Northeast

I actually thought their line about "obsoletes all other single frequency" detectors was a good one. Actually a fair chance that it is 100% true. "Unequalled performance in all conditions". Somebody needs to have a word with marketing about this one. I'm sure they're referring to 'in comparison with other multi frequency machines' but this is just too general. Leaves themselves wide open for more bad sentiment. Better than a GPZ on a 1 ounce nugget at 30 inches? Better than an SDC on a 0.05 gm nugget in WA mineral hell (maybe it is - wouldn't that be cool )? I know I am not comparing apples with apples but that's the problem with the statement - it is not directly comparing anything either. Obsoletes all other single frequency detectors - at least we knew where the comparison was. Really, I don't care if they say that it is the best or the worst, I'm happy with what the testers have to say. But the internet is going to have a field day

I'm thinking that you are pulling our leg Gerry...

Hi Luke, Welcome to the forum and congrats on the Z purchase - I think mine is awesome but... I have only used an SDC, a gold monster and the Z so don't have much to compare it to. I do know that the Z 'sees' far deeper than what the SDC will and will also see gold (and junk) just as small as the SDC. Unfortunately that is not comparing apples with apples though - everyone knows that is the case. Norvic and Madtuna on here can probably chime in with something more pertinent re: comparisons with 4500/5000s as I'm pretty sure they have used a great range of machines. Tips and tricks - the search function here is very handy. Jonathon Porter's posts, Steve H's posts and Phase Techs posts about the Z are all mandatory reading (I think). The little Tags that are on the start of most threads can also highlight worthwhile threads. JP likes conservative settings whilst Steve H runs the machine hot - both of them describe their various methods and reasoning behind them in fairly good detail in previous threads. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions but always try and search the answer here first. I've been following this forum for a fair while now and have asked my fair share of dumb questions and have never been made to feel a fool from the experts. Hope you find what you need

I've read the last 5 posts 3 times now and laughed each time I'm sorry if you 2 don't find it funny but I did

Until I played the video I thought they meant a Coke can

Thanks for posting TN. Nice work JP.

I think this is a great statement. I feel the same way and have never been afraid to ask a question for fear of being made to look a fool - by Steve or any contributor. You have every reason to feel a 'warm glow' for the praise you are receiving Steve

Hehe, when the cheese supplies are getting low you have to start looking for new cheese Your idea of mapping is not silly at all. Steve and others have posted quite a bit about detailing finds locations, then using that info to better understand the where, why and how of the gold they have found and the next spot they are likely to find gold. Reg Wilson who frequents here - his methods are meticulous, incredulous, outstanding and above all - yield results. As Reg also pointed out in this thread earlier - regardless of gold and treasures the most important aspect of GPS, navigation, beacons, etc is making sure that you come back alive

lol Yep, that's because Google maps is working live via the internet through the towers - not via satellite. The Avenza maps you have to first download onto your phone. Therefore they are always with you even when out of range and the satellite ability of your phone places you on that map. It is the same with the HEMA maps app in Australia. You can download all their maps, take them with you on your devices and then your position is over-layed onto the maps via satellite. But the maps themselves you already have - not live off the net like Google maps. This sounds like witch craft This type of device I have no experience with but it sounds awesome!! Is the Garmin In-reach that Bob suggested exactly what you are referring to?

You're getting a bit mixed up I think N-Buddy. Cell phone generally means you can make a phone call or send a text via the various providers that own the towers located all over the country. However, once out of metro the coverage is patchy which I'm sure you know. But, some cell phones are 'GPS enabled' meaning that they will get a reading from a satellite for mostly any position in the world - just like any GPS device. Even if you are out of cell phone tower range. Any of the latest iPhones, iPads, etc have this functionality. This does not mean they are Satellite phones though - you can't make a call using that satellite reading. Then there are designated EPIRBs or PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons). They have only 1 function - they send a distress signal via satellite to emergency services when you set off the beacon. Then there are the SPOT type devices that will send some sort of message to pre-programmed emails/wife's mobile/neighbour, etc. These work via satellite not mobile towers. I use Avenza maps on my iPhone and it works whether I have cell phone range or not as it works off satellites also. It has absolutely no function for sending distress signals or otherwise. It can make marks on the maps and I can name the marks, and it can make a trail, etc. It is purely so I know where I am. Hope that makes things clearer

