The Minelab Sovereign Elite Instruction Manual

5.1 Armrest/Upper Shaft Assembly

a) Place the two arm rest halves (4) on either side of the upper shaft (2) and ensure that the bolt hole is aligned.

b) Slide the nylon bolts through the bolt holes and screw the nylon wing nuts (12) onto the bolts with a couple of turns (do not tighten).

Figure 2 - Armrest/upper shaft assembly: Illustrates the attachment of arm rest halves (4) to the upper shaft (2) using nylon bolts and wing nuts (12), and the installation of the detector stand (7).

c) Slide the detector stand (7) into the runners of the arm rest (4) and tighten the nylon wing nuts by hand.

d) Attach the arm rest straps (6) using the press studs on both sides of the arm rest.

e) Push the arm rest straps through the slots in the arm rest cover (5) and push the cover over the arm rest.

5.2 Lower Shaft Assembly

a) Remove the tape on the lower fibreglass tube (3) that is holding the black teardrop washers (10) in place. Note: Ensure the washers do not fall out after removing the tape.

b) Remove the black nylon wing nut (12), and bolt (11) from the coil (9).

Figure 3 - The coil and lower shaft assembly: Shows the coil (9) with its bracket, the lower shaft tube (3), teardrop washers (10), and the nylon wing nut (12) and bolt (11) used for attachment.

c) With the teardrop washers in place, push the lower tube (3) into the coil bracket so that the holes line up.

d) Push the black nylon bolt (11) through the holes in the bracket on the coil from the cable entry side and tighten the wing nut (12) by hand.

5.3 Completing the Shaft Assembly

a) Slide the lower shaft assembly (3) into the Aluminium upper shaft (2). Note: The black plastic locking nut (18) may need to be loosened to position the lower shaft assembly correctly.

Figure 4 - Completing the shaft assembly: Depicts the assembled shaft components, including the control box (1), upper shaft (2), lower shaft (3), coil (9), and locking mechanisms (18).

b) Set the length of the shaft by locking the black nylon spring clip into one of the holes provided, then tighten the plastic locking nut by hand.

5.4 Shaft Mount

a) Position the control box so that the recess in the control box (1) is aligned with the leading edge of the mounting clip (8). Push the forward section of the control box upwards until the trigger 'clicks' indicating the control box is secured.

b) Firmly wind between 17 and 20 turns of the cable around the shaft until it reaches the control box.

Note: Leave enough slack at the bottom of the cable near the coil to adjust the coil position without straining the coil cable.

c) Connect the coil connector (13) to the plug on the rear of the control box (14).

d) Use Velcro™ tabs to secure cable in the correct position on the shaft maintaining slack at coil and control box.

Note: Weather Protection - The hipmounted bag (available as an accessory item) is designed so that it can be used to weatherproof your control box while detecting in inclement weather. The new design allows the hipmount bag to protect the control box while still on the shaft. The control box is positioned into the hipmount bag with the slot for the mounting bracket positioned at the back. The velcroed panel is then wrapped across the top of the stem.

Figure 5 - Mounting the control box on the shaft: Shows the control box (1) being attached to the shaft mounting clip (8) and the coil connector (13) being plugged into the control box (14).

5.5 Rear Shaft Mount

The Sovereign Elite provides the option of mounting the control box at the rear of the shaft (2), beneath the armrest.

In order to mount the control box (1) in this position:

a) Loosen the nylon wingnuts from the armrest and remove the detector stand.

b) Slide in the black plastic rear control box bracket (8).

c) Tighten the nylon wingnuts on the armrest.

d) Clip the control box onto the rear mounting bracket (see figure 5).

e) Firmly wind the cable up the stem using the Velcro™ tabs to hold in position.

f) Connect the coil connector (13) to the plug (14) on the rear of the control box.

Figure 6 - Mounting the control box to the rear of the shaft: Illustrates the rear mounting bracket (8) being attached to the shaft, and the control box (1) clipped onto it.

