Minelab Metal Detectors

Here is a write up about Minelab Metal Detectors, who they are and what their products are. Well worth reading before you decide to buy a gold metal detector.

In any purchase of a gold metal detector it is always a good idea to know as much about the detector and its manufacturer before you buy.

Who are Minelab
Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd., located in Adelaide, South Australia is the Head Office of the Minelab Group. This location consists of an office complex where manufacturing, equipment assembly, marketing and customer service occurs. Additionally, the Minelab Group's vital and continuous Research and Development is conducted at Minelab's Head Office in Adelaide.

Minelab is also in the USA. Minelab USA Inc. is located in Nevada and provides marketing, customer service and distribution.

Today Minelab has manufacturing, distribution and customer service operations in Australia, Europe and the United States, and is an ISO 9001 Quality Endorsed Company. ISO 9001 is a worldwide quality standard certification that ensures the highest level of product quality for our customers.

From its origins in 1985, in the suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia, Minelab has become one of the most well known metal detector manufacturers specialising in metal sensing technology.

Codan Limited
Minelab was recently acquired by Codan Limited, Another Australian Company, headed up by Mike Heard, Managing Director.

Codan designs and manufactures a diversified product range for the international high frequency radio, satellite and digital microwave radio communications markets. They also supply TV broadcasting products to global markets and printed circuit boards for customers in Australia and New Zealand. Codan is pleased to add metal detection equipment and advanced electronics manufacturing to its product group through the recent acquisition of Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd.

Founded in 1959, Codan has grown to become a globally active company that employs around 500 staff worldwide. With exports representing approximately 90% of revenues, our products are sold into more than 150 countries.

What do Minelab Manufacture
Minelab produces world-leading metal detecting products designed to work in some of the most challenging conditions worldwide. These include, security metal detectors, hand held metal detectors, beach metal detector, and mine detectors.

Over twenty years, Minelab has incorporated in its detectors AGT (Automatic Ground Tracking), MPS (Multi-Period Sensing), DVT (Dual Voltage Technology), SETA (Smart Electronic Timing Alignment), and Minelab's multi-frequency technologies, FBS (Full Band Spectrum) and BBS (Broad Band Spectrum).

Minelab has also now incorporated a USB interface into its latest product offering, allowing users to download, upload and share; Settings, User Modes and Discrimination Patterns, using their own personal computers.

Minelab Metal Detectors
Here is a selection of 5 of Minelab’s most popular metal detectors with some information about each. This is by no means a complete list of all the gold metal detectors MineLab manufacture. That list would be far too extensive for this review. All Minelab detectors feature a 2 year factory warranty. Also a 2 year ESP extended warranty.

Minelab E-TRAC Metal Detector
The Minelab E-TRAC Metal Detector with 11” DD Search Coil is the world’s first detector with PC Interface

The Minelab E-TRAC features a USB port to connect your metal detector to your personal computer. This allows you to save user modes, patterns, your favorite settings, and even the settings of other detectorists! The "Sensitivity" gauge has been improved and features suggested levels to give you more time hunting and less time programming.

Even if you do not have a computer, the Minelab E-TRAC has upgrades which you can use with or without a computer to hook it up to.

Factory Accessories include:

Koss Headphones
Detector Stand
Installed 12V STD. Battery Holder
AC/DC Wall Charger
Protecta Coil Cover
USB 2.0 Cable
E-TRAC Xchange Software
1600 mAh - 9.6V Rechargeable Battery Pack

