Jump to content

Steve Herschbach

Administrator
  • Posts

    19,761
  • Joined

 Content Type 

Forums

Detector Prospector Home

Detector Database

Downloads

Everything posted by Steve Herschbach

  1. The Minelab CTX 3030 metal detector was introduced in 2012 and is still in production. It is a fully submersible multifrequency VLF metal detector aimed primarily at coin, jewelry, relic detecting, and beach detecting. The CTX 3030 also incorporates a built in GPS system and wireless headphone capability. "The Future of Discovery. The waterproof all-terrain CTX 3030 is the ultimate high performance treasure detector! Discover more historical treasures with the most accurate target identification available. With a full colour LCD and advanced Target Trace discrimination you will find more treasure, even amongst junk littered areas, in all ground conditions. Enjoy the freedom of wireless audio with the versatility of built-in speaker and headphone options. With Minelab’s exclusive integrated GPS, you can navigate to your favourite locations and record your finds. Transfer your detecting information onto Google Maps using the XChange 2 PC application. ‘Switch on and go’ simplicity, five preset Search Modes and many automatic functions make it easy for the beginner to get started. Advanced features are easily accessible at the touch of a button for the experienced treasure hunter. With the unrivalled performance of the CTX 3030 you’ll experience The Future of Discovery!" Source: Minelab website Minelab CTX 3030 metal detector Minelab CTX 3030 control panel Waterproof - You can go detecting anywhere with this versatile TREASURE detector. You have the flexibility of land and underwater detecting as the CTX 3030 is waterproof* to 10 ft (3 m). *Standard headphones, removable headphone module and WM 10 module are not waterproof. PC Mapping (with Google Maps) - Upload all of your detector settings and treasure locations to your PC using the XChange 2 application. Attach photos and text to your finds, group them into categories. View the locations on Google Maps. You can also download data to your detector for re-exploring favourite areas. Wireless Audio - Have the freedom to detect without your headphones being attached to your detector. With the WM 10 Wireless Module^ you have the choice of using the built-in speaker, supplied headphones or your own favourite headphones. Quick Menus (and smart functions) - Quick Menus give you easy access to ‘on the go’ adjustments. Smart functions (Sensitivity, Noise Cancel, Audio, Ground Balance) and a customisable User button allow fast changes to your most used controls while detecting. Ultimate FeCo Discrimination - With Ferrous (Fe) and Conductivity (Co) target resolution, plus adjustable Tone ID Profiles, you can detect (accept) the targets you want to and ignore (reject) the rest. With Target Trace and Target Separation, you can identify multiple targets simultaneously for accurate detecting results. Ergonomic Design - The well balanced design has all the battery weight behind the armrest for comfortable detecting. The detector is fully adjustable to suit your needs. Full Colour Display - The full colour LCD clearly displays more target information than ever before and greatly enhances the CTX 3030’s discrimination capabilities. Multi-Languages - You can choose from 9 different languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish or Turkish. GPS Locating - See where you have been, and where you are going, by using the Map screen and Navigation Tool. GeoTrails show the ground that you have already covered. WayPoints mark points of interest. FindPoints mark your treasure locations. GeoHunts record your entire detecting adventure. Key Technologies - FBS 2 uses multiple frequency transmission and coil-to-detector data communication to find more targets in variable ground conditions. Smartfind 2 provides digital signal processing and precision FeCo discrimination, with colour target information, for the best target identification results. GPSi has very high sensitivity for accurate recording of geo locations. Wi-Stream creates very fast wireless audio with no loss of sound quality. Official Minelab CTX 3030 Product Page Minelab CTX 3030 Owner's Manual Forum Threads Tagged "minelab ctx 3030" Minelab Metal Detector Forum
  2. The stock upper rod has always been metal. The lower rods I think are fiberglass but I could be wrong as changes have been made over the years. I assumed all this time you were talking about replacing the upper metal rod with a carbon fiber alternative. If all you are talking about is lower rods then I have not found aftermarket to be any better than stock, unless you need more length.
