Xterra Coil Sync and Diagnostic

[argyle1]

Hi.

Someone asked me the other day why I own so many XTerra's. I don't like changing coils on any of my detectors of all brands, and prefer to have a unit/coil combo set up for a specific purpose. It becomes more important with my XTerra's.

Not sure if it's been placed on the XTerra forum before or not, but there is a way to match and sync each coil to your XTerra and get your unit to run your own diagnostic check for you, letting you know that the coil you've plugged in at that time is married and synced to the processor, and if there are any problems with any of the Modes of operation, Tones, Settings and Segmentation bins.

Some XTerra owners are having trouble with a certain coil type or frequency, or are feeling their XTerra isn't performing as other's are, either depth wise or with jumping tones and segments on what should be solid hits on good targets.
This procedure also sharpens the judgement of both the detector and your own ears to problematic trash like bottlecaps that fall directly into our nice coin segments, giving us a much clearer decision on the make-up of that signal.

It's of particularly benefit those that like to run 3kHz and 18.75kHz coils, as these aren't natural frequencies for the units to run in.


Press and hold the... + and - ... pads in together.

Press the Power On.
The unit fires up and tones while the processor does it's diagnostic check of Icons and finishes when you see a small checkered symbol. That means it's checked itself and the process is completed.

Turn the Power Off. Then Power On again as you normally would.
The chip in the coil is now synced with your processor.

When you put another coil on, same procedure. But you don't have to if you put that first coil back on. Only if you feel the XTerra is acting up or is dysfunctional in some way.

Don't use this Diagnostic option too often, as I feel that the less pressure applied to an XTerra's Processor will prolong it's life. (much like burning out a processor on an Android Phone through overuse)

 

[homebre]

Not sure I did this correctly. I held the the + and - down while turning on the power. I did not let go of the + and - buttons until all of the icons were slowly lit, one by one. Was that correct?
Andy

 

[Digger]

VFLEX transforms conventional single frequency metal detection technology by including two microcontrollers (miniature computers), one inside the control box and one inside the coil. Every time the detector starts up, the microcontrollers establish communication via a digital data link. The coil microcontroller communicates the coil’s configuration, size and exact frequency, so the control box can generate a perfectly matched transmit signal. This significantly reduces distortion and increases Target ID accuracy.

http://www.minelab.com/usa/knowledge-base/key-technologies#259047

 

[ramairnut]

I thought that the V-flex took care of this every time you turn on an X-terra.

 

[argyle1]

No need to be confused Ramairnut.

All the XTerra does when it's powered on is identify the frequency, compatibility of the coil. It doesn't marry the coil to the processor and run a diagnostic.

 

[argyle1]

There are many applications you need to use the Sync/Diagnostic start up procedure for.
One for example is if you're running a 6"18.75kHz for the use of detecting near powerlines, and want the unit to select (or you select yourself) the best frequency for Noise Cancel.
By syncing the coil the unit will pick the correct measure of .40 kHz setting to run in.

That's only one application, but there are plenty more, like forcing the Tracking to track True, especially important in hotter ground.

Every function the XTerra performs...

 

[michaelosully]

This discussion is confusing and conflicting.

@argyle - Where are you getting your info from that you need to sync/diagnostic every time you change coils and/or frequencies. Randy has indicated that the coil/processor syncs automatically, EVERY TIME and yet you infer it's not happening to the extent it needs?

I might change coils 3 or 4 times in one outing and have never read this advice from ML or heard this from my 2 experts here on the X-terra forum. I think some further explanation is warranted.

 

[Digger]

“Pressing the combination keypad sequence of POWER/PLUS/MINUS is a final production test to ensure all LCD segments are operating correctly. It has nothing to do with coil calibration. VFLEX calibration happens automatically every time an X-TERRA Series detector is turned on and senses an authorised coil”. HH Randy

 

[argyle1]

This discussion is confusing and conflicting.

@argyle - Where are you getting your info from that you need to sync/diagnostic every time you change coils and/or frequencies. Randy has indicated that the coil/processor syncs automatically, EVERY TIME and yet you infer it's not happening to the extent it needs?

I might change coils 3 or 4 times in one outing and have never read this advice from ML or heard this from my 2 experts here on the X-terra forum. I think some further explanation is warranted.

