Lorenz DEEPMAX Z1, Operating Manual

O R E N Z

OPERATING MANUAL

Introduction

The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 series detectors are some of the 

newest developments in the field of Pulse GBS metal 

detectors. It is probably one of the most sensitive and stable 

metal detecting devices of its kind presently available. The 

LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 is the result of many years of research 

and development. A lot of efforts have been put into 

making this new product and especially in the new impro-

ved metal classifications and automatic ground balancing 

facilities.

The Pulse GBS (Pulse Ground Balancing System) is especially 

suitable for searching at depth. The performance of this 

electronic device is almost unaffected by salt water, most 

types of mineralized grounds or temperature changes. 

Specially designed electronics cancel out signals from the 

ground while offering stable signals from the metal objects. 

The DEEPMAX Z1 is therefore a reliable tool to locate at 

great depths even under the worst environmental condi-

tions. A new improved circuit design suppresses interferen-

ce from power lines and a power pulse technique produces 

very accurate signals to 

obtain very high detection 

depths.

The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 is a 

high quality specialist 

Detector and it is designed to 

be used with both, small or 

large coils. Large coils offer 

extreme depth capabilities for 

big metal objects because of 

the strong and deep going 

magnetic field produced. 

Small coils are preferably used 

while searching for small 

objects like single coins or 

gold nuggets.

This model offers a great range on non-ferrous metal 

objects in general. A very simple operation is guaranteed by 

a specially developed LC Display and a minimum amount of 

controls. At the same time this detector model offers a 

number of features which are new for a pulse metal 

detector. Quality electronics and very special designed 

electronic - circuitry produce benefits in terms of ease of 

use as well as sensitivity.

The DEEPMAX metal detectors are often recognized as 

representing some of the highest quality and newest 

developments in professional metal detecting equipment.

We as a manufacturing company always try to keep the 

highest standard on our products, therefore alternations of 

the design, specifications as well as the availability subject 

to change without notice.

1. Safety information

For reasons of safety it is advisable to read this operating 

Introduction manual first before turning the LORENZ 

DEEPMAX Z1 on. Special attention should be paid to the 

following notes.

Check out, if the fast charger supplied with the DEEPMAX Z1 

fits with the AC mains of your country. See chapter 12 for 

more detailed information. The supplied recharger will work 

at AC voltages of 90-264 VAC.

Damaged connecting cables or search coils should no 

longer be used, because of possible electrical shock.

To avoid short circuits, wrong polarity or electrical shock, only 

spare parts and accessories offered by the manufacturer of 

the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 should be used. When head-

phones are in use please reduce volume to protect your ears.

When digging for metal objects war material could also be 

found. Precautions should be taken in advance especially 

when big objects have been located.

Special kinds of mines could be triggered by the strong DC 

magnetic field produced by the search coil. Persons with 

implanted pacemaker or other sensitive device should not 

approach to the field of the search coil. Please understand 

that we as the manufacturer of the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 

cannot be made liable for any 

kind of damage caused by or in 

conjunction with our products.

Design and specifications 

subject to change without 

notice!

2. Function

The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 is 

based on the non- motion; 

Pulse GBS (Pulse Ground 

Balancing System). Short and 

intensive magnetic pulses are emitted by means of a search 

coil first. Those magnetic pulses produce eddy currents in 

conducting materials like metal objects for example. Said 

eddy currents will be kept in a metal object and will die away 

after the magnetic pulse emitted by the search coil has 

turned off. This is the reason why it is possible to detect those 

eddy currents during the time delayed receiving phase by 

means of the same search coil which now acts as a receiving 

coil. A rather complicated electronic circuitry is necessary to 

detect those tiny voltage changes and has to separate that 

particular signal from interference also received. The signal 

has to be amplified to drive an audio stage with voltage 

controlled oscillator (VCO), which emits an audible signal 

either by headphones or built-in loudspeaker when a metal 

is in the near of the field of the search coil.

Eddy currents produced in a metal object by means of a 

pulsed primary field, will die away differently depending on 

the conductivity of the metal object. The classification circuit 

therefore gives a visual time delay reading for the eddy 

currents received over a certain period of time. In addition a 

ferrous/ non- ferrous indication for a metal being detected is 

working when a double D coil is in use. This gives further 

information on the probable kind of metal being located as 

well as the audio sound emitted, which makes it easy to 

predetermine the exact place and the size of the buried 

metal object.

3. Z1 instructions

On the front panel of the DEEPMAX  Z1 there are three push 

buttons namely 

ZERO

, 

MENU

, and 

POWER

 . The data logger 

function can also be operated by means of the same controls 

when the data logger function is turned on.

1.  Assemble the coil with the telescopic pole and put on the 

carrying strap with the battery and electronics unit

2.  Connect the battery and coil to the Z1 electronics unit

3.   Press 

POWER

 shortly, when 

LOW BAT

 appears charge the 

battery first 

4.  To start the automatic two steps Ground Balance hold the 

coil in the air and press 

ZERO

 until a high beep sound is 

coming

5.  Afterwards lower the coil to the ground without moving at 

a place with no metal and press 

ZERO

 again until a second 

low beep sound appears. Arrows pointing up- and down-

wards indicate the position of the coil. 

6.  Select the functions by pressing 

MENU

 shortly jumping to 

the next function or going backwards while pressing MENU 

for a longer duration

7.  Select the values with 

ZERO

 

upwards and with 

POWER

 

downwards quickly pressing 

the same button repeatedly.

