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Getting geared up for my beach hunting season. Not the usual sunny day morning clad hunts. I like to go behind big winter tides, preferably with a hefty sea ripping into the beach giving me some cuts to work. Pretty use to the Excal running in pinpoint mode and my SDC hunting with a SAT. Trying to figure out how I can fool a NOX 800 into thinking its an Excal. The Nox 800 has allready given me some gold in Beach 1 and pretty basic settings, just curious if I can really get her to Hunt in pinpoint mode with a SAT.

I, my wife and a friend went nugget hunting for a couple of days last week before the snow starts falling in the high rockies. I and my wife were using our gold detectors and my friend decided to try his Equinox 800 with the 11" coil. I found this small crystalline specimen with my gold detector which weighs 1.543 grains and is 1.48cm x .499cm x .058cm in size. We set the specimen on the ground and my friend tried with his Equinox both gold modes with the sensitivity set to max and could not get a response. We then tried the all metal mode and got a clear response. My question is what settings or setup would you recommend for the gold modes or other modes to get a clear solid response? Or is the gold specimen not detectable because of the type of gold using the gold modes on the Equinox? The ground is somewhat mild with random hot rocks. Thanks for any input!

I have not seen a Klunker post for a long while. Where are you, Klunker...aka Norm L. fred

In the latter part of the Summer/early Autumn I found myself thinking more about a kayak for river hunting and magnet fishing. It was probably all those Aquachigger videos that did it. So I set my mind toward finding one before the leaves began to change much. I found a barely used Sundolphin Aruba 8 SS for $100. Next I began looking at sources of propulsion. I found a used Kota Minn 17ib thrust trolling motor for $35. I pulled a battery from a klunker for a trial power source and installed it hidden behind the seat. I cut a 7"x7" slit to slide the battery in on top of a thick foam seat pad. Then I found an old wheelchair to cut down and use as a kayak dolly to tow behind my mountain bike. Also, as a second source of propulsion I've rigged up a cordless drill trolling attachment, which works far better than I could've imagined. Everything else has worked on a rudimentary level so far, but some refinements are needed. The motor Kota Minn 17ib thrust does power the kayak sufficiently enough, but I find myself wishing I'd gone for a used 30ib thrust. And there are now wireless remote kits for trolling motors these days. Secondly, because I have a very light sit-in kayak the back end sags in the water more than I'd like, so I have to increase the boyancy back there and possibly even move the battery up to the very front of the boat. I'm intent on keeping the motor mounted in the back and out of my way when I use it. The Sundolphin Aruba 8 is the only sit in kayak I've seen that can mount a trolling motor (with a special kind of dual vice) in the back without cutting a bunch of holes and creating more fuss. I also need to settle on a way to steer the boat. For now I've extended the steering handle above my head and it works well enough, but is awkward. I've seen some guys use bicycle wire attached to pedal, some use remotes etc. I'm also considering the drill method as a more permanent power source with some electrical refinements. It is actually just as powerful as a trolling motor, if not more. A trip to Harbor Freight could net you a drill and several batteries for less than $60. Each battery powers the boat for 20 min or so at a speed of around 4-5 mph. A full sized trolling motor and battery will power the boat for around 2-3 hours on max speed of a few mph or so. More photos and and video will follow, but here's a couple pics from early on in the project

Possibly tboykin may be able to find out if there is going to be a "Christmas" Special that will include the 24K ?? Inquiring minds want to know. Hapy Huntn Dirtman

Just wondered if anybody here in the US knows of author and prospector Pieters whereabouts? Some old friends and I had a lot of fun prospecting Western Australia with them back in the mid nineties, while he and Debbie were living at Gwalia WA. As far as I know he left years ago. Steve: Apologies if this is off topic or in the wrong place, please feel free to move it somewhere more appropriate. Thanks! Juvenile fun in the "outback" Left to Right: Me, the late Jim Stewart, Debbie, Reg Wilson, Pieter Heydelaar, John Hider Smith. Pieter with a fuel tank off a Soyuz spacecraft. He had a good meteorite collection as well. A much younger me (with camera) and Australian detecting legend and prospecting buddy Jim Stewart:

