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Research, time, and lots of boot miles. Get away from the known areas and roads.

Got in 4 hours Tuesday AM, started out with rough water but by 11 am things were calming down. Took me about 30 minutes of messing with the controls before I got it to run stable and under control, then I slowly adjusted the setting as the water calmed. Started out with the settings ....delay 11.5 (15) Sensitivity 6, ATS 8, All metal , volume I ran high the whole time with the threshold just audible.. ( The settings that really seem to calm the AQ in rough water is the delay and ATS ) And by end of day I cut the delay down to 11, sensitivity 4, ATS 6, all metal, volume 9, and threshold 4/5 just audible. It was purring like a kitten. Dug a lot of nickels, no silver coins, one nickel / silver ring (my first marked that) and one 1.5 gram 10k.. This spot I have passed thru with the excalibur a few times of late, I've yet to find targets the way the AQ does. Shallow targets here are trash so I keep on walking on those..I only dig faints here...and the ring was maybe 12/14 inch's? The AQ loves the small gold rings. First time out this year with the drysuit, It was 60 degrees with winds early am. I hate being cold...Plus on one of the other forums some one posted about some flesh eat bacteria and I had cuts on me from working in the yard Monday so best to be safe. All worked out good and glad I went that route. Video of..........cam has been on the blink of late, I think the problem is moisture inside of the Go Pro. As you can tell by the frosty video. I checked to see if i got the gold ring on video, it did, then I stopped the recording..... then it would not restart. Once home I checked and it started to work again. I just dropped it in a bag of rice to see if that will draw some of the moisture out.

I spent about 5 1/2 hours digging in the dry beach area of the lake. My goal was to dig as much trash as possible and it worked out great I was able to nab a few keepers among the junk, silver toe ring, 2 silver earrings and a silver chain with the pendant. Also dug the usual clad and junk jewelry as well. Ran the Nox 600, my settings were: Park 1 F2-0 Sens- Recovery-3 Man GB-4 1-Tone I dug everything from-2 up

With lifeguards gone Kids gone cooler weather and the lowest water level in years, fresh water I was out chin deep in what it seems to be undetected area. all targets were very deep and have been there for a long time. The Irish ring is stamped 375, the locket 585, and the blue ring 14k and I have not cleaned the 14k at all it is tarnished or stained. All found with TDI BH but I did mark the area that the locket came from to return with my Nox to try and find the chain.

We've all seen, heard of or found coin spills...particularly if you primarily hunt beaches. However, throughout all the years I've been walking our Florida beaches this is the first Sinker Spill of this size that I've ever found. These sinkers came from the same 3x10ft area of Bicentenial Park beach and it wouldn't surprise me if I didn't find all that was there! 😁

I was wrong again.. it's another florin.. i'll get it right one day!

Just a short note on Joe’s “shorty” AQ battery. It fits well under the cuff and balance was not noticeably effected from the lighter than stock battery. Run time for me in “tone mode” was 6 hours 20 minutes. It is my understanding that in all metal it is approximately one hour less. The M12 (CTX) phones connector was a welcomed change and the power cable with a small loop and ninety degree connector also worked well. Get one of his battery set ups and avoid changing batteries in mid hunt, while they are available. I believe he has other set ups with even longer run times. Knocked it out of the park again Joe, thanks.

On 9 August, I posted my initial impression of Steve Goss’ latest offering---carbon fiber scoop handles for the T-Rex, Stealth and X-treme series of sand scoops. I’ve been using his product exclusively now for over a month and thought I’d submit a few follow up thoughts. Bottom line up front: Does his handle still impress me as it did when I first got it? ABSOLUTELY. A few descriptive words/phrases come to mind when evaluating this handle after many beach outings: Stout: This handle is indeed worthy of the term. It leaves no doubt that what you have in your hand is a very stout piece of carbon fiber. There isn’t one hint of flex or weakness in this thing. Reliable: I’m more than certain Steve’s handle will serve me well for years to come. Professional construction: Steve’s handle is not your big box store, mass produced item. This man takes pride in what he makes and each one reflects his strict attention to detail. Conclusion: I’m even more impressed now than I was when I first posted my initial report. If you decide you’d like a top notch carbon fiber handle, you can buy this with the utmost confidence that you’re getting the best I’ve seen since I bought my first detector in 1970. Again, I have no financial interest in Steve’s business. I’m just passing along my personal opinion.

Pro level. https://www.nimrodpacksystems.com/

I got out for nice long hunt with the AQ. I found quite a few targets to keep me busy. Five of the rings are junk and the other two silver. One of the silvers has real diamond chips. The gold ring came towards the end of the hunt and weighs 4.7g. I have found 5 gold rings with the AQ and a small pendant, so not too bad. Thanks for looking and happy hunting.

I found this of interest. The Murchison meteorite - Museums Victoria.pdf The 50th anniversary lecture ......LINK.....

