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  1. Anyone use the Axiom on a saltwater beach? I just got an Axiom and appreciate any advice for beach set up. Thanks John
  2. I've been doing a little comparison testing lately between the new Garrett Axiom and the Minelab GPX 6000. My focus was on sensitivity to small gold, as most areas I hunt still have plenty of tiny nuggets left; if there are any large, deep pieces left, they’ll still be there for the next generation GPZ to unearth. This comparison is not scientific by any means, and was done just for my curiosity, but I've decided to share my methods and observations for anyone here that may be curious as well. So first up was comparing the Ax fitted with its 11”x7” mono coil to the GPX 6k with its stock 11” mono coil. Settings for the Ax were Fine Mode, Tone at 77 (which is the same pitch as the fixed threshold tone that the GPX 6k runs at), Audio 01, MS-3 wireless headphones wirelessly connected, Speed set to Slow, Volume 25, Threshold 15, Sensitivity 8 and Ground Track Off. And the 6k sensitivity set at Manual 10 (I typically always run on Auto+, but since there were high voltage power lines near this location, I didn't want the Auto sensitivity reducing itself to compensate), Volume at 1 bar and the Avantree Torus neck speakers wirelessly connected via the 6k's inbuilt bluetooth, and Normal selected for the ground type. For this test, I selected a small area that had been raked and detected in the past, most likely during the late 80's to early 90's era, with the VLF detectors of that time. My comparison method was simple: I slowly and carefully gridded the raked area with the 6k until it hit a target, then switched off, fired up the Ax and gridded the same area in the same direction that I just did with the 6k, until I reached the same target. After digging the target, the gridding would continue, this time with the Ax, until another target was encountered, then switched off, fired up the 6k and re gridded that same area, etc. The idea was to see if either machine would see (or not see) targets that the other could (or could not) see. After gridding the entire raked area in this manner, all targets found were detected by each machine, and there were no targets found by either that the other could not detect. All targets save one were small gold nuggets, the only exception being a weak magnetite hot rock. The only thing I wasn’t liking about the Axiom at this point was the sound quality of the signal through the MS-3 headphones; it was no where near as clean and crisp as the target signal from the 6k and Avantree Torus speakers. It was a little cleaner using the Ax's inbuilt speaker, but it was still not to my liking, so I sent for a small Bluetooth transmitter from Amazon that I could plug into the Ax's headphone port and receive the signal with the Avantree Torus Speaker (you’ll see it attached to the Ax in the photo below), and that did the trick. A friend generously sent me his Axiom 11”x7” DD coil to test on small gold, and this time I pitted it against the 6k outfitted with Coiltek's hot little 5”x10” Goldhawk coil: Same settings on each machine, except nowhere near power lines, so was able to run the 6k on Auto+ sensitivity. This time, I selected as the testing area a small dry wash gully that had some old dry-blow heaps (dry-washer piles to us yanks) up on the banks. Small nuggets can always be found by following the dry-washers, especially in their fine tailing piles. Though many targets were found, only one turned out to be the color we all look for; the rest were small bits of wire brush bristles, aluminum foil and some small pieces of bullet jacket shrapnel. As far as the comparison goes, it was the same story - each detector heard all targets, and none were missed by either. As I noted at the beginning of the post, the comparison between the two machines wasn’t scientific, in fact I didn't bother measuring target depths or weights of the nuggets found; it was mainly to see if the Ax can keep pace with the 6k on sensitivity to small gold, and it appears to me that it certainly can.
