Steve Herschbach

Hi Terry, I have reported the Gold Mode settings I used... http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/topic/5102-my-first-equinox-gold-nuggets/ So I am not sure about the secrecy thing but perhaps you were referring to JP since he started this thread.

I would think that beauty will fetch a premium price. And good on Minelab for replacing your detector!

The pod and handle/grip are a complete unit (the battery is in the handle) but can be separated from the rod if need be by removing four bolts and the base cap. Note the hole in rod where the positioning pin in the cap goes to lock the handle assembly in place

Minelab generally does not list prices on their website because the prices vary around the world. But yeah, we really do need prices!

Nope, not just you. They must be rearranging things? https://www.minelab.com/usa/accessories-1/by-detector/equinox-series My copy is still available however.

Equinox 600 versus Equinox 800 Equinox First Gold Nugget Photos My First Equinox Gold Nuggets So What Is Gold Mode Exactly Gold Monster 1000 versus Equinox 800

“Three new models are now available – the GO-FIND 22, 44 and 66, which will replace the GO-FIND 20, 40, and 60 models. New GO-FIND Series models have been designed with increased sensitivity so that targets can be identified at greater depth when compared to the original GO-FIND Series models. The new models are constructed using the same proven collapsible, lightweight platform and feature the same easy-to-use consumer interface which the original GO-FIND Series successfully brought to market in 2015. New GO-FIND Series models feature proprietary Minelab VFLEX digital electronics to enhance standard single frequency VLF detection technology.” More details here The new Go-Find page at the Minelab website: http://www.go-find.minelab.com/en/

Rumor is March but that is all it is - a rumor.

Tim... I appreciate random acts of kindness. That was nice. I assure everyone, most dealers are even more frustrated than their customers right now.

Wow, that made my morning! I read you post last thing before turning in last night and was considering how to explain the 50 mode thing and trying to figure out exactly what was going on with your adjustment. Most detector’s are easy because the tones are factory preset to match the target id numbers and there is no adjustment. The X-Terra 705 for instance - just choose multi tones and you are done. Minelab has added the ability to adjust the multitone setting in a unique fashion and I admit to have not using the adjustment myself but once so far. I usually just pick 50 tones and go on my merry way. I need to play with it more to gain a better understanding of the adjustment myself. Long story short there are many times the discrimination settings can trip a person up when adjusting tones because target id segments are blocked and cannot be heard. It is good to develop a habit of clearing all blocked target id numbers (All Metal “Horseshoe” button) before making tone setting adjustments.

Minelab never told me any of that and I have been plugging into any old USB gizmo and some low output ones at that. Never had any issues so I think they are covering their posteriors “just in case”. That said, no point in gambling with the new toys. Update 6/18/2018 - There is a sheet inside the Equinox box which does warn about amperages, etc. Here is an updated image below (click for larger version) and the pdf version attached for download. EQUINOX Battery Charging Recommendations Use a high quality charger for your high performance detector 1. High Quality 2A Chargers - Charge the EQUINOX battery with a USB charger that has a minimum capacity of 2A @ +5V (e.g. Apple™ or Samsung™). This will result in a full charge time of less than 4 hours. 2. Minelab USB Chargers - Charge the EQUINOX battery with a Minelab Accessory USB charger, that has a minimum capacity of 2A @ +5V. This will result in a full charge time of less than 4 hours. 3. Laptop Standard USB 2.0 Port - Charge the EQUINOX battery with a USB charger that has a maximum capacity of 0.5A @ +5V (e.g. a standard USB 2.0 port on a laptop). This will result in a full charge time of approximately 18 hours. WARNING! DO NOT USE a mid-capacity USB charger. For example, using a reputable and certified USB charger (e.g. Apple™ or Samsung™), rated at1A @ +5V, the USB charger will typically engage its thermal protection safety function and automatically shut-down - the detector may NOT charge fully. A non-certified and sub-standard USB charger, rated at 1A @+5V may NOT have a safety function and could overheat and potentially fail completely. It is important to ensure you use a reputable and certified USB charger when charging the EQUINOX battery. Some USB chargers have NOT been certified to the relevant safety standards (e.g. C-Tick, CE, EAC, UL/ETL) and therefore may NOT provide protection or their rated charging current (e.g. cheap devices sourced online).Look for the following symbols on the USB charger intended for charging the EQUINOX detector: In no event shall Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd (Minelab) or any of its related entities be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential damages or loss, to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the charging of a Minelab EQUINOX unit with a charging accessory that does meet relevant CE, C-Tick, EAC, UL/ETL or other in-country compliance regulations, or is not of the quality and certified standard as described in this recommendation. battery warning.pdf

