VANQUISH 340 USER MANUALContents
QUICK START��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3

BATTERIES AND CHARGING������������������������������������������������10
Battery Level�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10

SEARCH MODES������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 3

Low Battery������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10

Coin������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3

Automatic Shut-Down�������������������������������������������������������������������10
Battery Run/Charge Times���������������������������������������������������������10

Jewellery������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 3
All‑Metal������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3

Rechargeable Batteries������������������������������������������������������������������10

CONTROLS���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4

DETECTOR CARE AND SAFETY����������������������������������������11

DISPLAY������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5

ERROR CODES�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12

DETECTOR SETTINGS�������������������������������������������������������������������� 6

TROUBLESHOOTING�����������������������������������������������������������������������12

Volume������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 6

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS�������������������������������������������13

Sensitivity��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
To Adjust the Sensitivity Level��������������������������������������������������� 6

FACTORY RESET����������������������������������������������������������������������������������14

Excessive Noise���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6

PINPOINT���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7
Locate a Target����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7

DEPTH GAUGE�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7
TARGET IDENTIFICATION��������������������������������������������������������� 8
Target Identification Number����������������������������������������������������� 8
Discrimination Segments�������������������������������������������������������������� 8
Discrimination Patterns ���������������������������������������������������������������� 8
All‑Metal������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Enable All‑Metal���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Using All‑Metal to Check a Target������������������������������������������� 9

Target Tone������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) International License.
To view a copy of this license, visit: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

2

Quick Start

1

Turn On

Search Modes

2

Wait For 5
Seconds

3 Go Detecting

Press the Search Mode button to select the next Search Mode.

The VANQUISH 340 has three Search Modes that each have unique Discrimination Patterns.
Choosing the right Search Mode will help you find more of what you’re looking for.

COIN

JEWELLERY

ALL‑METAL

Find common modern coins fromaround the world while ignoring trash inparks and at the beach.

Recover precious jewellery no matter
where it was lost.

Find all targets that contain metal,
including iron.

Jewellery Mode has excellent target
separation and depth, making it a good
all-rounder.

Detecting in All‑Metal Mode guarantees
you will not miss any targets, however
you will also detect more trash.

This Mode is ideal for finding jewelleryof all shapes, sizes, and metalcomposition.

The discrimination pattern for this mode
accepts all ferrous (iron) and nonferrous targets. The tones are adjusted
to classify as trash common nonferrous targets such as foil.

Coin Mode is recommended for trashy
locations because it has excellent
target separation abilities. This means
you won’t miss good targets that are
buried directly next to ferrous trash.
The discrimination pattern for thismode rejects all ferrous (iron) targets
and also rejects small non-ferrous
trash such as foil.

CONTENTS

The discrimination pattern for thismode rejects only ferrous (iron) targets.

This Mode can be used to check a target
detected in Coin or Jewellery Modes tosee if it contains iron (see page 9).

3

Controls
5

1

2
4
3

1. Power On/Off
Turns the detector on and off.
Press and hold from Off (7 seconds) to restore factory settings (page 14).

2. Volume Adjust
Adjusts the audio Volume Level (page 6).

3. Sensitivity
Adjusts the Sensitivity Level (page 6).

4. Search Mode
Selects the next available Search Mode (page 3).

5. Target Identification Guide
A reference guide indicating the types of targets that can be found for the corresponding
Target Identification Segment.

CONTENTS

4Display

7

1

6

2

3

4

5

1. Battery Level
Indicates the current battery level (page 10).

2. Volume Level
Displays the detector audio volume (page 6).

3. Sensitivity Level
Displays the Sensitivity level (page 6).

4. Target Identification Number
Indicates the numerical value of a detected target, allowing the identification of an object
before digging. For example, a US quarter will always display the same Target Identification(ID) Number.
Negative numbers are ferrous, positive numbers are non-ferrous from fine gold (low ID’s) tolarge silver (high ID’s).

5. Depth Gauge
Shows the approximate depth of a detected target (page 7).

6. Search Modes
Displays the active Search Mode (page 3).

7. Discrimination Segments
Represents groupings of Target Identification Numbers as a single segment on a scale.
Discrimination Segments align with the Target Identification Guide.

