karelian

5S 15A BMS PCB Protection Board 18650 Charger Li-ion Lithium Battery Cell | eBay 21.5 volts on full charge with cut off at 16 volts. Big box Tdi, Pro etc same battery system. You can always rebuild your battery with new cells. Lots of PCB choices, just make sure the specs are the same. All the best.

When in Australia I hope you find a nice chunk of gold, something that reflects the dedication you have invested in the pursuit. Looking forward to reading about you adventures. The one key item is not the type or brand of metal detector, it is a quality fly net... Best of luck down under.

Not sure if it is the balance, quality black paint or intuitive dials and switches but the XL PRO is a pleasure to swing. There are lighter multifrequency alternatives, but when I'm in the mood the older White's hits the spot and brings home the goodies.. Old school yes, but that meter is accurate and she still hits deep.

In the digital age, I do like a bit of retro. Again it is the fun factor..

I still use the XL Pro, having used a 6000 series 2 in the past. The XL Pro is lighter, uses a better battery system and I suspect has more gain, more than GEB MAX mode which is not missed. The SAT mode allows better performance in mineralised ground and runs a smooth audio. I like to use SAT with a slow to medium sweep and the meter to disc. The option of disc with faster sweep speed and good depth is there when needed. The Pro has auto ground balance and runs smoothly under most conditions if you are an experienced user. Many folks prefer the older models manual ground balance. Lots of options which make for a very versatile machine. Ideal of sports grounds and open fields, in disc it loves a snappy swing and covers ground fast. You can also set it up for low and slow, again lots of control for different circumstances. Depth is very good, most of the mentioned machines match each other for depth. Ergonomics, balance and weight favour the XL Pro as does the battery tray for AA cells. That big meter is a joy to use and look at. Again performance or depth with the machines mentioned is near identical, swing what gives you the most pleasure or fun. That smooth audio hum is a thing of beauty, makes for a pleasant hunt. All the best.

The last drone video was over Ballarat Hill next to Vaughan township. Wedgetail Eagles are locals, spotted a while ago so I know they live in the area. All jokes aside they are local wildlife and they do not like drones. They are protected and numbers have been increasing, I do check before flying and have had to abort flights because they are hovering about. I just keep the drone on the ground and reach for the DSLR with a telephoto lens and enjoy having them around. Beautiful big birds with a bit of attitude..

Just including an updated version of an older drone video, flying over another goldfield trying to identify private and public land boundaries before swinging the detector. The hole in the hillside were on private land, so I flew over for a closer look whilst staying on the public side of the fence.. no livestock, farm house or farmer with 12g..

I'm using a DJI Mavic Air, video set at Auto at 1080P 60fps with an ND filter fitted most of the time. I use an Ipad Mini mated to the controller, the Ipad serves as a digital map and satnav when out on foot away from the car. Usually in the car is a pelican style case for the drone with everything I need. Compact and versatile with decent video output it perfroms well for me. I have four battery packs for the drone and can recharge in the car, but four is plenty for a normal weekend away. Got to the stage I even do a quick fly over when picking out a spot to pitch my tent, it has found me a very nice camping location complete with a great fishing and prospecting. The day will come when these gadgets deliver pizza..

GotAU I am lucky that in Victoria a lot of historical maps and information has been digitized, so is fully available to the public. Lots of information to research areas, perhaps too much at times. My method is to identify an area of interest, locate and reseach reports and maps etc. I print out a topographic map, identify private and public land. Make sure I am not on a working or active mining claim. Make sure I am permitted to prospect in the area and go from there. Google Earth research to identify points of interest within the area, followed by drone flights and putting on a pair of good boots. At all times I update my printed map using an old school pencil. Many times on my walks I spot broken pottery or glass, bricks or other bits and pieces that tell me there has been a camp, test holes and other indicators that I should start detecting. The old map I included with the Google Earth image highlights areas with reefs and shafts, granite and alluvium. Just part of a detailed process involved in narrowing down areas of interest. Finding 'shallow ground' with nuggetty gold is one thing but narrowing the search from 'excavator shallow' to 'small coil shallow' is for me the real challenge. A complex but enjoyable process, I suspect many more experienced prospectors instinctively know what ground is of interest. By instintively I mean hundreds of hours of research and hundreds more of real world experience..

A lot of good information Reg, thanks. I was first drawn to the area because of the names used, Nuggetty Hills, Nuggetty Rd, Nuggetty School Rd, Nuggetty Winery... More research and I was curious to explore the area and have a look at the ground. Had a good drive around the area, including Nuggetty School Rd, flew past the small bush reserve and missed the signs. Just spent some time on Google Earth and looking at the area along the road I can see that the farmers have ploughed over worked areas but there are small patches of workings hidden to the casual observer. Not visible from the road but a lot clearer from the air. Private property mostly with the smallest patches available to the public. The glory days of gold in the ounces, I'm excited by gold by the gram, although I do like to dream of the big one. Any excuse to get me out of Melbourne for a few days. All the best.

Reg, spot on as there is a patchwork of private property. Lucky we live in the digital age which means it is easy to know where the boundaries are, so no excuses for being on the wrong side of the line.. Should mention I'm more concerned about eagles than any 12g. Plan is to detect a gully from the head down into the lower parts. A drones view is great but at the end of the day I'm going to have to work my way down and huff and puff my way back up that hill.

