Minelab Equinox 800 Reviews: The Ultimate Guide

Appearance

The Minelab Equinox 800 is an excellent metal detector. It looks a lot like the Minelab Equinox 600, but it has more features than the other model.

This detector is designed to be lightweight and rigid, so you can enjoy long detecting sessions in any environment.

One problem people find with lightweight detectors is that all the weight is in the coil, making them a little hard to use. This isn’t the case with the 800. The lower rod could be extended a long way so taller people can use it comfortably.

Extending the shaft out more makes it easier to hold the detector in a more comfortable position. This is better for your body, and Minelab thought of this.

This machine helps you place counterweights into the pre-designed slots so you can find the balance that is just right for you and makes your experience more comfortable.

The Display

The large LED display is impressive. It is easy to see what your target is. The screen has large numbers that will help you see your target quickly.

Another big plus for the LED is that it is backlit. This makes it easier to read in different light conditions, or if your eyesight is not as good as it used to be.

The buttons on this unit are straightforward to use, and they respond well to touch.

Assembly

The EQX 11″ Double-D Smart Coil is easy to set up. First, attach it to the lower shaft. Then, assemble the shafts and attach the armrest. Finally, connect the coil.

The detector doesn’t come with a power source. You will get a USB cable that connects to the lithium battery. Minelab recommends using a 5V 2Amp charger. This power supply will charge the batteries to total capacity in around 12 hours, but if using a lower rated power supply, the charging time will be increased.

Make sure you read the instructions on how to charge the unit.

Simple to Use

We liked the Minelab Equinox 800 because it is effortless to use, even though it is a very advanced machine.

You can turn it on with this product, make ground noise cancellations, and choose your environment. Then you are ready to go.

After studying the manual, you’ll be able to quickly read the display and identify the targets. This will help avoid having to dig through everything that sets the machine off.

The User Profile button on the detector is very responsive. This means that you can switch between different detection modes with just one press of the controller. For example, if you want to go from Park mode to Beach mode, it is easy to do this with a few clicks.

The 800 has a Low, Medium, High, or Off backlight setting. This will conserve your battery life.

Multi-IQ multi-frequency technology

This detector is excellent for both beginners and experienced detectorists. It is simple to use for beginners, but it also has features that more experienced people will appreciate.

This model has advanced technology. The Multi IQ multi-frequency tech lets you search across all frequencies at the same time. This means that you are less likely to miss anything.

This technology can operate at 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, and 40 kHz. This is important because each frequency has a different use. For example, 20 kHz is in the range that is used to look for gold. And the 40 kHz band is good for finding gold nuggets.

The Detect Modes

Park Mode:

This is the detecting mode you should use if you are a beginner and you want to find coins and treasure in a recreational environment. This model is versatile and will work well in most situations.

Field Mode:

This mode will help you find a lot of different targets. This is the best mode to use to find fine jewelry or artifacts. And with the Multi-IQ feature, this detector is better at finding gold than many single-frequency gold detectors on the market today.

Beach Mode:

This machine is specifically designed to work in wet or dry sand and underwater. It balances saltwater and sand while still being very sensitive to vibrations.

Gold Mode:

This detector can find gold targets with high frequencies of 20kHz and 40kHz. It is also more versatile than many other single-frequency gold detectors.

The Headphones-Wireless is King

This Minelab 800 metal detector has a built-in wireless headphone capability. This is among the most helpful features that Minelab has introduced to its range of sensors. With this feature, you don’t feel like you’re tethered to the machine anymore.

This detector comes with a set of ML 80 wireless headphones with a hard case.

What’s included in the Bundle?

• Equinox 800
• 11-inch Double-D Smart coil with skidplate
• Wireless Bluetooth / apt-X Low Latency headphones
• WM 08 wireless audio module
• USB charging cable with magnetic connector
• Multi-Language screen protectors

Notable Features

• Warranty : 3 Year Limited Detector and 1 Year Battery
• Fast and Accurate Target ID: Fast Recovery Speed with Accurate Target ID
• Total Weight : 2.96 lbs (1.34 kg)
• 4 Detecting Modes: Park, Field, Beach, and Gold
• Operating Frequencies: 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz, Multi

Minelab 800 vs. Minelab 600

At the time of writing, the Minelab Equinox 800 is around $200 more than the Minelab Equinox 600. But what do you actually acquire for the higher price?

Verdict

This is an excellent piece of equipment. It has a lot of advanced technology, and it is suitable for both newcomers and experienced professionals.

