Minelab X-Terra 305 User manual

Product Report:
NEW from Minelab X-Terra 305, 505 & 705
With contributions from Des Dunne, Minelab International Ltd and others
The X-TERRA’s Evolve, Compete and WIN..
Minelab metal detectors are as reliable and well-built as you’d
expect from such a veteran of the industry. What no one
expected, though, was that the innovation and air evident in
these three X-TERRA models showed up what was is sadly
lacking in competitors’ products.
The new X-TERRA range pulls off a very difcult thing, delivering
a complete makeover plus a signicant feature upgrade on all three
models.
For my part I like what I see, with new looks and universal icons. I’ve always been a big fan of
X-TERRA’s VFLEX technology and having travelled quite extensively for the past couple of years, I
couldn’t have felt more impressed and proud by the way so many people, in so many countries, put an
X-TERRA at the top of the list for their detecting requirements!
VFLEX EXPLAINED
VFLEX uses state of the art digital and mixed-signal components to enhance standard single frequency VLF
technology by replacing most of the analogue circuitry with digital signal processing. The small amount of analogue
circuitry still employed has been very carefully designed and calibrated to obtain the outstanding sensitivity, stability
and repeatability required to match the performance of the processing in the digital domain. This radical departure
from traditional approaches to metal detector design has been made possible by advances in electronics that power
personal digital devices such as mobile cell phones and tiny portable audio devices such as the new iPods.
What does VFLEX mean for the X-TERRA user?
For the X-TERRA owner, VFLEX’s precision means dependable performance and improved immunity to
environmental conditions, such as ground mineralization, electromagnetic interference and temperature variations.
VFLEX requires search coils (heads/loops) that are hand-built and calibrated to a very high standard. Each time the
detector powers up, a pair of micro-processors in the control box and search coil begin communicating to:
1. Identify the coil type conguration (concentric or double D)
2. Recognize the coil size
3. Determine the operating frequency in kHz of that coil.
4. Ensure the detector is calibrated perfectly for each coil which ensures optimised performance.
So, it is not the detector’s control box, but the actual search coil that controls the frequency chosen from a low to a high
kHz setting. The search coil will adjust the frequency for optimum performance. That’s one less thing to worry about!

The NEW X-TERRA Model 305
The X-TERRA 305 has been given a rock solid upgrade with a new look, great new features
and improvements to existing features which make it better value for money than any other
product on the market.
New features include:
An additional optional high-frequency coil – 18.75kHz. This is an added attraction to those
with access to some good Roman, medieval, Saxon or Civil war sites but who are on a
budget. High-frequency coils are designed to be more sensitive to small low conductive
and thin items – often the most valuable nds! X-TERRA 305 users can now choose two
coil frequencies – Medium & High Frequency –with a choice of 6 accessory coil choices
including the very efcient 5” x 10” elliptical High-Frequency and two small 6” coils, (MF & HF) perfect for high trash
areas or difcult terrain.
Manual Ground Balance control, with a range from 0-20, allowing access to areas previously too noisy to detect in.
A very useful Threshold feature ranging from -5 to 25. (Benets of this feature are explained in more detail later in
this Report).
The X-TERRA 305 now has 2 x preset Discrimination Patterns (that the user can customise) and an All Metal
Mode with a shortcut button on the front panel (very quick and handy for checking signals).
The choice of Tone ID’s also allows the operator to choose from a selection with 1 Tone, 2 Tone, 3 Tone and Multi-
Tone options.
Now has Noise Cancel selectable across 3 settings.
Target ID’s in 12 segments, 1 Ferrous, and 11 non-ferrous in steps of 4 from -4 to 44.
Sensitivity ranges from 1 – 20.
A new, no-nonsense three year warranty.
The very useful pocket sized manual has a tear off eld guide to help users learn the new universal icons.
All settings are memorised when the unit is switched off, even when the batteries are removed or replaced.
(NB Check this with other manufacturers’ units – some have to be reset every time the batteries are replaced.)
All in all the extra features in the X-TERRA 305 make it the most capable machine in its class.
Field tester’s comments on X-TERRA 305
“Very stable and allowed higher usable sensitivities
than the X-TERRA 30. It showed a glowing performance
on the beach and maximum sensitivity attained over the
“wet stuff” was Sens. 8…. Was able to go into the salt
water without any undue falsing! We were impressed
with this great performer!”

