Minelab Excalibur II Metal Detector: Comprehensive Guide
The Minelab Excalibur II is a renowned underwater and beach metal detector. Favored by both hobbyists and professional treasure hunters for its exceptional. Performance in wet environments. Engineered to operate seamlessly on land and underwater, the Excalibur II is ideal for those who frequently. Search in challenging environments such as beaches, lakes, rivers, and even the ocean. This guide will provide an in-depth look at the features. Specifications, setup process, and best practices for using. The Minelab Excalibur II, making it easier for you to understand and fully leverage its capabilities.
Introduction to the Excalibur II
The Minelab Excalibur II is a metal detector specifically designed for underwater and wet sand detection. It is a favored choice for those searching for submerged treasure, whether in the shallows or deeper underwater. Its design incorporates Minelab’s BBS (Broad Band Spectrum) technology. Which allows the detector to operate at multiple frequencies simultaneously. Providing exceptional depth and sensitivity. The Excalibur II is fully submersible up to a depth of 200 feet (66 meters), making it an excellent choice for serious underwater detecting.
With its distinct design and robust build, the Excalibur II is more than just a metal detector. It’s a specialized tool for those who are passionate about finding hidden. Treasures in the most challenging environments.
Key Features of the Excalibur II
BBS Technology
The Excalibur II operates using Minelab’s BBS technology. Which transmits multiple frequencies ranging from 1.5 kHz to 25.5 kHz simultaneously. This broad frequency range enhances the detector’s. Ability to find targets of varying sizes and compositions. Particularly in mineralized environments like saltwater and wet sand. The multi-frequency operation also helps in reducing. False signals and improving target identification accuracy.
Fully Submersible Design
One of the standout features of the Excalibur II is its fully waterproof and submersible design. The detector is built to withstand underwater pressures at depths of up to 200 feet (66 meters). Making it suitable for scuba divers and snorkelers. The waterproof capability extends to all components. including the search coil, control box, and headphones. Ensuring consistent performance even in the most demanding conditions.
Superior Ground Balance
The Excalibur II is equipped with automatic ground balance. Which adjusts to different ground conditions without requiring manual calibration. This feature is particularly useful when transitioning between wet sand. Dry sand, and underwater environments. Allowing the detector to maintain optimal sensitivity and discrimination without user intervention.
Ergonomic and Durable Design
The Excalibur II is designed with user comfort and durability in mind. It features an ergonomic shaft and balanced weight distribution. Making it comfortable to use for extended periods. The control housing can be mounted either on the shaft or on a belt to reduce arm fatigue. Additionally, the device is built to withstand harsh environments. With a sturdy construction that can endure saltwater, sand, and rough handling.
Advanced Target Discrimination
The Excalibur II offers advanced target discrimination. Allowing users to distinguish between desirable and undesirable targets effectively. The detector provides a clear audio signal for different types of metals. Helping users to identify targets without digging unnecessary holes. This feature is particularly useful in environments with a lot of trash, such as heavily visited beaches.
Rechargeable Battery System
The Excalibur II comes with a rechargeable NiMH battery pack, providing up to 12 hours of continuous operation on a single charge. This long battery life is essential for all-day detecting sessions. Especially when you’re out in remote locations where recharging might not be immediately possible.
Specifications
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Operating Frequencies: Multi-frequency (1.5 kHz – 25.5 kHz)
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Waterproof Depth: Up to 200 feet (66 meters)
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Weight: Approximately 2.3 kg (5.1 pounds)
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Battery Type: Rechargeable NiMH battery pack
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Coil Size: Standard 10-inch Double-D coil (waterproof)
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Audio Output: Waterproof headphones included
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Discrimination: Advanced multi-tone audio discrimination
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Ground Balance: Automatic
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Operating Modes: Discriminate and Pinpoint
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Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
How to Use the Excalibur II Metal Detector
Initial Setup
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Assembly: Attach the search coil to the lower shaft and secure it tightly. Connect the lower shaft to the upper shaft and adjust the length to suit your height. Mount the control box either on the shaft or on a belt using the provided accessories.
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Battery Installation:. Install the rechargeable battery pack by sliding it into the compartment on the control box and securing it with the latch. Ensure it is fully charged before heading out to detect.
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Power On: Turn on the detector by rotating the power knob. The Excalibur II will perform a brief self-check before it’s ready to use.
Adjusting Settings
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Select Operating Mode:. Choose between Discriminate mode, which helps in filtering out unwanted targets, and Pinpoint mode. Which provides a more precise location of the detected item.
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Adjust Sensitivity: Set the sensitivity to a level that offers clear signals without too much background noise. Lower sensitivity in highly mineralized areas to reduce false signals.
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Discrimination:. Adjust the discrimination settings to eliminate unwanted targets such as iron and foil. The Excalibur II provides audio feedback that changes tone based on the type of metal detected, which can be fine-tuned to your preference.
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Volume Control: Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using the volume control knob on the control box.
Detecting Techniques
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Sweep the Coil: Slowly sweep the coil side-to-side, maintaining a consistent height above the ground or sea floor. Overlap each sweep to ensure thorough coverage.
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Interpreting Audio Signals: Pay attention to the different audio tones produced by the detector. Higher-pitched tones usually indicate non-ferrous metals like gold. Silver, and copper, while lower-pitched tones often signify ferrous metals like iron.
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Pinpointing: Switch to Pinpoint mode to accurately locate the target’s position. This mode is especially useful for recovering small items or items buried deep in the sand.
Target Recovery
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Mark the Spot: Once you’ve pinpointed the target, mark the area to avoid losing track of it while preparing to dig.
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Dig Carefully: Use a digging tool, scoop, or sand scoop to retrieve the target. Be cautious not to damage the item during recovery.
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Recheck the Hole: After removing the target, scan the hole again to ensure no additional targets are present.
Best Practices and Tips
Regular Maintenance
After each use, especially in saltwater environments, rinse the detector thoroughly. With fresh water to remove salt, sand, and debris. This will help prevent corrosion and prolong the life of the detector. Ensure the battery compartment is sealed tightly to prevent water ingress.
Battery Care
Always recharge the battery after each use to ensure it’s ready for the next detecting session. If storing the detector for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage and damage.
Optimize Settings for Different Environments
Experiment with sensitivity and discrimination settings depending on the environment. For instance. Lower sensitivity and higher discrimination might be needed in trashy areas. While higher sensitivity and lower discrimination might be better in cleaner environments.
Practice Target Identification
Spend time learning the different audio tones associated with various metals. Practicing on known targets will help you become more adept at identifying targets based on audio signals alone.
Use Proper Equipment
In addition to the detector, use appropriate tools like a sand scoop, digging tool, and gloves. This will make target recovery faster and safer, especially in challenging environments.
Conclusion
The Minelab Excalibur II is an exceptional metal detector for those who are serious about underwater and beach detecting. Its multi-frequency operation, waterproof design, and advanced discrimination capabilities. Make it a versatile and powerful tool for finding treasures in wet and submerged environments. By understanding the features and best practices outlined in this guide. Users can maximize their success and enjoyment while using the Excalibur II. Whether you’re hunting for coins, jewelry, or relics. The Excalibur II is equipped to help you discover valuable treasures beneath the waves.
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Personal Experience
I have Personally used this detector. It gives you a good depth into the ground. it is a very strong detector it doesn’t matter if dropped it is made of good quality it also gives you a good drop. Also gives you warranty. Initially it gives you little problem to operate but once you get the hang of it then it becomes very easy. for you first I learned it my self and then it It is very easy to use and Good metal detector on the ground.
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