  3. I have not even posted on this thread and still you take a swing at me? That’s ok Matt... my opinion of you is very low also, so the feeling is mutual. If you think problems get buried on this forum then your ignorance is on clear display. I would nuke threads like the one we are posting on if that were the case. As far as never having a negative thing to say about Minelab...
  4. I don’t keep a finds log per se. However, I do keep a journal when on trips with short daily notes of interest, including finds. This is something I highly recommend to everyone, along with lots of photos. I honestly don’t care about finds much once they are found. The stories and photos are worth far more to me than the finds ever will be.
  5. It would be fun to have one in a clear plexiglass case! Internal photos from this thread.. Click for larger versions.
  6. I got the first carbon rod made for the Minelab PI series, the “Otto rod” and still have it. Half the sales pitch was not the weight savings but the idea of getting the metal away from oversized coils. I never had an issue with the rod per se but would probably pass if I had to do it over. The weight savings is so small as to be unnoticeable, and any worries about metal in proximity to a large coil are overblown. Long story short no reason not to get one but after having one I can’t say a person really needs one either.
  7. Anfibio / Kruzer - Waterproof DD Search Coil - 28 cm / 11" (AF28) 11" DD coil for Nokta / Makro Anfibio and Kruzer models Part Number : 20000825 Description : Anfibio / Kruzer - Waterproof DD Search Coil Size : 28 cm / 11" Includes coil cover and coil mounting hardware. Price $159.00 Website link
  8. Over a decade ago I would have given the White's MXT a five star rating, and am only giving it a four star rating because it is showing its age. The MXT was one of the first detectors to really leverage a microprocessor design in a metal detector by having a switch that made it like owning three detectors in one - Coins & Jewelry, Relics, and Gold Prospecting. Yet it stuck with an analog knob type control interface that is one of the best examples of simplicity and ease of learning I have seen in any detector. The controls are not only clearly marked with "cheater" settings but an abbreviated set of instructions is printed on the bottom of the control box! The MXT also has one of the best coil selections of any VLF detector ever made. The only real weakness is that as a non-waterproof single frequency detector the MXT is not the first choice for saltwater detecting. The MXT 14 kHz circuit is one of the best of the 20th century and the machine is already a true classic. There are newer designs that make the MXT look a little old fashioned but the fact is that it is a very capable detector that would be hard to go wrong with to this day. I have moved on to other units myself but will always consider the MXT to be one of the best metal detectors ever designed. See my detailed review for far more information than I can present here.
  9. I have been metal detecting for over 45 years now and have waited decades for a metal detector like the Equinox 800. Until now the so-called "do-it-all" multipurpose metal detectors have been very limited in one fashion or another. In particular, there has been a wide gap between metal detectors that can handle saltwater very well and those that are very good at gold nugget prospecting. Waterproof detectors have also tended to be feature limited in the past, heavy, and usually expensive. I primarily prospect for gold nuggets, and hunt for coins and jewelry both in parks and at the beach / in the water. Historically I have needed different detectors for water hunting and for gold prospecting. Suffice it to say that the Minelab Equinox 800 is the first detector I have owned that can do all the types of detecting I like to do, and do it very well, if not better than other detectors. Add in the fact that it is waterproof, has built in wireless headphone capability, and is incredibly affordable, and you have a detector that pleases me more, and in more ways, than any other I have ever owned.
  10. I have owned the Minelab GPZ 7000 and have done very well with it as a gold prospecting detector. The GPZ 7000 is a very high power all metal (dig all metals) detector that acts very much like an extremely powerful all metal VLF detector. It gets exceptional depth on a wide range of gold nugget types, especially on porous wire or specimen type gold that can be hard for pulse induction detectors like the GPX 5000 to detect. On the other hand the GPZ 7000 will signal on some type of hot rocks and alkali (salt) ground that a pulse induction detector would handle, so there is a trade of sorts being performed. In general however I could not ask for a better nugget detector for the Western U.S. and pounded areas in particular. I have rated the GPZ as four stars instead of five due to its weight (over 7 lbs), minimal coil selection, and very high price. See my detailed review for far more information than I have presented here.
