46
SENSITIVITY
The X-TERRA detectors are highly sensitive and 
therefore have a wide sensitivity adjustment 
range. It is important to set the correct 
sensitivity level for your detecting conditions.
Sensitivity is the detector’s level of response 
to a target and its environment. Real targets 
are interpreted as distinct beeps. Interference 
or false targets are interpreted as crackling or 
popping noises. 
Tiny ferrous junk targets may be detected 
when the sensitivity is set to a high level. The 
detector will also be affected by minerals in 
certain soils and signals from other electric 
appliances. 
Some experimentation with the sensitivity 
may be required for different areas. For 
beginners, start with a low setting and increase 
progressively.
Decreasing the X-TERRA’s sensitivity may help 
stabilise the detector, reducing false signals 
and interference, and assisting in differentiating 
between signals caused by soil mineralisation 
and those of metal targets.
Choose the highest stable sensitivity setting to 
ensure the detector’s optimum performance. 
Do this by holding the coil stationary; increase 
the Sensitivity until the detector becomes 
unstable; then reduce the Sensitivity by one or 
two settings until it is stable.
For beach detecting, a setting below 10 (5 for 
the 305) may be required. In high trash areas, 
such as modern parks, a setting below 6 (3 
for the 305) may be required, especially when 
searching for shallow coins.
X‑TERRA 305 
Sensitivity range = 1‑10 
Factory Preset = 6
X‑TERRA 505  
Sensitivity range = 1‑20 
Factory Preset = 12