Minelab Excalibur II Metal Detector User Manual

Introduction

The Excalibur 800 and Excalibur 1000 detectors were specifically designed for underwater treasure hunting and are derived from an improved version of the successful Excalibur detector. Excalibur detectors employ Minelab's exceptional Broad Band Spectrum (BBS) technology, allowing them to transmit 17 different frequencies simultaneously. The advantages of multi-frequency technology are numerous, including increased depth, greater sensitivity to non-ferrous metal objects, improved target analysis accuracy, and better stability in most detection conditions. The Excalibur is currently the most operational and reliable underwater detector available worldwide. It is designed for use up to a depth of 61 meters (200 feet), as well as for wading in shallow water, and can also be used on dry land. Excalibur detectors are designed to locate precious metal objects in areas heavily polluted with debris, in extreme salinity zones, or in highly mineralized terrains, conditions commonly encountered by treasure hunters worldwide. Using single or dual-frequency detectors in such environments can lead to significant loss of detection depth and discrimination accuracy. However, with its 17 different frequencies, the Excalibur eliminates the effects of these difficult ground conditions, allowing deep soil penetration and precise analysis of buried targets at any depth. Excaliburs are easy to use, with few adjustment buttons needing attention after initial setup. The sophisticated, user-friendly discrimination system allows precise selection of desired metal types while rejecting unwanted objects. If you have any further questions or comments regarding the Excalibur 800, Excalibur 1000, or any other Minelab product, please do not hesitate to contact us directly or through your Minelab dealer. Minelab wishes you the most fabulous finds in your treasure hunts.

BBS Technology

When developing BBS technology, Minelab engineers identified limitations in existing market technologies. Discussions with experienced treasure hunters worldwide revealed common problems encountered by detector users, including: loss of detection depth in highly mineralized ground, imprecise target identification beyond 13-15 cm, inability to detect good targets among ferrous debris, and erratic operation on waterlogged beaches. The BBS technology's electronic circuits enable the Excalibur to operate automatically, simultaneously with 17 different frequencies – a system unique to Minelab metal detectors. Most commercial detectors operate on single or dual frequencies, ranging from 1 to 70 Kilohertz (kHz). While this technology has been used in the industry for many years, Minelab demonstrated that a frequency effective in one environment may be less so in another. Soil mineralization, debris, and target size all influence the effectiveness of a single-frequency detector. The BBS technology's electronic circuits automatically transmit 17 frequencies simultaneously, spanning from 1.5 to 25.5 kilohertz in 1.5 kilohertz increments. The signal received by the detection head is analyzed, and the information is transmitted to the operator via headphones. Thanks to the use of these 17 frequencies, the Excalibur can accurately find and identify targets at maximum depth, regardless of soil type or the presence of debris. In summary, using an Excalibur with BBS technology is like using 17 single-frequency detectors at the same time. Since BBS technology operates on multiple frequencies, which no other detector can do, BBS technology detectors like the Excalibur can find objects that no other detector can.

Constitution

The box in which your Excalibur is shipped should contain the following items. When you receive your Excalibur, please check first that all these items are in the box:

Accessories

In addition to the items supplied with your Excalibur, the following accessories are also available for purchase.

• Hipmount kit
• 12-Volt car charger for Ni-Cd batteries
• Short fiberglass lower shaft (for diving)
• Minelab blue cap
• Minelab blue polo / t-shirt

For more information on these Minelab accessories or any other product, contact your Minelab dealer.

Assembly of the Excalibur

Please follow these simple instructions to assemble your new Excalibur. Refer to the diagrams to identify the parts and assemble them correctly. If you encounter difficulties, contact your dealer for more information.

Shaft / Upper Curved Tube

1. Remove the black nylon bolt and nut (2) from the armrest (1).
2. With the large "U" shaped tabs of the armrest positioned upwards, level with the foam grip (4), slide the armrest (1) onto the end of the upper curved metal tube (3).
3. Insert the nylon bolt (2) into the armrest hole and hand-tighten the wing nut.
4. The cylindrical control box (5) and battery container (6) should already be clipped onto the upper curved metal tube. If not, clip the control box onto the tube first. Ensure the headphone cable (7) is directed towards the armrest.
5. Clip the battery container onto the upper curved metal tube, ensuring the waterproof connector (8) is opposite the armrest.
6. Connect the battery cable from the cylindrical control box to the waterproof connector of the battery container. This connection uses a seal that must be firmly hand-tightened to ensure its effectiveness. Failure to do so may allow water to enter the electrical contacts, causing instability and corrosion, thus voiding the warranty.