I just came back from a beach hunt with my 3030. There was not much there (a 2g silver ring) and a few coins. Most of the 3 hours I was out I was thinking about another thread that has brought up in my mind the difference between hearing targets or ground listening for targets. The 3030 gives you choices of Low Trash, High Trash, Ferrous Coin and Ground Coin as examples of how you want to separate the sounds. This would have to be a bit of a speed control choice. The Nox has different settings of course. I've found gold with both detectors. I'm a fair beach hunter and reader of a beach with the 3030, SE Pro, Equinox, 5000, etc. I swing for target sounds and dig'em. I pretty much ignore the ground and the salt water. Often times I go to our local gold fields and I'm not as successful as others. I don't seem to get some of the little nuggets or the deep ones. Most of the time I've described my nugget style as beach hunting for nuggets. The bottom line is I want more nuggets. I just read Steve's tips on setting up the Nox in a way that will allow it to identify nuggets. I've got a 7000, 800 and a 2300 and some other detectors (GB Pro) that can also hear nuggets but maybe this is not what I should be doing for nugget hunting. Maybe what I should be doing is listening to the ground! Let me give a couple of definitions: listen to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear. to pay attention; heed; obey (often followed by to?Children don't always listen to their parents. to wait attentively for a sound (usually followed by for?to listen for sounds of their return. hear to perceive by the ear:Didn't you hear the doorbell? to learn by the ear or by being told; be informed of:to hear news. to listen to; give or pay attention to:They refused to hear our side of the argument. The reason for these definitions is to show myself that hearing is not listening unless I concentrate. Most of the good nugget hunters that post here talk about getting a smooth threshold. They learned their techniques back in the day when ground balance was much more difficult than it is now. I think those guys intuitively listen to the ground even with this new technology. I've always wanted to hear targets. (Is this too find a difference?) So, I could go on and on but the question becomes: Do you listen to the ground or concentrate on target sounds? Mitchel

Hi there folks, I have been prospecting for the better part of two years now (I’m 23) and have for the most part stuck to my grandparents property in California finding pickers and occasional small nuggets. I’m now living in Eugene going to school at the university and trying to find the time to get out and put my SDC to work. From what I have heard there is pretty great gold in Southern Oregon and I’m just putting the feelers out to see if anyone might have some useful advise or resources that could point me in the right direction. I’d also like to start making connections with folks in the community so feel free to let me know if you would like to let a young guy tag along or if you have a need for a big truck -Hayden

Found at old pre 1900 coal mining ghost town in Washington state. I have no idea how old this is but we did have a lot of Chinese miners at this site. Anyone have some some knowledge I’d love to hear it!

I've been a dedicated White's guy for over 20 years of detectors; GM VSAT, GMT, MXT, TDI, TDI SL (X2) , TDI PRO, SGT and the GMZ....(remember that detector?) so I suppose I feel just a bit "entitled" to talk a little bit $h*T here. I know the company's gone through engineering and management upheavals in recent years anyway, staying loyal to this company as been a tough journey. I'm glad they finally did something to up date the Goldmaster series with the 24k. Five to ten years too late......maybe and time will tell. The industry has changed in a big way in just the last year. Too bad they couldn't have also made the appropriate power and tuning up grades to the TDI SL as well (which has already been done by talented do - it- yourself tinkerers out there and sold on ebay). I know the SL now comes with new paint and a straight rod ......so what! I just could not wait any longer and anyone who watches the classifieds has seen my TDI fire sale recently. Sorry for the "sour grapes attitude" but I just had to vent. On a more positive note and for this single frequency detector, I can see the 24K showing good promise in tailing pile work. Sorry for the rant, its been building for a LONG time!

Howdy fellow detectorists, So....After gaining permission on a historic site (yada yada yada) , and especially finding my silver 1400 penny last week, i was finding myself getting a little complacent and unrealistic in my hopes for a days detecting. And so it transpires...that......Yesterdays detecting was somewhat of a let down, and i found myself walking home rather disappointed. I told myself that good finds are fairly rare, but still i felt disappointed in spite of my logical and grounded part of my brain saying its all good and to be expected So i was wondering/pondering on my way home what you guys would consider: 1. A bad days detecting 2. A moderately good day detecting, 3. A good day 4. And a outstanding days detecting. I understand that different locations and countries will provide better finds, but hypothetically if you were on a ploughed field, what would your expectations be? Short of giving myself a good slap, perhaps your expectations of a days detecting will give me a clearer perspective on the matter. Appreciate any input with thanks! Andy.

I've been DITHERING on whether or not to get the 6" coil for my NOXIE 600 .... I mainly do BEACHES here in Southern California as I live only 12 miles from the nearest beach ( I only got about 150 miles of beaches within a short drive depending on traffic.... Will it be worth the expense... Will the little guy give me better target results ???? For my type of "diggin", is my 11" coil the better choice for coverage and accuracy??? Hmmmmm

im looking with an online map for an area that an old known miner from the 70s would go. he would get droped off by dog sled in spring than walk back in fall. does this look like a dam for a sluice or a dam to catch fish????

I am going to a permissions on an old gold mine from mid 1800's. There is a tailings pile about 4 feet high 20 x 30 feet that is a mixture of dirt and white quartz. I am using an Equinox 800. I will be using gold 1 settings. my question if a quartz rock indicates gold do I break it up in the field or bring back home to do it carefully. I have to walk back about 2 miles to the tailings pile from where I park my car. also can you distinquish between a hot rock and white quartz with gold in it? thanks for any help. last time I hunted gold in streams was using the fisher gold bug to find buckshot and black sand and then dig and pan the gravel. That was pretty easy. This seems a little more complex.

