Minelab Sovereign XS-2a Pro Instruction Manual

5.1 Armrest/Upper Shaft Assembly

Figure 2 - Armrest/upper shaft assembly. This diagram shows the armrest component (1), a black nylon bolt and wing nut (2), and the upper shaft (3). The diagram illustrates how the armrest is attached to the upper shaft using the bolt and wing nut.

1. Remove the black nylon bolt and wing nut (2) from the armrest (1).
2. With the armrest's larger fins pointing in the same direction as the foam hand grip (4), slide the armrest (1) onto the end of the black upper shaft (3).
3. Push the nylon bolt (2) through the holes and tighten the wing nut by hand.

5.2 Intermediate Shaft Assembly

1. Slide the intermediate shaft (7) into the upper shaft (3). The black "V" clip (6) must be facing down along the foam handgrip section of the upper shaft (see Figure 4).
2. Ensure that the pieces click together and do not come apart easily.

5.3 Lower Shaft Assembly

1. Remove the tape on the lower fibreglass tube (9) that is holding the black teardrop washers (10) in place. NOTE: Ensure the washers do not fall out after removing the tape.
2. Remove the black nylon wing nut, and bolt (11) from the coil (12).
3. With the teardrop washers in place, push the lower tube (9) into the coil bracket so that the holes line up.

Figure 3 - The coil and lower shaft assembly. This diagram depicts the assembly of the coil and lower shaft, showing the lower fibreglass tube (9), black teardrop washers (10), and the coil (12) with its bracket. It illustrates the lower tube being inserted into the coil bracket with washers in place, and the nylon bolt and wing nut (11) securing the coil.

5.4 Completing the Shaft Assembly

Figure 4 - Completing the shaft assembly. This diagram shows the completed shaft assembly, illustrating the intermediate shaft (7) inserted into the upper shaft (3) with a black "V" clip (6). It also shows the lower shaft assembly (9) being inserted into the intermediate shaft (7), with a black plastic locking nut (8) for adjustment. The diagram also shows the control box (14) being attached to the shaft via the "V" clip.

1. OTE: Ensure that the black nylon spring clip near the top of the fibreglass tube is pointing toward the rear of the coil.
2. 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 by hand.
3. Slide the lower shaft assembly (9) into the intermediate shaft (7).
4. NOTE: The black plastic locking nut (8) may need to be loosened to position the lower shaft assembly correctly.
5. Set the length of the shaft by locking the black nylon spring clip into one of the holes provided, then tighten the plastic locking ring by hand.

5.5 Shaft Mount

1. Check that there are charged batteries in the control box (14).
2. Position the control box (14) into the shaft "V" clip (6) then push down firmly towards the coil until the control box "clicks" into place and cannot be easily removed.

Figure 5 - Mounting the control box on the shaft. This illustration shows the control box (14) being connected to the shaft via a plug connector (5) and socket, with the coil cable being wound around the shaft.

NOTE: Ensure that the small teeth moulded into the control box are locked into the groove of the "V" clip.

5.6 Rear Shaft Mount

The Sovereign XS-2a Pro provides the option of mounting the control box at the rear of the shaft (3), before the armrest. In order to mount the control box (14) in this position the armrest must first be moved to the second hole from the rear of the shaft (see Fig. 6). This position provides easy access to the shaft "V" clip (6) provided. Continue to connect the control box as described above.

Figure 6 - Mounting the control box to the rear of the shaft. This diagram shows an alternative mounting position for the control box at the rear of the shaft, depicting the armrest moved to a different hole and the control box attached to the rear of the shaft.

5.7 Hipmounting

Hipmounting is an alternative to mounting the detector on the shaft and significantly reduces physical strain, enabling longer search time without undue fatigue. An additional Hipmount Bag can be supplied with the Sovereign XS-2a Pro for this purpose.

1. Check that there are charged batteries in the control box (14).
2. With its control panel facing outwards, put the control box into the hip mount bag.

Figure 7 - Hipmounting the control box. This illustration shows the control box being placed into a hipmount bag, with the cable wrapped around a connector belt loop.

NOTE: Begin winding the coil cable firmly around the shaft. Wind between 25 and 28 turns of the cable 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. Connect the plug connector (5) to the socket on the rear of the control box and tighten the locking nut.

6.1 Installation of Alkaline Batteries

Ensure that the detector is switched Off before opening the battery compartment.

1. Place 8 "AA" cell alkaline batteries into the supplied holders (17). Make sure that they are aligned as indicated in the holders.
2. Clip the battery holders onto the PCB alkaline adapter (18).
3. Install the assembled battery holders and adapter in the control box. Ensure that the battery terminals are aligned correctly.
4. Replace the lid by sliding it back over the compartment until it "clicks" into place.

Figure 8 - Installing the batteries. This diagram shows the battery compartment lid (15) of the control box (14) open, with battery holders (17) and the PCB alkaline adapter (18) being inserted. Figure 9 - Replacing the battery lid. This illustration shows the battery compartment lid (15) being slid back onto the control box (14) after batteries are installed.