Land and Wading Modes (Upright Position)

1. Remove the black teardrop-shaped rubber washer retaining band (10) from the long fiberglass lower shaft (9). NOTE: Ensure the washers do not fall off after removing the band.
2. Remove the nut, washer, and black nylon bolt (11) from the detection head (12).
3. After positioning the teardrop-shaped washers in their housing, insert the lower shaft between the ears of the detection head until the holes align. NOTE: Ensure the spring clip at the top of the fiberglass shaft is oriented to the left side of the detection head, so it aligns with the 3 holes of the upper curved metal tube.
4. Insert the black nylon bolt (2) into the hole of the detection head ears on the side of the waterproof cable entry, then screw the wing nut on the other end of the bolt, hand-tightening it.

Diving Mode

Before configuring the detector for Diving mode, you must have the short fiberglass shaft, which can be purchased separately as an accessory.

1. Remove the black teardrop-shaped rubber washer retaining band (10) from the short fiberglass lower shaft (13). NOTE: Ensure the washers do not fall off after removing the band.
2. Remove the nut, washer, and black nylon bolt (11) from the detection head (12).
3. After positioning the teardrop-shaped washers in their housing, insert the lower shaft between the ears of the detection head until the holes align. NOTE: Ensure the spring clip at the top of the fiberglass shaft is oriented to the left side of the detection head, so it aligns with the 3 holes of the upper curved metal tube.
4. Insert the black nylon bolt (2) into the hole of the detection head ears on the side of the waterproof cable entry, then screw the wing nut on the other end of the bolt, hand-tightening it.

Assembly of the Lower Shaft with Upper Assembly

1. Slide the equipped lower shaft into the equipped upper curved metal tube. Note that the black plastic locking ring (14) must be loosened to easily insert the lower shaft.
2. Begin to firmly wind the detection head cable around the shaft by turning the black fiberglass lower shaft itself. Wind approximately 25 to 28 turns of cable until it reaches the cylindrical control box.
3. Adjust the assembled shaft length by locking the spring clip into one of the 3 provided holes, then hand-tighten the black plastic locking ring. NOTE: Leave enough slack in the cable near the detection head to easily orient its position without unduly straining the cable.

Batteries

All Excalibur detectors are supplied with a battery container holding rechargeable batteries. The batteries can be used and recharged without ever being removed from their container. Additional battery containers (or alkaline battery packs) are available as optional purchases from your Minelab dealer and can be carried with you while detecting, ensuring no loss of detection time if your batteries run flat. NOTE: Replacement battery containers must not be taken underwater, as the batteries will discharge and the connections will corrode due to electrolysis. When the battery container can no longer power the Excalibur, the threshold sound will become unstable; it is then advisable to either recharge it or replace it to avoid missing targets.

Battery Recharge

1. To recharge the battery, disconnect and remove the battery container from the upper curved metal tube and connect it to the charger using the supplied adapter.
2. Plug the charger into the mains, connect the waterproof connector to the battery container, and let it charge for 12 to 14 hours.
3. Before using your Excalibur for the first time, you should charge the batteries for 12 to 14 hours to ensure an optimal charge and achieve the best performance from your device.
4. It is not necessary to wait for Ni-Cd (Cadmium Nickel) batteries to be fully discharged or flat before recharging them. However, to prolong the life of Ni-Cd batteries, we recommend periodically performing a full discharge before recharging.
5. A fully charged battery container should provide 10 to 15 hours of detection time.

Excalibur Controls

This chapter details the Excalibur's settings and their functionality. It is important that you read this chapter completely and carefully, as it will provide you with all the necessary information to adjust these settings. As your experience and familiarity with your detector grow, it will be beneficial to refer back to this chapter.

