Minelab X-TERRA 705 Metal Detector

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the X-TERRA 705! Metal detecting is a popular and rewarding hobby enjoyed by people worldwide. Reading this manual thoroughly before use will help you get the most out of your X-TERRA 705 and ensure you enjoy the thrill of discovering valuable coins, relics, gold nuggets, and jewelry.

The X-TERRA 705 is a high-performance detector that utilizes Minelab's proven single-frequency technology – VFLEX. This manual is designed to help beginner and experienced treasure hunters get the best performance from their X-TERRA 705.

Quick Start Guide

1. Power On (p. 12)
2. Select Detection Mode (p. 12)
3. Select Discrimination Pattern (pp. 22-24)
4. Set Noise Cancel (Auto or Manual) (pp. 32-33)
5. Set Ground Balance (Auto, Manual, or Tracking) (pp. 40-43)
6. Start Detecting!

This quick start guide provides essential information to help you begin detecting quickly. Minelab values customer feedback and encourages you to contact your local Minelab dealer or Minelab directly with any questions or comments about the X-TERRA 705 or any other Minelab product. For more product information and detecting tips, visit our website: WWW.MINELAB.COM

Chapter 02: Principle of Operation

Metal detectors generate an electromagnetic field that penetrates the ground. When this field encounters a conductive metal target, it causes a change in the field. The detector senses this change and transmits a signal to the control box, alerting the operator.

Metal detectors can also determine the size, shape, and composition of buried metal objects. Generally, larger objects are easier to detect.

Detector Frequency: Frequency refers to the number of signal cycles transmitted per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). 1000Hz = 1kHz.

The X-TERRA 705 operates on a standard frequency of 7.5kHz, which offers excellent depth for most common targets. It can also operate at 3kHz or 18.75kHz, depending on the coil used (p. 48, 52).

The detector has two main modes: Coin & Treasure Mode (p. 18) for general item detection and Prospecting Mode (p. 19) for gold nuggets and relics. Prospecting Mode offers higher sensitivity and adjustable Iron Mask discrimination, ideal for finding small gold nuggets or specific artifacts.

VFLEX Technology: The second-generation X-TERRA detectors integrate Minelab's proven VFLEX single-frequency technology. VFLEX uses digital signal processing to enhance standard single-frequency technology, replacing most analog circuitry. This digital approach provides superior sensitivity, stability, and repeatability.

Coil Configurations: The X-TERRA 705 comes standard with a concentric coil, offering excellent pinpointing accuracy. It can also use Double-D coils, which provide improved ground balancing and different detection patterns.

Signal Flow:

• Power Supply: Powers the unit.
• Keypad: User input.
• LCD Display: Shows information.
• Main Microprocessor (Control Box): Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
• Codec: Signal conversion.
• Audio: Sound output.
• Transmitter: Sends signals to the coil.
• Receiver: Receives signals from the coil.
• Coil: Generates electromagnetic field and detects targets.

VFLEX technology ensures reliable performance, adapting to environmental changes like ground mineralization, electromagnetic interference, and temperature fluctuations. The detector automatically recognizes the coil type and sets optimal parameters.

Chapter 04: Installation

Parts List

Before assembling your X-TERRA 705, check that you have all the following parts:

1. Coil
2. Coil Cover (pre-attached)
3. Lower Shaft
4. Mid Shaft
5. Upper Shaft
6. Armrest
7. Bracket
8. Control Box
9. Control Box Screws
10. Rubber Washers (2)
11. Plastic Wing Nut
12. Plastic Bolt
13. Armrest Screws
14. Armrest Strap
15. Velcro Straps (2)
16. Warranty Card
17. This Instruction Manual

Connecting the Coil

1. Insert the two rubber washers into the mounting holes on each side of the shaft yoke.
2. Gently insert the lower shaft yoke into the mounting clamp at the top of the coil. Ensure the spring-loaded pin on the lower shaft is facing upwards.
3. Pass the plastic bolt through the yoke and shaft bracket.
4. Tighten the nut. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the threads. You can loosen it later when adjusting the coil to a comfortable detecting angle.

⚠️ The coil cable is secured internally and should not be removed. Tampering will void the warranty.

