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Steve Herschbach

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  1. Steve Herschbach
    Normally I am not one to watch people taking something out of a box, but these folks do a good job of filming every little part and piece of the Beachhunter TDI....
  2. Steve Herschbach
    It just depends on the situation Simon. In general I rely on Multi-IQ but in some instances a single frequency may be better. The article above was written before Multi-IQ was out, and with single frequency you lose the frequency comparison analysis going on in multifrequency. Multi-IQ works differently than the single frequency methods described in the article. The article I wanted to post because while we all talk about conductivity and magnetism, nobody has been talking inductance, and the article points out that it is inductance that fakes us out most of the time. Who is Laurence, the guy who wrote the information in the post above (and below)? Dr. Laurence Stamatescu, Research & Development Manager at Minelab. University of Adelaide, PhD, Physics, 1993 – 1996. Articles by Dr. Stamatescu (behind pay firewall)
  3. Steve Herschbach
    from Tin, Bolts, Washers, And Other Ferrous Items That Read As Non-Ferrous
  4. Steve Herschbach
    Awesome stuff - thanks!
  5. Steve Herschbach
    I still think it is simply the extra filtering in effect in the disc modes that makes them "silent search". As much as I like knowing how things work however the reality with Equinox is so much of it is wrapped up in proprietary Multi-IQ processes that I do not expect we will get many clear answers. My approach is to just figure the darn thing out because I am convinced that not even Minelab knows everything about what this machine can do under all conditions. That is why I keep hammering on about experimenting with all modes for all uses. The names mess with people's heads. Beach Mode just for beaches? No, how about for high mineral alkali desert salt locations while nugget detecting? Do remember however that ground mineralization rules, and which modes work best are going to vary by location, with the type of gold and trash levels all playing into it. Steve, did you ever come to any conclusions as regards Iron Bias? I usually run it at zero because I just don't trust it and don't need things to read any more ferrous than they already are.
  6. Steve Herschbach
    I have the genuine Minelab phones and am convinced somebody is going to make better ones, but it seems like everyone is still working bugs out to one degree or another. I am going to sit back and let the dust settle for a few months first, and see how it all shakes out. So like a lot of people I am interested in all of them.
  7. Steve Herschbach
    Thanks for the follow up report Steve. I saw enough this year to change my "in use machine" list on my profile to just GPZ 7000 and Equinox. Between those two detectors I can do 98% of what I want to do with a detector. I am holding on the my White's V3i to run my Bigfoot coil, but the fact is I have not fired it up once this year. It's strictly a large field jewelry sweeping device for me, nothing more, and I have not done any of that this year. So far. I have a Gold Monster, Gold Racer, Gold Kruzer, and Goldmaster 24K also, but all of them essentially tiny gold machines. And for that right now I am going to grab the Equinox with 6" coil first, just because of the tricks like you are playing now. I absolutely know what the other machines will/can do, but Equinox and Multi-IQ simply has surprises, good ones, and that's fun for me at least. It's fun figuring something out that is genuinely new. And let's face it - this VLF stuff is secondary anyway. Better in most cases to grab the GPZ and go for larger gold. Seems to me you were not thrilled by the Deus Gold Field mode either, preferring to use a modified disc mode instead. All metal can get oppressive in really noisy locations. The bottom limit for "tiny" on the Equinox must be darn near microscopic.
  8. Steve Herschbach
    Hi Rick, I think you hit on an important item - physical capability. While depth is all fine and dandy, we are not talking double the depth or anything crazy like that. Going to a larger coil at best you usually just get that extra inch. That being the case I like a coil I can swing for 8 hours without killing myself. I personally really like the 14" x 9" form factor as a good compromise between depth, weight, and ground coverage. The 15" x 12" Commander mono was a very good performer back in the day but some of these new coil windings may have an edge that negates the size difference. Not having used the newest coils myself I can only suggest what I would do myself - a half day of comparative coil testing. I can't imagine there being much difference at all between the 12" round and the 14" x 9" as regards performance so it really just comes down to which coil you prefer to swing. My old 14" x 9" Nugget Finder helped me score a 6.5 ounce gold nugget so you can see why I might be fond of the coil! I had the old Nugget Finder 16" round super light mono coil at one point. The old housing design but that was a sweet coil both for being light and deep. Unfortunately it started getting flaky and had to be retired. 6.5 ounce gold nugget found by Steve with GPX 5000 & Nugget Finder 14" x 9" mono
  9. Steve Herschbach
    I can't honestly say Mike but if you turn the controls down enough and dial in the disc you can probably make the machine ignore wet salt sand. It depends mostly on the ground balance range. If the machine can ground balance all the way into the salt range it would be a major help. Regardless you should be able to use the Iron Reject mode and dial in enough discrimination to eliminate the salt signal. Of course your gold sensitivity is going to be negatively impacted by doing so. Just realize saltwater is not going to be friendly to the machine. If you look at all the things a metal detector can do, the thing the 24K is going to be least good it is saltwater beach detecting.
