Steve Herschbach

The Dual Field thing is just about the coil design on the Surf PI. It is not a combined VLF and PI but just a simple PI detector, and without ground balance capability. In general it is really a detector best used for beach detecting and nothing else. Stick with machines on my Nugget Detector Guide if you do not wish to go astray. I quite honestly have listed almost every machine worth your consideration as a nugget detector and you can safely ignore the rest. The X-Terra 705 at $499 packs an incredible amount of features into a detector in that price range. It competes well with detectors costing hundreds of dollars more. They were $799 not too long ago and at that it was a great machine. At $499 its a smoking deal. The Gold Bug Pro has been incredibly popular in Africa and so is worth a look also. Just be very careful with any machines you might purchase as counterfeit detectors are a plague in Africa. Deal only with somebody very reputable you can trust. If you get offered a deal too good to be true consider that a counterfeit may be involved.

Absolutely agree, great thread!

Welcome to the forum! If it was me I would try to find any newer used detector possible rather than work on a 50 year old relic. If that is not an option, I can’t help you personally with a wiring diagram. However, when it comes to that and making your own coils, etc. the absolute best source of information is the Geotech website and Geotech forum.

I have an ultrasonic cleaner - fabulous for cleaning jewelry, not much use for coins.

Great post GB! I used to be extremely careful with every coin I dug, treated them all like they might be worth a million bucks. The truth is most coins dug out of the ground are worth little more than the melt value. The 1940 dime is a perfect example. Worth maybe $1.40 in silver. The date and condition add no value. So what to do? I get out the silver polish and make them look pretty. The main thing is to be careful until you start getting a handle on what the key dates and values are. There are unfortunately very few high value coins in the 1900s not made of gold. 1800s and earlier coins get automatic attention. Excerpt of 1900 coins from this key date listing: Lincoln Cent 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922-D Missing D Strong Reverse, 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Liberty Head Nickel 1912-S Indian Head (Buffalo) Nickel 1914/3, 1916 Doubled Die Obverse, 1918/7-D, 1926-S, 1935 Doubled Die Reverse, 1937-D 3 Legs Jefferson Nickel 1942-D/Horizontal D Winged Liberty (Mercury) Dime 1916-D, 1919-D, 1919-S, 1942/1, 1942/41-D Roosevelt Dime 1968-S No S, 1975-S No S Barber Quarter 1901-S, 1913-S Standing Liberty Quarter 1916, 1918/7-S, 1927-S Washington Quarter 1932-D, 1937 Doubled Die Obverse, 1950-D/S Barber Half Dollar 1904-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar 1919-D, 1921-D, 1921-S Franklin Half Dollar 1953-S Full Strike I won’t list the dollars because any silver dollar is a major find! The unfortunate other truth is that even if you find one of the key dates above, the condition will probably be such that there still is no real premium value involved besides being able to say you found a key date. A 1926 S nickel can be worth hundreds of dollars, but finding one that even rates as good condition would be extremely challenging. One in good condition is worth about $15. Good for a nickel for sure, but nothing you will retire on. Long story short anything not on the list above minted in the 1900’s is probably not worth more than face or silver melt value. Love the Mercs no matter the condition!

This thread and your question are going to be put to the test soon. Now we have two new offerings to add to those originally listed: Nokta Impact 5 kHz, 14 kHz, and 20 kHz (15 kHz lowest to highest) XP DEUS Low Frequency Coil 4 kHz, 8 kHz, 12 kHz, and 18 kHz (14 kHz lowest to highest) Rutus Alter 4.4 kHz to 18 kHz in 0.2 kHz steps (13.6 kHz lowest to highest) White's V3i 2.5 kHz, 7.5 kHz, 22.5 kHz (20 kHz lowest to highest - bonus - runs in multifrequency mode) XP DEUS High Frequency Round 14 kHz, 30 kHz, and 59 kHz (45 kHz lowest to highest) XP DEUS High Frequency Elliptical 14 kHz, 30 kHz, and 81 kHz (67 khz lowest to highest) Plus arriving soon: Minelab Equinox 600 5 kHz, 10 kHz, and 15 kHz (10 kHz lowest to highest - bonus - runs in multifrequency mode) Minelab Equinox 800 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz, and 40 kHz (35 kHz lowest to highest - bonus - runs in multifrequency mode) The two new DEUS high frequency offerings have the widest frequency spread, but unfortunately they start at a pretty high starting point (14 kHz). They achieve very high frequencies by doing this but my own recent tests of machines like the 45 kHz Minelab Gold Monster and 71 kHz Fisher Gold Bug 2 plus my use of the DEUS HF elliptical coil make me question if there is much to be gained by the frequencies over 50 kHz. Ultra high frequencies are really hot on tiny objects but ground penetration also really suffers at the highest frequencies. I am not convinced that giving up the lower frequency options to reach kHz values as high as 81 kHz is worth the trade to all but a very few people. I suspect the vast majority of DEUS HF coil owners will employ the 14 kHz and 30 kHz options far more than the highest frequency option.