8.  After three seconds the 

Icons will stop to flash 

automatically. Press 

MENU

 

again in order to change 

functions 

9.  Most functions have a lower 

sensitivity/ intensity in 

position 1 as a higher setting 

like 4, 5 or 9 will result in a 

higher sensitivity/ intensity/ 

brightness/ loudness/ 

frequency…

From time to time 

ZERO

 has to be pushed shortly to recall 

the audio threshold setting during operation. 

When a search coil has been exchanged, the unit has been 

turned off, or the automatic two steps Ground Balance (steps 

4 and 5) has not been activated a 

PRE SET

 Ground balance 

corresponding to the various coils and standard magnetic 

soil conditions will be always active in the 

GND

 modes! 

During operation the automatic Ground Balance can be 

performed from time to time on the ground at different 

places or on single magnetic stones.

Functions/ settings 

 

• 

DEL 1- 4

  All metals and ground mineralization will be 

indicated in this 

DELAY

 mode. 1 and 2 indicate large metal 

objects only while 3 and 4 will also provide a good sensitivity 

range for small coins/ foils.

• 

GND 1-4

  All metals are indicated while mineralized soils 

are eliminated in this 

GROUND

 mode. Setting 3 and 4 

provide the highest sensitivity range while ignoring the 

ground.

GND1

   High conductivity objects (bigger nuggets and coins)

GND2

   Low conductivity objects (small nuggets, foils)

GND3

   Low and high conductivity objects 

GND4

   High sensitivity mode for all metals but only for use 

with double D coils on  low/ medium mineralized soils. For 

highly mineralized soils refer to 

GND1,2,3

It is possible to choose either from the 

DEL (DELAY)

 or 

GND 

(GROUND)

 settings.

• 

FILTER

 reduces the amount of interferences produced by 

power lines radio transmitters, 0 gives a very fast response 

speed but no filter at all and 5 will offer a low interference 

but slow response speed. Use low settings with small coils 

and higher settings with large coils. Before using a higher 

Filter setting adjust the 

FREQ (FREQUENCY)

 first, in order to 

reduce the amount of interference.

• 

AUTO

 in position 5 the detector will automatically retune 

the audio threshold to changing ground or temperature 

conditions quickly. In position 1 the detector very slowly 

adjusts itself and in position 0 this automatic tuning is off 

which is recommended especially with large coils to achieve 

high detection ranges. In some cases at position 0 the 

ZERO

 

control has to be pressed more frequently to achieve an 

audio threshold.

• 

SENS

 sensitivity adjustment setting: 1 low and 5 high 

sensitivity

• 

VOLUME

 settings:  0 no audio and 9 very loud

• 

DLOG 1

 turns on the built in data logger function in order 

to collect field data to produce color maps with the optional 

Hardware/Software kit

• 

FREQ

 Operating Frequency 

can be altered to any position 

in order to provide steady 

audio sound when electro-

magnetic interferences from 

power lines or radio transmit-

ters are present

• 

AUDIO

 the initial ticking rate 

or threshold sound can be 

adjusted from -9 no sound to 

+9 slow ticking/ weak thresh-

old sound.   In most cases it is 

left in 0 mid- position in order 

to have a very weak audio 

sound even when no metal is 

located.

• 

LIGHT

  the backlight of the LCD can be altered from 

0 off to 9 bright

• 

TONE 

1

 provides a 

VCO

 ticking sound with increasing frequency for  

  all metals (useful with frame coils in the 

DELAY

 modes)                                                       

2

 increases volume and frequency simultaneously for all  

  metals  (works well in all 

DELAY

 or 

GROUND

 modes)                                                                                                               

3

 will give a high sound for small non-ferrous metals like  

  many gold Nuggets and a low sound with bigger non-  

  ferrous and ferrous metal objects (only in 

GND 1,2,3

    

  mode). In 

GND 4

 or all 

DELAY

 modes a low sound will  

  appear for all metals.                                                                               

4

 provides a low sound with ferrous and high sound for non-  

  ferrous or large (hand sized or bigger) ferrous metal objects  

  (operates with DD- coils only)

3.1 Other indicators on LCD

Above the function icons there is an intensity bar graph, a 

battery indicator, a 

FErrous/ NON- FErrous icon

 (works 

with double D coil only) and a conductivity number for the 

time duration of the eddy currents produced in a metal 

object, possible examples: 

000-035 low conductivity like small coins nuggets foils

INTENSITY / signal intensity bar graph icons

The signal strength will be indicated by the way of a large 

bar graph in the middle of the LC Display and an audio 

response from the speaker or headphones.

ARROW; AERIAL, USB icons

These icons will work together with the built-in data logger 

function. For further information please refer to the instruc-

tions for use the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1, six channel data 

logger, Surfer and Scripter Software chapter 3.2

BATTERY icon

The battery condition will be displayed on the bar graph 

with 5 bars located on the top of the display. Note: The 

battery condition should be checked with a search coil 

connected and after a few minutes of operation.

BATTERY alarm LOW BAT

Low battery condition will be indicated by a pulsed beep 

sound every few seconds. The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 will 

turn OFF automatically a short time after this sound appears 

to avoid damage from the batteries. The pulse circuit is 

automatically turned off at low battery for safety reasons.

5. Connectors

BATTERY jack

This jack is located on the side 

of the control housing.

