bottom of the cable near the
coil to allow the coil angle to be adjusted without placing strain on the
coil cable. If the cable is able to move around, especially near the coil,
it will be ‘seen’ by the detector and cause random noises, which can
be very confusing.
NOTE: Always ensure that the Power switch on the control box is turned
“Off” before connecting or disconnecting the coil.

Page8 TheMinelabSD2100v2
j) Fit the battery (12) into the battery bag (13).
k) Plug the headphones (17) into the socket in the cap of the battery.
l) Put on the battery bag. Ensure that the Power switch on the control
box is set to “Off”. Plug the connector on the battery cable into the
power connector on the control box.This cable connects the battery
to the detector.
Figure2-SD2100v2Battery Assembly

InstructionManual Page1
4. Control Box
4.1 Rear Panel Controls
Power Switch
ThePower switch controls the powersupply from the batteryto the control
box.Always switch thecontrolbox“Off”beforeconnecting or disconnecting
the coil or battery, and when not in use.
Threshold
The Thresholdcontrol is used to adjust the loudness of background sound.
Minelab recommends a soft audible headphone signal that is comfortable
to listen to for extended periods.
Tone
TheTonecontrolcanbe adjustedtosuit anindividual’shearingby changing
the pitch of the background threshold tone.
Tune
TheTunecontrolisused tolowertheeffectsofelectromagneticinterference
from sources such as power lines, radio transmitters and other metal
detectors.
Figure3-RearPanelControls

Page2 TheMinelabSD2100v2
4.2 Front Panel Controls
Search Switch
Ground Balance mode (Balance 1 and Balance 2)
To get the best results from your SD2100v2 it is important to know how
different ground conditions affect the detecting process.
The ground is made up of many different chemicals, minerals,
salts, etc. Some of these (which are often referred to as ‘ground
mineralisation’) will produce a response known as a ‘ground noise’ from
the detector.
The SD2100v2 has the ability to cancel out the effects of ground
mineralisation so that it minimises ground noise, while still retaining
maximum sensitivity to metal targets.
Cancellingouttheeffectsofgroundmineralisationisreferredtoas‘ground
balancing’. This ensures that welcome signals from objects such as gold
are not confused with unwelcome ground noise.
The Balance 1 and Balance 2controls should be adjusted with the Search
switchintheircorrespondingpositions.Iftheeffectsofgroundmineralisation
arenot balanced,signalsfrommetalobjects canbeveryhardto distinguish
from ground noise.
Figure4-Front Panel Controls

InstructionManual Page1
5. Operation
The SD2100v2 does not have an external speaker. All sound is heard
through the headphones,which plug into the headphone socket in the top
of the battery pack.
5.1 Quick Start Instructions
These instructions can be followed by operators who are familiar with the
workingsandgeneralterminologyofdetectors.Ifyouarenewtodetecting,
youare advisedtoproceedto the detailedOperatingInstructionsin Section
5.2.
a) Switch the Power switch to “On”.
b) Set the Threshold control so that the threshold level is just audible.
c) Move the coil around until interference noise is at its loudest.
With the coil in this position adjust the Tune control to reduce the
interference.
d) Set the Tone control to produce a pitch which suits your hearing.
e) Select Balance 1 with the Search switch and ground balance the
Balance 1 control knob.
f) Select Balance 2 with the Search switch and ground balance the
Balance 2 control knob.
NOTE: Ground balance the detector by listening to the pitch of the tone as
well as its volume. The SD2100v2 will always make the volume increase,
not reduce like other detectors do. The pitch of the threshold will both
increase and decrease.
g) Select the central Search position and start searching.
Minelabrecommends that you take the time to readthismanualthoroughly
to get the most out of your new SD2100v2.

