Deep Beeps

On 11/22/2022 at 8:41 PM, mn90403 said:

You know where to find it!

Well done.  How long was the trip?

Thanks MN....I was out for a month but didn't hunt all the time. Had great weather the whole trip which was really awesome. 

Was fortunate to get into some gold on my last trip to California. Started the trip sniping on the NF of the Yuba, one day on Slate Creek and ended with several days detecting in the northern Mojave desert.

Thanks for looking 

Different question pertaining to the coils. Does the hot rock ground balance feature work equally well with either coil type, Mono & DD?

Can the hot rock GB feature work side by side/concurrently while using discrimination (of course while using a DD on the machine) ?

On 11/2/2022 at 9:14 AM, Steve Herschbach said:

On my recent trip to Australia a group of us visited some super pounded locations. All that’s left are tiny bits. The other people all ran the 11” mono because these days everyone chooses mono. I ran the 11” DD almost exclusively, just to be different. The mono coils you need to work the edges to get the smallest nuggets; nosing with the forward edge works well. The DD is hottest in the center, so benefits most from methodical overlapping. People like the mono as the edge helps with pinpointing, but frankly I was able to eyeball the coil center just as well to nail targets with the DD, and grew to enjoy it’s quieter operation in bad ground versus the mono. I suspect people will go mono just because that’s what people use these days, but the DD is not to be overlooked for those who really want to get the best out of the Axiom. You get the added benefit of iron disc with the DD, although I recommend that feature only for use on mild ground.

These nuggets (flakes) were found by the group, ten of mine with 11” DD along right edge (I forgot I had a couple more in another vial) and the rest by others running the 11” mono. The smallest weighed 0.023 gram. Going by that and looking at rest, it should be obvious 0.05 - 0.1 gram gold is no problem at all for Axiom, and results smaller than that quite possible for users well tuned for hunting tiny bits. Half the people had never found gold with a detector before, yet all found at least a couple bits.

I’ve been trying for a smaller mono for those after the smaller gold, since the 7x11 mono is very good, but still not ideal for the smallest gold. The DD with its hot 4x5 center zone is almost like hunting with a small mono, once you get used to ignoring the less sensitive outer regions of the coil. The main issue there is the inability to get the hot zone in close to a rock or root.

The photo below shows the approximate size and location of the “hot zone” for small targets with 11” Bullseye DD coil i.e. targets under a gram. As nuggets get larger the entire coil surface takes over, but the most “punch” will still be in center area.

So what did they do to make DD coils have a Concentric mag profile.... Cant say Ive seen this before.

I have an Axiom on order and do plan to use it with my GPZ.... Not hoping it will replace it. I see me trying the disc in some trashy areas that are pretty unhuntable. But like you said, Im sure the 3rd party coil mfg'rs will be making their versions of coils for the Axiom.

1 hour ago, Gerry in Idaho said:

I've found only 3 small dink nuggets the 1st day I used it on an old dink patch.  The Mono coil worked like the Monos on my Minelabs.  Once I learned how sensitive the Axiom PI was, I realized it could hold it's own at that price point. To me the task was accomplished as the detector proved to have better sensitivity to smaller nuggets than most PIs I've used in previous yrs and certainly better than any other Garrett PI.

My next task, I wanted to try and see how well the Axiom performed on specimen gold.  After all many older PIs don't do as well on various kinds of specimens. The gold I find is not small nor do I worry about using the coil edge.  These bigger chunks are easy to spot. 

Sorry for not being able to rate the coil edge.  But the Mono runs like a Mono should and I expected for the short time I hunted dinks.

Appreciate your thoughts Gerry... Those are some strange looking chunks you're into up there.

On 11/1/2022 at 6:40 PM, Steve Herschbach said:

Axiom mono coils are edge sensitive, the Focused Core DD is center sensitive. The mono is similar to how other mono coils work, hottest near the winding, but the DD is not like other DD coils, more like a concentric with extra ground canceling capability. I already mentioned this earlier in the thread. I’ll be doing a more detailed write up on the coils soon.

