Steve Herschbach

Good man - karma points to you!

These maps let you see the gold trend: https://www.dmme.virginia.gov/dgmr/pdf/gold.pdf

Many engineers and designers do not actually metal detect, so their reasons for being on a forum differ from the regular users. They hang out on many forums but rarely participate. Many watch this forum for instance, especially from Minelab. Carl and Dave Johnson from First Texas used to post on many forums, but are rarely seen these days. Tom Dankowski is not a detector engineer per se but is a techie type and runs his own forum here. Carl pops up there occasionally.

These forums revolve around the use of metal detectors. The only tech forum of consequence that I know of is the Geotech website and forum. Owned and operated by Carl Moreland. He was with White’s Electronics and now is at First Texas (Bounty Hunter, Fisher, and Teknetics). Also coauthored this book: Inside the Metal Detector explains theory and offers numerous experiments and projects that demonstrate the theory. You can build an off-resonance pinpointer, a GEB-discriminator, and a microprocessor-controlled PI detector. Even if you're not inclined to build a detector, the concepts learned from ITMD will help you better understand how your own detector works and what all those controls are really doing.

The forum was set up the way it was because when the Equinox was first released, it was getting unreasonably bashed by trolls before it even hit the market. This forum was designed for people who wanted to get away from all that. It also allowed me to keep tight control over the information I was posting, to either modify or delete if need be. I was walking a very careful line that no other tester wished to tread. Perhaps that time has passed. I have renamed the forum the Minelab Equinox Forum. As far as who joins, what detectors they use, and what they discuss... this website is designed ultimately as an information repository. I could meld all the forums back into one giant forum with all discussion about all brands and all models all on one forum, but I do not believe that is in the best interest of those seeking information. A Garrett owner does not want to wade through pages of Equinox posts looking for something relevant to their machine. It only makes sense to sort forums by category. The original DP forum still gets posts on variable subjects, but after they get to page 6 I move them to appropriate locations where they can be more easily located in the future. The software of this forum is perfect for that as links never break when I move stuff. Most people here have owned or do own many detectors, and nobody has ever limited anyone from being members of multiple websites and forums. You will never have the a situation where one forum is the ultimate source for all information. However, with the name change I will let any and all discussion of the Equinox go forward without intervention of any sort other than enforcing the "no attacking other members rule". If you are not a fan of the detector, now is your chance to let it all hang out. If something gets seriously out of hand, please use the "Report Post" function and I will step in and look at the situation.

... built in dual wireless speaker system. its not Farrah Fawcett but we can still dream

Minelab DOES listen. That’s why the Equinox exists. They mined the forums for opinions. But they can only listen if we SPEAK. We have the 21st century VLFs finally, now it’s time for 21st century PI. madtuna, think GPX just like you have but with battery incorporated into case, built in LOUDSpeaker built in, and high speed wireless built in? Instead of the Frankenstein versions I see now with all that stuff strapped on.

That’s awesome and in Virginia double awesome! Congratulations, you are a member of a very select club! ?

Holy crap, are you serious Rob? That’s real news actually and not the greatest because I agree, it is the best bang for the buck. Only acceptable really if GPX 5000 price comes down.

I am pushing somebody getting the ergonomics right. I actually love the feel of the CTX and had wished way back when for exactly what you are describing JP... a GPX in a CTX box. Once the ergonomics are right, competition will add the performance part over time. I’m just trying to draw a line in the sand and demanding the ergonomics. Whatever limits that places on the performance part I can accept, but I’m tired of 7 lb detectors and harnesses and bungees when there is no real technological need for all that anymore. That’s what this is all about from my perspective, saying enough is enough. If everyone out there thinks otherwise... but I doubt it. My 2012 post at Findmall: ”I have a Minelab GPX 5000 and a Minelab CTX 3030. I am a firm believer at this point that the GPX 5000 has taken PI nugget detecting technology about as far as it can go, with only better ferrous discrimination the only thing to offer me. And I am not holding my breath for that. So where to go from here. Pretty obvious I would say. Cram the GPX 5000 into the CTX 3030 package. I see no reason why it can't be done. The only limitation would likely be battery time per charge but if a CTX style battery could get me just a half day operation I am fine with changing batteries at lunch. A GPX 5000 in a single package with built-in speaker and GPS and waterproof to 10 feet would be killer. A new coil set mimicing the CTX set would be great as new waterproof coils would be a must. 8" mono, 11" (or 12") mono and 11" (or 12") DD and 18" mono would be all I would ever need. People are already using the GPX for beach and relic hunting and this would put it over the top. I would be using it for almost any detecting at all except where discrimination is a must, like turf hunting in a park. Minelab GPX 5000 MSRP of $6995 (MAP $5795). You want to get another grand out of me Minelab? MSRP $7995? Give me a CTX 5000 or GPX 6000 or GPX 8030, whatever you want to call it and you got it.” That was then and now being now the only thing I’m really wanting beyond what I posted in 2012 is the lower price.

