mh9162013

I purchased the Pro-Find 35; can't wait to see how it does.

Thanks for the all the advice. I'm pretty sure I'm getting signals all the time because there's so much trash in the soil (rather than EMI or mineralized soil). I'm not 100% sure, because when I dig a plug and can't find anything, half the time is because I give up because I don't have a pinpointer. When it arrives (I've decided to get the Pro-Find 35 thanks to Dr.Tones24K) I'll get a better idea of what's going on. I don't know the coil size, but I think it's the stock concentric one that's about 10 inches wide. I do have a smaller sniping coil that might do better; I didn't think about using it this afternoon.

The reason I max out the sensitivity is because there's so much trash in my backyard that if I have little or no discrimination, my detector will literally beep every other swing in certain areas. Additionally, so many of the targets are so close together that once I dig up a plug, I have a lot of trouble using my detector to find whatever is in the hole (or plug) due to the detector picking up nearby objects that are either under the plug or right next to it or the hole (I'm about to order a pinpointer to remedy this). And yes, my coil cable is very secure with no movement. Once again, your advice is very helpful, thanks.

I don' t know if my swing is a little off, but it wouldn't surprise me if I am raising the coil at least a little bit and making it more of a pendulum. Assuming this was the case, why would pointing my coil off to the side slightly create a false signal? If anything, it should make it less likely I would get any signal, right? I'm only asking so I can gain a better understanding of how everything works. I don't recall if I had the same problem when I lowered the sensitivity, but I don't think I did. The next time I'm out hunting, I'll try to pay attention to this. Thanks for your help!

So I was out hunting today with my F2 in my backyard. There's a good deal of trash so I ramp up the discrimination all the way. I notice that I will sometimes hear the high pitch beep on the outer portion of my swing, whether it's to the far right or far left. But when I go back and check out it to figure out the exact spot, my F2 picks up nothing. I'll spend a few minutes scanning the area from multiple angles, but I can never repeat the high pitched beep. What's going on (or what am I doing wrong)?

Thanks for your input. I figure it won't hurt to ask.

Given the bolded part, I figured I'd be getting the 35 over the 15 (assuming I got the Pro-Find), but I wanted to make sure I know what I was getting for the extra $30 or so. I haven't read much about Pro-Find problems...at least not at the same level as the F-Pulse. Guess I have more research to do...

Thanks for the video. Are you saying that the Pro-Find 15 does NOT have the ability to retune? I figured it did, but it was just the sensitivity levels that were locked.

I don't know about weight, but perhaps something under 3.5 pounds? I'd be willing to deal with a heavier device if it did more. I would also like it to be able to run off of AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH and lithium primaries). Other than that, I'd want it to be a general purpose type, so something along the lines of the CTX 3030 or Equinox 800. As for price, that will depend on how involved I am with the hobby and how much money I was able to make with my F2. So if I had the money, I'd get the CTX 3030. If I didn't, I'd get an Equinox 800, Garrett AT Pro, Fisher F75+ or something along those lines. I don't see myself getting any of those, though. My next device will probably be purchased 2+ years from now and I figure what I just listed will be discontinued or replaced with newer equivalent models.

I'm considering the Minelab Pro-Find 15 and 35. It seems like the most important difference on a functional level is that the 15 has fixed sensitivity.To any of you Pro-Find users out there, is the adjustable sensitivity on the 35 important? If not, why not?Also, is the entire propointer a solid piece of plastic or is there a joint/seem where the black tip meets the yellow housing?

That's a big exception, especially when the self-fix is easy and warranty repairs take a long time to complete (I know, you're just the messenger).

I know of a great location spot for relic hunting. The only problem is that it's on federal land. I think it's also part of a federal national park or recreation area. However, the location used to belong to my spouse's grandmother and was the place of her birth and childhood. About 50 years ago, the land was taken through imminent domain. Due to this family connection, is there a legal process or procedure that would allow me to metal detect there? And if so, would there be special rules concerning any finds? Any advice would be appreciated.

I agree that going to 8AA cells is pretty extreme and almost as bad as using a 9V battery.

Are you asking me?

