mh9162013

To you users of these regulated-buck-booster lithium AA batteries, are these still holding up well? Also, have any of you experienced EMI from these cells? I just bought a pack of Tenavolts, which are very similar (at least in concept) to the AmpTorrent cells mentioned earlier. I normally use NiMH cells for almost everything, but some of my son's motorized toys are REALLY sensitive to the lower voltage of nickel-based batteries. Anyways, while running his toy R/C car that use 3 AA cells, I noticed a drop in effective range when it got too far away (which was basically 20-30 feel away). I know some users of the Tenavolts say these won't work in some radios due to the RF interference. Given their weight difference, I thought the Tenavolt cells would be a gready addition to my AT Max. But b/c of the AT Max's propensity to suck up EMI, I wonder if that's a good idea. I have a Fisher F-Pulse on the way. I may try using the Tenavolts in there first. Pulse induction is suppose to be more resistant to EMI compared to VLF? Or is that not true at all? In case you're wondering, my voltage booster in my Garrett Carrot doesn't produce any noticeable interference or change in performance compared to a regular alkaline 9V battery.

Mercs are the coolest looking coins, in my opinion. So no, don't throw it back. 😎

I've heard anecdotal evidence about more recent troubles with MIQ EMI...as if the past year or so, people are having greater problems with it. So increase in solar radiation due to the Solar Cycle would make a lot of sense. It might even explain other issues concerning a machine's level of "chattiness." Now, I wonder if it even played a role with the Garrett AT Max and why so many people had problems with how sensitive it was. Perhaps during Garrett's testing of the AT Max (which I imagine was a bit abbreviated given how it was based on an already existing machine and tech), there was a relative "lull" in sun spot activity. Then when it was released in 2018, sun spot activity was higher than during it's testing stage (mostly during 2017, I imagine) Instead of a Maunder Minimum, we had a "Garrett Minimum." EDIT: Looks like from 2017-2020, we had less solar activity as Solar Cycle 24 ended and Solar Cycle 25 began. https://www.almanac.com/content/solar-cycle-updates-and-predictions# And there was a spike in solar activity, but it came in late 2017.

Then send us all a copy...😝

I thought it might have been a soda bottle cap! Wow, that's a lot of gold...

I agree with much that has been said here. But here's my theory as to why Garrett isn't selling a TRX yet. Much has been said about how the re-release of the TRX would cannibalize sales of the Carrot. But many of us here have said how it doesn't have to be that way. That's b/c of how different these two pinpointers are. I agree. However, it's my assumption and understanding that the bulk of Garrett's sales go to customers who are just casual hobbyists. These are people who don't really care about the nuanced differences between the various pinpointers out there. My guess is that Garrett's accountants projected what a TRX re-release would do to their overall revenue stream. And while they would sell plenty of TRXs to people like us, this gain was overshadowed by casual consumers buying the TRX instead of the Carrot and vice versa. Just my theory. Another theory is that they are currently in the process re-releasing the TRX, but are making some tweaks first, like Z-lynk wireless, etc.

Kinda like the difference between backpacking or thu-hiking versus car camping.

I didn't mean to come across that way, but I can see how my prior comments might be perceived that way. However, in today's political climate, combined with how so many people are just asking for a reason to call the police or complain, I think that doing everything you can to not stand out is a good approach to take. Is it fair? Probably not. But the world isn't based on reality, but the perception of reality. So if you're dressed in a way that is more likely to induce a negative perception, I think it's something to be avoided...or at least it should be a conscious decision. But wearing military-esque gear or clothing isn't going to elicit the same negative perception in all areas. Like you already alluded to, "when in Rome..."

My experience with titanium is limited to camping gear. But in my opinion, titanium's advantage is weight, not strength. Again, in the camping context, stainless steel is far more durable than titanium in most applications. So I think if you needed a light duty shovel, titanium would be a great option to save weight. But if you planned on really using your shovel in a way that would make you consider reinforcing a steel version of the shovel, then titanium may not be the most durable material. It's almost my understanding that titanium doesn't hold an edge as well as steel. I could be mistaken, though.

Oh, most definitely! But I'd rather have a cop called on me b/c I'm metal detecting, not playing "army."