Thanks.... Cant wait to read what you think.

On 10/29/2022 at 1:31 PM, Gerry in Idaho said:

Just in the nick of time we were able to squeeze in one more field comparison.  Why you ask?

Weather up our way is really starting to cool off.  Just had snow the last few days on mountain tops around us.  Not sure how much more we'll be able to get out before we're snowed/frozen for the winter.

Here is what we completed -

My Field Staff Expert "Spencer" and I did some side by side comparisons with our Axioms recently.  His unit had the latest software update that pumped up the SENS/GAIN and my unit was the really smooth one with the older software.  I hate a detector that I have the SENS set to MAX and it runs so smooth I can't get any more out of it.  But I thought that was what Garrett was going to provide us.  Luckily they listened to a few of us (Thanks Steve H) and we were allowed a new Software update.

I'll make it simple here, but Spencer's unit with the newest update needed to turn the SENS down a couple clicks (just what we like).  Here's the funny of it.  He hit that nugget in an area we've pounded with the Axiom previously.  In fact, he called me over and when I swung across it, it was almost a soft whining sound, not even a signal.  His unit with exact same coil size and timing (just down 2 on the SENS) was hitting it pretty easy.

Sure enough, near a foot down was this beauty.  Just over an ounce troy in total weight.  The quartz crystals are a bonus to go along with the gold.

Garrett is in Australia right now and I expect as soon as they get back, we'll get an update on shipping times.

Again, if you are wanting to get the Axiom, let me know and get on my list.

Gerry's Detectors 208-345-8898

Gerry

 

Gerry/Steve,

I was wondering what you both think of the coil edge or proximity sensitivity. I have not heard any mentions of this yet from any testers.

For example, I would rate the Minelab SDC 2300 w/ stock coil to having amazing edge sensitivity for a PI. You just get near a target and it's picking it up; Conversely, a Whites TDI needs to be pretty much over the target. 

Or, the ability to pinpoint using the edge of the Axiom's coil to quickly pinpoint a target.

Of course, it depends on target type, mass, depth, ground, etc, blah, blah, blah.... But in your honest opinion, out of 1 to 10, how would you rate it's Mono and DD coils edge & proximity sensitivity.

Would a Axiom Mono coil compare similar to say a GPX 6000 Mono coil and Axiom DD coil compare to a GPX 6000 DD coil.... Even better, to a GPZ running a 12" Nuggetfinder coil (My current go to set up). I know these coils are different but so I can gauge it to something I know (GPZ w/ 12" & SDC).

Thanks

1 hour ago, GB_Amateur said:

Here's their website.  No "about us" tab; no location, just an email address and a link to their Facebook page under 'contact'.

He's near Salt Lake City.  I actually called him at the number on his Facebook and once we figured out my custom shovel I had it in my hands in less than a week.

He also makes a small Leshce style digging tool that I got that I recommend too. Serrated on both sides and very very sturdy. Got a nice engraved leather case as well. A little pricey but everything is custom. Im tall and wanted a longer shovel. 

On 9/1/2022 at 5:38 PM, rvpopeye said:

Very nice find.🖖

Thanks RV!

On 9/1/2022 at 10:09 AM, GB_Amateur said:

Very nice!  Good to see you've figured out how to tune the Deus 2 for your conditions.

Your shovel looks new, or did you recently repaint it?  What brand and model is it?

It worked well that day on that field for sure.

Sorry my posts about the excalibur didn't post... Not sure what happened. Seems that all my replies got deleted. Bizarre. But Doc Bach and GB are right on the money. It's a 2 piece Merlin. He'll make it in whatever color you want and various widths too for field work vs woods. D handle or T.

On 8/31/2022 at 11:45 PM, Kodiak said:

Thank for sharing your find.  And Welcome to the forum.  

Thank you Kodiak..... Glad to be here.

On 8/31/2022 at 8:30 PM, Cal_Cobra said:

Congrats! 

Never get tired of digging them 👍

Thanks CC.... Hope I get to say that too someday.

