Minelab SD2200V2 User manual

The Minelab SD2200v2
INSTRUCTIONMANUAL
MINELAB

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4901-0042-1.1 November 2002

The Minelab SD2200v2
Instruction Manual
Contents
Page No.
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..................................................................... 10
5. Operation ................................................................................................. 12
5.1 Quick Start Instructions ................................................................. 12
5.2 Operating Instructions .................................................................. 13
6. Auxiliary Parts ......................................................................................... 23
6.1 Battery ........................................................................................... 23
6.2 Battery Chargers ........................................................................... 23
7. Detecting Techniques ............................................................................. 25
7.1 Searching...................................................................................... 25
7.2 Prospecting Tips........................................................................... 26
7.3 Hints for Maximum Gold Recovery ............................................... 27
7.4 Identifying Target Signals ............................................................. 27
7.5 Pinpointing.................................................................................... 28
7.6 Digging the Target ........................................................................ 29
7.7 Salty Environments ....................................................................... 30
8. Maintenance ............................................................................................ 31
9. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 32
10. Specification............................................................................................ 33
11. Warranty .................................................................................................. 34
12. Accessories ............................................................................................ 35
12.1 Search Coils ................................................................................. 35
12.2 Batteries........................................................................................ 36
12.3 Corporate Clothing ....................................................................... 36
TheMinelabSD2200v2Page2

Page4 TheMinelabSD2200v2
1. Introduction
The SD2200v2 has been developed by improving and redesigning the
SD2100technologytoincludeanumber ofnewfunctions.Thenew features
of the SD2200v2 are: two discrimination settings, automatic ground
balance, audio boost control and auto tuning control. Minelab is confident
that you will find this detector to be the finest available for the detection of
metallic objects in highly mineralised environments.
The SD2200v2 can“see” deeper than anyconventional detector available
onthemarket.Itssimpleoperationmeansthatthebeginnerandprofessional
will find it easy to use. Its superior ability to cancel mineralisation using
automatic ground balance, as well as discriminating between ferrous and
non-ferrous items, makes this machine easier and faster to use than ever
before. It will re-open old gold fields where mineralised, or “hot” ground
and too much rubbish have shielded many nuggets from the prying “eyes”
of other detector operators.
Minelab has studied the role that magnetic soil chemistry or so-called
mineralisationplaysin obscuring nuggets and hasdevelopedMulti-Period
Sensing (MPS) technology. This technology enables detection of metallic
targets, both large and small, even in the most mineralised or “hottest”
ground.Theunitalsoprovidesanautomaticgroundbalancingfacility, which
makesmaintaining optimum groundbalanceasimpleoperationin a variety
of ground types.
Includedintothecircuitry of theSD2200v2 are memory chips. These allow
the detector to remember the last ground balance and tune settings when
switched off. These memory functions also assist in the accurate
discrimination of ferrous targets in highly mineralised soil plus assist the
audio booster built into the machine.
We trust 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 - SD2200v2 Parts List

Page6 TheMinelabSD2200v2
2. List of Parts
The SD2200v2 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. SD2200v2 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 0312-0024
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
VelcroTape and Hook 8507-0001/2
20. SD2200v2 InstructionManual 4901-0042
21. Warranty Card Region Spec
22. ‘Attention’Card 5303-0006
23. Rubbish Bag 5302-0006
24. SD2200v2 Field Guide 4903-0024
25. 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. DONOT over tighten as thecoil housing
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 TheMinelabSD2200v2
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) Putonthebatterybag (13).EnsurethatthePower switchonthecontrol
box is set to “Off”. Plug the connector on the bag cable into the Power
connector on the control box. This cable connects the battery and
headphones to the detector. The bungy cord (18) can be attached to
the knuckle on the shaft to take some of the weight when prospecting.
An adjustable hand strap on the handle allows you to relax and flex
your fingers without putting the detector down.
Figure2-SD2200v2Battery Assembly

