Minelab XChange 2 User Manual

Define Your User Preferences

When you install the XChange 2 application, you must define your user preferences.

1. Set the time, position, length unit, and weight unit parameters.
2. Use the "SAVE" button to save your preferences.

You can modify your user preferences in the Settings tab of XChange 2.

The Preferences dialog allows setting:

• Time Base (e.g., 24 hours)
• Position Format (e.g., DD.DDDDDD)
• Length Units (e.g., Meters / centimeters)
• Weight Units (e.g., Troy Ounce)
• Option to display the startup tip.

XChange 2 Overview

The following section provides an overview of the XChange 2 application and key points of its use.

The interface includes:

• Header area with application title and version.
• Left-hand navigation pane for different sections like Collections, Detector Elements, etc.
• Main content area displaying details, settings, or data.
• A login section for minelab.com account access, required for mapping features.

The main screen typically shows navigation options on the left, a central area for data or settings, and potentially a map view when logged in.

Detector Elements

Detector elements are items that can be copied to and from the detector. These include:

• General Settings
• Custom Modes (CTX 3030 only)
• Waypoints
• FindPoints
• GeoHunts

Note that elements created on one detector model cannot be transferred to another model, with the exception of Waypoints. These elements are described in detail later in this manual.

Collections

Collections are the core of the XChange 2 application. All items copied from the detector must reside in a collection. The detector itself is considered a special collection within the application. Items are copied to and from the detector just as they are between other collections.

Collections are groups of elements, similar to folders on your computer, but a collection cannot contain another collection. Elements can be moved between collections to group them into distinct categories.

You must name and assign an icon to collections you create for use.

Collection Commands

Collection commands allow you to use and manage collections.

Key commands include:

• Create Collection [ + ]
• Edit Collection [Edit]
• Delete Collection [Delete]
• Add Waypoint [Add Waypoint]

The interface shows a list of collections, such as "RECUEILS" and user-created collections like "SAMPLES".

User Collections

To import elements into the application, you must create a User Collection. Once created, you can move any element from one collection to your chosen User Collection. You can create as many collections as you wish.

System Collections

System collections are special collections that provide specialist functionalities for the application.

• Detector (e.g., CTX 3030): When your detector is connected to your computer, the Detector Collection appears with its icon and name. Clicking it allows you to view the detector's contents.
• All: The "All" collection displays all elements from all User Collections. This is useful for finding an item when you don't know its location. The Search function is covered later.
• File: "File" is a collection where elements can be copied and then exported to a different file for saving or sharing. A previously saved "File" can also be opened to view and copy elements to other collections. "File" serves as an import/export function. It is a proprietary Minelab format and can only be read or modified by the XChange 2 application.
• Recycle Bin: The "Recycle Bin" contains elements that have been deleted from user collections. You can recover a deleted element as long as the "Recycle Bin" has not been emptied. Any element dragged to the "Recycle Bin" from the detector or during a transfer will be automatically deleted and cannot be recovered. The "Recycle Bin" can be emptied using the [Empty Recycle Bin] icon.
• GeoHunt: "GeoHunt" contains all elements created while the "GeoHunt" and the detector were operating simultaneously. A "GeoHunt" records the detector's active "Mode" when it started and a trace of the detector's position while the GeoHunt is active. It also includes any Waypoints and FindPoints created during the GeoHunt. Since these elements can be moved to different user collections, it's essential to be able to view all GeoHunt-associated elements in a single collection. The system collection "GeoHunt" provides this by temporarily creating a special system collection with all GeoHunt elements. This system collection only appears when the "Show GeoHunt" icon is selected in the element summary of a GeoHunt element.

List of Elements

The list of elements provides a summary of each element within a given collection. They can belong to any collection, including system collections.

Element Summary

The element summary contains a summary of information about the element. The illustration shows an element summary for a GeoHunt, including:

• Element Collection Icon
• Element Icon
• Attachment Icon
• Descriptive Text
• Timestamp
• Element Name
• Edit Element [Edit]
• Center on Map
• Distance from Map Center

Select/Deselect an Element

To select or deselect an element, simply left-click on its summary. Multiple elements can be selected by individually clicking each summary. When an element is selected, its background color changes. You can also select all elements by clicking the "ALL" button at the top of the element list. When an element is deselected, the background returns to white. You can deselect all by clicking the "NONE" button at the top of the element list.

Move, Copy, and Delete Elements

Elements in the application can be moved or copied by selecting them and dragging them. To delete an element, select it and drag it to the Recycle Bin. The source and destination of the move determine whether the element is moved or copied. The following table shows this relationship:

¹ Assumes two detectors are connected.

Edit Elements

1. To edit an element, click the [Edit] icon to the right of the summary box.
2. When the Edit Element dialog box appears, make the necessary modifications and click "SAVE".

List Summary

The list summary displays the detector, collection type (All, CTX3030, GP/7000), filter options, and sort criteria (Name or description, Date).

Sort Elements

Elements can be sorted by:

• Date
• Name
• Type
• Latitude
• Distance from center

After selecting a sort order, click the [Sort] button next to the dropdown menu to select ascending or descending sort order.

Filter Elements (Search Bar)

You can filter the list to display only elements that contain specific text in their name or description by entering that text in the filter bar. The application will automatically remove elements that do not contain the entered text.

