Independently researched Settings Guide
Minelab Manticore Settings for Target ID
Manticore target interpretation uses three linked clues: its 1–99 conductive ID, the target trace on the 2D map and ferrous classification above or below the centerline. One number alone is not enough.
Bottom line
Read the 2D trace and audio before editing discrimination
Begin in the search mode that matches the site, run Noise Cancel and Ground Balance, use the factory Ferrous Limits, and dig repeatable targets while learning local ID ranges. Add rejection only after identifying recurring trash.
Field setup
Starting points—not universal presets
| Situation | Mode / baseline | First adjustment | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean coin site | All-Terrain High Conductors | Factory Ferrous Limits | Learn local coins rather than importing a chart |
| Mixed general site | All-Terrain General | Open enough to hear context | Use trace shape plus audio |
| Dense modern trash | All-Terrain Fast or Trash Reject | Faster recovery as needed | Expect reduced faint/deep response |
| Suspected iron false | Any appropriate mode | Temporarily expose rejected audio | Look for upper/lower ferrous smearing |
Adjustment method
Test the setting instead of copying it
Stabilize the detector
Noise Cancel, ground procedure and sensible sensitivity first.
Watch trace position
Centerline supports non-ferrous; upper/lower regions add ferrous evidence.
Compare sweep angles
Good targets should remain reasonably repeatable from more than one direction.
Edit last
Use discrimination or Ferrous Limits only for a measured site problem.
Decision analysis
What actually changes the result
The conductive axis is 1–99. Manticore does not assign a separate negative ID range to iron in Multi-IQ+. Ferrous classification is shown by the indicator, audio and trace position.
Ferrous Limits differ from discrimination. Discrimination rejects ID columns across the map; Ferrous Limits define upper and lower areas classified as ferrous. Editing one is not equivalent to editing the other.
Single frequency changes the evidence. Minelab says Ferrous Limits are disabled and ferrous targets can display 1–19 with a red ferrous indication. Avoid transferring Multi-IQ conclusions directly.
FAQ
Seven questions specific to this detector
What is Manticore’s conductive Target ID range?
In Multi-IQ+ it uses conductive IDs from 1 to 99, with ferrous evidence shown separately on the 2D map and indicator.
Why can iron show a positive number?
Manticore uses the same conductive scale; processor classification, trace position and ferrous audio show the iron evidence.
What does a trace on the centerline mean?
It supports a non-ferrous classification, but depth, mixed targets and mineralization still require audio and cross-sweep checks.
Are Ferrous Limits the same as discrimination?
No. Ferrous Limits shape upper/lower ferrous classification areas; discrimination accepts or rejects conductive ID columns.
Should I copy another user’s coin IDs?
Use them only as rough context. Alloy, country, orientation, depth and nearby metal change IDs.
Why does ID jump on a deep target?
A weak signal, mineralized ground, edge-on orientation or adjacent iron can spread the trace and number.
What changes in single-frequency operation?
Ferrous Limits are disabled, and Minelab says ferrous targets may show IDs 1–19 with the red ferrous indication.
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Use stable, repeatable settings
Record the mode, coil, firmware and ground conditions that work at your own sites.