I could use some advice from the true adventurers out there. I have used a regular backpack for the past 4 years and it has gone with me all over the West (and even in the Amazon jungles of Brazil) on my detecting adventures. Inside I carry food, water, first aid, extra coil, TP, and other essentials. I have strapped sleeping bags and gold pans to the outside. I have it ready to go for at least one or two nights sleeping in mild weather. But the miles have taken their toll. For those of you who venture far from your vehicle into the bush, I would like to know what kind of pack you use. Pics and advice are welcome. I am looking for something that can carry 1-2 gallons of water, a sleeping bag, battery bank, possibly the ability to strap my detector and pick to it for long hikes, and either waterproof or with a rain cover. Price is not important. I have an old frame pack I could use but it is gigantic.

I have been forcing my self to use my Deus more here lately. I am finding that I like the Deus very much. For the most part I am using Gold Maxx and deus fast. I have a custom deep program I use as well. What I am getting at is i am not really using as many of the programs and settings. I fiddle between 2 for the most part and some times 3. And that is Deus fast and either gold Maxx or the deep Custom one I made. I have been thinking of selling either my Deus remote set up and keeping the ORX or selling the ORX remote set up. I like the ORX for the large easy to see screen and iron probability bar. Plus I only fiddle with the coin programs anyway. I actually favor the ORX to tell you the truth. They are slightly different animals. And each has their own strong points. But target and depth between the 2 are equal. Who else has the same delima??

If you can navigate the crappy (at least on my desktop browser) interface/reader on their website, you'll find on p11 of this link the article by designer Jorge Saad detailing the history of the Gold Bug Pro's development. Whatever he says there is 'gospel' AFAIC. What I remember is something about 24-bits, which Minelab bragged about their revolutionary innovation for their Gold Monster 1000 when it was released multiple years after the Gold Bug. Now, maybe one was talking about the A/D converter and the other the CPU. In a lot of ways it doesn't matter how many bits (or processors) contained within; it's how the detector actually performs in the wild. Both of those detectors (GB Pro family and GM1000), although very different, have produced for their buyers.

The "Spectra Circle "has closed ... I got the Spectra Vision ... I think it is one of the few original Visions available in Europe. .so I will be able to make some direct comparison of Whites Vision from Spectra V3 and Spectra V3i ... Are there any differences in performance ....? I heard from a colleague that the "Vision" has the most raw power and therefore 15-20% is the deepest .. Is that true? ... We'll see ... and maybe we'll be surprised ... Another thing that is of great interest is the wireless transfer of programs between detectors Whites Vision and Spectra V3 - in theory it should work. So we'll see .. Other observations and opinions and tests regarding Vizion, Spectra V3 and V3i....by writing in this article ..

Thanks Carolina..Funny you told me your time and I was thinking....Maybe I was wrong. We will get it worked out for I will be testing each battery I make by using it for a one hour hunt (submersed) to make sure they function as needed. Then going thru threw the charge cycle...one time.

Yep, anyone that has ever fished has forgot that damn latch, at least once!! Always "fun" fishing all that crap out of the sand! Now you have enough lead for a couple of nice counterweights!!🤣👍👍

At least they weren't the small ones that keep falling through the scoop holes. That can be frustrating!

Reminds me a few weeks ago I hit the river at a local favorite fishing spot. Found over 3 lbs in sinkers. I forgot my pouch and had to use the front pocket on my waders. Lot of times if there is a gravel or rocky bottom the sinkers get caught up. The shoreline might prove better hunting grounds where people cast from.

Outstanding nvchris. Its true, research, long walks detecting and long days are essential for the serious and for success. Just hope not too many of the welling mass of new gold detectorists catch on to the secret to be honest

I have used a Camelbak military HAWG for the past 3 years and its bullet proof. 3 litre bladder and heaps of room I would say one of the best day packs on the market. It is a heavy pack for its size but it is made of heavy duty material and huges zips, yet to have one fail. And they are all clam shell opening so you can get to contents without digging.

What the issue is the brand you buy and use. SS or the plated composite material. The cheaper is 7 dollars, the SS is about 23 dollars..USD. The cheaper will last several years but it requires you keep cleaned and lubed both it and it's mate. The SS you can abuse it a little more but from time to time will need taken loose and lubed, other then that ...they seem to hold up until a internal wire breaks...One of the most important thing is to fill that internal area that the wires connect to the pins with Epoxy when installing... either. Salt is the issue, not really the wear. And that being said the Souriau brand that is used on the AQ will wear in time. A composite material..will, the screw together type are less prone to wear.

Welcome Chip, Looks like you have part of the equation figured out!!! Take your time and learn the machine on (your) time frame, do not rush into crazy settings, it will only get you discouraged. Glad to have you here to share in your experiences.