The plug of the supplied 

battery pack has to be 

connected with this three way 

jack. The operation time of the 

LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 on a 

fully charged battery pack at 

normal temperature range is 

approximately 7 to 14 hours 

depending on the coil 

connected.

HEADPHONE- jack

The supplied stereo headphones can be connected to this 

jack. Headphones with coded 4 way plug should be used 

from the manufacturer. The built- in loudspeaker will be 

automatically turned off when headphones are connected.

Loudspeaker

The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 has got a built-in loud-speaker 

on the front which gives an audible signal when the 

search coil approaches to a metal object. The audio 

frequency and volume intensity will change with the 

distance between the search coil and metal for better 

pinpointing. Especially with two persons operation and 

large diameter coils the signal from the loudspeaker is of 

great help for both persons.

GPS Module / data transfer jack

 

The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 has a built-in data logger. In 

order to support the same withpositioning data a GPS 

Module can be connected to this five way jack. An 

optional Data Logger Hard and Software kit would be 

necessary doing this. After collecting field data the same 

can be transferred via the same connection to the compu-

ter with an USB data transfer cable using the same jack.

COIL jack

Search coils of different size and shape can be connected to 

this jack. The search coils available for the LORENZ DEEPMAX 

Z1 have got coded connectors to adapt the electronics to 

the coil automatically. To connect a coil plug to the electro-

nics make sure that it is fully pushed in the jack and that the 

sleeve is fastened by rotating it clockwise.

Note: Any connectors should be disconnected when 

planning to store the equipment.

6. Operating procedures

 

Do connect the two shoulder straps to the main belt at both 

sides in the front and one large strap above the battery pack 

on the back. Adjust all the belts to comfortable length and 

fasten the main electronics unit in front of the operator.

Connect the search coil-connector to the COIL jack on the 

right hand side of the electronics unit, and fasten the plastic 

sleeve of the connector by rotating it clockwise. Do connect 

the battery connector to the BATTERY jack which is located 

on the left side of the detector by pushing it gently. Hold 

the connected search coil horizontally and far away from 

metal objects about one 

meter above the ground. Set 

the POWER button to turn the 

LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 on. Press 

again for a longer duration in 

order to turn “OFF”. At switch 

ON the detector runs through 

a display check sequence since 

all the icons com on and 

indicate the retuning process 

is performed by the electro-

nics at the same time. If the 

BAT icon displays less than one 

bar afterwards or if the 

BATTERY alarm gives a beep 

sound every few seconds, the 

detector should be turned off again and the battery should 

immediately be recharged with the supplied charger. The 

battery condition is displayed with five bars on the top of 

the Display continuously during operation.

Afterwards the Detector will automatically turn to the 

positions which were selected the last time the detector 

was in use. While pushing the 

ZERO

, 

MENU

, 

POWER

 push 

buttons different settings will be selected and will be 

displayed on the bottom of the LC Display at the same time. 

See chapter 3 for details. 

During operation no metal buckles or shoes containing 

metal parts should be worn. The same with keys, coins, rings 

and watches. Every metal carried by the operator can cause 

false signals, especially when they are located near the field 

of the search coil. Therefore the electronics control box has 

to be carried far away from the search coil, this is especially 

important while searching with the large frame mounted 

coils but also with the smaller coils. Never use any metal 

screws when building frames for the cable coils.

The loudspeaker will give a ticking or threshold sound after 

having retuned the detector correctly with the 

ZERO

 control. 

The sound can be individually tuned from silent to a low 

frequency threshold tone with the 

AUDIO

 settings. This 

pre-set audio tone will be recalled every time the 

ZERO

 

control is pushed. This has to be done during the first 

and therefore will only be indicated at the edges of the 

frame coils and only when they are very close to it. Large 

metal objects will give an extensive signal with a longer 

duration, and therefore can easily be identified.

Deeply buried metal objects will generate a weak and slowly 

increasing audio sound and intensity meter reading. Objects 

which are close to the surface generate a strong and rapidly 

increasing signal.

Large objects will cause a signal with a long duration 

especially when located with large frame mounted cable 

coils. For example a metal box 20cmx20cm can give a signal 

of up to 6 m in length when passing with a (2 m x 2 m) coil 

for example. It is therefore necessary to find the center of a 

buried object by the way of the audio and INTENSITY bar 

graph. This is achieved by moving the coil from different 

directions slowly towards the 

strongest indication. In many 

cases it is of great help to use 

an additional smaller coil 

when pinpointing a metal. The 

centre of the search coil is 

always the most sensitive part.

When having found the place 

with the strongest indication 

the time delay indication will 

come on with a number when 

the signal is strong enough. 

When double D coils are in 

use an additional FE ferrous / 

NON-FE non-ferrous indication 

will appear on the LC Display. 

Therefore the DEEPMAX Z1 has to be ground balanced first 

as shown in the chapter 3 to avoid false indications 

produced by the ground. Larger ferrous metal pieces will also 

be indicated as being non-ferrous.

8.  Automatic Ground

    balancing GND 1/2/3/4

Ground signals which are mainly derived from magnetic 

iron oxides will be indicated with an increasing audio 

response when lowering the search coil to the ground 

although no metal is below the search coil. This kind of 

ground indication can be simply eliminated by simulta-

neously holding the search coil at constant height over the 

ground and pressing the 

ZERO

 push button for a second. As 

long as the coil is hold at the same height during searching 

there will be no loss in sensitivity. When expecting highly 

mineralized ground however it is always advisable to turn 

on the built- in ground balancing System (GBS) with the 

GND

 function turned on. 