  10. Steve Herschbach
    Links, we need links! Let's see... Equinox Genuine Minelab Headphones Detect-Ed Red Devil's Detector Pro LS.PELSO Headphones Patriot Headphones Anybody have any links to add? There were the Hungarian Headphones but they seem to have fizzled out?
  11. Steve Herschbach
    Yes Mike, but non-ferrous can read into the ferrous range for many reasons. That’s the entire reason I wrote the article. It is just as valid for a non-ferrous item in mineralized ground with no other items nearby as it is for a non-ferrous item surrounded by ferrous. I run into this constantly as a nugget hunter where no ferrous at all is involved, just gold nuggets in mineralized soil. Same issue with a gold ring on a black sand beach. You don’t need nails around for non-ferrous to get pulled down into the ferrous range. I almost never hunt the nail beds, but deal with this every time I detect. My ground here will make a dime read ferrous at depth with no other items nearby. I have seen the F75 identify a .22 shell casing as ferrous when sitting in plain sight on mineralized ground. I was only referencing Tom's original as I figured people would think he "discovered" this and then I write up this article later without crediting him - well, you know how people can be. I am glad you posted because t made me do some looking and I found that Tom did an official article on this for Fisher - 2009 Fisher Labs World Treasure News on page 11. I added the link to my original post above. Did not know (actually forgot) about the 1N mode but being preset - well, it would have been better to offer an adjustable tone break. Unfortunately I have been told the T2 / F75 architecture does not allow this as an easy change. Anyway, I am not trying to knock the F75 - it is one of my favorite all-time detectors. Just trying to pass on some info that might help somebody out there. The bottom line is simple. The tone break settings on the F75 (and T2) are factory preset for all tone modes except mono tone, and cannot be adjusted. The break between ferrous and non-ferrous is too aggressive, and will misidentify many items, especially gold, as ferrous when the signals are weak. This is most often seen in highly mineralized ground.
  12. Steve Herschbach
    I would not expect a 8” x 12” coil to be as deep as a 12” round coil.
  13. Steve Herschbach
    The Goldmaster 24K has just barely started shipping to customers so not too many out there yet who can report. Having run one I can’t imagine it working on anything but bone dry sand when near saltwater. Any detector that picks up the saline content of my hand is going to be very unfriendly with saltwater or sand damp with saltwater. Be a great machine on the (dry) towel line for micro jewelry though or for freshwater beaches.
  14. Steve Herschbach
    Well welcome to the forum Mike! Carl Moreland of First Texas, who posts on the forum occasionally as Geotech, is the main brain behind the two units. You can see Carl’s posts listed here.
  15. Steve Herschbach
    The F-Pulse and the Tek-Point are the same pinpointer except for name and color. Covered at several threads on the First Texas - Bounty Hunter, Fisher & Teknetics forum.
  16. Steve Herschbach
    I would go through the instructions myself with my pinpointer to see if I could tell you but my older version does not have Turbo Mode. Looks like Carl needs to let the folks at the front desk know about the secret features he is slipping in!
  17. Steve Herschbach
    There is a nice write up with lots of photos just posted by one of the Nokta Anfibio prototype testers. There is mention made of the Nokta Anfibio Multi Cache Mode, called Treasure Mode in the review. There are other tidbits also. Check it out at http://hobby-detecting.com/nokta-anfibio-our-review-of-the-new-detector-tips-thoughts-experience-finds/
  18. Steve Herschbach
    I have put up a page to collect new information on the XP Orx as it appears.
