How to Use Minelab X-Terra Elite?

The Minelab X-Terra Elite is a lightweight, easy-to-use device that can do a lot of different things and work well. It uses Multi-IQ technology, which lets you detect multiple frequencies at once. This gives you improved depth, target separation, and accuracy on all sorts of terrain. The X-Terra Elite is quick to adapt, whether you're shooting coins in the park, looking for relics in the forests, or scouring ocean beaches. It has an easy-to-use menu, a quick recovery time, and excellent audio tones, making it great for both new and experienced hobbyists. The X-Terra Elite filters out junk better than older VLF detectors, but it may still find smaller, deeper targets. This detector is a good step up whether you're just starting out or upgrading from a basic one.

How to Use Minelab X-Terra Pro?

Step 1: Setting Up Your Minelab X-Terra Elite

It only takes a few minutes to put together the X-Terra Elite. Use the bolt and washer that come with the coil to attach it to the lower shaft. Then, connect the control box to the top shaft and plug in the coil cable tightly. Make the shaft longer so that the coil is right in front of your feet and your arm doesn't have to work too hard. If your model supports it, put in new AA batteries or charge the battery pack. Press the round button to turn on the detector, then choose the language you want to use. After that, look at the settings for the volume and backlight. When it starts up, you'll see a clear screen with the Target ID, battery life, and mode indicators. Now you can make small changes and go hunting.

Step 2: Ground Balancing the X-Terra Elite

Ground balance helps your detector not produce false indications by canceling out mineralization in the soil. Depending on where you are, the X-Terra Elite lets you choose between automatic and manual ground balance. To accomplish an auto ground balance, press and hold the Ground Balance button while moving the coil up and down about 1–2 inches from the ground. You're ready to go when the buzzer stops or the noise from the ground settles down. When you're on rough ground, manual mode is the best way to make little changes. Ground balancing correctly makes it easier to find targets, see depth, and stay stable, especially in places with iron-rich soil or moist sand. If you want to do well on every hunt, don't neglect this stage.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Search Mode

The X-Terra Elite gives you several search profiles to match different hunting conditions.

• All-Metal Mode is ideal for relic hunting or cleaning out an area, as it detects everything without discrimination.
  

• Coin Mode filters out iron and junk, focusing on higher-conductive targets like coins and jewelry.
  

• Custom Mode lets you save your own discrimination and audio preferences, making it perfect for repeat visits to familiar grounds.
  Switch modes using the Mode button and watch the discrimination pattern change on screen. Beginners are best off starting with Coin Mode, then experimenting with other modes as they learn what works best for different targets.

Step 4: Adjusting Sensitivity and Recovery Speed

Sensitivity affects how deep your detector looks. Higher levels will find deeper things, but they may also make more noise. Start with 20–22 in clean regions and lower it if you get misleading indications.

The recovery speed of your detector tells you how quickly it will respond to fresh targets. In places with a lot of rubbish, a faster setting is beneficial since it helps you find good things and junk. For deep, hard-to-reach targets like relics or caches, slower settings work best. Change both parameters from the menu depending on the state of the soil. If your machine is acting up or jumping about, try lowering the sensitivity or looking for EMI interference from power lines or devices nearby.

Step 5: Coil Sweep Technique for Best Results

If you use the right coil approach, you'll uncover a lot more. Hold your coil approximately 1 to 2 inches above the ground and move it back and forth in a smooth, overlapping pattern.

Don't lift the ends of the swing; that's called "scalloping" and it can make you miss deep or narrow signals. Take your time, around three seconds for each swing. When you rush, you make noise and get wrong readings. If you hear a target, swing in both directions again to make sure. Better coil control makes it easier to find things deeper, more steadily, and more accurately overall.

Step 6: Understanding Target IDs and Tones

On the screen, each metal target makes a unique number called the Target ID. Foil, iron, and bottle caps normally have lower numbers, while coins and jewelry frequently have greater numbers (20–40+).

The X-Terra Elite also has several audio tones. High tones usually signify silver or copper, while mid or low tones usually mean rubbish or iron. If you learn the acoustic cues, you'll be able to dig smarter, not harder. Over time, you'll be able to tell what things are just by their sound, which will save you time and energy in the field.

Step 7: Pinpointing and Digging Targets

Press the button that says "Pinpoint" to turn on the feature once a signal has been confirmed. Move the coil slowly over the signal until you hear the loudest tone. That's the center of your target.

Cut a clean plug around the signal location with a digger or lesche tool. Turn the plug to the side and look at both the hole and the plug. A handheld pinpointer can help you save time here. Always fill in your holes and leave the scene as clean as you found it. Keeping the property clean is important for the hobby to grow.

Pro Tips for Using the Minelab X-Terra Elite

Best Settings for Parks

Set the sensitivity to 20–22 and the recovery speed to moderate in Coin Mode. There is EMI and trash in parks, so be careful who you choose.

Best Settings for Beaches

Balance the ground often and down the sensitivity when you're near wet sand. If you want gold jewelry, use All-Metal.

Avoiding False Signals

Check the coil for damage and make sure the coil wires are tight. Be less sensitive near power sources or moist, mineral-rich soil.

Maintenance and Care for Your X-Terra Elite

Wipe off your detector with a moist cloth after each hunt to get rid of dust and dirt. Do not put the control box in water unless it is rated as waterproof. If you can, put the detector in a protective bag and take it apart.

Check your coil cable connection often since connections that are loose or corroded might make noise. Recharge or change the batteries when they run out, and don't leave them in for long periods of time. If you take care of your detector, it will work for years. Taking care of your X-Terra Elite makes sure it's always ready for an adventure.

Conclusion

The Minelab X-Terra Elite is a strong and easy-to-use machine that all treasure hunters can employ. With practice, each step gets simpler, from setting up to finding your first penny.

Set the machine to factory settings, memorize the tones and target IDs, and you'll be ready to hunt in no time. This detector will help you find things in parks, relic fields, and on the seashore. You will find more and have to dig up less rubbish if you master it. 

Happy hunting!