SPECIFICATIONS
Transmission Technology: Full Band Spectrum (FBS) Technology
Number of Frequencies: 28 Simultaneous Frequencies ranging from 1.5kHz - 100 kHz
Microprocessor: 32bit, 48MHz microprocessor - fast and powerful
Connectivity: USB connector for communication with personal computer
Software: Intuitive user interface; Fast target processing multi-language functionality
Ground Balance Modes: Auto Ground Compensation - Advanced Digital Filtering
Target Identification: Conductivity range: 1-50 Ferrous content range: 1-35
Audio Tone Identification: 1, 2, 4 and Multi-tone; customizable conductivity / ferrous response
Audio Tone Settings: 4 Settings: Normal, Long, Smooth, Pitch Hold
Tone ID Variability: 30 adjustable steps for better target identification
Discrimination: 2 Dimensional Smartfind™ Discrimination
QuickMask™ New QuickMask™ for easy full ferrous discrimination capability, provides the ability to quickly and easily adjust the level of ferrous and conductive discrimination.
Depth Gauge: New larger gauge, updates in pinpoint mode; can be turned off by user
Sensitivity Adjustment: Fully Automatic; adjustable from aggressive to conservative, Manual Settings 1-30
Sensitivity Gauge: Auto Level, Manual Level and Suggested Level
Noise Cancel: Automatic and Manual
Pinpoint: Modulated audio for improved target size and depth identification with new crosshair visual indication
Low Battery: Audio Alarm
Batteries: 1600 mAh NiMH or Alkaline batteries
Coil: Ultra Lightweight 11" Double D (DD) waterproof coil
Visual Display: Large 3/4" grayscale LCD panel with contrast adjustment and backlight
Headphone Input: 1/4" Stereo Jack
Threshold: Finer adjust level 1-50; improved stability in high-trash areas
Recovery Speed: Selectable (Fast & Deep)
Ground Setting: Two settings, "Neutral" for most ground conditions, and "Difficult" for more mineralized soils.
Trash Density: Low or high (Selectable based on site conditions).
Weight: 4.8 lbs with battery installed
Patents US4890064; US5537041; US5506506

The retail price is: $1,895.00 plus $557.59 in Free and optional accessories
However, by searching around it is possible to get this detector for less than 1500 USD.

This is an excellent detector for the experienced user as well as the novice. Despite the apparent complexity of the machine it comes with full instructions and is not hard to learn to use.

Minelab Explorer SE Pro Metal Detector
The Minelab Explorer SE Pro Metal Detector comes with an 11” DD Search coil & FREE Treasure Hunting Accessories and the “Iron Mask Feature”.

The Iron Mask Feature is exclusive to Minelab metal detectors and eliminates signals from iron trash. Only signals from good targets are strong and clear, at much lower depths. e.g. A coin buried near a nail may be passed over by many detectors but not the Minelab Explorer SE Pro. Because of its 28 frequencies, the Explorer will distinguish between nonferrous, good targets and ferrous, iron trash. In the discrimination mode the iron mask feature allows you to locate good targets among ferrous junk.

Factory Included Accessories

Koss Headphones
AC/DC Wall Charger
12 Alkaline Battery Pack
9.6V Rechargeable Battery Pack
Detector Stand
Coil Cover
Instruction Manual

SPECIFICATIONS
Transmission Technology: Full Band Spectrum (FBS) 28 Simultaneous Frequencies ranging from 1.5kHz - 100 kHz
Number of Frequencies: 28 Simultaneous Frequencies
Microprocessor: New technology processor - faster and more powerful
Software: 3rd Generation Software - improved user interface
Ground Balance Modes: Auto Ground Compensation - Advanced Digital Filtering
Target Identification: 2 Dimensional SmartfindT Size / Conductivity and Ferrous characteristics
Audio Tone Identification: Constant to Multi-tone; customizable Conductivity / Ferrous
Audio Tone Settings: 3 Settings: Long, Smooth, Pitch Hold
Discrimination: 2 Dimensional SmartfindT Discrimination
Iron Mask: Simplified Iron Mask coordinates 0-31 with full ferrous discrimination capability
Depth Indicator : Yes; Now also updates in pinpoint mode
Sensitivity Adjustment: 2 Settings: Semi-Automatic & Manual 1-32
Noise Cancel: Automatic & Manual
Pinpoint: Non-motion modulated audio for improved target size and depth identification
Low Battery Audio Alarm: Yes
Batteries : 1600 mAh NiMH or Alkaline batteries
Coil: Lightweight 10.5" Double D (DD) waterproof coil
Visual Display: 64x128 pixel LCD panel with improved graphics
Headphone Input: 0.25 inch Stereo Jack
Threshold: Finer adjust level; improved stability in high-trash
Recovery Speed: Selectable (Fast & Deep)
Patents : US 4890064; US 5537041; US 5506506

Optional Accessories
Coils: 8" FBS Coil with Lower Shaft
Battery: 1800mA/H NiMH Battery Pack; 'AA' Housing Battery Pack
Charger: 12V Car Charger

Retail price $1,495.00 Plus $662.53 in Free and optional accessories Total value = $2,157.53 But it is possible to acquire this detector for under $1300 USD.

