Minelab MF5 Introduction

[Steve Herschbach]

Back in May we were speculating on the filing of a new Minelab trademark for "MF5" and what kind of detector that might mean. Well, Minelab quietly added the MF5 mine detector to the lineup. What makes this interesting is the MF5 employs the fold up housing originally developed for the F3 Compact mine detector, and later used on the SDC 2300 gold nugget detector. The Minelab MF5 introduces a new coil that features a round transmit coil combined with a EMI canceling figure 8 receive coil. The coil measures 7.5" x 10.6".

 

Minelab MF5 metal detector

Even more interesting is the MF5 is employing some sort of multifrequency hybrid technology. No doubt the reality is hidden under a layer of advertising catch words:

"combining the advantages of Pulse Induction and Continuous Wave technologies"

"Simultaneous Multi-Frequency Digital Metal Detection"

"Four frequencies in the range 5 kHz to 75 kHz"

This means the MF5 has at least some level of discrimination available:

"DETECTION CAPABILITIES - The MF5 detects metal and conductive targets, including fine wires and carbon rods. It provides indications of ferrous and non-ferrous targets, carbon rods, and fine wires. The MF5 is able to detect targets in all types of soil, regardless of mineralized content, and can operate in environments of high electrical interference."

Minelab MF5 Official Information Page

MF5 Color Brochure

Minelab MF5 User Guide

MF5 TECH SPECIFICATIONS

Key Technologies: Simultaneous Multi-Frequency Digital Metal Detection

Coil: Transmit Coil: 269 x 191 mm (10.6" x 7.5") Monoloop | Receive Coil: Figure 8

Operating Frequencies: Four frequencies in the range 5 kHz to 75 kHz

Output Power: < -30dBm

Sensitivity: 1 to 5

Noise Cancel: Automatic, Operator initiated

Ground Balance: Automatic, Operator initiated, Settings retained after switch off

Target Identification: Ferrous / Non-Ferrous / Carbon Rods — Fine Wires

MF5 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Volume Control: 1 to 9

Collapsed Size: 400 x 99 x 194 mm (15.7" x 3.9" x 7.6")

Extended Size: 1615 x 191 x 237 mm (63.6" x 7.5" x 9.3")

Weight, Operational: 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) with rechargeable NiMH C cell batteries

Audio Output: Internal Speaker / MF5 Earset

Earset: MF5 Earset

Waterproof: Waterproof to 3 m / 10 ft (IP 68)

Software Upgradeable: Yes

Battery Compatibility: Rechargeable NiMH / Alkaline C cells

Battery Life: 10 hours with NiMH batteries

 

[beatup]

Interesting

 

[vanursepaul]

I wonder if they made the battery holder the right size this time....

40% smaller 🤠

[Gold Catcher]

Interesting. I wonder how long it will take to come out with a gold detector version. I suppose the 2300 will then be discontinued. 

[DolanDave]

Pretty good info thanks Steve, looks like a lot coming out for minelab, now I would love to incorporate the MDS-10 PI with GPR to see the contours of bedrock, look for those low spots where gold accumulates. There is a lot of new detectors coming out. Here is the link just for the countermine detectors. https://www.minelab.com/usa/countermine/detectors

 Also check out the F3 UXO - Multi Period Sensing technology into Minelab’s new BiPOLAR technology. 😳

 

[Skookum]

10 hours ago, Gold Catcher said:

Interesting. I wonder how long it will take to come out with a gold detector version. I suppose the 2300 will then be discontinued. 

This is my comment/question, exactly. I’ve liked my short time with the SDC, but am sure hopeful for some improvement. The ever warbling threshold masks some of the tiniest targets for me. Anyone with past experience have a guess on how long Minelab spends repurposing the military model into a consumer version?

[Mike Hillis]

I hope its extremely good at de-mining the current crop of land mines.

HH

Mike

[vanursepaul]

22 hours ago, phrunt said:

C cell batteries, not likely 🙂

That joke went over your head...🤣

[Bryan]

9 hours ago, Mike Hillis said:

I hope its extremely good at de-mining the current crop of land mines.

HH

Mike

agreed. 

[Skookum]

I believe I've answered my own question above.  The SDC 2300 precursor, the F3 Compact, was released in 2011.  The SDC 2300 was released in 2014. 

I've been thinking about the tech listed in these specifications.  The marketing says the MF5 combines the advantages of both PI and CW.  However, with 4 frequencies between 5kHz and 75kHz, doesn't that just sound like continuous wave multifrequency scanning after the manner of the Equinox?  The SDC 2300 was 3kHz PI MPF.