Prospectors Cache Tom Ashworth's Recommended Settings
Minelab

Minelab Equinox 800

MSRP $899

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User ManualPDF

Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector

Still a top-selling Multi-IQ all-around detector

The Minelab Equinox 800 is the detector that popularized Multi-IQ for everyday hunters and still holds its own against newer rivals. It offers strong beach stability, good trash separation, and proven depth on coins and relics. Minelab designed it for intermediate hunters who want one machine for parks, beaches, and fields without juggling multiple detectors. Salt beaches, picnic areas, and iron-infested home sites remain its strongest hunting environments.

Minelab • Minelab Equinox 800

Minelab Equinox 800 — Beach (Wet Sand)

Recommended Minelab Multi-IQ starting points for salt surf and wet pack.

🏖️ Beach 🏖️ Wet Sand
Recommended coil: 10×5" or 12" round

Adjustments

Search Mode
Profile
Beach 1
Minelab Equinox 800 Multi-IQ profile for this hunt.
Search Mode
Frequency
Multi-IQ (all frequencies)
Use single high band only if EMI is bad.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity
20–24
Raise until stable, then back off one step.
Ground
Ground Balance
Auto / pump in surf
Re-balance when ground character changes.
Recovery
Recovery Speed
6–7
Higher = faster separation in trash.
Discrimination
Discrimination
Low — reject iron
Keep nickels and gold-range open when possible.
Iron
Iron Bias
0 to +1
Adjust if iron grunts mask good targets.
Audio
Tone / Volume
Multi-Tone 18–22
Use pitch to sort foil from jewelry.
Coil
Coil & Swing
10×5" or 12" round
Overlap 50% in wet sand.