Converting from ID Machines?

[Architex]

I have always been interested in tesoro machines because of their size, weight, reputation, etc. I currently have 2 different ID machines. My question concerns the learning curve I would have if I got - say - a Vaquero. I sure would miss what I can tell about a target ID, even when it bounces around, and the probable target depth that my machines indicate but it's obvious that some of you folks can tell a lot about targets with non-ID Tesoros. Others of you just seem to "dig it all" ( which is not a bad idea with any detector).

The ID Tesoros don't seem to be as good as the non ID's from what I can gather from this forum.

I mostly coin and jewelry hunt in low mineralization dirt, parks and playgrounds.

And yes, I know I qould be better off to really learn ONE machine and let it go at that but hey - more toys are better, right?

Probably a dumb question and not well put but I would appreciate a thoughtful answer.

 

[Pap]

Well I guess the question is a bit like "Apples & Oranges" and I am certain you will receive opinions on why one is better than the other. Here is mine. What is it that you DON"T like about the TID detectors you are using? The TID detector can be used as a "Beep & Dig" unit if you open the discrimination and dig all signals. The non-TID detector can be used to discriminate targets by determining where certain targets fall on the discrimination scale and turning the discrimination knob to see where the target drops out. Is either one totally accurate? Of course not. Will either one miss good targets if discrimination is used? Definitely yes! If, you are nealy curious then maybe I would buy the Vaquero and learn the detector as well as as you possibly can. If what you want is a detector to dig shallower coins and a moderate amount of jewelry with a fairly high degree of certainty the TID will be your best bet. All you need do is dig the VDI numbers that "lock on" and ignore the rest. If, instead, what you want to find are those targets left by others than the TID units can leave a bit to be desired in my opinion. Oh yea, the "Beep & Dig" units can also be used to be to "Cherry Pick" an area without accessing the menu with only a quick turn of the discrimination dial. Sorry, I guess I didn't really answer your question but hopefully gave you something to think about.
Pap

 

[Architex]

Thanks for your reply.

I didn't explain well. I am fully aware of ID units abilities and shortcomings. I am just wondering how hard it is to get reasonably good with a Vaquero or Tejon. Total overkill since I already have two machines but as I said, I am kind of fascinated with Tesoro machines and am trying to get a handle on whether it would be worth it to get one. I realize that only I can really answer that but any comments would help.

 

[tabdog]

n/t

 

[Pap]

My bad...I should have added one more comment. If you are proficient with a TID detector you most certainly should have little difficulty with any of the Tesoro non-TID detectors.
Pap

 

[jbow]

I don't know about the Vac but the Tejon is a really fine detector. Tesoro detectors have a stability that other detectors do not have, IMO. They work very well in iron too. There is another thing about Tesoro machines, the 5.75 coil really, really improves the performace. I found that to be true with both the Tejon and with a Cortes I had. They both became whole new machines.

You won't regret it if you get one, just be sure to get the 5.75 concentric coil to go with it, you'll never take it off.

Julien

 

[Architex]

Great replies, thanks guys. Helps a lot.

I'll probably get a Vaquero.

 

[Wayne/TX]

Gee, for me it's a no-brainer. I'm an old school detectorist and the best way for me to detect has
always been by just listening to the SOUNDS of targets according to my disc. setting. The
ID units are not that effective and are too limited in accuracy at depth, anyway.
The Vaquero or Cibola or Tejon will meet any user's best wishes, with a very short learning
curve. In low mineral grounds I'd just opt for the Cibola and the Vaquero will perform just as
well as the Tejon for most high mineral areas.
..W

 

[Wayne/TX]

It's true that the Vaquero should fill all your needs and the learning curve is
so short you'll not even notice it, especially in low mineral soils. Just
"beep and dig"! The Cibola is really all you need though, in low minerals.
I've used ID units too, but I just prefer the pure SOUND units. But my
unit of choice is actually the Golden for it's perfect 4-TONE ID. Tone ID
is my favorite ID choice anyway. I've gotten used to guessing the depth
pretty well without a meter, just sound. But always use Headphones!
..W

 

[jabbo]

I bought a Vaquero then 6 months later got a Cortes. The Cortes meter helps me ID pulltabs easier/quicker near picnic table areas. Where there is little trash I dig all targets. I like the Cortes better only because the meter makes it quicker and easier to get a clue and get a depth reading. I search for jewelry, mostly in parks. Side by side the end result is probably 90% or better in digging the same targets but the Cortes makes a 3 hour search a little easier.

