Minelab Vanquish 440/540 User Manual

Quick Start

1. 1. Power On: Press the power button.
2. 2. Wait 5 Seconds: Allow the detector to initialize.
3. 3. Start Searching: Press the Search Mode button to cycle through available modes.

Diagram showing three steps: 1. Power button, 2. Timer icon, 3. Search icon.

Search Modes

The VANQUISH 440 and 540 feature four search modes, each with unique target separation and depth capabilities. Choosing the right mode helps you find more of what you're looking for.

? Coins: Finds common modern coins worldwide, ignoring trash on beaches and parks. Recommended for trashy locations due to excellent target separation, preventing loss of good targets near ferrous trash. Default discrimination rejects ferrous (iron) and small non-ferrous trash like foil.

? Jewellery: Recovers precious jewelry, regardless of where it was lost. Balances target separation and depth, making it a versatile mode. Jewellery mode tones are adjusted to prevent fine gold jewelry from being classified as trash. Ideal for finding gold jewelry of all shapes and sizes. Default discrimination rejects only ferrous (iron) targets.

? Relics: Locates deep, time-forgotten relics in fields and forests. Offers the best depth capability but slightly reduced target separation, allowing for deeper searches for lost treasures. Default discrimination rejects ferrous (iron) and small non-ferrous trash like foil.

⚙️ Custom: A user-customizable mode. Save your preferred search mode and discrimination pattern. Adjust discrimination patterns without losing changes when the detector is powered off. Refer to 'Saving a Custom Search Mode' on page 13 for instructions. Default discrimination rejects all ferrous (iron) and a wide range of non-ferrous trash like foil, tabs, and bottle caps.

Backlight

The VANQUISH 540 features a red backlight for detecting in low-light conditions. The backlight is disabled by default on each startup to conserve battery. Press the Backlight button to turn it on or off. The backlight indicator appears on the display when it is active.

Icon for the backlight button and the backlight indicator.

Volume

The Volume control adjusts target signal intensity. Use the Volume minus and plus buttons to adjust the volume level. Each press decreases/increases the volume by one level. A low beep is emitted when the maximum or minimum volume is reached. The volume level indicator on the display shows the approximate volume level, with each bar representing two levels.

Volume adjustment buttons (+/-) and the volume level indicator.

Iron Volume (540 Only)

The VANQUISH 540 allows control over the iron tone volume. This advanced setting is useful in areas with dense ferrous trash or highly mineralized ground, allowing you to hear the ferrous response without being overwhelmed.

1. Press and hold the All Metal button, then press the Volume plus or minus button to start adjusting the iron volume. The display will show 'FE', and the detector will emit a short iron tone at the current volume level.

Within 1.5 seconds of pressing the All Metal button, a Volume button must be pressed, otherwise the Iron Discrimination setting will engage instead. Once the detector shows 'FE', the Iron Discrimination setting will not engage.

Display showing 'FE' for Iron Volume adjustment.

2. While holding the All Metal button, continue to adjust the iron volume to your desired setting using the Volume plus/minus buttons. After each button press, the iron tone sounds to indicate the new iron volume level.
3. Release the All Metal button, and the 'FE' display will disappear.

Once set, the iron volume is remembered by the detector for subsequent power-ups.

Sensitivity

VANQUISH series detectors are highly sensitive with adjustable sensitivity. Setting the correct sensitivity level for specific conditions maximizes detection depth. Always choose the highest stable sensitivity setting for optimal performance. The sensitivity level indicator on the display shows the current level, with each bar representing one level. The indicator (shown with 540) displays maximum sensitivity (level 10).

Adjusting Sensitivity Level

1. Keep the coil still, then use the Sensitivity Plus button to increase sensitivity until false signals occur.
2. Reduce sensitivity using the Sensitivity Minus button just enough to eliminate false signals.
3. Sweep the coil over an area of clear ground and further reduce sensitivity if background noise is encountered.

Sensitivity adjustment buttons (+/-).

Excessive Noise / Noise Cancel

Excessive noise during detection can be caused by environmental electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources like power lines, cell towers, or other metal detectors. If noise is an issue, try the following steps:

1. Move away from local sources of EMI.
2. Restart the detector and wait for the automatic noise elimination process to complete.
3. If restarting doesn't eliminate noise, try reducing the sensitivity level.

The VANQUISH series features an automatic noise elimination process that calibrates the detector to avoid excessive noise upon startup. For optimal results, hold the coil still just above the ground until automatic noise elimination is complete (indicated by two large dashes in the Target ID field).

