AT Pro Chatter like crazy

[rotan]

Hi guys,

If you recall, I just purchased my first detector - the AT Pro Int a couple weeks ago. Haven't been able to get out at all because of the weather and time constraints.

So I'm not sure if it's just a noob issue I have or not, but my AT Pro is all over the place with it's signals, even when it's sitting completely still or pointing up in the air at nothing.

I've tried my 5x8 coil and the standard, tried Standard/Pro modes - changed the sensitivity down to 2 and 3 from the top, but it's still giving me signals all over the place and the depth is going crazy as well even if it's not moving.

I've also reset the system a few times.

I get the same results in my basement as I do out in my backyard.

Ground balance doesn't seem to help at all.

I made sure my connections are good with the coil - the batteries are what came with it and they show as full on the display. Any ideas? I'm really worried that I'm either doing something stupid that I'm missing or I was sent a defective unit.


Appreciate any help/advice - was really hoping to go on my first official hunting tomorrow but I'm afraid I won't be able to with these kind of results.

 

[Johnho]

I've had this happen if I turn it on with the coil sitting on the floors in my house. Doesn't make any difference if carpet or tile it seems sometimes. Have to reset and then turn it back on and all is well. How close are you to power lines?

 

[rotan]

You know what I think that might be my problem - power lines - they are underground where I live. I went out into the night along the edge of our parking lot and had a lot less chatter. My first 2 digs were a pull-tab/can top and foil lol. I stopped only because the neighbors son had amassed a group of his pothead friends right beside me and it made me feel too uncomfortable being night and all.

Needless to say, the feeling of digging for my first time was a lot more fun than I ever expected, my heart was racing as to what piece of history I could be pulling out of the ground when I hit those higher tones. I can't wait to go out (weather permitting) with my oldest and see if we can actually score something that isn't junk tomorrow or Saturday.

I didn't realize how hard it would be to dig in the correct location after hitting a signal. First time was a doozy, second dig I was more accurate. I made a mess of those 2 holes but made sure to cover them back up, I think that will be the last time I dig around my complex until I gain more experience digging plugs. Where I live there used to be a 1830's farm house half a block down the street - really hoping I can find a piece of history in the near future.


Thanks again for the suggestion of the power lines, it totally slipped my mind!

 

[Sailorman]

Sounds like EMI for sure. Often times switching freq will help. Pinpointing will get better with experience!

 

[huntingsonny]

 

[JOE in MD]

Mine did the same thing and I sent it in, I just got it back from garrett yesterday. less then a week trun around time. Customer Service is great.

 

[rotan]

Ended up going out on Saturday with my oldest son and found 3 modern quarters and 2 modern pennies - had no issues at all with the machine. Also pulled out a key and a spider-man token which I gave my two youngest - seemed to make their day

 

[JOE in MD]

You might have interfernce around your house. I know I do when I use a detector in my yard. Glad it's working for you. have fun!

 

[ralph]

I've an underground dog fence, cant get close to it unless do a frequency change or unplug it(the dog fence). Freq change helps but doesn't totally get rid of the emi, it does make it useable though.