Nuggetty Hills is home to Moonlight Reef, Victoria Reef, Cumberland Reef, Mosquito Reef and Nuggetty Reef. There are open cut workings, mullock heaps, plus on the hillside loam and gravel areas of interest. Nuggetty reef at it's peak once gave 500 oz to the ton... Down hill from the reefs the gullies and hillsides were the focus of my attention. The area is steep but there are areas on the slopes that could have potential for detecting.

Yep, the Newcastle hat is well made and fit for purpose. Mine has arrived and so far so good. Very happy with the fit and the design is excellent. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwif85zcuov0AhURxzgGHQoeDDgQFnoECAMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newcastlehats.com.au%2F&usg=AOvVaw0lISMUf6Pj5Img9TILnljk

My first day out of Melbourne Australia for a long time was spent exploring Nuggetty Hills near Maldon in Victoria. Felt good to get some fresh country air. Rocky hilly terrain meant I used a drone to get a better view. The drone has proven itself a very useful tool, for prospecting and more. All the best.

The sun in Australia is an all year challenge, not just in summer. Our choice in hats is evolving as it has become a health and safety issue at work. The market for hats that allow headphones has got to the stage that Newcastle Hats has a few models that allow choice of brim size, venting hole or micromesh etc You can even order custom.. Up until recently in Australia, the postage was more expensive than the hat. Luckily a few Australian local manufacturers have stepped up. This is the model I'll have on my head when I venture out. I ordered the larger brim size with the flap for the neck. Again we are spoilt for choice.

I remember reading about it when the kids found the nugget. Also remember that the Skylab bits and pieces in Western Australia started the electronic gold rush for many of us. Just reminds me I'm getting old. When I read about large gold finds I tend to research the area and look at the type of ground it was found in, helps me focus on the geology and improve my odds of finding the yellow. People have learnt to keep the location of the finds to themselves these days, who can blame them?

Depending on what you are swinging. Size does matter.. for extra penetration of hard ground.

As time goes on I hope to see more videos of the Garrett 24k used all over the world. The 24k does seem to impress those who have used it. We can never have too much choice when it comes to machines. As good as the new GPX 6000 is on small gold I still believe there is room for a good VLF in the arsenal. All the best.

Yep, in lockdown so was home for the show. Did the walk around and checked the house, no cracks or any damage. Had a few smaller ones but for Melbourne this was the biggest in my experience. Animals are sensitive to these things, someone forgot to tell our cat who snoozed through the whole thing. It has been an interesting year for sure. All the best.

strick the pick holder was made by Double D Leather and Canvas in Australia.

A 4x4 in on my wish list, until then I'll have to do it the hard way. A decent pair of boots will have to do for now.

I have found that terrain and season play a big part in what backpack and other gear is used. During summer I stay close to my vehicle and use it as my base. I strip my webbing down to the minimum. The heat being the main consideration. Spring and autumn enable me to use a fully loaded battle belt rig that allows me full autonomy for a day, returning to the vehicle in the evening. If hiking into areas I use either a Savotta 339 framed pack or a surplus pack designed for military radios. I can customise the milspec frame pack to suit the location and type of prospecting. I never wear a pack when detecting, even the battle belt rig is too hot in summer. GPS, emergency beacon, radio/phone, detector, pan, med kit etc All that stuff adds up. I like milspec surplus because it allows me to add or reduce the load quick and easy whilst customising the rig. Comfort and safety are always my first consideration. Water tends to be the main challenge. At the end of the day, whatever works for you.

The 24k is well sealed, but for Australia and other regions, dust resistant as well. Amazing how that fine red dust gets into everything. At the end of the day give it a wipe and it is good to go. I had to use Pelican cases for my camera gear just to keep the dust out.. The new generation of metal detectors have much improved weather resistance which helps keep the dirt out. The ability with the GMX to be submerged in shallow water is an additional advantage which I doubt I'll ever fully exploit. The detectors improved robustness and ability to fit into my backpack are more useful features for me. The surplus framed pack was designed to carry a radio, adapts perfectly to allow prospecting gear, a pan and detector to fit into the radio slot. A light weight VLF machine is a perfect match and allows me to explore further out.

The one thing about the GMX placement for the headphones connector is that it is perfect for adding a wireless module or an external speaker. The idea of a waterproof detector is great, but 90% of my detecting is well away from any water. The inbuilt speaker is not very loud, so it is either wireless headphones or external speaker on dry land. Waterproof headphones anywhere near water. The Garrett Goldmaster 24K makes more sense to me now, but I'll persist with the GMX. I get a bit of a kick since it is probably the only example in Australia and I've got it set up just the way I like it.

Tony given the exchange rate, transport and logistics I understand pricing is always going to be higher. I don't mind it when there is local sales and aftersales service, repair and warranty. Look after your dealer and he should also look after you. Minelab enjoys big advantages in Australia, not enjoyed by the importers.. but yes the price does hamper local sales. The Minelab Gold Monster does enjoy a price advantage, but it is not all about price. Sometimes we just 'click' with a machine, be it a car, rifle, camera or metal detector. It just does things the way we like, feels the right way, balances well etc. There is a market for the Garrett Goldmaster 24k in Australia, because it is different. It gives us choice. Wait for the feedback, I think people will be happy with little buyer remorse. White's GMX, still loving it. I'm with phrunt on this one.