CONTENTS

5

Detector Settings
VOLUMETo Adjust the Sensitivity Level

The Volume control changes the loudness of target signals.

1.	 Hold the coil stationary, then use the Sensitivity button toincrease the sensitivity until false signals begin to occur.

Use the Volume button to adjust the Volume Level. Each pressof the Volume button will advance to the next Volume Level
from low to high. Once maximum Volume is reached, pressing
the Volume button will return to the lowest Volume Level.

2.	 Reduce the Sensitivity Level just enough that the false
signals disappear, by pressing the Sensitivity button (ifLevel 2, 3, or 4 is selected, press three times to reduce
the sensitivity by one level).
3.	 Sweep the coil over a clear patch of ground, and reduce
the Sensitivity Level further if any ground noise isencountered.

The Volume button

The Volume Level indicator on the display shows the current
Volume Level. Each bar represents one level.

Excessive Noise
Sometimes, excessive noise is encountered whilst detecting.
This can be caused by environmental electromagnetic
interference (EMI) from sources such as power lines, mobile
phone towers, or other metal detectors.

The Volume Level indicator showing
maximum volume (level 3)

SENSITIVITY

If noise is a problem, try the following steps in order until thenoise is eliminated.

The VANQUISH Series detectors are highly sensitive and haveadjustable sensitivity. Setting the correct sensitivity level for
individual detecting conditions will maximise detection depth.

1.	 Move away from local sources of Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI).

Always choose the highest stable Sensitivity setting to ensure
optimum performance.

2.	 Restart the detector, and wait for the automatic Noise
Cancel process to complete.

Use the Sensitivity button to adjust the Sensitivity Level.
Each press of the Sensitivity button will advance to the next
Sensitivity Level from low to high. Once maximum Sensitivity
is reached, pressing the Sensitivity button will return to thelowest Sensitivity Level.

3.	 If restarting the detector does not eliminate the excessive
noise, then try reducing the Sensitivity Level.
Automatic Noise Cancel
VANQUISH Series detectors have an automatic Noise
Cancel process that occurs every time the detector is
powered on. It calibrates the detector so that excessive
noise is not experienced.

The Sensitivity button

For best results, the coil should be held stationary justabove the ground until Automatic Noise Cancel is complete(indicated by two large dashes displayed on the Target ID
Number field).

The Sensitivity Level indicator on the display shows thecurrent Sensitivity Level. Each bar represents one level.
The Sensitivity Level indicator showing
maximum sensitivity (level 4)

CONTENTS

6

Pinpoint
LOCATE A TARGET

1-3

Once a target has been detected, the manual pinpointing
technique locates the exact position before digging. Thismeans less digging, and faster recovery of the target.

Make a line where thestrongest signal is heard.

Beep!
Beep!

4-5

Beep!
Beep!

1.	 Sweep the coil slowly across the target location keeping
the coil parallel to the ground.
2.	 Locate the centre of the target by listening for the loudest
target signal response.
3.	 Make a mental note of the position, or mark a line on thesoil with your shoe or a digging tool.
4.	 Move to one side so that you can pass the coil over thetarget at right angles to your initial direction.

Stand at right-angles toyour initial position andrepeat.

5.	 Repeat steps 1 and 3 from your new position. The target is
located where the two imaginary lines cross.

The intersection of thetwo lines marks the exact
location of the target.

Depth Gauge
The Depth Gauge indicates the approximate depth of adetected target.

Here is an example of the Depth Gauge reading and theapproximate target depth for a US quarter.

The Depth Gauge is a guide only. Fewer arrows indicate ashallower target, more arrows indicate a deeper target. The
accuracy can vary depending on the target type and groundconditions.
After a target is detected, the Depth Gauge will remain on the
LCD for up to 5 seconds, or until the next target is detected.
When there is no detection, the Depth Gauge icon and arrows
are turned off.

CONTENTS

7

50mm

100mm

150mm

>150mm

2"

4"

6"

>6"

Target Identification
TARGET IDENTIFICATION NUMBERDISCRIMINATION SEGMENTS

Target Identification (Target ID) numbers range from –9 to 40
with ferrous (iron) targets ranging from –9 to 0.