On 8/31/2022 at 8:08 PM, midalake said:

Awesome coin. Way to go on picking the right mode for the right job! 

Thanks Midlake!.... That Deus 2 is very versatile in that regards. That's why my Nox 800 is up for sale. 😂

1 hour ago, Doc Bach said:

I noticed that you did not get a reply to your question about the shovel. The brand name is Excalibur the model is the Merlin two piece travel.I bought one with the 40 inch length with the D handle and the wider blade option to carry in my XP Backpack and it fits very well.Great shovel it's powder coated not to heavy and rock solid a good purchase in all respects. 

Actually, I personally thanked every commenter on here but for some reason it's not posting. I gave all the data for the shovel as you did. 🤷‍♂️

3 hours ago, dogodog said:

Great job on the 1/2 dime, love those tiny little coins!!!

It was my first one Dog.... Needless to say I was very happy to see that "half dime" written on it. Even happier to see it was a seated when I flipped it over.

Im pretty sure I read somewhere that at some point Minelab fixed a waterproof issue and a problem with the coil knuckle on the SDC2300

If that is the case does anyone know what the serial number break would be for the second generation/upgraded version?

Im thinking of buying a used one that was recently purchased used. So the seller is unsure but of course we have the serial number.

Thank you

Just watched all the videos Steve and I am absolutely buzzing with excitement 🤤.... Plus your videos are very informative yet simple and to the point.... Please keep them coming.

Also, I was concerned on how the Axiom feels for taller people....  It looks like it's balance point adjusts easily for different coil sizes & weights. Not sure of your height but it never looked cumbersome in any way with the different coils on. After fighting my GPZ and having 2 torn shoulders and a torn thumb this is one of my biggest concerns with detectors designed for the average sized person.

I really think the dual ground balance feature, iron disc, multiple coils sizes at time of release and salt setting on this PI is going to make it the new gold standard. 

Hopefully, Doc is working on a cover for the new Axiom. 🪡🧵

Alpha? 😉

On 8/31/2022 at 4:56 PM, Gold Seeker said:

Nice little nuggets!

Which detector did you find the Tarantula with?

Thanks Gold Seeker.

That little guy was in the middle of the road near Quartzsite, AZ last December when I was on my way back from getting those nuggets. That was my best day last year but tbh I didn't get out much. Hoping to turn that around this month. Head towards the Yuba in 2 weeks.

Gold Bug 2 (1997 version and still beeping) backing up the GPZ 7000

Nox 800 backing up the Deus 2

5 hours ago, phrunt said:

I'd be careful over extending the GPZ shaft like that by using the CTX shaft, the coils plug end is under terrible strain from the curly cord if you do that, and there are a number of instances of people having wires pop off their original coils inside the clear rubber cover up where it plugs into the detector.  It was first thought that was some sort of molded plug with everything secure inside, it turns out its not, it's just a rubber cover and the wires can lose their solder connection and if they pop off and touch a wire they shouldn't it blows your detector.  It's happened to two people in the past couple of months, one was lucky and it just made his detector noisy as the solder was failing but had not popped completely off.  Another guy it killed his GPZ.

I'm not sure if this guys situation was from over extending his shaft, but it demonstrates what happens if the wires inside the coils come loose.

I was buying GPZ cables off faulty coils from a Minelab dealer in Australia, out of 5 cables from faulty coils he had in that batch 2 of the cables had their fault up inside that clear plug end of the coil so he threw them out rather than selling them to me as at the time everyone thought that rubber end was solid and not accessible to fix them.  Over extending the shaft runs the risk of this happening to you, I don't even like the idea of running it at full length for that reason.

I'm glad the Axiom has gone back to a traditional coil cable.

