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Steve Herschbach

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  1. Ultimately, I’m only trying to provide basic posting tools, not create a full word processor environment. If advanced editing is required, it’s best done in a full editing tool like Microsoft Word, then cutting and pasting the final product here as a post. In most cases the formatting will carry over directly. Just don't use too large a font, default here is 14 point.
  2. Are you talking about a cable for the coil? Homemade, or aftermarket? You are not thinking of the cable for use while diving are you?
  3. Thanks for the feedback. I'm sure some people will find it helpful, and if anyone has links to other models they have used themselves, and like, please post. I think it's kind of odd that XP has not addressed this, when what appear to be better third party alternatives exist. When I was in the UK around lot of Deus owners for a lot of time, it seemed there was always somebody having a problem with clips, and charging, questions about light being on or off, etc etc. It just seems like a headache area that could be eliminated almost entirely, and I'm surprised XP did not take the opportunity here with a new detector model to do just that. But I know how engineers think. What they have works just fine if everything is done just right. So its the customers fault, right? That really is how manufactuters in general tend to think - I saw it a lot when running my dealership, and with far larger companies than XP. A more realistic approach is to recognize your customers have an issue, and then out engineer them to make the problem all but impossible, even for a dummy blindfolded in a dark room.
  4. An interesting aside to this chart (thanks Mical) is the target id spread, highest to lowest. CTX 3030 12.31 - 12.01 = 30 points Equinox 800 19 - 6 = 13 points White’s V3i 48 - 9 = 39 points XP Deus 73 - 39 = 34 points F75 SE 53 - 21 = 32 points The jewelry target id resolution is a combination of the available numbers, and the frequency. Higher frequency reporting expands the results in the gold range, lower frequency reporting compresses it. This degree of target id resolution usually does not matter, as most detectors will find the same targets. However, if working in modern aluminum trash, more target id resolution can help isolate and reduce certain very prevalent trash items, while reducing the risk of missing good targets. Let’s say after digging it all for a while, you note one particular pull tab being very common at a site. A detector with a high resolution will allow you to notch out that one target, while still getting most of the good targets. A low resolution machine has a higher risk of knocking out the good with the bad. Target id numbers are sometimes referred to as “bins” to highlight the fact that certain items are grouped together, and tossed in the same basket or bin, i.e. lumped together under one number. In general I advocate digging everything, but sometimes there are limits on the time available to hunt a given site, and wasting time digging certain trash targets can cost you that valuable time. Sometimes it’s better to notch, to improve the odds. If one is doing so, using a detector with good target id resolution is important. This highlights a weakness in the Equinox 800. In general, I have found White’s detectors to be good for this, which is why I still own a Whites DFX. I run mine in unnormalized 15 kHz mode for even greater target id resolution than is the norm with most White’s models, which are usually normalized to 6.59 kHz for continuity purposes. More on target id normalization. Good observation, and yes, this is generally why mens rings, and womens rings, fall into two different target id ranges. Womens rings below nickel, and mens above nickel. Size matters most with target id, and is modified secondarily by composition. Shape and orientation come last in the order of prevalance, not though necessarily in magnitude of effect.
  5. Really nice find, much more interesting that the boring old $5 gold coins people usually post.
  6. Hi Rob, I don't think anyone is doubting the nugget being real. It is just unclear whether it was found in Mexico or the United States. If you read the rest of the thread, I don't think your post really clears that up. It could still be a "genuine Arizona" - Mexico - gold nugget. I'm not accusing anyone of lying. I just think the way it is written, and where the guy is from, and normally hunts, plus the fact there is a Arizona Mexico, that does produce gold.... raises the question still in my mind. That said, not worth any more thought on my part. Somebody found a gold nugget. It was not me, and I don’t really care if it was found in Arizona or Mexico. I also don't think a particular model or brand finding something really proves anything. So.... whatever.
  7. I would think the Detecting Doodads Coil Charging Clip would work… any reason why not?
  8. I thought there were, would be surprised if there were not actually. Be fun to try and compile a list of which ones they are, as only units taking target id into account can have a real claim to being depth meters.