Page2 TheMinelabSD2100v2
5.2 Operating Instructions
5.2.1 Detector Sounds
Threshold: This is the background sound produced by the detector. The
loudness of the background sound is set with the Threshold control. Set
this so that you can just hear it. The pitch of the threshold sound can be
set to your preference using the Tone control. The threshold tone of the
SD2100v2 will not drop below the level set with the Threshold control.
Object signal: This is an abrupt change of the threshold tone, volume,
and pitch. If the pitch drops first, then rises as the coil is passed over a
target, this generally indicates a small target. If the pitch rises first then
falls as the coil is passed over a target, this generally indicates a large
target.
Ground noise: Theseirregular noisesaredifficultorimpossible to pinpoint
when moving the coil over the ground. They are caused by changing
chemistryor ‘mineralisation’ of the ground. Groundnoisecanbeminimised
bythecorrect setting of ground balance controls (see section 5.2.6Ground
Balancing).
5.2.2 Turning on the SD2100v2
Hold the coil away from the ground and any metal objects and switch the
Power switch to “On”.
5.2.3 Set the Threshold Control
The Threshold control should be set so that the background tone is barely
audible. Small surface objects, as well as large deep objects, will produce
verysmall changesinthethreshold tone.Itisimportant tosettheThreshold
control correctly to ensure that these targets are heard. Minelab suggests
that you experiment with known targets to assist in setting the Threshold
and other controls to suit your hearing.
5.2.4 Set the Tone Control
Carefully adjust the Tone control until the background threshold tone is at
acomfortablepitchfor yourhearing.Note thatinterpretationofthedetection
signalsinvolves understanding thedifferencebetweenthe rising andfalling
pitch of the threshold tone. Take time to experiment with known targets.
Generally, high pitch tones are more fatiguing but better for identifying the
faintest signals.

InstructionManual Page3
Figure5- Ground Balancing
5.2.5 Set the Tune Control
WiththeSD2100v2switchedOnandtheThreshold controlandTonecontrol
both set:
a) Hold the coil vertical to the ground and at waist height, then move the
coil slowly through a half circle.
b) Listen for an increase in interference as you move the coil. When the
interferenceisloudest,placethe detectoronthegroundinthisposition,
with the coil still vertical to the ground.
c) Adjust the Tune control to minimise the effect of the interference. The
Tune control should be adjusted in small increments. In some cases it
may not be possible to remove the interference completely, but the
effect will be greatly reduced.
Once this control has been set for the location you are searching, it
should not require readjustment unless conditions change or new
interference is introduced, such as other detectors operating in the
vicinity.
5.2.6 Ground Balancing
It is important to ground balance the SD2100v2 to the local conditions
before commencing a search. For best results, ground balance to the
‘noisiest’ area of the ground you wish to search.
Assuming that the detector is operating with the Threshold and Tone both
set, adjust the Balance controls using the following procedure:
a) Set the Search switch to the
Balance 1setting.Movethecoilup
and down between 20mm and
100mm above the ground, taking
about two seconds for each
completeupanddownmovement.
As the coil moves up and down,
the volume and pitch of the
threshold tone will change if the
detector is not ground balanced.

Page4 TheMinelabSD2100v2
b) Adjust the Balance 1 control so that no variation in volume or pitch is
heardasthecoil is moved up and down. Thegreaterthechange in the
volume or pitch of the threshold tone as the coil is moved above the
ground, the further out of adjustment the balance controls are.
c) WhenthedetectorisbalancedwiththeSearchswitch in theBalance 1
position, switch to Balance 2 and, using the Balance 2 control knob,
repeat the process as described above.
d) When the detector has been balanced in both positions, switch to
Search and again raise and lower the coil a couple of times. There
shouldbeminimaltonodeviationin the threshold as the coil is moved.
The detector is now said to be ‘balanced’ or ‘ground balanced’.
e) In almost all circumstances the Search switch should be set to the
central Search position when detecting. There are very few
circumstances in which there is any value in changing this setting.
The function of the Search switch is to select which of the ‘channels’ the
detector uses to generate signals. Each ‘channel’ is sensitive to its own
rangeoftargettypesandsizesandcomplements theother‘channel’. When
set to Search, the detector uses the best ‘channel’ for a particular target to
generate the signal.
In extreme circumstances, operating with the Search switch in the
Balance1 positioncanhelp toreducegroundnoise fromverynoisyground.
It can sometimes stabilise the Threshold which will assist in hearing faint
targets in such conditions. However, when operating in Balance 1, there
will be some gold nuggets which may not give a signal.
If ‘ground noise’ becomes excessive while searching, simply ground
balancethe detector again using thetechniquedescribedabove.Inground
withlow mineralisation, ‘ground noise’ will alsobeminimalandtheBalance
controls will need little adjustment.