GB: MOLLE is pretty handy, but just keep in mind that it carries certain connotations. Depending on where you hunt, it could draw additional unwanted attention.

I can relate to that. I usually tether my pinpointer when hunting away from my home. The one exception: when I hunt tot lots. I have so few pieces of gear, it's easy to account for everything I need to bring home. Glad to hear you didn't lose your TRX. That's like losing $250...

I think in certain situations, there could be true. At the very least, it could be a benefit to coming second when it comes to pricing and marketing efforts. However, in regards to software changes, any benefit from coming in second to adjust software can easily be "countered" by simply coming first, and making your machine easily updateable. There's a great movie quote about how there are 3 ways to succeed in the financial world: 1. Be smarter than everybody else. 2. Cheat 3. Be first. Of the above three, it's a lot easier to just be first. Not always accurate, but I think it can easily apply in the metal detecting world.

Now that you mention it, it's possible that my issues with the pouch moving around might be better remedied by moving the loops down (like you referenced) as opposed to making them smaller. Something to consider...

It's a great pouch. The loops are large, so depending on the size of your belt, the pouch might move around more than you'd like. I could fix this problem if I really wanted to, but it's not a big deal.

But she would look stylish while detecting! Unlike most of us...

I compared my Garrett Carrot (well used) to an almost new one that I sold recently. On low and medium sensitivity, they were almost identical in terms of overall sensitivity and closing range (ratcheting). However, on max sensitivity, the newer one had an extra inch to an inch-and-one-quarter in overall sensitivity. However, it still "maxed out" at the same spot my older Carrot did. Oh, and the target I was using was a 9v battery.

Oh, I'd only do the root cutting on my own property and with small or dead roots.

I've definitely noticed that when digging around trees in my yard. It usually takes me hacking away like I'm stabbing the root with the tip of my shovel to get through the root. And most of the time, 4 out of every 5 hacks involve the shovel bouncing/slipping off the root. I've considered getting some gardening shears/pruners to help with the roots that are 1" or less in diameter. Or maybe a Silky foldable saw? But those are such nice saws, I'd probably care more about that saw than my metal detector!

What advantage do you see this shovel as having over the Sampson Lesche that I use? Seems like the Lesche Sampson was used by many people until somewhat recently. Now I see more people using other similar shovels, but am curious as to the reason why.

It just happened to be the only plastic trowel I had laying around! But it works well in sand, ground up tires and wood chips. That trowel was one of the first things I noticed in your original post.

This is my current set up. Has seen some recent changes, so some more testing is still needed. One is for tot lots and the other is for my yard and permissions. I'm sure you guys can guess which is which. When I'm in a park, I'll use the "yard and permission" set up, but I won't have the shovel with me. In the bags are extra batteries, gloves, a tooth brush, finds box (an old and small lock and lock container with paper towels), a small water bottle and a small rag. The middle OD bag is for holding trash. Ask me to post my gear in year and I'm sure things will look radically different. The biggest challenge I'm working on is how to strengthen the fingertips of my gloves to avoid holes from forming. Unlike some people, I don't use my pinpointer to dig. But I will used my gloved hand to dig. I swing and pinpoint with my left hand, which is gloveless and never touches dirt during a hunt unless I make an interesting find. My right hand is gloved and is what comes into contact with the dirt. I hunt this way to even out some wear and tear on my body (I'm right handed) and b/c of my ring on my left hand and watch on my left wrist.

What were you hunting with?

I can understand that sentiment. For me, I prefer fiddling with the mechanical/electronic aspects, not the settings, though. However, figuring out the settings and seeing positive results is very satisfying.

If you get the 540, I would recommend 2 things given how weight is important to you (your wife). First, run it off AAA batteries with AAA to AA adapters (this assume your wife will detecting for an hour or 2 at a time). Second, run it with the V8 coil, not the V12. If you run the 540 with the V12 and AA batteries, it will wear you out if you're not used to metal detecting. This is true even if you worked out regularly. The unique forces placed on the wrist, arm, elbow and shoulder take its toll after an hour or two of swinging. I also find the top of the 540's grip to be uncomfortable and used a foam donut (like you see on the Equinox) to distribute the weight more evenly on my swinging hand.