Steve Herschbach

I have modified the original post. I had noted the Equinox 600 and Equinox 800 Fifty Tone options as being identical when that is no longer the case. The Equinox 800 will have the ability to customize the 50 Tone option, something I have not seen in previous “Full Tone”, “Multitone”, or “Delta Pitch” options on past detectors. Usually when you go full tones a detector just assigns a progressively higher preset tone to each target id number. The Equinox 800 will offer the ability to modify the 50 Tone option in ways I have not seen before. More on that later.

From http://metro.co.uk/2017/11/24/haul-of-gold-coins-found-after-being-buried-by-anglo-saxo-king-1500-years-ago-7105000/amp/ “Chris Kutler, 54, stumbled upon the coins after spending four days searching a field in Chelmsford, Essex. The hoard has now been sent to the British Museum for analysis and valuation, but it’s thought they could be worth up to £10,000. Chris said: ‘It is kind of the Holy Grail of metal detectoring. It was an incredible feeling to find the coins.“

Most of the U.S. Southwest would be considered moderate to high mineralization, but as with any huge area in reality it is all over the place. It just depends on where you are. I have gone from low mineral ground to high mineral ground in 50 feet. The Mojave is not exactly a nugget detector, but it should handle the ground where you are well enough. New Mexico Research Example

Final week for this deal!

More like a hard eye on non-disclosure agreements and what I am legally permitted to say. It never hurts to ask though

I am sorry, but the detector had not been released yet and so there are no serious comparison tests available at this time. Chances are any that are made by any testers will be discounted out of hand as biased. Until the machine is released to the public and third party testing commences, you have nothing but pre-release information to go by. There are key feature differences. Is waterproof important? Easy decision. But if you are looking for good, solid comparison tests or reviews, none exist at this time.

OK, here is a real solid report on the Chaser from Keith Southern... http://www.dankowskidetectors.com/discussions/read.php?2,134575,134925#msg-134925

If anyone else has tips to great holiday sales info let's keep it here all on one thread instead of posting as separate threads.

Thanks Chuck!

Since we have a wide range of experienced people from all over the world here, I was curious about after the fact thoughts about a relatively old detector - the Minelab X-Terra 70 or newer X-Terra 705. In my experience the coin discrimination modes on the X-Terra 705 rated as “very good” whereas the threshold based all metal prospecting mode is “top notch”. It was interesting to watch at Ganes Creek, Alaska the shift in the latter years. For a long time it was White’s MXT ruled supreme. In the last few years though the X-Terra models came on strong. The main reasons cited were: 1. Light weight 2.9 lb design 2. Superb ferrous discrimination 3. The ability to compensate for interference from nearby detectors (an MXT Achilles Heel) The main reason I bring this up is the recent price decrease to $499 (from $699) made me replace the Fisher Gold Bug Pro ($649) on my short list of Steve’s Picks as a recommended entry level “do it all” detector also suitable for finding gold nuggets. The X-Terra 705 is far more than just a nugget detector, with all the features of detectors that literally cost nearly twice as much. The X-Terra series is rather unique in that you can change the detector frequency by using different specially tuned coils (3 kHz, 7.5 kHz, and 18.75 kHz) It is the nugget prospecting part I am most curious about, having never really employed the X-Terra as a prospecting detector myself outside of field testing. Does it work at all for gold in Australia or does the mineralization slay it? Any other commentary from people in Oz, the U.S. and elsewhere - likes, dislikes - all welcome. What is it best at and where does it fail? I will link to this as a feedback thread later, assuming you all have some responses. Thanks!

Sorry, but you guys will have to wait still for me to offer any serious commentary on the Gold Mode. Finding gold nuggets with the Equinox 800 is not the problem. Describing it in terms of other detectors and relative performance is still a work in progress. Same basic problem as I have with most stuff at this point - until a final firmware version is settled on things can change still. In other words, if it appears I am avoiding certain questions it is because I am, not because I did not read or understand the question. For now you will have to forgive me as I am walking a tightrope best I can. Let’s set a baseline however for those who have used various prospecting detectors. The Minelab X-Terra 705 has a very powerful all metal prospecting mode. It is hard to say it is the best because a number of great all metal mode VLF detectors are all in the same ballpark, but it is one of the units that helps define what “best” is when it comes to a threshold based all metal prospecting mode. You can assume the Equinox 800 will easily equal or exceed the prospecting capabilities of the X-Terra 705. For those familiar with the 705 as a prospecting unit that should provide some level of comfort. If that still leaves anyone questioning, there will be much more on this subject at a later date. Minelab Equinox 800 Gold Mode - Good for gold nugget prospecting. This mode operates high single frequencies of 20 or 40 kHz, optimum for gold nuggets.

