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Another question or two...

A

Anonymous

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Went out today on my 7th trip with the Explorer and dug two 10 inch targets. 40 Merc and 36 walking half in a short period of time. Does cross
hair in low pitch area and getting high pitch mean one is catching up with the other or is this caused by trash in immediate area.? Used the old Sov. wiggle and seemed to work well...Also never had much problem pinpointing because my experience with the Sov., but today both targets were pinpointed slightly to the right of target
and the rim of coin was visible on left side of hole...any ideas where I goofed or am I expecting too much being used to a concentric coil..? Thanks ahead of time...By the way both were very accurately displayed on screen and see no reason for an overlay....
 
I had to pinpoint it with the DFX... <IMG SRC="/forums/images/ohwell.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":">
I've been trying to give the Explorer a good, fair and honest trial. I've been hunting exclusively with it the last several trips out. But, I had got to the point that I have it up for sale on the Buy/sell forum. Not that it is really unimpressive to me. It was just that it didn't significantly out perform the DFX. Nor does the DFX significantly out perform the Explorer. Not wanting to tout one above the other here. Don't even want to go there...
But, I don't seem to get the depth that I see others claim on these forums. I know that sometimes that is overstated, but I have a pretty good feel for the reliability of some of contributors and I know most of them make valid claims. Therefore, I knew I must be the one messing up somewhere. So today, I took the day strictly learn.
I went to an old school. It is now a community center and was probably built in the 20s or 30s. I was listening for a coin tone that was repeatable and deep. I finally had a hit that was about 3/4 of the depth meter. I tried to pinpoint by using the pinpoint pushbutton and taking the cross-readings 90 degrees apart. From there, I used the Periscope to try to locate the exact position of the target to dig. I could not find it.
Finally I went back to the truck and got my DFX out. It had a DD coil on also, so I thought I might not be able to pinpoint any better with it. However it did pinpoint off about 4" from where the Explorer did. I used the Periscope again, and hit it first try. The target was 8" down as the meter seemed to suggest. By the way, the DFX heard the target and properly IDed too, but I will say the Explorer gave stronger report back.
So, I dug down 8" to the target. I expected to find silver, but it was a 73 clad dime. Oh well...
The next deep hit was a little deeper. This time the pinpointing was closer and I found it with the Periscope with only a few trys. It was a memorial penny at 10". I guess they added some dirt on the playground or something.
At least now I've learned what everyone is talking about with depth. I was worried there for awhile. But, it was me. I think I may just change my mind and keep it. I liked having it anyway, even if I didn't know how to use it.
Now, my next challenge is to make finds like the ones I see on these forums.
I know Dan is just getting started with his Explorer too, and I'm encouraged with his progress, and now I'm encouraged with mine.
HH Alton
 
I was hoping you would keep it a little longer.I saw that you had it for sale and was a little sad that you were not going to keep it long enough to really get comfortable with it.I felt,my opinion of course,that when I had read your previous reports,that you wasn't getting the most out of the Explorer yet.They were great reports and very unbiased,I just felt you were not reaching the full potential with your limited time with it.I am not saying it will go deeper than the DFX,just that it will go deeper than you had with it at the time.
I hope you keep it long enough to be as confident with it as you are with the DFX and then do some more comparisons.Don't care the outcome,just think it would be more fair with equal experience on both.I know with winter rapidly approaching that you may not get much more time out before spring.The pinpointing will come.
So,how did the DFX do on the Memorial?
Great job,I am glad you don't think we are all full of B.S. anymore! <IMG SRC="/forums/images/biggrin.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":D">
 
You kind of lost me.Are you saying that you are getting a high tone but the crosshairs are staying low?This happens to me when there is a low tone target near by or in the same hole.Which would also be why your pinpoint was off.Sometimes if you can't get a pinpoint at all on the deeper target,you just need to dig the shallow target and get it out of the way.Most times you can get the pinpoint it just takes a long time to get the pinpoint seperated from the shallow target.
 
Could be there was a largere piece of iron where you were pinpointing? personally on the deep ones and even not so deep ones I prefer to pinpoint with the disc mode, just getting over it where the signal is strongest and turning 90 degrees, seldom have to take more than a 5 inch wide plug using that method, and if I am off the X1 probe will find it and I can just dig nto the side of the whole without rewidening the plug.. it will get deeper than what your getting, just really gotta listen for the faint hits and work the target to bring the audio up, general rule is the the good targets will get better and the bad targets signal will get worse when working those iffy deep ones
 
I do that often, sometimes a deep coin near surface crown cap will not allow for pinpoint, better off digging the trash target first, thats why I dont disc anything out, I like to hear all targets and know when I get a high tone with funny crosshair readings whats causing it
 
I'm known for irritating Cheri to some degree for working a signal for 30 minutes before digging. I noticed that an iffy gets better within a few swings, but if you keep working it sometimes the signal tries to disappear and I get a fair amount of iron sounds instead. I get this even on silver but more often on very green coppers. Just thought this was interesting.
 
