IS THE MULTI-IQ THE SAME BETWEEN THE EQUINOX 600/800 AND THE EQUINOX 700/900?

The Multi-IQ engine in all EQUINOX series is the same, there are however processor enhancements in the EQUINOX 700 and EQUINOX 900 that allow the detector to provide users with better Iron Bias, target separation and discrimination depth.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DETECT MODE SEARCH PROFILES?

Park 1 (General/Coins)

Park 1 is optimised for modern coins and larger jewellery with a default discrimination pattern set to reject many common aluminium foil-like targets. Therefore, this is the ideal Profile to start with to learn EQUINOX before experimenting with the other Modes and more specialist settings. Park 1 Multi-IQ processes a lower frequency weighting of the multi-frequency signal, as well as using algorithms that maximise ground balancing for soil to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio. Hence Park 1 is most suited for general detecting and coin hunting.

Park 2 (Fine Jewerlly)

Park 2 is ideal for smaller targets in trash-infested (including ferrous trash) locations. It will detect a wider range of targets including low conductor (or higher frequency) targets, e.g. fine jewellery. All non-ferrous targets are accepted by default. Recovery Speed is increased to clearly identify good targets masked by iron trash. Target Tone is set to maximum to provide as much target information as possible via audio. Park 2 Multi-IQ processes a higher frequency weighted multi-frequency signal while ground balancing for soil.

Field 1 (Coins and Artefacts)

Park 2 is ideal for smaller targets in trash-infested (including ferrous trash) locations. It will detect a wider range of targets including low conductor (or higher frequency) targets, e.g. fine jewellery. All non-ferrous targets are accepted by default. Recovery Speed is increased to clearly identify good targets masked by iron trash. Target Tone is set to maximum to provide as much target information as possible via audio. Park 2 Multi-IQ processes a higher frequency weighted multi-frequency signal while ground balancing for soil.

Field 2 ( Fine coins and Artefacts)

Field 2 suits locations with high target and trash densities. It will better detect small hammered coins on their edge or at greater depth. The default discrimination pattern is set to reject most coke signals. Target Tone is set to maximum to enhance audio identification and Recovery Speed is faster. The first Tone Break has been set so that the coke signals will produce the same low tone as ferrous targets. Field 2 Multi-IQ processes a higher frequency weighted multi-frequency signal while ground balancing for soil.

Beach 1

Beach 1 is most useful for detecting in wet or dry beach sand and also in shallow water where conductive salt signals are prevalent. It has good sensitivity to coins and small/large jewellery. Beach 1 reduces the salt signal, while maintaining high transmit power, and still being sensitive to desirable targets. Beach 1 Multi-IQ processes a low frequency weighted multi-frequency signal, and uses special algorithms to maximise ground balancing for salt

Beach 2

Beach 2 gives the best results when either wading or shallow diving with the coil and/or detector fully submerged. In these instances, there is a very strong salt signal present, so Beach 2 has a lower transmit power, which results in much less noise. This profile may also be useful in dry conditions where there are extremely high ground noise levels. Beach 2 Multi-IQ processes a very low weighted multi-frequency combination, using the same algorithms as Beach 1 to maximise ground balancing for salt.

Multi-IQ (EQUINOX 800 & 900 only)

Gold 1

Gold 1 is suitable for searching for small gold nuggets in ‘mild’ ground. Most goldfield locations have a variable level of iron mineralisation that will require an ongoing Ground Balance adjustment, therefore Tracking Ground Balance is the default setting. The audio Threshold Level and Threshold Pitch are optimised for hunting for gold nuggets. Gold 1 Multi-IQ processes a high frequency weighted multi-frequency signal, while ground balancing for mineralised soil.

Gold 2

Gold 2 is best for searching for deeper gold nuggets in ‘difficult’ ground conditions. Gold 2 has a lower Recovery Speed, which will increase detection depth. However, more ground noise in more heavily mineralised grounds may result. Tracking Ground Balance is the default setting. The audio Threshold Level and Threshold Pitch are optimised for hunting for gold nuggets. Gold 2 Multi-IQ processes a high frequency weighted multifrequency signal, while ground balancing for mineralised soil.

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS DOES THE EQUINOX 700 AND 900 HAVE OVER THE EQUINOX 600 AND 800?

EQUINOX 700

•   Weight has been decreased to 1.27kg (2.8lb)
•   Waterproof to 5m (IP68)
•   Three piece collapsible shaft now 144cm - 61cm (56.7" - 24")
•   All carbon-fiber shafts
•   New, easily adjustable armrest
•   119 Target ID Range (-19 to 99)
•   119 discrimination notch segments
•   "Depth Pitch" audio option in all modes
•   Improved target separation
•   Improved ferrous rejection
•   Red LCD backlight
•   Keypad backlight
•   LED flashlight
•   Handle vibration target indication

EQUINOX 900

All above features

• Greater Sensitivity range 1 - 28
• Includes EQX06 6" waterproof DD coil

WHAT IS THE WEIGHT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE EQUINOX SERIES?