5.6 Hipmounting/Chestmount

Hipmounting is an alternative to mounting the detector on the shaft and significantly reduces physical strain, enabling longer search time without undue fatigue. A hipmount bag is available as an accessory item for this purpose.

a) Check that there are charged batteries in the control box.

b) Place the control box into the hipmount bag with its control panel facing outwards (see figure 7).

c) Place the hipmount bag in your preferred working configuration. The hipmount bag can be worn on the belt or over the shoulder.

Note: If mounting the hipmount bag on the chest, a belt can be thread through the belt loop and around the chest to hold the bag in position.

d) Wind about 5 turns of the cable around the shaft. This will reduce the amount of excess cable.

Note: Leave enough slack at the bottom of the cable near the coil to adjust the coil position without straining the coil cable.

e) Use Velcro™ tabs to secure the cable in position at the base of the shaft and where the cable leaves the shaft.

f) Take the excess loose coil cable and wind it through the belt bracket of the hipmount bag prior to connecting onto the control box (see figure 8).

Figure 7 - Hipmounting the control box: Shows the control box placed inside the hipmount bag.

Figure 8 - Hipmounting the control box: Illustrates wrapping the cable around the connector belt loop for hipmounting.

g) Connect the coil connector to the socket on the rear of the control box and tighten the locking nut.

6.1 Installation of NiMH Battery Pack

a) Ensure your NiMH pack is fully charged.

b) Place the base of the battery pack at the rear of the battery compartment (A). Push the front edge of the battery pack into position (B). The two battery clips will "click" into position to hold the battery pack in place (see figure 9).

Note: The NiMH battery pack is factory sealed and does not open.

Figure 9 - Installing the battery pack: Shows the NiMH battery pack being inserted into the battery compartment (A) and secured by clips (B).

6.2 Installation of Alkaline Batteries

A 12 Volt battery pack to hold 8 'AA' alkaline batteries is available as an accessory item. These are useful to have as back-up if ever your NiMH batteries are flat.

a) Ensure the detector is switched "Off" before opening the battery compartment.

b) Slide open the lid on the battery pack.

c) Place 8 "AA" alkaline batteries (16) into the base of the alkaline pack (15). Ensure they are aligned as shown in figure 10 and as indicated inside the compartment.

d) Slide the battery lid closed.

Figure 10 - Replacing the battery lid: Illustrates the correct orientation for inserting 8 'AA' batteries (16) into the alkaline battery pack (15).

e) Place the base of the battery pack at the rear of the battery compartment (A). Push the front edge of the battery pack firmly into position (B). The two battery clips will "click" into position to securely hold your battery pack in place (see figure 9).

6.3 Low Battery Warning and NiMH Recharging

When the batteries are reaching the point at which they will no longer operate, the Sovereign Elite will emit a distinct sharp "pip" from the speaker, approximately every 30 seconds. Shortly after this the threshold will increase to a loud continuous signal that cannot be reduced by the threshold control. When this tone is heard, it is recommended that the NiMH battery pack be recharged or alkaline batteries be replaced as soon as possible to avoid missing any targets.

The NiMH battery pack can be recharged using either the supplied mains powered charger or a 12V charger (available as an accessory) that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter of your vehicle.

Caution: Check the mains charger voltage. Only use the appropriate mains charger for the country you are in.

6.4 Using your NiMH Chargers

Plug the charger into the socket on the rechargeable NiMH battery pack, and plug the charger into the power source and switch on. The car charger has a red light that indicates that it has power. A green light will appear on the battery pack during charging. A completely flat battery will take approximately 12-14 hours to fully charge. The green light on the battery pack will fade/dim once it is fully charged. A fully charged NiMH pack will give between 15 and 20 hours detecting time, depending on the number of targets found.

Figure 11 - Car and mains battery chargers: Shows connections for both a 12V car charger and a mains charger.

7.1 Quickstart Operating Instructions

To start detecting as soon as possible, the Sovereign Elite has provided "Quickstart" settings. These settings, indicated by a white or blue dot on each control, have been selected by the factory as suitable positions for immediate detecting. Adjust the Sovereign Elite controls to these settings and start searching (see section 9, page 28).