InstructionManual Page1
4. Control Box
4.1 Rear Panel Controls
4.1.1 Power Switch
ThePower switch controls the powersupply from the batteryto the control
box. Always switch the detector “Off” before connecting or disconnecting
the coil or battery, and when not in use.
4.1.2 Channel Switch (Ch1, Ch2, Both)
The Channel switch selects the channel used for searching: Ch1, Ch2 or
Both. Searching is usually done in the Both position which gives the
maximum sensitivity to the greatest range of targets. When detecting in
highly noisy ground, the selection of Ch1 rather than Both might improve
thestabilityof the threshold. However, sensitivity to certaintypes of targets
is reduced when using only Ch1 and is not recommended.
4.1.3 Threshold
TheThreshold isusedtoadjusttheloudnessofbackgroundsound.Minelab
recommendsa soft audibleheadphonesignalwhich is comfortabletolisten
to for extended periods.
4.1.4 Boost Switch (Shallow, N, Deep)
TheBoostswitchcan be used toenhancethesignalsproducedby different
types of targets.
In the Shallow position, signals from small targets close to the surface of
thegroundwillbe amplified, allowing easier detection of suchtargets.This
option is best suited for quiet ground. For normal detecting conditions use
the Nposition which responds to all signals without boosting. The Deep
position is recommended when looking for big targets at greater depth in
noisy ground. In this mode random soil signals are smoothed, making
small changes in the audio signal from large deep targets easier to hear. It
may,however,masksomesignals from verysmalltargets near thesurface.

Page2 TheMinelabSD2200v2
4.1.5 Tune
TheTunecontrolis usedtolowertheeffectsofelectromagneticinterference
from sources such as power lines, radio transmitters and other metal
detectors.TheTunecontrolisengagedby pressing the pushbuttonswitch.
If electromagnetic interference is experienced when using the detector,
simplypress theTunebuttononcetoautomaticallyselect thebestdetection
frequency.
4.1.6 Tone
TheTonecontrolcanbeadjusted to suitanindividualshearing by changing
the pitch of the background threshold tone.
Figure3-RearPanelControls

InstructionManual Page3
4.2 Front Panel Controls
4.2.1 Ground Balance Mode (Fixed or Tracking)
To get the best from your SD2200v2, it is important to know how different
ground conditions affect the detecting process. Ground contains not only
sand, but also many different chemicals, minerals and salts. These extra
components are referred to as ground mineralisation. This ground
mineralisation will often produce a sound from the detector, known as
“ground noise”.
The SD2200v2 has the ability to cancel out the effects of ground
mineralisation so that it minimises ground noise, while retaining maximum
sensitivity to metal targets. Cancelling out the effects of ground
mineralisation is referred to as “ground balancing”. This ensures that
welcome signals from objects such as gold are not confused with
unwelcome ground noise. The SD2200v2 has automatic ground balance
which adjusts to minimise the effects of ground mineralisation when set in
Tracking mode.
4.2.2 Iron Discriminate Switch (Disc, All Metal, Disc + ID)
This switch allows you to select between simple discrimination
(Disc mode) and discrimination with tone identification (Disc + ID mode),
or to turn off the discrimination altogether (All Metal mode). In the case of
All Metal mode, the detector will give varying volume and pitch signals but
this information does not indicate the type of metal in the object found. In
Disc mode, a strong signal from a ferrous (iron) object will cause the
threshold to be ‘blanked’ or silenced.
In Disc + ID mode, a strong signal from a ferrous object will cause the
threshold to be ‘blanked’, just as it does in Disc mode. In addition, a signal
of medium strength will trigger the ID mode. In this mode, non-ferrous
objects usually produce a tone with a steady pitch while a ferrous object
will usually produce a tone with a varying pitch. Repeated sweeps across
thetargetmightberequiredtoconfirmwhetherthetone issteadyorvarying.
Note, however, in this mode some non-ferrous objects can also produce a
tone with varying pitch, making the operator more likely to mistake a
non-ferrous object for a ferrous object. This mode of discrimination should
not be trusted until the operator has sufficient experience with listening to
the tones produced and comparing them with the objects detected.

