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The X-Terra Elite and I continue to get along! I don't remember my last 3 ring session! 2.5 hours at a tough beach, due to the abundant melted aluminum. Moved away from the aluminum zone to a previously unsearched area and started finding copper memorial pennies and an occasional nickel. There was a layer of dense clay below the coins, a good sign. All dates from the 1960s and 70s. Then, a broken plain silver band. 20 minutes later, a 10k Texas high school class ring from 1965, with initials. I'll contact the school and see if the owner can be found. Then, another silver ring, an old girl scouts vintage design. All found in a small 40 foot wide zone at the bottom of a slope where the beach begins to flatten out. But, no erosion at this beach this year, just sand overlaying a beloved clay layer. No quarters at all, which seemed odd. Did someone else cherry-pick the quarters? I will be back soon! Thanks for looking. - 1491

Well Boys, I have found myself in the old jailhouse* from the start of the holiday season. Not much to do inside this cell block but try to work oneself up to a "trustee" position. Apparently, the county sheriff here abouts ain't got much of a sense of humor. As a result I have not been able to move from the bottom of the list as of date. So as I was idling my yuletide away as a commom "jailbird", I got to thinking of our shared discussions on the DP forum. As I recall we were discussing the detection of hillside lead projectiles in the goldfields of old. I believe the lead ranged from .36 caliber to .44 caliber. I do remember receiving advice from Texas and Colorado on how to proceed with my heavy metal discoveries. The jailer took a few photos of the jail’s gun collection two cells over and agree to allow me to post them with the aid of the sheriff's computer in exchange for favors...that being lessons in prospecting with coyote calls. Let me know if these photos were able to break out onto the world wide web. 1861 Colt percussion cap pistol .36 Cal. (Best guess the lead was from a 1851 Navy Colt)*** HalfStock percussion cap rifle .44 Cal. (third from the top) Closer look at the Label under the Halfstock (The lead could also be from a Colt Walker .44 Cal. pistol)** I detected a .58 Cal prior to my holiday incarnation in the same location. The jailer thinks the sheriff's collection has a firearm in .58 Cal but like with Minelab the price of access to discovery just keeps a gettin' higher. I received this last photo included with a "season greetings" from my old partner, no telling where he made off to with our gains. What is this a Texas jack rabbit? Was this critter the cause for shooting up a brushy hillside? Your friend & incarnate. HardPack @ JHouse.com * The County Museum is housed in the Old County Jailhouse, exhibits are in the old rock wall cells. ** From 1840 to 1860 Sam Colt produced the Colt Walker .44 Cal pistol for the US Army Dragoons (mounted troops). A Dragoon Gulch is west of the County Museum. *** In the 1850’s Sam Colt produced “belt pistols.” His first was the Colt Navy .36. About 10 years later it was remodeled into the Model 1861 .36. Both pistols remained in production until 1873. The Patterson Colt 5-shot cylinder .36 Cal. pistol was in use by the Texas Rangers from 1841.

Welcome from East Texas.

I am told that David passed away today (1/3). As most people know, David design many popular and successful models for Fisher (12xx series, CZ series, TW6/Gemini 3), Tesoro (Lobo ST and Diablo uMax), White's (GMT & MXT), Troy (Shadow X5), and First Texas (T2, F75, and the basis for most of the intermediate models like the F2/F4/F5, F19, Gold Bug, etc). For the past several years he's been in poor health and often needed assistance for everyday living. Nevertheless, he continued to work on metal detector designs as much as he could because that's what he liked to do. Personally, I first met David at the Mesa Gold show in 2000 and we chatted up metal detector design. At the time he was either working with Tesoso or White's, but was visiting the Fisher booth. Afterwards, we stayed in touch on detector forums exchanging design ideas until I joined FTP 11 years ago. Unfortunately, we really didn't get the chance to do much together at FTP as he was working on MF and I was doing a security walk-thru and other PI work. He will be missed.

(copied and pasted from Teknetics FB page) In Loving Memory of Dave Johnson (1949–2025) With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dave Johnson, a luminary in the world of metal detecting and engineering. Known for his unmatched innovation and dedication, Dave's legacy has forever transformed the metal detecting industry and inspired countless enthusiasts worldwide. A Life of Innovation and Passion Born and raised in California, with much of his life spent in Arizona, Dave Johnson's journey into engineering began with his curiosity for electronics. His career in metal detection started in 1981 when he joined Fisher Research Labs in California. Over the decades, Dave contributed to some of the most iconic names in the industry, including Tesoro, White's, and Troy, before finding his home at First Texas Products in 2002. At First Texas, he spearheaded designs that set new performance, usability, and innovation benchmarks. Dave's contributions include groundbreaking designs for Fisher, Teknetics, and Bounty Hunter. His work on models such as the Teknetics T2, Fisher F75, and the Gold Bug II made them industry icons renowned for their precision, depth, and sensitivity. He had an extraordinary talent for blending technological complexity with exterior simplicity, making his detectors accessible yet powerful tools for hobbyists and professionals. The Mastermind Behind the Machines Dave's approach to design reflected his philosophy of excellence and user-friendliness. His insistence on superior ergonomics, as seen in the T2 and F75, revolutionized the way detectors were used, ensuring they became extensions of the user rather than mere tools. He once remarked, "I like products that are easy to use. I don't like complicated stuff," a mantra evident in every detector he touched. His ability to listen to the needs of the detecting community and translate those into technical breakthroughs was unparalleled. Whether it was the CZ series, which took nearly a decade to perfect, or the F75's superior depth and target separation, Dave's designs turned challenges into opportunities for advancement. His genius wasn't just in creating machines but in creating connections—between the detector, the user, and the history waiting to be uncovered. A Legacy That Spanned Generations Throughout his illustrious career, Dave's work helped unearth treasures and memories, but his impact reached far beyond his machines. He was a mentor to many in the industry, a collaborative teammate who valued the input of others, and an advocate for accessible, quality engineering. He frequently credited his success to the teams he worked with, including John Gardiner, Jorge Anton Saad, and others who shared his passion. Dave's humility was evident in his admission that he wasn't the best detectorist. "I'm not a good detectorist. That's why I like simple, easy-to-use machines," he joked. Yet his profound understanding of soils, terrain, and the science behind metal detecting made him a giant in the field. An Unforgettable Legacy Dave's designs are more than just machines—they are extensions of his brilliance and a testament to his life's work. From the simplicity of the Bounty Hunter to the cutting-edge performance of the F75, his creations have been loved by hobbyists and professionals alike. His contributions to VLF technology, soil mineralization management, and detector sensitivity will continue to influence the industry for years. Dave Johnson's life was defined by curiosity, ingenuity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions to the metal detecting community will forever be remembered in the machines he designed and the countless memories and discoveries they have facilitated. A Final Tribute Dave once said, "We're building on a legacy that was created by many people." Today, we honor him as a cornerstone of that legacy. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit and contributions will continue to inspire all those who share his passion for discovery. Rest in peace, Dave. Your innovations will continue to guide and inspire us, and your memory will forever resonate with the sound of discovery. With most profound respect and gratitude, Your Family at First Texas Products and the entire Metal Detecting Community