Sure, I’ll take one if you throw in a 6x10 elliptical coil. Do you take American Express or VISA?

Seems simple JP. Set your bars for your use, I’ll set mine for my use. For me I am sure I said it already but a Garrett ATX circuit packaged up right would be fine. That’s my low bar... for me. Unlike you I can grab an ATX right now and go find gold with it. But all I am doing is setting a low bar. What I am asking for is the machine that exceeds that bar the most while staying ergonomic and affordable. Did it appear I set an upper limit on performance? I don’t think so. GPX 4500 is the better low bar really, and I’ll sure go for more! Said it many times. How about the SDC stuffed in the Eureka Gold box with a coil selection? At least I could hip or chest mount it. But no, it has to be in a 5.3 lb military box with a hard-wired coil. Sure it works but I want what I want. I am the one being selfish and conceited JP. The machine is for me and people thinking like me and I am sure I am far from being alone. You should use what you want and what works for you. You do this to make money so absolute performance is paramount I assume. What difference does it make? I’m not demanding that all other detector development for other people like you cease. It’s not a battle between us, where one must win and the other lose. Surely there is room for more than one set of desires in the world? How about I vote we both get what we want? I am just clearly stating what I want and what would make me happy, nothing more. I’d love a thread from you on what you want and why. I would assume that would be next gen GPZ but I should not put words in your mouth. As for me it’s basically a non-issue. My bar has been cleared and all that is left next year is to pick between the available choices. Like I said, happy days... for me!

It's all my posts on this forum. No, don't wait for a print version. If I had wanted to do that I would have used my inside track to have a book out the day Equinox launched and charged you all for what I gave away here for free. Would have sold a ton of them too! ?

I consider myself to be extremely fortunate due to the fact that the entire age of modern metal detecting has taken place over the course of my lifetime. I was too young in the 60's to be one of the many famous names that were there first on the ground with these new toys that go beep. That's good though for me as most of them are gone now and I'm still here. I got my first detector at the true dawn of the modern detecting age when I got my White's Coinmaster 4 in 1972. It was one of the first of the new "TR" machines that were the starting point for what most of us use today. Mine was as basic as a detector gets, no ground balance existed yet or discrimination. Just a couple inches depth and a beep, dig it up. So I have been involved in detecting now for 47 years. I started my business while in high school in 1976, and have been involved in metal detecting pretty much daily ever since. Anyone who followed my online presence starting in 1998 may see a pattern. I have been involved in some top end machines, some VLF, but basically almost every ground balancing PI made has been in my hands at some point. I had a vision in my mind based on my background in computers that told me what was possible and where we were headed. I was particularly incensed when an upstart company from Australia showed up the industry leaders at the time with the world's most powerful gold detecting PI machines. All the more so when I heard White's had a shot at it and passed. I made it my mission to jump on and foster anything that came along that might compete, and so I was involved with the Garrett Infinium, the first U.S. ground balancing PI. I had a lot to do with White's finally producing the TDI. Yet the fact is nobody ever seriously took Minelab on, and finally they won me over because they delivered when the rest just milked us. Minelab has been the sole company at the forefront of this technology since the SD2000 was introduced. All this time I have wanted two things. A vision in my mind of what a VLF could be. And a similar vision regarding a PI. Both those visions basically revolved around something a normal person could use both as regards ergonomics and price, two areas we kept getting bent over on for 20 years. Long story short I am grateful to Minelab for allowing me to be involved in the machine that delivered on my first vision. The Minelab Equinox is the first machine ever that really can do any VLF metal detecting task and do it well. In any one area it may not be "the best" but no one machine delivers across the board like the Equinox. My VLF quest is over. I will use an Equinox as my primary unit until a detector comes along, probably a Minelab, that does what it does but better. No more VLF buy and try for me. Yay! In 2017 I laid out my vision for the PI I wanted. The price was kind of a set the bar high (with a low price) thing so there is a little wiggle room there. But not a lot... the machine price should be something most people can stomach. As far as I am concerned the GPX 4500 sets the standard at $2699 both for performance and price. The TDI wins on ergonomics but loses too much in performance for me. All I really wanted was a GPX performance in an ergonomic package, and we all know it can be done. That is what is so frustrating. It's one thing to introduce new tech but all I want is proven tech packaged right. Garrett has really been a disappointment not putting the ATX in a light box. They can do it but so far have refused. I would have been satisfied with that. Right now I am calling the Australian made QED as being the default winner of my challenge. The rough edges have been smoothed out, and it's got the ergonomics, coil selection, and price all right. I am not going to argue with anyone over performance. Based on what I know it's good enough for me to go find gold and easily beats the TDI and is competitive with GPX. Good enough for me and good job boys. The only niggle is no FCC approval for U.S. sales, no U.S. dealers or service. But by end of 2020 if there is nothing better I will have one anyway. But we have the Fisher Impulse AQ on the verge and a dry land prospecting version promised. I would be crazy not to wait and see what develops there. I sold my GPZ for many reasons, mostly because I was not going to be detecting much this year, but I resolved when I sold it I would wait until my vision appeared. I knew it was close. I decided I can have fun enough with Equinox until that happens. Put as simply as possible I want a reasonably powerful PI packaged like a good VLF that most of us can afford. Something that can get in and out of a small backpack with an hour of labor being involved. So I am tossing down the gauntlet. I have my magic VLF and am looking for a mate for it. Right now QED and Impulse are in the running. And it's up to Minelab, Nokta/Makro, and sure, let's toss Garrett and White's in there also. It's time to deliver as by the end of 2020 I am getting one. I prefer in the spring but if something is one the radar I may wait. By 2021 I will be using something that finally fulfills what this high school kid from Alaska has known would happen someday. And I got to be there and see it all from start to finish. As I said... a very fortunate soul! Interfacion QED PL2 Fisher Impulse AQ

