Steve Herschbach

Local advice is a step in the right direction. There are dozens of detectors you might choose. Saying “I want a detector” is like saying “I want a car”. The choice is a personal one and can only be narrowed by gathering more information about the desired use. Lacking any more information on that front other than “gold nuggets, central Australia”, I would say buy a Minelab GPX 5000.

I figured it was you a Jim but on this forum we don’t play coy which is why I had to ask. I have never for instance ever seen you represent anything but White’s detectors and so weighing in on other brands... well, let’s just say disclosure is the proper way to go. Guys like Lunk, Gerry, LuckyLundy, etc. usually do that via dealer links in their signatures, plus they are longtime forum members and this is already common knowledge. Welcome to the forum! My Policy Regarding Dealers Since you were so heavily involved in the development Jim, what in your opinion does the GMT do better than the 24K to justify the higher price?

Thanks Chris! https://www.icmj.com/subscribe/

Makro has added the 15.5" x 13" DD coil to the Makro Gold Kruzer search coil lineup. The Gold Kruzer comes with two coils - the waterproof GK26C concentric search coil 26 x 14 cm (10.23" x 5.5") & scuff cover plus the waterproof GK19 DD search soil 19 x 10 cm (7.48" x 3.94") & scuff cover. There are now a total of four coil options for the makro Gold Kruzer - coils for other Makro and/or Kruzer models will not work on the Gold Kruzer. Makro Gold Kruzer search coil options (GK19 and GK26C included with purchase) New 15.5" x 13" DD coil for Makro Gold Kruzer metal detector

Someone in central Australia doing what? Looking for lost treasure? Prospecting for gold nuggets? If it is information on gold nugget detectors you seek, here is a good starting point....

Hi Jimmy, On this forum it does help if we know if a person is speaking from personal knowledge or not. You come across as a dealer or dealer representative, which is why I asked for clarification. It always piques my interest when people make definitive performance statements about detectors that I have in my possession and have actually compared to one another. Reality is rarely as clear as sales promotional materials. Minelab Gold Monster 1000 Information page White's Goldmaster 24K Information page White's Goldmaster 24K, Minelab Equinox 800, Gold Monster 1000, Makro Gold Kruzer

I am interested in a link to the details about how the ground tracking works in the Gold Monster and the assertion that it does not track multiple ground points. I am also interested in seeing evidence that the 24K can operate in ground that “defeats” the Gold Monster.

This was a learning experience for Tim and I in another way. I was convinced Minelab would want to work with Tim in securing the exclusive rights to his story and photo. I helped him make contact and was sure we could get some sort of freebie out of Minelab for Tim. I admit I was surprised when we were told that the Minelab advertising budget only allows for this via the Minelab Find of the Month page. This can result in a $250 voucher if a person's story is chosen for Find of the Month. I really thought we could do better than that but apparently not. My apologies Tim for getting your hopes up in that regard but useful information for anyone else making a once in a lifetime find like this. For further reference: Fisher Metal Detector Finds Garrett Find of the Month Minelab Find of the Month Nokta / Makro Success Stories Teknetics Metal Detector Finds White's Metal Detector Finds

It is not necessary... it is an adjustment that trades a more solid hit on a target for trash separation capability. In open ground slower recovery speed will make a deep target sound more solid, but at the cost of poorer separation in dense targets. It is a trade off. The rule of thumb is to use slower recovery speeds where targets are sparse, and faster recovery speeds where targets are dense. Faster recovery speeds are generally beneficial in higher mineral / highly variable ground. In other words, just because you swap a coil there is nothing about recovery speed that works any different than it did before. Adjust to suit the situation. For max depth slower swing speeds combined with lower recovery speeds is generally going to be the answer but as target density increases so does the need for a faster recovery speed. For what it is worth I ran recovery speed of 5 the whole time I used the 15" x 12" coil in the U.K. 15 Oct 2018 EQUINOX 6" & 15" Coils Now Shipping Increase the potential of your Minelab EQUINOX with the NEW 6” and 15” Smart Coils Minelab are pleased to announce the release of the 6” round and 15” x 12” elliptical Smart Coils for the EQUINOX 600 and EQUINOX 800 metal detectors. The EQUINOX Series with innovative NEW Simultaneous Multi-Frequency technology, redefines all-purpose detecting for the serious enthusiast. The 6” and 15” coils, powered by Multi-IQ, will further enhance the EQUINOX’s ability and versatility; ensuring maximum results in all terrains. EQX 06 Double-D Smart Coil The EQX 06 6” round Double-D coil is waterproof up to 3 meters and weighs only 300g, making it easy to manoeuvre in or around tight spaces and difficult terrain. The EQX 06 improves target separation in trashy areas and is resistant to EMI, enabling higher sensitivity settings and increased performance in difficult areas. The EQX 06 is the best companion on any hunt. “The Equinox’s 6” coil is ideal for detecting targets nestled amongst junk infested areas and it packs a punch as well.” Mark Lawrie – Chief Engineer EQX 15 Double-D Smart Coil The EQX 15” is a 15” x 12” elliptical Double-D coil that is waterproof up to 3 meters and weighs only 650g. Designed for specialised relic and treasure hunting, the EQX 15 provides enhanced ground coverage in open spaces and increases the chances of finding that hoard. The EQX 15 will not leave anything behind. “Congratulations to all involved with the Equinox 15” x 12" coil. It’s a ripper! It’s quickly adding gold coins to my moneybox and has found a cool silver ring.” Field Tester – Adelaide SA.