I don't need to get my info from anyone mountaindigger.
I've had Prof Laurence Stamatescu's units in my ears via Audio Enhancement matched together with Modulation change Mod's for over 20 years, with 7 of his Detectors, not VFlex alone.
(you may want to throw your expert net out a bit wider)


Hey, don't anyone go shooting the messenger. I'm just trying to help here, not hinder.

 

[argyle1]

“Pressing the combination keypad sequence of POWER/PLUS/MINUS is a final production test to ensure all LCD segments are operating correctly. It has nothing to do with coil calibration. VFLEX calibration happens automatically every time an X-TERRA Series detector is turned on and senses an authorised coil”. HH Randy

You may want to Sync that coil if you want the 705 to Track correctly when running in hot ground Randy, or you won't be moving very far. And if you want to Manually Balance and set your own GB Off-Set as I do. That coil had better be synced in.

 

[michaelosully]

This discussion is confusing and conflicting.

@argyle - Where are you getting your info from that you need to sync/diagnostic every time you change coils and/or frequencies. Randy has indicated that the coil/processor syncs automatically, EVERY TIME and yet you infer it's not happening to the extent it needs?

I might change coils 3 or 4 times in one outing and have never read this advice from ML or heard this from my 2 experts here on the X-terra forum. I think some further explanation is warranted.

I don't need to get my info from anyone mountaindigger.
I've had Prof Laurence Stamatescu's units in my ears via Audio Enhancement matched together with Modulation change Mod's for over 20 years, with 7 of his Detectors, not VFlex alone.
(you may want to throw your expert net out a bit wider)


Hey, don't anyone go shooting the messenger. I'm just trying to help here, not hinder.

argyle1,
Well then, always good to know that you "...don't need to get my [your] info from anyone..."

I wasn't 'shooting the messenger' but since you use the word 'messenger' here in this response, it implies that information is being relayed from someone or somewhere. Certainly there are more than 2 experts on VFlex so I'll just say you certainly make it sound like you know Laurence very well. I never questioned whether you're an expert or not, but I did say I was confused by having not read this new information before and we do have some experts here. These experts have answered our X-terra questions for years and have been a great resource for those of us that don't profess any particular VFlex expertise.

I'm certainly open to casting a wider 'expert' net and I'm always open to new information on the X-terra series but after rereading your posts on this Sync and Diagnostic topic along with Digger's responses, I still question if this procedure is really necessary IF ONE ONLY USES Minelab AND COILTEK coils on the X-terra?

Your expert public response on this specific question will be greatly appreciated.

 

[argyle1]

Mountaindigger...

Listen mate. I don't go in for whole back and forthing stuff.
You should have already run a sync and diagnostic check by know and run the xterra through a variety of real-world texts in the ground, and worked out for yourself the benefit of it.
If you haven't, to be honest, I couldn't give two stuffs.
Go climb a mountain or something.

 

[michaelosully]

Mountaindigger...

Listen mate. I don't go in for whole back and forthing stuff.
You should have already run a sync and diagnostic check by know and run the xterra through a variety of real-world texts in the ground, and worked out for yourself the benefit of it.
If you haven't, to be honest, I couldn't give two stuffs.
Go climb a mountain or something.

I have no problem with you not doing the whole back and forthing stuff, yet YOU respond. The way to avoid "back and forthing" is to answer a question directly or don't respond. By you saying "you should have already run a sync and diagnostic without explaining why and answering my direct question tells me all I need to know. I come here only to learn how to use the X-terra properly. Now about that question that was asked clearly and concisely but received no answer from you ... ...and yes I do climb mountains.

 

[argyle1]

Piss off..

 

[michaelosully]

Piss off..

No thanks, I don't necessarily follow so called 'expert' advice.

 

[BillF]

Piss off..

No thanks, I don't necessarily follow so called 'expert' advice.

 

[ramer]

Xterra 50

I have no idea if you need to sync the coil to the control box. But in any case, I held in the + and - pads and turned on the machine. All it did was light up every conceivable LCD segment available on the display. Nothing else happened. Nothing changed. I tried it several times, holding down the pads longer each time, still nothing changed.
In conclusion, I side with the Mine Lab engineer who said this procedure is only used at the factory to determine that all display segments are working.
But we are all curious where the author of this thread obtained his info. If he is sworn to secrecy, then so be it.