EQUINOX 700 and EQUINOX 900 have a weight of 2.8lbs

EQUINOX 600 and EQUINOX 800 have a weight of 2.95lbs

 WHAT IS THE COMPACTED LENGTH OF THE EQUINOX 700 / EQUINOX 900?

The new carbon-fiber shaft design allows users to pack the detector down to 61cm (24 in) and has a full extension of 144cm (56.7 in)

HOW DOES THE EQUINOX 700 AND 900 PERFORMANCE COMPARE WITH EQUINOX 600 AND 800?

Depth performance will differ depending on conditions and detector settings. Beach performance is better overall. Enhancements have been made to improve recovery speed, target separation and discrimination depth allowing users to have solid target IDs at better depths. EQUINOX 900 comes with 28 levels of sensitivity allowing more depth where environmental conditions allow the sensitivity to be turned up.

The EQUINOX 600 and 700 offer a choice of 4 single selectable frequencies:

• 4kHz
• 5 kHz
• 10 kHz
• 15 kHz

The EQUINOX 800 and 900 offers the choice of 6 single selectable frequencies:

• 4kHz
• 5 kHz
• 10 kHz
• 15 kHz
• 20 kHz
• 40 kHz

The EQUINOX 600 and 700 offer a choice of 4 single selectable frequencies: 4kHz

• 4 kHz
• 5 kHz
• 10 kHz
• 15 kHz

WHEN SHOULD I USE GOLD MODE ON THE EQUINOX 800 OR 900?

Gold Mode is designed to enhance performance on small gold nuggets in mineralized ground. It does so primarily by using different audio processing so that targets respond both in volume and pitch. The Gold Mode will be of interest to gold prospectors but has less application for other uses.

CAN I STILL FIND GOLD WITH AN EQUINOX 600 OR 700?

While the EQUINOX 600 and 700 do not have a dedicated Gold prospecting mode. Multi-IQ is so good in both Park 2 and Field 2, that these profiles are as good, or better, at finding gold nuggets than many dedicated single-frequency gold detectors. Multi-IQ provides very stable ID’s which is great for choosing what targets to dig in a goldfield.

WHAT IS IRON BIAS?

Iron Bias is a setting that lets you choose how you want iron in the ground to sound. If you have a low setting, more of the iron will come through as a good target to dig up. This will also give you the best chance of finding any valuable non-ferrous targets nestled among the iron.

However, if you desire to hear less false audio sounds from the iron in the ground, try increasing the Iron Bias setting.

IS THE IRON BIAS THE SAME ACROSS THE EQUINOX SERIES?

The Iron Bias in the EQUINOX 700 and EQUINOX 900 has had some changes to improve discrimination depth.

EQUINOX 600 and 800 have the option to choose either FE Iron Bias or F2 Iron Bias. FE Iron Bias will provide control over the target ID response. F2 Iron Bias will provide tone and target ID response adjustment for a wider range of ferrous targets.

Iron Bias in the EQUINOX 700 and EQUINOX 900 is based off the F2 Iron Bias in the EQUINOX 600 and EQUINOX 800 but allows even better overall depth detection and target separation. Because of this there is no F2 option available in the EQUINOX 700 or EQUINOX 900.

WHAT ACCESSORY COILS ARE AVAILABLE?

• EQX06 / EQX|06 (6” round Double-D coil)
• EQX11 / EQX|11 (11” round Double-D coil)
• EQX15 / EQX|15 (15”x12” Double-D coil)

CAN I USE A COIL FROM A DIFFERENT MODEL SUCH AS THE CTX 3030 OR VANQUISH ON AN EQUINOX?

No, they have different technology requirements and are not compatible. Only Minelab EQX coils are compatible with EQUINOX series detectors.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING 119 TARGET IDS?

Having a larger target ID scale allows the detector to provide the user with more information on the target prior to digging it. This allows users to identify more targets individually which will help determine if the target is valuable or trash.

IS MULTI ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE SINGLE FREQUENCIES?

In general, Multi is superior to the single frequencies when using an EQUINOX. However, there may be specialised situations where a particular frequency has a unique advantage. The EQUINOX Series offers users simultaneous Multi-Frequency plus a wide range of single selectable frequencies for specialist situations.

CAN I RESET AN INDIVIDUAL SEARCH PROFILE?