CAUTION:Good quality alkaline batteries will power the Sovereign for about 10 to 15 hours. Using headphones will extend battery life. Good quality alkaline batteries should always be used instead of standard carbon batteries. Alkaline batteries should be removed from the detector if it is to be stored for extended periods to avoid damage caused by leaking batteries.

6.2 Installation of NiCad Battery Pack (accessory)

1. Open the battery compartment lid (15) on the control box (14).
2. Place the battery pack (16) into the battery compartment in the control box (14). Ensure that the holes in the pack are aligned with the spring connectors of the compartment.
3. Replace the lid by sliding it back over the compartment until it "clicks" into place.

6.3 Low Battery Warning and NiCad Recharging

As the batteries begin to reach the point at which they will no longer operate the Sovereign XS-2a Pro, a distinct sharp "pip" will sound from the speaker (or headphones) approximately every 30 seconds. At this point there will be approximately 15 to 20 minutes of life left in the batteries. It is recommended that the batteries be replaced immediately to avoid missing any targets.

The NiCad power pack (accessory) will provide 10 to 15 hours of detecting time from a full charge. NiCad batteries can develop a memory and require a consistent charging routine to ensure a long service life. Ideally a NiCad power pack should be fully discharged before recharging for 10-12 hours using a genuine Minelab Charger. The simplest method of ensuring that the power pack is fully discharged is to leave the detector turned "On" overnight with the Threshold and Volume controls turned down.

7.1 Quickstart Operating Instructions

To start detecting as soon as possible, the Sovereign XS-2a Pro has provided "Quickstart" settings. These settings, indicated by a silver "dot" on each control, have been selected by the factory as best for immediate detecting. Adjust the Sovereign XS-2a Pro controls to these settings and start searching.

Once you are familiar with all 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

Figure 10 - The Sovereign XS-2a Pro Control Panel. This diagram shows the Sovereign XS-2a Pro's control panel, labeling the various controls: Volume, Sensitivity, Threshold, Disc/All Metal, Disc, Notch, Tone ID, Mode, and Beach/Inland settings.

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 XS-2a Pro On or Off.

When in the fully counter clockwise position, the Sovereign XS-2a Pro is turned Off. Turning the control clockwise, will "click" the Sovereign XS-2a Pro On. Continue to turn this control in a clockwise direction; the volume of target signals will increase. 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 headsets, if a large target is detected close to the surface, the resulting loud signal may cause some hearing discomfort.

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 "mineralization", or electromagnetic fields.

At the most counter clockwise position this control "clicks" into the Auto position. In this setting the Sovereign XS-2a Pro will automatically adjust the level of sensitivity to the optimal level under the prevailing conditions. Beginners should operate the unit in Auto, no matter where you are detecting.

Turning the control clockwise will "click" the Sovereign XS-2a Pro 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 XS-2a Pro 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 on the control. The dot indicates the optimum position. The knob adjustment should always be set as counter clockwise as possible without the detector 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 counter clockwise as possible (within the manual region) so that minimal false signalling 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 counter 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 of the metal junk concentration.

7.4 Threshold Control

The Threshold control is located at the bottom of the control panel. It is a "pot" (potentiometer) control that allows the operator to adjust the "threshold" signal. This is a faint background hum that is heard when the detector is in the "Disc" mode. The threshold is used to set the "noise" level of the detector. The threshold is set to a point where the operator can just hear the faint hum.

7.5 Disc/All Metal Switch

This switch, located on the control panel, allows the operator to select between "Disc" (Discriminate) mode and "All Metal" mode. In "Disc" mode, the detector will ignore certain types of metal objects, such as iron. In "All Metal" mode, the detector will respond to all types of metal objects.

7.6 Disc Control

Figure 11 - Target conductivity. This chart illustrates target conductivity, showing a scale from "LOW CONDUCTIVITY" to "HIGH CONDUCTIVITY" with categories like FERROUS, FOIL, LOW COINS AND RINGS, PULL-TABS, HIGH COINS AND RINGS, and COPPER, SILVER, BRASS AND LEAD. It also shows a graph with "CONDUCTIVITY" on the x-axis and "CONDUCTIVITY" on the y-axis, indicating ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Figure 12 - Discriminating targets based on conductivity. This diagram illustrates discriminating targets based on conductivity, showing a conductivity scale with categories and indicating which categories are "IGNORED" and "ACCEPTED" based on the Disc control setting. Figure 13 - Disc control examples. This diagram shows examples of common objects and their corresponding Disc control settings for rejection or acceptance, labeling objects like small iron balls, nails, foil, pull-tabs, rings, silver, copper, brass, and lead with numerical settings on a scale.

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 counter clockwise position (ensure the Notch control is also set to this position), then ferrous metals will be "ignored" and the Sovereign XS-2a Pro will not produce a "signal beep" (large ferrous objects may produce short "pops" or "clicks"). However, non-ferrous will give a "signal beep" or be "accepted".

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 XS-2a Pro to produce a "signal beep" will be non-ferrous metals, including such items as aluminium foil, most jewellery, 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 XS-2a Pro 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 17 graduations as a guide for the setting of the control. Turn the Disc control clockwise and increase the "discrimination" level; non-ferrous objects of lower conductivity will be ignored.

