Overview of the Minelab X-Terra 70 by Des Dunnes

[X-Terra70_TreasureHunter]

X-terra 70 product review
New Product Review:
The new Minelab X-Terra 70-
By Des Dunne
INTRODUCTION
In Minelab’s newly introduced X-Terra range, the brand new flagship X-Terra 70 model offers Extreme Versatility. What do I mean by that? Well, versatility comes in the form of being able to gain as many benefits and advantages from a particular detector to enable its successful use in many different soils and detecting environments without having to carry extra detectors to utilize any particular advantage that one or the other might have to offer. Take your choice of car for example. You want to carry your family in safety and you want to drive on normal roads, off road on rough terrain to your detecting sites, traverse the odd flood and other bad weather that mother-nature may throw at you. So, what do you do? You buy a 4 X 4 model – to “multi task” your requirements with just one vehicle.
With X-Terra 70 you can also “multi-task” with just one metal detector with the addition of 3 very different search frequencies to enable you to cover the entire range of detecting requirements that could possibly be thought of.
How is this done?
It is achieved through Minelab’s very own and unique patented “V Flex System”.


Q. So what exactly is V Flex and how can it benefit me in the field?

V FLEX EXPLAINED:

A. V Flex uses state of the art digital and mixed-signal components to enhance standard single frequency VLF technology by replacing most of the analogue circuitry with digital signal processing. The small amount of analogue circuitry still employed has been very carefully designed and calibrated to obtain the outstanding sensitivity, stability and repeatability required to match the performance of the processing in the digital domain. This radical departure from traditional approaches to metal detector design has been made possible by advances in electronics that power personal digital devices such as mobile cell phones and tiny portable audio devices such as the new I Pods.

Q. What does this mean for the X-Terra user?

A. For the X-Terra owner this precision means dependable performance and improved immunity to environmental conditions, such as ground mineralization, electromagnetic interference and temperature variations.
V-Flex requires search coils (heads/loops) that are hand-built and calibrated to a very high standard. Each time the detector starts up a primary micro-processor in the control box begins the digital signal processing and a secondary micro-processor inside the search coil recognizes:
1. The coil type configuration (concentric or DD)
2. Coil size
3. Frequency in Khz of that coil.
So, it is not the detector’s control box that sets the frequency used, but the actual search coil that controls the frequency chosen from a low to a high Khz setting. For example, if you want to search deeper for larger objects use a low frequency coil. If you want to search to a shallow depth and make very small finds in stubble/plow rows for example use a higher frequency coil.

It’s all about the coil
The V-Flex Advantage

The Minelab VFlex system is the only coil initiated frequency shift system on the market today and offers the best range of coils available and, each additional coil acquired is perfectly matched to your X-Terra 70. Essentially, V-Flex offers the unique feature of utilizing one control box and having the option to acquire, fit and use as one wishes dependant on the type of surfaces (land/sea) searched and for specific targets offering super results by being able to hone in on targets of a very low to medium to a very high conductivity either deep shallow large or small.

1. Low Frequency 3Khz – great for high conductive targets typically at deeper levels and less sensitive to small low conductive trash such as cut up metal shards.
2. Medium Frequency 7.5Khz – great general purpose search coil which should cover most searcher’s needs – good depth – great discrimination – sharp accurate signals.
3. High Frequency 18.75Khz – this would be the prospector’s coil of choice for seeking out tiny gold nuggets – a “magic” coil for European hunters who seek out very small low conductive targets typically at shallower depths or angled inside plow furrows that might ordinarily be difficult targets with other set ups – amazingly, this coil is a “hot performer” for small gold jewelry targets in salt water areas – with a slight lean to signal more ferrous targets which would ordinarily reject easier with a medium or lower frequency coil –marginally less depth than the other coils mentioned but not much depth loss in reality – the XTRA sensitivity to gold and small silver should compensate for any loss of depth which may or may not result – this of course dependant on the soil type in your area. High Frequency coils are available as a 9” Concentric and a 10x5” elliptical which would be a good choice in tight areas to get closer to trees, rocks and beach walls etc.

New innovation destined to become a classic

We’re very excited about the new addition to the rapidly growing X-Terra system.
The X-Terra 70 combines cutting-edge technology and breathtaking performance in an easy-to-use, ultra compact and remarkable affordable package.
Put simply, the X-Terra 70 is the most powerful, most user-friendly metal detector in its class – and it’s the lightest too. Prepare to throw away any preconceptions about what an affordable high-performance detector means – the X-Terra 70 is a full featured high-performance detector and features all the benefits of the acclaimed V-Flex system. We set out to make the best mid to high range metal detector in its class.