No worries, mine seems rock solid Phrunt. It's such an improvement over that 2 screw, clamp connection that constantly failed on all the SD's/GP's. Those things really would let you down all the time out in the field. ( I'm sure that brought back a little PSD for everyone who has ever owned a SD or GP)

And Im 180* on you with the coil wire... The curly cord inside the shaft is the absolute bee's knee's. Nothing to get snagged on in the brush. I really wish Garret did something like that or as Gerry critiqued to go to a bluetooth system like XP.... Im not really going in the water sniping with this machine so that would have been great... But personally I'm more of a fan of the cord inside the shaft.

6 hours ago, Gerry in Idaho said:

Me, as a guy who's 6' 2" or 6' 1" depending on who measures me at the VA = Call it 6" 1 & 1/2".  I have never had issues with the GPZ-7000 or the Axiom.  In fact when doing our Field Training I see many folks extending their detector shafts all the way out so they can get great big arching swings from Left to Right and covering most ground.  That's actually not how we like to train customers.  The farther out a coil, the more strain on one's back, neck shoulders and as we age, who wants to be adding more soreness from a hunt.  When standing straight up and proper posture, the coil on most detectors should be approx 12" to 18" in front of you.  I realize some coils that are large ellipticals (such as the 24" Ellip) are harder to work that way.

My Axiom and GPZ-7000 are almost exactly the same length when fully extended and each of them is way to long.  My preferred shaft setting has 4" to spare on both machines.  Heck the 7000 can easily hurt someone while trying to swing the stock coil for a day when all the way out.  You'll be so much more happy with the design and massive weight reduction of the Axiom, if that's how you prefer to swing.

I feel for those who are 6' 6" or less should not have any issues with either detector if adjusted properly.  Now I can't change the way old salty folks have been swinging their coils for all these years, but I can help the newer folks who don't know.  As for you Deep Beeps, if you feel the need to have extender on your 7, then I assume you'll be wanting to do the same with the Axiom as again, they are almost identical in length.

Realize the majority of metal detectors are built for the average person who would be using such device and to also keep the weight down, they don't want the majority of folks swinging the extra weight just to help a few.  It's totally understandable as well.

Luckily for those really tall folks and or those who insist to extended their reaches beyond the recommendations, most of you in this hobby have already learned to accept that you'll be getting a longer shaft.  Another good bit is the aftermarket companies are always trying to find a fix for those few.

Again, the manufactures are listening to what most of us ask for and so keeping the weight down is most important.  Also trying to build the correct length for the better part of the folks is most important.  I know this may not be the answer you want to hear, but at least it's accurate.  In no way would I disc the owning of an Axiom because of the length.  After all, when comparing the Ax to the Zed while swinging at full length, it's night and day difference in comfort, I promise.

Thank you for the fast and in depth answer Gerry.

I'll be honest I have never had a real length issue until I bought the Z. My other ML PI's were all fine with the exception of using a very small coil like the 8" commander or a Joey....Then the machine would get really heel heavy/ out of balance...So I would extend it beyond normal as I was usually poking here and there up and around and not working flat ground as you would with swinging a UFO mechanically/methodically in the flats.

A big factor is I'm addicted to the bungie. I love being able to just let go of the detector and swing a big pick with 2 hands and have my detector right there, following me around, waiting for me to handle it again. Also, not having it slide/roll down the hillside and the such. Hell, I even bungie my Deus 2. More for the convenience than a weight reduction and a little as you first mentioned to get bigger swing radius when on the beaches. But mostly as a speed rig kind of thing if you will. You just let it go, check your phone and it sits right there for you. 

As for the Z, it has a balance funkiness to it to me. When the stock OEM 14" coil is on it feels very nose heavy for me standing normal, no bungie. If I shorten the shaft then it bothers me mentally with my size 15w feet. So when I moved to the smaller 12" NF coil I extended it much like I did with the older GP's so I can work banks higher and lunge in and out of scrub with arm movement. The big difference was the connection point of my bungie in regards to whichever of the 3 coils I had on the Z at the time and the terrain I was working. I like the CTX3030 shaft on my Z as it offers more length versatility... I don't just always keep it fully extended.... I use it for more adjustment as a taller, Sasquatch footed person.