Yes, there is no need to perform a full factory reset. Individual Search Profiles can easily be returned to their factory preset settings. Only the local settings will be reset and any global settings will remain in their last-use state.

Navigate to the Detect Mode Search Profile you wish to reset.

Press and hold the Detect Mode button for 5 seconds.

SP will appear on the Target ID Display when a Detect Mode Search Profile is reset.

CAN I DETECT OVER BLACK SAND ON A BEACH?

Beach Mode automatically senses black sand and reduces the transmit power to ensure that targets can still be detected without overloading occurring. When black sand is sensed, the Beach Overload Indicator will appear on the LCD. When this icon disappears, full transmit power automatically resumes.

WHAT IS DEPTH PITCH?

Depth Pitch is an audio mode that provides a continuous pitch audio with no threshold tone. It provides separate audio for ferrous and non-ferrous targets with a variable pitch.

Small or deep targets providing a weaker signal will have a lower pitch.

Large or shallow targets providing a stronger signal will have a higher pitch.

HOW ROBUST IS THE EQUINOX 700 AND EQUINOX 900?

EQUINOX 700 and EQUINOX 900 have been designed to handle harsh outdoor environments. Our testing includes drop tests up to 1m, flex and water ingress testing. Both models are IP68 rated and can be submerged up to 5m (16ft)

CAN WE USE THE NEW CARBON-FIBER SHAFTS ON THE EQUINOX 600 OR EQUINOX 800?

Middle and Lower shafts can be mixed. They are not identical in size so they may not provide an exact fit. Upper shafts cannot be changed as the physical mounting point of the control pod is different.

CAN I USE THE MAGNETIC CHARGER SUPPLIED WITH THE EQUINOX 600 OR 800 ON THE EQUINOX 700 OR 900?

The supplied magnetic USB charge cable can be used on all models in the EQUINOX series.

THE SUPPLIED MAGNETIC USB CHARGE CABLE CAN BE USED ON ALL MODELS IN THE EQUINOX SERIES?

The charge time, from completely flat to 100%, is approximately 4 hours when charged with a high capacity charger (>1.7A @ 5V).

HOW CAN I MAXIMISE MY BATTERY LIFE?

Avoid charging or using in extreme temperatures.

• Avoid rapid extreme temperature swings.
• Use only Minelab or Minelab recommended USB chargers and avoid so-called ultrafast chargers from third-parties that claim to fully charge Li-ION batteries in less than one hour.    
• Before storing the detector for prolonged periods, the battery should be charged to approximately 50-60%. On the EQUINOX Battery Status Indicator, 2-bars is the optimum charge for prolonged storage. Maintaining the 2-bar charge periodically during extended storage is also advisable. Extended storage in temperatures less than 30oC (86’F) will also minimize degradation to Li-ION battery life

WHICH USB CHARGERS CAN I USE TO CHARGE THE EQUINOX?

Use only reputable and certified USB Chargers when charging the EQUINOX battery as detailed below:

High Quality 2A USB Chargers with a minimum capacity of 2A @ +5V will yield a full charge time of approximately 4 hours. a. Typical examples are Apple™ and Samsung™ branded chargers.

Minelab Accessory USB Chargers with a minimum capacity of 2A @ +5V will yield a full charge time of approximately 4 hours.

• Car Charger 2-Way EQUINOX, Part Number: 3011-0375

Standard USB 2.0 Port with a maximum capacity of 0.5A @ +5V will yield a full charge time of approximately 18 hours. a. Any USB 2.0 Port on a computer b. A USB Power bank

CAN I USE QUICKCHARGE™ USB CHARGERS?

The EQUINOX detectors support charging from devices that comply to the USB 2.0 standard. QuickCharge™ is a proprietary standard develop by Qualcomm that uses a higher voltage and is not compatible with EQUINOX detectors.

CAN I REPLACE THE BATTERY?

The Li-ION battery contained in the handle is replaceable and covered under warranty for a period of 1 year (12 months) from the date of purchase. Minelab recommends using an Authorised Service Centre to avoid potentially damaging the waterproof seal and voiding the detector warranty.

EQUINOX 600 and EQUINOX 800 batteries are not compatible with the EQUINOX 700 or EQUINOX 900.

CHARGING FROM A USB POWER BANK

You can charge your EQUINOX detector by using a USB power bank when detecting on land, without any limitations. However, the detector must not be used underwater whilst charging or when connected to a power bank.

If the EQUINOX battery is flat connecting to a power bank will allow you to continue to use the detector. If there is spare capacity in the power bank it will both power and charge the detector.

HOW LONG DOES THE LI-ION BATTERY LAST ON A SINGLE CHARGE?

