ChitownDigger

Received my copy in the mail, sat down for a quick look-see,. Ended up reading half the book before I knew it :)

The video on their site provides plenty of clues: Blurred but obviously the same or very similar control unit as is used on the Equinox series. Reason, to keep re-design and tooling costs at a minimum. Absolutely the right move to make if your goal is to keep costs as low as possible. Use what is already available. Same goes for the Double-D coil design - as is shown in the video. Use the same tooling, perhaps even the exact same coils as the Equinox series? Produce more of them production costs go down or stay the same depending upon demand. Either way it would be a very cost effective approach to take. Especially if "Multi IQ" software is being re-utilized (see below comments). Why re-design a coil platform if it can be used across several detector models? "Modes of operation" seem to be the same. Video clearly shows a Park (forests), Fields (farm lands), Beach (surf and sand) and Gold (mountains and streams). All metal and pinpoint modes are a must have regardless of model. Perhaps as a lower cost model, only one sub-menu under each of the modes instead of two (a simple software modification easily could accomplish this). Otherwise I would not think anything changed mode wise, it works so why mess with it, leave it alone. Strongly suspect the basic "Multi IQ" software platform is being utilized since its been a huge success for Minelab. However, perhaps with locked multi-frequency operation. No option to change to a single frequency use. Software tweaked specifically to "Vanquish" the lower cost, single frequency competitors models. Due to the expense of software development, use the existing software to limit or provide access to only specific options or menus based on the detector model number. Exactly like they did with the Equinox 600 and 800 models as an example of this method being utilized. Regardless of what "it is" as far as a new or an updated mode goes, one thing is for sure; their publicity team has once again hit it out of the park. "Give them just enough information to get the hype rolling and let the hype sell the product" - just look at this thread (as well as others) as an example of how well that method of publicity works for them, just as it did for the Equinox series announcements. In a nut shell, I think it will be a lower cost unit. Built upon the Equinox series platform, using the same Multi IQ software. But perhaps with fewer options then the Equinox 600 enabled. Perhaps locked into multi-frequency, with the same four basic modes (park, field, beach, gold). Think about it for a minute; a low cost, multi-frequency unit, proven performance, (via higher up models) reliable, up-gradable software (a must have these days), priced right where most of the markets single frequency units sales typically occurs. Basically, driving the final nail in the coffins of the single frequency machines on the market today in that cost range. I expect to see great things from them in the very near future. I also think their Multi IQ software is a platform just waiting to be expanded upon (lower and higher frequencies, sub-menus, custom user program abilities, etc.). Minelab has changed the future of the industry, to say the least. Ben

Awaiting arrival, can't wait to dive into it.

Received the second book. Haven't had time to sit down with it, but planning on a "cover to cover" read. Thanks Clive!

Did Minelab issue another update for the Equinox series machines? I just checked their site and the update utility is at revision 1.1.1 and it is dated " (3 Dec 2018) ". Or is it just a case of wishful thinking on my part? ?

I have the first book (unsigned ? ) and I just ordered the second one. The first book was a great help, opened my eyes to a few things I might not of otherwise known about or discovered. Made setting up custom programs relatively easy. Can't wait to get the second one. Ben

On the 800, would it be possible to create a custom user program using only one frequency and simply switch between the programs?