Once you are familiar with all of the controls you will gain greater performance and versatility by setting the controls to suit the needs of the area being detected.

7.2 Volume Control and On / Off Switch

This control, located at the bottom right of the control panel, is used to adjust a target's signal volume in addition to switching the Sovereign Elite On or Off.

When in the fully anti-clockwise position, the Sovereign Elite is turned Off. Turning the control clockwise, will "click" the Sovereign Elite On. Continuing to turn this control in a clockwise direction will increase the volume of the target signals. At the most clockwise position, the volume will be set at the "maximum" position. Minelab recommends this position for most circumstances. Users should be aware that when using headphones, if a large target is detected close to the surface, the resulting loud signal may cause some hearing discomfort, in areas like this a lower volume may be preferred.

7.3 Sensitivity Control

The Sensitivity control, located at the bottom of the control panel, allows the level of sensitivity to be adjusted to suit the conditions in which you are detecting. It is often thought of in terms of a depth control and it is, to a point, but more importantly it also makes the unit more or less sensitive to interference caused by ground chemistry "mineralisation", or electromagnetic fields.

At the most anti-clockwise position this control "clicks" into the Auto position. In this setting the Sovereign Elite will automatically adjust the level of sensitivity to the most stable level under the prevailing conditions. Beginners should operate the unit in Auto, until they become more competent in its operation.

Turning the control clockwise will "click" the Sovereign out of the Auto setting into manual sensitivity. As this control continues to be turned in a clockwise direction the level of sensitivity will be reduced. At the most clockwise position, the Sovereign Elite is set at "minimum" sensitivity.

Experienced operators detecting in wet sand at the beach should set the Sensitivity control out of Auto and into the area marked Beach or as far anti-clockwise as possible, with minimal false signalling. In general, the more moist the beach sand, the more clockwise the knob must be turned.

The incidence of false signalling is minimised if the operator concentrates on sweeping the coil as parallel and even to the beach sand surface as possible, whether in or out of the water. In summary, for greatest detection depth:

• Keep the coil sweep as parallel to the beach sand as possible.
• Turn the sensitivity knob as anti-clockwise as possible, (within the manual region) so that minimal false signals occurs.
• This setting will need to be altered, depending on the sand moisture level.

Advanced users operating inland can operate the unit in either Auto or in Manual. In more mineralised soils Auto is recommended. Note that "hot rocks", "Roman Pennies" or some ancient red/orange/brown pottery or tiles may cause the unit to respond as if the targets are ferrous. This is not a false signal but the correct response, and indicates that the unit is set at a relatively high sensitivity.

Advanced users operating in non-mineralised soils or areas of high trash concentration should set the sensitivity control out of Auto and into the variable Manual region. The requirements of this setting are the same as those for the advanced beach detection. The control should be set as anti-clockwise as possible (out of Auto and into the variable manual region), so that minimal false signalling occurs. This setting will depend on the degree of soil mineralisation and metal junk concentration.

7.4 Threshold Control

Located at the bottom left of the control panel, the Threshold control allows for adjustment of the background threshold level. This background "threshold" or "hum" aids in the location of targets. Small or large deep targets may not produce a distinct target signal but rather cause only a slight change in the threshold tone.

Ideally this control should be set to a position where the threshold tone is just audible. At this level, the presence of small or deep targets will be more easily recognised. Turning the Threshold control in a clockwise direction will increase the threshold tone. At the most clockwise setting, the threshold is at its "maximum".

A threshold level that is too high will mask out the small or deep targets, while a "silent" or non-audible threshold may not allow the small change in threshold tone created by small or deep targets to be heard.

7.5 Disc/All Metal Switch

This switch is located in the centre of the control panel and is used to select Disc. (Discriminate) or All Metals mode. In Disc. mode, the Disc and Notch controls have become active and can be used in combination to ignore various unwanted metal objects.