  3. With a day's break in recent very rainy weather here in northern California, my brother and I decided to hike into an area we've previously detected successfully in the past to ease some "cabin fever" that's built up. What better chance too than to start what is hopefully a very "golden" 2023. Despite some wet toes from crossing a couple of newly flowing small streams, and further wet feet from trekking through wet vegetation all day, we both found our first gold of the year among the sloppy mud and gravel. I mostly hunkered down on a small area with fairly shallow bedrock hunted by me and my dad in the past using our SDC 2300 detectors. We've been through briefly with our GPX 5000 machines too. Since bedrock is shallow, I was using the Axiom plus 11x7in mono coil, and I focused on the remaining shallower targets this trip. I ended up with 8 nuggets and had 4 come out of fine tailings pile in a spot measuring 2ft by 2ft. I bet these nuggets were lost out of a sluice by the old time miners since they were so small, but the Axiom signaled on them no problem and let me know they were there. They are definitely on the smaller end of what I usually find and I was impressed at how well the Axiom did detecting them. The weights are: .05g, .07g, .10g, and .13 grams. The .10g was about 3.5 inches deep and I had no problem hearing it. I also found in the "mini patch" spot a lead pellet of the smallest size (I don't know the #), so I finally got a real taste of how sensitive the Axiom can be. Despite digging a few ground noises in the super wet dirt and losing a bit of time, in general, today's performance results definitely upped my confidence in the machine as far as sensitivity to small targets for sure. I'm looking forward to more outings this year with the Axiom. I'm enjoying getting more comfortable using it and I like having plenty of options for changing settings if needed. I have some tough sites in mind to try it out later in the year. I wish you all a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2023!
  4. So far, I've only been able to find one video with the Axiom on CW hunting, and that was the one put out by Aquachigger. Unfortunately, for the most part, he only turned the video on after he had recovered the item. That does me no good in understanding he capabilities or sounds of the detector. Occasionally, he would say that was a deep bullet. How deep? The best that can be said is that he did find several relics in a previously pounded spot. If you have CW hunted with the Axiom, tell us about it.
  5. I was offered this tidbit from the engineers at Garrett while discussing another subject. How to determine EMI versus ground noise using the stationary noise test. "The stationary noise test is where the coil is held totally stationary, either in the air or more typically on clean ground, and then listen for noise. If the noise persists while stationary, then it’s EMI and not ground noise. If the noise disappears while stationary and then reappears only when moving the coil, then it’s ground noise and not EMI. This is an excellent test for any operator to help determine if noise/instability is caused by ground or EMI." If the problem is EMI then of course you would want to try a ground cancel. All ground cancel does is scan all available channels for the quietest ones. It picks the five quietest, and then double checks those five, and settles on the best one. This checking and double checking takes a bit of time so be patient. The key is to not do anything to add noise when doing a ground cancel. Getting your pick too near, or waving the detector around, anything else that adds noise, will cause the channels being checked when that noise occurs to be rejected. Since the EMI cancel looks for and attempts to eliminate noise sources, you may want to purposefully aim the coil at a nearby EMI source or detectorist in an attempt to knock out the specific noise source. If you use a pinpointer, turn it on and place 2-3 feet from the detector while doing the EMI cancel, to tune it out for use when detecting. If all channels are noisy, you need to do something about it. Changing coils is one of the best solutions. Small coils handle EMI better than large coils, and DD coils handle EMI better than mono coils. Reducing the sensitivity helps. Trying other modes will possibly help. In my experience the Axiom handles EMI better than most PI detectors but it is still a high gain detector and that means some area will be problematic. Just the nature of the beast I am afraid, but again, Axiom is a step up in that department. If it is actually ground noise, some of the solutions may seem similar. See these threads for the details. Most important of course is getting a proper ground balace. See the video below for that. Axiom Sensitivity - A Must Read For All New Owners! Axiom Detection Modes Explained Axiom DD Coils - A Must Read For All New Owners!
  6. Here is a new video from Garrett showing the Axiom relic hunting. Looks pretty good for the job.
  7. 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
  8. Hi ALL Just wondering if anyone can tell me the following: If the main battery were to fail in the Axiom, could the booster pack be used to bypass the dead/defective main battery? In other words, could the Axiom be used exclusively on the battery pack? Pls and thanks!