  19. Steve Herschbach
    More information about "XP Orx"
    The XP metal detector company has announced a new model for late 2018 called the XP ORX. This new model appears to be a refined version of the XP manufactured Depar DPR 600. The DPR 600 was made to take advantage of the African gold rush by offering a model designed primarily as a gold prospecting detector with other uses taking a back seat. I personally think the Depar DPR 600 was used as a proving ground for the new high frequency (HF) coils while also offering an opportunity to fine tune the Gold Field program. My expectation all along is that XP would eventually release a similar model for sale outside of Africa. It looks like after almost two years that new refined version of the DPR 600 is available for purchase as the XP ORX. This introduction is so new that information at this time is limited - everything here is subject to change as new details emerge. For now what we know for sure is that the XP Orx will be available in two configurations. The versions are basically the same, with a wired headphone version for 700 Euro, and a wireless headphone version for 800 Euro. U.S. pricing is unknown at this time but $799 and $899 is probably in the ballpark. You can choose either the 9" round HF coil or 5" x 9.5" elliptical HF coil. There is no exact word on availability yet, but presumably we will be seeing this model available for purchase in early 2019. XP ORX gold prospecting metal detector It is possible hints about the new XP Orx can be gleaned by reading the DPR 600 User Manual. One main difference is in the User Modes. The DPR 600 and XP Orx both have four preset programs plus two user custom program slots for saved programs. The programs on the DPR 600 are designated as 1. General 2. Large Gold 3. Fine Gold 4. Iron Discriminate. The XP Orx is designed for a bit wider appeal, and so it looks like the General and Iron Disc modes have been recast as coin hunting modes. The modes on the XP Orx are 1. Gold 2. Fine Gold 3. Coin Fast 4. Coin Deep ORX 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 of 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"x5") 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). Note that the upper armrest area of the rod has been redesigned and is different than the existing Deus rod assembly. XP ORX Controls & Settings ORX settings: 99 levels of sensitivity 21 frequencies (13 kHz to 81 kHz). 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). ads by Google... 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 120 Hz 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 I don't think there is much mystery here except for how many people will opt for this new model versus the new X35 coil based Deus models. In my opinion by extending the top end frequency of the new X35 coils to 28 khz has inadvertently removed some of the demand for this higher frequency version. Small gold sensitivity gains over 30 khz are quite minimal and with the extra features the Deus offers many people may continue to prefer it as their detecting solution. A lot may boil down to the price difference between a 9" round X35 Deus package and the 9" round HF Orx package. No matter what I am very confident this new high frequency XP model will do very well for gold prospecting. I do not expect performance to be any different than that I observed while testing the XP Deus with elliptical HF coil on small gold. XP Orx Data & Reviews XP Orx Owner's Manual Forum Threads Tagged "xp orx" XP Metal Detector Forum XP ORX Technical Specifications* Internet Price estimate $649 wired headphones or $795 wireless headphones Technology Induction Balance (IB) Frequency 14, 28, 56 kHz (round 9") or 14, 28, 70 kHz (elliptical) Autotune Mode(s) Multiple "Reactivity" Settings Ground Rejection Grab, Manual, Tracking Soil Adjust No Discrimination Variable, Visual ID, Tone ID, Notch Volume Control Yes Threshold Control Yes Tone Adjust Yes Audio Boost Yes Frequency Offset Yes Pinpoint Mode Yes Audio Output 1/8" headphone socket & speaker, wireless headphones Hip Mount Yes Standard Coil(s) 9" round DD or 9.5" elliptical DD Optional Search Coils new X35 coil series Battery Built In Rechargeable Operating Time 20 hours Weight 2.0 lbs Additional Technology Wireless coils, control box, headphones; firmware updates via internet Notes Probably based on "Africa Only" Depar DPR 600 *Notes on Technical Specifications - Detailed notes about the specifications listed in this chart.
  20. Steve Herschbach