The Sovereign XS-2a Pro 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.

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 high conductivity will be accepted (see Fig 12).

Figure 13 shows some common objects and where the Disc control has 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 13, 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 coins, rings, and other jewellery.

Example: hunting for fine white gold rings, with the Disc control set to position 4, 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), but most fine white gold rings, foil, and some yellow gold rings will also be ignored. With experience, setting the Disc control to ignore most unwanted targets (in combination with the Notch control) will become second nature.

7.7 Notch Control

Figure 14 - Targets with increasing conductivity. This diagram depicts targets with increasing conductivity, similar to Figure 11, showing a conductivity scale with categories and indicating the relationship between conductivity and target types. Figure 15 - Ignoring targets using the Notch control. This diagram illustrates ignoring targets using the Notch control, showing a conductivity scale with categories and indicating how the Notch control can ignore specific segments of conductivity (e.g., pull-tabs) while accepting others. It also shows the Disc control ignoring ferrous objects. Figure 16 - Ignoring targets using the Disc and Notch controls. This diagram illustrates ignoring targets using both the Disc and Notch controls, showing a conductivity scale and indicating how combining Disc (to ignore foil) and Notch (to ignore pull-tabs) allows detection of valuable non-ferrous objects.

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 17 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 (see Fig. 14).

For example, 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 of conductivity.

Turn the Notch control to ignore the pull-tab. Objects with similar conductivity to the pull-tab will be ignored. Pass the coil over the aluminium foil and the Sovereign XS-2a Pro will produce a signal. This would not be possible using the Disc control.

When using the Notch and Disc controls in combination, most unwanted objects can be successfully ignored. Turning the Notch control to ignore the pull-tab and the Disc control to ignore the aluminium foil will set up the Sovereign XS-2a Pro to ignore pull-tabs and aluminium foil while still detecting most valuable non-ferrous objects.

NOTE: Different pull-tabs may require different Notch settings.

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 remain constant 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 Audio Output

The audio output of the Sovereign XS-2a Pro is available through either an in-built loudspeaker or via a 1/4" stereo headphone jack. When the 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; shielding the operator from external noise, which can be distracting 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 Ω or less.

8.1 Installation

Figure 17 - Installing the meter. This diagram shows the installation of the Digital Target Indication Meter, depicting the meter box with its connectors (21, 23) and the control box (14) and coil connector (22).

Plug the coil connector (21) into the socket (22) on the meter box, winding the excess cable around the shaft. Plug the meter cable connector (23) into the control box (14), winding the excess cable around the shaft.

If hipmounting the control box, secure the meter cable to the shaft of the detector using the Velcro™ straps provided. 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 hip-mounting and reduces the possibility of failure of the cable.

The meter requires no batteries (see Figure 17).

8.2 Calibration

Before using the Digital Target meter, it is necessary to calibrate it.

1. Set the Calibration control knob (situated to the rear of the meter) to the center position of its range.
2. Place the detector in a stationary position with the coil flat on the ground.
3. Set the Sensitivity control on the Control box to auto.
4. If the threshold is varying because of electrical interference, adjust Sensitivity towards minimum until a constant threshold is present.
5. Slowly pass a common coin across the coil and finely adjust the Calibration control to the nearest number, divisible by 5. e.g. US quarter (set to 550), AUS 20¢ (set to 500).
6. Slowly pass additional coins and other common targets across the coil and record the results on the target recognition table shown on page 24.

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 solely relied upon for discrimination. It is important to use the other features of the Sovereign XS-2a Pro 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. In addition, if different objects provide the same reading, this is because they have a similar conductivity.

The Target Indication readings will also be influenced by an object's orientation, by the length of time it has been buried in the ground as well as different ground conditions.

11.1 Pinpointing the Target

Figure 18 - Sweeping the coil. This diagram illustrates sweeping the coil correctly and incorrectly. The "CORRECT" image shows the coil held parallel and close to the ground. The "INCORRECT" image shows the coil at an angle or too far from the ground. Figure 19 - Pinpointing the target with the Sovereign XS-2a Pro. This diagram depicts pinpointing the target, showing sweep directions and an imaginary line of strongest signal indicating the target's location. It also shows a second sweep at 90 degrees to the previous one for precise location.

The Sovereign XS-2a Pro will perform at its best when the BBS XS-2a coil is kept in close proximity to the ground. Inexperienced operators should practice maintaining a constant coil height at the extremity of each swing; maintaining contact with the ground will make this easier. This is important, as variation in coil height at the end of each swing can cause confusing sounds and will reduce detection depth.

When the approximate location of the target has been determined, move the coil slowly over the target. The audio tone will increase in volume while moving towards the target and decrease in volume as the coil is passed over it. The tone 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 BBS XS-2a Pro coil makes it easy to mark the ground directly above the target to aid recovery.

NOTE: Each sweep of the coil should overlap the last one. This will ensure good ground coverage.

Keeping the BBS XS-2 Pro coil in contact with the ground will increase detection depth and response to small objects.

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 handfuls 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 responses from metal items on or close to you.

Once again, always remember to refill holes.