  9. Noticed a few of the larger US retail outlets are now listing both versions of the Garrett Axiom as “in stock” while other retailers are still listing the detector as “pre-order”. On the other hand, DP forum Axiom posts appear to have dropped off the radar along with YouTube uploads. Have any consumers in the US actually received and used an Axiom? Or has consumer interest in the Axiom fell off the hype cliff. The Garrett Axiom real competitor may not be Minelab PI Metal detectors but from the old White TDI models and their Garrett ATX. From a TDI and ATX price point the Axiom price seems a bit too high. Check out the eBay listings for the used “out of production” White TDI Pro and TDI SL in $1,200 to $1,799 range; a used ATX is in the same price range with the new ATX from the $2,400 to $2,800 price range depending on options. What’s your opinion?
  10. Hi Steven, Thank you for being very informative in providing such a great video. I do have a question: with iron check what if there is a gold nugget as well as a iron nail? IDK what will be that sound like. Also I am based in Australia and will be go prospecting in WA again next year. I am sort of wondering which should I have, a GPX 6000 (dad already has one) or Axiom? ( I have seen your reviews on different detectors however I still wonder if you have some personal opinion? Many Thanks, Ethan
  11. I finally got my Axiom Demo unit and neither the Charging cord nor the External Battery will plug in. This is due to the fact that the washer used to hold the Rubber Cap is either too big or set too high. (see attached photo). I was able to charge it with my (white) Phone Cord as it's thinner than the rounded (black) Garrett Cord. (see attached photo) I'm going to see if I have a small enough bit to take it out and either readjust it or replace it with a smaller washer. I'd really hate to have to ship it all the way back for something like this. I just wanted to make you all aware of the problem. Walt
  12. The video below goes over it pretty well. However, I think the mode names confuse things a bit, so want to go into more detail here. Before I start however, if you have not read it already, please read my post about the Axiom sensitivity control. Understanding that control and not having it set too high is critical to everything else. The Axiom detection modes are: Fine Mode Normal Mode Large Mode Salt Mode Now, to look at that it implies you chose the mode according to the desired target size. Fine for tiny, Normal for medium targets, and Large for, well, large targets! And that is kinda sorta true…. but not really. The modes are basically pulse delay presets. A type of PI preprocessing sensitivity mode, unlike the sensitivity control itself, which is processing the signal after the fact. Due to digital processing it’s more complicated than a simple pulse delay control, but that’s the best analogy to go with for you techies out there. Fine Mode has the shortest pulse delay, and so is the most sensitive across the board to all targets. This means the smallest targets in particular, but it also means ground and hot rocks. Normal Mode is less sensitive to the smallest targets, but it is also less responsive to hot ground and hot rocks. Large is less sensitive still, with good sensitivity on larger targets, but less so on the smaller targets. Some small stuff won’t be detected at all. But the worst ground will become invisible, and some of the more troublesome hot rocks. Salt is specifically set to ignore the signal produced by conductive salt environments. Salt water is conductive, very low conductivity to be sure, but the same as very small gold nuggets, single post ear rings, and thin gold chains. You want this setting for wet salt beaches, but it will also tune out some tiny gold or other desired items. This is physics at work and can’t be avoided (read this link). The mode names imply that the focus is on target size, but that is not what you normally will use to determine what mode to employ. It’s more about the ground conditions. Think about this instead: Fine Mode = Normal Ground Conditions. I would have named it Normal Ground Mode, as in the normal mode you use for normal ground. The default mode for most uses, with best overall sensitivity to all targets, large and small. Normal Mode = Difficult Ground Conditions. I