Minelab VANQUISH 340 Metal Detector User Manual

Table of Contents

• Quick Start
• Search Modes
• Controls
• Display
• Detector Settings
• Pinpointing
• Target Identification
• Battery and Charging
• Detector Care and Safety
• Error Codes
• Troubleshooting
• Technical Specifications
• Reset

Quick Start

Follow these three steps to begin detecting:

1. Power On: Press the power button to turn on the detector.
2. Wait 5 Seconds: Allow the detector to initialize.
3. Start Detecting: Begin sweeping the coil over the ground.

Search Modes

The VANQUISH 440 and 540 offer three distinct search modes, each with a unique identification pattern, to help you find what you're looking for:

• Coin Mode: Ideal for finding coins and trash in areas with a lot of debris. It excels at discriminating against iron trash.
• Jewellery Mode: Designed to recover lost jewellery, offering excellent target separation and depth. It's versatile for all types of targets.
• All-Metal Mode: Detects all types of metal, including iron. While it won't miss any targets, it will also detect more trash. This mode is useful for confirming if a target detected in Coin or Jewellery mode contains iron.

Controls

The control panel features the following:

1. Power On/Off: Press to turn the detector on or off. To reset to factory settings, turn off and press and hold the power button for 7 seconds (see page 14).
2. Volume Control: Adjusts the audio volume level (see page 6).
3. Sensitivity Control: Adjusts the sensitivity level (see page 6).
4. Search Mode: Select the next available search mode (see page 3).
5. Target ID Guide: A reference guide indicating the target type for the corresponding target ID segment.

Display

The display provides the following information:

1. Battery Level: Shows the current battery level (see page 10).
2. Volume Level: Displays the detector's audio volume (see page 6).
3. Sensitivity Level: Displays the sensitivity level (see page 6).
4. Target ID Number: Displays a numerical value for detected targets, helping to identify them before digging. For example, a US 25-cent coin will consistently display the same Target ID. Negative numbers indicate ferrous (iron) targets, while positive numbers indicate non-ferrous targets, ranging from small foil to large silver items.
5. Depth Gauge: Provides an approximate depth of the detected target (see page 7).
6. Search Mode: Indicates the active search mode (see page 3).
7. Identification Segment: Displays a segment of the target ID scale, categorized into zones. The identification segment adjusts to match the Target ID Guide.

Detector Settings

Volume

Adjust the volume level using the volume buttons. Each press increases the level by one step. If you reach the maximum volume, pressing the button again will cycle back to the lowest level. The display shows the current volume level with bar indicators.

Sensitivity

The VANQUISH series detectors are highly sensitive and allow for sensitivity adjustment. Set the appropriate sensitivity for your specific ground conditions to maximize detection depth. Always choose the most stable sensitivity setting for optimal performance. Adjust the sensitivity level using the sensitivity buttons. Each press increases the level by one step. If you reach the maximum sensitivity, pressing the button again will cycle back to the lowest level. The display shows the current sensitivity level with bar indicators.

Adjusting Sensitivity Level

1. With the coil stationary, increase sensitivity using the sensitivity button until false signals occur.
2. Decrease the sensitivity level by pressing the button until the false signals disappear (if you have selected levels 2-4, press the button three times to decrease sensitivity by one level each time).
3. Sweep the coil over the ground where no objects are present. If ground noise occurs, further decrease the sensitivity level.

Excessive Noise

Excessive noise can be caused by environmental electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources like power lines, mobile phone towers, or other metal detectors. To eliminate noise:

1. Move away from the source of electromagnetic interference.
2. Restart the detector and wait for the automatic noise cancellation to complete.
3. If excessive noise persists after restarting, reduce the sensitivity level.

Automatic Noise Cancellation

The VANQUISH series automatically performs noise cancellation every time the detector is powered on. This process calibrates the detector to prevent excessive noise. For best results, keep the coil stationary just above the ground until the noise cancellation is complete (indicated by two large dashes in the Target ID number field).

Pinpointing

Finding Target Location

While it's possible to locate targets without pinpointing, it requires practice. This method is useful when a target is located in an area with a lot of trash:

1. Keep the coil parallel to the ground and slowly sweep it over the area where the target is located.
2. Identify the center of the target by listening for the loudest target signal.
3. Memorize the location or mark the ground with your shoe or digging tool.
4. Move to one side and sweep the coil over the target at a 90-degree angle to your initial sweep.
5. Repeat steps 1-3 from the new position. The target will be located where the two imaginary lines intersect.