I was hoping there might be some extra, overabundant length built in the Axiom so I could do the same as I change coil sizes and what type of terrain Im covering that day. Recently I have been woking more steep terrains than traditional open flats like the Rye Patch type terrains. So when side-hilling it also helps with good coil control when reaching below my feet.

I am trying to sell my Z, but not really hard as I do love it and it is the best gold detector I've personally ever ran but the lore of less weight AND discrimination on a PI (I know the Whites TDI did this too) seems to make for a winner for long detecting days in trashy areas.

So the long short you said it is very similar to the OEM Z. Maybe just a touch shorter side by side with similar size coils on?

Thanks again for the info.

On 8/26/2022 at 6:31 PM, Gerry in Idaho said:

Swegin asked and I applaud him for doing so.  What things I don't like.

Yes there are a few things I don't care for but also realize of the probably 30+ detectors I have recovered gold with, I have yet to find one I totally like for every reason.

I'm not a fan of those USB plugs and trying to get the cable in the little slot.  The age my eyeballs are, I have to go and find my glasses to get it right.

I'm not a fan of cable cords and feel if XP can get rid of them, then why can't Minelab and Garrett?  It could be because of it being a PI, I'm not sure.

I don't like having to use Garrett's Z Lynk wireless in todays modern electronic age.  Why can't I use any wireless?

I hate the hollow sound of the coils and the hard plastic rubbing the ground.  It makes 2 to 3 x the amount of noise.  I prefer a softer plastic like the other models and brands use.  Sure we wear them out sooner, but at least I can hear the whisper signals better.  I honestly feel 75% of the folks who gold hunt are walking over weak signals and not even realizing it.

Still wishing for a better Iron Identification system on a PI, but it's what it is.  Small iron like boot nails will not DISC out (on purpose so not to miss small gold).  Large iron will identify better than small, but even large iron at depth is an issue.  I also found out the hard way and was not too excited...if the ID goes silent across a target, it does not mean it's iron.  So a piece of gold will just not make a response at all.  Iron will produce the grunt sound.  I realize most folks do not use Iron ID and I'm one of those strange ducks that does.  But I only use it in certain areas and play the odds.

Me, I personally don't like the dull gray coils as it does not help when taking pictures.  Now I know Garrett Engineers could care less, but the marketing guys sure would like something different.

I wish the Axiom would allow me to carry my cell phone and do video without EMI issues.  All bigger detectors are like this, even many of the VLF's out there.

I wish the Axiom was set a different frequency level of my Garrett Carrott pin pointer.  I found out real fast like, they can not be very close when both turned on.

Engineers will never totally please me with a detector as the way my mind thinks.  Let me test it and I'll tell you ways to make it better.  The problem with my thinking is not always what's best for the masses.  I'm one of a few and detectors are usually sold for the majority.  Prime example.  The GM-1000 is a great selling VLF Gold Detector and I sell it more than most others, as it's dummy proof.  I myself prefer the EQ-800 as it allows me more control and provides me with more information and better identification.  But as I said, the masses prefer the GM-1000.  No big deal.

I do feel the Axiom runs smoother than many PI's out there and also has greater sensitivity to smaller gold and specimens.  I also prefer the options of more tuning than a some of the others.

Have I had some of the EMI issues Steve mentions.  On a rare occasion and I have noticed the same on some of the recent high end machines the last few years and even to the point of some VLF's on certain soils.  Ambiant air temperature is a big facture to a smoother running detector.  Back when I was crazy about gold and Rye Patch was semi virgin (half ounce days were common & occasional 1 ounce days), I was going 12 months of the year.  July/Aug it would get so hot, I started detecting more at night.  I also found the detectors to run more smooth and retain a quieter Threshold.  I then also noticed that mornings were better than mid days and adjusted my detecting hours.  Atoms (energy and electricity) in the air actually mask a little bit of performance of the detector.  

When using the Axiom I noticed the hottest part of the day at a couple sites produced more Noise Canceling than other sites and or temperatures.  Again, the same thing I noticed on other big machines.

