Badger-NH

Does that mean that the Bluetooth transmitter on the detector does not need to be turned on while using the module? If so, good to know.

I tried the counterweight for a few hunts and didn't like the extra weight and extra length it adds to the detector. I can understand how it might make your slop problem worse. From what I've heard, the counterweight works best when combined with the carbon fiber rod.

I actually prefer using the module. To me it has better sound quality than the Bluetooth in the headphones.

I haven't worn a watch since I got my first cell phone almost 20years ago. 🙂 To me, using the strap allows me to have a much lighter grip on the handle. When I need to use both hands, I can let go without worrying about the detector falling on the ground. The strap is also useful for setting the detector on the ground or picking it up.

Most people would say my arms are long and skinny. My forearm where it goes though the arm cuff measures 10 inches around and I don't have any slop at all with the strap pulled tight. Just out of curiosity, what is the circumference of your forearm where it sits in the arm cuff? Do you have the cuff adjusted all the way back on the rod? It might also be the way you swing the detector. If you swing with your arm bent, there will be more side to side movement in the arm cuff than if you swing with your arm straight. A friend of mine insists on swinging with his arm bent and has worn right through the foam padding on the arm cuff. That's because as he swings, his arm moves back and forth inside the arm cuff even though his forearms are much bigger than mine. I swing with my arm straight and my foam pads still look like new. Swinging with the arm bent usually causes people to lift the coil at each end of their swing. Swinging with your arm straight makes it easier to keep the coil level to the ground as you swing.

Mounting the handle on an S-Rod would raise the control pod about 5 inches. All it would take is some drilling and installing a grip if it doesn't already have one. You would then hold the detector by the S part of the rod instead.

I'm using the green Energizer Vision HD + LED headlamp. I got mine at Walmart for $17. You can also find them at Home Depot and lots of other stores as well as Amazon. I like everything about it but mostly I like that is has the red light for night vision. Energizer makes a wide variety of headlamps to choose from. https://www.energizer.com/lighting/headlights#vhdplh I have two of those tactical flashlights. One is rechargeable and the other isn't. They are sold under many names and have subtle differences. I think my rechargeable one is waterproof. They are both very bright but would be heavy to use on a detector. I do most of my shopping on Amazon these days. Very happy with their services. Especially the super easy return policy.

It's most likely a large, very deep piece of metal or hot rock.

I think I understand. Thanks.

What is the auto/tracking program?

Thanks for pointing that out. I don't know how I missed that. I always do a ground balance when starting up the machine. It only takes a few seconds so I figure why not. I don't have much mineralization where I am so the affects of ground balancing on depth is not likely very dramatic. Our beaches are fairly quiet too.

I prefer a head lamp with red light for night vision.

I wasn't aware that ground balance was capable of having any affect on depth. I will have to research this further. .

I'll second the MDT clamps. They are the best I've seen as well.

I hope they fix these issues before the AQ goes into production. There is no excuse for seized rods and broken coil/rod mounts on a high end detector when the technology is readily available.

If the single frequencies and Multi are getting about the same depth where you are, I would guess that you probably have a good amount of mineralization in your soil. Here in southeast NH where our soil is very mild, all the single frequencies get significantly better depth than Multi. When I use the single frequencies, I pretty much commit myself to hunting for a specific type of metal. So, I tend to use the low frequencies for silver and the high frequencies for the lower conductors. If I was hunting nickels, I would probably go with 20 kHz. I'll usually hunt a new site in 15 kHz because it's the best all around single frequency being in the middle of the range. I only use Multi if there is a lot of iron or hot rocks around. After I have hunted a site a bunch of times in 15 kHz or Multi, and targets start to diminish, I start picking away at it with all the single frequencies. Each frequency has an advantage on certain types of metal. I often change frequencies during a hunt depending what metal I want to focus on. I have lots of old sites that I have been detecting for many years and I try to use every tactic I can with the machines I use. The Equinox is all I hunt with these days. I would love to own a Deus but don't want to spend the money.

I also want a red backlight. Not including headphones with the detector would be a nice improvement.

They need to move the battery from the handle to under the arm cuff for better balance when using and carrying, and maybe give it an S-rod instead of a straight rod for the same reason. A drop-in battery might be nice too. I'm happy with everything on the screen. The only thing I might add is a true all metal option for all the modes instead of just Gold mode. Improved locking mechanisms on the rod pieces and thicker/stronger coil ears. A coil attachment that stays tight without having to overtighten the bolt. A more hydrodynamic coil for water hunters that has less drag through the water.

Those are two that I'm still looking for. Just wondering, why do you choose Park mode over Field mode? Have you tried 4 kHz out there? That might give you just enough reach to pluck a few more silvers.

It happened back in March of 2019. The cost for replacing the pod was $180 plus shipping. They said it was a one time deal and that normally it would cost more than that. I think they felt sorry for me.

Because the Equinox is so top-heavy, the only way to carry it comfortably is upside down. I don't like this because it makes the control pod vulnerable if you happen to trip and fall or drop it on the ground. I've already broken one control pod this way. Luckily, they replaced it at a very reasonable cost. The S-rod might give it a better balance point so that it could be carried right side up.

The S-shaft looks nice. I wonder if it allows you to carry the Equinox right side up. https://www.ebay.com/i/353243212527?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=353243212527&targetid=935065067667&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9002432&poi=&campaignid=10833562019&mkgroupid=110337299927&rlsatarget=pla-935065067667&abcId=9300396&merchantid=6296724&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlvT8BRDeARIsAACRFiXxM-Pl3r1j-JjPXOwSBsehCJG5-JjHMq9q7LPTQqFhmWHKqVKdw48aAuefEALw_wcB This other shaft is a weird one. I don't understand what it's purpose is. https://www.ebay.com/i/353230702429?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=353230702429&targetid=935065065747&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9002432&poi=&campaignid=10833562019&mkgroupid=110337299927&rlsatarget=pla-935065065747&abcId=9300396&merchantid=6296724&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlvT8BRDeARIsAACRFiXkvcqo5ndCxGEHrCIilEqR3LZ0nBDnVip49W-__DQ1v2Q1f9teFOkaAujcEALw_wcB

Trimes come in at 17. Half Dimes 18/19. Dimes on edge low 20's.

Do you have a link?

Come to think of it, wax and silicone are both petroleum products and are made from the same basic thing. Surf wax has sticky stuff added to it. You wouldn't want to use it on your snowboard. Nor would you put ski wax on a surfboard.