Depth Gauge

The depth gauge indicates the approximate depth of a detected target. It serves as a guide: fewer arrows mean the target is shallower, while more arrows indicate a deeper target. Accuracy can vary depending on the target type and ground conditions.

After detecting a target, the depth gauge remains on the LCD for up to 5 seconds or until the next target is detected. If no target is detected, the depth gauge icon and arrows will turn off.

Here are examples of approximate target depths and depth gauge readings for a 25-cent coin:

Target Identification

Target ID Number

The Target ID number ranges from -9 to 40, with ferrous (iron) targets typically falling between -9 and 0. When a target is detected, the Target ID number is displayed on the LCD. This number helps quickly identify whether the target is ferrous or non-ferrous. For example, a US 25-cent coin typically has a Target ID of 29.

Identification Segment

The identification segment is located at the top of the LCD and categorizes the Target ID numbers into zones. Each Target ID number has a corresponding identification segment that flashes when a target with that ID is detected.

Identification Pattern

A segment is considered 'accepted' if it is illuminated and 'rejected' if it is not. Accepted segments produce an audio tone, while rejected segments do not. The combination of accepted and rejected segments forms the identification pattern. The VANQUISH 340 has three modes: Coin, Jewellery, and All-Metal (see page 3).

Example of Coin Mode Identification Pattern: Shows accepted and rejected segments for a coin.

Example of Jewellery Mode Identification Pattern: Shows accepted and rejected segments for jewellery.

When a target is detected, the Target ID number appears. The example above shows a US 25-cent coin detected shallowly. The corresponding Target ID segment flashes (shown in grey).

The most recently detected Target ID remains on the display for 5 seconds or until another target is detected. If no target is detected or the detector passes over a rejected target, two dashes will appear on the display.

All-Metal Mode

All-Metal Mode

In All-Metal search mode, all identification segments are illuminated, assigning different audio tones to various target ID groups, allowing you to detect all metal targets, including iron. This mode ensures you won't miss any targets but will also detect more trash.

Activating All-Metal Mode

1. Press the Search Mode button until the All-Metal mode is selected.
2. All identification segments will be illuminated, detecting all metal objects.
3. To deactivate All-Metal mode, press the Search Mode button to select Coin or Jewellery mode.

Confirming Targets with All-Metal Mode

You can use All-Metal mode to confirm if a non-ferrous target also contains iron. If a mixed response (detecting both non-ferrous and ferrous) occurs in All-Metal mode, the target may be a large iron object or a bottle cap. If non-ferrous responses repeat, it means the target does not contain iron, indicating it is likely a non-ferrous target. Note that large iron objects or bottle caps are often classified as non-ferrous targets by other detectors. The VANQUISH 340 is designed to classify these as trash, allowing for more productive detecting. If you wish to detect these types of targets, you can use the All-Metal search mode.

Target Tones

Adjusting Target Tone Height

The VANQUISH 340 offers three different target tone heights: low, medium, and high. You can distinguish Target IDs without looking at the display.

Tone breaks are points on the identification scale where the target tone changes from one height to another. Note that the exact tone break positions may vary slightly between search modes.

VANQUISH 340 Tone Break Positions (Approximate):

Low Tone: -9 to 0

Medium Tone: 10 to 20

High Tone: 30 to 40

Battery and Charging

The VANQUISH series supports both rechargeable and non-rechargeable AA batteries.

Warning: Never mix non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries in the detector. This could damage the detector or batteries.

Warning: Risk of explosion if batteries are replaced with an incorrect type.

Battery Level

The battery level indicator on the display shows the current battery level. Note that the discharge rates of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries differ, so the battery level indicator provides only an approximate reading.

Low Battery

If using non-rechargeable batteries, the battery level indicator will flash 20 minutes before automatic shutdown. If using rechargeable batteries, the battery level indicator will show only one segment 20 minutes before automatic shutdown.

Automatic Shutdown

The detector will automatically shut down when the battery level is very low. Five seconds before automatic shutdown, an audible alert will sound, and 'bF' will be displayed in the Target ID number field.

'bF' displayed in the Target ID number field.

Note: With some types of rechargeable batteries, 'bF' may not appear before automatic shutdown.

Battery Play/Charge Time

Minelab rechargeable AA NiMH batteries have an approximate charging time of 8 hours and a play time of 11 hours. Non-rechargeable AA alkaline batteries offer approximately 10 hours of play time.

Rechargeable Batteries

Minelab rechargeable AA NiMH batteries (4-pack) and the Minelab AA NiMH battery charger are available separately. For instructions on using, complying with regulations, and safety information for the Minelab AA NiMH battery charger, refer to the manual provided with the charger.