Threshold Adjustment Knob and Power Switch

The Threshold knob (threshold sound adjustment or tuning) allows you to adjust the threshold sound level, and also to turn the Excalibur on or off. When this knob is fully counter-clockwise, the Excalibur is off ("Off"). Turning this knob clockwise produces a "click", turning the Excalibur on. The threshold sound (or "hum") and its variations help locate targets. Small or large targets buried deep may not produce a distinct signal, but rather a slight change in the threshold sound's tone. The ideal is to adjust this threshold sound by turning the "Threshold" knob to obtain a continuous, barely audible signal, to better appreciate its slightest variation when detecting a small or deep target. Turn the Threshold knob clockwise to increase the threshold sound level. Turning it fully clockwise sets the threshold to its "maximum". Remember to set this threshold to a level just at the limit of audibility. Setting the threshold sound level too high will mask the signal produced by a small or deep target, just as a silence setting (inaudible) will not allow you to discern slight changes in the threshold tone from small or deep targets.

Volume Adjustment Knob

The "Volume" knob adjusts the volume of the signal produced by a target. Turning this knob clockwise increases the signal volume from a target. Turning it fully clockwise sets the volume to "maximum", i.e., the loudest level.

Sensitivity Adjustment Knob

The "Sensitivity" knob adjusts the detector's sensitivity level based on the terrain you are prospecting. This setting is often considered a depth setting, which is partly true, but it also adjusts the detector's sensitivity to interference from soil chemistry (mineralization) or electrical fields (noise, radio waves). Turning this knob fully counter-clockwise produces a "click" ( "Auto" position), setting the sensitivity to "automatic" mode. In this position, the Excalibur will automatically select its optimal sensitivity level to best suit the prospecting terrain and its environment. For beach detecting, set the "Sensitivity" knob to "Auto" (automatic mode), especially when prospecting on wet sand, black sand, or in water. With the "Sensitivity" knob in "Auto" mode, turning it clockwise produces a "click", setting the Excalibur to manual sensitivity mode. Continuing to turn this knob clockwise will decrease the sensitivity level. Turning this knob fully clockwise sets the Excalibur to its "minimum" sensitivity. When the Excalibur is not in "automatic" mode, the "Sensitivity" knob should be set to the manual adjustment range, at the maximum possible level, without being disturbed by soil mineralization or noise. If these disturbances become too significant, the Excalibur will produce erratic signals. In this case, simply turn the "Sensitivity" knob clockwise until these erratic signals disappear.

Disc / Pin Point Mode Switch

This switch allows you to choose between two modes: "Disc" (Discrimination) or "Pin Point" (Centering/Pin Pointing). In "Disc" position, the "Discriminate" button becomes active, allowing you to ignore various unwanted metallic objects. Metallic objects fall into two broad categories: ferrous and non-ferrous. A magnet can be used to determine if an object is ferrous or non-ferrous; ferrous metals will be attracted to the magnet, while non-ferrous metals will not. Generally, in detection, iron or steel objects are considered undesirable, while non-ferrous metals, such as gold, silver, and bronze, are highly sought after. With the switch in "Disc" (discrimination mode) and the "Discriminate" knob set to 1, the Excalibur will ignore or "mask" ferrous metal objects, while always accepting non-ferrous metal objects. Furthermore, signals produced by non-ferrous objects will have different tones depending on their conductivity. This allows effective identification of the detected object type before digging to retrieve it. For example, a US quarter or an Australian $1 coin will produce a high-tone signal, while aluminum foil will produce a low-tone signal. Aluminum can pull-tabs, rings, and some coins will produce an intermediate tone, depending on their conductivity. The higher the object's conductivity, the higher (sharper) the signal tone will be. Additionally, in discrimination mode, when the Excalibur detects and rejects a ferrous or non-ferrous object, the threshold sound momentarily disappears, then reappears with a tone corresponding to the conductivity of the ignored object. The memorized threshold tone, after its momentary disappearance, is low (deep sound) for a ferrous object, lower than normal, while that of an ignored can pull-tab is high (sharp sound), higher than normal. In discrimination mode, if the Excalibur produces loud, erratic sounds, it means the detector is saturated by a relatively large piece of metal very close to the detection head. Slightly lift the detection head off the ground and sweep it over the target again to analyze it. By moving the detection head away from the ground where the target is located, the Excalibur can correctly analyze the detected object.