 

[Monte]

others, like me, who are more diversified hobbyists hunting a wide range of sites. The ones who have put in the time, with open minds, to learn and master BOTH types of detectors and appreciate the strengths and weaknesses they each provide.


[quote Architex]I have always been interested in tesoro machines because of their size, weight, reputation, etc. I currently have 2 different ID machines. My question concerns the learning curve I would have if I got - say - a Vaquero. I sure would miss what I can tell about a target ID, even when it bounces around, and the probable target depth that my machines indicate but it's obvious that some of you folks can tell a lot about targets with non-ID Tesoros. Others of you just seem to "dig it all" ( which is not a bad idea with any detector).[/quote]Tesoro has always had a good reputation for customer service and have a great Lifetime Warranty.


You are correct that there is some useful information to be gained with a good Target ID detector, whether it is a lock-on reading or one that "bounces" because inconsistent, jumpy display read-outs can be useful. The beauty of having some form of visual TID is that you do NOT have to use it at all. The drawback to having a visual display for some people is that because it is there they THINK they have to use it, all the time, and some fall into the trap of anticipating a "perfect" ID lock-on from every good target. Way too often they waste so much time on a single target by sweeping from different angles, at different sweep speeds, repeatedly, trying to make the TID tell them a located target is good. The savvy detectorist, with or without a visual display might hear a good, or reasonably good, audio 'hit,' realize it is more "coin-like" than it is "trash-like", based upon their discriminate level, the audio response characteristics, and that it's most likely shallow. They'll quickly pinpoint and recover the target, check the spot, then be on their way to the next target while the 'novice' is still trying to make a TID tell them what a target is with a good TID.

Certainly, in such a situation the avid detectorist could have a visual display and give it a quick glance, but that's just for some supportive information. The decision to recover the target had already been made, in most cases. Sometimes I know that I, and others, like a little added info of what a target MIGHT be so that we can look for a particular size or color of target. The difference between knowing a 'beep' might have come from a copper penny Vs a larger and possibly shiny quarter, for example.

Note two terms that I have used in the above comments. Hobbyist and Detectorist. I categorize them differently. To me, a lot of people fall into the category of a "Hobbyist" and a lesser number fit my description of a "Detectorist". Anyone who goes out metal detecting in search of coins or jewelry or relics can be a "hobbyist," and it is not determined by the cost or features of the metal detector they use. I have some very good friends I enjoy ghost town hunting with, and their whole family has been very successful since they started in 1985. They have found thousands, no not hundreds, but thousands of old coins to include more Indian Head 1

 

[Michigan Badger]

Most people don't understand how to use the TID.

The TID is NOT a TV set screen or ex-ray machine monitor. It's a meter that basically delivers patterns of readouts that can mean something significant in any given area if properly understood.

My main machine today is the Minelab Sovereign GT. I had the Explorer II and hated it. I returned to the GT. But I also like Tesoros, especially the DeLeon.

The GT and DeLeon are my personal choices for working land sites.

Here's how the DeLeon works. It has decent depth on coins (6-8 inches and sometimes deeper). It will produce a certain consistent readout on certain targets in a certain area. I can easily tell zinc pennies from older copper pennies. The "beep" on these sounds exactly the same TO ME but the meter separates the two types of coins.

Gold jewelry is easily found once one learns the unique meter patterns for gold buried in with iron trash.

See, the Tesoro meter wasn't meant to be what some think. Actually, no brand of meter is really what most buyers think at first.

We could say that meters do what tones do; they give the hunter that extra edge in determining the essence of any potential target.

Tesoro does make great meter machines (the Cortes and DeLeon).

Badger

 

[GaryL]

A extra detector is always nice to back up your arsenal, however what ya got now should do any job you want tabdog

HH

GaryL ....

 

[tabdog]

n/t