These different functions can be selected with 

MENU

 and 

GND

 flashing, in order to cancel out signals from magnetic 

soils or single stones with high iron oxide contents. Even 

some iron objects can be discriminated/ eliminated by the 

way of the same functions.

For automatic tuning purposes please go on as follows. Hold 

the search coil horizontally about 1m over the ground 

where there is no metal. Press the 

ZERO

 control for several 

seconds and wait until the first tuning process is finished in 

the air. Lower the coil to the ground and press the same 

ZERO

 control again for several seconds while keeping the 

coil close to the ground. When pressing the 

ZERO

 control 

the arrow on the display points up and down as long as the 

tuning proceeds. High and low beep sounds will indicate 

the same. During that time no movements of the coil 

should be done. Afterwards the detector is ready for use and 

there should be no or only weak indications of the ground 

when changing the distance between the coil and the soil 

in 

GND1/2/3/4

.

During operation it might be necessary to retune the 

ground settings from time to time. 

The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 should now be almost silent even 

if the coil is raised in the air or lowered to the ground again. 

If still indications occur it may be possible that the Detector 

has been tuned to a piece of metal in the ground. In this 

case simply repeat the same procedure at a metal free place. 

GND 1

 and 

GND 2

 could be 

selected at the same time to 

achieve highest sensitivity for 

most types of metal objects 

when 

GND 3

 is selected. The 

Detector will distinguish 

automatically between the 

two signals and will use the 

stronger signal of the two. In 

most cases however the 

GND 

2 

function will be sufficient. In 

the case of a connected DD 

coil 

GND 4

 will also be 

available. It is not necessary to 

run through the whole tuning 

process every time the ground 

properties changes but when changing the coil the ground 

compensation has to be tuned again. If changing ground 

conditions are expected the 35cm double D-coil and 

GND 2

 

or 

3

 positions will be the best choice. When Double D coils 

are in use, the 

GND 4

 function works differently compared 

to the previous explained. The detection depth to many 

non- ferrous metal objects will significantly increase when 

GND 4

 is in use with that coil. In some cases however 

temperature changes might cause a drift of the audio and 

the detector therefore has to be retuned with the 

ZERO

 

control from time to time or the 

AUTO

 function has to be 

selected to cope with this matter. 

With turned on 

GND 

function the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 

works with either reduced or higher sensitivity compared to 

DEL

 Delay functions. Some iron objects and very few 

non-ferrous metals with a similar signal response as iron will 

be indicated less sensitive. It is even possible to eliminate 

large or small iron objects when selecting a special 

GND

 

setting like 1, 2 or 3. Signals will still occur when the distance 

between the coil and the metal is too small because of 

signal overload. However most metal objects will be 

detected with almost the same or even higher sensitivity as 

without ground balancing circuit. An increase in interferen-

ces with turned on 

GND

 function due to power lines and 

radio transmitters will be realized. The amount of interferen-

very high sensitivity for bigger and deeper metal objects 

make the DEEPMAX Z1 especially useful when using it with 

large frame mounted search coils. The maximum detection 

depths achievable with a 1m x 1m frame mounted search 

coil are very high and can be increased when enlarging the 

search coil to 1,5m x 1,5m, 2m x 2m or 3m x 3m. Of course it 

will no longer be possible to detect single coins or nails with 

those large frame mounted search coils. In this chapter 

different search coils available with the LORENZ DEEPMAX 

Z1 are described. (Please refer to chapter 11 for detection 

depths)

26 cm search coil

This search coil was mainly developed for the location of 

very small metal objects like small nuggets or coin sized 

metal objects for example. The maximum detection depth is 

limited by the object size and the coil. In some cases it is 

easier to pinpoint very small metal fragments with this coil 

rather than with a double D- coil.

This search coil can be useful while pinpointing large metal 

objects which have been located with a frame mounted 

search coil before. Deeply buried metal objects can be out 

of the range of the small 26 cm search coil and therefore can 

only be detected with frame mounted search coils. The 26 

cm search coil is waterproof and therefore can be used in 

saltwater for example.

26cm double D search coil

A special double D version of this coil with separate 

transmitting and receiving windings is also available. This 

coil makes FERROUS / NON-FERROUS indications on the 

display of the DEEPMAX Z1 possible.

Depending on the type of ground sometimes DD- coils are 

less affected by extremely mineralized soils but pinpointing 

will be more difficult than with a single loop coil.

35 cm - search coil

This highly sensitive search coil has got very good depth 

capabilities on single coins and medium sized objects. 

Nuggets smaller than 5mm in diameter should rather be 

detected with a 26cm search coil than with this coil due to 

poor sensitivity to very small metal bits and pieces. A 

elescopic pole with armrest is 

necessary for any of 

the small search 

coils 

(26 / 35 / 45 cm).

35cm double D search coil

Separate transmitting and receiving windings offer more 

stable operation on soils with changing contents of iron 

oxides (minerals) in some cases. This coil can be used for 

most search applications. The FERROUS / NON-FERROUS 

metal identification does work with these 26cm and 35cm 

double D search coils.

Note: The electrical properties of the double D search coils 

may change when mechanical tension is produced in the 

coil when being used not properly. Search coils therefore 

are not covered by warranty for that reason. The same 

with the connecting cable which should be fastened with 

the belt strap first before connecting to the electronics 

unit to protect the same and to avoid broken cables.

