Minelab X-Terra 705 Metal Detector

Congratulations on purchasing your X-Terra 705! Metal detecting is a fascinating and rewarding activity. The X-Terra 705 is a high-precision instrument incorporating Minelab's proven single frequency technology, VFLEX, offering dependable performance and improved immunity to environmental conditions.

Quick Start Guide

1. Turn on the detector.
2. Choose a detecting mode (Coin & Treasure or Prospecting).
3. Choose a Discrimination Pattern.
4. Set the Iron Mask Level (Prospecting Mode).
5. Set Noise Cancel (Auto or Manual).
6. Set Ground Balance (Auto, Manual, or Track).
7. Begin detecting!

Minelab encourages users to read the entire manual for a complete understanding of all features.

For further product information and detecting tips, refer to: www.Minelab.com

How Detectors Work

Metal detectors create an electromagnetic field that penetrates the ground. Metal objects alter this field, alerting the operator. Detectors can determine the size, shape, and composition of metallic objects. The frequency of a detector is the number of times a signal is transmitted per second (measured in Hertz - Hz).

VFLEX Technology

The X-Terra 705 uses VFLEX technology, which enhances standard single frequency technology by replacing analog circuitry with digital signal processing. This provides dependable performance and improved immunity to ground mineralization, electromagnetic interference, and temperature variations. The detector communicates with the coil on startup to optimize parameters based on coil type and frequency.

Assembling Your X-Terra 705

List of Parts

• Coil Skidplate (fitted to coil)
• Lower shaft
• Middle shaft
• Upper shaft
• Armrest
• Stand
• Control box
• Control box screw
• Rubber washers (2)
• Plastic wing nut
• Plastic bolt
• Armrest screw
• Armrest strap
• Velcro tabs (2)
• Warranty card
• Instruction manual

Connecting the Coil

Insert rubber washers into the lower shaft yoke holes. Slide the yoke into the coil's bracket. Insert the plastic bolt through the yoke and bracket, and fasten with the plastic wing nut. The coil cable is permanently wired and attempts to disconnect it will void the warranty.

Shaft Assembly

Loosen shaft twistlocks counterclockwise. Compress spring-loaded pins and slide shafts together, ensuring pins click into adjustment holes. Lock shafts by rotating twistlocks clockwise. The upper shaft uses two pins for joint strength.

Armrest Assembly

Position the armrest on the upper shaft, aligning holes. Insert the armrest screw through the stand, shaft, and armrest, then tighten. Thread the armrest strap through the armrest slots with the velcro side up, ensuring the end fastens outwards from your arm.

Connecting the Control Box

Push the control box onto the end of the handle with the LCD facing up until it fits. For permanent attachment, remove the rubber insert from the handle, insert the provided screw, and tighten with a Phillips screwdriver. Store the rubber insert for future use.

Coil Cable Assembly

Wind the coil cable around the lower and middle shafts to take up slack, securing it with velcro tabs. Align the coil plug and push it firmly into the control box socket, tightening the retaining ring.

Inserting Batteries

The X-Terra 705 requires 4 x AA batteries (not included). Open the battery compartment door on the side of the control box by sliding it upwards. Insert batteries, matching positive (+) and negative () contacts to the diagram. Close the door by sliding it downwards. Incorrect battery orientation will not damage the detector.

Keypad Layout

• Power [Power Button]: Turns the detector On/Off.
• Patterns [Patterns Button]: Scrolls through Discrimination Patterns (Coin & Treasure Mode only).
• Mode [Mode Button]: Toggles between Coin & Treasure and Prospecting modes. Activates Target ID Stabiliser. Selects automatic options for Ground Balance and Noise Cancel.
• All Metal [All Metal Button]: Toggles between the selected discrimination pattern and the All Metal pattern.
• Minus [- Button]: Adjusts settings, reduces Iron Mask, and scrolls left through discrimination segments.
• Menu/Select [Menu/Select Button]: Enters the Menu, accesses and scrolls through settings.
• Backlight [Backlight Button]: Turns the Backlight On/Off for screen clarity in dim conditions.
• Accept/Reject [Accept/Reject Button]: Accepts or rejects metals by turning discrimination segments on/off (Coin & Treasure Mode only).
• Tracking [Tracking Button]: Toggles between manual/auto Ground Balance and Tracking Ground Balance.
• Ground Balance [Ground Balance Button]: Activates Ground Balance adjustment.
• Plus [+ Button]: Adjusts settings, increases Iron Mask, and scrolls right through discrimination segments.
• Pinpoint/Detect [Pinpoint/Detect Button]: Pinpoints target location or exits menu settings.

