Minelab SDC 2300 Metal Detector Instruction Manual

Product Overview and Components

The SDC 2300 is a high-performance metal detector designed for finding gold. Below are its main components and included accessories:

Main Detector Components:

• Armrest Strap/Armrest: Provides support for the user's arm during operation.
• Handle Assembly: The primary grip area for controlling the detector.
• LED Display and Controls: Features an LED screen for visual feedback and buttons/switches for user interaction.
• Shaft Hinge: Connects the upper and lower sections of the detector's shaft, allowing for adjustment.
• Coil Pivot Assembly: Enables the search coil to pivot for optimal ground tracking.
• Coil: The circular search coil that detects metal objects.
• Skidplate: A protective cover for the search coil.
• Battery Compartment: Located at the rear, houses the detector's batteries.
• Headphone Connector: A port for connecting headphones to listen to audio signals.
• Main Body/Control Box: Contains the detector's electronic circuitry and primary controls.
• Controls: Various buttons and switches for adjusting settings and operating the detector.
• Shaft (Upper, Middle, Lower): Adjustable sections that allow the user to set the detector's length.
• Camlocks: Mechanisms used to secure the adjustable shaft sections in place.

Included Accessories:

• NiMH C-Cell Batteries (Charger included): Rechargeable batteries and a charger for powering the detector.
• Instruction Manual and Quick Start Guide: This document.
• Headphones (Not waterproof): Designed for audio feedback, but the units themselves are not waterproof.

Getting Started

Assembly and Setup

Follow these steps to assemble the detector for use:

1. Loosen the armrest strap and detach the coil assembly from the shaft.
2. Unfold the coil and shaft sections until they click securely into their designated positions.
3. Slide and lift the handle section to set it in its operational position.
4. Slide the armrest backward until it stops, then spread the armrest brace outwards for stability.
5. Rotate the coil 180 degrees forward, align it with the shaft, and then rotate it 90 degrees to achieve a horizontal position relative to the ground.
6. Loosen the camlocks, extend the middle and lower shaft sections to a comfortable length for the user, and then close the camlocks to secure them.
7. Adjust the coil's angle to be parallel with the ground, matching the user's preferred detection posture.

Packing Up

To store the detector:

1. Close the armrest brace and retract the armrest.
2. Support the bottom of the detector with one hand. With the other hand, push down on the rear of the LED screen to fold the handle down.

⚠️ Caution: When folding the handle, be careful not to pinch your fingers.

Loosen the camlocks, shorten the shaft, and rotate the shaft and coil back to their storage positions.

Batteries

The SDC 2300 requires 4 x C-Cell batteries. It is compatible with the included rechargeable NiMH batteries (4000mAh capacity recommended) or standard alkaline batteries. For extended search sessions, carrying spare alkaline batteries is advisable.

Battery Installation:

• The battery compartment is located at the rear of the detector.
• To open the compartment, turn the knob counter-clockwise and pull it outwards.
• Insert the batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated in the diagram.
• Close the compartment by pushing it in and turning the knob clockwise to secure it.

⚠️ Caution: Do not damage the waterproof seal on the battery compartment. Damage to this seal can lead to significant detector issues, particularly when using the device in wet environments.

Getting Started: Connecting Headphones

While the detector can function without headphones, using them is recommended to conserve battery power and to prevent missing faint target signals. This is achieved by automatically muting the built-in speaker when headphones are connected.

• Remove the protective dust cap from the headphone jack.
• Align the headphone plug with the jack and push firmly until it clicks into place. Ensure the plug's rubber collar is aligned and visible.

⚠️ WARNING: Headphones are not waterproof! Only the headphone cable and connector offer water resistance. If operating the detector underwater, headphones must be removed. Target responses will then be indicated solely by the LED display.

Quick Start

Follow these steps for a standard operational setup:

1. Set the detector to Normal mode 2 (indicated by a green light).
2. Turn on the power (refer to the "Turning the Detector On" section).
3. Adjust Noise Cancel if necessary (refer to Page 8).
4. Adjust Threshold if necessary (refer to Page 8).
5. Adjust Ground Balance (refer to Page 9).
6. Begin detecting.

NOTE: Specific adjustments may be required depending on the soil conditions at your detection site.