Iron Discrimination (540 Only)

The Iron Discrimination function is set to 'High' by default, classifying large or complex ferrous targets like nails or bottle caps as iron, which can then be easily rejected. The VANQUISH 540 allows setting the iron bias to 'Low', enabling better identification of coins amongst dense ferrous trash.

Setting Iron Discrimination to Low (540)

The Iron Discrimination setting on the VANQUISH 540 resets to default each time the detector is powered on.

1. Press and hold the All Metal button for approximately 2 seconds.

The All Metal button (long press for Iron Discrimination).

2. The Iron Discrimination indicator will appear on the display to the left of the target ID number, indicating Iron Discrimination is set to Low.

The Iron Discrimination indicator.

3. To return Iron Discrimination to High, press and hold the All Metal button for approximately 2 seconds. When Iron Discrimination is set to High, the indicator remains off.

Locating a Target with Pinpoint

1. With the coil away from the target's approximate location, press and hold the Pinpoint button to activate Pinpoint. The Pinpoint indicator's crosshairs will appear on the display.

Diagram showing the Pinpoint button and the Pinpoint indicator (crosshairs) on the display.

2. Keeping the coil parallel to the ground, sweep it slowly over the target area two or three times. This calibrates the Pinpoint function for more accurate audio responses.
3. Locate the target's center by listening for the loudest signal and/or observing the Pinpoint display. The Pinpoint function progressively masks the target response by reducing sensitivity with each sweep until only a very narrow target response remains, aiding in precise location.
4. When all discrimination scale segments are active, the target is directly under the center of the coil.

Diagram illustrating tone and volume relative to target depth.

Visual representation of how discrimination segments fill up as the coil approaches the target: fewer segments active for weak/off-center signals, all segments active for a strong signal directly under the coil.

Locating a Target Manually

It's possible to locate a target without using Pinpoint, but it requires practice. This method is useful when a desired target is surrounded by trash.

1. Slowly sweep the coil over the target's position, keeping it parallel to the ground.
2. Listen for the loudest target signal to identify the target's center.
3. Note the position, or mark a line on the ground with your foot or a digging tool.
4. Move to one side to sweep the coil over the target perpendicular to the initial direction.
5. Repeat steps 1 and 3 from the new position. The target is located where the two imaginary lines intersect.

Diagram illustrating manual target location by sweeping the coil and marking lines.

Bluetooth Activation/Deactivation

Press the Bluetooth button to activate or deactivate Bluetooth. Press and hold the Bluetooth button (2.5 seconds) to initiate pairing.

Icon for the Bluetooth button.

If no connection is established within 5 minutes, Bluetooth turns off automatically. The Bluetooth icon appears on the display when Bluetooth is active, showing the current connection status.

• Fast blinking: Detector is attempting to pair with Bluetooth devices.
• Solid light: Detector is connected to Bluetooth/Bluetooth aptX-LL headphones.
• Slow blinking: Detector is trying to reconnect to existing (previously paired) Bluetooth/Bluetooth aptX-LL headphones.

NOTE: If Bluetooth is active when the detector is turned off, audio tones will be disabled for 7 seconds upon the next startup.

ML 80 Wireless Headphones

The VANQUISH 540 Pro-Pack includes Minelab ML 80 Bluetooth® headphones with Qualcomm® aptX™ Low Latency audio. These headphones are also available as an accessory. Standard Bluetooth or aptX™ Low Latency headphones can be used for optimal wireless audio performance.

Image of ML 80 wireless headphones, shown with charging cable and optional audio cable.

For detailed pairing and control information, refer to the instructions provided with the headphones.

Target ID Number

Target ID numbers range from -9 to 40, with ferrous (iron) targets ranging from -9 to 0. When a target is detected, it is represented by a number in the Target ID field on the display, indicating its ferrous or non-ferrous properties for quick identification. For example, a US quarter has a Target ID of 29. This means any detected target with an ID of 29 is likely a US quarter.

Display showing a Target ID number (e.g., 29) and the corresponding discrimination segment flashing.

The last detected Target ID remains on display for five seconds or until another target is detected. If no target is detected or the detector passes over a rejected target, two large dashes are displayed.

Display showing two large dashes, indicating no target detected or a rejected target.

Discrimination Segments

Discrimination segments are located along the top of the LCD display, grouping Target IDs into zones. Each Target ID number has a corresponding discrimination segment that flashes when a target with that ID is detected. Segments can be enabled (accepted) or disabled (rejected) to create discrimination patterns (page 13).