If you think you are going to buy a selectable frequency detector and get true multifrequency via an update, I will bet against it. Not because it is technically impossible, but because it would be malfeasance from a sales and profit perspective. In other words, wishful thinking.

Equinox 800

An one detector do everything perfectly. No, and I doubt there ever be such a beast. A detector custom designed from the ground up to do only one thing perfectly will probably always have an edge. That said I think we already have detectors that are good enough to “do it all” for what most people need in a detector. I could get by now with only one detector and would not feel overly constrained.

The Deus and Orx are selectable frequency - you select the frequency you want to use. No true multifrequency.

XP ORX Color Flyer pdf ORK KEY features: HF coil technology (21 Frequencies ranging from 13 to 81kHz). Extreme sensitivity to small targets with high frequency 50kHz and 81 kHz. 4 factory programs: Gold Prospecting (x2) – Coins and Relic (x2), + 2 user. Trusted XP fast wireless technology: Coil – Remote – Headphones – MI-6. The all new “WS Audio®” compact wireless headphone receiver. Re designed ultra-light Telescopic “S” stem. The lightest machine on the market at only 770grs (remote hip mounted). Easy to operate with a user-friendly interface. Wireless connectivity to the MI-6 pinpointer + advanced remote settings. Lithium batteries, giving up to around 20 hours detecting. Easy to charge with any certified USB charger or via computer (XP USB charger optional only) Available with a choice of HF coils – 22cm (9’) Round or 24/13cm (9.5’/5’) Elliptical. Compatible with the X35 coil range (22, 28, 34/28cm). Software Update (remote control via USB cable). Go terrain mobile app compatible (coming 2019). 5-year warranty – Made in France. Affordable price – Suggested maximum retail price: 699€ including taxes – 799€ including taxes with wireless headphone (WSA). XP ORX Settings ORX settings: 99 levels of sensitivity 21 frequencies (13kHz to 81kHz). 99 levels of discrimination + 5 levels of IAR Discrimination in Gold programs. 20 levels of Threshold. 4 levels of Reactivity. Iron Tone with Pitch audio (ON/OFF) Ground balance: manual adjustment from 60 to 90 or automatic (fast grab). Salt mode ground rejection: 00-25 4 factory + 2 user programs. Target ID/ Iron probability. Pinpoint function with target zoom. Go-Terrain compatible (smartphone app coming soon). XP ORX MI-6 Compatibility Advanced remote settings when the ORX is paired with the MI-6 pinpointer: 50 levels of sensitivity Audio tone from 120hz to 1582 Hz 2 audio modes: PITCH or PULSE 3 factory + 1 user program Recover a lost MI-6 (even when switched off) Target zoom screen Battery life indicator XP ORX Metal Detector Information Page

Garrett Searcher Fall 2018 Issue

I emailed Tony at tony@idigbeaches.com to inquire about how to go about purchasing his headphones. Here is the reply.... "I currently charge $175 USD for my custom waterproof NOX headphones which includes shipping in the US. There’s no waiting list at this time so I can get a set out to you in a few days. The headphones are modified MSA left/right ear muffs with 2” piezos mounted to custom sound boards. The connector is custom made from an Amphenol 4-pin plug and a 3.5mm audio plug. Everything is potted in epoxy and silicone, so the headphones are waterproof at depth. If you’d like to place an order, I will need confirmation and a little information * I need the mailing address to ship your headphones. * I need the email that I can use to send your PayPal invoice. * I need to know which side you want the cord attached? Folks who swing with their right arm will need the cord on the right. I’ll send you a PayPal invoice for $175 when I have a set available for you. Thanks for interest and all the best, Tony" Got my pair ordered.