Metal objects fall into two broad categories: ferrous and non-ferrous. A magnet can be used to determine if an object is a ferrous or non-ferrous metal; ferrous metals are attracted to a magnet while non-ferrous are not. Generally while detecting, ferrous objects such as iron and steel are not wanted, whereas the more valuable non-ferrous metals such as gold, silver, and bronze are.

In All Metal mode the Sovereign Elite will detect both ferrous and non-ferrous objects. In this mode the Disc and Notch controls will have no effect and the Sovereign Elite will respond in the same way to all types of metal. All Metal mode is useful when searching for ferrous targets such as relics. When searching in this mode, listen for faint repeatable signals which can indicate a deep target.

Note: All Metal mode is also the pinpointing mode as the target signal response is fast and sharp. The All Metal switch can also be used as a reset for threshold tone when using variable tone option (see section 7.8).

7.6 Disc Control

The Disc (Discriminate) control is located at the top left-hand side of the control panel and is used when in Disc. Mode to "discriminate" or "ignore" unwanted non-ferrous metal targets. If the Disc control is set to the most anti-clockwise position (ensure the Notch control is also set to this position), then ferrous metals will be "ignored" and the Sovereign Elite will not produce a "signal beep" (large ferrous objects may produce short "pops" or "clicks"). However, non-ferrous targets will be "accepted" and give a "signal beep".

Typical ferrous objects encountered by treasure hunters are nails, screws, washers, bits of wire, etc. These objects are generally not considered to be of value, so it is a distinct advantage to be able to ignore them while detecting. Objects that will cause the Sovereign Elite to produce a "signal beep" will be non-ferrous metals, including such items as aluminium foil, most jewelry, pull-tabs, coins, bottle tops, gold, silver, brass, etc.

Not all of these non-ferrous objects are considered valuable. Therefore, by using the Disc control, the Sovereign Elite can be adjusted to ignore some of the less valuable non-ferrous objects while still locating more valuable targets. The Disc control is a one-turn pot, continuously variable with numerous graduations as a guide for the setting of the control. Turning the Disc control clockwise will increase the "discrimination" level, and non-ferrous objects of lower conductivity will be ignored.

The Sovereign Elite uses the electrical conductivity of the object to determine the type of metal detected, and based upon the Disc control setting, will either ignore or accept the object. The most effective way to demonstrate this is to consider a number of objects, all of varying conductivity, placed in a line on the ground. As the detector is moved from left to right, the objects increase in conductivity (see figure 13).

Figure 13 - Target conductivity: A diagram showing the conductivity scale from low to high, with examples of ferrous and non-ferrous objects at different conductivity levels.

Turn the Disc control further clockwise and objects of greater conductivity will be ignored. If the Disc control is set to ignore the pull-tab this will mean that all objects having a similar or lower conductivity than the pull-tab will be ignored, while objects of higher conductivity will still be accepted (see figure 14).

Figure 14 - Discriminating targets based on conductivity: A diagram showing the conductivity scale with sections marked as "IGNORED" and "ACCEPTED" based on Disc control settings, illustrating how pull-tabs and foil might be ignored.

Figure 14 shows some common objects and where the Disc control would have to be set to ignore them. As a general rule, the two objects treasure hunters most commonly wish to ignore are aluminium foil and pull tabs. As can be seen in Figure 14, these objects both cover a significant range on the Disc control. The conductivity of objects that the user wishes to accept or ignore often overlaps, so, setting the Disc control to ignore both foil and pull-tabs will also ignore a large amount of valuable non-ferrous objects including some coins, rings, and other jewelry.

Example: If hunting for fine white gold rings with the Disc control set to position 4 (see figure 15), some types of aluminium foil will also be detected. To avoid old bottle caps, but detect brass buttons and copper coins, the Disc control should be set higher (approximately at number 13).

7.7 Notch Control

Located on the center left of the control panel, the Notch control is used in combination with the Disc control to discriminate against, or ignore, certain metal objects. As with the Disc control, it is continuously variable and features numerous graduations as a guide to setting the control.