The AT Max is Garrett’s latest machine following the AT Pro and AT Gold. The Teknetics G2+ is one of the First Texas 19 kHz variants (Gold Bug Pro, F19, G2, G2+)

They are new features for the basic F75, but unless I am wrong the F75+ is merely the black Fisher F75 Ltd2 with a black and gold rod instead. Change the rod, lower the price. Take away 5” coil and add digger and pinpointer instead. New transferable warranty and refurb options. There does not appear to be any actual changes in functionality however between this and the F75 Ltd 2. Here is the blurb for what was new in the F75 Ltd2 (with DST) almost three years ago - as you can see these features existed in the F75 Ltd2 long before the F75+ appeared: Ability to activate and deactivate DST Mode (Digital Shielding Technology) for the ultimate in EMI Suppression FA (Fast Process) – Improved Target Separation Three new levels of FeTone®: Iron Audio Off, Low or Medium (complements existing “High” setting) Adjustable Audio Pitch now in the Discrimination Mode Embedded Serial Number – Serialization now stored electronically

The upper armrest / arm cup may be repositioned with ease. It provides all the adjustment anyone should need. I have mine set one notch in from the very upper end of the detector. At 5’ 11” I have the main rod set two notch’s from the longest setting. In other words, this detector can be extended farther than most. I usually max the height settings on most detectors. The Equinox I am actually shortening it up. I don’t see much market for “tall man rods”. The grip/handle is easily removed via a cap and four screws. There is a small hole in the bottom side of the rod and corresponding tab on the cap end that “locks” the handle firmly into position in the rod. For me to reposition the handle would require that I create a new hole in the rod for the lock tab. This might weaken the rod the more holes that are added in a small area. Or I could simply grind the tab off and clamp the handle wherever, but that might make the handle more prone to twisting or slipping. If I was me I might grind the tab off as the simplest solution except for the fact that the Equinox adjusts to fit very well, so a person would need a reason that I currently do not see. I cannot swear there will not be a change in this “hole and lock tab system” with the final build but no matter what custom rod positioning or entirely custom rods will be easy with Equinox. Warning - making mechanical modifications of any sort should be done with caution, and could void your warranty as regards breakage/mechanical failure. The battery is currently accessible by removing the handle and an internal mechanical plug. That also could change and much depends on what Minelab decides to do as far whether customers will be approved to make the battery change, or whether it is deemed a “service center only” sort of thing. Obviously if Minelab decides they are ok with customer battery changes, easy access would be desired. If they decide they only want service technicians to make the change without voiding warranty, then some sort of seal could be added to reveal tampering. This was the last official statement from Minelab as regards batteries: “The Li-ion battery in the EQUINOX detectors is easily replaceable. Minelab has not yet released official information as to whether or not a user can change the battery over without voiding warranty or if we recommend the battery is changed by a dealer or service centre. Further information about battery care and maintenance will be provided in the EQUINOX Instruction Manual, which has not been released yet. This will be available when the product is available. The EQUINOX detectors are not designed to run from AA batteries. However, you can use a standard USB power bank (as you do with mobile phones) to recharge the built-in battery and operate the detector at the same time.” To clarify the above statement, if you hook an external battery pack to the Equinox while in operation, it will continue to operate the detector, however the Equinox battery will not be taking a charge at the same time as the detector is operating. So you hook it up as if you are charging it but the power is diverted to running the detector as long as it is powered up. If the Equinox is powered down, the external power source will then charge the battery.

Really great detector at a really nice price. I found a lot of great stuff with the F75 over the years!

Great detector at an even better price...

I hope everyone has a great day and a full belly, no matter where you are and whether it is a holiday or not!

One thing I have said and will be repeating is that this really is a case of the entire package being more than just a list of features/sum of parts. Does the Equinox beat everything everywhere all the time? Doubtful. That is backwards however. The real question is - do other detectors offer enough extra "something" to make a person pass on the Equinox? Especially if the "something extra" means more cost and weight? So you start swinging this 2.9 lb detector and find out it performs simply and effectively. It is a VERY easy detector to like, and it does not take a lot of use to decide you don't want to put it down. A lot of people are just not going to "get it" until they get to actually swing one, but it did not take me long to decide I really don't want to use anything else. That's just me though. I will honestly be grateful when these things get into more hands because more than most I am very curious to see what the consensus ends up being for other people.

