What Makes the Minelab Equinox 800 Special
The Equinox 800 stands out in the metal detecting world for several reasons. First, it uses Multi-IQ technology, which simultaneously operates at multiple frequencies (5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz). This means you can detect a wide range of targets in various soil conditions without switching modes.
Another key feature is its wireless audio capability. The Equinox 800 comes with a WM 08 wireless module that connects to Bluetooth headphones, eliminating the need for cords that can get tangled or caught on branches.
The detector is also fully submersible up to 10 feet (3 meters), making it perfect for beach hunting and shallow water searches. Its lightweight design at just 3 pounds (1.4 kg) means you can hunt for hours without fatigue.
Key Features and Specifications
The Equinox 800 offers five factory preset search modes: Park, Field, Beach, Gold, and Custom. Each mode is optimized for specific hunting environments and target types.
– **Park Mode**: Great for detecting coins and jewelry in parks and playgrounds
– **Field Mode**: Ideal for relic hunting in farm fields and rural areas
– **Beach Mode**: Optimized for saltwater beaches with ground balancing
– **Gold Mode**: Designed for nugget hunting in mineralized ground
– **Custom Mode**: Allows you to save your personalized settings
The detector features a 11″ (28 cm) waterproof search coil that provides excellent depth and coverage. The display is bright and easy to read in direct sunlight, with a resolution of 240×320 pixels.
Getting Started with Your Equinox 800
When you first get your Equinox 800, take time to familiarize yourself with the controls. The detector has three main buttons: Power, Menu, and Accept/Reject. The LCD screen displays all your settings and target information.
Initial Setup and Calibration
Start by charging the battery fully. The Equinox 800 uses a lithium-ion battery that provides up to 12 hours of hunting time. While charging, read through the manual to understand the different settings and modes.
Perform a ground balance before your first hunt. This helps the detector ignore mineralization in the soil and focus on actual targets. The Equinox 800 offers both automatic and manual ground balancing options.
Mastering the Equinox 800 Settings
Understanding and adjusting your settings is crucial for maximizing your finds. The Equinox 800 offers several adjustable parameters that can be fine-tuned for your specific hunting conditions.
Discrimination and Notch Settings
The discrimination feature helps you ignore unwanted targets like iron and foil. The Equinox 800 uses a numerical target ID system (0-99) to identify potential finds. Lower numbers typically indicate iron, while higher numbers suggest coins or precious metals.
You can use the notch feature to accept or reject specific target ranges. For example, if you’re hunting for coins in a park, you might notch out the lower iron range (0-10) and the higher aluminum range (65-99) to focus on coins (12-64).
Sensitivity and Recovery Speed
Sensitivity controls how deep the detector can search. Higher sensitivity settings allow you to detect deeper targets but may also increase false signals in mineralized soil. Start with a medium sensitivity setting and adjust based on ground conditions.
Recovery speed determines how quickly the detector can process multiple targets in close proximity. A faster recovery speed helps separate good targets from trash in high-trash areas, but may slightly reduce depth on deeper targets.
Practical Hunting Tips
Choosing the Right Mode
Select your search mode based on your hunting environment:
– **Parks and playgrounds**: Use Park 1 mode with moderate discrimination
– **Farm fields**: Try Field 2 mode with low discrimination for relics
– **Saltwater beaches**: Beach 1 mode with ground balancing enabled
– **Gold prospecting**: Gold 1 mode with maximum sensitivity
Search Techniques
Keep your coil close to the ground and swing it in a slightly overlapping pattern. Move at a steady pace – about 3 feet per second is ideal. Listen for subtle changes in tone, as these often indicate deeper or smaller targets.
When you get a signal, don’t just dig the pinpoint location. Instead, dig a small plug around the signal area to avoid damaging the target. Use a pinpointer like the Minelab Pro-Find 35 to locate the exact position of your find.
Common Issues and Solutions
Dealing with EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
If you’re experiencing erratic behavior or false signals, you might be dealing with EMI from power lines, cell phones, or other electronic devices. Try these solutions:
– Reduce sensitivity settings
– Change frequency (the Equinox 800 offers single frequency options)
– Move away from potential EMI sources
– Use the Iron Bias feature to help stabilize signals
Ground Balancing Challenges
In highly mineralized soil, you might experience choppy signals or reduced depth. Try these ground balancing techniques:
– Use automatic ground balancing and let the detector adjust
– Manually ground balance by pumping the coil up and down
– Try different search modes optimized for mineralized ground
– Reduce sensitivity slightly to improve stability
Accessories and Upgrades
Recommended Accessories
– **Wireless headphones**: The Minelab PacMgr or similar Bluetooth headphones
– **Pinpointer**: Minelab Pro-Find 35 or Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
– **Digging tool**: Lesche digging tool or similar quality trowel
– **Coil cover**: Protect your search coil from scratches and wear
– **Extra battery**: Keep a fully charged spare battery for long hunts
Optional Search Coils
Consider these additional coils for specific hunting situations:
– **8″ coil**: Better for tight spaces and increased sensitivity to small targets
– **15″ coil**: Greater depth and ground coverage for large, open areas
– **Elliptical coil**: Better maneuverability in wooded areas
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning and Storage
After each hunt, wipe down your Equinox 800 with a damp cloth to remove dirt and moisture. If you’ve been hunting in saltwater, rinse the coil and stem with fresh water to prevent corrosion.
Store your detector in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures for extended periods. Remove the battery if you won’t be using the detector for several weeks.
Battery Care
To maximize battery life:
– Charge the battery fully before first use
– Avoid completely draining the battery
– Store the battery at about 50% charge if not using for extended periods
– Keep battery contacts clean and free of corrosion
Advanced Techniques
Customizing Search Modes
Take advantage of the Custom search mode to save your preferred settings for specific hunting locations. You can adjust discrimination patterns, sensitivity, recovery speed, and tone settings, then save them for quick recall.
Using the Equinox 800 for Gold Prospecting
The Gold mode is optimized for nugget hunting, but you can further improve your success by:
– Using maximum sensitivity in quiet, non-EMI areas
– Setting iron bias to minimum to hear faint signals
– Slowing your sweep speed to allow the detector to process targets
– Focusing on areas with known gold history
Real User Experiences
Many Equinox 800 owners report finding their first silver coin or valuable relic within their first few hunts. The detector’s ability to handle various conditions and its depth capabilities make it a favorite among both beginners and experienced detectorists.
One user reported finding a Civil War belt plate in a farm field after just two hours of hunting, while another discovered multiple gold rings on a saltwater beach during their first outing.
Conclusion
The Minelab Equinox 800 is a powerful, versatile metal detector that can handle almost any hunting environment. By understanding its features and settings, and practicing good search techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to find more treasure on your hunts.
Remember that becoming proficient with any metal detector takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find valuable items right away. With patience and persistence, the Equinox 800 will reward your efforts with exciting discoveries.