The main difference between the Notch and Discrimination controls is that Discrimination is a continuous band of discrimination, whereas the Notch is in fact a short segment of discrimination which can be moved up or down the scale of conductivity.

As the Notch control is turned further clockwise, objects of a certain conductivity will be ignored. Turning the Notch control to ignore the pull-tab will mean that only non-ferrous objects having a similar conductivity to the pull-tab will be ignored while all other non-ferrous objects of a different conductivity are still accepted. Note also in Figure 16 that ferrous objects are being ignored due to the Disc. setting.

Figure 16 - Ignoring targets using the Notch control: A diagram showing the conductivity scale with Disc and Notch ranges, illustrating how specific targets like pull-tabs can be ignored.

When using the Notch and Disc controls in combination, most unwanted objects can be successfully ignored (see Figure 16). Turning the Notch control to ignore the pull-tab and the Disc control to ignore the aluminium foil will set up the Sovereign Elite to ignore pull-tabs and aluminium foil while still detecting most valuable non-ferrous objects (see figure 17).

Note: Different pull-tabs may require a slight movement of the Notch setting.

Figure 17 - Ignoring targets using the Disc and Notch controls: A diagram showing combined Disc and Notch settings to ignore both foil and pull-tabs while accepting other valuable targets.

7.8 Tone ID Switch

Fixed Tone ID or Variable Tone ID in Disc.

In the Fixed position, the tone of the audio signal from a target will always be the same as the volume increases to indicate the target, regardless of the object's conductivity.

In the Variable position, the tone of audio signals received will change to help identify the object that has been detected. The lower an object's conductivity, the lower the pitch of the signal tone. For example, the pitch of a piece of aluminium foil will be lower than that of a gold coin.

The advantage of Variable tone target indication is that it allows a target to be identified before recovering it from the ground.

7.9 Noise Cancel

When detecting in some areas, the threshold stability may become chattery or unstable. This is often caused by electricity or radio transmission and most commonly of all, other detectors. The noise cancel switch on the Sovereign Elite allows the operator to select a different search band which will often overcome this effect.

If detecting in pairs or a group, or when you experience instability due to interference, switch to the other band to see if this overcomes the problem.

The selection of Band 1 or Band 2 doesn't affect the performance, strength or sensitivity of the detector. Its only purpose is to stabilise and lessen the effects of external interference.

Note: If there is no interference in the area, the operator is unlikely to notice any difference between Band 1 and Band 2.

7.10 Audio Output

The audio output of the Sovereign Elite is available through either an in-built loudspeaker or via a 1/4" stereo headphone jack. When a pair of headphones are plugged in, the loudspeaker is disconnected. Headphones are recommended for serious treasure hunting for several reasons: they are more sensitive to slight target signals than the loudspeaker and their use will increase battery life. Headphones used should be of a low impedance. The socket will accept most stereo headphones with a 1/4" jack. If these headphones have a "Stereo/Mono" switch, set it to "Stereo". Minelab recommends headphones to be 32 ohms or less.

8.1 Installation

a) Plug the coil connector (13) into the socket (19) on the meter box, winding the excess cable around the shaft.

b) Plug the meter cable connector (20) into the control box plug (14), winding the excess cable around the shaft (see figure 18).

c) If hipmounting the control box, secure the meter cable to the shaft of the detector using the Velcro™ straps provided.

d) Loop the meter cable twice through the belt loop of the hipmount bag before attaching it to the control box. This reduces any stresses placed on the meter cable caused by hipmounting and reduces the possibility of failure of the cable. The meter requires no batteries.

Figure 18 - Installing the meter: Shows the meter cable connectors (13, 20) and control box plug (14) for installing the Digital Target Indication Meter.