45cm search coil

This search coil can be operated by a single person with the 

S-rod-handle. It offers extreme depth ranges on either single 

coins or bigger objects buried deep in the ground. Depth 

ranges of more than 1 m for a metal object of the size of a 

soft drink can (0,33 l) or up to 50cm on a single gold coin 

with 25mm diameter make this coil interesting for a lot of 

different search and locating purposes.

Those extreme depth ranges on medium sized and bigger 

metal objects make frame mounted search coils unneces-

sary in some cases. Small items can be eliminated by 

increasing the distance between the coil and the ground. 

This 45 cm coil covers much more ground than a 26cm coil 

does and therefore makes very effective searching possible. 

Coins 

with a diameter of 

less than 15mm 

should rather 

be detected 

with smaller 

search coils.

2.1  Advantages

The Pulse GBS principle has got the advantage of using 

large diameter coils and high transmitting power. This is 

especially necessary when searching at depth. Frame 

mounted cable coils of different size and shape can be 

connected to the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 without any 

adjustments.

A special adaptation circuit has been added to the Detector 

to suit with different coil systems automatically. This ensures 

extreme depth capabilities with any coil connected. When 

enlarging the search coil diameter the sensitivity to bigger 

objects will also rise. At the same time smaller objects will 

be located less sensitive. This is particularly desirable when 

locating large objects while ignoring small bits. Large coils 

offer very high detection ranges. Even in difficult soils 

where magnetic iron oxides are present the LORENZ 

DEEPMAX Z1 will offer extreme depth capabilities for both 

ferrous and non-ferrous metal objects when the Ground 

Balancing System is in use. Other systems often suffer from 

ground effects which reduce the depth range in the 

ground. The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 will be able to locate 

objects at almost the same depths either in most types of 

ground or »in air tests«. The high sensitivity of the DEEPMAX 

Z1 to non- ferrous metal objects like gold, silver and copper 

together with the new metal analysis make this detector an 

outstanding device for many different locating purposes.

The DEEPMAX Z1 gives a visual indication on the LC Display 

for every metal being located. This time delay reading 

producing a number between 000 and 099 helps to classify 

metal objects. The metal classification circuitry is only in 

some cases affected by the size of a metal object and 

therefore identifies small coins as well as large pieces of 

metal. The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 also offers a sophisticated 

and refined ferrous / non- ferrous metal analysis which 

works more stable on difficult soils in conjunction with the 

26cm or 35cm double D search coil. The Detector also emits 

an audible sound by way of either a speaker or head-

phones. Detection depths achieved (in air tests) are almost 

the same in many types of soils and therefore considerably 

higher than those possible with standard pulse induction or 

sine wave VLF - TR Detectors.

The DEEPMAX Z1 was developed to provide a number of 

features including high sensitivity and stability together 

with easy operation. The amount of controls was therefore 

reduced and a calibration of the detector to our factory 

settings was also made to guarantee best results in the 

field:

•  Highly sensitive to all kinds of metal 

•  Stable operation on mineralized ground or salt water with    

  Pulse Ground Balancing System

•  Reliable / simple operation with few controls and 

  customized LC Display

•  Exact pinpointing with large coils

•  Very easy and effective detection of large areas

•  Rugged, refined mechanical construction with water 

  and dust protected electronics unit

•  A variety of search coils are available for different 

  detection purposes

•  Automatic adaptation of different coil sizes and coil   

  designs to the electronics

•  Small unwanted metal objects can either be identified or  

 eliminated

•  Fast audio response speed with different audio settings 

•  Logarithmic audio response and intensity bar graph  

  reading for easy pinpointing

•  Battery check with audio alarm tone

•  Calibrated static (non-motion) metal classification with  

  visual conductivity/ time delay reading

•  Improved ferrous/ non-ferrous identification

•  Precisely adjustable audio-threshold

•  Stable static response (acoustical and visual)

•  Waterproof search coils

•  Interchangeable rechargeable NIMH Battery pack for  

  worldwide operation, declared as dry cells!

•  Fast charge electronics for worldwide operation 

 90-265V AC/50-60Hz

•  Car charger for 10-30V DC supplies available as accessory

•  Frequency and Filter function for low frequency 

  EMI interference elimination

•  Automatic ground calibration retuning facility

•  Different Delay and Sensitivity settings to eliminate small  

  objects or for easy pinpointing

•  Extreme detection depths for very large metal objects 

•  Specialized on gold and improved detection range on 

  low conducting metal pieces

•  Low frequency interference elimination circuitry for 

  less interference in urban areas.

•  High dynamic range for extreme ground signals and 

  easy pinpointing

•  Optimal performance for the detection of small objects  

  like coins or other non-ferrous objects 

•  Single or dual, induction balanced or differential 

  coil designs can be used

•  Multi sensor trigger detection (MST) with several search  

  coils working at the same time without interfering each  

  other. Please ask for details.

•  Easy to use data logger function works with additional  

  Hard- and Software kit to generate six 2D image and six  

  3D surface maps from the scans being taken. Each map is  

  different depending on the electronic analysis method  

  and therefore can be the key to the probable kind of  

  metal buried in the ground. 

•  GPS based Meter and Compass Heading    

 

  information, makes it easy to work with the data logger.

•  New search system circuitry with all new functions.

