Jim McCulloch

Yes, the 24k is making "worked out" sites productive again. Although the smallest bits I have found (in the field) in moderately mineralized ground here in CA, AZ, and ID weigh in at under 1/20th of a grain, under controlled experimentation in my test garden the 24K can find 1/50th grain microflakes, taped to a business card. Among the accessories my 24k customers get are my business cards with 1/10th grain flakes laminated onto them. I tell them to tune their 24ks to my recommendations, and use the cards as "pass/fail" tests. If they can detect them at 1.5 inches, all is well...

The Target ID Graph on the 24k is based on the "percent probability" that a target is non-ferrous. Percentage readings of below 50% are in the ferrous (iron) range, those above 50% are in the non-ferrous range. Thus, the lower the number the greater the chance that the target is iron, and not gold. Therefore, a reading of "10" means that the target has a 10% chance of being non-ferrous, and a 90% chance of being iron. On the other hand, a reading of "80" means that the target has an 80% chance of being non-ferrous, and 20% chance of being ferrous (iron). These numbers are not the same as the target-identity VDI numbers on coin detectors, where a VDI of "50" is in the aluminum screw cap range. As for the Audio Mode two-tone target ID, the "breakoff" point of "50" (50% non-ferrous) means that targets whose percent chance of being non-ferrous is less than 50% (thus over 50% chance of being ferrous) give a low-pitched tone, whereas those targets whose chance of being non-ferrous is greater than 50% give a high-pitched tone. Low tone is (probably) iron and high tone is (probably) non-iron. Hope this explains matters. For the record, the Advanced Users Guide for the 24k in on the White's website. HH Jim

Before setting the 24k down to dig a target, always lock the GB to prevent ground balance drift. When the detector is lying on the ground, with the coil perpendicular to the ground, and the coil is facing into air, and no longer facing soil, in autotrac mode the XGB will search out the proper GB setting (which is its job) and thus can cause incorrect setting unless facing the soil. My smallest recovered 24K microflakes now range in the 1/15 to 1/20 of a GRAIN size , found in highly mineralized Mojave Desert soil. This machine is awesome! HH Jim

Julie, master your machine, employ the operating tips found in "Advanced Nuggetshooting," at the locations shown in "Gold Nugget Areas of Southern California," and one day, while digging a target, cursing those lying members of this forum who falsely claim they have found gold with a detector, as you spot that golden gleam in your palm, the dark clouds above you will part, the heavens will open, streams of light will beam down upon you, and you will hear the Hallelujah chorus, and all will be well in your corner of the world. :} Or, if the foregoing doesn't actually happen, you'll likely shout "Well, its ABOUT TIME"" HH Jim

No, not yet.

I sell what I use: White's Electronics.

I will be at my booth, "Jim's Metal Detectors," along with my pal Rob Johnson of the "Spud Diggers" YouTube channel. Drop on by... HH Jim

Aureous, you will find that the 24k, fitted with the 6x4, will give the GBII, fitted with the 6.5x3, a run for its money in the ultra small nugget category. The 24k/6x4 combo will find 1/20 grain (and maybe smaller) pieces. Still, for me, the 6.5 concentric gives the best combination of depth, sensitivity, and maneuverability. And yes, it IS making "hammered for decades" patches productive again. We look forward to reading more about your auriferous exploits once the weather improves. HH Jim

Mike, the Iron Cancel Mode on the 24k has 62 degrees of "iron" rejection. There are 6 bar settings: NO bar (1-4) one bar (5-14) two bars (15-25) three bars (26-41) four bars (42-61) and five bars (62). As would be expected, each higher number represents a higher degree of "iron" rejection, ranging from rejection of severe soil mineralization, then rejection of small hot rocks, rejection of larger hot rocks, small iron, larger (but still somewhat small) iron, and some steel alloys. Although not an exact science, due to varying circumstances, especially differing types of soil, hot rocks, and iron type/size/degree of rust, it is really an outstanding aid to eliminate the aforementioned "targets" WITHOUT undue discrimination "overkill" and extreme depth loss incumbent with other models of "iron reject/gold only" mode detectors. For example, here in the Mojave Desert my 24k can, optimally tuned, can find microflakes of gold as small as 1/15th of a grain. That's about 1/7200th of an ounce. With gold at $1300.00 per ounce, such a flake would be worth 18 cents. Employing "no bar" severe soil mineralization reject, such targets would be "iffy," but 1/4 grain bits (68 centers) still come through loud and clear. Using one-bar (small hot rock reject) 1/4 grainers are iffy, but 1/3 to 1/2 grainers sound loud and clear, with NO discernible loss of depth. Yes, with higher settings, there is a progressively higher loss of depth. BUT, thanks to the XGB ground balance system, combined with one-bar severe soil mineralization/small hot rock reject, I can hunt black sand washes which defeat lesser machines, can reject small "zipper" hot rocks, but still get sub-grainers, without the upwards of 60% depth loss with full-iron reject. Regarding hot rocks: some cannot be reliably rejected, but such even pose problems for PI's. Regarding "amping up" 24k performance: employ "b2" (boost 2) target volume, ultra faint threshold, medium self-adjusting threshold, and the highest gain setting which still provides the smooth, stable, operation for which the 24k is renowned. Hope this helps: HH Jim