Sounds about right.

Shooting video while trying to focus on prospecting - I am no good at it. I have to either be prospecting or I need to be shooting video. Guess which I choose.... And then the editing. So I just want to say I appreciate the effort put in by all those who have shared videos with us.

Thanks for the great report Doc. Sounds like it was an excellent get-together. And a really nice nugget! I hope you and yours are well on this fine Thanksgiving!

Looks like a great ride anyway, even without detecting!

New Member Signup - Click Here! Lost Password - Click Here! Forum Tips & Tricks Advanced Search Tag List/Index Welcome to the XP Metal Detectors forum! Anything remotely related to the subject may be posted here. Forums for other subjects may be found here. The main goal here - to inform and educate. Please keep threads and posts on topic. Off topic posts may be moved or deleted without warning. The main goal of the forum is to share information. If you see something interesting on another forum or anywhere else, please link to it. The only goal here is to inform and anything interesting or informative is not only allowed but desired as long as it is on topic. While visiting this forum please act as if you are visiting my home. Treat others with decency and respect. Politics is not strictly prohibited but limit it to items of concern such as public meeting notices, comment periods, etc. No detector wars - every detector serves a purpose for somebody. For general editorial purposes this forum is treated as if it is a magazine. Do not place ads for your detector or equipment for sale here. That is only allowed in the Classifieds and is only for participating members - read the rules. A note about the Google Ads - I know we all hate ads but they pay for the website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All I can do is to promise not to go overboard with them. Special Note To Dealers - Dealers are welcome here, with minimal guidelines. Please read My Policy Regarding Dealers If you have problems logging in or any other issues while on the forum send me a Personal Message (PM). Information on other general forum use and features can be found here. Steve Herschbach

New Member Signup - Click Here! Lost Password - Click Here! Forum Tips & Tricks Advanced Search Tag List/Index Welcome to the White’s Metal Detectors forum! Anything remotely related to the subject may be posted here. Forums for other subjects may be found here. The main goal here - to inform and educate. Please keep threads and posts on topic. Off topic posts may be moved or deleted without warning. The main goal of the forum is to share information. If you see something interesting on another forum or anywhere else, please link to it. The only goal here is to inform and anything interesting or informative is not only allowed but desired as long as it is on topic. While visiting this forum please act as if you are visiting my home. Treat others with decency and respect. Politics is not strictly prohibited but limit it to items of concern such as public meeting notices, comment periods, etc. No detector wars - every detector serves a purpose for somebody. For general editorial purposes this forum is treated as if it is a magazine. Do not place ads for your detector or equipment for sale here. That is only allowed in the Classifieds and is only for participating members - read the rules. A note about the Google Ads - I know we all hate ads but they pay for the website. All I can do is to promise not to go overboard with them. Special Note To Dealers - Dealers are welcome here, with minimal guidelines. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read My Policy Regarding Dealers If you have problems logging in or any other issues while on the forum send me a Personal Message (PM). Information on other general forum use and features can be found here. Steve Herschbach

New Member Signup - Click Here! Lost Password - Click Here! Forum Tips & Tricks Advanced Search Tag List/Index Welcome to the Compass, D-Tex, Tesoro, Etc. forum! Anything remotely related to the subject of past metal detector brands or old analog models for current brands may be posted here. Forums for other subjects may be found here. The main goal here - to inform and educate. Please keep threads and posts on topic. Off topic posts may be moved or deleted without warning. The main goal of the forum is to share information. If you see something interesting on another forum or anywhere else, please link to it. The only goal here is to inform and anything interesting or informative is not only allowed but desired as long as it is on topic. While visiting this forum please act as if you are visiting my home. Treat others with decency and respect. Politics is not strictly prohibited but limit it to items of concern such as public meeting notices, comment periods, etc. No detector wars - every detector serves a purpose for somebody. For general editorial purposes this forum is treated as if it is a magazine. Do not place ads for your detector or equipment for sale here. That is only allowed in the Classifieds and is only for participating members - read the rules. A note about the Google Ads - I know we all hate ads but they pay for the website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All I can do is to promise not to go overboard with them. Special Note To Dealers - Dealers are welcome here, with minimal guidelines. Please read My Policy Regarding Dealers If you have problems logging in or any other issues while on the forum send me a Personal Message (PM). Information on other general forum use and features can be found here. Steve Herschbach