•  Signal strength bar graph, time delay reading, ferrous/  

  non-ferrous icons, battery condition and all the mode  

  settings are displayed simultaneously on a large LC   

 Display.

2.2  Applications

The LORENZ DEEPMA Z1 was developed for professional 

search and locating applications.

A variety of search coils can be connected to this metal 

detector. Large areas can be detected effectively especially 

with frame coils. Saltwater, most types of ground or 

temperature changes will only slightly affect the detection 

range of the DEEPMAX Z1. It is possible to eliminate some 

unwanted objects like nails and foils or to identify them as 

being small unwanted objects while searching for bigger 

and deeper objects. In conjunction with small coils the 

DEEPMAX Z1 is a great tool when searching for small objects 

deep in the ground.

minutes of operation due to warming up.

As the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 offers highest sensitivity with 

correctly tuned electronics, one should check the threshold 

tone from time to time during operation. Although a 

constant ticking sound is not always achievable, a threshold 

tone will give the operator the information that the detec-

tor works with its highest sensitivity.

Especially for metal classification and ground balancing 

purposes the electronics need to be tuned for best results 

(see chapter 3).

The detector is now ready for use and will indicate a metal 

object immediately with an audio sound emitted by the 

way of loudspeaker or headphones. The audio frequency 

will rapidly rise and attains its highest frequency when the 

search coil is directly over the metal. The centre of the 

search coil is the part with the highest sensitivity. Even in 

the direct near of the metal frequency changes make 

pinpointing possible in some tone modes.

When changing the search coil the electronics need always 

to be retuned via the 

ZERO

 control shortly. When lowering 

the search coil to the ground an audio sound may appear, 

this can be canceled out by pressing the 

ZERO

 control 

again. The distance between the search coil and the ground 

has to be kept at a constant height when searching 

afterwards. When working with small search coils of up to 

45cm diameter it is also possible to select the 

AUTO 

function with 

AUTO

 1 for slow and 5 for very fast automatic 

tuning in order to retune the electronics to changing 

ground conditions automatically during operation. The 

search coil therefore has to be moved at constant speed to 

achieve a signal from metal objects. When resting the coil 

over the metal the 

AUTO

 function will cancel out the signal 

after a certain time.

In the 

DEL

 modes large diameter coils like the frame 

mounted cable coils should be hold at heights of (10 to 60 

cm) over the ground to ignore magnetic mineralized 

ground or small unwanted metal objects. Those coils should 

be moved slowly without any up and down movements, 

parallel to the ground and at constant height.

When many small unwanted bits and pieces and very 

strong wanted signals are expected at the same time it may 

be advisable to select a lower delay setting like 

DEL

 3 or 2 

for example.

In the 

DEL

 2 mode and especially while using large 

diameter frame coils the sensitivity to very small objects 

decreases. This is in many cases desirable, although the 

general sensitivity will be less. The simplest way to ignore 

small metal objects is to increase the distance between the 

search coil and the ground. Simply raise the loop and it will 

still be possible to locate those deeper and bigger metal 

objects.

Be always sure that there is a sufficient distance between 

the detector or battery and the frame coil when raising the 

loop.

Note: The LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 metal detector has to be 

retuned with the ZERO control every time a different coil 

has been connected. During operation only a few thresh-

old corrections are necessary.

DEL 4, GND 2, 3, 4 

with DD coil offers the greatest sensitivi-

ty especially for very small non-ferrous metal objects like 

coins and nuggets. To record the conductivity (derived from 

the time delay of the eddy currents produced by the metal 

objects) or to distinguish between a ferrous and non-ferrous 

metal please refer to the next chapter.

7.  Identifying metal objects

This chapter is a summary how to proceed with the 

LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1, when locating metal, while using 

the two metal classifications, intensity reading and the 

audio signal.

It is therefore in some cases possible to predetermine the 

exact position, the probable detection depth as well as 

the kind of metal located. A specially developed electronic 

circuit makes time delay readings possible which are 

directly displayed on a scale of 000 to 099. Those so called 

conductivity readings are only known from VLF TR- 

Machines but not from metal detectors based on the 

Pulse-GBS principle. In general these readings are based 

on object’s size, conductivity and permeability of the 

metal and therefore named time delay readings for 

simplicity.

Please proceed as described in chapter 3 and 4 and follow 

these additional instructions listed below.

When lowering the search coil to the ground an increa-

sing ticking-rate of the audio can be audible in some 

cases, especially when 

DEL 1, 2, 3, 4

 is selected.

This can either be generated by a metal object or minera-

lized ground. When expecting mineralized grounds with 

high iron oxide content the search coil can simply be 

raised again, (10 to 50 cm) depending on the coil and the 

LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 can simply be tuned to the ground 

conditions while holding the coil at a constant height and 

pressing the ZERO button shortly. Pay special attention to 

metal objects in the near of the search coil which may 

cause false signals and therefore a false retuning process.

The search coil should be held at a constant height while 

searching. In many cases it is advisable to search in a 

systematically manner with a certain grid which can be 

marked on the ground for example.

The small (26cm; 35cm; 45cm) diameter search coils can 

be supplied with a telescopic S- pole which is held at 

constant height and in parallel to the ground. The coils 

have to be moved from side to side with overlapping 

tracks to detect even the smallest metal pieces which can 

sometimes only be detected in the centre of the search 

coil as this is the most sensitive part. Although the 

response speed of the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 is very high, 

the search speed should not exceed 2 meters per second.