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?id=22438 https://www.prospectingaustralia.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?id=4656 https://www.prospectingaustralia.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?id=12207 https://www.prospectingaustralia.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?id=3991 Lots of good ideas in the above mixed in with a fair bit of banter and bu!!sh!t

I would have thought that any Garmin/Magellan/etc unit would pin point your spot, allow you to make trail marks and notes, etc. I also use Avenza maps on my iPhone and find it very good. BUT, if you are wanting to utilise it sort of as a EPIRB type unit that can also transmit a signal to someone to signal distress or just to ask for simple help or let your wife know that you'll be late then you'll need to look at the units similar to what orphirboy is describing. There are several different examples of them around. Good luck with your search. Google is your friend and I'll have a quick search of Prospecting Australia because I know this topic has been discussed several times.

Very interesting feature Reg. Patented?

Interesting. As always Steve, thanks

Sorry, should have clarified that. I did mean "couldn't you hear it IF your head was underwater too?" Snorkeling, diving, etc. Steve's post was clear that once the pod goes underwater you couldn't hear the speaker anymore - but that's if your head was out of water. For those that dive in lakes and on a calm beach wouldn't it be better to be able to just hear the detector's speaker rather than be wired to headphones?

Can I ask what may seem like a silly question? I have never used underwater detectors and headphones but if the Equinox speaker is anything like the Gold Monster speaker then I am guessing you could actually hear it reasonably well underwater? I'm sure in a fast running river or a surf break it might be a bit harder but in a lake, slow flowing river or a calm beach couldn't you just hear it? I did warn you it was a silly question so stay calm

Tuesday 6th of Feb at 0900 hrs. Ridge Runner will get his on Friday the 9th of Feb - whenever his postie gets around to delivering it (1322 hrs just for accuracy sake).

Still got 6 days Flakmagnet Monday the 29th of January may just be the day!!

Going to be hard to know when the first person really gets their hands on one. Maybe we could put a date and time on when Ridge Runner gets his hands on one - we will all know 8.3 seconds after this happens

I agree with you MineBlab that it should be a non issue with the standard coil. Smaller coils might see an issue as with the GM. Even the larger GM coil does not assist much as it is still not very wide. We’ll wait and see.

I agree. The Gold Monster is horrible in this aspect. I’m sure the 6” coil doesn’t help to provide stability though. Maybe the larger Equinox coil will help? Hope so or there will be some more mods happening

Thanks Steve, Mike and MineBlab. Always good to know what the experienced among us do when learning a new machine. Thanks again

Setting up your own VLF VDI reference chart. Found this thread very interesting Steve, thanks. I have a query for yourself and anyone else willing to chime in. Obviously there are charts showing where certain coins/objects show on the VDI scale - as you have posted. Due to obvious differences with coins in different countries a different chart would be required for Australia, England, China, etc. And I'm sure that many of you take your own readings and make your own reference charts. My question is: What is your particular methodology in working out what VDI number correlates to any particular object? Do you simply move a dime past the coil, it reads 26 (or whatever depending on the machine) and you record that number? Or, do you want the dime read at a distance of 6 inches from the coil and record that number? Or, do you want an 'at coil' reading, a 6" from the coil reading and a 12" from the coil reading. And in your experience do the VDI numbers change significantly at those 3 different depths? Does anyone ever bury these targets in the type of ground they are likely to hunt and then document those VDI numbers rather than the readings of air tests. The same procedure would obviously need to be done with rings, chains, etc, etc. The reason I ask is that I am seriously considering purchasing an Equinox and would need to do this for Australian coins and make my own reference chart. Simply wondering how others go about this. Im not sure if there is going to be a simple or complex answer to this - happy for it to be a thread of its own somewhere more appropriate Steve if you think it warrants it. Thanks in advance

I'm glad you seem to be on to it dewcon

From the info I've seen so far Steve I could only imagine people thanking you rather than roasting you. I really don't understand what makes some people tick. Anyway, it's a thanks from me