Jeff, you might look into getting the 6 map set "Arizona Ghost Towns/Sites - Then and Now." Shows AZ maps made in 1881, 1885, and 1900. HH Jim

Jonathan, family, gold, and beer... a great way to enjoy the summer! HH Jim

This makes economic sense. Hardcopy books and magazines are giving way to digital formats everywhere. In fact "paperwork" of all forms are going digital in just about all facets of life. As the announcement states, by going digital subscription costs are reduced, formats enlarged, and the magazine can financially survive. I sell treasure hunting related hardcopy books on eBay, and the other day someone asked me "do people still buy printed books?" . My answer was, "Yeah, but not like they used to..."

Mike, with my 24k I have found micronuggets weighing as little as 1/15th grain. The GB II can find them as small as 1/20th grain. Far smaller than the size of the targets you are seeking. Hope this helps; HH Jim

For those who may not realize it, Mr. Wilson himself bagged a fish-shaped 98 ouncer named the "Orange Roughie." Nuggets like these are what dreams are made of... HH Jim

.... what an old Fortyniner did when he struck it rich panning for gold near Placerville (aka "Hangtown") California circa 1849 or 1850. Tired of eating grizzly bear, deer, and biscuits, he went to the Cary House Hotel Restaurant in Placerville, and asked what were the most expensive food items available. "Eggs, oysters, and bacon" was the answer. The Argonaut ordered up an omelet made of those items, which became known as "The Hangtown Fry." It has become the most "iconic" food item from California Gold Rush. HH Jim

One thing to remember is that gold is priced in dollars, and therefore the "value" of gold is reflected in the "value" of the dollar. An ounce of gold still remains an ounce of gold, however the "value" of a dollar varies depending whether the dollar is "strong" or "weak." When the dollar is "strong," it takes fewer dollars to purchase an ounce of gold. When the dollar is "weak", it takes more dollars to buy that same ounce of gold. And, as Chris correctly states, even though a "weak" dollar may spiral the price of gold upward, it will reach the point where lower-value gold ores become economically feasible to mine, which will further affect supply and demand issues. The whole issue is pretty complicated. Best advice: go out and find all they gold you can! ? HH Jim

Cal, what are the dates of those coins? Way cool.

Ger and his Gang are all great teachers, and great guys.

Well done! That first nugget is the hardest to find, they get easier after that. Best wishes for your continued success. HH Jim

Daniel, excellent answer, and thank you for the time required for such a thoughtful response. Most of my detecting is done using a VLF for finding natural gold, and target orientation makes a huge difference in target response. So does searchcoil internal configuration. And as you mentioned, so does size, and depth. For instance, when using a DD coil, a nail may give a (seemingly) non-ferrous beep when buried vertically, yet a different response from one angle, and a double beep from another. YET, a thin nugget, on edge, from the right angle, can likewise give a double beep. One needs to have a trained ear when audio response is the primary form of target ID. Thanks again, and HH.

Daniel, interesting test. Repeated viewings of this video reveal that, when testing the TDI, your bobby pin and nail were passed over the coil at a 90% angle to the coil (end-first), whereas when passed over the 4800 those targets were totally broadside, giving the 4800 a far better "look" at those targets. Question: wouldn't such a radical difference in target orientation give radically different results? Just asking. Thanks and HH Jim.

Hey you gold nuggets, 'ol Fred is swinging a coil again. Be afraid, be very afraid.... HH Jim

Roo Hide Kid, for the last 18 years the GMT was my "go to" VLF. Now the 24k is. MORE and BETTER features means more gold found, especially in "worked out" sites. I use the 6" concentric on my 24k; my detecting partner, who has also himself recovered thousands of nuggets with his GMT, likewise uses the (original) 6" on his GMT. On the SAME in-ground targets, side-by-side testing, the 24k outperforms the GMT. Yes, the 1/2 inch thinner profile of the 6 incher on the 24k helps get closer to the ground, but, really, I believe that the the greater power of the 24k, combined with the deeper-penetrating XGB ground balancing technology, is responsible for the better performance on the 24k. ESPECIALLY in highly mineralized Mojave Desert and Arizona soils. And I'm sure that the same will be true in Oz. And, SIDE-BY-SIDE comparisons are now possible due to the 24k's adjustable frequency option. Hope this helps; HH Jim

Social media... is that something that has to be cured with a shot of penicillin?

Nice season, Peg. I got some nice Idaho gold this year as well, but nowhere as nice as yours, though. Don't worry about Lunk in AZ, he moves so slow it would take him forever to cover the state. Go ahead and add some AZ gold to your poke! HH Jim