Filter Elements (Advanced)

The element list can also be filtered by type, synchronization status, or date range by clicking the [Search] icon next to the search filter bar. There is also an option to display only map elements (Waypoints, FindPoints, and GeoHunts).

Select the element type to limit the list to a specific element type.

"New Points" will only show when detector or file collections are selected, allowing you to see elements not yet copied to the application.

You can also click to select the date to choose the dates you want to include.

Select "Detector Type" to display elements from a specific detector.

Closing the advanced filter will clear any previously selected advanced settings.

Using XChange 2

Connecting

It is possible to use the application without being connected, but mapping features will not be available. If you already have a minelab.com account, you can use the same username and password to log in to the XChange 2 application. If you do not have a minelab.com account, you can create one via the provided link or by visiting http://www.minelab.com to create an account by following the instructions.

Enter your username and password in the XChange 2 application to connect.

Once you have successfully connected to XChange 2, mapping features will become available, and you will be presented with a satellite map screen. Below is an example of a satellite map screen.

The map screen shows a satellite view of an area, with a detected path overlaid.

Connect Your Detector

Connect your Minelab detector to your computer using the provided USB cable. Once connected, the XChange 2 application will automatically recognize your detector.

Then, the detector's icon will appear in the "Special Collections" section of the XChange 2 application. Clicking this icon will allow you to view the contents of your detector.

Collections

Create a Collection

To create a collection, click the "[ + ]" next to the collections in the collection commands, and the following screen will appear.

The "CREATE COLLECTION" dialog allows you to:

• Enter a Name for the collection.
• Select an Image for the collection from a gallery of icons.
• Choose a Color for the collection.
• Click "SAVE NEW" to create the collection.

The new collection will appear in User Collections.

Edit a Collection

To edit a collection, select the collection and click the "Edit Collection" button on the list summary next to the collection name. Modify the collection details and click "Save".

GeoHunt

Create a GeoHunt

GeoHunts are created on the detector and cannot be created by the application. Refer to the instruction manual provided on CD for help on how to create a GeoHunt.

Edit a GeoHunt

1. Click the [Edit] button in the GeoHunt element summary, or click the icon on the map and, in the information box, click the "Edit" link.
2. Make the desired modifications. You can add an image to the GeoHunt if necessary, then click "SAVE".

The display on your screen may vary depending on the detector model used when capturing the data.

Waypoint

Create a Waypoint

Waypoints can be created either by clicking the "[ + ] Waypoint" symbol next to the collection name in the collection commands, or by dragging the Waypoint icon onto the map.

If you have not yet selected a user collection, you will be prompted to do so for the Waypoint. Choose the collection where the Waypoint should be inserted and click "OK".

The "Edit Waypoint" dialog box will appear, allowing you to enter the details for the Waypoint.

Edit a Waypoint

1. Click the [Edit] button in the Waypoint element summary, or click the icon on the map and, in the information box, click the "Edit" link.

The "EDIT WAYPOINT" dialog allows editing:

• Name
• Timestamp
• Description
• Position (Latitude, Longitude)
• Images (Add, View, Delete)

FindPoint

Edit a FindPoint

FindPoints are created on the detector and cannot be created by the application. Refer to the detector's User Manual for instructions on how to create a FindPoint.

1. FindPoints can be edited using the [Edit] button in the FindPoint element summary or by clicking the icon on the map.
2. Make the desired modifications. The Edit screen allows you to attach an image. Use the "SAVE" button to preserve your changes.

The display on your screen may vary depending on the detector model used when capturing the data.

Detector Settings

Modify Detector Settings

To edit a universal parameter, click the [Edit] Element button in the Universal Settings element summary. Make your desired modifications, then click "SAVE".

The document shows screenshots for "Universal Settings" and "General Settings for CTX 3030" and "GPZ 7000 Settings", detailing various adjustable parameters like Audio, Sensitivity, GPS, Time Zone, Backlight, Language, etc.

Custom Mode (CTX 3030 Only)

Create a Preset Mode

Click the [Create Mode] icon in the Collection Commands. The Preset Modes editor will open, and you will need to give the mode a name before saving.

Edit a Preset Mode

Each Preset Mode has two Discrimination Patterns and one Tone ID Map.

Discrimination Patterns

Select the pattern to edit by choosing the active Discrimination Pattern. Use the commands on the left to select "hidden" [X] or "active" [✓] and a fill area or brush size. Hover over the pattern area to draw the desired pattern.

Tone ID Map

Select the Tone ID Map tab to view the current Tone ID Map. Note that the Tone ID Map is superimposed on the currently active discrimination pattern. Select the required profile type from the dropdown list and drag the lines to the required position. The tone can be modified by selecting the area and using the slider to select the tone. A visual indication of the tone is illustrated by the grayscale in the active zone.

Software Update

XChange 2 integrates an onboard software update feature. When connected to the internet, XChange 2 checks if an update is available for detectors or WM 12 modules connected to the computer. This check also applies to the XChange 2 application itself.

• If applicable, the application will inform the user of the update.
• If the update is important, the application will notify the user: [ℹ️] INFORMATION: "An important application update is available for download." [OK]
• If an update is available but not critical, a link will be displayed without any other notification. This download link is located at the top of the screen.

Update Available

To install the update, click the notification and select the item to update.