Whites v3i Spectra Metal Detector Review
In this Whites V3i Spectra Metal Detector Review we give an indepth look at the V3i. The Whites Spectra V3i has some great features and some negative issues as well. We are going to cover it in detail including all features In order to show you the features and understand what you can control on the machine, we have included a guide on the basics of how to get started with the Whites Spectra V3i Metal Detector and then the details of setting the various controls and settings.
Whites Spectra V3i Metal Detector Review – Overview
The Whites Spectra V3i Metal Detector Is just loaded with features and functionality. It is also complicated to learn how to use. The first thing you need to do is book mark this link to the Whites Spectra V3 / V3i Forum over at Find's Treasures Forums. There are a great group of Whites V3 and V3i users there that can help you out with lots of advice on buying and using a Whites V3i Spectra Series Metal Detector!
Important V3I Model Notes:
- The Whites Spectra V3I is really an upgrade from the Spectra V3.
- Any Whites Spectra V3 purchased on/after Nov. 1, 2009 can be upgraded to a V3i for free. Other older V3's can be upgraded by Whites Electronics for about $100.
- So if you are thinking about saving some bucks and buying a Whites Spectra V3 be warned that you are buying a discontinued model. The V3i is the new model.
Our Opinion of Whites Spectra V3i Metal detector
Negatives:
- It is complicated and there is a lot to learn.
- The instruction manual is 63 pages long – a lot to learn
- I have read a number of reports on defective machines that drove their owners nuts until they returned it to whites and were given a free replacement (So that is a Bad AND a good thing. Good job by whites making things right).
- Also from being with my friend while we hunted with his machine it can get real chatty in trashy areas AND get interference when in the city around a lot of Rf devices (we were in Omaha and in one area the detector really did not work well. We used a feature on the detector that told us there was a lot of interference).
- Cost – expect to pay around $1500
Positives- Our top 10 List
- The discrimination and depth combination is fantastic.. While hunting with my friends V3i we found a small silver ring (looked like a pinky ring or a toe ring next to a picnic table. The V3i detected it out of a ton of trash. As he slowly moved the coil we could see it register foil, iron, etc., etc. silver, foil, iron. We dug the silver target. The meter said it was 7 inches down. We found the silver ring almost 7 inches down! About a half inch to the left was pull tab and to the right a rusted old bottle cap. that is why that was still there. Anybody else detecting using a lesser detector would have either seen junk or nothing at all and missed it.
WE LOVE the wireless headphones.
The Whites Spectra V3i Metal Detector is like operating a PC. It even has built in help screens and an onboard help manual!
- The LCD screen gives more information then I have ever seen. Here is a shot of what it has:
- The 9 preset programs make it so you can "turn it on and Go" (but I think there is still a lot you have to learn to even understand what the LCD screen is telling you while you search for treasure). Check it out below. there even is a preset for hunting meteorites. this is cool:
- In the "Turn on and go" mode there are only 4 steps to star hunting so its easy to get started. (just a long time to become an exper)t.
- There is a ton of free info on the web for learning how to use the Whites Spectra V3i Metal Detector. Whites electronics and some forums that we give links to in this article have a ton of info and hints on how to use it. There are plenty of videos on youtube and at the Whites electronics site that show it all too. This will help with the learning curve.
- Its greatest strength is a byproduct of its major weakness – its complexity. You can customize and fine tune this machine to the absolute optimum efficiency for wherever you are and whatever yo are hunting.
- The V3i transmits and receives on 3 separate frequencies. This makes it possible for the spectra V3i to , well here is how white's puts it::
"....the V3i transmits at 2.5kHz, 7.5kHz, and 22.5kHz, making it simultaneously “hot” on silver, relics, and gold. Single frequency
detectors are unable to have peak performance over such a wide range of targets. This is an advantage
not only in detecting desirable targets, but also in discriminating out undesirable targets. So multi-frequency
detectors get excellent depth over a much wider range of targets, and do a better job of identifying
targets. But Spectra V3i can also beat single frequency detectors at their own game: V3i has the ability to
run in single frequency mode using any of its three frequencies, and the transmit waveform is optimized to
put all the energy into that one frequency. So if you want to hunt for only deep silver or only gold jewelry,
V3i can be optimized for these tasks."
