Equinox Multi-IQ Technologies ( Part 3 )

[cdv]

https://www.minelab.com/usa/go-minelabbing/treasure-talk/equinox-technologies-part-3

Cliff

 

EQUINOX Technologies (Part 3) January 15, 2018

Minelab Electronics

This is the third instalment in a blog series introducing and explaining the technologies inside our new EQUINOX detectors… (Read Part 1 here. Read Part 2 here.)

Our goal was to develop a true multi-purpose detector that could not only physically be used in all-terrain conditions, but also be suitable for all types of detecting for all detectorists, and particularly those not requiring a specialist premium flagship detector optimised for only one aspect of detecting – e.g. coins, beach, gold, jewellery, water, discrimination, artefacts, etc. This multi-purpose requirement is something that could only be achieved by going beyond single frequency and creating the next generation of multi-frequency technology.

Equally adaptable to all target types and ground conditions – just select your detecting location and go!

An important update on the Detect Modes…

Previously we have stated that Park, Field and Beach would run in multi-frequency and that Gold would only use the single frequencies of 20kHz and 40kHz, giving better results for gold nugget hunting. Our ongoing collaborative field testing feedback from around the world has resulted in further improvements to Multi-IQ to the point where multi-frequency is now the best option for Gold Mode as well, and will be the default setting.

Please refer to the revised Getting Started Guide for updated product functions.

 

Now, back to the technology: looking into our Multi-IQ diagram further… a single frequency is most sensitive to a narrow range of targets and multiple frequency is equally sensitive to a wider range of targets (e.g. the orange curve versus the white curve below).

According to Philip Wahrlich, “From our testing, the Multi-IQ deployed in EQUINOX detectors has shown no significant trade-offs relative to the best single-frequency detectors and exceeded performance benchmarks in many important attributes, especially discrimination. And, for good measure, EQUINOX can also be operated as a single-frequency detector”

While we could delve into this aspect further, many of our readers are likely more interested in what happens within the white Multi-IQ band itself, rather than single versus multi. What has Minelab developed new, and uniquely, with frequencies to give better performance across the whole range of targets for different conditions?

The Multi-IQ transmit signal used in EQUINOX is a complex waveform where multiple frequencies are combined in a very dissimilar way than our proven BBS/FBS technology in Excalibur II / Safari / E-TRAC / CTX 3030 detectors.

If you view the BBS signal amplitude on an oscilloscope, it looks something like this:

In comparison, Multi-IQ looks something like this:

Hence – Multi-IQ is not a derivative or evolution of BBS/FBS. Multi-IQ is a DIFFERENT method of simultaneous multi-frequency metal detection. We could also debate “simultaneous” versus “sequential” semantics; however the real detection ‘magic’ doesn’t happen with what is transmitted to and received from the coil alone. Remember, in Part 2, we discussed how frequencies are “combined AND processed” as being important for achieving better results?

Let’s assess Multi-IQ for the different Detect Mode search profiles:

• Park 1 and Field 1 process a lower weighted frequency combination, as well as using algorithms that maximise ground balancing for soil, to achieve the best signal to noise ratio. Hence being most suited for general detecting, coin hunting, etc.
• Park 2 and Field 2 process a higher weighted combination of the Multi-IQ band while still ground balancing for soil. Therefore they will be more sensitive to higher frequency (low conductive) targets, but potentially more susceptible to ground noise.
• Beach 1 also processes a lower weighted combination, BUT uses different algorithms to maximise ground balancing for salt. Hence being most suited for both dry and wet sand conditions.
• Beach 2 processes a very low weighted frequency combination, using the same algorithms as Beach 1 to maximise ground balancing for salt. This search profile is designed for use in the surf and underwater.
• Gold 1 and Gold 2 process the higher weighted combination of the Multi-IQ band while still ground balancing for soil. However, they use different setting parameters better suited for gold nugget hunting.

Will Multi-IQ technology really obsolete all single frequency detectors?

We’ll continue the discussion in Part 4…

[schoolofhardNox]

Every time I read more on it, I like it better and better  Who knows with the 17" coil it may perform In ways my CTX can not on the beach. The same goes for iron infested areas on dry land. The CTX will probably win in the open areas of the beach, but there are some patches where iron nails are everywhere. This is where I want to see what it can do. Interesting to see what part 4 is all about

[Bayard]

Now multi-frequency for gold mode too. 

[cdv]

"Our ongoing collaborative field testing feedback from around the world has resulted in further improvements"

I have to wonder, how many changes they did make OTHER than to the Gold Mode.  

Cliff

 

[Steve Herschbach]

Man, you guys are all over this stuff! I have been watching for it and you still beat me to it! 

Here is the main portion of the latest version of the Quick Guide, click for larger version.

Just to clarify - Gold Mode still has 20 kHz and 40 kHz options just like before, but the MF multifrequency mode has been added. The truth is that it is very hard to find anything a single frequency does better than Multi-IQ, and leaving it out of the Gold Mode would have hobbled its capabilities.

 

[☠ Cipher]

The more I read, the more it seems like Minelab keeps refining its mastery of making multiple VLF frequencies behave like pulse signals. The more I hear that Multi-IQ performs equal to or better than single frequency modes in any application or medium, my brain tells me the only way this could be possible is if those frequencies were being fired sequentially, and indeed Minelab themselves now just stated that we could debate "simultaneous" vs. "sequential." 

[Cal_Cobra]

I think that's awesome they got the multi mode to work on the prospecting mode.  I had questioned that in the past, and low and behold they did it!   That alone actually has me pretty excited, if they did a 20kHz/40khz simultaneous multi-frequency mode (which is somewhat implied) it is probably killer at the beach, killer for relic hunting, and I would expect, and believe we've actually seen proven on another thread,  killer for nugget hunters too   

By far the best Equinox Treasure Talk article yet!  I think now we know why Steve was being tight lipped on the prospecting mode, although I believe he did allude to it going through some "further testing" phase 

Also nice to see they pulled back the curtain a bit on how the various modes are setup, and kudos to ML for multiple setups in each mode 

[BigSkyGuy]

It seems we are learning more all the time. I am curious if there will still be a true all metal mode. Apparently, the testers found that Field Mode did better on nuggets than the single frequency gold mode. Also interesting to see that the "submodes" have now been identified within the getting started guide.

[Chase Goldman]

I take it both Beach Modes are still multifrequency only (i.e., no ability to select single frequency in beach mode unlike the other modes).  Not that I would want to but...nice to have options.

Aussie/UK spelling of "Artefacts" on the quick guide a nice touch.

 

Nice for Steve and the rest "in the know" not to have to hold that one [secret] in any longer.

[mn90403]

Just think if they had already printed the manual.  They couldn't make these changes!  The contents of the box would not conform to the manual and this would set themselves up for 'bait and switch' returns and replacements.

Will we be able to use Park 1 instead of Gold 2?  Beach 2 instead of Gold 1??  

I'll let you know when I get mine.

Mitchel