Designed to be used everywhere

The X-Terra series was designed from the start with the user in mind – meaning a menu that make sense - buttons that are strategically located - easy to understand and operate. Include a wide range of automatic settings covering every imaginable detecting situation and superb, stable handling. If you prefer a more “hands-on” approach you’ll love the X-Terra 70 manual controls with direct button access to all the important stuff from Sensitivity to Threshold to manually Ground Balancing on land and in the new innovative Beach Ground Balance Mode to eliminate salt effect. The X-Terra 70 has the ability to grow with the user and has a feature list long enough to satisfy even the most demanding detector fan.

SPECIFICATION & FEATURES OF X-TERRA 70
Transmission Technology VFLEX Single Frequency Sine Wave
Coil Frequency options NEW 3 (Standard 7.5kHz, Low 3kHz, High 18.75kHz)
Detection modes NEW 2 (Coin & Relic; Prospecting)
Ground balance modes NEW 2 (Normal; Salt Water Beach)
Ground balance
adjustment modes NEW 3 (Manual, Auto, Track)
Target identification Digital numeric display & tone
Audio Tone ID’s for target NEW Selectable: 1, 2, 3, 4 or multi-tone
Threshold Tone NEW YES
Discrimination NEW 28 Multi-Segment Notching (Accept/Reject); Iron mask (prospecting mode)
Discrimination patterns NEW 3 + All metal
Personal Settings Customized discrimination patterns & smart save settings
Depth Maximized
Depth indication Icons 5
Sensitivity adjustments NEW Manual (1 – 30)
Noise Cancel adjustment NEW 5 (-2,-1,0,1,2); Auto
Pinpoint Non-motion modulated audio & visual
Volume adjustment 0 – 30
Low Battery Audio Alarm Yes
Visual Display Positive Reflective LCD
Audio Internal Speaker and Headphone Output
Search Mode Motion Detector
Batteries 4 x AA Alkaline or (NiMH/NiCad accessory)
Padded armrest 4 position adjustable with stand & armstrap
Length extended 56” (1.42m)
Length un-extended 48” (1.22m)
Weight (including batteries) 2.9Lbs (1.3kg)
Optional accessories Headphones, Skidplate, Environmental Cover, Coils, Short Shaft
Patents Pending

New Features:

Here is a quick glance at some of the NEW features of X-Terra 70

- Audio options: single, 2, 3, 4-tone, or multi-tone
- Auto Ground balance and Tracking
- Manual Ground Balance
- Increased Discrimination segments
- Beach (Expanded) GB Mode, which can balance out salt and ferrous targets
- Prospecting mode with adjustable IM, and variable threshold tone
- 3 Disc Patterns + All-Metal
- Coins “+” ID stabilizer for very mineralized ground
- Auto or manual 5 position noise cancel
- Threshold based disc mode
- Choice of 3 Coil frequencies: 18.75kHz (CC, DD ellipt), 7.5kHz (CC) and NEW 3 kHz(CC)

All of the above are in addition to the excellent features found on the X-Terra 30 & 50 such as: bold, easy to read LCD display; excellent ferrous discrimination; accurate pin-pointing; multi-notch accept/reject; one touch all-metal mode; lightweight, balanced design; and sharp target response.

Coins Plus - Target ID Stability, “+” Mode

In heavily mineralised ground, the abnormally high ground response can alter the way a detector normally reads a coin or other target, which will effect the ID stability on all Target ID detectors. What this means is that you may be walking over good targets that are being rejected and you wouldn't even know! The target ID stabilizer on the X-Terra 70 uses a special Filter specifically designed for high mineralisation, which makes a better decision on the type of target that is in the ground. The result of this is a more consistent ID on targets that you may have overlooked as junk, so you could dig a lot more keepers at the end of the day. If the ground conditions are very bad, i.e. high iron content, heavy clays etc. then it is preferable to use the 10x5" DD elliptical coil in conjunction with the Target ID Stabilizer.

NOTE: Be aware that variable ID's on junk targets may also be stabilized, so in normal ground conditions it is preferable to operate it in the normal mode.

Benefits of Threshold in Disc Mode

A lot of coin detectors in the lower price bracket operate on a silent threshold. This is good for beginners, as it is easier to just dig when the detector says “beep”. However, there a lot of drawbacks, the main ones being poor differentiation between trash and good targets, reduced sensitivity, difficulty in setting ground balance (if the detector has GB), and not really knowing where to set your sensitivity. With the addition of the new Threshold feature on the X-Terra 70, if you have the sensitivity set too high you will hear the threshold chatter cut in and out as the ground mineral content changes. This is your cue to reduce the sensitivity setting, till the threshold remains stable. Even though you are now using LESS sensitivity, it will actually help you find MORE targets as the coil is not being blinded by too much information and is able to process target information more accurately, which at the end of the day means less junk, and more good targets.