Honestly for me it’s simply the ergonomics. As long as the performance is in the ballpark I don’t care for all these hair splitting Internet battles over trying to be “the best”. Just give me a good performing machine fully integrated into a single unit with decent ergonomics at a decent price, and I would say QED has done that. The developers are therefore to be applauded! On the flip side things have been getting improved with QED and it is now looking far more like a finished product than earlier versions. There often is a benefit in patience and waiting for a new unit to get fine tuned. If nothing better comes along by next year (watching for dry land prospecting version of Fisher Impulse AQ personally) then I may take the leap. I am set for VLF but am still looking for that light, ergonomic PI, and right now QED looks better than any other option I am seeing. Garrett, I’m looking at you - you never delivered the LTX. Had it in the bag and took a pass... these companies just won’t listen!

Excellent report Bryan, thank you. Honestly something that flies in the face of what I think anyone would expect. At least it’s sure not what I would expect. There is obviously something different about the way Multi-IQ and Recovery Speed work as opposed to how Deus and Reactivity work. We know Multi has built in ground canceling algorithms in place before the ground balance is even engaged and Multi no doubt has inherent ferrous handling that goes way beyond what single frequency can achieve. I think that’s what we are seeing now. I wonder if you hit the area first with the low recovery speed, and then later with the higher recovery speed... which gets the best results on the first pass? I suspect you “nailed it “ though. No one setting or mode is likely to get it all, and that we have to mix it up. Still, I find this all surprising and Tom has opened up a whole new area of inquiry with a thread that started out being about iron bias but has morphed into a recovery speed mystery. It’s been an eye opener for me. Certainly an area where I have settled into a bad habit and now need to get out of my self imposed box and experiment more. Good stuff!

Great post Daniel. But not everything that is on the forums. You mean what you have read on the forums, which is not exactly the same thing. Mode names on Equinox are like the names on a GPX. They tried to come up with names to reflect a suggested use, when perhaps the better approach is call the Modes A, B, C, D, etc. Some GPX mode names are very misleading. Many detectors get a target id number and also call it something, like a dime. Other detectors eschew this approach, because it’s only a guess. They give you the number and let you decide what it might be. Assigning names to Modes is nothing more. Just a guess at a name that applies most to that mode. It never was intended to mean that’s the only thing that mode is good for. What if I told you nobody, including the engineers, can tell you exactly why the modes and settings perform the way they do in all situations? I was on the development team and very little I post is a guess but the fact is nobody knows everything there is to know about Equinox. It would be easy to find something like this low recovery speed situation and surprise the engineers. They might then be able to come back after the fact and explain why it happened, but don’t believe for a minute they have all the answers when it comes to real world results. That is a collective work in progress still. I don’t think anybody anticipated how good Multi would be on gold. Surprise! This post says no reason not to use Beach Mode in freshwater Here I say “The names have nothing to do with where I might use the modes.” There is no reason at all why the other modes cannot be used to nugget hunt. Park 2 and Field 2 are both very hot on small targets and offer the ability to use tones while nugget hunting. Prospectors who encounter salt lakes/salt flat situations would do well to remember the Beach modes as possible last ditch settings. And so on. If asked directly at any time I would explain to anyone that all modes are options for any hunting. I’ve mentioned or alluded to this many times. My screed on GPX Fine Gold Mode Not Being For Fine Gold I have been with Park 1 for normal detecting since day one and have advocated it but others said they do better on their ground with the “2” modes so I shrugged my shoulders and let it go. Bottom line though is getting stuck on anything and in particular letting mode names dictate where they are used... don’t do that. Anyone that has followed this forum since day one and really grasped everything I have posted should have a pretty good idea about all this. I have to admit I fall into favorite modes and habits as much as the next guy, but there is a wealth of info on Equinox on this forum. I already wrote my book on Equinox and it’s free. A second reading starting at the beginning might be enlightening now that people have time under their belts. But no, I don’t know it all... things still surprise and frankly that’s why I love Equinox. I hate detectors with no “depth” and I’m not talking inches in the ground!

