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Showing content with the highest reputation on 09/28/2018 in all areas

  1. In August I upgraded to a NOX 600 from a Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. I’m finally getting in sync with what it’s telling me, and it’s starting to pay off. Within the last week I completed the Barber-Merc-Rosie silver dime trifecta! Love how this machine performs.
    11 points
  2. Minelab Equinox 800 does it again! 22ct gold ring at 10 inches deep in the sand. This is not my find, it's my father's that he found a couple of days ago. 2.7 grams 0f lovely 22ct gold.
    6 points
  3. Introducing Reg Wilson - You know who the rest are - -
    3 points
  4. Always time for some fun in the bush - Reg Wilson, John Hider Smith (quad) Jim Stewart (coil sled) WA mid 90's I've figured the embedding trick - maybe!
    3 points
  5. - - - reckon a Konigstiger or T34 would hum up pretty well in the headphones -
    3 points
  6. I don't post very often but I peruse this and Tom D's forum daily so if this sounds redundant it's because I picked most, if not all, of it up here and there. Having said that I have also seen it proven time again with my own detectors. Keep in mind that while SMF detectors may handle EMI better than SF detectors, they are not immune to it. Many modern detectors including the Equinox and T2 are "sparky" by design. While this increased sensitivity offers improved depth when conditions allow the use of the extra horsepower, it also makes them much more susceptible to EMI than others that have had their performance, for lack of a better way to put it, "governed" by the manufacturer. The F75 is often used as a yardstick when it comes to this type of thing so I'll use it as such here. When you lower the sensitivity on an F75 from 99 to let's say 90 you haven't lost depth as much as you've lowered the audio gain. Depending on your hearing ability you should still hear targets at ROUGHLY the same depth as when running the sensitivity at 99, the detector's audio report will simply not be as loud. The upshot to this is reduced audible and visually apparent EMI. The downside to all of this is that all EMI is not audible nor is it visually noticeable via jumpy VDI numbers. I first saw Tom D mention silent EMI in a thread on his forum detailing his experience with the F75 Ltd. prototype. This silent EMI can be caused by many factors such as weather that vary from day to day. I have more than once recovered deep targets that I know I've ran the same coil on the same detector from the same direction over previously without hearing a peep (at least not a "dig me" peep) out of them. Again, most of this info has all been posted previously. It's just something to keep in mind when comparing the susceptibility to EMI between detectors.
    3 points
  7. Hi Simon… I realize that your T2 is somewhat different from the F75. But let me describe how I operate the original F75 to deal with issues related to EMI. The original F75 version is very much subject to erratic behavior in areas where EMI is present. Hunting urban areas in zero discrimination with the stock 11” DD coil is frequently impossible. I avoid using this coil in urban environs because it is quite vulnerable to EMI issues (extra windings / antennae effect) compared to the 10” elliptical concentric coil, and this is especially true when compared to any of the smaller coils. So don’t hesitate to switch to a smaller coil, preferably a concentric coil if the ground conditions permit. An added benefit if hunting micro jewelry, is that the smaller coils, particularly the 6” elliptical concentric coil, is quite sensitive to small stuff compared to the stock 11” DD coil. In fact I put it to good use for hunting naturally occurring native silver in rocky environs. It’s not unusual to find sub-grain material with this coil. If using a discriminate mode, avoid JE mode in EMI areas. It is extremely high gain, and therefore much more sensitive to EMI than are the DE or PF search modes. Another very useful technique, if necessary, is to increase the iron discrimination level until erratic behavior settles down to an acceptable level. Do this while moving / holding the coil on the ground, and not while waving it around in the air. Keeping the coil to the ground much reduces EMI instability because it reduces the coil’s antennae effect. Adjusting the sensitivity control is not necessarily the final step in stabilizing how the machine behaves in EMI environments. Do as you please with it. Keep in mind that you may wish to limit iron discrimination to about 6 or 7 and no more as Steve describes, depending on your preference. At that point, if necessary, you may wish to experiment with decreasing the sensitivity control to achieve stability. Of course for prospecting applications, and low trash urban areas, the first choice is to search in the motion all-metal mode. It is much less vulnerable to EMI than are any of the discriminate modes. It makes a huge difference. In closing, I should add that in remote prospecting areas, my original F75 is normally as quiet as a churchmouse regardless which search mode, settings employed, or the type / size of coil that is used. On rare occasion we do experience an intermittent EMI induced instability from what I suspect is the local microwave tower. These occasions are always temporary, rarely lasting more than a half-hour…………….. Jim.