Discrimination Segments are located along top of the LCD.
They display Target IDs grouped into zones.

When a target is detected, it is represented as a number thatappears on the Target Identification Number field on thedisplay. This indicates the target’s ferrous or non-ferrous
properties for quick and easy identification.

Each Target Identification Number has a corresponding
Discrimination Segment that will flash when a target with that
ID is detected.

DISCRIMINATION PATTERNSFor example, a US quarter has a Target ID of 29. This meansthat each time a Target with an ID of 29 is detected, there is agood chance that it will be a US quarter.

Discrimination Segments are turned on or off to either detector ignore targets. All segments that are on will be heard(accepted), and all segments that are off will not be heard(rejected).
The combinations of accepted and rejected segments arecalled Discrimination Patterns.
VANQUISH 340 has three discrimination patterns: Coin andJewellery Modes (below), and All‑Metal (see page 9).

A Target ID number appears when a target is detected. This example shows
the detection of a shallow US quarter. The corresponding Target ID Segment
flashes upon detection (shown in grey).

The last detected Target ID remains on the display for fiveseconds or until another target is detected. If there is no
detection or the detector passes over a target that it rejects,
the display shows two large dashes.

The Coin Mode Discrimination Pattern showing Accepted segments ( ) andRejected segments ( ).

The Jewellery Mode Discrimination Pattern showing Accepted segments ( )and Rejected segments ( ).

Two large dashes on the Target Identification Number field when
there is no detection.

CONTENTS

8

Target Identification
ALL‑METALTARGET TONE

In All‑Metal Search Mode, all Discrimination Segments are on
so that all metal targets will be detected, including iron.

Groups of Target IDs are assigned Target Tones of different
pitch so that the operator can broadly classify the Target ID
without having to look at the display.
VANQUISH 340 has three Target Tones: Low, Mid, and High.
The tone break position is the point on the discrimination
scale at which the Target Tone changes from one pitch toanother. Note that the exact tone break positions vary slightly
for each Search Mode.

The VANQUISH 340 All‑Metal discrimination pattern.

Detecting in All‑Metal Mode is a strategy that guarantees you
will not miss any targets, however you will also detect more
trash that contains iron.

Low

Mid

Enable All‑Metal
1.	 Press the Search Mode button until the All‑Metal Search
Mode is selected.

The Search ModebuttonThe All‑Metal
Search Mode icon

VANQUISH 340 tone break positions (approximate).

2.	 All of the Discrimination Segments will turn on and all
metal objects will be detected.
3.	 To disable All‑Metal, press the Search Mode button to
select either Coin or Jewellery Mode.

Using All‑Metal to Check a Target
All‑Metal can be used to check a non-ferrous detection to see
if it also contains ferrous material.
If the target gives a mixed response (both non-ferrous andferrous) when in All‑Metal mode, then there is a chance thatthe target is a large iron object or a crown bottle cap.
If there is a repeatable non-ferrous response, then the target
does not contain iron. This means that the target is more
likely to be a good (non-ferrous) target.
Note, targets such as large iron objects or crown bottle caps
commonly appear as a non-ferrous target to other detectors.
The VANQUISH 340 has been designed to classify these
Targets as trash to make detecting sessions more productive.
The All‑Metal Search Mode can be used if you want to detect
these targets.

CONTENTS

9High

Batteries and Charging
Automatic Shut-Down

The VANQUISH Series is compatible with both rechargeable
and non-rechargeable AA batteries.

When the battery level is critically low, the detector willautomatically shut-down. 5 seconds before automatic shutdown, ‘bF’ displays on the Target ID Number, accompanied bya shut-down audio tune.

WARNING: Never use a combination of nonrechargeable and rechargeable batteries in thedetector, as this may result in damage to thedetector or batteries.

'bF' on the Target ID Number field.

Note that when using some brands/types of rechargeable
batteries, the detector may not show ‘bF’ before automatic
shut-down.

WARNING: There is a risk of explosion if the battery
is replaced by an incorrect type.

BATTERY LEVEL

Battery Run/Charge Times

The Battery Level indicator shows the current battery level.

Minelab rechargeable AA NiMH batteries have anapproximate charge-time of 8 hours, and a run-time of
approximately 11 hours.