InstructionManual Page5
CAUTION
Only use 6 volt batteries as recommended by Minelab.
Never use a 12 volt battery as this will damage the detector. This
damage is not covered by warranty.
6. Auxiliary Parts
6.1 Battery
The6volt rechargeable battery suppliedwithyour SD2100v2 can be used
forapproximately 14to15hours afterbeingfullycharged. Whenthebattery
chargedropstoalow level, the detector will indicatethatthebatteryneeds
toberechargedbyflashing the BatteryLowlight.Thedetectormaybecome
unstable when the charge drops to a low level.
6.2 Battery Chargers
Twodifferentkindsofbatterychargers(mainsand12voltcar)aresupplied
withtheSD2100v2tofacilitatechargingthebatteryundervariousconditions.
Thesuppliedbattery, unlikeNiCads,does notsufferfrommemoryproblems
and may be recharged at any time during its discharge cycle. It is very
importanttofullychargethebatterybeforestorage.DONOTleaveabattery
fully discharged for longer than one day as this could cause permanent
damage.
6.2.1 Charging the Battery
a) Turn the SD2100v2 Off before disconnecting the battery.
b) Disconnect the battery cable from the control box and plug into the
appropriate charger. While it is being charged, the battery must be
kept in an upright position.
6.2.2 Mains Charger
a) Charge the battery from the local mains (AC) power.

Page6 TheMinelabSD2100v2
b) Plugthebatteryleadinto the charger,thenplugthemainscharger into
a mains outlet. Switch the mains outlet on. Check the charger
nameplate; it will be rated at 1000 mAh or 500 mAh. The 1000 mAh
charger will recharge at a rate of approximately ½ hour for each hour
ofpastuse,whilethe500 mAh charger will recharge at a rate of1hour
for each hour of past use.
6.2.3 Vehicle Battery Charger
a) The vehicle battery charger supplied with the SD2100v2 will charge
thedetectorbattery from the cigarette lighter socket of a motor vehicle.
b) Plug the vehicle battery charger into the cigarette lighter socket and
turnthevehicle ignition switch to ‘Accessories’tosupply 12 volt power
to the cigarette lighter socket. This voltage is reduced by the vehicle
battery charger to 6 volt output to charge the detector battery.
c) If the battery voltage of the vehicle drops below 11 volts the charger
will stop charging. This prevents the battery charger from flattening
the vehicle battery.
CAUTION
When using the mains charger:
DO NOT leave partially discharged batteries charging overnight,
and
DO NOT leave the mains charger on for extended periods of time
as reduced battery life can
CAUTION
The charger is designed for use with vehicles with a negative earth
electrical system (i.e. most cars made after 1970). If you plug the
charger into a vehicle with a positive earth system, the fuse in the
cigarette lighter socket will blow and the LED will not light.

InstructionManual Page7
7. Detecting Techniques
7.1 Searching
The SD2100v2 is a ‘motion’detector, which means that it must be moving
in relation to a target in order to detect it. DO NOT setyour shaft length too
short.If the coil is too closetoyourbodyitmaydetect your pick, the battery,
or any other metal that you may be carrying.
NOTE: DO NOT wear steel cap boots or shoes with metal eyelets when
detecting.
If you find that you are getting false signals as you sweep the coil, check
that they are not produced by any metal that you are carrying. Move the
coil closer and further away from your body to determine if the signals are
coming from items such as your pick or the battery. If the signals are from
these items you must increase the distance between them and the coil.
Thecoilshouldbesweptoverthe
ground in a side-to-side motion.
As the operator moves slowly
forward, the search pattern
resembles a snaking path. To
ensure that the ground is
thoroughly searched, it is
advisable to approach the area
from three directions as shown
in Figure 6.
While sweeping the coil it is
important to keep it parallel to
andataconstantheightfrom the
ground at all times. The easiest
wayto achievethisistohave the
coil lightly brushing the ground.
Be aware of any tendency to
raise the coil at the ends of each
sweep as this will reduce the
detection depth (see Figure 6). Figure6-Detecting Motion Procedure