would have named it Difficult. Let’s you are having problems ground balancing or with hot rocks in Fine Mode, and have done you best to use sensitivity, speed, and coils as a solution. Lower the sensitivity a bit. Use the ground balance window. If using a mono, try a DD. If none of this is working, go to the Normal Mode, or as I think of it, the Difficult Ground Setting. At this point you may be able to go back to a mono coil, or increase your sensitivity, etc. Large Mode = Severe Ground Conditions. Yup, I would have named it Severe Ground Mode. What if Normal (Difficult) still is not working? Ground signals from hot spots, maybe in a fire burn area, or clay deposits. Perhaps really bad hot rocks. Large Mode is for the worst ground and hot rock conditions. Yes, you will lose some target sensitivity, but if everything sounds like a targets, that’s no good. So get rid of the false signals to make the real targets stand out better. This mode can be used to help alleviate some of the tiniest trash targets also, by desensitizing the Axiom to those targets. The main use however is for dealing with really bad ground. Again, be sure you have explored all the options in Normal Mode, like lowered sensitivity or DD coils, before going to Large Mode. Salt Mode = …. Salt Mode! Yes, this is for use in salt water or on wet salt sand or soil. Wet desert salt conditions after a rain storm. It’s not all about the beach, but any salt conditions. As noted above (read that link!) tuning out salt also tuned out a class of the smallest conductive targets. Tiny aluminum, tiny gold, tiny lead… little stuff. This mode in all actuality is an alternative to the Large (Severe) Mode and should never be ignored as a setting even if salt is not involved. It may actually be the magic setting to make one particularly nasty hot rock just disappear. So two pieces of advice. Think less about target size and more about the ground you are dealing with in choosing modes. And in general, use the most sensitive mode possible, no matter where you are. To aid in that, let’s treat the modes for what they are, a type of sensitivity control. I am putting these numbers in reverse of order of choice since higher numbers normally mean more sensitivity. If this was a knob, turn it up or down. 4 = Fine Mode (normal ground). Your most sensitive mode, your first choice, and the default for that reason. 3 = Normal Mode (difficult ground). A little less sensitive than the above to difficult ground and hot rocks, and tiny targets. 2 = Large Mode (severe ground). For the worst ground, burn areas, clay domes and seams, and severe hot rocks. Can help with tiny trash, so a relic hunter looking for larger bullets when there is a lot of tiny lead or other stuff may prefer this mode. 1 = Salt Mode (salt ground). Usually for salt conditions, but also as an alternative to Large Mode on any really bad ground. Can eliminate tiny lead shot, small aluminum foil, and other troublesome trash targets. Turn it up to 4 for most situations. Lower as needed. It’s that simple actually. Let the machine tell you when you need to go to a lower setting. For beach detecting, do not use Salt unless you really need it. Up in the dry beach, any one of the other settings may work, and should be used if possible. Always use the highest setting possible, dropping down a notch at a time until you find the mode that helps deal with whatever issue you are having, whether it’s bad ground, hot rocks, salt, or tiny trash. I hope that helps rather than confuses. So Steve, you ask, why did they not name them the way you like? Well, the LCD was baked before I even saw it. One if the frustrations with this testing stuff is decisions being made before I even have a chance to comment. If I had been on board when the LCD was penciled out, the modes would be oriented to ground, and speed would have been reactivity. But I was not, so there you go.
  13. Hey All, It was brought to my attention from a friend, that the new Garrett Axiom is just old Minelab technology. I really didn't know how to answer this question, when it was asked. Someone (name not listed) posted this on a social media, so myself and other customers are curious on the validity of it? I'm not sure what Ultra Pulse Technology really is, beyond Garrett's PI version or technology. Curious mind would like to know ....