 

[Digger]

You may want to Sync that coil if you want the 705 to Track correctly when running in hot ground Randy, or you won't be moving very far. And if you want to Manually Balance and set your own GB Off-Set as I do. That coil had better be synced in.

I appreciate your concern. But Minelab and/or Coiltek coils are properly calibrated at the factory, and do not require me to do anything in the field, except turn on the X-TERRA and let VFLEX do it's thing. Tracking on the 705, when using authorized coils,is fully capable of handling mild ground, moderate ground or heavily mineralized ground as it constantly monitors the mineralization and updates the phase setting "on the fly". When I am not using Tracking, I prefer to let the 705 determine the ground phase as it is far more accurate than can be accomplished manually. And again, as far as synchronizing the coil....I don't worry about that because I only use Minelab and Coiltek coils. And I know both of them have pre-calibrated their coils to provide optimum performance with my X-TERRAs.

As to the procedure you posted to hold down the + and - pads while turning on the detector.......Pressing + and - pads while powering on the X-TERRA has nothing to do with synching authorized coils. And, it has zero effect on detector performance.

 

[argyle1]

You may want to Sync that coil if you want the 705 to Track correctly when running in hot ground Randy, or you won't be moving very far. And if you want to Manually Balance and set your own GB Off-Set as I do. That coil had better be synced in.

I appreciate your concern. But Minelab and/or Coiltek coils are properly calibrated at the factory, and do not require me to do anything in the field, except turn on the X-TERRA and let VFLEX do it's thing. Tracking on the 705, when using authorized coils,is fully capable of handling mild ground, moderate ground or heavily mineralized ground as it constantly monitors the mineralization and updates the phase setting "on the fly". When I am not using Tracking, I prefer to let the 705 determine the ground phase as it is far more accurate than can be accomplished manually. And again, as far as synchronizing the coil....I don't worry about that because I only use Minelab and Coiltek coils. And I know both of them have pre-calibrated their coils to provide optimum performance with my X-TERRAs.

As to the procedure you posted to hold down the + and - pads while turning on the detector.......Pressing + and - pads while powering on the X-TERRA has nothing to do with synching authorized coils. And, it has zero effect on detector performance.

It has a huge effect on detector performance Randy..
The Tracking is NOT capable of handling medium to heavily mineralized ground at all.

Listen Randy...I realize you wrote a nice little summary of "Understanding the XTerra" Ebook, but there are some things you really need to understand.
The 705 does bugger all 'on the fly'...and must be manually manipulated at a constant pace on medium to hot ground, or through heavy trash.
Theoretically mixed with marketing hype.....Yep. Practical real world use without the technical jargon....No.

The 705's will not Track through medium to hot mineralization unless the coil, Minelab or Coiltek (I don't use NEL rubbish) has been synced with the unit and diagnostic run. The Tracking simply won't handle hot ground unless it has. It certainly won't give you a correct "ground phase".
You'll obtain a far better balance Manually than the unit will ever give you. Same goes for Noise Cancel. The unit will never pick a better freq channel than you can yourself (try some Audio enhancements and get a true feel for the guts of the machine and listen to the internals, the secret lies within the Pure All Metal manual ground balance mode when it's opened by pressing the GB)
Same can be said for heavily junked mild ground when segmentation and Multi Tone must operate at an optimum.

Now, you've tested a nice variety of coils both in full production and prototypes, and you've used quite a few detectors both full production models and prototypes.
You really should have nutted this out years ago instead of quickly jumping ship to the overhyped target tracing CTX and becoming a member of the permanent upright brigade.
Us Aussie's had it down pat within the month of the XTerra's release.

I've owned well over 40 XTerra's and ever coil made for them. Because they are the best series of Detectors made in the history of detector manufacturing.
I make a living using them on coinage and nuggets.
I only started this thread to help guys to get the best out their units.
So don't go jamming that marketing ploy of VFlex jargon down my throat mate, I've been hearing it since Minelab bought the company that produced the 9000 and 12000, then they started with the Goldseekers 15000.