Whites Spectra V3i Metal Detector Review – Basic Guide
OK this was originally from the Whites Forum. If you haven't been there yet save this link: Whites Spectra V3i Metal Detector Forum
I have tried to improve it by organizing it a little better and adding a few screen shots.
Assemble, Power Up and Start Hunting -> how easy is it to start hunting?
The assembly of the V3i is simple and is just attaching the coil, doing a few screws etc.
The rechargeable battery pack takes 4 hours but you can use a pack of regular akaline AA cells (8) in the meantime if you just can't wait.
After following the assembly instructions, and with a fresh battery pack installed, press the ON / OFF button. You’ll see the startup screen with the White’s Logo and a battery voltage check. Pull the trigger switch. You’re now hunting in the selected program.
There are actually 4 steps in the instruction manual for starting hunting,. They are:
- Press ON/OFF: When first turned on the Spectra display shows the battery condition, (owner details) if registered, ARROW DOWN for more information about the detector and general features.
- Option – press ZOOM to select the size of text that best suits your eyesight and preference. Larger size text slightly changes display arrangements or feature positions.
- Squeeze and release the Trigger on the handle grip.
- Ground Balance – Squeeze and hold the Trigger press and hold the ENTER button, pump the search coil(loop) over the ground (1-12 inches) until the background hum becomes steady, release ENTER and then release trigger and begin searching.
What the screen looks like while Hunting
In this screen shot you can see the color Screen showing the VDI number of the target (+89)t, the Depth (7 inches) etc.
Use the MENU Button
Pressing the MENU at any time will display the 6 Block Menu:
Each of these blocks are menu selections for controlling functions in the Whites Spectra V3i Metal detector.:
- Programs
- Discrimination
- Sensitivity
- Frequency
- Audio
- Ground Tracking
Use the EXPERT Menu
Press the MENU button TWICE to access the EXPERT MENU. Inside a sub-menu, use the MENU button to TAB to various selections.
The Expert Menu is comprised of the following sub-menu items / controls and is used to tailor / “fine tune” V3i performance to the user’s style / preferences and to the hunting environment.
- Program
- Select, Save, Restore / Load, New / Copy, Rename, Erase, Setup, Library
- Discrimination
- Visual Reject, Bottle Cap Reject, Hot Rock Reject, V.D.I. Select By, ICON Table
- Sensitivity
- RX Gain, TX Boost, Discrimination, All Metal
- Audio
- Target Volume, Audio Threshold, Tone, Search Audio, Pinpoint Audio, Wireless Headphones
- Frequency
- 3 Frequency, Salt Compensate, 2.5Khz, 7.5Khz, 22.5Khz, Frequency Offset
- Ground Tracking
- AutoTrac, LockTrac, Soil Type
- Filter and Speed
- Search Mode Filter Selection, Analysis Mode Filter Selection
- Configure
- Language, Metric Units, Backlight, Color Theme, Sound Effects, Live Search Screen, Live Controls, Menu, Loop Selection, Battery
Use The ENTER Button
From the MENU screen, the ENTER button selects the menu item to be viewed. From a Live Control, the ENTER button shows the current settings for that particular control. Use the ENTER button to select / deselect those items with a “box”. EG: Change VDI Accept / Reject settings, Enable / Disable Tone ID, VCO, etc.
What are the "live Controls" and how do you Use The Live Controls?
Live Controls – across the bottom of the display offer quick and easy “on the fl y” adjustment of all common
metal detector features. Use ARROW LEFT & RIGHT to highlight a feature, then ARROW UP & DOWN to adjust
it or ENTER to turn it ON/OFF. No need to enter a MENU. Adjustments are instant, like having knobs! Another
White’s innovation..
Use The ZOOM Button
With the selected Live Control display active, Press ZOOM to view additional settings / options that may be available for the selected Live Control. EG: Select Live Control AUDIO LEVELS with the R-L ARROW KEYS and press ENTER. You’ll see the current Volume and Threshold settings. Press ZOOM and you’ll go to the next menu level containing Search Audio, Pinpoint Audio and Wireless Headphones.