I hunt with DFX's quite often and we double check real signals in the field, they get a signal but like you discovered, the DFX signal is weak and iffy by comparison. I found a couple deep silvers and a deep large cent recently that the DFX registered as very iffy, most likely iron. All were 10+ inches. I'm not knocking the DFX, but I think it needs a bigger coil maybe for coins at that depth.
 
Well, I think maybe overdoing it might cause you to lose a deep target, I more or less meant that on the initial hits that sound good, working them a few times from each direction the good ones get better and bad ones get worse. Carl at Minelab was telling me that one of the techs said keeping the coil over a deep target too long sometimes will over saturate the ground with eddy currents and the explorer may not respond to the target after a while.. So if you work it too long and it disappears, might be a good idea to take the coil away for a minute or so and recheck
 
I've had similar problems with pinpointing my targets. And I have a few thoughts on it.
What I have begun to notice is that the double-d coil seems to be most sensative at the edges and the center (basically, directly under solid parts of the coil). The edge of the coil is almost exactly 4 inches away from the center of the coil - which matches where your coin was found.
Anyhow, what happens is that the Explorer sees the good target as it is introduced into the field under the coil and announces the good target. If there is trash that comes under the coil afterwards (or is now moved under the hottest parts of the coil), it can chop the tone over to either a mixed or trash sound.
Using the WOT made me rethink pinpointing. There is just too much coil to sniff around with the pinpoint mode. So, I use the edging method as described in the XS manual.
Finally, the pinpoint mode doesn't have the signal strength of the detector when it is in normal mode. If you have a deep coin and the pinpoint is solid, you might want to keep looking 'cause that probably isn't your target. The deeper stuff sounds weaker and the rumble is very slow.
I'd also suggest a little more liberal use of the Periscope. Get agressive with it! If you have a target that you are only getting when you swing one direction and can't find it where you think that the center should be, then plant the periscope 3 or 4 inches in the direction of the swing and see if the target is in the area. I know that isn't what you are looking for, but hey, you <i>have</i> the gear to handle the situation.
And once you pinpoint it with the Periscope, you have the distinct advantage of being able to come back over the target and to try and learn WHY your were off on the pinpoint in the first place. Ironmask -16 will help you figure that out.
I hope that something I wrote was useful. I've only had my XS for 10 weeks, so be sure to temper my observations appropriately <IMG SRC="/forums/images/wink.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=";)">
Tim
 
We hunt all year here. East Tennessee is fun place. We usually get a few snows each year, and it doesn't get quite as hot as it does in most of the south in the summer. It is the mountains I think. The ground does not freeze and stay frozen. If you don't mind a little cold, you can hunt year-round. So, my hunting season is not ending any time soon.
I only pulled the DFX out to pinpoint the one target, so I didn't try it on the penny. As I mentioned, I meant to work exclusively with the Explorer, and I mean to give it a fair shake even if I end up getting rid of it someday.
But do you know what? If I do someday get rid of it, I will still be anxiously awaiting any new releases from Minelab. My findings so far with the Explorer are just that, findings. In no way are they scientific, and in no way slams. Sure, there are things that I would like to be better about it, but that could be said of any detector. I plan to post someday soon with my futuristic ramblings about my hopes for new detectors. But for right now, I'm happy with what I have! Imagine that?
That does not mean I know how to get the most out of my detectors yet. That is okay too. I still haven't had my first year of detecting behind me. I'm still a newbie, especially to the Explorer. So I enjoy learning and I am quite fascinated yet with this new hobby. On the other hand, I am pleased with the progress that I have attained. I've found things that I'm thrilled with. Probably not as impressive as some of the finds posted on the forums, but I have had a few "finds of the month" at our local club meetings. And that is better than I actually thought I would do in the beginning.
This really should not have any connotations about the Explorer, and if it is taken that way, I'm miscommunicating, but so far, I have not had any good finds (I've only found clad -ok) with the Explorer. All of my silver, old coins, and Civil war relics were found with the DFXs or XLT. To me, that really doesn't mean anything too much. I feel like location usually plays the most important roll in that. But, I do think that it plays with my mind some too. I have had it (Explorer) where the DFX has found silver and old finds, and came up empty with the Explorer. I think it is just one of those "on any given day" type of things. I don't think it is the detector.
In fact, I find a little humor in it because I'm stubborn as a mule and I'm sure it would be funny to see from a distance, and sometimes I have to get a little distance from it. Whew! I work way too hard at it.
I think that is the issue too, not just for me, but for many, as we work too hard at it and somehow miss something. But, I will keep chipping away at it and hopefully continue to read about good tips and advice on here. Like I said, I'm stubborn, but eventually things sink in.
Thanks for all the help...
Alton
 
Tried putting together several of the tips on making the <IMG SRC="/forums/images/ml.gif" BORDER=0 ALT="m~"> XS perform, but still batn' zero.
Slowed the sweep speed way down, checked all the iffy readings by switching over to Iron mask, and used manual Sensitivity at about 24 or 26. Even hunted in the Iron Mask mode for a little while. Now <u>that</u> was a real joy. For my outing I got this really nice zip tab (not the ring, just the flattened tab), dug three aluminum screwcaps, the top of an alum. can, two Lincoln memorials sitting on top of the ground... <i><b>and some very cold hands</b></i>. All that from an old section of a park that hasn't been graded or disturbed since the late 1800s. Go figure.... <IMG SRC="/forums/images/frown.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":(">
If I <b>ever</b> take a coin from greater than 5 or 6 inches, I will be absolutely astonished.
 
