Seeking Advice For Trip To Alaska

[Bohemia Miner]

I’ve booked a trip for a week in July at AK/AU Gold Camp in Nome.

They do rent Metal detectors and they’re part of the package.  Other than the Gold Monster 1000 and Nox 800, I’m not too familiar with the other Minelab products they might have available.

I was thinking about taking my Garrett Axiom.  I have two concerns. First, what’s the best way to get it there?  I’ve heard that Lithium batteries should not ride in an unpressurized area like a cargo hold.  I suppose I could carry it on in the convenient backpack everything fits in.

Second, how will it handle the Alaskan ground?  I’ve heard that VLF machines work better there.

Thanks in advance!

[GotAU?]

44 minutes ago, Bohemia Miner said:

I’ve booked a trip for a week in July at AK/AU Gold Camp in Nome.

They do rent Metal detectors and they’re part of the package.  Other than the Gold Monster 1000 and Nox 800, I’m not too familiar with the other Minelab products they might have available.

I was thinking about taking my Garrett Axiom.  I have two concerns. First, what’s the best way to get it there?  I’ve heard that Lithium batteries should not ride in an unpressurized area like a cargo hold.  I suppose I could carry it on in the convenient backpack everything fights in.

Second, how will it handle the Alaskan ground?  I’ve heard that VLF machines work better there.

Thanks in advance!

Sounds like it’s going to be a great trip!

Cargo holds on commercial airlines are pressurized, but they are not heated and may get cold- which is also bad for lithium batteries.  

As for permitted battery sizes, I made a mistake and edited this. The FAA limits lithium ion batteries to 100 Wh in the cargo hold, but yours is apparently 76Wh and so it can go there if you want:

https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/more_info/?hazmat=7

Also check the Canadian regulations about batteries to be sure.

[Ridge Runner]

For me I say make your detectors a carry on. You may not have any clothing but you can nugget hunt.

 I was thinking about going there myself this year. I’ve been there before with another but this to me is going first class when someone else is doing the cooking.

 Chuck 

[Steve Herschbach]

Batteries built into devices may be packed in baggage. The issues arise with loose or spare batteries, which must be carried on. I flew with Axiom to both Alaska and Australia with detector simply packed in checked luggage. Been doing that with every detector and trip for decades, never had an issue. Have fun and good luck!

 

[Steve Herschbach]

As far as ground, that’s not generally the issue in Alaska. A PI will get more depth but you are hunting trash filled tailing piles. The VLF even though it’s not getting the depth may be a better way to go if digging too much deep trash slows you down too much. On the other hand, if the locations have been well hunted with VLF, only a PI will keep a person in the game. The best solution is pack both, as you should never go to Alaska with only one detector anyway. Cheap insurance against a failure.

 

[Bohemia Miner]

Thanks for the link, Steve, and the battery info!  I was hoping that you might weigh in on this.

Looks like I'll be taking the Axiom.  The compact backpack will allow me to carry it on the plane.

[GaryC/Oregon Coast]

If they bunk you up with someone, be sure to take some EAR PLUGS!  Made my trip bearable from the snoring at night.  Plus those Thermacell mosquito units worked pretty good for me, I went in the month of July, years ago.   GaryC/Oregon Coast

[Bohemia Miner]

16 minutes ago, GaryC/Oregon Coast said:

If they bunk you up with someone, be sure to take some EAR PLUGS!  Made my trip bearable from the snoring at night.  Plus those Thermacell mosquito units worked pretty good for me, I went in the month of July, years ago.   GaryC/Oregon Coast

Already in my suitcase, Gary. Ear plugs are a must while traveling with others!

Thanks!

 

[Bohemia Miner]

16 hours ago, Steve Herschbach said:

As far as ground, that’s not generally the issue in Alaska. A PI will get more depth but you are hunting trash filled tailing piles. The VLF even though it’s not getting the depth may be a better way to go if digging too much deep trash slows you down too much. On the other hand, if the locations have been well hunted with VLF, only a PI will keep a person in the game. The best solution is pack both, as you should never go to Alaska with only one detector anyway. Cheap insurance against a failure.

 

What settings did you use the most, Steve?

Thanks!