A base camp pack with a day pack is the go---- When in Special Forces I carried a base packs that weighed roughly 100 pounds- (plus my medic bag 35 pounds)-so roughly 65 pounds of gear--- but we dumped it as soon as we rucked to base camp and went to day packs with battle belts. For day trips 3 liters of water minimum--- in SEPARATE containers in case of a leak... A few of the regular items in case you get lost--- My point like the post above--for extended stays-- two packs are the go---- Could even be Army style like the Alice pack and the fanny pack (sorry Aussies) Gold Hound Dale got me on to this USA company --Eberlestock-- they have anything you need... We both have one of these--- i believe this is the model-- mine is over WA. still in the plastic (unless the Taskmaster traded it for a carton-!!-) 🤣 If you need more stuff than this can carry .... get a helicopter! EBERLESTOCK OPERATOR PACK

If you want to see the Apex in the action in the field here is a video I did over the weekend. Didn't compare it to anything in this video just got out and hunted with it.

Thanks Buddy, If you could give us a report in about a week that would be great. I used the same battery...... I had a run time of 5 hours and 30 minutes then 5 hours and 37 minutes the second time. All metal hunting the first trip then the second mostly all metal with a hour of mute mode. I am only making 5 Shorties like yours and 5 Big batteries. I get the ten batts out there and give them several months I may do another round this winter when things are slow if everyone is still happy. The shorty is 140 plus shipping 15 dollars and the Big Battery is 170 plus 15 shipping. I expect the Big Batt to get 11 plus hours. List is full, Got in a hunt today and will be working on them Weds..on Ji.....Cliv....Cli....De...See...Sha...Cu..EL..Te ...CC ...Ga/O

Thanks for the vid, Looks like great gear! Are you just going to get one of their's? Looks like they last! Here's a few others!👍👍

Well here she is. I ordered the coil last week. It is the 13" Detech Ultimate. I cannot believe how light weight it is. I am totally like a kid in a candy store today!! I put the Sun Ray probe on it a little different than how most people mount them. It really had some awesome separation too for such a large coil. I am not totally sold in the depth aspect just yet. I will have to do some.more testing. But for now it is awesome.

Joe, Looks like you had an awesome day out. I wish my spots were that scenic !!! My beach hunting is limited to 3 days a year and about 15 hours total. I have become a master of fish hooks, and other misc. crap. I wish I had the time to properly learn how to hunt a beach. For now I will just live vicariously through you. Good job!!!!!

Been almost a week since I've been out, lots has happen but things are settling back down so I got 3 hours out today. Been watching the winds and tides and I felt safer grabbing the excalibur. Once there I seen I could have taken the AQ..water was very nice...North winds of 10 mph blew the water out so I was drinking the old bay waters today....Seems like all I was getting was silver coins and nickels until I moved in a little closer to shore..then once I got away from the hard bottom out came the 1968 Class ring. The two white gold rings are from last Saturday's hunt at this same beach......This spot seems the coins are out deeper on the hard pan, and the rings are in right as the slope starts with the sand. There use to be crab pot buoys that helped me navigate this spot but they messed me up and pulled them early this year... The bracelet top is 1/20GP had me going until I got home and seen the edge was black with small bubbles

Many Thanks for all the kind replies, Good Luck to all the pirates this weekend!

That's a load for sure! I can say here if your finding sinkers more then likely your not at a swim beach, your at the local fishing hole..

I could get away with one or two user profile slots if there was a way to navigate the modes forwards and backwards rather than having to cycle through all the modes in one direction only.

Always nice to see finds measured in ounces or pounds Troy instead of grams! Great score Chris, I’m sure you worked hard for it. 👍🏻

Nice. I didn't know that some of the Visions had sold before they were forced to change the name. I wonder how many of the early ones were released?

Joe, well if you have any extra shorty or big batteries, I'll take one. If not, put me on the list for the next round of batteries. Thanks for all you do for the "rest of us". Bill

Way to go NVChris, along with the hipstick, a comfy backpack with the bungy hook up high straight off the shoulder and also a guide shaft as per MLs or Docs. Back 40 years ago plenty of armchair prospectors considered there was no patches left, not so then not so now.