Page4 TheMinelabSD2200v2
If the signals are too weak for accurate discrimination in either of the
discriminating modes, the detector will return to theAll Metal mode signal.
Whilein the Disc+IDmode,asignal which istoostrongtobe discriminated
will produce a rapidly pulsing signal with constant pitch. This is called an
overloadsignal.Atargetproducing this soundshouldnot be interpreted as
being a ferrous target but be investigated.
4.2.3 Discrimination Level Adjust
The discrimination Level Adjust gives the operator the ability to select the
sensitivityand likelihood of a target beingferrousornon-ferrous.Thesame
control also affects how the detector recognises mineral effects in the
ground as opposed to metal targets, when ground tracking.
Figure4-Front Panel Controls

InstructionManual Page1
5. Operation
These instructions can be followed by operators who are familiar with the
workings and general terminology of detectors. However, Minelab
recommends that as the SD2200v2 has new features and some of the
functions can differ from similar functions of other detectors, all operators
should read the Operating Instructions in section 5.2.
5.1 Quick Start Instructions
a) Switch the Power switch to “On”.
b) Set the Threshold control so that sound can be heard in the
headphones.
c) Hold the detector at waist height with the shaft horizontal, so that the
coil is vertical. Keeping the coil vertical, slowly move it around your
body through a half-circleuntil the noise from interference is loudest.
Holdthisposition,keepingthecoilmotionless,andpushtheTunebutton
once to start tuning function. Tuning takes approximately one minute.
A series of three beeps indicates that the best frequency has been
selected.
d) Rotate the Tone control to produce a threshold pitch that suits your
hearing.
e) Set the Channel switch to Both and the Audio/Boost switch to either
Shallow for small shallow targets, Deep for large, deep targets or
N(Normal) for general detecting. (see section 5.2.7)
f) Set the Iron Discriminate switch to the Disc position and turn the
Level Adjust to the middle of its range.
g) Ground balance the detector by pulsing the coil up and down and,
while coil is in motion, flick the Balance Mode switch from Fixed
to Track.
h) Your detector is now ready to be used.
Minelab recommends that you take time to read this manual thoroughly to
help get the most out of your new SD2200v2.

Page2 TheMinelabSD2200v2
5.2 Operating Instructions
This section gives a detailed description of how to operate the SD2200v2
detector.The section ‘Detector sounds’containsdefinitions of some terms
with which the beginner should be acquainted.
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 it can just be heard. The pitch of the threshold sound can be
set to your preference using the Tone control.
Object signal: This is an abrupt change of the pitch and volume of the
threshold sound. If the pitch drops first, then rises as the coil is passed
over a target, this generally (but not always) indicates a small target. If the
pitch rises first then falls as the coil is passed over a target, this generally
indicatesalargetarget.Thepitchvariationscanbedifferentwhenoperating
in Disc + ID mode (see section 5.2.9).
Ground noise: These are irregular noises that are difficult or impossible
to pinpoint when moving the coil over the ground. They are caused by
changingchemistry or “mineralisation” of the ground. While the detector is
in Tracking mode these effects are minimised.
5.2.2 Turning on the SD2200v2
Holdthe coil away fromthegroundandmetalobjects and switch the Power
switch to “On”.
Note: When the SD2200v2 is turned off, it saves important information
(like last tuning and ground balance settings) in its internal memory. If
detection is started in the same spot, the user should not have to re-tune
or re-ground balance the detector.
5.2.3 Set the Threshold Control
The Threshold control should be set so that background tone is barely
audible. It is important to note that small surface objects, as well as
large deep objects, will produce very small changes in the threshold
sound.
It is therefore important to set the Threshold control correctly to ensure
that these targets are heard. We suggest that you experiment with known
targets to assist in setting this and the other controls to suit your hearing.