Accept/Reject

Rejecting a Detected Target

1. When an accepted Target ID is detected, a target response occurs, and the Target ID number is displayed.
2. While the number is displayed, press the Accept/Reject button to reject the target. Targets within the ID range represented by the corresponding discrimination segment will no longer respond.

The Accept/Reject button.

3. Each time the detector is powered on, the discrimination pattern reverts to the default (except for the Custom search mode). To prevent losing changes, use the Save function to store settings in the Custom mode. For more information, see 'Saving a Custom Search Mode' on page 13.

Discrimination Models

Discrimination segments can be enabled or disabled to detect or ignore targets. All enabled segments are heard (accepted), while all disabled segments are ignored (rejected). Combinations of accepted and rejected segments are called Discrimination Models.

Example discrimination scheme showing accepted (checkmark) and rejected (X) segments.

Modifying a Discrimination Model

Create custom discrimination models to detect or ignore specific target types, allowing you to dig more treasure and less trash. Pre-set discrimination models for each search mode can be modified. Changes made to Coins, Relics, and Jewellery modes will revert to their default patterns upon detector startup. To prevent losing changes, use the Save function for Custom mode settings. For more information, see 'Saving a Custom Search Mode'.

1. In any search mode, press the Accept/Reject button when no targets are detected (i.e., no Target ID is displayed).

The Accept/Reject button.

2. 'Ed' will appear in the Target ID field, indicating you are modifying the discrimination pattern.

'Ed' in the Target ID field.

3. Use the arrow buttons to move to the segment you wish to adjust. Selected segments will flash.

Arrow buttons for adjusting discrimination segments (left/right arrows).

4. Press the Accept/Reject button to enable or disable the selected segment.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create your discrimination pattern.
6. The modification screen turns off after 3 seconds of inactivity.

Saving a Custom Search Mode

Any search mode (Coins, Relics, or Jewellery) can be saved to the custom search mode slot. The detector's current settings and discrimination pattern are saved for quick access. Target and depth characteristics of the search modes are also saved when the custom search mode is saved (see 'Search Modes' on page 3 for attributes of each mode).

1. Select and modify the search mode you wish to save.
2. Press and hold the Search Mode button (5 seconds). 'St' will appear on the Target ID display, accompanied by an audible beep.

'St' appears on the Target ID display. The custom mode icon and the original mode icon blink twice.

3. The newly saved custom search mode is now active and can be modified at any time.

All Metal

The All-Metal function enables all discrimination segments, detecting all metallic targets, including iron. This is the default discrimination pattern for the VANQUISH 540 All Metal mode. Detecting with All Metal enabled is a strategy to ensure no targets are missed, though it may also detect more trash. NOTE: For the 540 only, iron volume can be adjusted to optimize trash tones (page 6). Note: The Accept/Reject and Discrimination pattern modification buttons cannot be used when All Metal is active.

Activating All Metal

1. Press the All Metal button to activate the All Metal function.

The All Metal button.

2. All discrimination segments light up, and all metallic objects are detected.
3. To deactivate All Metal, press the All Metal button again. The discrimination pattern will revert to the last used setting.

Using All Metal to Check a Target

All Metal can be used to check a non-ferrous detection to see if it also contains ferrous material. If the target gives a mixed response (both non-ferrous and ferrous) when All Metal is activated, it is likely a large iron object or a crown bottle cap. If a repeatable non-ferrous response occurs, the target does not contain iron, meaning it is more likely to be a good target (non-ferrous).

Create Your Own Discrimination Model

Obtain some desirable targets (e.g., coins) and sweep them over the coil at various heights. The Target ID for each target will be displayed. You may need to enable All Metal to ensure the target is not discriminated during this process. Discrimination patterns (including pre-set search mode patterns) generally ignore ferrous targets, as they are often trash. However, some countries have ferrous coins, so check Target IDs for desired coins to avoid accidental masking. You can keep a list of Target IDs to create a discrimination pattern that specifically accepts (detects) those IDs for a more productive detecting session.

Target Tone

Different Target ID groups are assigned different target tones, allowing the operator to broadly classify the Target ID without looking at the display. The VANQUISH 440 has three reference tones: Low, Medium, and High. The VANQUISH 540 has five target tones: T1 to T5. The tone break point is the point on the discrimination scale where the target tone changes. The exact tone break points vary slightly for each search mode.