Typical runtime, from a full charge using wired headphones, is approximately 12 hours. The EQUINOX Series detectors can also be powered directly from any USB Power Bank that supports 0.5A or 2A (@ 5V) output capability. This effectively gives a continuous runtime only limited by the power banks being used.

WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF THE BUILT-IN LI-ION BATTERY?

Longevity for all batteries depends on a number of factors that are often controllable to some degree by the user; such as temperature, charge levels when stored, charge cycles etc. The most common cause of reduced life of Li-ION batteries is keeping a fully charged battery at elevated temperatures.

As with all components used in our detectors, we stringently source only modern high quality components from responsible vendors. We do not expect users to experience any battery issues over years of use. Our experience with the CTX 3030 and GPZ 7000 detectors which both use Li-ION batteries is that the vast majority of users have never needed to purchase a replacement battery.

DOES THE BATTERY CHARGE WHEN I USE A USB POWER BANK?

Yes. If the detector is being used, when powered by a USB power bank, the battery may charge at a slower rate if there is enough spare capacity in the power bank.

CAN I CONTINUE TO USE THE EQUINOX IF THE INTERNAL LI-ION BATTERY RUNS FLAT?

Yes. Connecting your Equinox to a power bank will allow you to continue to use it even if the battery is low/flat. The power bank will charge the detector, which will continue operating as normal.

CAN I CONTINUE TO USE THE WM 08 WITH MY EQUINOX 600 OR 800 IF ITS INTERNAL LI-ION BATTERY RUNS FLAT?

Yes. Connecting the WM 08 to a power bank will allow you to continue to use it even if the battery is low/flat. The power bank will charge the WM 08, which will continue operating as normal.

Please note that the WM08 is not compatible with the EQUINOX 700 OR EQUINOX 900

WHY DO I HAVE TO RE-PAIR MY BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES TO MY EQUINOX 600 OR 800 AGAIN?

Re-pairing will be required if a different wireless device has been connected to the Equinox 600 or Equinox 800 (e.g. WM 08), or following a detector factory reset.

CAN I CONNECT MY BLUETOOTH HEARING AID TO THE EQUINOX 600 OR EQUINOX 800?

AUDIO

Bluetooth® Hearing Aids are largely intended to allow the wearer to intentionally connect to other Bluetooth® compatible devices, such as phones and audio streams. They enable the wearer to stream audio on-the-go without having to remove the hearing aid and insert earbuds.

The EQUINOX 600 and EQUINOX 800 detectors are Bluetooth® compatible devices.

While there are various different types of streaming audio hearing aids available on the market, if the hearing aid supports Bluetooth® A2DP or Bluetooth® aptX-Low Latency™ then it will be compatible with the EQUINOX 600 and EQUINOX 800 detectors.

Pairing with the EQUINOX 600 or EQUINOX 800 is achieved by pressing and holding the Wireless button on the side of the Control Unit for 5 seconds.

While pairing is being performed the Wireless icon on the LCD will flash rapidly for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds the Bluetooth® icon will start flashing on the LCD to indicate a Bluetooth device is being paired.

The initial pairing may take up to 5 minutes. During the pairing process the user should not press the Wireless button as this will stop the pairing process.

Once paired, the EQUINOX 600 or EQUINOX 800 will display a solid Bluetooth® icon on the top right of the LCD. If the hearing aid is aptX-Low Latency™ Bluetooth compatible the ‘+’ icon will also be displayed.

Consult your Hearing Aid User Manual for additional pairing instructions specific to your hearing aid.

Please note that EQUINOX 700 and EQUINOX 900 are not currently compatible with hearing aids.

CAN I USE BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES WITH THE EQUINOX 600?

Yes, the Equinox 600 can still pair to Bluetooth A2DP or Bluetooth aptX-Low Latency headphones.

SHOULD I WASH MY EQUINOX SERIES DETECTOR AFTER USING AT THE BEACH?

Yes. It is good practice to wash the detector with clean fresh water after detecting in water or on the beach. Never use abrasives or solvents to clean the detector.

Whenever washing or using your detector underwater always ensure that the plastic bung on the rear of the control pod is firmly screwed into the headphone jack.

DO I NEED TO PUT GREASE ON THE DETECTOR BEFORE USING IN WATER?

No. It is not necessary to lubricate or grease any part of the detector, including the waterproof seals. Using any petroleum-based grease will damage the waterproof seals and void the warranty.

I DETECT IN WATER. WHICH HEADPHONES SHOULD I USE?

If deep wading or fully submerged, we recommend using only Minelab Waterproof EQUINOX Headphones. These have a specially engineered connector that forms a waterproof seal when used with the EQUINOX. These headphones are available as an accessory from your local Minelab authorised dealership (Part Number: 3011-0372)