Welcome from East Texas.

Welcome from East Texas.

I'm sorry to hear that. I went to the Fisher Factory in Los Banos California with my old friend and mentor "Woody" Woodworth sometime in the late 1980s and met with Dave Johnson the Engineer and Jim Lewellen the manager. Dave designed the Original Fisher Gold Bug. The Original Gold Bug was the Best VLF Nugget detector in the world at that time. There is no telling how many pounds of Gold was found by those that used one. When the Los Banos factory closed, Dave went to the the New Fisher factory in El Paso Texas and continued his work until a few years ago. I kept in touch with Dave by phone and email until a couple years ago, when he didn't answer my emails any longer. He will be missed.

Welcome from East Texas.

Grew up in California with a heavy prospecting influence, and have known several successful prospectors throughout my life. My wife likes to visit beaches in our RV, and I got a metal detector for Christmas. I live in the North Texas area and am interested in learning about prospecting for gold and diamonds in Arkansas

I only know a couple of competent Manticore users. But, for us, steel caps are a complete non issue, like not worthy of discussion. Aluminum caps, complete non issue. Even the dreaded Corona cap, which the Nox 800 loved to make me hate, the Manticore dutifully reports as a mixed allow and definitely not a coin or good ring. Digging caps is voluntary with the Manticore - if you don't want to dig any, then don't. If the Vortex does this too, awesome. But I'd really have to see it with my own eyes to believe that the Vortex does it better. The only caps that are even a little bit troublesome with the Manticore are aluminum screw caps. They report in the mid 70's typically. No single US coins typically report in that range. Zinc spills, mixed clad spills, junk jewelry, keys, dog tags, yes sometimes. But no single coin. Some small silver rings do report in the same ID range. But, the strength and size of the signal tells the tale in my experience. Aluminum screw caps are highly identifiable with the Manticore. Other, better targets that have the same TID range, have different size and strength of signal characteristics at a high enough rate of consistency to not worry about passing up the aluminum screw caps, while still finding plenty of small silver and mixed clad spills with the same TID. Again, if the Vortex can do this too, awesome. But it's not beating the Manticore. Not unless I see it with my own eyes. And, I have hunted alongside a Vortex in a park - and my Manticore kicked it's butt back to Texas. On everything. Vortex absolutely could not call a nickel from a tab. Easy peasy with the Manticore. Vortex absolutely could not hit a 9" copper Memorial. Easy peasy with the Manticore. Simply put in just my opinion. Maybe the Vortex can do these things as well as the Manticore. But at this point, I do not believe the Vortex is better. Really, I don't believe even nearly as good, but I'm open to the possibility. At 7+" depth? Forget about it. Vortex need not apply. - Dave

Welcome from East Texas.

Welcome from East Texas.

Welcome from East Texas. What part on the State are you in? I still have kin around Greenville.

Welcome from East Texas.

Welcome from East Texas.

Welcome from East Texas.

Welcome from East Texas.

Welcome from East Texas.

His wife said he is sugar and spice plus I say he’s a good guy. He may not wear a white hat and to think of it I’ve never seen him with one on. I could send him one from Texas but not sure it would fit.That’s not because of shrinkage but when I said he’s a nice his head swell’s up . Chuck

I'm now retired and decided to take up metal detecting the beaches of Texas as a new hobby. I have a Bounty Hunter Tracker IV, and a White's DFX. My mind is overwhelmed with all the information on metal detector settings. Whew! I'm slowly learning this new obsession.

Welcome from East Texas.

Hi Robert, yes, this is the Los Banos addition have attached warranty card showing this. And yes it comes with the two 6” epoxy resin coils, old style. The new coils are air filler that happened somewhere after First Texas acquired Fishers around 2006 I believe. 😊

Welcome from East Texas.

I’m not sure just what I want and with me getting older I’m not so sure I need one with lots of settings. I was thinking more in the line of maybe a digging arm on the shaft. I don’t guess you seen anything like that have you? I’ve said before I like to nugget hunt going up hill because this way I don’t have to bend over as much. I’m thinking about buying back into the Tarsacci again and yes I said again. We have lots of beach front property along Texas and the Tarsacci is well noted for beach hunting. I thank you for asking and I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas 🎄. Chuck