Minelab Safari Metal Detector
The Minelab Safari metal Detector with 11” DD Search Coil is a new detector for 2009 for Minelab.

This is a cheaper detector than the previous two but is still a Full Band Spectrum (FBS) fueled Safari! Featuring four pre-programmed detection modes and four programmable user modes, the Safari is easy-to-use for the new gold prospector as much as for the advanced.

In the Minelab’s Safari Metal Detector, digital filtering will automatically eliminate and influence the ground signals for seamless detecting no matter what your field conditions may be!

Factory Included Accessories

Custom Battery Holder
PROtective Coil Cover
Instruction Manual

The retail price is $1,295.00 plus $398.69 in free and optional accessories with the total value of $1,693.69. However, by searching around it is possible to get this detector for under $1000 USD.

SPECIFICATIONS
Length: Adjustable from 43 to 54"
Weight: 3.6 lbs excluding batteries
Coil: 11" lightweight, waterproof, Double D
Audio Output: Internal speaker or headphones
Headphone Output: 1/4" stereo jack
Visual Display: 64 x 128 pixel liquid crystal display
Transmission: Full Brand Spectrum (FBS)
Simultaneous multiple frequency transmission ranging from 1.5kHz to 100 kHz
Ground Rejection
Ground Compensation: advanced digital filtering
Discrimination: Linear (-10 to +40 discrimination options)
Custom Select Discrimination: Yes (-10 to +40)
Detect Modes (Preset): 4 (Coin; Coin/Jewelry ; Relic; All Metal)
Detect Modes (Personal): 4 (Programmable/Save)
Auto Noise Cancel (Scanning): Yes
Pinpoint: Non-motion with audio and visual indicators
Sensitivity Adjustment: Fully Automatic/Manual (0-20)
Threshold: Adjustable (0-40)
Target Volume: Adjustable (0-20)
Trash Density: High/Low
Batteries: 12V Alkaline Pack - 8 x 1.5 AA (batteries not included)
Patents: US 4890064, US 5537041, US 5506506

Minelab Sovereign GT Metal Detector
The Minelab Sovereign GT Metal Detector is the cheapest of the four yet still has the Minelab’s Exclusive Iron Mask Feature.

The Iron Mask Feature is exclusive to Minelab metal detectors and eliminates signals from iron trash. Only signals from good targets are strong and clear, at much lower depths. e.g. A coin buried near a nail may be passed over by many detectors but not the Minelab Explorer SE Pro. Because of its 28 frequencies, the Explorer will distinguish between nonferrous, good targets and ferrous, iron trash. In the discrimination mode the iron mask feature allows you to locate good targets among ferrous junk.

The Sovereign GT Premium Brand Metal Detector w/ 10" Search coil retails at $995.00 - Plus $684.54 in free and optional metal detector accessories. Total cost $1,679.54

You can find it for less than $800 dollars with a little research.

SPECIFICATIONS
Length: Maximum 55in (1400mm) Minimum 38in (965mm)
Weight: Control Box* 20.3oz (568gms) Tornado 1000 Slimline Coil 23oz (654gms)
Configuration: 2 piece shaft and optional Hip mount
Technology: Broad Band Spectrum (BBS)
Transmit Frequency: 17 Frequencies (1.5, 3, 4.5....25.5 kHz)
Ground Balance : ACCU-TRAK" Automatic Ground Tracking
Battery System: NiMH battery pack (12v; 1000mAH)*
Mains Charger*: 110v(USA); 230v(EU); 240v(AUS)
Audio Loudspeaker & 1/4" headphone jack
Aluminum with Neoprene Cover and Strap
Controls On/Off Volume 1 turn knob
Sensitivity 1 turn knob
Threshold 1 turn knob
Discriminate Level Adjust 1 turn knob
All Metals/Discriminate with Iron Mask on/Discriminate with Iron Mask off 3 pos. switch
Notch Filter: 1 turn knob
Threshold / Silent Search: 2 pos. switch
Ground Track / Fixed / Pin Point: 3 pos. switch
Noise Cancel: 2 pos. switch