The battery Level Indicator

Note that rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries
have different discharge rates, therefore the Battery Level
Indicator is approximate only.

Non-rechargeable AA alkaline batteries have a run-time of
approximately 10 hours.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Low Battery

Minelab rechargeable AA NiMH batteries (4 pack) and a
Minelab AA NiMH Battery Charger are available to purchaseseparately.

If using non-rechargable batteries, the Battery Level Indicator
will flash for approximately 20 minutes before automatic
shut-down.
If using rechargeable batteries, the Battery Level Indicator
will display a single battery segment for approximately
20 minutes before automatic shut-down.
The detector will play a short audio tune when the battery
enters the Low Battery state (with flashing indicator). The
volume will be limited in this state to prolong battery life
without affecting detector performance.

Minelab AA NiMH
Battery Charger

Minelab rechargeable
AA NiMH batteries

Instructions, compliance and safety information for the
Minelab AA NiMH Battery Charger are included with the
charger.
WARNING: The Minelab NiMH Battery Charger must
only be used to charge NiMH rechargeable batteries.

CONTENTS

10Detector Care and Safety

Wash your hands before handling the detector after
applying sunscreen or insect repellents.



Do not use solvents to clean. Use a damp cloth with a mild
soap detergent.

Never allow the detector to come into contact withgasoline/petrol or other petroleum-based liquids.

Avoid getting sand and grit in the shafts and fastenings(e.g. coil yoke assembly and camlocks). If sand and gritaccumulates in these parts they should be wiped clean
with a damp cloth.



Do not bring the detector or accessories into contact withsharp objects as this may cause scratches and damage.



If the shafts become noticeably scratched, wipe themthoroughly with a damp cloth.



Do not leave the detector in excessive cold or heat longer
than necessary. Covering it when not in use will help
protect it. Avoid leaving it in a hot vehicle.



Ensure the coil cable is in good condition and not subject
to undue stress.



Take precautions when transporting or storing thedetector. Although the detector is constructed from thehighest quality materials and has undergone rigorous
durability tests, the display screen could be prone toscratching or serious damage if not treated with due care.

Do not expose the detector to extreme temperature
conditions. The storage temperature range is from -20°C
to +70°C (-4°F to +122°F).



Do not expose accessories not listed as waterproof toliquid/moisture or excessive humidity.



Do not allow children to play with the detector oraccessories, small parts are a choking hazard.

Only charge rechargeable batteries and accessories
according to the instructions provided.



Avoid charging rechargeable batteries and accessories inextreme temperature conditions.



Remove batteries prior to air transportation.

CONTENTS

11

Error Codes
Some detector faults will display an Error Code on the Target ID Number field. Try the recommended actions shown below
before contacting an Authorised Service Centre.

Coil Disconnect

System Error
System Error code ‘E’ is accompanied by an Error Code
Number e.g ‘E2’. The detector will shut down 5 seconds after
reporting a system error.

'Cd' will appear on the Target ID Number inthe event of a Coil Disconnect Error.

In the event of a Coil Disconnect Error, follow these steps:

Example Error Code ‘E2’ displayed on theTarget ID Number

1.	 Check that the coil connector is connected properly at theback of the control unit.
2.	 Check the coil cable for damage.

In the event of a System Error, follow these steps:

3.	 Check the coil connector pins are free of dirt and debris.

1.	 Restart the detector to determine if the error still remains.

4.	 Check the coil for visible signs of damage.

2.	 Confirm the coil is attached correctly.

5.	 Try another coil if you have one available.

3.	 Perform a Factory Reset by powering off the detector,
then press and hold the Power button for 7 seconds (see“Factory Reset” on page 14.)

6.	 Perform a Factory Reset by powering off the detector,
then press and hold the Power button for 7 seconds (see“Factory Reset” on page 14.)