The NEW X-TERRA Model 505
The X-TERRA 505 has also received similar treatment with some great new upgrades
making it a very efcient metal detector, plus a great new look.
The X-TERRA 505 has all of the features of the X-TERRA 305 plus more!
Now with the choice of three coil frequency options: Low 3kHz, Medium 7.5kHz and High
18.75kHz. A total of 7 accessory coils are available to suit the X-TERRA 505 giving it
terric and versatile range for a whole host of search options and conditions.
The X-TERRA 505 manual Ground Balance has been made more accurate. It now
increments from 0 – 50 allowing more accurate Ground Balancing and quieter detecting.
The X-TERRA 505 now has 3 x preset Discrimination Patterns (that the user can
customise) and an All Metal Mode with a shortcut button on the front panel (very quick and handy for checking
signals).
Like the X-TERRA 305, the X-TERRA 505 benets from a very useful Threshold feature ranging from -5 to 25.
(Benets of this feature are explained in more detail later in this Report).
There is an increase in Target ID resolution to 19 segments: 3 ferrous and 16 non-ferrous ranging from -9 to 48 in
steps of 3.
The X-TERRA 505 has an expanded Tone range over the X-TERRA 305. It now features 1 Tone, 2 Tones, 3
Tones, 4 Tones and Multi Tones options.
The X-TERRA 505 user can now select from 5 Noise Cancel settings.
Like the X-TERRA 305, the X-TERRA 505 Sensitivity ranges from 1 – 20.
A new, no-nonsense three year warranty.
The very useful pocket sized manual has a tear off eld guide to help users learn the new universal icons.
All settings are memorised when the unit is switched off, even when the batteries are removed or replaced.
(NB Check this with other manufacturers’ units – some have to be reset every time the batteries are replaced.)
Field tester’s comments on X-TERRA 505
“Great ferrous discrimination and good clear sharp
signals on non-ferrous. A small ‘pea size’ lead pistol ball
was dug from 8” with superb clarity of signal. Good and
quick to set GB and ran smoothly even at full sensitivity
of 20. Beach operation was good and a usable setting
over the wet stuff without any falsing at all was achieved
at Sens. 12. On farmland, we had terric stability and
reliable operation with this fantastic detector”.

The NEW X-TERRA Model 705
The new flagship of the X-TERRA series, the X-TERRA 705, also received some
great new advanced features and enhancements re-asserting its professional
reputation.
Some buttons cleverly ‘double-up’ as multi-function buttons to cater for the extra functionality
without cluttering the control panel. (Unit operation is clearly detailed in the illustrated and
comprehensive Instruction Manual)
The X-TERRA 705 has all of the features of the X-TERRA 305 and X-TERRA 505 plus
more!
With enhanced Ground Balance abilities making this detector even smoother and easier to operate even in highly
mineralised conditions. Because of this the X-TERRA 705 will see targets that the X-TERRA 70 could not, and it
will work in ground conditions that its competitors could only dream of!
Complementing the enhanced Ground Balance abilities the X-TERRA 705 also has a new Tracking Ground
Balance Offset feature. Many experienced users would like to run their units slightly off balance, but have been
unable to do this when in Auto Tracking mode. Well now they can! With the ability to adjust from -15 to +15 whilst
in Auto Tracking mode it can be easier to work areas that were previously difcult. Operating in areas with
mineralised ground with hot rocks or the dry-wet sand transition areas becomes easier. This is already proven in
goldeld trials where the Prospecting Mode offers even more exibility. By setting a negative Tracking Ground
Balance Offset (-15 to 0) the X-TERRA 705’s ability to nd deeper and smaller targets in certain conditions may
improve. It may also improve the Target ID and reduce false signals if a positive Tracking Ground Balance Offset is
set (0 to +15).
The X-TERRA 705 now features a very useful Backlight to enable continued searching when the light gets low.
A new Pin Point mode is available in the X-TERRA 705. The much-lauded Pinpoint Auto mode stays the same
as X-TERRA 70. A new Pinpoint Sizing mode has been added. Pinpoint Sizing mode can be used in two different
ways. As the name suggests Pinpoint Sizing mode can gure out the size of a target by holding the sensitivity at a
constant level and then probing the periphery of the target. The second use is as a manually controllable pinpointing
mode. Since the sensitivity is held at a constant level when this mode is entered, you can narrow your target
response by holding the coil partially over the target and then enter the Pinpoint Sizing mode. This process can be
repeated until a very narrow target response is heard and you know exactly where the target is. This has a similar
effect to Pinpoint Auto mode but gives the user more control.
X-TERRA 705 now has 4 preset Discrimination Patterns (that the user can customise) and an All Metal Mode
with a shortcut button on the front panel (very quick and handy for checking signals).
X-TERRA 705 delivers a whopping 28 segments of Target ID, 4 ferrous and 24 non-ferrous giving Target ID’s from
-8 to +48, in steps of 2. More Target ID segments gives greater ability to see small differences in target composition
and allows for improved accuracy of what targets you accept or reject.
Sensitivity on the X-TERRA 705 ranges from 1 – 30.
The X-TERRA 705 has 5 manually adjustable Noise Cancel channels, as well as an Auto Noise Cancel function.
The Beach Ground Balance Mode in the X-TERRA 705 continues to be fantastically useful. As well as its
outstanding performance at the beach it can also help to achieve a ground balance in extremely difcult mineralised
soils and is great at ignoring broken down Ferrous material that is almost non-magnetic.
Field tester’s comments on X-TERRA 705
“It’s great fun to use. The simplest way to describe it is perfect balance! It holds the direction of the swing without the
slightest complaint. It even fools you into thinking that it’s your detecting ability rather than the detector’s engineering
that’s the cause of such ne sweeping! On wet salt sand it was possible to work in the salt water with sensitivity as high
as 28 without any falsing whatsoever! On inland sites it rewarded with a few decent hammered coins which had been
missed by several others on well- worked land. The coil options are great and I found the elliptical high-frequency coil to
“be the business” on those “well-worked sites!”