  14. For everyone with a new Axiom, or anyone considering one, you need to see these threads. I will add more threads if anything else comes along that falls into the "must see" category. Axiom Instructional Video Training Series Axiom Sensitivity - A Must Read For All New Owners! Axiom Focused Core DD Coils - A Must Read For All New Owners! Three Tips For The New Axiom Owner Axiom Ground Noise or EMI? Axiom Detection Modes Explained Axiom Wireless Headphone Report With Options Notes On The Axiom Iron Check Feature Axiom Ground Balance Window- Not Just For Hot Rocks? New - Axiom Experimental Settings Garrett Axiom Owner's Manual Garrett Axiom Specifications Official Garrett Axiom Product Page Forum Threads Tagged "garrett axiom" Garrett Z-Lynk Wireless Audio System Details Garrett Z-Lynk Enabled Pro-Pointer AT Details Garrett Axiom At Nome, Alaska Garrett Axiom vs Minelab GPX 6000 on Small Gold Coin & Relic Detecting With the Garrett Axiom
  15. I just wanted to add for those interested the Axiom baby is on the way Gerry sent the delivery notification today and in delivery terms the ups stork’s flying smooth as silk, it won’t be long… think I’ll name Gerry as the godfather he’s taken such good care up to date, why stop now. thanks Gerry
  16. My part in all this is basically done now, because of the weather, if nothing else. I've put well over 200 hours on the Axiom in the last year, in Nevada, California, Alaska, and Australia. Garrett has implemented a lot of my suggestions, so working with them has been a pleasure in that regard. I think it is a better product for the effort. Gerry has me for total weight, but I've no doubt found more gold nuggets than anyone with the Axiom so far, with a couple ounces of mostly small stuff in my vial now. Now comes the sit back and see part for me, as I am truly as curious to see how the Axiom is received by the general public. In large part though, it is Africa that matters a lot more than the U.S. or even Australia. Results there will be far more opaque to most of us, but it is there that the real success of the Axiom will be gauged by Garrett. 2.57 ounces of gold I found with Axiom in last year. 20.33 grams Nevada and California in upper left, 13.15 grams Australia in upper right, and 36.61 grams Alaska along bottom. The nugget in upper left a gorgeous California 1/4 oz specimen. Smallest nuggets around 0.02 grams. The largest nugget I found was a 10 grammer up at Nome, Alaska. I ended up leaving it with the miners, so it is not pictured with the total, but as found below. The dark coating is manganese oxide, and could be removed with acid. I encouraged the miners to leave it as is as it’s different. I dubbed it “The Black Pearl.” Click or double click photos for full size versions. Gold found by Steve with Garrett Axiom Better picture of that 1/4 oz California nugget And my largest with the Axiom so far, the 10 gram "Black Pearl" from my trip to Alaska. This is the nugget to beat in 2023. Edited just now by Steve Herschbach
  17. This is a bit of a big deal, maybe not for the rest of the World but it is for NZ customers. The Axiom is now priced at a much more reasonable price, now it's priced just under a GPX 6000. A dealer I didn't even know existed now carries it for 8,599.00 NZD for the wireless package and have it in stock. So if any NZ'ers are out there looking for an Axiom it's worth contacting Detectors Downunder, I've honestly never heard of them which is odd, they're a 100% NZ owned business and sell the full Garrett range. The GPX 6000 is currently $8,898.99. They're called Detectors Downunder and they service both Australia and New Zealand. https://detectorsdownunder.co.nz/products/axiom-wireless-package Also, they take care of the warranty should it be required, it's just sent back to them so that's great as that was always a concern with Garrett in NZ and even Aussies shared similar concern, what to do for warranty, so this seems resolved. It's now making the other Garrett dealer in NZ look very bad as they're still trying to sell it for $10,770.81, more than a GPZ 7000. In Australia they also have the Axiom on their Aussie site for $7385 AUD for the wireless package and have it in stock too. https://www.detectorsdownunder.com/garrett-axiom-wireless-package 🙂
  18. As well as any PI discrimination - anyone expecting VLF type discrimination will be disappointed. PI discrimination no matter how you do it is pretty poor with lots of good judgement necessary by the user. When in doubt, dig it out. But light years better than the 6000 in that regard. I get it. Minelab is saying that PI disc sucks, so forcing the issue by not offering the option at all. There is no doubt we should dig all targets. But I think there is also no doubt many of us still cherry pick when faced with too many targets, most being nails. We simply dig what sounds good. If that is indeed our reality, and I think it is for most of us, then having all the disc ability possible for use is a good thing, and so I welcome the Garrett Iron Check feature as just that. Another way of double checking targets in trashy areas. But do not fall into a bad habit of leaning on it a lot all the time. The more naturally occurring iron ground mineral you have, the more risk the system gets fooled, to the point where in heavy magnetite I'd say it's more likely to be fooled than not. The disc is better for coin and relic hunters in one way. If the system tricks me in bad ground and I miss a nice gold nugget, that