Page8 TheMinelabSD2100v2
Each sweep should overlap the area covered by the previous sweep. This
will ensure a full coverage of the searched area. Be aware of the search
pattern of the coil and overlap your sweeps to take this into account.
7.2 ProspectingTips
The SD2100v2 has superior ground balancing features and is possible to
find quite large objects near the surface in well-worked areas simply
becauseotherdetectors have been unable tocopewith the high degree of
mineralisation. In light of this, you should not ignore what can seem to be
‘unlikely’responses.Inotherwords,digall signals,evenin ‘thrashed’areas.
Large variations in the mineralisation of an area can produce a signal in
the detector.Typically, in the Victorian goldfields you might get a response
from a concentration of orange/reddish ‘dyke’material or clay. Similarly, in
the loamy conditions of WesternAustralia a pocket of dark orange/reddish
clay or rock may produce a sudden signal variation.
Itisnotrecommended that you try to ground balancethedetectoron top of
a signal in an attempt to cancel a questionable response, as this can also
cancelweaksignalsfromverydeep targets. If in doubt, scrape away some
soil above the suspect signal. If the signal gets stronger, it is a target, so
dig it!
Ifthe ground isextremelyvariableand causes thedetectortobevery noisy,
youmaytry operating with the Searchswitch set to the Balance1position.
This will reduce noises caused by the varying mineralisation, but some
nuggets may not be detected. The full range of nuggets are only detected
when the Search switch is set to the central Search position, not in
Balance 1 or Balance 2.
Charcoal can sound loud at times and rather like a metallic object when
closetothesurface.Charcoalisusuallycreatedby bushfires or by farmers
burning off tree stumps. The charcoal may be below the ground level and
isnotalways obvious until you haveactually dug up and locatedthecause
ofthesenoises a few times. Once the charcoal is removed from the ground
the signal will vanish.

InstructionManual Page9
7.3 Hints for Maximum Gold Recovery
a) Keep the coil as close to the ground as possible.
b) Listen very carefully. This is more important than concentrating on
looking.
c) SLOW DOWN! DO NOT rush — take your time.
7.4 Identifying Target Signals
Metallic targets will usually give a ‘solid’ sounding response when the coil
is swept across the object from any direction and are generally narrow,
sharpandmostlysymmetrical.Ground noisesusuallygive abroadirregular
response when the coil is swept from different directions.
Ifyouare not sure whether the soundisground noise or a target,youneed
to determine the validity of the signal. Scrape a shallow hole about 70mm
to 100mm deep over the suspected target.
Sweep the coil over the hole at the original ground level; DO NOT dip the
coilinto thehole.Ifthe signalhasdecreasedin volumeandareait is ground
noise. If the signal remains the same or increases, it is a metallic target. If
you are still not sure, make the hole deeper and repeat the process.
Be aware that this technique is not entirely reliable and should be used
onlyafteryouhavelearnedtointerpretthevarioussignals.The‘HaloEffect’,
which builds up around a buried metal object, makes the object appear to
belargertotheSD2100v2thanitactuallyis.The‘HaloEffect’willbereduced
once the soil has been moved. This may cause the strength of the object
signal to reduce, which may then be mistaken for ground noise.
An example of this is when a small target, detected at a substantial depth
with the SD2100v2, may be barely or not even detectable once recovered
from the ground, even if reburied. It is not recommended that you try to
eliminatewhatmightappeartobeafaint,isolatedgroundnoisebybalancing
the SD2100v2, as you might be balancing out the response from a deeply
buried metallic target.