mh9162013

Thanks!

Chase: the ultimate reason for my question is to help narrow down what my next metal detector will be. If my soil is as bad as I fear, I may end up getting the Fisher F-Pulse and a Vanquish or Equinox. If my soil isn't as bad, then machines such as the Fisher F70, F75, AT Pro, etc. are still in contention. Of course, if I end up finding an absolute steal on any of the machines in consideration (like an AT Max for $250 shipped), I'll probably go that route, but there's no guarantee I'll come across one of those deals. Thanks for your insight.

I went into my backyard and dug until I got to the orange clay/soil. With my Garrett Carrot on medium sensitivity, there was no falsing. But when on high sensitivity, a clump of orange clay the size of a baseball would set off the Garrett Carrot. This same clump would not set off my Fisher F2, however.Is it safe to save that my orange clay has high mineralization? Or would this just be medium mineralization? Thanks!

Thanks for the review, Rad Rocks. I'm thinking about either the Midi Hoard, Mini Hoard or Vanquish 340 as my son's first machine. The problem with the Mini Hoard is that while the size is perfect, the interface is too basic for him. He's able to understand my Fisher F2 interface just fine. Ok, so then get the Midi Hoard. Well, that's heavier than the Mini Hoard and costs $120. For that price and weight, I'm thinking, "why not just get the Vanquish 340?" Still, from what I'm hearing, the Mini and Midi Hoards are great machines and the Midi Hoard is currently in the (slight) lead...

Maybe it's my OCD, but I'd be surprised if Minelab came out with an Equinox "900." I can see them coming out with a machine that's a step up from the 800 (although that recent price hike may not support this idea), but if so, wouldn't it be the Equinox 1000 or 1200? Going from 600 to 800 to 900 just seems a bit...odd. Not saying it can't be true, but unlikely in my opinion. Or maybe that's just me.

I'll check that website out, thanks. As for electrical lines, I've already clipped one! Live an learn...

I have not. But this Merc was found about 8 feet from one of my house's corners. However, I don't know it's original position, as it was part of the dirt that was churned up when some PVC drainage pipe was installed a few years ago. But I can't imagine it being more than a few feet from its original location.

The Merc is the prettiest and coolest coin I've ever seen, in person or online.

I know my yard and neighborhood have so much more silver, but I'm afraid it's too deep to realistically obtain unless someone has some piping installed in their yard.

Thanks!

I hope so! I think my neighborhood has a ton of silver, but I have a feeling most of it is at least 10+ inches deep. Without churned soil, my Fisher F2 doesn't stand a chance. Any recommendations on what machine I should get to find that deep silver?

I figured and thanks! Can't imagine what would have happened if it was a D...

Found this about 2-4 inches deep in my front yard. It was in an area recently churned up from a storm water pipe install. Found a circa 1890-1904 aluminum token in this area too. Bet there's more silver and 100+ year old stuff buried in my yard, but they'll be deep...

TIL Thanks for the explanation!

If it can be done with NiCds, it can be done with NiMHs, most likely using the same process. While NiCds don't use the same charging algorithms as NiMHs, the "brain" for the charging circuitry will probably reside in your charger, not that pack...I think? If my assumption is correct, then just get a smart/peak charger than can handle 8 NiMH cells and attach the appropriate plug to it. EDIT: just looked over the pics at the eBay listing. Looks like it's just a plastic shell with metal contacts and a charging plug. I did notice what appears to be a rectifier diode of some sort? Not quite sure what that's doing in a simple 8 cell AA pack wired in series, though. Maybe someone else here can enlighten me? Perhaps it's a thermistor? Also, this might be of use: http://www.metaldetectingintheusa.com/v3i-batterypack.html

It could be my machine. I've been tinkering with it for some time, including using AAA batteries with it with the help help of a 9V booster. I doubt that's causing the poor ratcheting even with detuning, but it's a possibility.

I tried that this morning and did not notice any positive difference. The ratcheting or closing range remained poor despite puling back to detune.

Yeah, I saw that in one video. I've noticed that pinpointers have "barbell" or "hourglass" shaped detection areas. The TRX seems to do a good job of putting as much space as possible b/w the two detection ranges such that it provides the "flashlight" effect. So the TRX's detection range outline looks more like a barbell while most others look more like an hourglass.

I've noticed that extra voltage (about 1 volt extra) seems to "supercharge" the Carrot, with louder beeps and possibly greater sensitivity.

Right now, if I do get another pinpointer, it will be the White's TRX or XP Mi-4 (it has some pretty good closing range, based on the brief clips I've seen on youtube). I really hate the Mi-4's built-in battery, but from my research, it appears that the whole unit is supposed to be easily repaired by the end-user with readily available spare parts. Also, the battery seems to be relatively easy to acquire from 3rd parties.

I was wondering when you'd chime in, Geotech. Thanks for your insightful advice!

Good to know, thanks.

The closing range of the TRX seems to be superior to the Carrot (starts at 3:30): Now, the question is if the F-Pulse has better closing range or "ratcheting" than the TRX.

I refuse to support White's as a company, but since they're out of business, I've considered buying a TRX. If it has good closing closing ranges (at least compared to the Carrot), I'd probably get it over the F-Pulse. Or maybe I'll get both, then compare, then sell one. But I'd rather just buy one and save the money.

I have, but it doesn't help much. If I try detuning it when I'm getting a solid tone (or close to it), the "closing range" is extremely limited...far less than it would be in a non-detuned mode. And the closer and closer I get, the less effective detuning become as the "closing range" becomes even more limited.