is a pretty big deal. If I am relic hunting, and it makes me miss a bullet or two, but gets rid of most ferrous, well, that seems more acceptable deal to me at least. Though the relics hunters may beg to differ! If you want to be conservative and use the Iron Check in the safest way, consider using it as a reverse disc system. In other words, many of us get pretty good at picking and choosing targets with a pulse induction detector. Most gold tends to give sweeter high/low tones. Most low/high tones are larger junk (or larger gold nuggets). So people like myself will sometimes focus more on high/low tones and ignore the low/high as nails. But the low/high can be the largest nuggets! So think about this. You are in a nail pit and decide at some point to skip the low/high as being trash targets. OK, so far, that's normal. But now, go ahead and use the Iron Check to verify this. If it gives a consistent iron grunt on a low/high target, it is almost sure to actually be ferrous. If it does not give the grunt or seems unsure, maybe you better dig that one after all. The Iron Check has limitations, first being it does not work at all on the deepest targets. The tones do, but Iron Check only works at 2/3 or half of the full depth. The deepest nails are not going to Iron Grunt. However, a lot of nails are shallower, so this offers a middle ground. Instead of ignoring low/high signals, only ignore low/high signals that also have a solid Iron Grunt. This double check verification is a much less risky strategy. Yes, it does mean you will dig the deeper nails. Sorry, but you can also with good accuracy eliminate all those much more common nails that are just below the surface. Consider also that a deep low/high is not going to be a small nugget; if it's gold, it might just be the biggest nugget you ever dig in your life. You are looking for a trophy nugget in a nail pit, this might help you better your odds. What I am saying here is to use the iron check to make you dig targets you might have otherwise passed on - reverse discrimination. Now what about the small nuggets, the high/low tones, that by nature will be shallower targets? And small ferrous trash, that sounds the same? The ferrous check is also great for small ferrous in milder soils. But again, if in heavy magnetite, be less trustful. Look for reasons to dig, not reasons to skip targets. If the iron grunt is indecisive at all, dig it! When in doubt, dig it out!! A good super magnet on your pick head is a more accurate and very efficient way of dealing with the shallower smaller stuff. A reminder - the Iron Check only works with the Garrett DD coils. Another reason to consider the 11" DD over the 11" mono for hunting the trashy sites.
  19. It took two days to shoot these (more to come), I hope you enjoy them! Garrett Axiom Quick Facts, Owner's Manual, Etc. Garrett Axiom Quick Start From a full reset / factory default, my steps are: Use default sensitivity. The Axiom default sensitivity of 4 is about the same as other detectors maxed out. New users may want to lower to 3, more experienced operators go to 5. Only go above 5 if you are willing to deal with extra noise or have more experience with the detector. over-driving the sensitivity will be the number one mistake made with the Axiom. Volume so that loudest target is not too loud - protect your hearing!. Wave over pick and set. If using headphones, set detector to full volume, and adjust headphones using their own volume controls. Set threshold to suit, for me a bare tone, others may prefer quiet. Go into menu and change Speed from default Medium to Slow (it’s smoother/quieter) Do a ground grab ground balance. Optional. Once all other settings adjusted, do an EMI cancel if it seems necessary. If you use a pinpointer, turn it on and place 3 feet away before doing the EMI cancel. Start detecting, keep the coil low, go slow. Dig all signals, but in heavy nails, low chance of really large gold, focus on sweet high tones. Once the Axiom is set, if you power off, and power back on, all settings are retained. If you ever feel like things are not right for some reason, hold the power button in while powered up, until detector double blips, and screen says 49 49. Power off, back on, and you are back at factory defaults, ready to tune from start. I recommend doing this at any major change of location. or a coil change. Garrett Axiom Tips For Gold Success Important note added 11/22/22 - Do Not Go To Full Sensitivity except for rare situations. This contradicts the video, but Axiom went on steroids after it was shot, so I will be adding an addendum asap. New information on recommended sensitivity settings 11/23/22 Garrett Axiom Volume, Threshold, & Sensitivity Garrett Axiom Tone & Audio Options Garrett Axiom Z-Lynk Wireless Operation Garrett Axiom Stem Length & Cuff Position Garrett Axiom Frequency Scan Garrett Axiom Ground Balance & Hot Rocks Garrett Axiom Ground Tracking Options Garrett Axiom Speed Adjustments (Slow, Medium, Fast) Garrett Axiom Detector Modes (Fine, Normal, Large, Salt) Garrett Axiom Using Iron Check Recharging the Garrett Axiom Battery Wireless Headphone & Occasional Audio Dropout
  20. Open invitation to Garrett. Send me an Axiom and I will soon tell you how well it performs 'down under'. If it performs well, you will tell me to keep it, if not I will send it back. I am not married to any make, and have a reasonable idea of how to use a detector. If it is good, you have nothing to lose, and neither do I.