Review of the Minelab Equinox 800

There are two models of the Minelab Equinox series, the 600 and 800. The 600 is for people who have some treasure hunting experience, while the 800 is for professionals. The 800 has many cool features and specs that people who want it will be happy with.

The multi-frequency mode makes the Equinox metal detectors different from other detectors in one very important way. A lot goes into making both products very good at what they do. The 800 model has more options for the person who owns it. You can learn more by checking reviews like our full and comprehensive review below.

What To Pay Attention To

The Multi-IQ technology, which enables the hunter to comb the area in multi-frequency mode, is one of the most significant features of the Equinox 800 and needs its own explanation. Compared to machines with a single frequency (the majority on the market). Multi-frequency is a unique characteristic of the machine that enables it to generate a coil field with all accessible frequencies concurrently. This enables the equipment to comb the area simultaneously with low, mid, and high frequencies, resulting in much-increased metal detection efficiency. Multi-frequency eliminates the need to check the same site multiple times with various frequencies for fear of missing a significant and lucrative find. Regarding the Equinox 800 specifically, it features five single frequencies – 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz – and a Multi-frequency mode that combines all of those frequencies.

The Equinox 800 has some great features, like its ability to discriminate between high-quality ferrous metals and trash and reach different depths to find objects. This machine can find both large and small objects.

The tool is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 feet deep. It also has great discrimination and can pick up signals from multiple frequencies, perfect for underwater searches.

All Features List:

• Multi-frequency. Genuine, intelligent multi-frequency operation, simultaneous use of various frequencies to maximize performance, and a wide range of single-frequency operations.
• IP68 Waterproof. Equinox can be entirely submerged underwater, making it suitable for beach searches and those in rivers, streams, and lakes (3 m).
• Durable and compact. A rugged and lightweight design enables you to conduct extended searches in any situation.
• Compatible with wireless audio at high speeds.
• Compatible with ultra-fast wireless audio via the WM 08 and low-latency aptX TM headphones over Bluetooth.
• There are eight search profiles.
• Each search mode has two custom search profiles, allowing you to save your preferred search settings for each mode.
• Rapid and precise target recognition. A high recovery rate combined with precise identification ensures that no precious item is lost in the trash.
• Configuration options. Additional settings give you greater control over the sound of your metal detector; only you select how much information about the target you will hear.
• Mode of gold search. This mode operates at a single high frequency of 20 or 40 kHz, ideal for finding gold nuggets in mineralized soils.
• For quick mode switching, there is a button for the user profile.
• Noise cancellation – Ground Balance – Automatic or Manual – Automatic or Manual Sensitivity – 1 to 25 0 to 25 for Target Volume, Threshold Level, and Threshold Pitch
• Coil DD 11 inches
• LCD display in monochrome
• Backlight that can be adjusted
• Rechargeable battery built-in; battery life is approximately 12 hours.
• Upgradeable software

Multi-IQ Technology

Simultaneous Multi-Frequency In-phase and Quadrature Synchronous Demodulation are Simultaneous Multi-Frequency In-phase and Quadrature Synchronous Demodulation. This technique enables the instrument to simultaneously utilize the coil’s frequencies, resulting in a multi-frequency field piercing the ground. Lower frequencies explore deeper for larger objects, and higher frequencies search closer to the surface for smaller objects.

The primary advantage of the Multi-frequency is that it eliminates the need to comb the position numerous times. Switching frequencies out of fear of missing a desirable target improves performance stability. The point is that densely littered and mineralized soils obstruct the coil’s field, impairing its ability to detect items efficiently or distorting the signals. When many frequencies are used, the frequencies that function poorly due to soil mineralization’s impact are compensated for by the frequencies that continue to work well. This means that the tool retains its depth and sensitivity while improving its operational stability.

Occasionally, a single metal detecting machine with multi-frequency capability gives greater variability. Than many machines or multiple changeable coils for a machine because it utilizes multiple frequencies simultaneously.

The Kit

Metal detecting device. Wireless headphones. WM 08* wireless module. Magnetic USB charging cord. Screen protectors with inscriptions in multiple languages. Instruction manual.

Additionally, additional accessories and spare parts are available*. Equinox 800 wireless headphones WM-08 Module Magnetic USB charging cord. Protective cover for the user’s Guide’s screen.