    2 points
  8. Yep, my TDIBH unboxing took me 11.25 seconds flat.......there's took over 13 minutes....amateurs.....? When I unbox a new detector, family know to give me plenty of elbow space because my 6 foot and 200 pound frame doesn't stop until the box is in several pieces and the user manual is dispatched into some corner.....................I really should video the event someday. Tony
    2 points
  9. To simplify the explanation. Basically to only utilize 3 Tones from the 5 Tones you have to cram in the 2 unwanted Tone Brakes in your "Tone Breaks" of "Low", "Mid" or "High". If you stick with the same Tone Break VDI values you can insert the unwanted breaks in that range but using identical "Tone Volumes" & "Tone Pitch" to that which you have set in that range. You will still see 5 Tone Breaks cycling through the breaks but you have only got 3 different Tone Pitches & Tone Volumes of "Low", "Mid" & "High".
    2 points
  10. You forgot the magical part of the equation, the size of the target! I recently tested a 0.1g prickly piece of gold and the 12x8" got it deeper than the 12" by a good margin.
    2 points
  11. WWII Metal Detecting - German Waffen SS - Traces of War on the Eastern Front It might interest thoses who are sick of finding tiny target
    2 points
  12. Heya everyone; I was able to update the detector by taking it over to my friends house and he was able to update it no problem. He is running Windows 10 and has updated several of the detectors already without issue. So it would appear that this issue is with Windows 7 Home and Windows Ultimate (Both running 64-bit) Thank you all for the responses, I did try all suggestions and I appreciate the help. Now it's time to go find some Treasure! :D
    2 points
  13. Sure does Dave. Inspired by the success of friend and former detecting partner Jim Stewart, prospector John Hider Smith built his own 36" monoloop. Unlike the "Bismarck", This was flat wound (nothing new there) and also found much big gold. In contrast to the "Bismarck" this was mounted by a hook onto the belt to carry the weight. For such a large setup, it was also comfortable to use. Reg now owns the coil and has used it both as a sled coil and on his QED: https://youtu.be/v21liiSdLrM Damn! Don't know why these vids sometimes don't self embed - - -
    2 points
  14. So all week long I was fantasizing about the new spot I found where I found the 2 deep nickels on bedrock, and after hearing the stories about Prospectors putting a nickel in the ground to replace a nugget I figured I was on to a new hotspot... Well, it was a big bust. The 20 ft of wash I detected was the only part that had anything. Scouting new areas is either hero or zero. It's been zero for me for a while. I gave up on the new spot and decided to hit an old area where we have had some success. I decided to drive in a different way, and hit it from a new direction, to maybe see things from a different perspective. I ended up in a wash where my buddy Dave had pulled a couple out of a year ago. By the time I realized I was in that same wash, I was already digging targets. Maybe the monsoons moved some stuff around, because I know Dave hardly misses a crumb. After I dug my first nugget, a 2g chunk I slowed it down and moved the coil under all the shrubs in the wash. That was where I found the other 2 nuggets. A nice patch of 3. And I prevented another skunk. Tried to take a video of the last dig, not sure if I will post. I like the quartz one. Cheers, Chris
    2 points
  15. I have windows 7 but that wouldn't work for me either . So i got my windows 10 laptop out and that worked fine. Just bought another 800 as a spare and will have to update that too when i get around to it.
    2 points
  16. Had the same problems...contacted ML and they said to go to update file and RIGHT click...then select PROPERTIES...then select COMPATIBILITY....put a check mark or select WINDOWS XP ... then select APPLY then OK....exit back to desktop....now go to same file and again RIGHT CLICK....select RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR.....it'll now run....follow prompts.....takes about 5ish minutes to install.....gl...Al F
    2 points
  17. Here is another one for you guys to figure out. I haven't the slightest clue, this one makes my head hurt. It was found in the water. This old bay has an insane asylum built on it dating from the late 1800's. It is also has a ghost town, a failed colonial type trading settlement dating from around 1825. Before that it was a native village but I think it's safe to say this is not native American. It has three stars, or starfish? and a small hole on each side. It measures about an inch across. It weighs about 17 grams but has at least some sand and clay remaining inside. There is no way you guys are going to guess what it is.
