Minelab E-Trac User Manual

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Metal detectors create an electromagnetic
(EM) field around the coil, which penetrates
the ground. Because metal is conductive it
causes a change in this field. The detector
senses this change through the coil and
sends a signal back to the control box,
alerting the operator.
Metal detectors can determine the size, shape
and composition of metallic objects beneath
the coil. Typically, the larger the object, the
easier it is to detect.
A metal detector’s EM operating frequencies
are measured in kilohertz (kHz). Low
frequency EM fields (e.g. 1.5kHz) penetrate
the ground deeply, but sensitivity to smaller
targets is low. High frequency EM fields (e.g.
65kHz) have a shallower depth of penetration,
but sensitivity to small targets is high.
E-Trac’s multiple frequency operation provides
the advantage of both; good depth and
high sensitivity.
How Metal Detectors Work The Technology of E-Trac
Full Band Spectrum (FBS)
Most detectors on the market operate on a
single or dual frequency, ranging from 1 to 70
kilohertz (kHz).
Although this technology has served the
industry well for years, Minelab found that
a frequency that worked well in one area
would often offer only marginal performance
when used in another location. Ground
mineralisation, trash content and target size
all had an effect on how effectively a
detector transmitting a single frequency
would operate.
FBS technology combines Minelab’s
multiple frequency BBS (Broad Band
Spectrum) technology with a powerful new
microprocessor to give:
• Greaterdetectingdepth
• Highsensitivityoverawiderange
of targets
• Lessinterferencefromelectromagnetic
sources
• Moreaccurateidenticationoftarget
characteristics
The FBS circuit automatically transmits
multiple frequencies simultaneously. This
increased frequency range means that the
signal received from the detector coil is
analysed from a wide range of responses.
This allows E-Trac to analyse more target
information so that the target identification
(ID) is more accurate.
Minelab’s unique FBS technology means
deep, sensitive, accurate detecting.
Discrimination (Disc.)
Discrimination is the ability of a metal
detector to identify your desired targets (e.g.
coins and jewellery) and eliminate signals
from undesirable material (e.g. nails).
E-Trac can be programmed in a number
of ways to discriminate against unwanted
targets in different types of ground.
Ground Compensation
E-Trac uses a sophisticated approach to the
elimination of ground mineralisation. It uses
advanced digital filtering to eliminate the
influence of ground signals. This is achieved
automatically, allowing you to concentrate on
detecting targets.
Single Frequency
FBS Comparison
Dual Frequency
Multiple Frequency

Minelab E-Trac Specifications

General

Transmission Technology	Full Band Spectrum (FBS) Multifrequency Technology
Microprocessor	32bit, 48MHz microprocessor – fast and powerful
Coil	Ultra-lightweight 11” Double D (DD) waterproof coil
Connectivity	USB connector for communication with Personal Computer
Software	Intuitive User Interface; Fast Target processing; Multi-language functionality
QuickMask™	Fast and Easy adjustment of Ferrous and Conductivity Discrimination
User Modes	4 Minelab Modes and 4 My Modes
Depth Gauge	Accurate Gauge active in Normal detecting and Pinpoint mode
Pinpoint	Non-motion with modulated audio and visual Crosshair on LCD, 2 Modes – Normal and Sizing
Discrimination	2 Dimensional Smartfind™ Discrimination
Target Identification	2 Dimensional Smartfind™ Size / Conductivity and Ferrous characteristics Conductivity 1-50, Ferrous 1-35
Sensitivity Adjustment	Fully Automatic; adjustable to be more aggressive or conservative, Manual Setting 1-30
Sensitivity Gauge	Auto Level, Manual Level, Suggested Level
Threshold	Fine adjustment level from 1-50
Recovery Speed	Selectable Fast & Deep
Trash Density	Low for areas with isolated targets or High, for areas with more trash
Noise Cancel	Automatic & Manual selection of 11 channels
Audio Response	4 Settings: Normal, Long, Smooth, Pitch Hold
Tone ID Number of Tones	1, 2, 4 and Multi-tone; customizable for Conductivity or Ferrous response
Tone ID Variability	30 adjustable steps for better Target Identification
Headphone	Input ¼” 100Ω Stereo Jack
Ground Balance Modes	Auto Ground Compensation - Advanced Digital Filtering
Ground Settings	Neutral for most ground conditions, Difficult for more mineralized soils
Batteries	1600 mAh NiMH or Alkaline batteries
Low Battery Audio Alarm	Audio and visual indication
Visual Display	Large 3.4” (8.65cm) greyscale LCD panel with Contrast adjustment and Backlight
Patents	US 4890064; US 5537041; US 5506506