This old thread may help a little... and this new thread on TDI Beachunter may add a little info...

Looks like you may be set. As far as your question, that’s like asking what car is best for the money. So I wrote it up here... Steve’s GuideTo Gold Nugget Detectors

Edit - thanks Reg. We posted at the same time so I’m adding this note. I in turn appreciate having legends like you and others here and have tried hard to make it a place where different personalities could learn to not only get along, but perhaps bury some old hatchets. Life is too short to hold grudges and resentments. With that in mind much of the vitriol came via the antics of a particular early QED booster, who I will leave nameless, that seemed to create a lot of ill will. That unfortunately colored a lot of the early responses from some. I simply think it’s wrong to let such things get in the way of learning and so I am very happy where we are right now, in no small part due to you, jrbeatty, and others. And yes, JP. For Simon: Detecting skill unfortunately is not acquired overnight. And just like golf we all have different limits as to where our skill tops out at. Some people are naturals. Some people no matter what never get very good at it. I ran a pay to mine operation at Moore Creek, Alaska, plus participated at a similar operation at Ganes Creek many times. I have watched many different people from all over the world detect. The detectors were never the main difference. It was the skilled operators versus people with the same or even superior units. The skilled operators as a rule always produced more gold and more consistently and by a very large margin. Like 80/20 or better. Some people put right on gold never could find any. The number one factor I observed in the field? Coil control. The experts I could tell just by watching. They “work” the coil. Everyone else is just swinging. One guy at my place came every year, and basically never found much of anything. His coil was always 6” plus off the ground. I would coach him, he would be good for 30 minutes, and then right back to coil off the ground. If I could listen through everyone’s headphones I am sure the novices were hearing a faint signal but it does not stop them like it would a pro. The pro has a tuned ear and their head is in the game. The novices I could often tell were bored out of their skulls. They want to find gold, not metal detect. Let’s face it, detecting is boring for many people. They only want to find. They are not paying attention and breeze by a faint signal that stops a pro in their tracks. Coil control, an ability to concentrate for long hours, and having the “ear” do most of the magic. People using gold differences as found online by different operators as being meaningful to the machine only vastly underestimate how important skill levels are. They figure two people swinging the same machine in the same area should get about the same gold. Frankly, anyone believing that knows nothing about nugget detecting. So hang in there Simon. You are doing great. It took me many years between my first go nugget detecting and finally finding one. It’s just not easy and unfortunately in some ways it’s getting harder every year. The machines are not getting better faster than the gold is depleting so novices today are usually on patches pounded for twenty years. Those easy finds just anyone with any machine could make are by and large gone, and so skill matters more now than ever before.

It needs to be a deal as it was the least popular Goldmaster by far. The first Goldmaster stuffed in a coin detecting box, it was widely panned by users and dealers alike when it came out. I sold a zillion Goldmaster II, V/SAT, and GM3 models. The 4/B gutted my Goldmaster sales and especially so since the Gold Bug 2 came out at that time and many people switched. I essentially stopped selling Goldmasters because of the 4/B until the GMT came out. Jimmy Sierra raised hell and got a clunky chest mount version made that Jim mentions, but it was not very popular either. It worked just fine and $150 is not a bad price but if you ever sell it don’t expect to move it fast. I’d invest the money in a 24K personally. Guide to Goldmaster Series White’s Goldmaster 4/B

You mean that image from the Russian site that makes stuff up as clickbait? Absolutely, it must be the real deal! Either way it’s ok, now it’s clickbait here

Great write-up Simon, much appreciated!

What do you consider to be the main advantages Simon?

How in the world would First Texas survive without you Rick!