Warning: The Minelab NiMH battery charger must only be used to charge NiMH rechargeable batteries.

Detector Care and Safety

• Wash your hands after applying sunscreen or insect repellent before touching the detector.
• Do not use solvents for cleaning. Use a cloth dampened with mild soap and water.
• Never allow the detector to come into contact with gasoline, petrol, or other petroleum-based liquids.
• Prevent sand or small stones from entering the shaft and securing mechanisms (e.g., coil yoke assembly and cam locks). If sand or small stones accumulate in these parts, wipe them with a damp cloth.
• Avoid contact with sharp objects on the detector or accessories. This can cause scratches or damage.
• If visible scratches appear on the shaft, clean them with a damp cloth.
• Do not expose the detector to excessive heat or cold for extended periods. Covering the detector is recommended for product protection. Do not leave it in a heated vehicle.
• Ensure the coil cable is in good condition and not subjected to excessive load.
• Handle the detector and accessories with care during transport or storage. While the detector is made of high-quality materials and has undergone rigorous durability testing, the display screen can be scratched or severely damaged if not handled with appropriate care.
• Do not expose the detector to extreme temperature conditions. The storage temperature range is -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +122°F).
• Do not expose accessories that are not waterproof to liquids or excessive moisture.
• Do not allow children to play with the detector or accessories. Small parts may pose a choking hazard.
• Charge rechargeable batteries and accessories only as instructed in the user manual.
• Do not charge rechargeable batteries and accessories in extreme temperature conditions.
• For air transport, remove batteries before shipping.

Error Codes

Some detector errors will display error codes on the Target ID display. Try the recommended actions described below before contacting an authorized service center.

Coil Not Connected

If this error occurs, 'Cd' will be displayed in the Target ID number field.

If you encounter a coil not connected error, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the coil connector is properly connected to the rear of the control unit.
2. Check the coil cable for any damage.
3. Ensure the coil connector pins are free of dirt or debris.
4. Check the coil for any signs of damage.
5. If you have another coil, try using a different coil.
6. Turn off the detector, perform a reset, and then press and hold the power button for 7 seconds (see "Reset" on page 14).
7. If the error persists, take the detector to an authorized service center.

System Error

System error codes are prefixed with 'E' followed by the error code number (e.g., 'E2'). The detector will shut down 5 seconds after reporting a system error.

Example of error code 'E2' displayed in the Target ID number field.

If a system error occurs, follow these steps:

1. Restart the detector and check if the error still occurs.
2. Ensure the coil is connected correctly.
3. Turn off the detector, perform a reset, and then press and hold the power button for 7 seconds (see "Reset" on page 14).
4. If the error persists, take the detector to an authorized service center.

Troubleshooting

Detector does not turn on or turns off by itself ('bF' displayed or no sound)

1. Replace the batteries.
2. Ensure the detector is on and has completed its startup sequence.
3. Ensure headphones are connected.
4. Ensure the volume is set to an audible level.
5. Disconnect the headphones and check if the detector's speaker is audible.
6. If possible, try a different set of headphones.

Erratic/Excessive Noise

1. Move away from sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
2. Restart the detector and wait for the automatic noise cancellation to complete.
3. Reduce the sensitivity level (see page 6).

Technical Specifications

The VANQUISH 540 Pro Pack is based on the standard VANQUISH 540 and includes the following differences: Includes VANQUISH 540 Bluetooth wireless headphones, V8 8x5 inch Double D coil, and V8 skid plate. Wired 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) headphones are excluded.

Actual package contents may vary depending on the model or item ordered. Minelab reserves the right to change designs, equipment, and technical features at any time to adapt to ongoing technological advancements.

For the latest information on VANQUISH detectors, visit www.minelab.com.

Reset

The reset function allows you to return all detector settings to their factory default state.

1. Ensure the detector is turned off.
2. Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds.
3. If 'FP' appears on the Target ID display, it means the reset settings have been restored.
4. Release the power button. Once the reset is complete, the automatic noise cancellation process will begin.

Disclaimer

The Minelab metal detectors featured in this manual are high-quality metal detectors designed and manufactured for the purpose of detecting treasures and gold in a safe environment. This metal detector should not be used as a mine detector or ordnance detector.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Minelab is under license. Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Qualcomm Incorporated is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.

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Minelab Electronics, PO Box 35, Salisbury South, South Australia 5106

Canadian Compliance Statement: This product meets the applicable technical specifications of Industry Canada.

Contact Information

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www.minelab.com/VANQUISH