What I like and dislike might be, could be and should be different than what others say.  We hunt different areas, states and kinds of gold.  Our knowledge and skill levels are also never going to be the same.  I don't know if there are any other Field Testers of the Axion in the US, other than Steve H and my staff/I.  I do wish they would have more testers as well in other states, as that is a bigger picture to go from. Yes, the Axiom has things I don't like, but to tell you the honest to gods truth.  It's a much better detector that what I initially was expecting to be testing.  Have to give them credit as Garrett really did make a great move and option.  But waits is even more impressive (actually I expected that) was all of this at the price point vs the competition.

Got a question that hopefully you or Steve can answer and excuse me if someone already asked and I missed it....

I'm almost 6'3" tall and like to set up my detectors a little longer than most do. For example on my GPZ 7000 I swapped out the upper shaft for the CTX 3030's, which added another 4" overall to the stock GPZ. That really helped balance out the machine for me, which in turn saved my back when swinging that beast all day.

How does the Axiom fair for your taller than average person? Especially, with the different coil sizes/ weights.

Steve had deleted my previous account because I was too engaging and thought I was a bot....But for my first coin in VA I'm pretty proud of this teeny Seated Half Dime.... So here it is again. Please re-post as I lost all comments and messages.

Found with my new Deus 2 and the 11" coil at about 4" deep.

There was no missing it and was actually using it in the Diving Program because I was almost directly under power lines and found by adjusting down the Salt Sensitivity I was able to get rid of most of the EMI with the machine still maxed out. Also the Diving program runs a lower weighted frequency set (4 khz to 14 khz) that helps on the deeper silver. Don't be afraid to try it on dry land. This was not the case on another site where there was an electric fence and when it rained the Diving program really felt every pulse of the fence.

Hello everyone,

Here I am again. Apparently Steve deleted me as he thought I was trying to advertise since I was engaging in to many topics at once on here. So pardon the re-post. BTW I lost all messages and posts so please re-post if you notice me

My name is Jason and have swung different detectors since the mid 90's. All gold machines until just this year. Love the coins but just had hernia surgery here in San Diego and gettin heart ablation done in a week. So chomping at the bit to head somewhere cooler than the SoCal, AZ desert that I'm near and know best to find a little color and have some smiles and create some new memories.

So I'm in need of some information for the NorCal, that I haven't been in the water since the 90's, or Northern Nevada that I not swung a detector over since my GP3500 back in 2008.

California was always along the I-80 corridor. Mostly sniping the North Fork of the American with a little South Yuba here and there but all that mercury in that river!!!! A little sluicing too but no detecting at all as this was just prior to my first and sweetest sounding detector I've ever owned (And still do) , my Fisher Gold Bug 2.

When I lived in Reno I often headed out to The Rye Patch area and beyond (Placeritas, Seven Troughs, Scossa, Poker Brown, etc). Not much else as I was too busy with work when I was there at that time. Also at this time I was armed with a very capable 99 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 on 33's and a stock 85 Toy 4Runner that went anywhere I dared. Now Im in the largest van know to man, A MB Sprinter 170 ext. It actually has very good clearance for such a mega vehicle and have off-roaded it more than most take their built jeeps but the bad turning radius, 10'2" height and especially 4' long tail really limits where I can go. SO!..... Where can I go now? I don't belong to any clubs. I'm really anxious to both snipe and detect the upper sierra's (This will be starting mid September if all goes well) and then probably head downstream towards the lower elevations of Cali or out into Nevada . Basically chase good weather and better gold. Van life for AU 22.

Questions:

1.What rivers are open without claims now?

2. Can I still crevice with my Gold Bug 2 or ML Monster or should I get a SDC 2300 (It is foldable and waterproof)

3. Can you take an SDC 2300 completely underwater? I have a XP Deus 2 as well but doubt it can find small gold pickers in a crevice but sure it can find lead and nails and give me a starting point if that makes sense.

2.What hydraulic pits can I get to and are allowed to hunt in?

3.Anyone looking for company (Late Sept/October)

Any info helps.