InstructionManual Page3
5.2.4 Set the Tone Control
CarefullyadjusttheTonecontroluntilthethresholdsoundisatacomfortable
pitchforyourhearing.Notethatinterpretationofthedetectionsignalsinvolves
understanding the difference between the rising and falling pitch of the
threshold. Again, we suggest you take time to experiment with known
targets.Generally, setting the Tone control at ahigh pitch ismore fatiguing
but better for identifying the faintest signals.
5.2.5 Set Tune Control
With the SD2200v2 operating and the Threshold control and Tone control
set:
· Hold the detector at waist height and the coil vertical.
· Keeping the coil vertical, slowly move it through a half-circle around
your body. Listen for an increase in interference as you move the coil.
When the interference is loudest, stop moving the detector, hold it
motionless in that position and momentarily press the Tune button.
· The detector will now scan through its range of transmission
frequencies and automatically select the frequency that offers a
minimum of interference. The end of the search (which takes about
one minute) is announced by three beeps.
Important: While the detector is selecting the preferred frequency, the coil
must be kept motionless and clear of metal objects.
· 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 in, it should not
require readjustment unless conditions change or new interference is
introduced such as other detectors operating in the vicinity.
5.2.6 Boost Switch (Shallow, N, Deep)
This switch is used to select the type of sound made by the detector in
response to different target types. In the Shallow position, signals from
small targets close to the surface are boosted. This makes it easier to
hear these target signals. This setting will also tend to boost ground noise,
so this setting is best used in quiet ground.

Page4 TheMinelabSD2200v2
The Deep position is recommended when looking for big targets at depth.
Itsmoothes out background sound and signals from small targets, making
small changes in audio signal easier to hear.
For normal detecting conditions use the N(normal) position, which does
not boost any signals.
Select whichever position best suits the conditions of the area you are
detecting. Each time the switch is changed, the threshold will also need to
be changed.
External amplifiers may be used in addition to the boost switch, provided
they have loudness limiters built in. This prevents loud signals becoming
unpleasant or dangerous to hearing.
5.2.7 Channel Switch (Ch1, Both, Ch2)
In almost all circumstances, this switch should be set to Both. There are
very few circumstances in which it is beneficial to use either of the other
settings and to do so will reduce sensitivity to certain types of targets.
The function of this switch is to select which of the channels the detector
uses to generate signals. Each of the channels has a sensitivity to its own
range of target types and sizes and each channel complements the other.
WhensettoBoth,the detector uses the best channelforaparticular target
to generate the signal. It is for this reason that Minelab recommends the
use of Both in almost all circumstances.
Selecting Ch1 can help reduce ground noise from very noisy ground. It
can sometimes stabilise the threshold which will assist in hearing faint
targets in such conditions.As a result of excessive ground noise, Minelab
does not recommend the use of Ch2 by itself.
Setting the Channel switch to Ch1 does not affect the blanking of sounds
due to ferrous targets while in Disc or Disc + ID. Note that in general,
however, the signal pitch and volume in Disc + ID mode for a target will be
altered.
Notethat theChannelswitchdoes notaffecttheway inwhichtheautomatic
ground balance operates.

InstructionManual Page5
5.2.8 Ground Balancing
Automatic ground balance is active whenever the detector is set in the
Trackingmode.In this mode,thedetectorcontinuously measures theeffect
of ground mineralisation and automatically adjusts the ground balance to
compensate.
Introduction
The SD2200v2 can be operated with automatic ground balance (Tracking
mode) or with the ground balance fixed (Fixed mode).
When the Balance Mode switch is switched to Fixed mode, the ground
balance is held at its current level.
When switched from Fixed to Tracking mode, the detector begins to
automatically ground balance through a process of two stages. The first
stage is a very rapid adjustment to the ground mineralisation. This stage
lasts for five seconds after the switch is thrown. The second stage
continues to adjust to the ground mineralisation, but at a greatly reduced
speed.Adjustment continues for as longasthe detector is kept inTracking
mode.
It may be of use to repeat the ground balance function when ground
conditions change rapidly.
Ifthedetector is switched to Fixedmode at any time, it willnolongeradjust
itself to changes in soil mineralisation, but will stay fixed at the level it last
reached while in Tracking mode.
Whilein Tracking mode, the detector usuallystopsground balancing when
it detects a target. However, a weak target signal may not be recognised
as a target and, if the coil is repeatedly passed over it, the target could be
tracked out. It is therefore recommended to switch from Tracking to Fixed
when pinpointing a potential target (see also Discrimination level control,
pages 21and 22).
For best results, use Tracking mode in areas with high ground noise. If the
groundmineralisationisonlymild or with little variability,searchingin Fixed
and regularly rebalancing when required can have advantages. People
who have used previous SD models must note that setting the Channel
switch does not affect the operation of the automatic ground balance.