I looked at my Equinox 800 screen when I heard it. This Sound had potential. It was not like the familiar sounds of pennies, quarters and even the nickels. The screen read 9 and that had Potential too. I swung over it in a couple of directions and it still had a solid 9. Then you dig. Still a 9 and a good sound as you go down 3-4-5 inches to the patch layer. Then it is in the scoop and you look down in the dim light and you don't see a coin. You can see a shape and the wire mesh too! That is real POtential. I turn on my light and voila it's a ring and its yellow! POTENTIAL! When I got home I looked it over. It is not the best ring that I've ever found but it was the BEST and only ring I found last night. It is 10k/RL/CZ/BOUVIA. Potential realized. Now, this is the rest of the story as Paul Harvey used to say. Last night was a hunt pattern that I have repeated before. It is a normal beach detecting pattern for me. I put my son to sleep about 8 PM and when he is sleeping a couple of hours I get up and detect the beaches for 4 hours or so. The beginning was the same with parking and beach entry. After walking about half a mile I could see a detectorist light up ahead working the beach. I could not tell which direction they were working but I knew this spot. It could be good but I was going to let them have it. I walked off the wet sand into the dry and avoided the spot for quite a distance and then I dropped back down to the beach. Someone had been to this portion of beach before me but they were gone or it had been the detectorist I avoided. I could not see them any more and no one was in front of me so I relaxed and looked for the clues. Pretty soon I found a coin. I circled and found another. I saw some recent (within 2 hours) unfilled dig holes and I included those in my pattern and then in my grid. The picture emerged and I could see the beginning and finally the end of the patch. It was a small patch this time but I'll take it. No one came across me while I was working this patch. There were no seagulls. I hope this happens for you on your patches.

Gaia GPS does this. You can see in my screenshot I have overlayed the bedrock geology, PLSS Grid, and land ownership onto the USFS topo.

I think I reserved one but at my age I cant remember. El

Great finds, I don't think WD40 will fix the clock.😉

Hello fourumers & hope you are well.Update on the sdc issue.Sent back to minelab with a quick turnaround, they replaced the circuit boards & were very professional & took the time to explain the issues which were identified & acknowledged.The problems i had with this machine were driving me insane & thats putting it mildly. I have learnt that this detector is very sensitive & possesses capabilities that others dont even come close to.In appreciating this fact i acknowledge that any little issue can put the whole thing out of whack. Minelab fixed the issue & the detector it humming like a bird now.Pefect.If you ever have a problem, dont stress, they provide excelent back up service.Thanks again to forum & minelab.

This is the one I have on mine and I mounted it like this below the battery compartment. It is still easy to get the battery in and out. https://www.seriousdetecting.com/product/whites-detector-stand-matte-black-dfx-xlt-mxt-m6/

If I ever get the AQ, I too will be digging everything to see what it does, but probably won't hunt the dry sand.

Good collection of little pieces of jewelry. Nice to see those in the mix. Thanks for the post!

Well after posting this thread I got ahold of a mxt pro today. I think that it does have a slight depth advantage over my regular mxt tracker. I have a 11 nickel buried in my test garden and this was with a 7 inch excellerator coil. The pro will touch it with a high tone where as the regular mxt will only null out thinking it is iron. So needless to say I have made my mind up on which one I prefer now. Not saying anything bad about the tracker mxt I love it but never had a pro before. So going to give it a whirl now!!

Same depth and sensitivity if outfitted with the same coils, but I’d take the Pro for the Ground Grab button, plus the seven tones option. MXT Info & Review Steve with MXT and 6.85 ounce gold specimen found with it at Ganes Creek, Alaska in 2002

Getting permission is the way to go for sure, but if that is not possible then check into the Fair Use Doctrine. If you are just excerpting, commenting, or reporting on a small segment of the article then you can often use it, even if it's copyrighted. Basically, I think it boils down to relevancy and size of the excerpted piece. Your work must be clearly your own and the excerpted bit can't really be the entire focus of your content, it has to just be a minor part and you must be creating something "new" to call it your own. This is something I became aware of while making videos, where people commonly take small segments of other people's content and include them in their own videos. But it applies to any media including print. For instance: people would often steal my videos and then repost them as their own, except zoomed in, cropped, or removing audio/adding songs over my voice, adding nothing new, essentially just posting 100% of my content and collecting ad revenue on it for themselves. No attribution given to the original creator. This is a copyright violation (and the most common). Similarly, claiming or branding someone else's content as your own is a copyright violation. Grey area: people would take 10 to 15 second clips of all the popular nugget shooting videos and then compile them all into one larger video, just showing the nugget reveals. Collecting ad revenue for themselves. Might credit the original creator, might not. IMO this is copyright violation, but interpretation can vary. Not copyright violation: taking 5 seconds of my clip, showing it in a smaller window within the video while someone films themselves commenting on the clip, talking about equipment, using the clip to demonstrate good/bad technique, geology, whatever...making something new and original, and crediting the original creator of the excerpted clip. Few make the effort to be legit like this, but this is proper use of the Fair Use Doctrine. The doctrine applies to print media, forums, videos, whatever. But research it yourself, the link I gave is a government website but there are lots of legal opinions you can Google as well.

Thanks Joe! I do still have all my tools except the casting equipment and I still have a ton of cabachons. I have produced a few pieces after I wound down but haven’t done anything in 15 years. I may have to revisit that part of my life again as this thread has piqued my interest. Interesting to me, on the early piece I didn’t stamp it Sterling.