The Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector has been a delightful experience for me. Right out of the box, it’s evident that this is a tool designed for both novices and seasoned detectorists. Its assembly was straightforward, and I was quickly impressed with its lightweight design, ensuring comfort even during extended field sessions.
Equinox 800 Review
Watch the official Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector video here:
Equinox 800 Metal Detector
Its depth capability is particularly remarkable, easily reaching up to 18 inches. This made my treasure hunts even more exciting, as I could explore deeper grounds. As a gold enthusiast, the dedicated gold setting was a boon, enhancing my search for those elusive nuggets.
The wireless headphones provided offer clear sound quality, though I did encounter a minor hiccup with pairing initially. The detector’s recovery speed when passing over a target is swift, ensuring you don’t miss out on any potential finds. Another highlight was the machine’s battery life; it came fully charged, allowing me to head straight outdoors and start my exploration.
I must admit, while the Equinox 800 offers an array of settings suitable for all skill levels, there’s a bit of a learning curve. The machine is feature-rich, and it might take a while to familiarise oneself with all its capabilities. I also noticed the swivel point, where the machine joins the coils, seemed slightly fragile. Potential users might want to handle this part with care. Lastly, its portability could be improved upon, particularly regarding the length of the carbon fiber shaft and the handle.
Here’s what the Equinox 800 packs
- Multi-IQ Technology: This allows the Equinox 800 to operate in multiple frequencies simultaneously, ensuring optimal detection performance across a diverse range of target types and ground conditions.
- Gold Detecting Mode: Tailored specifically for gold prospecting, this mode enhances sensitivity to small gold nuggets in highly mineralised soils.
- Wireless Audio: Comes with integrated Bluetooth compatibility, allowing for cordless audio with fast aptX low latency.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing in at only 1.34 kg, the Equinox 800 ensures comfortable use over extended periods.
- Fully Waterproof: Designed to be submersible up to 3 metres (10 feet), making it perfect for beach and underwater treasure hunting.
- Advanced Settings: Unlike some of its counterparts, the Equinox 800 boasts a suite of advanced settings, giving seasoned detectorists the freedom to customise their search parameters.
- High-Speed Wireless Headphones: These ensure clear audio without the tangle of wires, improving overall detecting experience.
- Backlit LCD Display: Enhancing usability in low light conditions, this feature ensures that the detector can be used from dawn to dusk.
- Rechargeable Battery: A built-in lithium-ion battery that can be conveniently recharged, negating the need for continuous battery replacements.
- Fast Target Recovery: Quick identification and response to targets, even in trash-heavy areas, ensuring potential treasures aren’t missed.
- When incorporating these features into a review, you can elaborate on each point’s practical benefits to the user, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the product’s capabilities.
Shortcomings
Having spent some quality time with the Mine Lab 800 Equinox, there are a few points I’d like to touch on:
- Headphone Connectivity: Personally, I’ve had a bit of a challenge with the headphones. On more than one occasion, they lost connection unexpectedly or produced an unexplained crackling noise.
- Initial Complexity: It’s undeniable that the Equinox 800 is feature-rich, but I found myself slightly overwhelmed at the outset. It took me a while to navigate and make the most of its many settings.
- Swivel Point Durability: One concern that arose during my time with the detector was the swivel point where the unit joins the coil. It felt as though it could be a weak point over time.
- Portability Matters: The carbon fibre shaft length, combined with the coil, measures around 29 inches. This made it a tad challenging for me when attempting to fit it into my regular backpack. The handle’s design further complicates portability.
- Price Considerations: While I appreciate the features on offer, the price difference between the Equinox 800 and its 600 counterpart felt more like a strategic move than a reflection of substantial value addition.
- Customisation Limits: Having tried a range of detectors, I did feel the Equinox 800 was a bit more restrictive in terms of personalising settings to my preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common queries from customers who purchased Equinox 800 metal detectors:
What are the best Equinox 800 settings for hammered coins?