    Nokta/Makro U.S. Internet Prices 9/24/18 Makro 14 kHz Kruzer $649 Makro 61 kHz Gold Kruzer $749 Makro Multi Kruzer $749 Nokta Anfibio 14 kHz $799 Nokta Anfibio 19 khz $799 Nokta Anfibio Multi $899 Nokta Anfibio Multi Display Nokta Anfibio Multi Features: Warranty : 2 Year Limited Total Weight : 4 lbs (1.81437 kgs) Operating Frequencies : 19kHz IP68 Rating : Up to 16.4' (5 meters) Waterproof! Design : Telescopic Shaft, Slidable Armrest & Backlit Keypad Search Modes : Nine (Gen / 2 Tone / 3 Tone / 4 Tone / 5 Tone / 99 Tone / Beach / Deep / Cache) Battery : 3700mAh Lithium Polymer; Offers up to 19 Hours of Operation Advanced Beach Mode : Very Stable Operation in Dry Sand, Wet Sand and Underwater E.U.D (Extra Underground Depth) Function : Detect Certain Metals Masked by Ground Conditions and / or at Fringe Depths Factory Included Accessories: 2.4 GHz Wireless Headphones - Green Edition AC Charger USB Cable Coil Cover Nokta Anfibio 14 Display Nokta Anfibio 14 Features: Warranty : 2 Year Limited Total Weight : 4 lbs (1.81437 kgs) Operating Frequencies : 14kHz IP68 Rating : Up to 16.4' (5 meters) Waterproof! Design : Telescopic Shaft, Slidable Armrest & Backlit Keypad Search Modes : Eight (Gen / 2 Tone / 3 Tone / 4 Tone / 5 Tone / 99 Tone / Beach / Deep ) Battery : 3700mAh Lithium Polymer; Offers up to 19 Hours of Operation Advanced Beach Mode : Very Stable Operation in Dry Sand, Wet Sand and Underwater E.U.D (Extra Underground Depth) Function : Detect Certain Metals Masked by Ground Conditions and / or at Fringe Depths Factory Included Accessories: 2.4 GHz Wireless Headphones - Green Edition AC Charger USB Cable Coil Cover Nokta Anfibio 19 Display Nokta Anfibio 19 Features: Warranty : 2 Year Limited Total Weight : 4 lbs (1.81437 kgs) Operating Frequencies : 19kHz IP68 Rating : Up to 16.4' (5 meters) Waterproof! Design : Telescopic Shaft, Slidable Armrest & Backlit Keypad Search Modes : Five (Gen / 2 Tone / 3 Tone / Deep / Cache) Battery : 3700mAh Lithium Polymer; Offers up to 19 Hours of Operation E.U.D (Extra Underground Depth) Function : Detect Certain Metals Masked by Ground Conditions and / or at Fringe Depths Factory Included Accessories: 2.4 GHz Wireless Headphones - Green Edition AC Charger USB Cable Coil Cover
  21. Steve Herschbach
    The Kruzer does the target id arc. Anfibio, again like the Impact, employs a straight bar across the top. Nokta Impact display.... Nokta Impact Display
  22. Steve Herschbach
    I look daily. It will get posted as soon as it appears. Nokta Anfibio Waterproof Metal Detector Features: Warranty : 2 Year Limited Total Weight : 4 lbs (1.81437 kgs) Operating Frequencies : 5kHz / 14kHz / 20kHz IP68 Rating : Up to 16.4' (5 meters) Waterproof! Design : Telescopic Shaft, Slideable Armrest & Backlit Keypad Search Modes : 9 (Gen / 2 Tone / 3 Tone / 4 Tone / Beach / Deep / Etc.) Battery : 3700mAh Lithium Polymer; Offers up to 19 Hours of Operation Advanced Beach Mode : Very Stable Operation in Dry Sand, Wet Sand and Underwater E.U.D (Extra Underground Depth) Function : Detect Certain Metals Masked by Ground Conditions and / or at Fringe Depths Factory Included Accessories: 2.4 GHz Wireless Headphones - Green Edition AC Charger USB Cable Coil Cover
  23. Steve Herschbach
    You are overthinking this Chuck. The Kruzer and Anfibio detectors both reside in the control pod, which is almost identical. You are getting essentially the same detector in two different hardware configurations. The Kruzer is a 3 lb “S” shaft and Anfibio a 3.9 lb heavy duty straight shaft. The Kruzer comes with a 7” x 11” DD and the Anfibio comes with an 11” round DD. That alone justifies a claim of more depth for the Anfibio over the Kruzer on coin size targets. Yes, the coils are compatible. First came the Impact. Then the Kruzer, basically the same detector with a few features removed and stuck in a waterproof housing. Then add back in a few features and put it in a different waterproof housing and call it the Anfibio. As far as I am concerned anyway Impact, Kruzer Multi, and Anfibio Multi are just three variations of the same theme. Performance differences between the three are likely to be minimal if they all have the same coil. It’s more about picking the configuration and feature set you prefer. For outright performance between the three however I am betting more on the operator than any inherent performance differences here. The number of tones does not add depth, for instance. The displays tell you a lot. Like Anfibio having 5 tone and multitone options plus a Cache mode. My bet is if you look at the Kruzer manual and Impact manual, the features that the Impact has that the Kruzer lacks end up being in the Anfibio. Anfibio is more like a waterproof Impact than the Kruzer which has fewer control features. Makro Kruzer Multi User Manual Nokta Impact User Manual Makro Multi Kruzer Display Nokta Anfibio Display
  24. Steve Herschbach
  25. Steve Herschbach
    I have to admit I don't know why it works. It just does. Iron Bias is preset at 0 in Park 2 and so is actually set higher in the Gold Modes at 6. More likely just the difference in how the mode processes things. That's what makes the Equinox fun - nobody can really claim to be an expert on all this. Lots of room for experimentation, unlike the Monster.
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