  11. The Garrett AT Max was released in 2018 and is still in production. The AT Max is a fully submersible 13.6 kHz VLF metal detector aimed primarily at coin, jewelry, relic detecting, and gold prospecting. The AT Max includes Garretts proprietary Z-Lynk wireless headphone system built into the detector. "Garrett AT MAX is our most versatile and advanced all-terrain VLF metal detector. With increased detection depth, built-in Z-Lynk Wireless Technology, and many other improvements, AT MAX helps treasure hunters push their limits to the MAX!" Source: Garrett 2018 catalog Garrett AT Max metal detector Garrett AT Max control panel Built-in Z-Lynk™ Wireless Technology - Cut the cord! Integrated wireless circuitry transmit signals to your MS-3 Wireless Headphones (included)! Maximum Detection Depth - Increased transmit power, enhanced electronics, and a 13.6 kHz operating frequency allow the user to detect a wide range of targets - from tiny gold nuggets and jewelry to large silver coins—deeper than other Garrett AT detectors. True All-Metal Mode - Detects all types of metal and provides the greatest possible detection depth and sensitivity. Advanced Ground Balance Options - Automatic and manually adjustable for improved performance. 175 points of hi-resolution Ground Balance allows the AT Max to handle both conductive soils (such as saltwater beaches) and highly mineralized ground. In addition, Garrett’s exclusive automated Ground Balance Window feature will simultaneously ground balance to a range of values to help overcome localized ground variations. All Terrain Versatility - Weatherproof design for dusty, humid, or wet environments; and fully submersible to 10-foot depth. For underwater use, optional waterproof wired headphones must be used. Backlight - Illuminates LCD screen for improved visibility in low light situations. All Metal Iron Audio™ - Garrett Exclusive feature that audibly identifies iron while operating in a True All-Metal Mode (also available in the three Discrim Modes). Digital Target ID - Large numeric scale from 0 to 99. Fast Recovery Speed - to help separate adjacent targets. Official Garrett AT Max Product Page Garrett AT Max U.S. Owner's Manual Garrett AT Max International Owner's Manual Forum Threads Tagged "garrett at" Garrett Metal Detector Forum
  12. The Garrett AT Gold was released in 2011 and is still in production. The AT Gold is a fully submersible 18 kHz VLF metal detector aimed primarily at coin, jewelry, relic detecting, and gold prospecting. "The AT Gold operates at a high frequency optimized for gold prospecting and includes a True All Metal Mode. The ALL METAL Mode is preferred for prospecting because it provides the greatest possible depth and sensitivity. It also provides a continuous audio response to allow the operator to hear the subtle detection signals produced by faint targets. The AT Gold includes manual and automatic Ground Balance—plus an exclusive Ground Balance Window™ feature—to optimize the detector's performance in highly mineralized ground, where gold is most often found. This detector is also waterproof to a maximum depth of 10 feet (3 meters) for searching in freshwater lakes and streams. In addition to its True All Metal Mode, the AT Gold includes two Discrimination Modes, making it a versatile coin and relic hunting machine. When selecting either the DISC 1 or DISC 2 mode, the operator gains more Tone ID information from targets in addition to the ability to discriminate unwanted trash targets (e.g. nails, foil, pull tabs)." Source: Owner's Manual Garrett AT Gold metal detector Garrett AT Gold control panel True All-Metal Mode - Detects all types of metal and provides the greatest possible detection depth and sensitivity. All Metal Iron Audio™ - Garrett Exclusive feature that audibly identifies discriminated iron while operating in a True All-Metal Mode (also available in the two Discrim Modes). Higher Frequency - 18 kHz to enhance detection of small gold nuggets. Ground Balance Window - Garrett Exclusive feature that allows user to “spread” the ground balance setting to reduce the response to subtle ground variations. All Terrain Versatility - Weatherproof design for dusty, humid, or wet environments; and fully submersible to 10-foot depth. High-Resolution Iron Discrimination™ - Provides fine resolution of iron discrimination (44 levels) for the most precise