Attaching the Handle

1. Rotate the lower shaft's locking collar counter-clockwise to loosen.
2. Press the spring-loaded pin on the lower shaft and slide it into the mid shaft until the pin aligns with a hole. The pin will pop out to lock the position.
3. Connect the mid shaft and upper shaft in the same manner.
4. Rotate the shaft collar clockwise to lock the handle.

⚠️ The upper shaft uses two spring-loaded pins for secure connection, one on each side.

Chapter 05: Assembly

Armrest Installation

Place the armrest on the top of the upper shaft, aligning one of the holes with the shaft's slot. Adjust the armrest to a comfortable position for your arm (see Detector Grip, p. 14). Thread the strap through the armrest and upper shaft. Tighten the Velcro strap, securing your forearm. The excess strap should be tucked away.

Ensure the armrest is positioned correctly and the shaft length is adjusted so you can swing the coil comfortably in front of you without strain.

To adjust the armrest position, remove the armrest screws to reposition the armrest and bracket as needed (see Armrest Installation, p. 6).

Control Box Installation

With the LCD screen facing upwards, slide the control box into the mounting bracket until it clicks into place. The control box can be easily removed for storage and transport.

Removing the Control Box

Pull the control box firmly away from the shaft.

Permanent Control Box Installation

While the control box is easily removable, Minelab offers a method for permanent installation.

1. Remove the small rubber plug from the upper right side of the shaft.
2. Insert the provided screw into the hole and tighten with a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Keep the rubber plug for future use.

⚠️ Remember to remove the screw before detaching the control box, otherwise, you may damage the detector. If not using this method, you can use silicone sealant or adhesive to secure the rubber plug.

Inserting Batteries

The X-TERRA 705 uses four AA batteries (see Battery Life, p. 45). Open the battery compartment door on the side of the control box by pushing upwards with your thumb. Insert batteries according to the polarity markings (+/-) inside the compartment. Close the compartment door.

⚠️ If the detector fails to start, check battery polarity. Incorrect installation will not damage the detector.

Chapter 03: Keypad Layout

Power: Turns the detector on/off.

Patterns: Scrolls through different discrimination patterns (Coin & Treasure Mode only).

Mode: Switches between Coin & Treasure ($) and Prospecting (⛏️) modes. Also activates Target ID stabilization and Ground Balance/Noise Cancel auto options.

All Metal (AM): Switches between the selected discrimination pattern and All Metal mode.

Minus (-): Decreases settings, reduces iron bias, scrolls left through discrimination segments.

Menu/Select: Enters menus or scrolls through settings.

Pinpoint/Detect: Activates Pinpoint mode for precise target location or returns to detection mode.

Plus (+): Increases settings, increases iron bias, scrolls right through discrimination segments.

Accept/Reject: Accepts or rejects individual discrimination segments (Coin & Treasure Mode only).

Tracking: Switches between manual/auto ground balance and tracking ground balance.

Ground Balance: Activates ground balance adjustment for different soil types.

Backlight: Turns the LCD backlight on/off to improve visibility in low light conditions.

LCD Display: Shows all detector information.

Chapter 10: LCD Display Layout

Headphones Icon: Appears when headphones are connected. Allows volume and threshold adjustment.

Battery Icon: Indicates remaining battery power.

All Metal (AM) Icon: Shows that All Metal mode is selected. Accepts all target signals.

Patterns Icon: Indicates preset discrimination patterns are active (Coin & Treasure Mode only).

Iron Mask (IM) Icon: Indicates Iron Mask discrimination is active (Prospecting Mode only).

Target ID: Displays the numerical target identification value (-8 to 48). Negative values typically indicate ferrous targets, positive values non-ferrous.

Discrimination Scale: Shows the selected discrimination segments for target rejection.

Reject Identification Icon: Appears when a discrimination segment is rejected.

Coin & Treasure Mode Icon: Indicates Coin & Treasure mode is selected.

Prospecting Mode Icon: Indicates Prospecting Mode is selected.

Tracking Icon: Shows that Tracking Ground Balance is active.

Beach Icon: Indicates Beach Ground Balance is selected.

Depth Indicator: Provides an estimate of target depth. More arrows indicate greater depth.