Designed to be used everywhere
The X-TERRA models were designed from the start with the user
in mind, meaning
Menus that make sense
Strategically located buttons - easy to understand and operate.
Include a wide range of automatic settings covering every
imaginable detecting situation and superb, stable handling.
If you prefer a more “hands-on” approach you’ll love the
X-TERRA models’ manual controls with direct button access
to all the important functions from Sensitivity to Threshold to
manually Ground Balancing on land and in the innovative Beach
Ground Balance Mode (X-TERRA 705 only). The X-TERRA series has the ability to grow with the user and has a
feature list long enough to satisfy even the most demanding detector fan.
It’s all about the coil!
The VFLEX Advantage
The Minelab VFLEX system is the only coil initiated frequency shift system on the market today and offers the
best range of coils available and, each additional coil acquired is perfectly matched to your X-TERRA 305, 505 and
705. VFLEX offers the unique feature of utilising one control box and having the option to acquire, t and use as one
wishes on both ‘turf & surf’, offering super results by being able to hone in on targets of a very low to medium, to a very
high conductivity; whether deep, shallow, large or small.
1. Medium Frequency 7.5Khz – great general purpose search coil which should cover most searcher’s needs –
good depth – great discrimination – sharp accurate signals.
2. High Frequency 18.75Khz – the prospector’s frequency of choice for seeking out even the smallest gold nuggets
and for detectorists seeking small, low conductive targets typically at shallow depths or angled inside plow furrows
that would ordinarily be difcult targets with other set-ups. These HF coils are also “hot performers” for small gold
jewellery targets and chains in salt-water areas. Since high frequency coils are more sensitive to smaller targets
users should be aware they can sometimes signal more ferrous (unwanted) items. High frequency coils will
not penetrate as deeply as low or medium frequency coils. The extra sensitivity to gold and small silver generally
compensates for any loss of depth which may result.
3. Low Frequency 3Khz – great for high conductive targets typically at deeper levels and for being less sensitive to
small low conductive trash such as broken up metal shards. Great for Cache hunting!