When a metal object is located try to find the place with 

the strongest signal which means highest indication on 

the 

INTENSITY 

bar graph and highest audio frequency. 

Size, shape and depth information can be derived from 

the audio sound in some cases with some experience. 

Small objects like single coins will be indicated with a 

short and intensive signal when a small coil is used.

Coins and nails and very small pieces of metal will cause 

two indications when passing them with a frame moun-

ted search coil (1 m x 1m) for example. This is mainly 

because those small objects are out of the range of the 

large coils 

ces could only be reduced by the way of changing search 

coils, setting the 

FREQ 

Frequency control to a different 

position, reducing the 

AUDIO

 threshold to  -1, -2… or 

adding a higher Filter setting with some expense of respon-

se speed. 

9. Metal classification

In order to get further information from the buried metal 

object the metal classification can be used. The two metal 

classification features offered with the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 

are based on different working principles. The time delay/-

conductivity reading is static therefore no motion of the coil 

is required to make a reading 000 to 099 possible. This is 

especially of great advantage when identifying deeply buried 

metal objects with the highest sensitivity possible. The 

calibrated metal classification will directly display the time 

delay with all coils connected. This conductivity reading is 

very precise. It will be stored as long as the coil is over the 

metal and will disappear when passing the metal with the 

coil. The 

FERROUS / NON-FERROUS

 indication will only 

appear with the 26 cm or 35cm double D coil connected. 

Weak signals which are out of the range of the metal 

classifications can’t be identified.

When having located a metal object proceed as described in 

the following steps:

•  Slowly move the search coil from the side at constant  

  height towards the located metal. Try to find the centre of  

  the metal object with the audio signal. As soon as a   

  certain intensity of the audible signal is reached a time  

  delay reading will be performed by the LORENZ DEEPMAX  

  Z1 automatically. This will be indicated with a number  

  between 000 and 099 on the screen.

•  Compare the displayed number with the following table.  

  Therefore the search coil has to be held over the metal in  

  order to store the conductivity value. For better accuracy  

  the conductivity reading can be repeated. Therefore the  

  coil has to be raised in the air or moved to the side until  

  the first reading disappears. Afterwards the coil can be  

  lowered to the ground towards the metal until another  

  meter reading is performed by the LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1.

Note: The conductivity indication can also be locked near 

000 when very small coins, foils or gold nuggets are 

indicated. This metal classification will work in any 

position and with any search coil connected.

Note: Especially when expecting very strong signals and 

mineralized soils at the same time it is often advisable to 

hold the coil at a higher distance over the ground. This will 

help to ignore magnetic soils, because the coil is out of the 

range of the ground. This will increase the performance 

and accuracy of the classification circuit and makes it 

easier to locate and identify these metal objects. In most 

cases however a special circuit will suppress the false 

readings derived from magnetic soils effectively, even if 

the coil is close to the ground.

When expecting very deep metal objects it will sometimes 

not be possible to perform a reading because the indication 

is always about 30 to 50 % less sensitive than the audio signal 

or the intensity bar graph.

Some smaller pieces of bronze may be indicated with a time 

delay reading between 50 and 60 namely the same as some 

ferrous metal objects. At the same time the LORENZ DEEP-

MAX Z1 does not suffer from anomalous effects like VLF-TR- 

sine wave detectors do. Therefore very big ferrous metal 

objects will not cause a higher reading than 60 in most cases. 

If ferrous and non-ferrous metal objects are simultaneously 

located by the search coil the metal classification circuitry will 

display the conductivity of the larger metal object on the 

screen. The reading may also lie between the two different 

kinds of metal.

The time delay/ conductivity metal classification of the 

LORENZ DEEPMAX Z1 will work with all available coils. It is 

capable to identify deeply buried big metal objects and small 

objects near the surface. It is often helpful to start with “in- air” 

tests in order to see how the detector responds to different 

metals. Highly mineralized soils, electromagnetic interference 

from power lines or transmitters can cause inaccurate 

conductivity meter readings especially in urban areas.

Some nails or longer ferrous objects produce different signals 

when passing them with the coil.

Note: When expecting heavily mineralized soils it is necessary 

to tune the detector to the ground first as described before.

The 

FE/ NON FE

, Ferrous / Non- ferrous metal identification 

is of great help when classifying smaller objects in weakly or 

medium mineralized soils. With magnetic ground however 

this indication is less accurate and will only work with strong 

signals. The coil therefore has to be hold at a constant height 

a few centimeters over the ground while passing the object 

from the side.

10. Search coils/accessories

Different search coils can be connected to the LORENZ 

DEEPMAX Z1 for special search and location purposes. In 

general small search coils offer great detection depths on 

small metal objects while large search coils offer the highest 

possible detection depths on big objects. The possible 

detection depths also depend on the setting of the detec-

tor, the kind of metal and the shape of the metal object and 

slightly on the type of ground below the search coil. The low 

sensitivity for small metal pieces in conjunction with the 

040-060 medium conductivity like ferrous metal objects

065-099 high conductivity like large non- ferrous metal 

objects made of copper, brass, silver for example.