A threshold also improves the quality of target signals, and lets you know you have passed over junk by momentarily blanking the audio. Experienced operators will all tell you that the presence of junk is very important, as wherever people have been, they unfortunately always leave junk behind.


Prospecting Mode

The prospecting mode on the X-Terra 70 isn't just an all-metal mode; it has been designed for detecting targets in difficult soil conditions with better depth and sensitivity compared to the Discriminate mode. There may be situations where you will achieve better performance with the Prospecting mode, not only when nugget hunting. The Prospecting Mode features an adjustable Iron Mask, which is similar to an expanded ferrous discrimination range, which has a scale of 0 -20. Now even on the maximum setting of 20, most low conductive non-ferrous targets will still be detected, but it will reject small nails, mild steel washers, wire etc., which can be of use for relic and jewellery hunters, and even coin hunters working an old site with unusually deep targets. The prospecting mode produces signals with a tone modulated audio response similar to the pinpoint mode, which makes it very easy to hear faint target signals (wear good quality headphones always).

Tracking, Auto & Manual Ground Balance

Being ground balanced to a particular area improves target ID accuracy, increases a detectors overall stability, and allows you to use a higher sensitivity setting. The X-Terra 70 has a very wide ground balance (GB) range, so ground balancing manually from site to site can be a long process, as you may have to toggle through many steps. By simply pressing the Auto button it will ground balance for you. The Auto balance is very accurate and will normally select the optimum GB position, and you can fine-tune it manually with the + and – buttons, if required.
If you are in a new site you should press the GB button periodically, maybe every 15 metres or so, and check your GB setting. If the ground is changing you will have to readjust the ground balance, which is usually only one or two numbers in either direction. If the GB setting appears to be staying around a particular number, i.e. 22-26, you could leave it on 24 and the detector will remain stable for that area.

Beach ground balance

If you are detecting on wet beach sand, it is best to select Beach GB, as this will allow a higher sensitivity setting to be used. To activate Beach GB, simply press the GB button, then press and hold the button again until the Beach Umbrella icon is displayed on the screen. If you want to detect all over the beach from the dry sand down to the wet sand, then it is easier to leave it in Beach G.B, and then set your Sensitivity to suit the wet sand. That way, you won't have to adjust the detector settings for the remainder of the session. For optimum performance it is best to work the dry and wet sand sections of a beach separately, which will allow you to operate the detector at its optimum sensitivity level.

Tracking on the beach

Tracking can be an advantage on some beaches where the mineralisation levels change rapidly. One thing to remember is that the Tracking speed when in Beach GB is very fast (approx. twice the speed of Tracking in normal GB) so you need to use extra caution when investigating deep targets - if you sweep over it too many times the signal will diminish, and can go away all together! Also, in high trash pockets on the beach, the presence of so many targets will upset the GB setting, and you may experience erratic performance - so these sections are best worked with a Fixed GB. The faster Track speed in Beach GB can be a good feature to use in other areas, and may be an advantage in highly variable goldfield soils, and some relic sites, but if conditions allow, the Normal GB is the preferred mode.




Performance

Illustrated are just some of the many finds that surfaced from beneath the ground and beaches as testing of X-Terra 70 was carried out over a long period of time. In fact I had a wonderful dare I say it, fluke run of good luck especially on hammered and Victorian silver coins finding one almost every day I went out. What impressed mostly was the sheer stability of X-70: the sudden crisp sharp and unmistakable “dig me” signals: the dependability of the many really usable functions of the machine: plus being able to check signals in so many ways and modes. The Prospecting Mode is great to “cross check” suspect signals which one might never even have thought about doing. There is more than sufficient information to the eyes and ears via the other features such as Target ID Number, Multi-Tone (can help ID older ring pulls) and coin depth indication etc.

The Charles 1st low grade silver coin (ID 12 shown above) was found while operating in All-Metal Mode using the new Multi-Tone feature in a field that I thought had been depleted of finds. Two tones (one low the other marginally higher) indicated that a non-ferrous item was close to a ferrous one. The depth indicator showed a shallow value and digging revealed a, worn crooked silver “love token” two inches from a large fist sized triangular piece of rusted iron. Testament indeed to the X- 70’s ease at which it can winkle finds from in amongst the iron. The 1567 Elizabeth 1st shilling (ID 8 shown right) came from a different site just as a cloudburst had me running for shelter and a clear signal revealed this little bit of history from the dip of a plow furrow. Many of these coins are unfortunately holed.