Target ID Stability Icon: Appears when Target ID Stability is activated.

Pinpoint Icon: Appears when Pinpoint mode is activated.

Menu Scale: Indicates the current menu level or distance to target in Pinpoint mode.

Menu Icon: Indicates access to the detector's settings menu.

⚠️ Ground Balance can only be activated via the Ground Balance button.

Chapter 13: Turning on the Detector

Before going outdoors: Avoid areas with strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) such as power lines or other detectors.

Indoors: Large metal objects like rebar in walls or under floors can cause electronic overload. Household appliances can also cause interference.

If the detector displays 'OL' (Overload), move the coil away from the source of interference (see Error Messages, p. 49).

Turning On: Press the Power button. The detector will display a startup screen and emit a brief tone. It defaults to Coin & Treasure Mode with factory preset settings. No reading is displayed when no target is detected.

Detection Modes

The X-TERRA 705 has two primary detection modes:

• Coin & Treasure Mode (p. 18): For general item detection.
• Prospecting Mode (p. 19): For gold nuggets and relics.

Press the Mode button to switch between these modes. The detector saves settings for each mode. Changing modes may cause menu settings to flash on screen for 3 seconds.

Coin & Treasure Mode Factory Presets:

• Discrimination Pattern: 1
• Sensitivity: 16
• Ground Balance: 27 (fixed)
• Noise Cancel Channel: 0
• Threshold (Speaker): 12
• Threshold (Headphones): 10
• Volume (Speaker): 25
• Volume (Headphones): 20
• Tone: 4

Prospecting Mode Factory Presets:

• Iron Mask: 5
• Sensitivity: 22
• Ground Balance: Tracking
• Noise Cancel Channel: 0
• Threshold (Speaker): 10
• Threshold (Headphones): 8
• Volume (Speaker): 25
• Volume (Headphones): 20
• Threshold Tone: 22

⚠️ Many screen icons shown in this manual represent features of Coin & Treasure Mode, but the principles apply to both modes.

Chapter 14: Holding the Detector

Wear the armrest strap and hold the detector grip firmly. Rest your forearm on the armrest. Keep your elbow bent and your wrist relaxed.

Adjust the shaft length by loosening the collar, pressing the spring pin, and sliding the shaft sections. Tighten the collar to lock the position (p. 5).

Ensure the armrest is positioned correctly and the shaft length allows for comfortable swinging without strain.

⚠️ The coil is waterproof, but the control box is not.

Chapter 15: Scanning with the Coil

Swing the coil in a side-to-side motion, overlapping each sweep by about half the coil's width. Maintain a consistent height above the ground, parallel to the surface. Avoid excessive swinging or dragging the coil, as this can cause false signals and reduce detection depth.

For Coin & Treasure Mode, use a moderate sweep speed for quick target identification. For Prospecting Mode, use a slower sweep speed to enhance detection of small targets in mineralized ground.

Scanning Technique:

• Keep the coil parallel to the ground, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the surface.
• Maintain a consistent sweep speed.
• Overlap each sweep by approximately half the coil's width.
• At the end of each sweep, lift the coil slightly to avoid false signals from ground mineralization.

Chapter 16: Basic Detection Practice

To familiarize yourself with the detector's responses, practice with various metal objects. This helps you understand how the detector interprets different targets.

Collect items like coins, jewelry, nails, and foil. Take them to an area free of EMI and metal trash. Sweep the coil over each item, observing the LCD display and listening to the audio tones.

Understanding Target Responses:

• Target Response: The signal emitted when a target is detected.
• Threshold (Background Tone): A faint hum that helps distinguish between desired and undesired targets.
• Empty (No Sound): Occurs when a target is rejected by the discrimination settings.
• Error Signal: False signals caused by EMI, ground mineralization, or rapid coil movement.

⚠️ This practice can also help you adjust detector settings like Sensitivity (p. 30), Threshold (p. 34), Volume (p. 36), and Tone (p. 38).

Chapter 17: Detector Audio

Threshold: The continuous background hum that helps differentiate between wanted and unwanted targets. A 'blank' response indicates a rejected target.

