A couple of questions about GBing and tracking.

[KurtB]

What is the best way to ground balance in very trashy areas. I hunted a spot over the weekend that I couldn't find a clean area. I set the gb to a value that is common to this area. I also tried tracking. As I understand it, tracking keeps the gb updated as you hunt. If this is so, wouldn't the gb be off when it updates over trash? My x70 seemed very unstable in this spot even with the sens. turned way down. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Jackpine Savage]

Hi Kurt,

Setting the GB to a common value was the right choice IMO. The instability may have been simply from a multitude of targets constantly under the coil. Did you try noise cancelling?

Tracking circuits are designed so as to not update over a target and should have had no effect on what you experienced.

Tom

 

[KurtB]

No, I didn't try noise cancelling. Dang, I forgot the x70 even had it. I will have to try it the next time I get to this spot. I bet that new 6" coil would have helped. Thanks for the advice.

Kurt.

 

[Digger]

You are correct in stating the GB could be "off" when it updates over trash. According to page 42 of the manual,
Tracking constantly adjusts the GB by following the ground conditions. Since tracking updates the GB automatically, repeated passes over a target may result in the X-70 balancing to the target instead of the ground, diminishing the target signals.

My suggestion would be to check your NC as Tom indicated. Then, GB the detector at the nearest "target free" area to the one you are hunting. It won't be a perfect match. But then again, ground phase varies all the time. At least setting it close will get you in the ballpark. Doing it as you indicated may be the best you can get, depending on the amount of trash. Frankly, I seldom use Tracking. And, I Never use Tracking in those extremely trashy places. JMHO HH Randy

 

[KurtB]

n/t

 

[Elton]

So Digger You are saying if you use tracking over a period of time, or repeatedly, going over a target to isolate the target. Our 70's can balance out the target.
Would that account for the times I have picked up a good target number in high trash parks and trying to isolate it, have the target disappear?.Then.have the machine lock on a different sometimes junk target. If I understand you, a locked in ground balance, is better, even if not perfect in high trash areas.Would this cause a significant loss in depth or minimal Sir?Do you lower the sensitivity keeping the machine stable? Or do you run higher sens trying for the deep buried Silver coins.

 

[Digger]

Elton, Setting the proper GB level is basically the same thing as having the detector "discriminate out" the effects of that ground. The Tracking mode is designed to "continually modify" the GB level of your detector based on changes in ground conditions under the coil. As such, a "fast recovery" detector with Auto Tracking will nullify targets that they consider to be part of the ground matrix. If you are sweeping along in an area with moderate or little trash, the X-70 will not balance out targets. But if you repeatedly wiggle the coil over the same target, the X-70 will eventually recognize that specific target as part of the soil composition and ignore it. Once you "move on" the X-70 will readjust the GB based on whatever is under the coil at any specific moment. My recommendation for those using Tracking is to turn the Tracking off when pinpointing or "Xing" over the target. This is done automatically by pressing the Pinpoint pad. (the GB level will remain at the most recent level chosen by the X-70 while Tracking. So turn it off before you "X"over the target) Once you get the target located, press the Pinpoint pad again, turning the Tracking back on, and continue your hunt.

Personally, the sites I hunt allow me to run the sensitivity at or near max. I get some falsing. But over the years, I have learned to ignore the chatters. Worst case scenerio is that I have to sweep the coil over the same spot and listen for consistency. The only time I lower my sensitivity is when I don't want the coil to be as "hot". This may reduce the depth of detection. But it allows me maximum target separation. (e.g. 6-inch coil in heavy trash.)

JMHO HH Randy

 

[James/Washington]

to what Randy just posted. He is 100% RIGHT on target. Pay attention to his post! The last paragraph is SO important and says a lot. If you will learn your detector and hunt like that, you will do well!!!!!!!!!

 

[Elton]

Thank you"Digger" I have a much better understanding of GB and trash areas now.You have as always been a big help.
In fact I tried out your way about 30 minutes ago. It does work better not using ground track in trash areas.I cranked up Sens. and got some chatter, I also got a couple of Wheat pennies located in the trash.My best guess is there is some Silver left in the area for me to find. Correct me if I am wrong.Would this not work on any tracking detector? I have always used tracking on, and have paid the price of loosing the target or just finding junk after slow sweeping the coil over a good number reading when first hitting the target area.There have been times I did find a coin, but I also am pretty sure I have tracked out the good target more than once. I usually do not pinpoint in big trash areas relying on the number read out. I do see now how that has limited my good finds.I just thought the pull tabs were reading higher and missed the good target when I moved the coil a little right or left. This 70 is a little tricky...

 

[Digger]

Elton, I do believe that any detector that has both Auto Tracking, and a fast reset speed (like the X-Terra), will have the tendency to react similarly to the X-70. But then again, how many other detectors have the fast reset speed of the X-Terra AND it's super fast tracking?

The more I use my X-Terras, the more things I like about it. The concept behind the design characteristics of the X-Terra platform has so much potential, it almost scares me! HH Randy

 

[Elton]

Yes it is a very excellent detector...But I also use an XLT and I just wondered if the same applied.........