Mine seems to run forever.

The same -95 to +95 scale Whites has been using forever would be just fine by me. White’s is not going to tell you anything about upcoming product no matter how much you try Chuck. Of course they have new product in the works - everyone does. Hopefully they are working on it instead of cruising the Internet forums! ?

Once again Tim, congratulations on an amazing find! It was a pleasure hunting with you, and glad I could help. I have added a link from the end of my story to yours. Great story telling and photos also!

I am still using the first set of the included wireless headphones that come with the Equinox 800. Like before they put the Minelab logo on them. They are light, they always work, and lag time is acceptable to me. Once you get the pairing sequence down they pair every time without fail, or at least mine do. Yes, they are physically a little bit on the cheap side, but I really could not be happier with mine. I used them every day for 17 days straight in the U.K. I charged them every night, and never had a worry about running short at end of day. I have the backup emergency hardwire cable on hand just in case but have never needed to use it. The second set I got with my production level Equinox was one of those that had the cushion retaining bracket cracked, new in the box. Looks like the tiny screws were over tightened. Just not a big enough deal to me to try and replace - a wrap of electrical tape, done. They are my backups anyway. The new Apple Watch is going to have a walkie talkie mode. I wonder if the watch can be paired with the headphones, and then people with the watches could talk to each other in the field? That would be amazing if on a group hunt.

It’s the “round stuff” factor. Round stuff with a hole in the middle - best target made. Next up Gary - gold ring!

Great finds especially the condition. Most similar finds in the Colchester area suffer due to decades exposure to fertilizers and insecticides. The detail on your finds is stunning - congratulations! The 15” coil I think takes Equinox to the next level for U.K. style field hunting. A must have really.

Equinox being what it is I don’t see why any serious detectorist would not want both the 6” coil and 15” coil. They extend the versatility of the most versatile detector made. The 15” swings like a dream - I used it every day in the U.K. from sun up to sun down. I did a half day in the water at Tahoe with it, not a definitive water test since there was no surf, but again an easy swing in the water. I am used to swinging a CTX with 17” coil however and so my view on this may be skewed. In the U.K. when mud built up on the coil it got heavier and the washers had a harder time holding the coil at a given angle, exhibiting when I would put the detector down and it would want to lay flat. No problem clean and dry. I do think for serious water use a properly designed aftermarket rod would be a good idea, but in general I thought that anyway. Serious water hunters tend to heve issues with most stock rod assemblies so there should be no surprise there. The depth thing my expectation is air tests as always will prove indeterminate as Multi-IQ needs ground to show its stuff. In general in extreme mineral ground the coil should hold its own or perhaps lose a small amount of depth compared to the 11” coil because the larger coil “sees” a much larger volume of soil. In extreme ground this means the machine has to work harder to see targets. In moderate to milder ground the coil will generally match the 11” coil for depth with any increase in depth seen more on larger targets than small. Larger in particular means round targets like coins and especially rings. Equinox loves round targets. I am pleased with how well this coil hits on small targets but it is inevitable an edge will be lost on the tiniest stuff. In my opinion the reason to get this coil is extra ground coverage, with a depth bonus obtainable in many situations. Depth may be adversely impacted in extreme mineral ground and the smallest targets in any ground. It should be obvious that a larger coil will suffer from more masking in dense trash. I have no problem pinpointing with the coil - I prefer to walk around and analyze the target. The targets will shift into place if you do a walk around. Going after the target too quickly with this coil will result in off center targets - take that extra few moments to get it right. For shallow targets or targets out of the hole, either tip of the coil works very well as a pinpointer. So well I stopped using a separate pinpointer on the last week of my U.K. hunt. For me the coil being so light is the big thing. I don’t see how anyone except those very sensitive to the extra weight would not want this coil for beach and field hunting - anywhere targets tend to be sparse and ground needs to be covered to find them. The coil was absolutely brilliant on my U.K. hunt. When I loaned it out at one point the 11” coil made me feel like I was having to do baby steps. This coil unlike most large VLF coils I have owned is going to get a lot of use. I predict that for many it will become the most used coil on their Equinox.

Mine pushes around underwater just fine but I honestly don’t care if anyone gets one or not. Since I prototype this stuff it’s rather a waste of time to share my opinion anyway.