Minelab Equinox Software Update 2019

The software for the Minelab Equinox 600 and 800 has already been developed and tested. This was a foregone conclusion, given the software’s original release featured numerous bugs and issues. However, it is unknown whether existing 600 and 800 smartphone owners would be compelled to download the updated software.

The revised software is now included with all new Minelab Equinox 600 and 800 metal detectors (starting from October 2019). Additionally, manufacturers will upgrade devices running version 1.0 that have been stored.

You have complete freedom of choice if you own one of those metal detectors. You can select to download the new version and upgrade your device.

What’s The Upgrade About?

This update’s primary objective is to address issues in the prior program. Whether all bugs were addressed is unknown — perhaps the corporation reserved some space for software version 3.0.

The following are the actual modifications.

Minelab Equinox 600’s display will be appropriately lighted with the upgrade. The degree of brightness can be adjusted from the lowest to the highest setting. This could be beneficial, as a backlit display that cannot be adjusted is somewhat unpleasant.

The second significant possibility is a more favorable aspect of the ferrous metals indicator. Using this capability, metal detectorists will more accurately identify ferrous metals and distinguish between worthy and worthless things.

Iron objects are a pain in the arse for all treasure hunters, so, unsurprisingly, Minelab chose to focus exclusively on this issue while upgrading the software on their latest metal detectors. This, hopefully, works.

How To Update The Machine?

An Internet connection and a personal computer must upgrade software on a previously acquired Minelab Equinox. Connect the metal detector to the PC through a USB wire. Minelab Update Utility can be used to download and process the upgraded software.

To begin, you must download MUU. Then, using a USB cord, connect the metal detector to your computer.

Turn on the metal detector, along with any attachments.

The MUU must identify your metal detector and software version.

If the program determines that you are eligible for the update, it will inform you. To get the latest version, simply click “Install.”

You will need around a minute to download and install new software. After installation is complete, the metal detector should function properly.

Automatically reload. MUU will notify you that the process was successful, and you can turn it off.

Remember that you cannot update more than one metal detector simultaneously. Do not power on or disconnect the metal detector from the PC during the installation. If you have customized settings, the update will have no effect on them.

This section offers critical information about Minelab Equinox 600 and 800 software enhancements. We will have to wait for additional comments from detectorists globally to learn more about it.

Minelab Equinox Coils and Accessories Review

There are numerous accessories and coils available for owners of Minelab’s Equinox series devices. Minelab Equinox coils give adaptability and functionality without requiring the customer to purchase another metal detecting gadget. Minelab Equinox 800 coils will enhance the device’s functionality, versatility, and features (you can check out the Minelab Equinox 800 review here). Equinox coils are less expensive than a comparable full-featured metal detector, but purchasing one or more for replacement parts or enhancing your experience is wise.

Having a backup coil is prudent because you may encounter problems or coil damage on-site. Accessories, in turn, contribute to a better user experience, safeguard the device, and make operation more convenient.

Minelab Equinox Accessories

There are also many accessories available for the Equinox series by Minelab. These include:

Coil Covers: Minelab 6′′ DD Coil Cover, Minelab 11′′ DD Coil Cover, and Minelab 15′′ DD Coil Cover are available. All variants are available in black.

Accessory for charging: USB Charging Cable with Magnetic Connector that connects to any normal USB port on the go. features a snap-on magnetic connector that is easily cleaned after underwater detecting. 2-Way USB Car Charger — convenient for charging devices in the car or when traveling. 4-Way Universal AC Charger — has four different plugs for any charging method.

Audio Accessories – Minelab ML 80 Wireless Headphones (includes Bluetooth and ultra-fast apt-X Low Latency technology; can also be used as wired headphones), Waterproof EQUINOX Headphones (compatible with the WM 08 module), Waterproof Wired Headphones (3.5mm / 1/8-inch wired headphones), and 3.5mm (1/8-inch) to 6.35mm (1/4-inch) Headphone Adapter Cable.

EQUINOX Multi-Language Screen Protector Pack — the protectors, are anti-reflective and provide mechanical protection for the display. Protectors are currently accessible in sixteen different languages.

Numerous options for enhancing the user experience.

Equinox 800 Detector Manual Guide

The user handbook for the Equinox series 800 will prove to be an invaluable resource for owners of this equipment since it offers all of the necessary information regarding the gadget. It’s jam-packed with information on how to utilize and maximize the device.

It’s a handy reference for mastering the controls, fine-tuning the settings, utilizing the sounds, and caring for and maintaining the gadget. It is strongly advised that you read and retain this handbook when operating your Equinox 800.