It will find coins waaaay deeper than 5-6" I think the problem mostly is your attitude.You are convinced it will not go deep so you are swinging with zero confidence.Confidence in your detector is the key to success with any detector.I bet you had absolute confidence in your other detectors when you used to detect in the early 80's.Why not now?Because you think you just shelled out a S*%t load of money for junk is why.You need to get that out of your head right now.Have no fear,if you give up on it,you can put it right on ebay and get most if not all of your money back.Keep a clear head and keep telling yourself you will find deep coins,because you will.If you get frustrated,just stop,take a break,smoke a cig,punch a tree,choke a cat,do whatever you do to vent,cause you aint going to find s%#t while you are pi$$ed,that is a fact! <IMG SRC="/forums/images/wink.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=";)">
I can picture you snarling every time you look at it. <IMG SRC="/forums/images/smile.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":)">
Have you even been on the main forum and looked at the finds people make with it?That might help boost your confidence.Cold weather has set in,so set your preferences to a couple weeks back and look through some of the posts.It won't be long before you start posting good stuff too.I have faith in ya! <IMG SRC="/forums/images/biggrin.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":D">
 
<i>"...Confidence in your detector is the key to success with any detector..."</i>
Gosh, you're beginning to make this sound almost like a Zen experience. I admit one needs to gain an amount of confidence in the tools they use, but in general, confidence is born out of little successes, and little successes tend to foster bigger ones. Near as I can figure the circuitry in the XS has <u>no</u> way of knowing what I think about it right now, neither will it perform differently as a result of my thinking. I think we have to remember that we are not talking about a dowsing rod here, and in that instance your thinking <u>will</u> and <u>does</u> influence the end result.
<i>"...Because you think you just shelled out a S*%t load of money for junk is why..."</i>
Well, I'll tell you what... you show me someone who is tickled to death to pour their money down a rat hole, or throw it to the wind; and I'll show you a damn fool or someone who is independently wealthy and could care less.
I'm not through with this thing yet, but I'm rapidly running out of ideas as to how to make it work. This afternoon I got permission to work some private ground that should be a lot less trashy... we'll see what happens.
 
Rosario,
This was my first year with the Explorer, and I found lots of good coins. I too had spent several years in the past hunting with other detectors. I assure you, the Explorer is much better than the old detectors we once used. I think one of the things I was doing wrong with mine at first was digging to many questionable, weak, and iffy signals. I wanted to get that old deep coin. The Explorer will pick up a coin at the 8+ inch depth quite easily. Here are my tips: Go slower than what you went with your old detectors; Keep the coil level and as close to the ground as you can; Wait for a repeatable signal in the coin range, 22-30 in the digital mode, or upper right hand corner on the smart screen that registers half way down or more on the depth meter; Run your coil over a dime once in a while just to keep that sound fresh in your brain. I'm in Iowa, which is not that old compared to the Eastern States, but I have still found several seated dimes, lots of barber coins, and about 50 Indian Head Pennies. In fact I find more old silver than the later issued silver coins. It did take a little to get use to it, but IT'S NOT THAT TOUGH! You can do it! HH
Doug
 
<i>"I'm not through with this thing yet, but I'm rapidly running out of ideas as to how to make it work."</i> Have you even had it a week yet?This detector takes months of use to become comfortable with it.Not three or four times out with it.
I still say you are swinging the coil way to fast.You got to creep along slow.If you don't,you will get a cluster of tones and will not get them seperated from each other.Jim Volkes said it best,<i>"it is like painting the ground and the coil is your brush."</i>
Take two pieces of tape and put them on the floor 3 feet apart.Then with your detector off start with the middle of your coil over the one tape and swing it to the middle of the coil on the second piece.During this swing count <b>3 FULL SECONDS!</b> if you are swinging any faster than that,you are swinging too fast.1 foot a second is the best swing speed,IMO,for a new user to get deep.I have had mine over a year now and still have to tell myself to slow down.
Well,that is about all I know to tell you to try and help you out.
I really do wish you luck with it.
<marquee><font size=5><font color=red><IMG SRC="/forums/images/biggrin.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":D">I deleted most of what I wrote because I am a nice guy! <IMG SRC="/forums/images/biggrin.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":D"></font></marquee>
 
<marquee><font size=5><font color=blue><IMG SRC="/forums/images/biggrin.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":D">I can tell you're a really nice guy... so am I. <IMG SRC="/forums/images/biggrin.gif" BORDER=0 ALT=":D"></font></marquee>
I really don't think swing speed is <u>my</u> answer, because I've already slowed it <b>way</b> down --but I'll keep your admonition in mind.
 
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