Target Response: The audio signal emitted when a target is detected and not rejected. In Coin & Treasure Mode, high-conductivity targets (like large silver coins) produce a higher tone, while ferrous targets produce a lower tone. In Prospecting Mode, target tones and threshold volume change abruptly.

Error Signals: False signals from EMI, ground mineralization, or rapid coil movement. Adjust Sensitivity or Noise Cancel to resolve.

Digging Targets: Use appropriate tools to excavate targets. Restore the site after digging to minimize environmental impact. Always obtain permission before detecting on private property.

Chapter 18: Coin & Treasure Mode

This mode is ideal for finding valuable items like coins, jewelry, and relics in various environments, including parks and beaches. It uses Target ID and discrimination patterns to help identify targets.

Target ID: A numerical display (-8 to 48) indicating the conductivity and ferrous properties of a target. The previous target ID remains displayed until a new target is detected.

Discrimination Scale: Allows you to accept or reject specific target signals by enabling/disabling segments. The corresponding segment on the display flashes when a target is detected.

Target ID Stability: Helps stabilize Target ID readings in highly mineralized ground.

Chapter 19: Prospecting Mode

This mode is designed for detecting gold nuggets and relics in heavily mineralized or complex ground conditions. It offers higher sensitivity and adjustable Iron Mask discrimination.

Iron Mask (IM) Level: Adjusts the detector's ability to ignore ferrous trash. A higher setting excludes more iron targets.

Iron Mask Discrimination Scale: A visual representation of the Iron Mask setting, ranging from 0 to 20.

Target Tones: In Prospecting Mode, target tones and threshold volume change dynamically.

⚠️ Double-D coils are recommended for Prospecting Mode in highly mineralized areas due to their superior ground balancing capabilities.

Chapter 20: Target ID

Target ID: Numerical values (-8 to 48) representing target characteristics. Negative values typically indicate ferrous targets (like iron nails), while positive values indicate non-ferrous targets (like coins or jewelry).

Discrimination Segment: Each segment represents a type of target signal. You can enable or disable these segments to accept or reject specific targets.

Target ID Stability: Activates a feature to stabilize Target ID readings, especially in challenging ground conditions.

Chapter 21: Discrimination Scale

The discrimination scale displays target conductivity and ferrous properties. You can customize which segments are accepted or rejected to filter out unwanted targets like iron trash.

Chapter 22: Preset Discrimination Patterns

The X-TERRA 705 offers an All Metal mode and four preset discrimination patterns, plus an Iron Mask function for Prospecting Mode. These patterns can be customized.

• All Metal Mode: Accepts all target signals.
• Pattern 1: Accepts non-ferrous targets (e.g., jewelry, silver coins) and rejects ferrous targets and hot rocks.
• Pattern 2: Accepts some non-ferrous targets and rejects ferrous, hot rocks, and some non-ferrous targets (e.g., foil, pull tabs).
• Pattern 3: Accepts relics and most non-ferrous targets, rejecting some ferrous and non-ferrous targets.
• Pattern 4: Accepts some ferrous targets and most non-ferrous targets, rejecting most ferrous trash and hot rocks.
• Iron Mask: Used in Prospecting Mode to reject ferrous targets.

⚠️ It is recommended to set the Iron Mask level lower to avoid missing valuable targets.

Chapter 24: Selecting Discrimination Patterns

Use the Pattern button to cycle through Patterns 1-4 in Coin & Treasure Mode. Press the All Metal (AM) button to switch between patterns and All Metal mode. In Prospecting Mode, the AM button switches between Iron Mask and All Metal.

Editing Discrimination Patterns: You can customize the preset patterns to suit your preferences. When a target is detected, its segment will flash. Press Accept/Reject to exclude that target. The segment will turn black. The detector will then ignore targets in that segment.

Chapter 26: Pinpoint

When a signal is detected, use the Pinpoint function to precisely locate the target. This temporarily disables the detector's discrimination capabilities, turning it into a non-motion detector.

Auto Pinpoint: Gradually reduces sensitivity with each sweep to narrow down the target's location. Center the coil over the target for maximum volume and tone.

Pinpoint Analysis: Allows for more detailed analysis of target shape and size. You can switch between Auto Pinpoint and Pinpoint Analysis modes by pressing and holding the Pinpoint button.

