How To Setup The Minelab Excalibur II


The Minelab Excalibur II is a highly respected metal detector for underwater and beach use. This article will focus on how to setup Excalibur II for metal detecting on wet sandy beaches.

As a general rule, the setup for the Minelab Excalibur II is very easy and can be completed in 5 steps. The following 5 steps is the most common way to setup the Excalibur II for metal detecting on wet sandy beaches.

Please follow the steps below in the order they are listed.

  1. The first knob at the bottom of the Excalibur II should be set to “Disc”.
  2. The “Threshold” setting can be configured to your choosing but you should turn it up until you hear a slight humming/buzzing sound in your headset.
  3. The “Volume” setting can also be set based on your preference.
  4. The “Sensitivity” setting should be set no higher than “6”. Most users prefer staying with “6”.
  5. The “Discrimination” setting should not be set higher than “3”. Most users prefer “3”.

I recommend testing a few targets that you would normally find on the beach just to get an idea of the sounds you would expect to hear. Once you are confident with the sounds, then test the targets again after you slightly make changes to your Sensitivity and/or Discrimination. By doing so you will get an idea of the impact those slight changes can make to the metal detector.

Watch This Video For More Information

The video below will feature the settings listed above and the video will also allow you to hear the sound of a gold and silver ring buried deep in the sand. The Excalibur II is simple to use machine and this video will show you exactly that.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Excalibur II (with answers)

Is the Minelab Excalibur II difficult to operate?

Answer: No, in fact the Excalibur II is one of the easiest machines to setup and use on the beach. Other than the 5 steps listed above there isn’t anything else you need to do. You are ready to begin metal detecting once the 5 steps are complete.

How heavy is the Excalibur II and is it easy to swing?

Answer: Despite its weight of 5.2 Lbs., the Excalibur II is well balanced and very easy to swing. However, I highly recommend getting a carbon fiber shaft (listed at the end of the article) that will significantly reduce the weight of the machine and ultimately make it easier to swing.

What Type of Metal Detector is The Excalibur II (Pulse Induction (PI) or VLF)?

Answer: The Excalibur II is a VLF metal detector. It uses Minelab’s multi-frequency technology and transmits 17 Frequencies Ranging from 1.5 kHz – 25.5 kHz. However, the Excalibur II acts very similar to a PI machine. It does not have visual display or VDI and you are determining good targets from bad based soley on the sound of the machine.

Is It Easy To Pin Point Targets Using the Excalibur II?

Answer: Yes, I found the Excalibur II easy to pin point and locate targets on the beach.

How Long Does The Battery Last on a Full Charge?

Answer: On a full charge you can expect somewhere between 20-25 hours of use.

How Deep Underwater Can you Take The Excalibur II?

Answer: The specifications say that the Excalibur II can submersed underwater at depths up to 200 ft. I have personally not verified the depth.

What is The Size of The Search Coil?

Answer: The Excalibur II comes with 10 inch search coil.

Can You purchase an Extra Battery for the Excalibur II?

Answer: Yes, you can purchase extra batteries for the Excalibur II. I will provide links to most of the common accessories owners tend to purchase at the end of this article.

How Long Does The Warranty Last?

Answer: Minelab offers a 1 year warranty on the Excalibur II.

Does Minelab Offer Additional Coils for the Excalibur II?

Answer: No not at this time. The 10 inch coil is the only search coil Minelab offers that comes standard with the purchase of the Excalibur II.

How Much Does The Minelab Excalibur Cost?

Answer: The price will vary and I recommend reaching out to Fort Bedford Metal Detectors for their price. However I’ve listed a table below where you can find more information and the price of The Excalibur II from a couple different places.

KELLYCO PriceAmazon’s PriceFort Bedford Metal Detectors Price
$1499.00 Check Here for their latest deals$1575.00 Check HereCall for their best deal 1-814-215-1732
Minelab Excalibur II Price Comparison

What Other Accessories Are Available for The Excalibur II?

Answer: See the table below. (Note: The links below will take you over to Kellyco Metal Detectors)

Anderson 36″ Carbon Fiber ShaftAnderson 8″ Carbon Fiber Scuba ShaftExcalibur II NiMH Battery
Excalibur Alkaline BatteryExcalibur II Arm Rest KitExcalibur II Recharge Adapter
Excalibur II Battery ChargerExcalibur II Car Battery ChargerAnderson Knob Guard
Minelab Excalibur II Common Accessories

Where Do We Recommend Purchasing The Minelab Excalibur II and Its Accessories?

Answer: Mental Metal Detecting recommends Fort Bedford Metal Detectors as one of the best dealers who will not only offer up a competitive price and shipping but can also offer excellent service on any of their metal detectors. Plus ask about a military discount! Give them call 1-814-215-1732 or check out their website Fort Bedford Metal Detectors for more information. Don’t forget to mention mentalmetaldetecting.com sent you!

Fort Bedford Metal Detectors

Mental Metal Detecting is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Mental Metal Detecting also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, ShareASale, and other sites. Mental Metal Detecting is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies

Mental Metal

Here is a little about me. I started this hobby back in the early 90's. My first detector was a Whites 5900 DI. I found enough clad the first summer (around $400) to pay it off. Then I stopped detecting... Fortunately, I didn't give it up for good. Here I am 20+ years later and I've rediscovered the joy of metal detecting.

Recent Posts