In "Pin Point" (centering mode) position, the Excalibur will detect both ferrous and non-ferrous objects. In this mode, the "Discriminate" button has no effect, and the Excalibur will respond similarly to all types of metals. The audio response is fast and clear but modulated in volume, helping to precisely locate the target's position and depth. The centering mode is also useful for searching for ferrous relics.

Discriminate Adjustment Knob

The "Discriminate" knob is used in discrimination mode to select which unwanted non-ferrous metal targets should be discriminated or ignored. If the "Discriminate" knob is turned fully counter-clockwise, the Excalibur will not produce an audible signal for ferrous metals (large ferrous objects may still produce brief noises or clicks). However, non-ferrous objects will consistently produce an audible signal and will be accepted. Ferrous objects typically encountered by treasure hunters include nails, screws, washers, pieces of wire, etc. These objects are generally not considered valuable, so it is a definite advantage to be able to ignore them while detecting. Objects that will trigger the Excalibur will be non-ferrous metals, including items such as aluminum foil, most jewelry, can pull-tabs, coins, bottle cap liners, gold, silver, brass, etc. Not all of these non-ferrous objects are considered valuable. Therefore, using the "Discriminate" knob, the Excalibur can be set to ignore some less interesting non-ferrous objects while still detecting more valuable targets. The "Discriminate" knob is a 1-turn potentiometer with 17 graduations. Turning it clockwise increases the discrimination level, and non-ferrous objects with lower conductivity will be ignored. The Excalibur analyzes the object's electrical conductivity to determine the metal type and, depending on the discrimination level setting, will ignore or accept the object. To effectively demonstrate this, take a number of objects with different conductivities, place them in a line on the ground, ordered from left to right by increasing conductivity, and perform tests.

Operating Instructions

Excalibur Adjustment

Discrimination Mode ("Disc")

• Ensure the battery is fully charged.
• Set the "Pin Point" / "Disc" switch to the "Disc" position.
• Turn on the Excalibur by rotating the "Threshold" knob clockwise until a "click" is heard, then continue turning it until the threshold sound appears, but remains barely audible.
• Set the "Discriminate" knob to the graduation corresponding to the desired discrimination level.
• Set the "Sensitivity" knob to "Auto" (automatic sensitivity mode) or turn it as far as possible (a "click" will be heard) within the manual adjustment range, to the maximum sensitivity level for which no audible interference occurs.

You are now ready to prospect.

Centering Mode ("Pin Point")

• Ensure the battery is fully charged.
• Set the "Pin Point" / "Disc" switch to the "Pin Point" position.
• Turn on the Excalibur by rotating the "Threshold" knob clockwise until a "click" is heard, then continue turning it until the threshold sound appears, but remains barely audible.
• Set the "Sensitivity" knob to "Auto" (automatic sensitivity mode) or turn it as far as possible (a "click" will be heard) within the manual adjustment range, to the maximum sensitivity level for which no audible interference occurs.

You are now ready to prospect.

Familiarization with Settings

Take the necessary time to familiarize yourself with the device by analyzing how the Excalibur reacts to various metallic objects. Choose different metallic objects such as a rusty nail, a can pull-tab, a brass button, aluminum foil, various coins, and some gold and silver jewelry. Go outdoors with the detector, away from electrical appliances or known metallic objects, and hold the Excalibur to easily pass the selected objects in front of the detection head. Ideally, place it on a wooden table, away from any nails or hinges. Make sure to remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists. Set the "Pin Point" / "Disc" switch to the "Disc" (discrimination mode) position. Turn the "Discriminate" knob fully counter-clockwise (low discrimination). Turn the "Sensitivity" knob counter-clockwise to the maximum, without reaching the "Auto" position "click". If excessive interference is heard, turn the "Sensitivity" knob clockwise progressively until it disappears. Pass the test objects one by one in front of the detection head. The Excalibur will sound on non-ferrous objects and ignore ferrous objects. Note that when a ferrous nail passes in front of the detection head, the threshold sound disappears. Upon its reappearance, the threshold sound's tone will have become deeper, indicating the ignored object is ferrous. As the different test objects pass in front of the detection head, the audio response will vary in tone. Objects with high conductivity, such as silver or lead, will produce a sharp tone, while those with lower conductivity, such as aluminum foil, will produce a deeper tone. With experience, the tone variations will help you precisely determine the nature of the detected object before digging. Now, turn the "Discriminate" knob step by step clockwise, and pass the objects in front of the detection head at each step. Note the setting range where certain objects are rejected; this will help you learn to discriminate them more precisely. Turn the "Discriminate" knob to the position where can pull-tabs are ignored. When passing objects with lower conductivity (like aluminum foil) in front of the detection head, no signal will be emitted. The threshold sound will disappear and reappear with a tone sharper than normal, indicating that the Excalibur has ignored a non-ferrous object.