  9. There is no such thing as a depth meter per se. They are all signal strength indicators. Older models generally calibrated to a U.S. dime and stock coil. Change target, or change coil, reading is changed. Some newer, more sophisticated detectors, take coil changes into account, one genuine use of chips in coils. The White’s V series had a manual setting for identifying the coil. There may be even newer models that use target id to modify depth readings, but I’m not sure about that. If not, somebody should do it. I use the target id in conjunction with the signal strength reading, whether by meter, or in my case, by modulated audio, to give me clues. I can tell a shallow small item by the localized sharp response. If it reads as US dime, it’s possibly a small bit of copper, or silver jewelry. Similarly, a large broad response reading as a quarter, might more likely be a sprinkler head. I almost never use so-called depth meters, as being redundant to modulated audio. If modulated audio is not an option, then the meter becomes more useful. In general with modulated audio, strong/sharp means shallow, weak/fuzzy means deep. Whatever method you use, practice makes perfect. Always try to predict what you are digging, and how deep it is. If you are wrong, ask why, and put that in mental file for future. Reading is nice, just like reading about playing the guitar, but only actually doing it over time builds the actual skill involved. There are lots of similarities between learning a musical instrument, and learning to use a detector at the highest level.
  10. Since bedrock is generally homogenous, it’s easier to get a ground balance with a unit that has a fixed setting, as does the Gold Bug 2. Gravels and pebble/cobble beds are often of mixed composition, so some rocks are balanced out, others not. As noted above, hunt bedrock separately. In mixed material, try and find an average balance setting that will minimize response to the various rocks as much as possible. This will be aided by lowering the sensitivity, as rock responses drop out faster than gold responses. Ground tracking aids greatly in mixed materials, but just like the 2300 suggestion above, requires a different detector.
  11. I am not aware of any actual operating design changes. As noted above, the unit was vetted as far as electronics and coil, to be sure it was up to Garrett’s ISO 9001 standards. The coil was basically replaced with one made by Garrett. I’m not aware of what, if any, changes were made as far as internal components. Obviously the included accessories were upgraded. Having run both extensively, I doubt anyone can tell the difference between a properly made 24K, whether it’s of White’s, or Garrett, manufacture. There is no difference, as far as I am concerned, beyond more assurance you are getting a good coil. Coil manufacture was an Achilles Heel for White’s. The above post says the 24K is an MXT running at 48 kHz. That may be conceptually correct in some ways, but is not true. The MXT/GMT are their own older design, with a huge circuit board. The MX5/MX7 circuit is completely new from the ground up, much smaller, and intended as a base for various models, through the magic of program based detector design. The MX5/7 circuit did however attempt to largely mimic MXT operational concepts. The 24K is made on the MX5/7 circuit platform, with a set of control concepts and options that are taken from the lineage of both platforms. My Review of the White’s 24K My Review of the Garrett 24K
  12. It’s not just a rod, but an integrated rod and rail mount system for the arm cuff, plus mount for control box. We talked about this once but I did not follow up, as I think it’s not something you are going to be able to realistically duplicate. I’ll post a photo soonish.
  13. Nice! If there was ever a detector that came with “worst rod ever” it’s got to be the Gold Monster.
  14. Quickest way to see finds is use the tag function: Coin Found Jewelry Found Relic Found Gold Found (gold nuggets)
  15. I agree. It’s more a poll of forum membership, not reflective of what you see at clubs. These forums started with a gold prospecting, and that metal detecting niche does run heavily male. There are only a few gals out seriously chasing gold nuggets. As in I can count them on both hands. My wife went detecting with me once, 30 years ago. That was the end of that. But she really likes me doing it, tells me not to come home without gold!