Turning the Detector On

When powering on the detector, ensure the coil is held away from any metal objects. Pull up the power switch and turn it clockwise to release it.

Upon activation, the detector will emit 4 to 5 ascending tones, and the LEDs will illuminate, signaling that it is ready for use.

LED Display

The LEDs on the SDC2300 provide an indication of the approximate target size. The first LED is continuously lit. Additional LEDs will illuminate to represent stronger signals. Smaller or deeper targets may activate LEDs 2 and 3, while larger or shallower targets may activate all LEDs. A separate LED pattern indicates a low battery status.

• Weak Signal Response: Indicates a small or deep target.
• Strong Signal Response: Indicates a large or shallow target.

Battery Status

You can check the battery level at any time by following this procedure:

1. While holding down the Noise Cancel button, press and release the Threshold button. Then, release the Noise Cancel button.
2. The battery status will be displayed by the brightness of the LEDs for approximately 3 seconds.

Note: There is a visual difference in the LED display between rechargeable and alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries may show only half brightness even when fully charged.

• Indicator 1: Represents a 1.2V fully charged rechargeable battery.
• Indicator 2: Represents a 1.5V new alkaline battery.

Adjusting Settings

Noise Cancel

This function reduces interference from electrical sources, nearby metal objects, and other environmental noise. The detector automatically selects an optimal channel when Noise Cancel is active. Use Noise Cancel to mitigate interference if you detect persistent noise without moving the detector.

Noise Cancel Setup Procedure:

1. Lift the coil off the ground and hold it stationary.
2. Press and release the Noise Cancel button.
3. Wait briefly for the Noise Cancel system to complete its setup.
4. Begin detecting once the setup is finished.

Noise Cancel setup takes approximately 50 seconds. Completion is indicated by a continuous tone followed by 4 beeps.

Threshold

The Threshold setting determines the level of the constant background audio tone. This tone is crucial for detecting target responses, which are signaled by changes in volume and pitch.

Adjust the Threshold to a level where you can clearly discern subtle changes in the tone. Note that target size or depth may sometimes result in less distinct variations in the Threshold sound.

The Threshold has 9 adjustable levels. Each press of the button increases the setting, which is indicated by the LEDs. After reaching the maximum level, pressing the button again will decrease the setting.

Ground Balance

Ground Balance compensates for ground mineralization. Most soils contain minerals, salts, and chemicals that can create noise and mask faint target signals. The SDC 2300 features Automatic Ground Tracking (AGT), developed by Minelab, which automatically adapts to soil changes to maintain an optimal ground balance setting.

Fast Ground Balance Setup Procedure:

1. In an area free of metal objects, hold the coil approximately 10 cm (4 inches) above the ground, keeping it parallel to the surface.
2. Press and hold the green Ground Balance button.
3. Slowly move the coil up and down without allowing it to touch the ground.
4. Continue this motion until the audio tone stabilizes and background noise disappears, indicating a consistent audio response.
5. Release the green Ground Balance button.

Detecting Mode & Sensitivity

The detector features an 8-stage switch on its side, allowing you to set the detecting mode and sensitivity.

• Normal mode (orange indicator, settings 1-5): This mode is suitable for general soil conditions and is ideal for a wide range of ground types, serving as a good default setting for most areas.
• Salt mode (blue indicator, settings 1-3): This mode is recommended for soils with high salt content (e.g., beaches) or significant mineralization. Adjust this setting by lifting and rotating the knob.

High Sensitivity Settings (orange indicator, setting 5): These settings are best suited for detecting small or deep targets. However, increasing sensitivity can potentially lead to increased ground noise and interference. High sensitivity is therefore recommended for areas with low soil mineralization and minimal interference.

In areas characterized by hard soil, high mineralization, or significant interference, reducing the sensitivity can help prevent false signals and make faint gold signals more audible.

Minelab recommends starting with Normal mode 2 (green indicator) for optimal performance. You should then adjust the settings based on your specific detection environment.

Tip: For both NORMAL and SALT modes, higher sensitivity settings generally yield better performance. To set the sensitivity, gradually increase it until false signals begin to appear, then reduce it by one step.

Audio Pitch (Tone)

You have the option to select between two audio pitches: low and high.