Optional Accessories
Target ID Meter: Digital
Mains Charger: 110V (USA), 230V (EU), 240V (AUS)
Tornado 800 Coil: 8" DD; Waterproof
Tornado 1000 Coil: 10" DD; Waterproof
NiMH Rechargeable Battery: 12V, 1000mAh
Alkaline Battery Pack : 8 x 1.5V (AA)
Car Charger: 12V, Cigarette lighter plug
Hip Mount Bag: Durable cordura with window and shoulder strap
Meter Bag: Durable cordura with window
Carry Bag: Protective and durable transport bag
Headphones: 32 ohms

Minelab GPX 4000 Gold Metal Detector
The Minelab's GPX 4000 Gold Metal Detector has Includes a 11" DD Coil, rechargeable system for house & auto, Minelab headphones, arm rest, instruction manual & coil cover, field guide,- nuts & bolts and a battery cable & harness.

Gain Functions: The gain function sets the overall sensitivity level of your detector. In areas where search conditions are mild, you can increase gain. Conversely, decrease gain in mineralized area. Our sophisticated gain control used in combination with other functions such as timing, audio, and ground balance enhance the performance.

Sensitive Timings: With 2 new sensitive option, the GPX-4000 offers dramatically reduced "hot rock" signals and false ground noise in "hot" ground conditions (Smooth Timing), and extra depth on large targets in "mild" ground conditions (Extra Timing).

New Ground Balance Type: The GPX-4000's new "Specific Ground Balance" mode will make detecting hot grounds easier than ever before; especially when using Mono-Loop coils.

New Response: Between large nuggets, prospectors also find many small nuggets. The deep large nuggets can be made more audible with the GPX-4000 new response function. By inverting normal target response deeper, larger nuggets will produce a response closer to that of smaller nuggets.
New Motion: The GPX-4000 will automatically optimize detecting performance based on the GPX-4000's sweep speed set by the operator.

New Volume Limit: The volume can now be set to reduce loud signals without compromising signal strength.
Lithium-Ion Battery:
Increased full time power compared to conventional batteries
Operates the GPX-4000 for over 12 hours.
Robust and lightweight aluminium housing.
Self-contained intelligent charging system
Three to four hours rapid charge time from 12v vehicle or AC adaptor.
Power monitoring on LCD display.
LCD Function Display: Allows you to select variable settings for key functions.
Precisely remember settings for future use,
No More unintentional change of key settings,
Personal Settings saved automatically on shut down,
Restore factory presets at any time.
Improved Control Panel Layout: The most commonly used functions are now conveniently and cleverly located on the front panel for quick and easy access.
Technology Dual Voltage (DVT) Multi-Period Sending (MPS)
Transmission Bi-Level Pulse Induction
Search System Motion Detector
Headphones Supplied - Koss 100ohm Coil Standard 11" Double D
Battery Lithium-Ion 9.2ah: 8.2v Weight 30.68oz
Battery Charging System AC & 12 volt vehicle
Length Maximum 51.5 inches Minimum 43.5 Inches
Weight Complete with 11" Coil (Excluding Battery & Accessories) 5.3 lbs
Configuration Shaft Mount 2-Piece Shaft

This is one of the more expensive metal detectors from Minelab and retails for $5,000.00, plus $444.70 in free and optional metal detector accessories for as total cost of $5,444.70

However, like the others, with some due diligence, it is possible to obtain this top of the range detector for a substantial amount less.

Last Word on Minelab
Minelab are a professional equipment manufacturer with operations internationally. Minelab manufacture what are considered some of the best metal detectors and the best metal detectors for gold word wide. They make metal detectors not only for gold, but also for mine detection, many of which are used in the armed forces and in civilian mine detection in Asia. All Minelab Metal Detectors produced are guaranteed for two years.