Page6 TheMinelabSD2200v2
Ground Balance Procedure
Ground balance both channels at once by setting the Channel switch to
Both. Move the coil up and down between 20mm and 100mm above the
ground,andwhilemovingthecoil,set the Balance Mode switch from Fixed
to Tracking. The fast ground balance lasts for only five seconds after
switching to Tracking. Therefore, it is important to be moving the coil as
the switch is thrown.
Figure5–SettingGround Balance
Keepmovingthecoiluntilallgroundnoisehasstopped.Apersistent signal
probably indicates a target in the ground. In this case, move the coil to a
new location and repeat the procedure.
When there is no longer a change in the threshold while the coil is being
raised and lowered, the detector is said to be “ground balanced”.
Once the detector is ground balanced, you can then decide to detect in
eitherTrackingor Fixed mode.Ifthe ground is mineralisedorvariable, use
Tracking. If the ground is very mild, use Fixed mode and switch back to
Tracking temporarily if the threshold becomes noisy. Do not test a target
by switching to Tracking when the coil is above it.
5.2.9 Iron Discrimination
Discrimination is the ability of a detector to distinguish between different
types of metal targets and to assist the operator in identifying a target.
Some goldfields are littered with “junk”, that is, metal objects which are of
little value and are an annoyance to detector operators. The SD2200v2 is
capable of rejecting a number of iron objects while still detecting
non-ferrous metals. The ability of the SD2200v2 to discriminate ferrous
targets means that while working these goldfields, much of the iron junk
can be ignored with little fear of ignoring valuable targets.

InstructionManual Page7
Iron Discrimination Switch
The main means of iron discrimination of the SD2200v2 is the ‘blanking’
(silencing) of the threshold which occurs when the detector determines a
target is of ferrous metal (magnetic). This form of iron discrimination
operates when the Iron Discrimination switch is in the Disc position and
the detector is fitted with the supplied 11” Double ‘D’ wound coil.
Targets must produce sufficiently strong signals for the SD2200v2 to
successfullydiscriminate iron objects.Fortunately,mostiron junk is located
near the surface and much of it can produce the required signal strength.
Note: When used in Disc mode, deeper or small targets, whether ferrous
or non-ferrous, will produce the normal target audio signal.
When the SD2200v2 is operated in the Disc + ID mode, the same audio
blanking will operate as it did in Disc for strong signals. However, there is
an additional mode of iron discrimination which can operate with weaker
signals. In this case, the detector will jump into the ID audio signal mode.
In Disc + ID mode, the operator needs to monitor the pitch of the signal as
the coil is swept over the buried metal target. Most ferrous targets will
produceachanging pitch signal as thecoil is moved back andforth across
the target. Non-ferrous targets will produce a signal with a steadier pitch.
Some ferrous targets, particularly thin nail-like targets, can also produce
steady pitches just like non-ferrous targets. Some gold will also produce a
variable pitch, particularly specimen gold or gold containing a matrix of
quartz and/or ironstone. Therefore, only signals with highly variable pitch
can be trusted to indicating ferrous targets in the +ID mode.
The+ID target mode of recognition requiresalot of operator experience. It
isrecommended that the operator investigate most targetsdetected in the
+ID mode and learn to distinguish the signals.
The audio blanking on ferrous targets is the most useful form of
discrimination. This will only operate if a Double “D” coil is used.
ThecentralpositionoftheIronDiscrimination switch activates the All Metal
mode. There is no discrimination in this mode. Targets will cause pitch
and volume of signals to vary, but these variations convey no consistent
information about the type of metal.

Page8 TheMinelabSD2200v2
Figure6-DiscriminationLevels