⚠️ When using Pinpoint, the Tracking Ground Balance function is automatically disabled but will reactivate when you exit Pinpoint mode.

Chapter 28: Menu Operation

The X-TERRA 705 operates in two states: Detect and Setup. Use the Menu/Select button to navigate through various settings.

Detect State: Displays Target ID, discrimination segments, and depth. In Coin & Treasure Mode, it interprets target signals. In Prospecting Mode, it indicates Iron Mask level and relies on audio cues.

Setup State: Allows adjustment of various settings for optimal performance. Settings are categorized into Mode Specific, Mode Dependent, and General Settings.

• Mode Specific: Settings unique to Coin & Treasure or Prospecting Mode.
• Mode Dependent: Settings that are saved for each mode individually.
• General Settings: Settings that remain consistent across modes.

Chapter 30: Sensitivity

Sensitivity determines the detector's response to targets and ground conditions. Adjust sensitivity based on your environment.

Recommended Settings:

• High noise environments: 1-8
• Trash-filled parks: 9
• Coin & Treasure Mode (default): 16
• Clean parks: 20
• Prospecting Mode (default): 22
• Experienced users: 23-30

⚠️ For best performance, set sensitivity high enough to detect targets clearly but low enough to avoid false signals from ground mineralization or EMI.

Chapter 32: Noise Cancel

Noise Cancel helps eliminate false signals caused by EMI from power lines, other detectors, or appliances. The detector has 5 channels (-2 to +2).

Manual Mode: Select the quietest channel by listening for the least amount of background noise.

Auto Mode: The detector automatically selects the quietest channel after 15 seconds of stillness.

⚠️ Changing the Noise Cancel channel does not affect detection depth or sensitivity.

Chapter 34: Threshold

The threshold is a faint background hum that helps distinguish between wanted and unwanted targets. Setting it too low can cause you to miss faint signals, while setting it too high can mask small targets.

Adjusting Threshold: Use the Menu/Select button to access the Threshold setting. Use the +/- buttons to adjust the level. A negative threshold may cause faint signals to be inaudible. A threshold of 0 disables the background hum.

Speaker/Headphone Threshold: The detector saves separate threshold settings for speaker and headphones.

Chapter 36: Volume

Volume controls the maximum sound level of target signals. It can be adjusted for speakers and headphones.

Adjusting Volume: Use the Menu/Select button to access the Volume setting. Use the +/- buttons to adjust the level. Low battery may automatically reduce speaker volume to conserve power.

⚠️ Using headphones at high volumes can damage hearing.

Chapter 38: Tone

Target Tone: In Coin & Treasure Mode, you can select from 1 to 5 tones to differentiate targets. The tone changes based on the target's ID. Multi-tone settings allow for more nuanced target identification.

Threshold Tone: In Prospecting Mode, you can adjust the threshold tone for better audio discrimination, especially with different headphone types.

Chapter 40: Ground Balance

Ground Balance (GB) is crucial for accurate detection in mineralized soil. It helps the detector ignore ground signals and focus on targets.

Standard GB: For neutral soils and dry sandy areas. The Beach icon will be off.

Beach GB: For wet salt sand and mixed mineralized soils. The Beach icon will be on.

Adjustment Methods:

• Auto: The detector automatically adjusts GB.
• Manual: Fine-tune GB using +/- buttons.
• Tracking: Continuously adjusts GB as ground conditions change.

⚠️ In highly mineralized ground, Double-D coils are recommended. Ground balance settings affect both detection and pinpointing.

Chapter 42: Adjusting Ground Balance

Auto GB: In All Metal mode, with no targets present, lift and lower the coil while pressing the Ground Balance button. The detector will analyze the ground and set GB automatically.

Manual GB: Lift and lower the coil while pressing the Ground Balance button. Use +/- buttons to adjust the threshold tone to a low, consistent hum.

Tracking GB: Press the Tracking button to activate. The detector continuously adjusts GB as ground conditions change. This is useful for varying ground types.

⚠️ Tracking GB is automatically disabled when Pinpoint mode is activated and reactivates upon exiting Pinpoint.