8.2 Calibration

Before using the Digital Target meter, it is necessary to calibrate it as follows:

a) Set the Calibration control knob (situated to the rear of the meter) to the center position of its range.

b) Place the detector in a stationary position with the coil flat on the ground.

c) Set the Sensitivity control on the Control box to Auto (extreme anti-clockwise).

d) If the threshold is varying because of electrical interference, adjust Sensitivity clockwise towards minimum until a constant threshold is present.

e) Slowly pass a common coin across the coil and finely adjust the Calibration control to the nearest number, devisible by 5 e.g. US quarter (set to 550), AUS 20° (set to 500).

f) Slowly pass additional coins and other common targets across the coil and record the results on the target recognition table shown on page 28.

This table will become an excellent guide when used in conjunction with the Digital Target Indicator until the various target responses become familiar. This meter should not be soley relied upon for discrimination. It is important to use the other features of the Sovereign Elite to aid in the process of discrimination.

Be aware that some similar objects may vary in Target Indication readings because of changes in composition. For example, a gold ring will vary depending upon the purity of the gold and the size of the band. Coins minted in different years may have different alloy combinations and so the reading will differ. The Target Indication readings will also be influenced by an object's orientation, the length of time it has been buried in the ground as well as different ground conditions.

9.1 Disc Mode

a) Install charged batteries.

b) Set the Mode switch to Disc.

c) Turn the Sovereign Elite On by turning the Volume control to the most clockwise or "maximum" setting.

d) Turn the Threshold control in a clockwise direction until the tone becomes "just" audible.

e) Set the Sensitivity control to Auto or at the maximum manual setting without interference.

f) Set the Disc control to the white dot until you better understand its appropriate settings.

g) Set the Notch control to the white dot until you better understand its appropriate settings and start searching.

9.2 All Metals Mode

a) Install charged batteries.

b) Set the Mode switch to All Metals.

c) Turn the Sovereign Elite On by turning the Volume control to the most clockwise or "maximum" setting.

d) Turn the Threshold control in a clockwise direction until the tone becomes "just" audible.

e) Set the Sensitivity control to Auto or at the maximum manual setting without interference and start searching.

11.1 Pinpointing the Target

When the approximate location of the target has been determined, move the coil slowly over the target. The audio signal will increase in volume while moving towards the target and decrease in volume as the coil is passed away from it. The signal will be loudest when the coil is directly over the target. Quite often the detector will be producing its maximum volume for a broad area over the target. This generally indicates that the target is near the surface or is quite large.

To receive a sharper, more precise signal over the target, it may also be beneficial to switch to All Metals mode as this will produce a pinpoint response to the target.

The open design of the Tornado coil makes it easy to mark the ground directly above the target to aid recovery.

Figure 20 - Pinpointing the target with the Sovereign Elite: Diagrams show how to sweep the coil at 90 degrees to the previous sweep to find the exact location of a target.

11.2 Recovering the Object

Once the target has been pinpointed, clear the surface of loose material and check again for the signal. If there is no signal then the target is amongst the surface material. In this case search the surface material until the target is located.

If the target is still in the ground, recheck using the pinpoint mode. Cut a grass plug in a horse shoe shape leaving one corner attached, then bend the sod back. If you have pinpointed properly your find should be in the middle of the exposed hole. If not, the use of a probe can assist in locating the find exactly and minimise soil disturbance.

If you cannot see the target, and are confident it is still in the hole, remove some soil and place it on a plastic sheet next to the hole. This will enable you to pour back the dirt and leave the surrounding area clean after taking out your find.

Place the coil flat on the ground next to you and gradually remove handfulls of soil from the plastic sheet and pass these over the coil. Keep repeating this procedure until you hear and find your target. Be sure to recheck the hole and surrounding soil, as several coins can sometimes be found in one hole.

Pour back the loose soil and carefully tread the sod down to its original appearance. This will retain the pristine nature of your site and help to maintain future access for everyone to enjoy this great pastime.

Please note: Dig carefully so as not to gouge or scratch the target, which may be valuable or unique. Be sure to remove any rings or watches from your hands before passing soil across the coil. You may get conflicting signal reponses from metal items on or close to you.

Once again, always remember to refill holes.