LCD Layout

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows various indicators:

• [Target ID Stability Icon]: Indicates Target ID Stability is selected.
• [Headphones Icon]: Indicates headphones are connected.
• [Battery Icon]: Shows remaining battery power.
• [Backlight Icon]: Indicates the Backlight is On.
• [All Metal (AM) Icon]: Indicates the All Metal Pattern is selected, accepting all signals.
• Patterns: Preset Discrimination Patterns for different search preferences (Coin & Treasure Mode).
• [Iron Mask (IM) Icon]: Indicates Iron Mask discrimination is selected (Prospecting Mode).
• Target ID: Numbers from -8 to 48 indicate ferrous (negative) and nonferrous (positive) targets. Used for menu settings and Iron Mask value.
• Discrimination Scale: Used for Pattern Discrimination (Coin & Treasure) and Iron Mask Discrimination (Prospecting).
• Reject Identification: Appears when rejecting a discrimination segment.
• [Coin & Treasure Mode Icon]: Indicates Coin & Treasure Mode is selected.
• [Prospecting Mode Icon]: Indicates Prospecting Mode is selected.
• [Tracking Icon]: Indicates Tracking Ground Balance is selected.
• [Beach Icon]: Indicates Ground Balance (Beach) is selected.
• Depth Indicator: Shows relative target depth (Coin & Treasure Mode only). 1 arrow ≈ 0-2" (0-5 cm), 5 arrows ≈ >10" (25 cm).
• [Pinpoint Icon]: Indicates Pinpoint mode is activated.
• Menu Scale: 10 segments used with Numeric ID for setting adjustments and Pinpoint target proximity.
• Menu: List of adjustable settings (Sensitivity, Noise Cancel, Threshold, Volume, Tones).

Turning the Detector On

It is recommended to turn the detector on outdoors, away from electromagnetic sources like household appliances or TV sets, which can cause erratic performance and false signals. If the detector emits an overload sound (OL on LCD), move the coil away from the source.

Factory Presets

When turned on, the detector defaults to Coin & Treasure Mode. The following are the factory preset values:

Coin & Treasure Mode Factory Presets

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

Prospecting Mode Factory Presets

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

The detector saves separate settings for each mode. When switching modes, changed menu settings will flash for three seconds.

Detecting Modes

The X-Terra 705 operates in two main modes:

Coin & Treasure Mode

Ideal for finding coins, jewellery, and artefacts. It uses Target ID numbers and the Pattern Discrimination Scale to identify and reject unwanted objects like pull-tabs. Targets are identified by a single beep.

Prospecting Mode

Designed for finding gold nuggets and relics in mineralized areas. It uses the Iron Mask Level and Iron Mask Discrimination Scale to reject iron signals. Targets are identified by an abrupt change in the Threshold tone's pitch and volume.

Holding the Detector

Thread your arm through the armrest and strap, grasping the handle. Rest your forearm in the armrest. Adjust shaft length and armrest position so the detector feels like an extension of your arm, allowing comfortable swinging without stooping.

Sweeping the Coil

Sweep the coil side-to-side in a smooth motion, slightly overlapping each sweep for full ground coverage. Maintain the coil close and parallel to the ground (approx. 1" / 2.5 cm) for maximum depth and response. Avoid brushing the coil on the ground. Faster sweeps can improve target detection in Coin & Treasure Mode, while slower sweeps are better in Prospecting Mode.

A Simple Detecting Exercise

To familiarize yourself with the detector's signals, gather various metal objects (coins, jewellery, nails, foil). Lay them in a line outdoors, spaced apart. Pass the coil over each object one by one, observing the LCD and listening to the sounds. This helps understand how the detector interprets different metals and can be used when adjusting settings.

Detector Audio

Target Response: The sound produced when a target is detected and not rejected. In Coin & Treasure Mode, higher conductivity targets produce higher tones, while ferrous targets produce lower tones. In Prospecting Mode, targets cause an abrupt change in the Threshold tone.

Threshold: A background hum that helps distinguish between desired and undesired objects. Rejected targets cause the Threshold sound to 'blank' (become silent).

False Signals: Crackling or popping sounds caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) or ground mineralization. Noise Cancel and Ground Balance settings help mitigate these.

Target ID

Targets are assigned a numeric identifier (Target ID) from -8 to 48, indicating ferrous (negative) or nonferrous (positive) properties. The last detected ID remains on display. If a rejected target is detected, two dashes appear. Target ID Stability can be activated by pressing and holding the [Mode Button] for three seconds to stabilize readings in mineralized soil.