Diagram showing tone interruption points for Vanquish 440 (approximate): Low, Medium, High.

Diagram showing tone interruption points for Vanquish 540 (approximate): T1, T2, T3, T4, T5.

Battery Level

The battery level indicator shows the current battery level.

Battery level indicator.

Note that rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries have different discharge rates, so the battery level indicator is approximate.

Low Battery

If using non-rechargeable batteries, the battery level indicator flashes for approximately 20 minutes before automatic shutdown. If using rechargeable batteries, the indicator shows a single battery segment for approximately 20 minutes before automatic shutdown. The detector emits a short audio melody when the battery enters the low battery state (with a flashing indicator). In this state, volume is limited to prolong battery life without affecting detector performance.

Auto Shut-Off

When the battery level becomes critically low, the detector automatically shuts off. 5 seconds before auto shut-off, 'bF' is displayed in the Target ID field, accompanied by a shut-off melody.

'bF' in the Target ID field.

Note that when using some brands/types of rechargeable batteries, the detector may not display 'bF' before auto shut-off.

Battery Life/Charging Times

Minelab AA NiMH rechargeable batteries offer approximately 8 hours of charging time and about 11 hours of battery life. Non-rechargeable alkaline AA batteries provide approximately 10 hours of battery life.

Rechargeable Batteries

The VANQUISH 540 and VANQUISH 540 Pro-Pack come with four AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and a battery charger. These accessories can also be purchased separately.

Images of Minelab AA NiMH charger and Minelab rechargeable AA NiMH batteries.

For detailed instructions, compliance, and safety information regarding the Minelab AA NiMH charger, consult the instructions provided with the charger.

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

Coil Disconnection

In case of coil disconnection error, 'Cd' will appear in the Target ID field.

If a coil disconnection error occurs, proceed as follows:

1. Check that the coil connector is properly attached to the control unit.
2. Check the coil cable for damage.
3. Ensure the coil connector pins are free from dirt and debris.
4. Check the coil for visible signs of damage.
5. Try another coil if one is available.
6. Perform a factory reset by powering off the detector, then pressing and holding the power button for 7 seconds (see 'Factory Reset' on page 20).
7. If the error persists, return the detector to the nearest authorized service center for repair.

Display showing 'Cd' for coil disconnection error.

System Error

A system error code 'E' is accompanied by an error code number, for example, 'E2'. The detector will shut down 5 seconds after signaling a system error.

Example system error code 'E2' displayed.

If a system error occurs, proceed as follows:

1. Restart the detector to determine if the error persists.
2. Check that the coil is properly connected.
3. Perform a factory reset by powering off the detector, then pressing and holding the power button for 7 seconds (see 'Factory Reset' on page 20).
4. If the error persists, return the detector to the nearest authorized service center for repair.

Detector Does Not Turn On or Shuts Off (with or without 'bF' indication)

1. Charge or replace batteries.

Irregular/Excessive Noise

1. Move away from local sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
2. Restart the detector and wait for automatic noise elimination to complete.
3. Reduce sensitivity level (page 7).

No Sound - Wired Headphones

1. Verify the detector is on and has completed startup.
2. Check that the headphones are connected.
3. Verify the volume is set to an audible level.
4. Disconnect the headphones and check if the detector's speaker is audible.
5. If available, try using another pair of headphones.

No Sound - ML 80 Headphones

1. Verify the headphones are powered on.
2. Check that the detector's Bluetooth is on and paired with the headphones (i.e., the Bluetooth icon is solid).
3. Verify the headphones are charged.
4. Check that the detector's volume is set to an audible level.
5. Ensure the headphone volume control is set to an audible level.
6. Try another pair of Bluetooth headphones.
7. Try wired headphones.

ML 80 Headphones Not Pairing

1. Try powering the ML 80 headphones off and re-pairing them.
2. Ensure the headphones are within 1 meter (3 feet) of the detector's control unit, with no obstructions between the headphones and the detector (including your body).
3. Move away from interference sources like mobile phones.
4. If many other Bluetooth devices are nearby, pairing may take longer. Move away from the area and try pairing again.
5. Perform a factory reset on the headphones and attempt to pair them with the detector again.
6. Pair the detector with different Bluetooth headphones, then try pairing the ML 80 headphones again.

Distortion/Crackling Perceived in ML 80 Headphones When Connected via Bluetooth

1. Reduce the headphone volume until distortion is eliminated. Increase the detector volume if necessary to compensate for the reduced volume.