ability to separate a good target from iron trash. Digital Target ID - Numeric scale from 0 to 99; indicates a target’s conductivity. Pro Mode Audio - Proportional audio response and Tone Roll Audio features provide more target information. Fast Track™ Ground Balance - Automatic feature that allows the user to quickly ground balance the detector in mineralized soil conditions. Ground balance can also be adjusted manually. Adjustable Threshold - User can manually adjust the audio threshold (the constant background sound or “hum”) to better hear targets. Fast Recovery Speed - Allows greater ability to pick out good targets amongst trash. Three Search Modes plus Pinpoint More Info: Continuous coin depth indicator to help determine target depth. Battery condition indicator. Graphic Target Analyzer identifies target’s conductivity. Adjustable Frequency helps eliminate interference. Official Garrett AT Gold Product Page Garrett AT Gold Owner's Manual Garrett AT Gold - Steve's Review Forum Threads Tagged "garrett at" Garrett Metal Detector Forum
  13. The Nokta/Makro Multi Kruzer was introduced in 2018 and is still in production. The Multi Kruzer is a fully submersible VLF metal detector aimed primarily at coin, jewelry, relic, and gold nugget detecting. The Multi Kruzer is a "selectable frequency" detector that lets you select one frequency to use from several options. The Nokta/Makro Multi Kruzer can run at any one of three frequencies - 5, 14, and 19 kHz. "The Multi Kruzer will bring hunted out sites back to life by offering the best performance and depth combined with its robust and waterproof design. Are you a beach hunter? We did not forget about you, either! The Multi Kruzer features a new advanced beach mode that provides a very stable performance on the wet salt beach and even underwater." Source: Nokta/Makro Kruzer series brochure Nokta/Makro Multi Kruzer metal detector Nokta/Makro Multi Kruzer control panel Fully submersible up to 5 meters (16.4ft.) - Protected from total dust ingress. Excellent Discrimination and Unmasking Ability - Just detect those wanted gold targets and ignore iron. High Performance & Unmatched Depth - Uncover deep gold nuggets or micro jewelry other detectors simply cannot detect. Advanced Beach Mode - Very stable operation in dry sand, wet sand and underwater. NEW E.U.D. Function - Extra Underground Depth! Detect certain type of metals masked by ground conditions and/or at fringe depths. Fast Recovery Speed - Get ready to find out what the other metal detectors missed amongst trash and iron! 3 Selectable Target ID Depth Levels - Adjusts the depth level that the detector displays an ID for a detected target. 6 Search Modes - Gen (All Metal) / 2 Tone / 3 Tone / 4 Tone / Beach / Deep 2.4 GHz Wireless Headphones - Enjoy wireless freedom with no latency. Online Firmware Updates - Stay up-to-date with firmware updates (via USB on PC) and get the most out of your detector. Vibration - Ideal for the hearing impaired users as well as for detection underwater. Lightweight (1.4kg / 3.0Ibs) - Enjoy detecting for extended hours without fatigue. Built-in Lipo Battery - Easily charge it with the supplied charger or a USB power bank. Provides up to 19 hours of use. Official Nokta/Makro Multi Kruzer Product Page Nokta/Makro Kruzer Series Color Brochure Nokta/Makro Multi Kruzer Owner's Manual Nokta/Makro Metal Detector Forum
  14. This is a simple listing of metal detector models which I will be filling out with models new and old as I have time. The intent is to have basic information on metal detector models for easy reference. The models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer but by using the "Sort By" function can also be listed by weight, price, or other basic specifications. Links to manufacturer pages and owner's manuals are provided when possible. Discontinued models are highlighted, and when discontinued the price shown is the last known sale price new. The heart of the whole thing is intended to be the User Reviews. If enough people take the time to write up their basic thoughts about each model, pro and con, it can help others in the future. Please try and keep it on the level - critical commentary is good but trashing things just to trash them is not. Please note each forum member may leave one review only - this is not a discussion forum. Anyway, this is an experiment that will only prove its worth over time if everyone contributes. Thank you in advance for any review you post! See also Steve's Metal Detector Reviews for in-depth reviews of select models. 21st century metal detecting - fully submersible with wireless headphones