    1 point
  18. What do you guys think about these? I made them initially because it’s what I need but... I’ve got a small batch of Carbon shafts for the Minelab Equinox that are perfect for shortening your detector right up for transport or water type detecting, for a fully collapsed detector you’ll have shave down or melt the small plastic locating pin on the handle clamp to let the inner shaft come in and get the last 100mm of retraction. They look superb, have no wobble or slop and are a lot lighter than the stock shaft (110g vs 186g) Even when fully collapsed and the aluminium clamp Is within the coils proximity it has no effect on detection depth, sensitivity or ID surprisingly. Taking PRE-ORDERS for a discounted price of AUD$75.00 ~USD$54.00 They are very limited so definitely be quick as most are already gone! http://www.detect-Ed.com All comments welcome ? Cheers! Ed
    1 point
  19. - - - over an hour from the Nineties. I haven't successfully transposed it to digital format yet but I'm still working on it. The sound is present but my capture device isn't yet picking it up. I'm a bit over the moon about it really, some welcome good news following a tough week shooting drought weakened sheep - - Starring are some memorable characters from the earlier years of gold detecting, as well as some nice gold. Here's some early screen grabs, hopefully the final MPEG's will be of higher quality. 5 oz from Guys Rush, Rheola VIC. found at depth with Jimmy Stewarts 36" "Bismarck": 30 oz from Guy's Rush, Rheola VIC, found at depth with Jimmy Stewarts 36" "Bismarck":
    1 point
  20. Beach season is over - so I've made a little wrap-up video of the better finds. The video is in german, but perhaps it's interesting for someone anyway It's been a really great season!
    1 point
  21. In an effort to simplify my detecting life with the EQX 800, I limited the number of tones to three corresponding to the common low, mid and high conductive ranges. I thought I'd share this with the forum...for what it's worth anyway. Please keep in mind as you read on, it may be worth even less to you than you paid for it! ? Since 99% of my hunts are on east coast Florida beaches, I hunt in all metal and dig just about anything that doesn't sound specifically like iron. Yes, I dig a lot of aluminum! But having a rough and simple indication of what my coil may be over, be it a low, mid or high conductive target, I thought would be helpful and shield me from the “tone overload” I get using 50 tones. Even using the factory presets of 5 tones , I sometimes find it tricky to distinguish between tones over the ambient sounds along the beach. Again, I asked myself if I really needed that fine level of distinction anyway based on where and the way I hunt and dig. Agreed, that's strictly a personal preference. I tested quite a number common targets of varying size and metallurgical composition and came up with some common VDI ranges that I see on our beaches for each of the conductivity zones. I then modified the 5 tone option to 3 tones. My results: Conductivity VDI Range Tone Low -9 to 0 1 Mid 1-19 12 High 20+ 25 I can now easily hear a distinct difference in those three tones and my life is simpler. Granted, the specific conductivity ranges based on the VDI display will vary depending on the soil, target depth and metallurgical composition. All of which is a known and acceptable factor to me for the purpose of this “approximation exercise.” Just the view from my sandy foxhole...
    1 point
  22. Only reason....... is thats what they had.... much like those using a AT Pro down here in our salt water. They may work...... but they arent the best choice.
    1 point
  23. 1 point
  24. Thanks for the comments----as a matter of interest the 800 settings were - Beach 1 Sensitivity 21-- very quiet and stable at this level. Tones 5. Auto tracking. Audio 20. Big fan of factory basics--boffins at Minelab have done a good job. Upgraded to latest software. [ All figures supplied by my Dad. ]?
    1 point
  25. The 14x9" is no slouch. In the testing I've done so far, if you can run a high gain on the 14x9" it will pretty well match what the 12x8" can do, especially if you can run Sens Extra. In hot ground it's a different ball game. Where you are forced to drop your Rx Gain, the 12x8" retains a lot of sensitivity, where the 14x9" starts to lose signal sharpness a lot earlier. Interesting thing though, on this 0.1g bit, Fine Gold was the best, provided I kept a slow steady swing. Sens Extra was next best, followed by Enhance which struggled a bit. I've seen this scenario several times in the past, which is why I still have the 5000, even though I have a soft spot for the old 4500. I also tried the 15" Evo just for kicks. Sens Extra was the only timing that got a sniff on it, but I had to up the Gain and back off the stabilizer. Fine Gold and Enhance nothing. In thick scrub, the 12x8" is nicer to use.