Thank you for your input, Geotech, It's nice to hear the perspective of an industry expert and insider. I'm with you in that I don't like 9V batteries and built-in lithium batteries. I like the ability to replace batteries myself toward the end of their lives and lithium batteries tend to have relatively short lives in that their ability to provide higher performance is relatively short. I dislike built-in lithiums enough such that I don't buy commercial power banks. Instead, I made my own using AA eneloops and a voltage booster. Yes, I take a huge hit on size, weight and capacity, but I can easily replace the batteries when I feel like it. It also allows me to keep it fully charged 24/7 without worrying that I'm degrading the batteries (as is the case with lithiums). I'm willing to "accept" the built-in batteries (as opposed to 9V batteries) because I know it's the future and I see a manufacturer's logic in building power system that way (more flexibility during engineering and a future money making opportunity). But I share your concern about what happens when the battery goes bad for the average user who isn't equipped (whether in skills, tools or knowledge) to fix the problem on his or her own. And even when they are, there's the warranty voiding becoming an issue. At least with the Equinox, users can get by (at least in theory) with an external USB power bank when the internal battery starts to degrade (I know phrunt already mentioned this). Out of curiosity Geotech, why was management so shy about leaving the 9V power ecosystem? Was it an issue of management and ownership being that stubborn? Or are the advantages of moving to AA or built-in lithiums less clear than one might think? It wouldn't surprise me if it's the former. I used to work in an industry that did things very inefficiently because that's how they always did it, even when it resulted in significant lost income.

This isn't the only message board I visit, but I haven't see any "detector war" skirmishes at all. I guess everyone is being civil.

That seems to be a good analogy and you're right, with so many people using different brands, it's probably true. There are so many other hobbies or contexts where brand loyalty exists, especially when it involves skills and/or experience with the item. I'm thinking radio control (at least back in the 90s and 2000s), musical instruments, anything involving engines, tools and video game systems. I know the industries aren't the same, so it's not a perfect comparison, but as a relative newbie to metal detectors I'm surprised by a few "quirks" about the hobby and am trying to learn more about them. I try to be brand loyal, but only up to a point. If they have certain social causes they support that I disagree with, are WAY overpriced or produce anything that uses a 9V battery (j/k), then I tend to look for alternatives.

Good to know, thanks!

That's a major reason why I'm so surprised people use so many different brands of metal detectors. I assume that those beeps and tones in my Fisher F2 will mean the same thing in a Fisher F75. And if I picked up a Garrett's AT Pro, I would have to spend a ton of time "retuning my ear" to the new machine. But I don't know if this assumption is true, hence this thread.

Thanks for the suggestion. I may do that if I can't find a suitable donor soon. I'd like to avoid that though, to keep myself from funding counterfeiters but more importantly, to not worry about the slight internal differences that may exist.

But why? Sure, there's the low noise advantage, but even then, why not design a device so it doesn't need voltage boosting from the batteries? I wouldn't be surprised if metal detecting tech naturally wants higher voltage. But even if true, lithium batteries are so cheap and easily available that just a 2 or 3 cell Li-ion or LiPo pack that's built into the device should be easy to design. And another advantage will be forced obsolescence, as lithium rechargeables have limited cycle lifespans. Alternatively, manufacturers could offer battery replacement services for these devices and use it as another money making opportunity.

The problem with the F-Pulse is the growing pains its had. Supposedly they're gone, though, but I'm not 100% convinced, especially with so many other options out there (although they use 9V batteries). There are voltage boosters out there that can easily take 3.6 or 4.8 volts and up it to 9V with about 80-85% efficiency. As for how clean it does so, I don't know and is not something I had thought about. It may fail miserably, kind of like those first edition F-Pulses, or it could work just as well as 9V batteries, but give users the ability to use alkaline, NiMH or lithium (primary) AAA cells in their pinpointers. Assuming the noise isn't an issue, making a 3 cell AAA adapter will be a walk in the park. The hard part will figuring out how to fit in in the pinpointer with the least amount of modifications to the battery compartment or end cap. Ideally this can be done with no modifications to the pinpointer itself, but I'm not optimistic. However, I won' t know until I try, hence my WTB post in the classifieds section asking people for busted or broken pinpointers for me to tinker with. Even if I have to McGyver an endcap extension, if it allows me to avoid the 9V battery (and keep the same performance), I'll take it - I hate 9V batteries that much.

Thanks for the detailed and informative post - I learned a lot. I think your point about the low noise circuitry might be one of the best reasons I've ever heard for using 9V batteries. I can imagine how a pinpointer could really benefit from low noise. The leak issue is also a good reason, but easily remedied by using NiMH or lithiums and most modern devices are capable of handing cells with 1.2 to 1.7 nominal voltages.

Maybe it's a southern hemisphere thing, but I haven't seen a power tool using NiCd technology in several years. And I'm not asking for Fisher Research Labs to take my F2 back. I'm asking for them to make their F2 replacement use something other than a 9V battery. Huh, low and behold, they have with the F22. Now if only pinpoint manufacturers could figure things out...

But that's false. There's a reason no consumer product in widespread sale uses a NiCd battery, for example. And yes, I have to deal with what I've got. So for the time being, I use my F2. But that logic doesn't apply to everything. For example, I don't yet have a quality pinpointer. So battery type is a very strong factor in what my future one will be.