Benefits of Threshold in Disc Mode
Many coin detectors around the same price of the X-TERRA operate without a threshold tone. This can be handy for
beginners, who might nd it easier to just dig when the detector says “beep”. However, there are a few drawbacks, the
main ones being poor differentiation between trash and good targets, reduced sensitivity, difculty in setting ground
balance (if the detector has it!) and uncertainty knowing where to set your sensitivity. With the addition of the Threshold
feature on the X-TERRA 305 and 505 (The X-TERRA 70 always had this option), if the sensitivity is set too high
the user will hear the threshold chatter cut in and out as the ground mineral content changes. This is a cue to consider
reducing the sensitivity until a stable threshold remains. Even though sensitivity is LOWER, it can actually help you
find MORE targets. This is because the coil is processing less information from adjacent targets and can therefore
process more accurately. At the end of the day this means less junk, and more good targets recovered.
A threshold also improves the quality of target signals, and lets you know you have passed over junk or rejected targets
by momentarily blanking the audio. Experienced operators will all tell you that the presence of junk is very important,
wherever people have been, they unfortunately always leave junk behind, but amongst that junk are the good targets!
Prospecting Mode X-TERRA 705
The Prospecting mode on the X-TERRA 705 isn’t just an All-Metal
mode (like some competitors’ products). It has been designed for
detecting targets in difcult soil conditions with greater depth and
sensitivity than regular Coin & Treasure mode. There may be situations
where users will achieve better performance with the Prospecting
mode, and not only when nugget hunting. Prospecting Mode features
an adjustable Iron Mask, which is similar to an expanded ferrous
discrimination range, which has a scale of 0 -20. Even on the
maximum setting of 20, most low conductive non-ferrous targets will
still be detected, but it will reject small nails, mild steel washers, wire
etc and some gold. This can be of use for relic and jewellery hunters,
and even coin hunters working an old site with unusually deep targets.
If you want to ensure you get all the Gold then lower the Iron Mask
setting - the lower the better, even if that means digging more junk!
Prospecting mode produces signals with a tone-modulated audio
response, which makes it very easy to hear faint target signals (always
wear good quality headphones).
Tracking, Auto & Manual Ground Balance
Ground Balancing improves Target ID accuracy, increases a detector’s stability, and allows users to use a higher
Sensitivity setting. The X-TERRA 705 has a wide manual ground balance (GB) range from 0 - 90. While in Ground
Balance mode, simply press the Mode button and your X-TERRA will Ground Balance over a variety of ground
conditions – quickly and accurately. Auto Ground Balance routinely selects the optimum Ground Balance position,
and you can ne-tune it manually with the + and – buttons, if required, and/or one can use the new Tracking Ground
Balance Offset option.
If you are in a new site you should press the Ground Balance button periodically, maybe every 15 meters or so,
and check your Ground Balance setting. In changing ground, users must readjust regularly - usually only one or two
numbers in either direction. If the Ground Balance setting appears to be staying around a particular number, e.g. 22-
26, you could leave it on 24 and the detector will remain stable for that area.

Beach ground balance
When detecting on wet beach sand, it is best to select Beach Ground Balance (X-TERRA 705 only), as this will allow
a higher sensitivity setting to be used. To activate Beach Ground Balance, simply press the Ground Balance button,
then press and hold the Ground Balance button again until the Beach Umbrella icon is displayed on the screen. If you
want to detect all over the beach from the dry sand down to the wet sand, then it is easier to leave it in Beach Ground
Balance, and then set Sensitivity to suit the wet sand. That way, you won’t have to adjust the detector settings for
the remainder of the session. For optimum performance it is best to work the dry and wet sand sections of a beach
separately, which will allow you to operate the detector at its optimum sensitivity level. Tracking Ground Balance Offset
in the X-TERRA 705 should help here!
Tracking on the beach
Tracking can be an advantage on some beaches where the mineralisation levels change rapidly. One thing to remember
is that the Tracking speed when in Beach GB is very fast (approx. twice the speed of Tracking in normal GB) so you need
to use extra caution when investigating deep targets - if you sweep over it too many times the signal will diminish, and
can go away all together! Also, in high trash pockets on the beach, the presence of so many targets will upset the GB
setting, and you may experience erratic performance - so these sections are best worked with a Manual GB. The faster
Track speed in Beach GB can be a good feature to use in other areas, and may be an advantage in highly variable
goldeld soils, and some relic sites, but if conditions allow, the Manual GB is the preferred mode.

Summary
Whichever model suits you from the choice of X-TERRA models, there is no doubt that you will nd what you are
seeking - feature-for-feature in the new well-engineered X-TERRA’s.
They’re the best performing, best handling range of detector in their class: sharp looks, well equipped and with an
enviable reputation for real gritty ‘down-to-earth’ satisfaction and value. There is something for everyone in this series
– you choose!
The lasting impression of the new X-TERRA Series is a very comfortable to use metal detector, easy-press buttons,
plenty of usable ‘Pro’ features, punchy performance and a rock solid engineering pedigree to boot.
You can be assured of great back-up service from Minelab with the 3 year warranty on your X-TERRA down the road.
I can honestly say, each time I used it, it put a smile on my face and had me beaming from ear to ear as I sometimes
sought the “long way home” in my quest to discover the long-lost treasures of yesteryear!
A nal word…
“No matter where your searches take you, enjoy your X-TERRA, and have fun!”
Good Hunting!
Des Dunne
April 2009