Using the UP / DOWN Arrow Keys, select the control you wish to view / modify and press ENTER. You’ll see the next menu level.
TIP: If you just want to see what controls are available under each menu item, simply select it and push the trigger forward. You’ll get a “Help Balloon” showing the available controls.
Use The ARROW Keys
The ARROW keys are used to navigate the screen and menu functions. Right, Left, Up, Down.
The ARROW keys will also move the “slider controls” for those functions that have them such as Recovery Delay and S.A.T. speed.
Use The Trigger Switch
The TRIGGER switch has three (3) positions. Center is the normal search mode. Pulled puts VX3 in the All Metal Pinpoint Mode and deactivates S.A.T. Locked Forward has two functions. In the search mode, moving the trigger to the forward position will activate the selected Analysis mode. When used in conjunction with the menu functions, moving the trigger will forward will cause a “Help Balloon” to be displayed which contains additional information about the selected function.
The VDI Numbers and other basic treasure hunting info on the LCD interface:
Remember the picture from above that showed some of the LCD screen info. here it is again to help you understand this section:
Within the yellow / tan rectangle which dominates the display
important target indications are provided;
• A small target reference number scale VDI (Visual Discrimination Indication numbers) from -95-0-+95
are listed. -95 to 0 represents the negative (ferrous) or magnetic target range (most iron and steel). +1 to +95
represents the conductive (nonferrous) target range (most precious metals). The VDI number will vary depending
upon the exact characteristics of the metal itself. These VDI numbers are the same reference numbers the Spectra
uses to accept or reject different target types, especially important when customizing the Discrimination.
The current target VDI number appears much larger above the rectangle upper left side of display. Listen
for a solid repeatable (over multiple search coil passes) audio “beep” then look for a consistent Icon and/or VDI
number indicating a good quality metal target.
• While sweeping the search coil metal targets will produce blocks above the -95-0-+95 metal range for
each frequency currently in use. Their position in relation to the -95-0-+95 range will indicate the electrical characteristics
(target signature) of the metal itself, which is based on the exact metal alloy and size.
In the COIN & JEWELRY Program rejected VDI range blocks appear in RED, Accept VDI range blocks appear
in Green. Taller and narrower block patterns indicate higher quality metal alloys. Top block (always the highest
frequency) represents 22.5 kHz, center blocks 7.5 kHz, and bottom blocks (always the lowest frequency) 2.5 kHz.
Typically gold and nickel respond better / stronger at 22.5 kHz, brass better / stronger at 7.5, and silver/copper better
/ stronger at 2.5 kHz. Noting which line of blocks fades last (lingers longest) is a further indication of the targets
likely alloy.
Multiple targets near each other can be tricky. When unusual variations are noticed, sweep the area from
several different directions and/or hold the toggle on the grip and “X” the area to check for multiple targets. Then
sweep each separately and note audio and display.
ICONs – In combination with the VDI number and target signature blocks, an ICON will appear above the
rectangle in the upper right side of display, and a large VDI (visual discrimination indication or reference number)
that represents that range will appear on the upper left side of the display. Some variation is expected from one
search coil sweep to the next. However, overall consistency over several sweeps will produce an accurate indication
of the metal alloy. Multiple targets near each other can be tricky. When unusual variations are noticed, sweep
the area from several different directions, hold the toggle, to check for multiple targets.
• Sweep the search coil close to the ground, scrubbing in grass, an inch above rocky, sandy, or coarse
grounds, from side to side, overlapping each pass by 50%. Avoid arching at the end of each sweep, maintain about
two seconds per pass from left to right and about two seconds returning from right to left. The search coil must
remain in motion for metals to respond.
• Ignore the display and listen for a solid sounding, repeatable audio “BEEP” upon several passes of the
search coil. Ignore inconsistent, or broken sounds. Solid, repeatable “BEEPs”, after multiple passes indicate a
metal target of interest.
• Then look at display. Once a solid and repeatable “BEEP” has been located, sweep over it several times,
and look at the display. A narrow tall bar graph in a desired range plus the large VDI number in the upper left side
of display, and a desired target ICON will indicate a good metal target worth digging.
Open A New Program
From the PROGRAM Live Control, simply press ENTER. Select the program you wish to load using the UP / DOWN Arrow Keys to load the selected program.