    1 point
  26. Not noticed anything other than better and clearer target signals .
    1 point
  27. Hey Guys Back in the 40’s I had my ear tune to Sgt. Preston and Yukon King. Oh his horse name was Rex. What I want to know does that make me a Canadian? Chuck PS I never miss that 15 mins. A young blind man and I had our ears stuck to the radio at the same time each day. He could see it and I could too. It was like we were in the middle of the action. That was about 70 years ago and I still remember his name .
    1 point
  28. I live in Edmonton, Alberta. Been metal detecting for years.....I dabbled in prospecting over 20 years ago and got the bug this year. I am running a highbanker in the North Saskatchewan River, which flows through Edmonton. Only flour gold present. I am spoiled! A 5 minute drive, and I can set up my equipment and dig. No claims, no dredging but 5 year ($50.00) mining licence required. I enjoy the many surprises coming out of the river.....petrified wood, petrified dino. bones and the odd relic or coin. The exercise and fresh air are the other rewards. Below are my most recent finds from last week. We got an early snow, but went out anyway! Below is a pic......the ring I found metal detecting (14.2grams.)
    1 point
  29. The late Jim Stewart near Grays Reef Moliagul, with a 7 0z piece. Mid 90's
    1 point
  30. Yes, it is beyond humbling to lose one's mobility, strength and balance. You never know when the hand of fate will knock you down. Do it now, there may not be a tomorrow! fred
    1 point
  31. Went for an afternoon hunt yesterday to an area that had several music festivals over the years. I didn't expect to find any silver coins, and I didn't. A relatively small area produced a good number of coins, pull tabs and other miscellaneous junk along with a Swiss Army knife that was in three pieces. The handles had become separated from the knife. After getting home and inspecting my finds,I discovered the knife handles are 925 sterling with an engraved name on one of them.I will try to contact that person. A very expensive little knife
    1 point
  32. You beat me to it! I have been intending to write up an article on how to create three and four tone schemes using 5 tones as the base. I will probably still do it just to run though the mechanics of adjusting the settings. There are a lot of custom options with 5 tone on the Equinox 800.
    1 point
  33. Nice find Norm! Could not quite read it so enhanced the photo a little.... Deputy Fish & Game Commissioner 1911
    1 point
  34. One idea I'm having is the possibility of hybriding, where it might be possible to affix a V3 box to my V3i. They can share coils and screens, if I could afix them back to back or even build an expanded box two accommodate both boards with splitters and a switch it would be possible to toggle back and forth between them. If there truly were a significant difference in tracking/ground balance between them, if whites slowed the tracking in the i update as has been suggested, in harsh or changing terrain I could toggle to the V3 board. If I could sell the other V3 to a hunting buddy later down the road when I'm done with all my experiments (or if I could convince my gf she is a treasure hunter too Haha) we would be able to use the peer to peer data. Personally I think if Whites were thinking outside the box they could hybrid many machines. Who wouldn't want a machine where you could toggle back and forth between an MXT and V3i for example. Or a DFX and V3i, MXT and DFX.
    1 point
  35. I kind of realized the significance of what I was purchasing at the time, but it wasn't until your last post that it really hit me how unique an opportunity this is and how much can be learned from it. It's not often I see a V3 that hasn't been updated, and when I do it's never priced like these were, and never in pairs. Anyone that would have them in a pair or singly likely wouldn't know the history behind them or the significance of putting two together. Here not only do I have two original V3s in the same room, but also a V3i to contrast them with. When you're into flipping electronics it's always tempting to move everything along quickly to keep the capital freed up, and there's a good chunk to be made here, but any thought of doing that before I get some answers for the whole community is now gone. I think I have a better perspective on the responsibility of having these stars aligned. So if you or anyone else have any requests or ideas for testing and comparison etc., feel free. This is going to be a lot of fun.
    1 point
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