Possible settings for small coils (26cm to 45cm diameter) 

Nuggets/ Coins/ Relics

•  Nuggets/ High mineral:  

GND 2 or 3, FILTER 1, AUTO 0, 

SENS 4, VOLUME 5, DLOG 0, FREQ 5, AUDIO 0, LIGHT 8, 

TONE 3

•  Coin/ Relic single coil:  

GND 2 or 3, FILTER 1, AUTO 0- 2, 

SENS 4, VOLUME 5, DLOG 0, FREQ 5, AUDIO 0, LIGHT 8, 

TONE  2 or 3  

•  Coin/ Relic double D coil: 

GND 3 (high mineral) or 4 

(low mineral), FILTER 1, AUTO 0- 2, SENS 4, VOLUME 5, 

DLOG 0, FREQ 5, AUDIO 0, LIGHT 8, TONE 2 or 4 

Possible settings for large frame coils (1m x 1m to 3m x 3m) 

Cache/ Relics

• Low/ Medium mineral:  

DEL 3 or 4, Filter 2, AUTO 0, 

SENS 4, VOLUME 5, DLOG 0, FREQ 5, AUDIO 0, LIGHT 8, 

TONE 1

•  High mineral: 

GND 2 or 3, FILTER 3, AUTO 0, SENS 4, 

VOLUME 5, DLOG 0, FREQ 5, AUDIO 0, LIGHT 8, TONE 1

3.2  Data Logger

    function DLOG

 

In order to generate color maps with the DEEPMAX Z1 an 

additional hardware/ software kit and a computer is 

necessary.

To start the data logger and collect field data proceed as 

described in chapter 3 and go on as follows:

1.

 Mark a field in the four corners and start in the left corner 

X/Y with a frame coil 1m x 1m in size for example

2.

 Turn on the

 DLOG 

function with 1. In this mode only a 

few functions can be altered or displayed

3.

 Keep the coil at the left starting point and press 

ZERO

 

shortly and immediately start to walk the first track while 

keeping the coil at constant height over the ground.

4.

 Press 

ZERO

 at the end of the first track

5. 

Turn around 180 degrees and start the next track 

backwards for example 1m next to the first one pressing 

ZERO

 to start

6.

 In order to delete the last track press 

ZERO

 for a longer 

duration and repeat the same track

7. 

Stop the last track with 

ZERO

 and store the same as a 

new field while pressing 

POWER

 shortly. 

When turning off 

the detector forgetting to store the actual field, the field data will 

be lost!

8. 

Leave the DEEPMAX Z1 on and connect the USB data 

transfer cable to the DEEPMAX Z1 and read the data with 

your computer and installed Surfer 11 and Lorenz Data 

Converter Software

9. 

Compare the six different color maps generated with 

Surfer 11 to distinguish between different kinds of metals, 

objects sizes, orientation and ground minerals. 

In addition there are different indication icons above the 

number and in the middle of the display to make the 

operation of the data logger even simpler as follows:

• 

M

 Meter displays the meters already passed in the first 

track and counts backwards in the following tracks to zero in 

order to find the starting and finishing line of each track.

• 

TR

 Track indicates the currently active track and the 

amount of tracks already being stored.

• 

FI

 Field indicates the field currently in use and jumps to a 

higher number when storing the last track with the Power 

button shortly.

• 

HDG

 Heading information of the compass function to 

display the direction of the tracks. 

While being in the process of recording field data it is possible to 

press MENU in order to choose between Meter, Track, Field and 

Heading information on the display

• 

+/-180°

comes on when walking backwards a track in 

order to show that this amount of degrees has to be added 

or deducted from the displayed Heading to achieve the 

compass heading.

• 

GPS

 has to come on when a GPS is connected and DLOG is 

1 (on) and starts to flash when no accurate GPS data can be 

received. The Z1 will work without GPS as well but does not 

provide the compass heading and meter function in this case.

• 

Data logger

 operation icon comes on when DLOG is on.

• 

Bar

 

graph dot

 for compass heading information shows 

the operator how to go in straight line each track. For 

example the operator has to go to the left when the dot 

goes to the left or to the right when the dot drifts to the 

right. This has to be performed as long until the dot comes 

back to the middle. The operator will notice some delay 

until this indication reacts. It is absolutely necessary that the 

operator walks to make a valid GPS indication possible. 

Therefore at least ten meters should be passed until the 

indicated GPS data is tolerable accurate.

For further information on how to analyze field data please 

refer to chapter 14.

All mentioned functions, settings, specifications and 

indication examples subject to change without notice.

• 

USB 

icon comes on when USB data transfer cable is 

connected with the computer and data tranfer is in process.

4. Indicators/front panel   

   LCD

000-099 Conductivity/ Time delay reading

The Number for the time delay measurement is static and 

will come on when certain intensity is reached and stays on 

as long as the coil is over the metal. A time delay reading 

which is mainly derived from the conductivity, permeability 

and the object’s size is displayed with a specific number on 

the LC Display. Possible examples: (000-035 coin or piece of 

foil, 040-060 iron, 065-099 large copper or silver objects). 

Any metal object detected will give a specific number (000 

to 099). Therefore a certain intensity of the metal signal is 

necessary for a time delay reading. The number simply 

appears when a reading was possible. The indication will be 

stored as long as the search coil is over the metal and turns 

off when the search coil passes the same.

FERROUS / NON-FERROUS icons

This function does only work with the 26cm or 35cm double 

D coil. Ferrous metal objects like iron for example produce a 

FE indication at the top of the display and Non-ferrous metal 

objects like gold silver or copper will result in a NON- FE icon 

indication when the search coil is over the metal. The two 

icons will turn off if no metal is present or no double D coil is 

connected.

This identification facility is tuned to the ground with the 

automatic ground balance.