To change the audio pitch, press and hold the Threshold button while turning the power knob. If you continue to hold the Threshold button while turning the power knob, the detector will revert to its previously saved memory setting.

Where to Find Gold

Nugget gold is often found in association with quartz veins or near ironstone formations. By studying local geology, you can identify areas where gold is more likely to occur. Observe soil color, vegetation, and rock types at known gold locations. This knowledge, combined with practical experience, will enhance your search capabilities.

Note: This metal detector is not designed for detecting very fine gold dust.

While ironstone can produce false signals, the SDC 2300 is engineered to reject most ironstone responses, thereby facilitating the detection of gold.

Identifying Target Signals

Metal objects typically produce consistent responses when the coil is moved over them in multiple directions. Ground noise (false signals) can occur due to sudden changes in soil conditions while moving the coil. These signals may be broad, intermittent, or appear only when the coil moves in a specific direction.

Larger and deeper gold targets will generally produce broader responses compared to smaller, shallower ones.

If you are uncertain whether a signal originates from a metal object or ground noise, try removing approximately 4 cm (1.5 inches) of topsoil and re-checking the signal. A weakened signal suggests ground noise, while a strong or increased signal indicates a metal object. If judgment remains difficult, continue digging.

Iron deposits located near the surface can generate strong signals that mimic those of metal objects. Iron responses may be broad and become intermittent as you dig deeper. Gold may also be present within rocks that require breaking to reveal.

If the detector responds and you suspect a metal object, proceed with excavation.

Maximizing Gold Recovery (Hints)

The SDC 2300 operates as a motion detector; signals are generated as the coil passes over a target.

• Keep the coil as close to the ground as possible, or lightly skimming the surface.
• Maintain a parallel angle between the coil and the ground for optimal detection performance.
• Avoid lifting the coil at the beginning or end of your sweeps, as this can reduce detection depth and potentially cause false signals.
• Overlap your coil sweeps by approximately 50% of the coil's width to ensure complete coverage and prevent missing any targets.
• Move the coil slowly and deliberately. Sweep from side to side while advancing forward.

Standard Speed: Sweep from Left → Right → Left.

Detector Maintenance

To maintain the detector's waterproofing, ensure the battery compartment (O-ring) and all connections are free from damage. Keep these areas clean at all times.

• When removing the battery compartment seal, do not use sharp tools; use tools that will not cause damage.
• Clean seals with a soft, damp cloth. Replace any damaged seals immediately.
• Gently clean connections using a brush or cloth, ensuring all dirt is removed.
• Clean the entire detector of sand, dust, and mud.
• Reinstall the battery seal correctly, ensuring it is not twisted.
• Insert batteries into the detector according to the correct polarity.
• Confirm that the battery compartment is fully closed and secured.
• Headphones: The headphone units themselves are not waterproof. Only the headphone cable and connector are water-resistant. Avoid applying excessive tension to the headphone cable.
• The O-ring waterproof seal does not require lubrication.
• Do not expose the detector to gasoline or oil-based liquids.
• Avoid exposing the detector to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold). Do not leave the detector in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle for extended periods.
• Remove any sand or mud from the shaft, hinges, and camlocks.
• To clean the detector, use a damp cloth with mild soap; do not use solvents. Rinse connected parts with water.
• After using the detector in water, always rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.
• Self-disassembly or repair attempts will void the warranty.
• Handle the detector with care during transport to prevent damage. Clean it thoroughly before storing it.
• If the coil cover is damaged, replace it promptly to prevent damage to the coil itself.
• For long-term storage, remove the batteries. Damage caused by battery leakage is not covered by the warranty.

Specifications

COMPLIANCE

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

DISCLAIMER

The Minelab metal detector discussed in this instruction manual has been expressly designed and manufactured as a quality metal detector and is recommended for gold detecting in non-hazardous environments. This metal detector has not been designed for use as a mine detector or as a live munitions detection tool.

PLEASE NOTE

Since there may be a variety of options available for this detector, equipment may vary according to the Model or items ordered with your detector. Certain descriptions and illustrations may also differ (in this manual) from the exact Model that you purchased. In addition, Minelab reserves the right to respond to ongoing technical progress by introducing changes in design, equipment and technical features at any time.