  16. I did not say you are a newbie, or that’s it’s not still an issue with the Equinox, and many other detectors. My V3i and even my F75 were unusable in many locations. The fact is EMI is just terrible in some places, and expecting SMF detectors, in particular, to be immune to it, is a big ask. EMI is a reality we deal with these days, like it or not. I’m just saying it’s probably not the end of the world for the Deus 2. Mostly I’m trying to inject some sanity into the overblown rhetoric surrounding the Deus 2 and Legend introductions, which seems to have some people losing their minds. I’m not referring to you with that either!
  17. I should point out that when the Equinox came out EMI and issues related to it were considered a major issue. Now people are simply used to dealing with it, and you never hear about it except from newbies. May very well turn out the same with the Deus 2.
  18. I'll have to think that over. I really don't like doing stuff unless I can really commit to doing the best job possible, and I'm not entirely sure about that at the moment. But I won't blow it off out of hand either as a possibility. As always, I'm honored to even be suggested as a candidate.
  19. I’ve posted endlessly for a decade on this subject, so I’ll just link to my main lobbying thread here. If anything our options are more limited than ever, so the need for a decent, ergonomic, affordable, ground balancing PI, has never been greater. But to sum up, I’d simply like an ATX class machine, or better, in a less than 5 lb, well balanced housing, at a price normal people can afford. And a decent, affordable coil selection to match.
  20. Perfectly stated. For your needs, not others. Would that everyone put it like that. Welcome to the forum. I know two guys running CTX 3030 with 17” coils in the UK that absolutely kill it. They get in good physical shape before the trip, are absolute animals, leveraging the big coil, long hours, and backs fortified with Ibuprofen. They make great finds in volumes that I can only envy, not match, with my Equinox 15” coil combo. Sometimes, sheer ground coverage, and a strong back, win the day.
  21. Wow, I go visit my mom for a couple days, and this thread blows up. Frankly, I’m embarrassed. I like and respect Dilek, and consider her a friend. I will say that I don’t think addressing certain critics directly is working out very well. Address the reasonable people, ignore the rest. Nor do I like the mentions of other brands in NM marketing info. I’m old fashioned and find that approach unseemly; I prefer companies just tell us about their own products, and not mention the others. This applies to any company that does it, not just NM. But that’s just me, and my feedback on that subject. That said, anyone that wants to heckle or dog Dilek on this forum can just take a hike. I’ve cleaned the mess up as best I can, and have reopened the thread. What is left better represents what this forum is about. Which is having respect for each other, regardless of views or opinions on detectors. I must point out that nearly all metal detectors ever produced have no such control as an iron bias control. This includes many of the best metal detectors ever made. The idea it is a necessity flies in the face of that obvious fact. I do very much doubt the vast majority of Equinox users ever adjust the control. Is it a control I prefer to have? Yes. But my preference is just that, as it is for any one of you. So state your preferences, but frankly that only takes a post or two, not endless back and forth, trying to prove your preference is the correct one, and others wrong. In the end NM did what they normally do and added the feature. Good for them, and proves once again that given the opportunity, Nokta/Makro is the most responsive company in the industry. I apologize Dilek, for some of what went down on this thread. I’ll always value you, and your presence on the forum. Thank you.
  22. They don’t have to do intensive testing all over the world. They need to test in key markets. Testers essentially work for free, so this is not a valid excuse for lack of testing. And testing may have occurred, but implementation still can be insufficient to the task. It hardly matters where the Deus 2 was tested or not at this point. All that matters is if you can achieve stable operation in desired locations. That seems questionable for some urban areas in the U.S. at least.
  23. I’ve always just split the gold with claim owner when metal detecting. Some say that’s too generous, but I’m always welcome back. I use the old “I’ll make two piles, you choose the pile you want” method. In Alaska when working ground for a percentage in a more serious type operation, say running a big gold dredge, 15% - 25% to the claim owner is more common.
  24. It is burl, and my apologies. I’m just burned out on the Deus 2 as a subject, so canceled my order, and am getting back to what I know and love best… gold prospecting. Best of luck to everyone with their new detectors.
  25. Yeah, it’s not like I’d know anything about any of it anyway, so I cede the floor to you.
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