Create A Custom Program
Simply change any setting you wish using the Live Controls or ZOOM Menu. When you turn power OFF using the ON / OFF switch, the program will be saved with all your changes. It will have the same name as the factory program you modified, with a triangle in front of the name.
After making a change to a setting, if you want to save it as the default, simply press and hold ENTER, then press MENU. That single change will be saved as a default.
If you want to make all your changes the default for the current program, select the program name in the Program menu. With the name highlighted, press and hold ENTER, then press MENU. Select SAVE AS Defaults and all your changes will be saved. Y
You can restore all the defaults previously selected at this menu as well.
Load My Custom Program
After you’ve created and saved your personal settings, V3i will select that version of the program to run. EG: If you modified and saved the C&J program, every time you select the C&J program, your custom settings will be applied.
Restore A Program To Saved Defaults
Select the Program Live Control and select the program you wish to restore. Press and hold the ENTER key, then press MENU. Select Restore Defaults. Your selected default settings for that program will be restored.
Restore A Program To Factory Settings
To restore a custom program to factory settings;
- Press MENU twice then ENTER to access EXPERT MENU
- Select Program and Press ENTER
- Select RESTORE / LOAD and press ENTER
- Using the UP / DOWN ARROW keys, select the program you wish to restore
- Press MENU / TAB to access the Restore From Menu
- Select Library Program
- Use the RIGHT / LEFT arrow keys to select the settings you want to restore to
- Press MENU / TAB – See LOAD selected
- Press Enter – The selected program is restored to the selected settings
- Pull the trigger switch to continue hunting
Change the Backlight Setting
Select the BACKLIGHT Live Control and press ENTER. Use the UP / DOWN arrow keys to select the brightness you prefer.
Set the Target and Threshold Volume and Target Tone
Select the AUDIO LEVELS / TONE Live Control and press ENTER. Use the ARROW keys to select / set the desired Target and Threshold volumes and Target Tone.
Set the RXG, AM, DS Sensitivity
Select the SENSITIVITY Live Control and press ENTER. Use the ARROW keys to select / set the desired Receiver Gain (RXG), All Metal (AM) and Discriminate (DS) sensitivity. Remember – RXG controls the signal from the coil to the box, and affects both AM and DS sensitivity. AM sensitivity is the pinpoint / non-motion sensitivity. DS is the motion sensitivity.
Set the Discrimination Pattern (VDI Accept / Reject)
Select the DISC Live Control and press ENTER. Use the UP / DOWN ARROW keys to select the VDI you wish to change. Press ENTER to change the Accept / Reject status of that VDI.
TIP: If you wish to change a RANGE of VDIs, simply select the starting VDI and the Accept / Reject criteria you wish to set across a range of VDIs. Press and HOLD ENTER. Using the UP / DOWN ARROW keys, move through the range of VDIs you wish to set. This will change each VDI in the range to selected status.
Select Frequency Modes and Offsets
Select the FREQUENCY Live Control and press ENTER. Use the ARROW keys to select the desired Frequency Mode and Offset.
Select Best Data / Correlate Mode
Select the FREQUENCY Live Control and press ENTER. Use the ARROW keys to select either Best Data or Correlate mode.
TIP: If you’re in a high EMI environment select pinpoint mode and adjust the frequency offset for the quietest operation.
Enable / Disable AutoTrac and Select Trac Speed / Offset
Select the GROUND TRACKING Live Control and press ENTER. Use the ARROW keys to select Autotrac (tracking enabled) or Locktrac (tracking locked). Use the ARROW keys to select Offset and Speed.
Select Normal / Salt Soil Type
Select the GROUND TRACKING Live Control and press ENTER. Use the ARROW keys to select either Normal / Salt soil type.
Tip: Salt Comp mode always selects SALT soil type.
Select Ground Filters
Select the GROUND FILTER Live Control and press ENTER. Use the ARROW keys to select the desired Band Pass or High Pass filter. (5Hz, 7.5Hz, 10.Hz or 12.5Hz).
Tip: Select a BANDPASS filter for best operation in a HIGH EMI environment.
Select The Live Controls I Want To Use
Press the MENU button twice to select the EXPERT Menu. Press ENTER.
