Tyran

Minelab has learned from the Equinox experience: Leak a few bits of information about an upcoming release and Forum members will do all the free hype and advertising they need. And they might do the same as with the Equinox. Present it at Detectival 2019 in September. They announced in March that Minelab is returning as the Title Sponsor: https://www.minelab.com/usa/go-minelabbing/news?article=352835

In the low mineralization of the Kelowna, British Columbia Canada school and park grounds, the modern Canadian coins do not fall in the "Ferrous Zone" as stated in the Manual, but fall in the "Very Low and Low Zones". However, this could change in the rest of the Okanagan Valley as volcanic rocks abound. The older coins with silver and copper composition do fall in the High to Very High Zones, just like the US Coins, other than nickels, of course.

The battery is only warrantied for 1 year (12 months) , from the date of purchase and if you change it yourself...beware! Please read Minelab's email to customers on Feb 21, 2018. Here is an extract: "We at Minelab stand behind both the ingenuity as well as the quality of our products. For clarity, The EQUINOX control box and coils are covered under warranty for a period of 3 years (36 months) from the date of purchase. The Lithium-ion battery contained in the handle is replaceable and is also covered under warranty for a period of 1 year (12 months) from the date of purchase. Minelab recommends using an Authorized Service Centre (ASC) for battery replacement to avoid potentially damaging the waterproof seal during replacement, which could void the 3-year detector warranty."

I echo Steve's comments above. You have a lot of grief to get through. May I suggest that if there is a metal detecting group in your area, that you could join them. The company of others with similar interests will help with the pain of your tremendous loss. As for the AT Pro, I would keep it until you have become familiar with the Equinox and able to decide which one you like best and then sell the other, if that is what you want to do.

Hi Voyager32, I have tested in my backyard in Park 2 and All Metal. The results were pretty well identical in both modes. Coins were buried in 5 to 6 inch plugs. Not entirely the VDI's you would get in an actual dig, of course, but it's likely better than an air test. I am in the Kelowna area of British Columbia. My backyard soil is similar to what I would get in any local parks or schools. Therefore low mineralization. And as you know Canadian coins vary in composition with vintage. I suggest you check on the "Canadian Mint" website for composition vs year of mintage. Here are a few VDI's: Penny:1942-1979: 25; 2000-present: -4 Nickel:1955-1981: 12,14; 1982-2000: 12; 2001-present: 7,11 Dime:1920-1967: 27, 28; 1968-1999: 3; 2000-present: 2,3 Quarter: 1920-1967: 30; 1968-1999: 8; 2000-present: 2 Half Dollar: 1920-1967: 35; 1968-1999: 8 Loonie: 1987-2012: 8; 2013-present: 2 Toonie: 1996-2012: 13: 2013-present: 6 As you can see in my soil, only the "steel" penny (a 2007 penny) is in the Iron zone. Your soil may give you different results. Hope this helps you to get started. Tyran

Got mine on Wednesday as well. Was that sent to those who had signed up for Minelab Newsletter?

A quote from a Minelab Manager: "Also, a very good forum for information is Detector Prospector. Steve Herschbach, an ex-Minelab dealer, runs this. http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/forum/4-detector-prospector-forum/ He is highly respected in the industry and works closely with Minelab on the development of our detectors. He is also quite unbiased and will freely offer his advice regarding the best detectors for particular applications." Steve, before I joined your forum, I had contacted Minelab directly and my questions were answered very quickly. As you can see from the quote above, I was suggested to join your forum for very honest no non-sense advice. Being a novice in this hobby, I have learned greatly from your posts and from many other contributors. Your descriptions of the capabilities of the Equinox convinced me to pre-order. I echo others in hoping you will continue to offer your help to those who ask. Thank you so much for all you do. Tyran

Good catch Chase. I have attached below the OLD (4901-0248-1) and NEW (4901-0248-2) "Getting Started Guide". Note however that the Iron Bias icon was already on the OLD version of the guide's picture of the Equinox, but it was not underlined, maybe because it had not been enabled yet on the early machines??? But like Steve said, we will soon find out about it. 4901-0248-1 GSG, EQUINOX 600 800 EN_WEB.pdf 4901-0248-2 GSG, EQUINOX 600 800 EN_WEB.PDF

Thanks again Steve. Now I do remember this comment. Sorry for not checking thoroughly.

Steve replied Minelab never said the Gold Monster would have a full owners manual. It has three controls. Minelab has already said a full manual for the Equinox will be released. It will be. Thank you Steve. I had not seen that comment from Minelab. Tyran

And if one looks at the Gold Monster 1000 that went on sale May 8th 2017, still only has a "Getting started Guide" and no Instruction Manual. Maybe we shouldn't hold our breaths for and Instruction Manual for the Equinox either. GOLD MONSTER 1000 GOLD MONSTER 1000 Getting Started Guide EN, AR, FR, PT - 0.99 MB GOLD MONSTER 1000 Getting Started Guide ES, RU, ZH, MN - 1.12 MB GOLD MONSTER 1000 Getting Started Guide MY, ID, JP, KR - 2.28 MB

Hi Steve, Have you had the chance of visiting the Minelab Manufacture Facilities? Just wondering how many units, say of Equinox 800, they can produce in one day? Like how long would it take them to produce and ship Worldwide the total "Pre-Order" number of units, assuming 5,000 Equinox 800 have been pre-ordered? The 5,000 number is a wild guess; it could be a stupid number but you probably have a feel for how many units would be reasonable as a first shipment. Thanks Steve, Tyran

Doc, Congratulations on your thriving business. Thank you so much for your "Ultra Swingy Thingy". Just love it, it saves my bad shoulder. Tyran

The website is back up and I don't see any announcements or changes.

The last time I remember Minelab's website being down for a lengthily period was just prior to the new Equinox announcement in September... or my memory just wants to remember what it wants to remember.