  15. The Minelab GPZ 7000 was introduced in 2015 and is still in production. The GPZ 7000 features Minelabs new Zero Voltage Technology (ZVT) which along with the new Super D coil takes the GPZ to the next level for gold prospecting. The GPZ 7000 along with Minelabs GPX pulse induction detectors currently set the standard for professional gold prospectors worldwide. "With extreme depth capability and maximum gold sensitivity, the innovative GPZ 7000 takes gold detecting to a new level of performance. This exciting detector has many versatile features and new technologies including wireless audio, integrated GPS and a weatherproof platform. With easy page navigation for detecting and mapping functions, and icons showing settings at a glance, you'll be an expert in no time!" Source: Minelab website Minelab GPZ 7000 metal detector Minelab GPZ 7000 control panel Extreme Gold Depth - So how deep can you go? Well, up to 40%* deeper than the GPX series. Old gold fields are new again, thanks to the revolutionary new ZVT technology. Minelab takes you much deeper than ever before! Simple Menu System - The easy-to-use Menu Pages group similar functions together under Detect and Map sections, with all settings quickly accessible. Use the Guide Sequences to get started. You don’t need to be an expert to find gold! Maximum Gold Sensitivity - The incredible sensitivity of the GPZ 7000 with the Super‑D coil gives you the ultimate advantage in the field. Find gold others have missed, from sub-gram gold through to those elusive ‘retirement nuggets’ still out there. Wireless Audio Freedom - Detect without your headphones attached to the detector. With the WM 12 Wireless Module you have the choice of using the in-built speaker, the supplied headphones, or your favourite headphones. Precision Ground Balance - Most gold is buried in the mineralised ‘difficult’ ground that many detectors can’t cope with. The GPZ 7000 accurately ‘balances’ and automatically ‘tracks’ to even the most severe ground conditions, with ease. GPS Locating & PC Mapping - See your location and log gold finds as you detect. With the built-in GPS you’ll efficiently cover more ground and won’t miss a nugget! Record your favourite ‘hot-spots’ by saving data to XChange 2 with Google Maps. Enhanced Noise Immunity - The outstanding noise immunity of the GPZ 7000 enables very smooth and quiet detecting. With 256 Noise Cancel channels, the GPZ 7000 picks up less atmospheric noise. Listen to the gold, not the noise interference! Waterproof Coil to 1 m (3 ft)‡ - The GPZ 14 coil is waterproof and submersible to a depth of 1 m (3 ft). You can easily detect rivers and shorelines with no fuss! The weatherproof design of the GPZ 7000 allows you to go detecting in rainy or wet conditions. Official Minelab GPZ 7000 Product Page Minelab GPZ 7000 Owner's Manual Minelab GPZ 7000 - Steve's Review Forum Threads Tagged "minelab gpz" Minelab Metal Detector Forum
  16. The XP Deus metal detector was introduced in 2009 and is still in production. The Deus is a VLF metal detector aimed primarily at coin, jewelry, and relic detecting. The Deus was revolutionary at the time it was released due to its very light weight, integrated wireless headphones and wireless coils (unique to XP), and an exceptionally fast recovery time. The Deus sets a current standard for relic detecting and is extremely popular in Europe in particular. The Deus is a "selectable frequency" detector that lets you select one frequency to use from several options. The XP Deus can run at any one of four frequencies - 4, 8, 12, and 18 kHz. "DEUS marks a technological breakthrough and is a real innovation in metal detector design. Its patented architecture is based on three elements: A Coil, a Remote Control and a set of Audio Headphones, which are unique in that they communicate with each other via a digital radio link. The search coil contains the essential components for processing the signals, which no longer need to be conveyed via a wire link but are digitised and analysed directly at source by an ultra-miniature digital circuit, which greatly improves the quality of