CTX 3030 Target Separation... more than a random choice

[Digger]

By matching the signal processing of the CTX 3030 to the site you are hunting, certain Target Separation modes should provide better results than others. I outlined this in a recent post I made for Minelab's TreasureTalk blog......

http://www.minelab.com/usa/treasure-talk/ctx-3030-target-separation-more-than-a-random-choice

HH Randy

 

[DukeOBass]

Thanks Randy! Very helpful!

 

[MartinR]

Hi Randy

Ferrous-Coin would be the better option for the beach then correct ?

Marty

 

[horikindaguy]

thanks digger, this is helpful but it 'keys' in on the mineralization level as the determining factor for mode and the only thing I know in my area is that my 'suggested' sensitivity levels are low, at times single digits even. I've been using FC, combined, auto +3 most of the time and am having some success but wonder if I could do better with other settings.
Are the low 'suggested' values I get 'telling' me to use high trash or even GC?

I wish that if the CTX 'knows' the mineralization level as being l/m/h it would just indicate it.....

cheers...

 

[GateKeeper]

thanks digger, this is helpful but it 'keys' in on the mineralization level as the determining factor for mode and the only thing I know in my area is that my 'suggested' sensitivity levels are low, at times single digits even. I've been using FC, combined, auto +3 most of the time and am having some success but wonder if I could do better with other settings.
Are the low 'suggested' values I get 'telling' me to use high trash or even GC?

I wish that if the CTX 'knows' the mineralization level as being l/m/h it would just indicate it.....

cheers...

Your suggested sensitivity is a very good indication of high mineralization. GC or High Trash would most likely be a better choice. What I have found is that if the suggested sensitivity falls at 14 and below, you might want to start thinking about GC or HT. If your machine still acting a bit erratic, then a ground balance would quiet the CTX down quite a bit.

 

[DukeOBass]

Thanks! Very helpful. I will keep an eye on my suggested sensitivity.

 

[doc1964]

Good information Randy - thanks!

 

[Digger]

Salt water beaches typically have low levels of magnetic mineralization. If you are able to hunt your beach with a Sensitivity setting above 20, then I'd suggest the mineralization is low to moderate. If that is the situation where you hunt, then the deciding factor of which Separation mode I used would be the trash I was encountering. If the area had a small amount of modern trash, I'd start out in Low Trash Separation. If it were loaded with modern trash, I'd' likely use High Trash Separation. However, if the trash is ferrous trash, I'd certainly start out with Ferrous Coin Separation. HH Randy

 

["Dr.Tones"]

Great stuff digger! Thanks!

 

[Digger]

Without being able to properly identify and label the ground phase being implemented, all we can do is make an educated guess as to how mineralized our sites might be. In addition to what GateKeeper stated..... remember that the Sensitivity setting on the CTX 3030 controls the detector

 

[poljana]

Great info Randy! I'm new to the CTX and this was very helpful!!

 

[PMonday]

I get it, this kind of info is why I joined and frequent this forum. Thank You.

I have been using the CTX since christmas 2012 and I really like the machine. I previously used a Explorer XS since 2000 and it seems antiquated compared to the CTX, in both form and function. The XS is my backup detector.


I can review all the manuals and videos on the CTX I want, but sometimes I just don't get it. I have a much better understanding of the target separation modes now. Maybe I ought to refer back to the manual and I'll retain even more direction of use. Heck with that idea I'm going hunting!


HH


Phillip

 

[horikindaguy]

thanks for the response Randy, I'll try shifting to the other modes over the same ground and see how it goes. another question I have is "will the max depth I can expect, staying with auto+3, (which I like to use), change along with mode changes?", ie with a more 'correct' mode based on the ground, could I expect more depth? I've always gotten the impression that with the 'low' suggested sense values I'm getting that I'm missing out on the 'deeper' keepers. I've tried manual sense but just can't get the hang of it with all the racket and I'm a firm believer in the 'smarts' programmed into auto. manual just seems 'crude', like a dull tool, in comparison. I would like to see higher + values for auto in the future, seems this would have some definite possibilities for increased depth while still being 'manageable'.

cheers....

 

[Digger]

"will the max depth I can expect, staying with auto+3, (which I like to use), change along with mode changes?", ie with a more 'correct' mode based on the ground, could I expect more depth?

Absolutely. Although Separation modes are changes within the signal processor that affects the consistency of the target TID, when you run with Auto Sensitivity, the level determined by the CTX 3030 is based on the detector's response to received signals, including ground noise. By choosing a Separation mode that is designed to be used in areas with higher levels of mineralization, the effects of that mineralization are somewhat "neutralized", allowing for a higher level of Sensitivity. When you are able to operate your CTX 3030 with higher levels of Sensitivity, you increase the response to targets (and the ground). Your objective is to find a "happy medium" that maximizes depth (via Sensitivity) and minimizes noise.

I would like to see higher + values for auto in the future, seems this would have some definite possibilities for increased depth while still being 'manageable'.

Me too! It is currently being reviewed.

HH Randy