ORX Metal Detector — Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
Everything you need to know about the XP ORX metal detector — technical details, coil compatibility, headphones, safety, and sales information. This FAQ is rewritten for clarity and readability. If you’re looking for accessories or spares, see the relevant products below.
Technical
Q: What is the RC?
A: The RC is the ORX control unit — a PDA-style controller that shows your settings, target IDs, and connects wirelessly to the headphones and coils.
Q: Does the ORX use the same settings as the Deus?
A: Yes, many ORX programs are similar to Deus programs. Coin Fast behaves like Deus Fast, using an active silencer depending on reactivity. Coin Deep mirrors Deus Deep (Program 6) and runs without a silencer.
Q: What’s the difference between Coin Deep and Coin Fast?
A: Coin Fast is optimized for speed and iron rejection, making it better in iron-contaminated areas. Coin Deep applies less filtering and can detect slightly deeper on cleaner ground. Experienced users can run Coin Deep in tough iron conditions with familiarity of ORX audio cues.
Q: Why does the ORX have two coin modes and two gold modes?
A: XP designed the ORX to cover a wide variety of ground conditions. Highly-mineralized gold areas often require different settings than standard coin/relic sites. Having two coin and two gold modes allows one machine to adapt to multiple terrains.
Q: The ORX factory discrimination is 7 — can I lower it?
A: Yes, you can reduce discrimination to as low as 5 while still rejecting most iron, improving sensitivity to low-conductivity targets.
Q: The Deus discrimination goes below zero; the ORX only goes to zero — is that the same?
A: Setting ORX discrimination to 0 removes the iron tone so iron will produce a mid-tone. High and mid tones still react normally, and numeric target ID values remain based on conductivity.
Q: Which ORX mode gives the most depth?
A: The Gold program typically provides the deepest responses because it uses less filtering. Always follow local laws and safety guidance when targeting deep finds.
Q: Is the XP Deus deeper than the ORX?
A: Depth depends on coil choice and ground conditions. The ORX is high-performance; the Deus allows more advanced internal adjustments. Either can outperform the other depending on setup.
Q: Is the ORX target ID normalization on or off?
A: Target ID normalization is always ON.
Q: Is the ORX updatable?
A: Yes, it is fully firmware-updatable via PC, similar to the Deus.
Q: Do I need to ground balance all the time?
A: No — the factory ground balance works for most inland searches.
Q: My ground balance shows “- -” — why?
A: Either the ground echo is insufficient (low mineralization) or the coil is stationary. In this case, the ORX defaults to 88.
Q: The ORX has no mains plug — what charger do I use?
A: Any quality USB phone charger or wall outlet will work. Some laptops may not provide enough power to charge the RC, coil, and headphones at the same time.
Q: Is the ORX compatible with the XP MI-6 pinpointer wireless features?
A: Yes, the ORX fully supports MI-6 wireless options, including the advanced menu and research mode.
Q: Is there a volume control on the RC?
A: No — the RC does not have volume control. Use WS Audio headphones for volume adjustment.
Q: Can the ORX be used underwater?
A: The coil can be submerged using the accessory aerial kit, but the RC requires a waterproof case. WS Audio headphones are shower-proof but not fully submersible.
Q: Can I use the ORX on wet sand?
A: Yes. Activate “Salt” mode by holding the # button for 2 seconds, then adjust sensitivity slightly to reduce false signals.
Q: How do I save my custom settings into a user slot?
A: Adjust your program, go to Options → Programs, select User 5 or User 6, then press Options again to save.
Q: Can I name the two user programs?
A: No — they remain labeled as User 5 and User 6.
Q: Does the ORX have a backlight?
A: Yes — use Options → Configuration → Backlight to set a timed backlight.
Q: Can I use the Gold programs for coin and relic hunting?
A: Yes, but expect different tone behavior and filtering than Coin Fast/Deep.
Q: Will the GoTerrain app work with the ORX?
A: Yes, the ORX is compatible. Watch for official announcements for full app availability.
Search Coils
Q: How do I attach the HF coil to the ORX lower stem?
A: Follow the step-by-step assembly video for secure attachment and correct cable routing.
Q: Will older black coils work with the ORX?
A: No — only X35 and HF coils are compatible.
Q: Can I use X35 low-frequency boost mode with the ORX?
A: Not currently. Using X35 with Coin Deep and normal low-frequency mode is already very effective.
Q: Do programs transfer between Deus coils and the ORX?
A: No — coils do not transfer program data. Performance depends on the coil and RC combination.
Q: Why does the coil light flash when the machine is off?
A: This is normal standby mode. The coil fully activates when the machine powers on.
Q: Do I retain Deus frequency options with HF or X35 on the ORX?
A: Yes, all frequency choices and offsets are available.
Accessories:
Headphones
Q: Are WS Audio headphones compatible with the XP Deus?
A: No — WS Audio headphones only work with the ORX. You can pair multiple WS Audio units to one ORX for shared use.
Q: How to check WS Audio battery?
A: LED flashes once for low, twice for medium, three times for full. Headphones power off with the RC.
Q: Can I use aftermarket headphones?
A: Yes — plug into the RC’s 3.5 mm jack or use the horseshoe adaptor plate after removing WS Audio module. Inline volume control is recommended.
Q: How do I pair WS Audio headphones?
A: With headphones off, go Options → Headset → Select on RC, then hold the minus button on the headphones to pair.
Q: Do I need to pair each time?
A: No — pairing is remembered automatically.
Q: Can I use WS Audio only, without the RC?
A: No — the RC is required to control the detector.
Q: Can I use the ORX without headphones?
A: Yes — the RC has a built-in speaker.
Accessory:
Sales & Safety
Q: Can I bring my ORX on a plane?
A: Yes, it’s safe. See the manual (page 18) for battery specifications. Carry a photo or copy of the manual for airline checks.
Q: Is XP wireless safe with a pacemaker?
A: Yes, XP detectors meet electromagnetic regulations. Keep the coil ~50 cm (20 in) away from pacemakers.
Q: Does the ORX price include WS Audio and which coil?
A: Bundles vary by dealer. Confirm included accessories before purchase.
Q: Can I buy ORX directly from XP?
A: No — only through authorized dealers and distributors.
Q: Why keep the original bill of sale?
A: Proof of warranty. XP offers 5-year parts and labor warranty. Always ask for original or copy when buying used.
Final Notes
Always detect responsibly: respect private property, follow local laws, and avoid potentially dangerous or military areas. For official ORX bundles, coils, and accessories, check the linked products above or your authorized retailer.
ORX metal detector your questions answered on XP Metal Detectors