Pattern Discrimination Scale

Targets are also represented by segments on a linear scale. Ferrous targets (e.g., nails) are on the left, while nonferrous targets (e.g., gold, silver) are on the right. Segments can be turned on (reject) or off (accept) to customize detection patterns. The X-Terra 705 has 28 ID segments, increasing in steps of 2 from -8 to 48.

Preset Discrimination Patterns

The X-Terra 705 includes an All Metal Pattern and four preset Discrimination Patterns (1-4), plus Iron Mask for Prospecting Mode. These patterns are pre-configured to accept desired targets while rejecting unwanted ones. Patterns 1-4 can be edited.

All Metal Pattern

Accepts signals from all types of metals, with no rejection.

Pattern 1

Accepts nonferrous targets; rejects ferrous objects and hot rocks.

Pattern 2

Accepts most nonferrous targets; rejects ferrous objects, hot rocks, and some nonferrous targets like aluminum foil.

Pattern 3

Accepts some ferrous (relics) and most nonferrous targets; rejects ferrous objects, hot rocks, and some nonferrous targets like aluminum foil.

Pattern 4

Accepts some ferrous and most nonferrous targets; rejects most ferrous objects and hot rocks.

Iron Mask (Prospecting Mode)

Adjustable from 0 to 20, it rejects ferrous signals. Lower settings accept more gold nuggets but may also accept ferrous junk; higher settings reject more junk but may miss small gold nuggets. It is recommended to keep Iron Mask levels low.

Choosing a Discrimination Pattern

In Coin & Treasure Mode, use the [Patterns Button] to cycle through Patterns 1-4. In both modes, the [All Metal Button] provides a shortcut to toggle between the selected pattern and All Metal mode.

Editing Discrimination Patterns

Custom patterns can be created by editing preset patterns. To reject a specific Target ID: detect the target, observe the flashing segment and ID on the LCD, then press [Accept/Reject Button]. The segment will appear, indicating rejection. To accept a target ID, press [Accept/Reject Button] again until the segment disappears. You can also use the [+ / - Buttons] to select an ID and then press [Accept/Reject Button]. The All Metal Pattern cannot be edited.

Pinpointing

Pinpointing helps locate the exact position of a target. It temporarily disengages discrimination and becomes a non-motion detector. The audio response (tone and volume) indicates signal strength directly below the coil.

Pinpoint Auto

Progressively masks the target response by reducing sensitivity with each sweep until a narrow response remains, helping pinpoint the exact location. Sweep the coil slowly over the target area. The menu scale indicates proximity. Aim for the highest volume and tone when the coil is centered over the target.

Pinpoint Sizing

Sensitivity remains constant. Probe the perimeter of a target to identify its shape and size. Alternatively, manually control masking by adjusting sensitivity as you approach the target. Activating Pinpoint Sizing over the center of a target may mask it.

To toggle between Pinpoint Auto and Sizing, press [Pinpoint/Detect Button] to enter Pinpoint mode, then press and hold [Pinpoint/Detect Button] for approximately 3 seconds. The display will show PA (Auto) or PS (Sizing).

Menu Operation

The detector operates in two states: Detection and Settings. Settings are accessed via the menu or shortcuts. Press [Menu/Select Button] to cycle through adjustable settings. Press [Pinpoint/Detect Button] to exit the menu.

Settings Categories

• Mode Specific: Saved for one mode only (e.g., Discrimination Pattern, Target Tones, Target ID Stability).
• Mode Dependent: Saved separately for each mode (e.g., Sensitivity, Iron Mask Level, Threshold Tone).
• General: Settings that do not change between modes (e.g., Threshold, Volume, Ground Balance, Noise Cancel).

Adjusting Menu Settings

Settings like Sensitivity, Threshold, Volume, and Ground Balance can be adjusted using the [+ / - Buttons]. The menu scale provides a visual representation of the adjustment range.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity determines the detector's response to targets and its environment. Set the highest stable sensitivity for optimal performance. Increase sensitivity until the detector becomes unstable, then reduce it by one or two settings. High sensitivity may detect small ferrous junk and be affected by soil minerals or electrical appliances. Recommended settings vary by conditions.

Noise Cancel

To reduce interference from electrical sources, use Noise Cancel. You can select a channel manually (-2 to 2) or use Auto Noise Cancel, which selects the quietest channel automatically. Keep the coil in the horizontal position when changing channels.

Threshold

The Threshold is a background hum that helps distinguish targets. Adjust its volume to a preferred level. Small changes in the Threshold indicate target presence. Settings can be saved separately for speaker and headphones.