On the wet sand areas of beaches the new Beach Ground Balance came into play which allowed higher sensitivity levels at times as high as 22 to be used. Most of the time I left the detector do an Auto Beach GB (umbrella icon on) and found it very accurate and manual tweaking was easy to fine-tune if needed. A major innovation with the X-70 is, for the first time it is possible to watch on screen the ground balance numbers remain constant or change as the conductive levels change. Something I had not noticed before was a very rapid change in numbers going from wet to semi-wet sand, what I would now term as “a transition area”. Typically, the higher the numbers the more conductive it is and lower numbers would be more noticeable on drier sands. Some coins were found the deepest an old silver from about eleven inches. Toy cars, spoons and other larger items were again very prolific and some were recovered from well beyond the fourteen inch level. A very (probably a child’s) small low carat ring and an American dime plus some other “foreign” coins made up some unusual finds from one of the beaches.

Here are some extracts of other X-Terra 70 tester’s experiences:

Julian Evan-Hart, UK – Well what can I say? I have just popped out a really beautiful Saxon Sceat with the X- 70 this morning. It came from a site that has been well detected for 30 years, and is renowned for Sceats. Not many people detect it these days, so I like to pop along. This brilliant find, does not take into account the 15 Roman coins (one silver) and over 100+ other targets......................therefore until the arrival of the 70 one might say that perhaps the site had in fact not been well detected. As with the X- 50 this new model is so comfortable due to its well balanced and ergonomic stem design. So far things are looking very good!!!


Nenad Lonic, South Australia

Before venturing into the goldfields I spent quite a bit of time experimenting with the Iron Mask and found it to work very well, so is quite useable in the field. I tried a 5g nugget with a coating of Ironstone and it was detected even with Iron Mask on maximum. In Coin Mode it gave an ID of 6. Testing on a range of nuggets and small targets, the Audio response was nice and modulated, so I was confident it would pick faint signals with ease. The next step was to prove this in the field so I drove up to the Jupiter Creek goldfield. I chose an area that had medium mineralisation, lots of trash, with some hot rocks visible on the surface. The detector ground balanced with ease, and with a nice, slow, controlled swing the threshold was nice and stable. Most large trash targets gave an overload signal so were ignored, and other large junk signals were effectively blanked with the Iron Mask - when the audio momentarily blanks on iron, it does so very cleanly. Hot rock signals were easily identified as they were either visible on the surface, or they gave the classic “null-boing” non-centered signal. So essentially I only dug up the softer repeatable signals.

“Barnacle Bill”, USA – “I have searched a freshwater beach from the Victorian era for several years now, knowing that some old silver must reside there. But it has always eluded me, and I have been left finding Indian Head and Wheat pennies instead. During the early initial testing phase of the X-Terra70, I found a silver 1915 Barber Quarter, and then on the next weekend, a standing liberty silver quarter. The finds speak for themselves.

John Williams UK – “As soon as you’ve powered up, the adjustable threshold tone hums away in the background, adding a reference point for each target signal; This will be welcomed by most users. The X-Terra 70 is a very versatile detector, with many extra’s to enhance operation I was very pleased that Minelab created a separate and new ground balance for beach searching; this alone allows more ease and range when detecting on wet sand. Manual, automatic, or tracking adjustment helped to overcome difficult conditions and reduced erratic signals substantially. I was able to move about the beach wet to dry without constantly re-adjusting the ground balance.
This detector has something for everyone, beginner or seasoned user. Whatever your personal preference is, the X-Terra 70 will contribute to its success. For me, this was what made it unique.

Wm. Paxton, USA - “Coins were dug up to 10 inches in depth and I dug very little trash. The Minelab X-Terra 70 is not simply a blown-up X-Terra 50 with more gadgets added just to fill out a slot in a model line. This new detector is a unique animal, a very sensitive and powerful machine. While it can perform with turn-on-and-go simplicity, it is a metal detector that also offers the operator a wide array of options and features that can be tailored to his or her unique hunting preferences.."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the X-Terra 70 is what I believe a metal detector should be – fast, responsive, intuitive and above all else, versatile with some very innovative new features. Add coil frequency change ability to the equation and you have one very slick machine to cover as many detecting scenarios that one can think of. I would have no hesitation in recommending this detector to the “Sunday searcher”, the daily searcher or indeed anyone who wants to have such Pro features, professional performance, versatility and all in a lightweight 1.3kgs easy to use all day economical package. It is a very much user-orientated machine with a full range of controls all of which assist the user to cover any type of site – simply change coils to reap the benefits of proven
V Flex technology.
This detector is another First-Class “all-rounder” from Minelab.

 

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