4.	 If the error still remains, return the detector to yournearest Authorised Service Centre for repair.

7.	 If the error still remains, return the detector to yournearest Authorised Service Centre for repair.

Troubleshooting

Detector does not turn on, or turns off by itself (withor without ‘bF’ indication)

No sound – Wired headphones

1.	 Replace the batteries.

2.	 Check that the headphones are plugged in.

1.	 Check that the detector is on, and start-up has completed.
3.	 Check that Volume is set to an audible level.

Erratic/excessive noise

4.	 Unplug the headphones and confirm that the detector
speaker is audible.

1.	 Move away from local sources of Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI).

5.	 If available, try using a different set of headphones.

2.	 Restart the detector and wait for Automatic Noise Cancel
to complete.
3.	 Reduce the Sensitivity level (page 6).

CONTENTS

12

Technical Specifications
Search Modes

Coin, Jewellery, All‑Metal

Coin, Relic, Jewellery, Custom

All‑Metal Shortcut

No

Yes

Custom User Search Profile

No

Yes

Operating Frequencies (kHz)Multi-IQ

Noise Cancel

Auto (19 Channels)

Bluetooth Audio

No

Yes

Iron Bias

High

High (default), Low

Sensitivity

4 levels

10 levels

Volume3 levels

10 levels

Iron Volume

Fixed

10 levels

Target Tones

3 tones (Low, Mid, High)

5 tones

Discrimination Segments

5 segments

12 segments

25 segments

Discrimination Notch

No

Yes

Pinpoint Mode

No

Yes

Target ID’s
Depth Indicator–9 to 40
4 levels

Length

5 levels
Extended: 145 cm (57 in)

Weight (incl. batteries)

Collapsed: 76 cm (30 in)

1.2 kg (2.6 lbs)

1.3 kg (2.8 lbs)

Display

Monochrome LCD

Monochrome LCDwith red backlight

Supplied CoilV10 10"×7" Double-D

V12 12"×9" Double-D

Audio Output

In-built loudspeaker
Wired 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones

In-built loudspeaker
Wired 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones
Bluetooth wireless audio

Supplied Headphones—

Supplied Batteries

4 × AA Alkaline non-rechargeable

Additional Included
Accessories

Wired 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones

Getting Started Guide

Waterproof
Water ResistantGetting Started Guide
Rain Cover
Armrest strap
V12 skidplate

Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft)
Control box (with Rain Cover attached)

Operating Temperature Range–10°C to +40°C (+14°F to +104°F)

Storage Temperature Range–20°C to +70°C (–4°F to +158°F)

Key Technologies

4 × AA NiMH rechargeable

Getting Started Guide
Rain Cover
Armrest strap
V10 skidplate

Multi-IQ

Multi-IQ, Bluetooth,
aptX™ Low Latency

VANQUISH 540 Pro-Pack is based on the standard VANQUISH 540 with the following
differences: Includes Bluetooth wireless headphones and a V8 8"×5" Double-D coil and a V8
skidplate. Excludes Wired 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones.
Equipment may vary according to the model or items ordered with your detector. Minelab reserves the right to respond toongoing technical progress by introducing changes in design, equipment and technical features at any time.
For the most up-to-date specifications for your VANQUISH detector, visit www.minelab.com

CONTENTS

13

Factory Reset
The Factory Reset function returns all detector settings,
Search Modes, and Discrimination Patterns to their Factory
Preset state.
1.	 Ensure the detector is turned Off.
2.	 Press and hold the Power button (for approximately
7 seconds).
The Power button

NOTE: If another button is pressed whilst the power
button is held down, the detector will not performthe Factory Reset and will start normally once all
buttons have been released.
3.	 ‘FP’ will appear on the Target ID display, indicating that
Factory Presets have been restored.
'FP' will appear on the Target ID display
when Factory Presets are restored.

4.	 Release the Power button. Automatic Noise Cancel will
begin when Factory Reset is complete.

DISCLAIMER
The Minelab metal detector described in this instruction manual has been expressly designed and manufactured as a quality
metal detector and is recommended for treasure and gold detecting in non-hazardous environments. This metal detector has
not been designed for use as a mine detector or as a live munitions detection tool.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by
Minelab is under license.
Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm
Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International,
Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR CANADAINFORMATION RÉGLEMENTAIRE

This product meets the applicable Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada technical specifications.

Avis de conformité canadien Le présent produit est conforme auxspécifications techniques retenues par l’Innovation, Sciences etDéveloppement économique Canada (ISDE).

CONTENTS

14

www.minelab.com

4901-0300-3