5F×8 (used in EQUINOX 800*) 5F×8 (Five Frequency Times Eight) provides five individual transmit frequencies in the one metal detector, selectable at the push of a button. Each transmit frequency optimises the detector for different size targets and conditions. EQUINOX 800 offers 5 single frequencies of 5, 10,15, 20, and 40 kHz, giving an 8 times range or ratio from 5 to 40, hence the 5F×8 technology designation. The individual selectable frequencies in EQUINOX 800 are: 5 kHz - Great for large silver coins 10 kHz - Good for small Roman hammered coins 15 kHz - A good general treasure detecting mode 20 kHz - Ideal for general treasure detecting and gold prospecting 40 kHz - Optimum sensitivity to very small gold nuggets Having five selectable frequencies gives the versatility that is equivalent to five conventional single frequency detectors. Note that EQUINOX Series detectors also feature Multi-IQ technology which allows you to operate all available single frequencies plus more, simultaneously. The option to operate your detector in a single frequency can be helpful if you are experiencing excessive ground noise when using the Multi-Frequency setting. *The Equinox 600 3F×3 (Three Frequency Times Three) offers three single frequencies of 5, 10, and 15 kHz, giving a 3 times range or ratio from 5 to 15, hence the 3F×3 technology designation. However, both the Equinox 600 and Equinox 800 offer identical Multi-IQ modes covering the full frequency range. The Equinox 600 simply disallows direct access to the 20 khz and 40 kHz single frequency modes. More on selectable frequency and frequency spread here.

Steve, Multi-IQ is real and it is not a I am right and you are wrong thing. There is no doubt in my mind that Multi-IQ represents a genuine advancement. I am not making an argument against you by staking out a position in opposition to you. I simply taking a less aggressive stance than you are for various reasons. It is very important to you that Multi-IQ is the reason for the Equinox existence. I take the position that I would consider it the icing on the cake - I like the design of the machine regardless. It seems more like an argument over the semantics of "obsolete" and I don't want to argue. I therefore declare you the "winner"

Best place to start if you have not seen it yet is the Nugget Detector Guide Welcome to the forum!

Like I said I am not trying to trash the Deus - what I am doing is describing my own preferences. The Deus is a groundbreaking detector that serves many people very well. However, the Equinox design decisions suit my uses better, that's all.. Everybody has favorite detectors and many people seem to get too attached to the machine - "insult my detector and you are insulting me buddy"! Pretty silly really for things that in most cases are just toys for grown ups.

MSRP $149.00 MAP: $129.00 Dealers are accepting pre-orders for the F-Pulse as of Monday, Nov. 13th with a late November early December ship date. The Tek-Point is completely waterproof to 10 feet and capable of operating in fresh and saltwater. Features: • Pulse Induction • Beep, vibrate or both • Lost mode alarm • Single button operation • 3 sensitivity levels • Proportional response • Retune • Adjustable LED light • Auto shutdown • 2-AA batteries (not included) • Belt holster included • 2-year warranty • Constructed from special abrasion-resistant materials (won’t wear through like other pinpointers)

MSRP: $149.00 MAP: $129.00 Dealers are accepting pre-orders for the F-Pulse as of Monday, Nov. 13th with a late November early December ship date. The F-Pulse is completely waterproof to 10 feet and capable of operating in fresh and saltwater. Features: • Pulse Induction • Beep, vibrate or both • Lost mode alarm • Single button operation • 3 sensitivity levels • Proportional response • Retune • Adjustable LED light • Auto shutdown • 2-AA batteries (not included) • Belt holster included • 2-year warranty • Constructed from special abrasion-resistant materials (won’t wear through like other pinpointers)

I use a Pulse Load Battery Tester "The ZTS Mini Multi-Battery Tester (Mini-MBT) provides a comprehensive means of testing more than 15 battery types. The Mini-MBT's microprocessor-based design makes battery testing simple - using a patented, high accuracy pulse load test. After a fully automatic test cycle, percentage of remaining battery capacity is indicated on the LED bar display. Battery types are clearly labeled next to appropriate contacts. There are no settings, and test results are easy to understand. Its small size makes it ideal for the gadget bag, toolbox, or home utility drawer. Negative test lead/probe conveniently stores in seam at side. Tests 1.5v alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, N), 1.2v NiMH/NiCd, 3v photo lithium, and 9v alkaline. Uses 4 AAA batteries (not included). Advantage of Pulse Load Technology. Battery performance is very important in today's electronic devices. The Mini-MBT computes the battery's actual remaining power capacity using a 2-second pulse load test. This pulse load simulates the real power demand that batteries experience in a high drain electronic device. So battery performance is measured, not just voltage. The load is automatically disconnected, so testing will not harm or drain the battery. Made in U.S.A. Patents 6,823,274 and D515444."

The batteries link together and feed the same circuit (the entire detector). I know this for sure having rebuilt one, and if fact I replaced both packs with a single one. My guess is you had one battery go bad. I check mine regularly with a load tester and discard weak performers.