I have been using a VLF for years and recently have been reading about PI detectors. I am wondering about the positive aspects of the Minelab over the VLF. I know about the greater depth, but for the expense, I can afford. If others can direct me or chip in..Do you still dig up the same amount of trash? I have buckets of bullets and pennies...I have found gold with my VLF but I know I must be missing a lot more... Thanks John

As I now have the EQ800 and also an Explorer XS and Garrett GTI 1500, should I consider selling the latter detectors and replacing with something else. Trying to simplify things but would like to have a back up to the Equinox. the battery on the XS is shot but I use with the alkaline pack and the Garrett is only alky's I would be willing to consider something less all around and more coins and relics than the EQ. I would be interested in hearing some thoughts A DD coil would be preferable as I am getting use to the EQ11. Jim

Hello all! A question that I have as I get more use to the NOX800. How does everybody store their information? Example being; would be Using Park 2 Or Beach 1 Mode. You have a saved user program already stored and do not want to encroach that information. You wish to make changes in your park 2 mode for whatever reason because of the site. You already have a favorite mode saved here but wish to use the new settings.This is your modified mode. So now you go to another park that may require a difference in Iron Bias or tone, but wish to document the first mode used, before you again make changes ( I am confused just writing this) I see this happening a number of times especially for those testing different settings.. How do you keep track of your settings for reference or in case you have one of those oh-oh moments

Hello, sorry this is my first post. I know very little about detecting but figured this would be a good place to seek out some help. My dad left me a MINELAB 2200D. He was very serious about detecting and would spend much of his retired time traveling and enjoying this hobby. I was hoping to find out if there was someone who might be able to help me identify the value of what he has or if there was someone possibly interested in purchasing. Here is a list of what he has: MINELAB 2200D, 18" Super Goldsearch, 2 smaller Super Goldsearch discs, a 250mm "DD" oval disc, large duffel bag carry case and a large box to store in garage. I will try to add pictures. Thank you for any help you might be able to provide! Joe

Hello all I just purchased a hard gun case to transport my Equinox. I would love to cover up the gun company sticker so I don't excite security too much if I fly with the case. Is anyone aware if Minelab makes logo stickers and are they available to us? I couldn't find a vendor on the 'net just now. Thanks in advance!

I am currently working a smaller hydraulic pit in the sierras that was washed down to bedrock in most places, the bedrock is serpentine but there is also a great deal of ironstone river rock laying around, the ground is incredibly hot. There are areas the SDC struggles with here. It's no surprise, but there is the usual plethora of iron trash associated with these sites - nails, tin, cans and iron scrap galore. I have been able to pull a few pieces of gold out with the SDC, and I know there is more there, but the SDC is constantly overloading on the scrap iron. VLF's struggle with the ground and have to be fully castrated to the point of being essentially useless to even come close to the serpentine. How would you go about detecting such an area? Is my only option to vacate the area of all iron one piece at a time with the PI? All input appreciated.

I'm not sure if my wife is going to get into this or not but she is keen on finding stuff, I've been giving her the pinpointer to dig out finds when we wander out together. What would you guys recommend if I was going to get a detector for her in addition to my Eqx 800? Seems silly to buy another of the exact same model but is there anything else in the price range that would be as easy to use and versatile as the Equinox's? At least a waterproof coil and ability to detect wet saltwater gravels and sand would be high on the list. Would an used Infinium LS be something to consider? Thanks

Hi, I am looking to purchase a gold finding metal detector that can handle mineralized soil well, but also locates smaller gold. I live in southern Nevada and it seems that the more I read, the more confused I am getting. I guess I'm looking for a detector that does well with tiny and larger gold. I had the Gold Bug 2 for a while and it was way too sensitive for me and not rain-proof. The Makro Gold Kruzer, The Gold Monster and others on that level are all within my price range, so I am having trouble making a decision. I understand that the right detector for someone may not be the right detector for someone else, but I do believe the right input is valuable. I haven't seen any head to head videos using the Gold Kruzer yet (still too new) but it looks promising so far. The reviews of these detectors are great, but nothing beats real world testing under various conditions and soil types. I am not one for air testing due to it's controlled nature, so the confusion grows. I know many of these detectors can locate tiny gold due to their higher kHz, but there is a trade off. I appreciate any suggestions. Thank you, Mike

looking for another detector for platinum nuggets maybe some members could rate just these 4 detectors .....whites 24k , gold bug , nox 800 , and tdi ....remember the fact that these nuggets are #9 birdshot to max 1/4" in size in heavy metal sands in a shallow river .....smaller coils then stock is ok in rating

Found this item on Amazon. It might be good for dunking sub-IP68 pinpointers, or as an added level of protection to IP68s. I'm going to buy one just for the heck of it. What do you guys think?

I wonder that because i read To put sensivity To 1 before pump GB is better . I dont belive but anyone know about that ?