  21. I hit the hills with the Axiom again early this morning. After a 1 hour hike I arrived several ridges higher above my main patch from last trip. There are faint old-timer workings here and the plan was to make the spot "pay" up. Well, no luck again, skunked for the 5th time. But, I had my aces in the hole, a mini patch and medium patch on the way back to rework to hopefully end the day with some gold. Things turned out ok and I did manage 3 nuggets, the first 2 with the 11x7 mono and last with the 13x11DD. The first was a .33g I missed 10ft. from where my ML SDC 2300 got a 1.62g nugget at the mini patch and later a .14g nugget 3in. down at the medium patch. I swapped in the 13x11DD and got the final nugget a .13g that came out after the first scrape with the pick. The takeaways are gold sources aren't necessarily higher up from patches, the Axiom is very sturdy and nugget #1 was found smashing short bushes where the SDC had been. And the 13x11DD hot spot in the center of the coil found the smallest nugget of the day. I definitely agree with Steve H.'s warning to not try to overdo the sensitivity on the Axiom. I did a factory reset today and repaired my headphones, but ended up using my Sunray Pro Golds. I had the same issues as my first trip with the connection. I kept sensitivity at factory 4 with headphones. Higher is a bit loud on the ears and you start to get ground noises if the ground is highly-mineralized. I ran a bit noiser than I usually do, but all in the name of science. Related to the sensitivity control, I noticed I had to "juggle" settings for threshold, sensitivity and volume to get things sounding smooth and not over-driven. My settings for speaker use and headphone use differ greatly. I used way lower settings for headphones so watch out for that. One nice surprise that I might be imagining is the overload response to targets is shorter than for other PI machines I've used. Nice to get the blaring over with quicker. Maybe the Axiom has a faster recovery speed doing that. Spot #1 today had a part of it burn in a wildfire. I run across spots of carbon from burnt stumps or roots there and they've sounded off using my ML GP3000 and SDC. I did get some noise today too, so the Axiom responds to charcoal like the other PI. However, I ran all day in automatic ground tracking and it smoothed things out a lot so most burn spots weren't an issue. I tried a manual balance for a brief time and those charcoal spots got really noisy, so back to auto ground tracking for me. At times spots of ground get a bit noisy. A few pumps with the ground balance button pressed and back to quiet operation. Very quick and easy to do and works great. The Axiom likes certain hot rocks, but I get the same response to them on my ML GPX 6000 here. I get some occasional extremely heavy, dark magnetite of good size in the area. The larger ones deeper got me excited with faint signals and I dug several. It seems the golf-ball sized ones fooled me. At least those are easy to spot once out of the hole. I know you can tune out hot rocks with the Axiom, but since I only ran across half a dozen there was no need. I'll possibly add more as thoughts occur to me and try to answer any questions people have. I didn't do any empirical testing today, just beep and dig.
  22. Quick question for you guys, do you think an Infinium or atx coil would work on an axiom?I remember reading about Steve putting an Infinium coil on an atx and think he said coils on a pi can often be interchanged without a performance problem but is the connection the same?
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