signal acquisition. This circuit, which is integrated in the detection head, processes the information and sends it to the headphones and remote control in real time via a radio link." Source: XP Deus Brochure XP Deus metal detector XP Deus control panel 4 frequencies (4kHz ; 8kHz ; 12kHz ; 18kHz) + shift plus/minus Power and Recovery adjustable (2 or 3 times faster/slower than the Gold Maxx Power) Audio Response, Iron level, Multi tone, Notch, Discrimination etc… Many advanced functions (Expert) Ground balance: Tracking, Pumping, Manual, Beach Motion and 4 non-motion modes Extended discrimination range, with even greater precision for iron Pre-configured factory programs (9 Switch on and go programs) and memory of personal programs Official XP Deus Product Page XP Deus 2019 Model Brochure XP Deus V5 Owner's Manual XP Deus - Steve's Review XP Metal Detector Forum
  17. Is there a specific item you are referring to? There are many carbon fiber rod options, including homemade, for the GPX. Google Search
  18. The only way to learn a metal detector is to use it. I highly recommend you immediately start “aluminum detecting” at nearby parks or playground areas. Aluminum and gold read the same, and the smaller the aluminum you can find, the better you are at gold detecting. As far as Rye Patch do be in the right location.
  19. Very nice Gerry, reminds me of the Moore Creek “cookies”. Congratulations! 3.47 ounce Moore Creek, Alaska gold specimen....
  20. I have used the Sun Ray Pro Gold for as long as they have made them, and have a couple pairs. Never had problems with them personally. They are not exceptionally heavy duty but not cheap either.
  21. The Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector was introduced in 2018 and is still in production. The Equinox 800 is a fully submersible VLF metal detector aimed primarily at coin, jewelry, relic detecting, and saltwater beach detecting as well as gold prospecting. The Equinox 800 is a multifrequency detector that can also run at one of several single frequencies: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz. "With innovative NEW simultaneous multi-frequency technology, the EQUINOX Series redefines all-purpose detecting for the serious enthusiast. Equally adaptable for all target types and ground conditions, just set your detecting location and go! With the added functionality of Gold Mode, High Frequency 20/40 kHz., Wireless audio accessories and Advanced settings, the EQUINOX 800 offers extra versatility." Source: Minelab website Minelab Equinox 800 metal detector Minelab Equinox 800 control panel Simultaneous Multi-Frequency - True intelligent Simultaneous Multi-Frequency for maximum performance, plus a wide range of single frequencies. 8 Custom Search Profiles - Each Detect Mode features 2 custom Search Profiles so you can save your favourite settings in each mode. Waterproof Design - EQUINOX is fully submersible, ideal for detecting at the beach and in rivers, streams and lakes. (3m / 10-feet) Fast & Accurate Target ID - Fast recovery speed with accurate Target ID ensures you won’t miss any valuable targets amongst the trash. Sleek & Lightweight - Rugged and lightweight construction allows you to enjoy long detecting sessions in any environment. Advanced Settings - Gain even more control of your detector audio with Advanced Settings; you decide how much target information you hear. High-Speed Wireless Audio - Experience ultra-fast wireless audio with the WM 08, or use fast aptX™ Low Latency / Bluetooth headphones. Gold Detecting Mode - Gold Mode operates the high single frequencies of either 20 kHz or 40 kHz to detect gold nuggets in mineralised soils. Official Minelab Equinox 800 Product Page Minelab Equinox 800 Owner's Manual Minelab Equinox 800 - Steve's Review Forum Threads Tagged "minelab equinox" Minelab Equinox Metal Detector Forum
  22. The Gold Racer does work when it works properly.
  23. The CTX 3030, GPZ 7000, Gold Monster, Equinox, and possibly other Minelab models require stereo headphones that are properly wired so that the external speaker will shut off when the headphones are plugged in. Mono headphones will always work, and a mono to stereo adapter will fix stereo headphones that are not wired properly. The Sun Ray Pro Gold CTX version will work with all these detectors but may require a 1/8” to 1/4” adapter.
×
×
  • Create New...