Detection Tips

The Excalibur will perform best when its BBS detection head is kept close to the ground. If you are not yet an experienced prospector, you will need to practice maintaining a constant distance between the detection head and the ground with each movement, especially at the beginning and end of each sweep. This will be easier if you maintain light contact between the detection head and the ground. This is important because variations in altitude between the detection head and the ground at the end of each sweep can cause false signals and reduce detection depth.

Target Localization and Centering with Excalibur

Once the approximate location of a target has been determined, slowly move the detection head over the target. The audio signal will increase as you move towards the target and decrease as you move past it. The audio signal will be at its maximum when the detection head is directly above the target. In many cases, the detector will produce a maximum audio signal over a significant area around and above the target. This generally indicates that the target is shallow or large. Switching to "Pin Point" mode will allow the Excalibur to produce a fast and clear audio response for targets. The BBS detection head, being hollow in the center, allows for easier ground marking of the target's location for retrieval.

Object Recovery

Once a target has been located, clear the ground surface of any obstructing items and check if there is still a signal. If there is no longer a signal or if it has moved, the target is among the surface debris. In this case, search among the surface debris until it is recovered. If the detector still sounds in the same spot, remove a few centimeters of soil or sand. If the target is still not visible, pass the detection head over the hole again. The signal should still be heard, and it will be necessary to continue digging. Be careful when digging, as an accidental tool strike could damage a valuable coin or cut a gold piece in half. If the object is not easily visible, you will certainly need to pass the detector over the cleared earth again, so carefully pile the excavated earth when digging. There are two methods for finding the target on the ground: 1. Spread the cleared earth on the ground and pass the detection head over it again to locate the target. (Ensure there are no other buried objects in the ground below this area). 2. Place the detection head flat on the ground next to the hole. Take a handful of excavated earth and pass it in front of the detection head. If no signal is emitted, place this handful of earth in another pile away from the first and take another handful of earth. Repeat this process until the target is detected in your hand. Then, crumble the handful of earth you are holding until the object is found. Once the target has been recovered, remember to pass the detector over the hole again to check that there are no other targets to find. When you have recovered all targets, remember to properly backfill the hole you dug. When a target has been found, there is a good chance that others are in the immediate vicinity, so it is recommended to carefully detect the surroundings. Once again, remember to always backfill your holes.

Respect for the Environment

It is important to remember that treasure hunting with a metal detector is a friendly and enjoyable way to find coins, rings, and other precious objects. However, it is important to leave a prospected area in the same condition as you found it. All holes dug must be properly refilled. Not only is it environmentally unacceptable not to fill your holes, but it is also very dangerous not to do so. Special tools exist that allow easy retrieval of targets in grassy areas without needing to dig large holes. Take any trash you find with you, such as nails, tin cans, or batteries, and dispose of it properly in a bin. If you damage an area or do not leave the terrain exactly as you found it, there is a risk that metal detecting may be prohibited, which would negate this fascinating pastime shared by you and others.

Detector Maintenance

The Excalibur is a high-quality electronic device, studied and manufactured with care, presented in a resistant and durable housing. Taking care of the detector is common sense. Deposits of salt, fine sand, and impurities can accumulate all over the Excalibur and must be removed after each use to ensure optimal performance.