This forum has died due to the old "go away and read Randy's book" line. It's on every thread. Yeah, I know some guys are new to the detector, but every time a new user pops a post up, you and longhair should let it run and give every other member a chance to have a chat with them, and give a few of their favorite user settings/secrets to them. Then join in on the chat yourself.

I know heaps of guys must annoy you through PM's asking simple stuff, while instead they should be reading the very well put together Users Manual and putting hours in on the unit setting each button five ways to sunday to learn the machine themselves.
But hey mate, you wanted to be famous, so suck it up sunshine and join back in on the fun.

This forum will die just like the Tesoro one has... Unless the guys can be able to chat away in peace, hopefully with you an integral part of them/us.

 

[ramairnut]

You may want to Sync that coil if you want the 705 to Track correctly when running in hot ground Randy, or you won't be moving very far. And if you want to Manually Balance and set your own GB Off-Set as I do. That coil had better be synced in.

I appreciate your concern. But Minelab and/or Coiltek coils are properly calibrated at the factory, and do not require me to do anything in the field, except turn on the X-TERRA and let VFLEX do it's thing. Tracking on the 705, when using authorized coils,is fully capable of handling mild ground, moderate ground or heavily mineralized ground as it constantly monitors the mineralization and updates the phase setting "on the fly". When I am not using Tracking, I prefer to let the 705 determine the ground phase as it is far more accurate than can be accomplished manually. And again, as far as synchronizing the coil....I don't worry about that because I only use Minelab and Coiltek coils. And I know both of them have pre-calibrated their coils to provide optimum performance with my X-TERRAs.

As to the procedure you posted to hold down the + and - pads while turning on the detector.......Pressing + and - pads while powering on the X-TERRA has nothing to do with synching authorized coils. And, it has zero effect on detector performance.

It has a huge effect on detector performance Randy..
The Tracking is NOT capable of handling medium to heavily mineralized ground at all.

Listen Randy...I realize you wrote a nice little summary of "Understanding the XTerra" Ebook, but there are some things you really need to understand.
The 705 does bugger all 'on the fly'...and must be manually manipulated at a constant pace on medium to hot ground, or through heavy trash.
Theoretically mixed with marketing hype.....Yep. Practical real world use without the technical jargon....No.

The 705's will not Track through medium to hot mineralization unless the coil, Minelab or Coiltek (I don't use NEL rubbish) has been synced with the unit and diagnostic run. The Tracking simply won't handle hot ground unless it has. It certainly won't give you a correct "ground phase".
You'll obtain a far better balance Manually than the unit will ever give you. Same goes for Noise Cancel. The unit will never pick a better freq channel than you can yourself (try some Audio enhancements and get a true feel for the guts of the machine and listen to the internals, the secret lies within the Pure All Metal manual ground balance mode when it's opened by pressing the GB)
Same can be said for heavily junked mild ground when segmentation and Multi Tone must operate at an optimum.

Now, you've tested a nice variety of coils both in full production and prototypes, and you've used quite a few detectors both full production models and prototypes.
You really should have nutted this out years ago instead of quickly jumping ship to the overhyped target tracing CTX and becoming a member of the permanent upright brigade.
Us Aussie's had it down pat within the month of the XTerra's release.

I've owned well over 40 XTerra's and ever coil made for them. Because they are the best series of Detectors made in the history of detector manufacturing.
I make a living using them on coinage and nuggets.
I only started this thread to help guys to get the best out their units.
So don't go jamming that marketing ploy of VFlex jargon down my throat mate, I've been hearing it since Minelab bought the company that produced the 9000 and 12000, then they started with the Goldseekers 15000.

This forum has died due to the old "go away and read Randy's book" line. It's on every thread. Yeah, I know some guys are new to the detector, but every time a new user pops a post up, you and longhair should let it run and give every other member a chance to have a chat with them, and give a few of their favorite user settings/secrets to them. Then join in on the chat yourself.

I know heaps of guys must annoy you through PM's asking simple stuff, while instead they should be reading the very well put together Users Manual and putting hours in on the unit setting each button five ways to sunday to learn the machine themselves.
But hey mate, you wanted to be famous, so suck it up sunshine and join back in on the fun.

This forum will die just like the Tesoro one has... Unless the guys can be able to chat away in peace, hopefully with you an integral part of them/us.