Response from Minelab on batteries: ”We'll have more info on battery care and maintenance in the EQUINOX Instruction Manual. Rest assured, this has been tested extensively and is expected to exceed the detector warranty period for typical use. Yes, the battery can be easily replaced. Also, you can plug in a standard USB power bank and run the detector from that while the internal battery is charging. Regards, Minelab.” The full manual has not been released yet. The Equinox is warrantied for three years.

From the Nokta Impact Software Update page... Software Update (03.11.2017) Download : R2_V1.16_V1.14 (System Software V1.16 / LCD Software V1.14) Updates Made : With this software version, the number of WiFi channels on your detector has been increased and an ''off'’ position has been added (shown with ‘’oF’’ on the screen). The “off” position is to turn the wireless connection off completely when the wireless headphones are not in use. This saves on battery power and avoids other wireless headphones accidently connecting to the detector. The new RED EDITION of the 2.4GHz wireless headphones will ONLY work with IMPACT Software version R2_V1.16_V1.14 or later versions. When you are not using the wireless headphones, keeping the WiFi connection of your detector off is recommended. IMPORTANT! If you do not have the RED EDITION of the 2.4GHz wireless headphones but an older version and would like to upgrade your detector with this software version, please check the WiFi channel of your detector first and make sure that it is NOT set to channel 4 or 5 but to one of the channels between 0-3 before uploading the software to your detector!

The subject of an off topic forum is closed - it’s just not happening. The feedback for “leave it be” is overwhelming. I am locking the thread so as to not allow any more responses since the decision has been made. Thanks again everyone!

I started with my old Minelab three piece rod. Then I went to the Golden Mask rod as a "project" and because it collapsed down shorter. The bottom line is I prefer the Minelab telescoping rod for most use. It is easily adjustable for length and collapses quickly down short enough to toss in my truck. I still have the Golden Mask rod also, and one really nice thing about the Gold Monster is I can make the rod swap in minutes. The Golden Mask "twist lock only" is not quite as secure as the Minelab "twist lock with locking pins" arrangement and the Golden Mask lowermost rod section has a slight amount of flex. I decided to use the Minelab rod for all but backpack type situations where I may want to be getting the GM1000 in and out of a rucksack a lot. Other than that the Minelab adjustable rod suits me a little better for normal use.

I 100% agree Redneck - well said!

I would think that the history of electronic technology including metal detectors makes that obviously untrue. Sure, they did the best they could with what they had at the time. But to think the technology can never be improved on at all? No, I have never believed that and never will. I do know one thing. If people don't make their voice heard about what they want in future products then it won't happen. Half the time it does not anyway.

You are missing the whole point. Minelab can do it. We are lobbying Minelab to do it. You say you don't care, fine. We get that, but please do not stand in the way of trying to get better products. Minelab does read this stuff and they are in a very responsive mood right now.

Frankly, the one I would really like to undertake as a rebuild project is the SDC 2300. The GPZ I am fine with as it is not as easy as one might think due to that DOD coil, and the coil is half the magic of the GPZ. The SDC though... for starters you have four "C" cells! At 5.1 lbs I would say a worthy goal would be for under 4 lbs in a dry land configuration. Something ideal for working in very steep, vegetation covered, mountainous terrain.

Minelab has an Official Facebook page. MontAmmie mentioned an Official Equinox Facebook page on this thread and the question arose of whether it really was "Official" or not. I got ahead of myself in my response so went straight to the source. This is the page in questions DUG THAT OFFICIAL MINELAB EQUINOX 800-600 GROUP Here is the response I got direct from Minelab: “Minelab generally supports and positively encourages Derek, Sharon and Neil in their endeavours to promote EQUINOX to the detecting market through their EQUINOX Facebook page, and other means. As ‘endorsed’ Minelab brand ambassadors, they do have demo EQUINOX detectors and therefore are now in a position to answer some level of questions before the product is released to the market. However their Facebook page is not officially run or owned by Minelab. There is only one ‘formal’ MINELAB Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinelabMetalDetectors/. If questions asked on the EQUINOX Facebook page are not being answered, this may be because the relevant information has not yet been released to them by Minelab. While Minelab works closely with Derek, Sharon and Neil, they should not be considered as agents of Minelab. Where there is any doubt regarding information about Minelab products, people are more than welcome to contact Minelab directly.”

Quite a few people on this forum have found over 6 ounces in a single lump. That's kind of beside the point. When you buy gold you have the gold you bought. If you buy a detector and find the same gold, now you have the gold and you have the detector, which does have value also. You can keep the gold and sell the detector used - the real cost of the use of a detector is the difference between what you pay for it and sell it for used, not the full retail. Or you can keep it and just keep adding to the gold.

Mr. Beatty started this thread. All Reg said was if Minelab sent them a GPZ they could probably strip it to components and reassemble into a lighter package, not design a competing unit from the ground up. I could do the same and have done it before with other detectors. The GPZ it would be harder than I think people imagine but it could be done. You would probably end up with something that looks like a GPX.