Here is the blurb from the White’s website: The TDI SL Metal Detector has pulse induction power that provides unbeatable depth and sensitivity in its price range. And now the deal is even better. More than a new paint job, this Special Edition features key changes to the TDI platform aimed at serious prospectors. First and foremost, this detector ships with an 8 x 12″ Miner John Designs Folded Mono search coil. This choice was made to give gold prospectors better depth on large nuggets, but also increased sensitivity to small specimen gold that other pulse machines might miss. We also swapped the intermediate and lower shafts to create a streamlined “straight shaft” configuration preferred by gold hunters. Finally, to top it all off we revamped the control box with a desert tan paint scheme ideal for hot environments. This package is offered for a limited time and at a discounted price. And best of all the detector and coil are Made in America. The rechargeable NIMH battery lasts up to 6 hours, and a backup AA battery back will power all-day exploration. At a weight of only 3.3 lbs, and rugged metal construction, this Special Edition TDI SL is ready for serious prospecting. Are you? If you already have the TDI and just want to buy this awesome coil, please visit Miner John’s website. Download Product Manual White's TDI SL Special Edition Data & Reviews SKU: 800-0332-MJD MSRP $1099.95 White's TDI SL Special Edition metal detector for gold prospecting White's TDI SL Special Edition studio photo White's TDI SL Special Edition close up of controls White's TDI SL Special Edition close up of Miner John Folded Mono Coil

This one is interesting because if any of you are familiar with Terry, he may be the worlds number one Tesoro Fan. I mean seriously so. And with that said.... http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/equinox/569005-first-beach-hunt-equinox-600-a.html

I do but since it is show and tell and not a competition that should not matter.

Gary Drayton video...

I reset my “finds pile” when I got the Equinox. There is the “before Equinox” stuff and now there is the “Equinox stuff”. So count me in.

In my opinion Minelab has been learning some important lessons. The Equinox is designed for near instant service. Repairs will boil down to replacing a circuit board or replacing the entire pod. There is almost nothing to “fix” or tune per se, just rapid replacement and return. There is also shipping. I just sent my GPZ 7000 in for a complete checkout before selling used (I got a new one). Even without lower rod the shipping to the east from Reno ran $60.00. With Equinox often all that will be needed for repair is the handle/pod and maybe coil. Much smaller and lighter box = less shipping costs.

For such a simple inexpensive machine the Compadre has a loyal following because it does get the job done.

Personally I like the 50 tone mode stock setting which is the same on both the Equinox 600 and Equinox 800. It has been years since I ran an Excalibur so I can’t make a clean comparison, but it “sounds like a Minelab” to me. The main thing is Excalibur responses are much slower and tones drag out. Because Equinox is much faster you have to expect shorter tone responses, but this can be modified with the Detect Speed setting. Lower settings produce longer tones. Five tone is very nice but the tone breaks for use worldwide are equally apportioned and being able to move the breaks around is preferable. However, out of sheer laziness I have used it as is most of the time and like anything detecting I adjust quickly to it. Detectors talk and all you have to do is learn the language. Full tones takes more time to learn, but in the long run I think it conveys more information about the target, and that is what I want. So call me a fan of the 50 tone setting. You can modify it on the 800 a little, but the 600 would work just as well for me at least in that regard since the stock setting is just fine.

I for one appreciate any effort people like you make because it does take work, and critics seem to be a dime a dozen these days. Thank you very much

I have no idea why Minelab does what they do or don’t do. These are not huge companies and budgets can be very tight. There are many theories these days about what constitutes great marketing. I think most people prefer a very clean, managed release. However, there is also something to be said for the product speaking for itself if a company really has faith in it, and I think that is the case here. Some of the initial unfiltered responses could be very valuable for the second generation Equinox. I do not know but I think you may see some of what you are hoping for later? It may be Minelab or third parties, but somebody is going to attempt to fill the gap soon. The problem with video these days truly is that everyone expects it to be YouTube and for free. The days of a JP making a great video to sell may be over because of that.

Great info and I love happy endings - thanks for letting us know your solution!

You just did it Carl. I know it is marketing’s job, not yours, but the fact is an interaction like you just initiated is in my opinion the number one thing FT or any manufacturer can do to break the bubble. One company that came out of nowhere is still probably being ignored by U.S. manufacturers because of their current small market share. However they are steadily stealing away customers and building a reputation for caring about and directly engaging their customers. It is the closest thing to interactive detector design I have seen. A certain Australian company was similarly ignored once. I digress however. The main point being, just seeing you here this morning makes an impression. Even if you relay little genuine information, it does show you care. You took your time to engage. Except as much as you are a really great guy, and I love discussing things directly with engineers... you should be locked in the lab. I would suggest what you just did is the job marketing is not doing very well if at all. Thanks for taking the time Carl. It really does make an impression. I for one am waiting patiently on the PI. If it matches or exceeds the ATX for performance but weighs less, I would be quite pleased. Right now ergonomics is starting to matter to me more than anything else.

“Now that EQUINOX pre-orders are starting to get to their owners, here are a few beach and water hunting tips to help you hit the sand running! The basics are covered by the Getting Started Guide and the online Instruction Manual, so I’ll just cut to the chase by sharing a few of my experiences using the EQUINOX 800 on the beach and in the water. I will start by saying this detector has a little of everything that I like about my favorite Minelab metal detectors. It’s waterproof, lightweight, easy-to-use, and most importantly, the Beach Mode and Multi-IQ technology works exceptionally well at salt-water beaches.“ Read the full story at Treasure Talk... https://www.minelab.com/anz/go-minelabbing/treasure-talk/equinox-for-beach-and-water-hunting