Equinox 800 Metal Detector Settings

As noted previously, the Equinox 800 includes a Setting button that you may utilize to maximize the functionality of your device. The following are its functions:

1. Adjustment for noise cancellation
2. Adjustment of the ground balance
3. Adjustment of volume
4. Selection of the desired tone
5. Adjustment of the threshold level
6. Adjustment of the speed of recovery

You can cycle through the available functionality and adjust the desired one by hitting the Setting button. You may need to experiment with this slightly, so exercise patience.

Which Minelab Equinox 800 is Best?

Equinox was designed to provide its users with the best possible performance, and they will realize that once they hold it in their hands. Equinox was designed to provide its consumers with the best possible performance, and once they have it in their hands, they will realize that this is true.

The best parameters for searching in a specific environment are automatically calibrated with Field, Beach, Park, and Gold detection modes. Two custom profiles are available for implementing these precautionary and strong settings. Below are some of the outstanding features and benefits it offers.

A/T & Manual Ground Balance

The Equinox 800 has ground balances ranging from -9 to 99. The default setting is 0 for all detection modes except gold. Gold’s ground balance is set to Tracking Ground Balance by default. Ground balance adjustments are local rather than global inside detection mode profiles, so you must repeat them every time you switch modes.

You may choose to use Manual Ground Balance. As the detector moves through fast-changing or highly mineralized soil conditions, Automatic Ground Balance adjusts the ground balance to identify the ideal parameters for the soil conditions.

Auto & Manual Noise Cancel

Having the option to sweep away interference from the air, ground, or nearby detectors without having to ground balance or reduce the sensitivity. There are two modes of noise cancellation: manual and automatic. The Equinox 800 offers 19 channels that range from -9 to 9. Manual mode gives you the option of choosing the one with the least amount of interference.

A Multifrequency System

A detector like this is effective because it is technologically advanced. A user can combine up to five different frequencies at once. In noisy environments where the noise cannot be controlled, they can also be employed separately, for example, when polishing just one target. Each mode offers a variety of frequency options. Each detection method is made up of two different analysis profiles.

Adjustable Threshold

You’ll love the Threshold Level setting when you want to hear that constant hum for distinguishing good targets from garbage things and detecting weak signals. The scale ranges from 0 to 25. By setting 0 for the value, rejected targets will not be nullified and won’t be silenced.

This is a good option in a high-trash region since continuous blanking can be irritating. In gold mode, the default threshold is 11, which improves weak signals associated with small nuggets or buried gold.

Adjustable Recovery Speed

The recovery speed indicates how long it takes for a detector to distinguish targets or resume detection after discovering ferrous material. A metal detector’s recovery speed is an important consideration when purchasing one. The Minelab Equinox is available in eight recovery speeds.

Swing rate is another important factor to consider. While increasing recovery speed may enhance your swings with little or no ground noise, it may still prevent you from hitting the target.

Limitations

The following is the limation of the Minelab Equinox 800 metal detecting device. The machine is not submersible, and the coil must be kept dry.

It is important to remember that this is a decision-making tool and not a magic wand. As with any other tool, it will take practice to learn how to use it correctly.

There are no guarantees that you will find anything, even if you use the best settings. It all depends on where you are searching and what you are looking for.

User Error

As with any tool, user error can lead to problems. If you don’t follow the instructions or become familiar with how the device works, you may not get the results.

Intended Use

The Minelab Equinox 800 is designed for use in all types of terrain, including beach sand, soil, and even mineralized ground. It is also recommended for use in areas with a lot of trash.

However, it should not be used in salt water as it will damage the device.

Ease of Use

The Minelab Equinox 800 is easy to use, even for beginners. The controls are straightforward, and the machine comes with a helpful user manual.

It is also lightweight and comfortable to use, even for extended periods.

So areas with a lot of trash., does the Minelab Equinox 800 suit a particular type of user? It is a versatile machine that anyone can use, from beginners to experienced detectorists.

To learn more about metal detectors, click here.

Conclusion

Minelab Equinox 800 is one of the most popular metal detectors. For a legitimate reason – or, more precisely, many legitimate reasons. Along with the Multi-frequency technology, it features a plethora of extra settings, making it adaptable and configurable to virtually any location or search circumstance. Those treasure hunters with the expertise to decipher all the manual settings will immediately benefit from this exceptional equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minelab Equinox 800 Reviews