The Minelab Equinox 800 is a versatile detector, and while the best settings can be influenced by factors like ground mineralisation, individual user preferences, and specific conditions of a hunt, here are some general settings that can be effective when searching for hammered coins:
Mode: ‘Field 2’ is a popular choice because it offers good depth and separation, which is ideal for detecting hammered coins, especially in areas that may have a lot of iron or other trash.
Frequency: Multi-frequency is usually the best option. It offers the benefits of all frequencies and maximises the detection depth and target recognition. However, if there’s interference, you might want to switch to a single frequency, like 20kHz or 40kHz, which can be effective for small hammered coins.
Sensitivity: Start with a high sensitivity setting (e.g., 22-25) and reduce it if you encounter too much chatter or false signals. Be cautious not to set it too low, or you might miss out on deeper targets.
Recovery Speed: For sites with a lot of trash, a higher recovery speed like 6-8 will help in target separation. For cleaner sites or open fields, you can use a lower recovery speed for added depth.
Iron Bias: For hammered coins, setting an iron bias to a lower value can be beneficial. However, if you encounter too many false signals from rusted iron, you might need to increase it slightly.
Ground Balance: Auto ground balance works well in most conditions. Occasionally, you might need to manually adjust it based on the mineralisation of the ground.
Threshold Level: Set it to a faint but audible level. This helps in identifying deep or faint targets.
Tone Breaks and Volumes: Adjust your tone breaks to better discern between ferrous and non-ferrous targets. Setting the volume for the iron (ferrous) tone a bit lower can help you focus on non-ferrous targets like hammered coins.
Discrimination: Use minimal discrimination. Rely on tones and the target ID to decide what to dig. Avoid setting discrimination too high, or you might overlook desirable targets.
Remember, conditions vary, and while these are general settings that can be effective for hammered coins, always adapt to the site’s specific characteristics. Experimentation is key. As you gain experience with the Equinox 800, you’ll develop a sense for fine-tuning these settings for optimal results in your specific hunting grounds.
Is the Minelab Equinox 800 waterproof
Yes, the Minelab Equinox 800 is waterproof. It’s designed to be submersible up to 3 meters (10 feet). This makes it suitable for detecting in shallow water, such as at beaches, rivers, or ponds.
However, always ensure that the battery compartment and connectors are properly sealed before submerging the detector in water. It’s also important to note that while the detector itself is waterproof, not all accessories (like certain headphones) might be, so always check before exposing any additional equipment to water.
How do I update the Equinox 800?
Updating your Minelab Equinox 800 ensures that you have the latest features and optimal performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to update your Minelab Equinox 800:
Prerequisites:
Make sure your Equinox 800 battery is fully charged.
You’ll need a Windows PC with internet access.
A USB cable (usually provided with your detector).
Steps:
Download the Update Utility: Visit the Minelab website and navigate to the Equinox support page. Download the Minelab Update Utility to your computer and install it.
Connect your Equinox to the PC:
Power off your Equinox 800.
Use the USB cable to connect your Equinox 800 to your computer.
Power on your Equinox 800.
Run the Update Utility:
Launch the Minelab Update Utility software you installed.
If there’s a newer version of the firmware available, the software will notify you.
Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the update.
Install the Update:
The utility will guide you through the process of downloading and installing the update.
Ensure that your detector remains connected during the entire process. Interrupting the update can cause issues.
Restart your Equinox 800: Once the update is complete, you can disconnect your Equinox from the computer. Restart your detector to ensure the new firmware is loaded correctly.
Check the Installed Version: On your Equinox 800, navigate to the ‘Settings’ or ‘About’ menu (or equivalent) to verify the firmware version to ensure the update was successful.
Verdict
In summary, the Minelab Equinox 800 is an excellent investment for metal detecting enthusiasts. It combines depth, versatility, and performance, making every treasure hunting session fruitful and enjoyable.