Chapter 44: Tracking GB Offset

This advanced setting allows you to slightly offset the Ground Balance value (e.g., -5 to +5) to improve performance in specific conditions, such as high iron mineralization or varying beach sand moisture.

How to Set: Access the Tracking GB Offset menu, use +/- buttons to adjust, and save the setting.

Chapter 45: Battery Life

The X-TERRA 705 uses four AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH, NiCad). Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are not compatible. Low battery indicators will appear, and the detector will eventually shut down to conserve power.

Battery Indicators: Full charge (2 segments), Half charge (1 segment), Low battery (flashing icon and periodic beeps).

⚠️ Overvoltage (e.g., from incompatible batteries) can cause the detector to shut down.

Chapter 46: Factory Presets

You can reset the detector's settings to factory defaults. This can be done for all settings, or for specific modes (Coin & Treasure, Prospecting) or patterns.

Resetting All Settings: Hold the Menu/Select button while turning on the power. Release the Menu/Select button when 'FP' appears on screen.

Resetting Mode Settings: Select the desired mode, turn off the detector, then hold the Mode button while turning it back on. Release when 'FP' appears.

Resetting Pattern Settings: Turn off the detector, then hold the Pattern button while turning it back on. Release when 'PE' appears.

⚠️ Factory resets do not erase custom discrimination patterns.

Chapter 48: Coil Identification

The X-TERRA 705 is compatible with VFLEX coils operating at 7.5kHz (standard), 3kHz (low frequency), and 18.75kHz (high frequency). Coils are labeled with 'M', 'L', or 'H' respectively.

Coil Types:

• Concentric (7.5kHz, 3kHz, 18.75kHz): Standard coils offering good performance for various targets.
• Double-D (7.5kHz, 18.75kHz): Offer superior ground balancing, ideal for highly mineralized ground and gold prospecting.

Viewing Coil Information: Access the settings menu to view the currently connected coil's type and frequency.

Chapter 49: Error Messages

The detector may display error messages:

• Coil Not Connected: The coil is not properly connected.
• Coil Error: Communication error between coil and control box.
• Coil Incompatible: The detector does not recognize the connected coil. Replace with a standard coil.
• Overload (OL): Signal is too strong for the detector to read. Move the coil away from the target or source of interference.

⚠️ After resolving an error, the detector will start with a blank screen.

Chapter 50: Audio

The detector uses various audio tones to indicate different conditions:

• Threshold: Continuous background hum.
• Target Response: Signal when a target is detected and accepted.
• Empty: No sound for rejected targets.
• Error Tones: Indicate errors or issues.
• Low Battery Beep: Periodic beep when battery is low.
• Shutdown Tone: Long tone before the detector powers off.

Digging Targets: Use appropriate tools and restore the site. Always obtain permission before detecting.

Chapter 52: Accessories

Optional accessories enhance the detector's functionality:

• Headphones: Improve audio clarity and battery life.
• Short Shaft: Reduces overall length for easier handling.
• Environmental Cover: Protects the control box from rain and dust.
• Coil Cover: Protects the coil from scratches and impacts.

⚠️ Do not set headphone volume too high to avoid hearing damage.

Chapter 54: Maintenance

The X-TERRA 705 is a durable instrument. Proper care ensures longevity.

• Operating Temperatures: -20°C to +65°C (-4°F to 149°F).
• Storage Temperatures: 0°C to +45°C (32°F to 113°F).
• Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid solvents.
• Coil Care: The coil can be submerged up to 0.5m (20"). Keep the control box dry. Ensure the coil cable is not stressed.
• Battery Handling: Use only specified AA batteries. Remove batteries if storing for extended periods.

⚠️ Only use Minelab VFLEX-compatible coils.

Chapter 55: Specifications

Transmitter: Single Sine Wave

Chapter 56: Service & Repair

For service and repair inquiries, please contact Minelab customer support or your authorized dealer. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.

Minelab Metal Detectors: Since 1985, Minelab has been at the forefront of metal detection technology, committed to innovation and quality. Minelab is an ISO 9001 certified company.

Environmental Responsibility: Please dispose of electronic equipment responsibly according to local regulations. Do not discard with household waste.

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Disclaimer: This manual is for informational purposes. Minelab reserves the right to make product improvements without notice.