• Always rinse the Excalibur completely with fresh water after each use. Disassemble the shaft and the curved metal tube, disconnect the battery container connector, remove the armrest, and rinse all salt and sand with fresh water, paying particular attention to the battery container connector contacts. If this is not done correctly, there is a risk of being unable to disassemble the various components of the Excalibur.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes. Gradual warming and cooling will maintain a stable internal atmosphere for the detector. Sudden temperature variations can temporarily create slight condensation on the inner walls of the cylindrical housings. Wait for this condensation to disappear before using the Excalibur.
• Visually inspect the lower end of the two cylinders (electronic control box and battery container) after entering the water. If water droplets or condensation appear inside your Excalibur, stop and remove it from the water immediately. Disconnect the battery container and quickly contact your Minelab dealer.
• The headphones should simply be rinsed. If the Excalibur is used for diving, it is imperative that the drainage hole of each diaphragm is kept clean and free to allow for ear equalization.
• Never open or tamper with the waterproof cylinders of the electronic control box and battery container, as this will void the warranty. They have been sealed and pressure-tested at the factory.
• Never subject your Excalibur to rough treatment. It is a sophisticated device and must be handled with the utmost care.
• Never leave your Excalibur in direct sunlight. The black detection head exposed to direct sunlight can reach temperatures exceeding 150°C, which can cause irreparable damage to the internal windings.
• Never pull sharply on the cables or accidentally snag them. Excessive tension can compromise the integrity of the seals or the waterproof cable. To disconnect the battery container, always grasp the connector body and never the cable.
• Always keep a spare battery container out of the water. Spare battery containers are not designed to be submerged alone. If a battery container is immersed in saltwater while unplugged, the batteries will discharge and the contacts will oxidize due to electrolysis.

Troubleshooting Guide

In case of malfunction, please return the defective detector, postage paid, to your authorized Minelab dealer, accompanied by an explanatory note, including the Minelab repair form on page 28 (or a photocopy) duly completed, detailing the fault. In such cases, please provide as much detail as possible about the malfunction observed, so that we can resolve the problem as efficiently and quickly as possible.

Technical Specifications

These specifications are subject to change without notice.

Warranty and Repair

The electronic control box of the Excalibur is guaranteed for one year parts and labor. The BBS detection head, provided a protective cover is used, is guaranteed for one year parts and labor. Whether the detector is under or out of warranty, consult your authorized Minelab dealer for repair.

NOTE:

This warranty is non-transferable and is only valid if the enclosed registration warranty card is returned to Minelab or your authorized Minelab dealer within 14 days of the original purchase date. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, negligence, modifications, opening the housing, or maintenance by a center not authorized by Minelab. For specific details of the Minelab warranty, please refer to the detector's "Product Warranty Card".

Working for a cleaner and more ecological future.

For Consumers in the European Union:

Do not dispose of this product in ordinary household waste. The logo (crossed-out wheeled bin) ?️ indicates that this product must not be disposed of in ordinary household waste, but recycled in accordance with local authority regulations or environmental requirements. Please dispose of this product in an appropriate container via a recycling service or center, or return it to Minelab, to respect the environment. Disposing of unwanted electronic equipment by landfill can contribute long-term to a detrimental effect on the environment, due to the infiltration of contaminated products and toxic substances contained in certain electronic components.

Warning:

The Minelab metal detector described in this user manual has been expressly designed and manufactured as a quality detector for amateurs and recommended for use in searching for coins, treasure, and general metal detection in non-dangerous environments. This metal detector has not been designed for use as a mine detector or for the detection of active munitions.

Please note:

Due to the wide variety of options available for this detector, accessories and options ordered with the detector, as well as the model itself, may vary. Some descriptions and illustrations in this manual may also differ from the purchased model. Furthermore, Minelab reserves the right to change certain features at any time due to design changes or technological advancements and ongoing technical progress.

CE PRODUCT 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.

Repair Form / Minelab Service Repair Form

Date:

Detector Model:

Serial Number:

Purchased From:

Purchase Date:

Faulty Part(s):

Description of Fault

Please explain how we can replicate the problem in order to fix your detector.

Owner's Name:

Address:

Daytime Telephone:

Home Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

(Cut out or photocopy this sheet)