Arrow down to Configure and press ENTER.
Arrow down to LIVE CONTROLS and press ENTER.
Select EXTEND and press ENTER.
Select ORDER and press ENTER.
You’ll see a list of available Live Controls, and one entry – {~ The End ~}. The “The End” control is used to designate the end of the list of Live Controls you want to display. You can move any entry in this list by positioning the selection bar over the entry, pressing and holding ENTER, and using the UP / DOWN arrow keys.
All entries ABOVE “{~The End~} will be displayed. The entry on the TOP of the list is the LEFT-MOST entry on the Search Screen. Any entry BELOW {~ The End ~} will NOT be displayed.
PROGRAM SELECT
Select the 6 Block MENU. Select Program. Use the ARROW keys to Select the desired program.
PROGRAM RESTORE
- Select Program Live Control
- Press and hold ENTER
- Press MENU
- Select RESTORE DEFAULTS
- Press MENU twice then ENTER to access EXPERT MENU
- Select Program and Press ENTER
- Select RESTORE / LOAD and press ENTER
VDI EDIT
- 6 Block MENU > Discrimination > ENTER > VDI Accept
- DISCRIMINATE Live Control > ENTER
- DISCRIMINATE Live Control > ZOOM > VDI Select by > VDI > Edit
SENSITIVITIES (RXG / AM / DS)
- 6 Block MENU > Sensitivity > RXG / DS / AM
- Sensitivity Live Control > ENTER
- Sensitivity Live Control > ZOOM > RXG / DS / AM
SENSITIVITY PROBE
- Sensitivity Live Control > ZOOM > Ground Probe
TARGET VOLUME / AUDIO THRESHOLD / Tone
- 6 Block MENU > AUDIO > Target Volume / Audio Threshold / Tone
- Audio Level / Tone Live Control > ENTER > Volume / Threshold / Tone
SEARCH AUDIO Modes – Disc / All Metal / Mixed Mode
- Audio Levels Live Control > ZOOM > Search Audio > DS / AM / VCO / MM
THRESHOLD / TONE ID and MODULATION
- Audio Levels Live Control > ZOOM > Search Audio > Discrimination > Threshold / Tone ID / Mod
PINPOINT AUDIO Modes (VCO ON / OFF
- Audio Levels Live Control > ZOOM > Pinpoint > VCO
WIRELESS HEADPHONE SETUP
- Audio Levels Live Control > ZOOM > Wireless Headphone
FREQUENCY MODE SELECTION and OFFSET
- 6 Block MENU > Frequency > Frequency and Offset
- Transmit Frequency Live Control > ENTER > Frequency and Offset
BEST DATA / CORRELATE MODE
- Transmit Frequency Live Control > ENTER > Best Data / Correlate
AUTOTRAC / LOCKTRAC / SOIL TYPE
- 6 Block MENU > Ground Tracking > AutoTrac / LockTrac / Soil Type
- Ground Tracking Live Control > ZOOM > AutoTrac / LockTrac / Soil Type
GROUND FILTERS
- Ground Filter Live Control > ENTER > Select Filter
- Ground Filter Live Control > ZOOM > Search > Ground Filter
- Ground Filter Live Control > ZOOM > Analysis > Match Search or Select Filter
GROUND PROBE
- Ground Tracking Live Control > ZOOM > Ground Probe
RECOVERY DELAY
- Recovery Live Control > ENTER
- Recovery Live Control > ZOOM > Search or Analysis > Recovery Delay
SELF ADJUSTING THRESHOLD (S.A.T.) SPEED
- S.A.T. Live Control > ENTER
- Recovery Live Control > ZOOM > Search or Analysis > S.A.T.
BOTTLE CAP REJECT
- Bottlecap Reject Live Control > ENTER
- EXPERT Menu > Discrimination > Bottle Cap Reject
HOT ROCK REJECT
- Hot Rock Live Control > Enter
- EXPERT Menu > Discrimination > Hot Rock Reject
TRANSMIT BOOST
- TX Boost Live Control > ENTER
- EXPERT MENU > Sensitivity > TX Boost
OK that is it for this Whites Spectra V3i Metal detector Review
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