Volume

Volume controls the loudness of target signals. The detector automatically reduces speaker volume when the battery is low to save power. Headphone volume is not affected. Using headphones extends battery life.

Tones

Target Tones: Select from 1, 2, 3, 4, or Multiple Tones. The pitch varies based on the Target ID. In Prospecting Mode, the Threshold Tone's pitch can also be adjusted.

Ground Balance

Ground Balancing compensates for ground mineralization, reducing false signals. Use 'Ground Balance (Normal)' for most soils and 'Ground Balance (Beach)' for salt water beaches. Ground Balancing can be performed automatically, manually, or using Tracking.

Activating Ground Balance (Beach)

Press and hold the [Ground Balance Button] for three seconds to activate the beach icon, enabling Beach mode.

Adjusting Ground Balance

Auto: Find a clear area, hold the coil 4" (10 cm) above the ground, press [Ground Balance], then [Mode Button] to activate Auto. Lower and raise the coil; the detector selects a setting. Listen for a constant hum.

Manual: Similar to Auto, but adjust the setting using [+ / - Buttons] to achieve minimum volume and a transition between low and high tones, or minimum volume variation.

Tracking: Press the [Tracking Button] to activate. The detector constantly updates the Ground Balance. It is recommended to toggle Tracking off when a target is detected to prevent balancing to the target itself.

Tracking Ground Balance Offset

An advanced setting for experienced users. Adjusts Tracking Ground Balance slightly positive or negative (+1 to +15 or -1 to -15) to gain an advantage in specific conditions, like mineralized ground or beach transitions. This setting only functions when Tracking Ground Balance is active.

Battery Behaviour

The X-Terra 705 uses 4 x AA batteries (Alkaline, Carbon, Lithium, NiMH, NiCad). Rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries (over 8V) cannot be used. The battery icon indicates power level. Low battery triggers audio announcements before shutdown. Using headphones extends battery life.

Factory Presets

Menu Factory Preset: Turn off, then turn on while holding [Menu/Select Button] to reset all settings to factory defaults.

Mode Factory Preset: Select a mode, turn off, then turn on while holding [Mode Button] to reset settings for that specific mode.

Patterns Factory Preset: Turn off, then turn on while holding [Patterns Button] to erase custom patterns and return to factory presets.

Coil Identification

The X-Terra 705 supports VFLEX coils operating at different frequencies: Concentric Standard (7.5 kHz), Concentric Low (3 kHz), Concentric High (18.75 kHz), and Double D coils (7.5 kHz and 18.75 kHz). To view coil information, enter the settings screen and press and hold [Accept/Reject Button].

Error Messages

• Coil Error: Coil not communicating with the control box.
• Coil Incompatible: Coil recognized but not compatible. Turn off detector before connecting standard coils.
• Overload (OL): Detector received too strong a signal. Move coil away from the source.

Sounds

The detector provides various sounds: Threshold (background hum), Target Response (target signal), Pinpoint Response (proximity indicator), Noise (interference), False Signals (ground mineralization), acknowledgements (key presses), completion tones, error alerts, and low battery warnings.

Recovering the Target

Use a trowel or spade to dig. Clear surface material, then check for the target. If still in the ground, use Pinpoint. Dig neatly, place soil on a plastic sheet, and refill the hole completely. Remove all rubbish and leave the area as found. Always ask for permission before searching on private property.

Accessories

Optional accessories include headphones (recommended for better audio clarity, battery life, and reduced disturbance), accessory coils (different types, sizes, and frequencies), environmental covers for the control box, and skid plates.

Care of Your X-Terra 705

The X-Terra 705 is durable but requires care. Storage temperature: -4°F to 149°F (-20°C to +65°C). Operating temperature: 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C). The coil is submersible up to 0.5m, but the control box is weather-resistant, not waterproof. Protect the control box in wet conditions. Avoid petroleum-based liquids. Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Remove batteries if unused for over a week. Only use VFLEX compatible coils.

X-Terra 705 Specifications

Contact Information

Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd
PO Box 537, Torrensville Plaza
Adelaide, South Australia, 5031 Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 8 8238 0888
Fax: +61 (0) 8 8238 0890
Email: minelab@minelab.com.au

Minelab International Ltd
Laragh, Bandon
Co. Cork Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)23 885 2101
Fax: +353 (0)23 885 2106
Email: minelab@minelab.ie

Minelab USA Inc
871 Grier Drive, Suite B1
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119 USA
Tel: +1 702 891 8809
Fax: +1 702 891 8810
Email: info@minelabusa.com