difference between sand and pebbles.

[Fabio]

Is there or what is, the difference between detecting with a digital detector on a sandy beach in the compact wet sand during low tide, and a beach with stones and gravel further under? I noticed my MD gave false readings over the sand while working great over gravel. It also found stuff way deeper than on normal sand on the beach. Is this normal, or does it just depend on which MD you use? I usually put everything full blast on my MD and dig out all garbage found as well, just doing my part, too bad other sunbathers trash the beach... I still don't trust using my MD under salt water. Besides, it's harder to dig under water.

 

[therick]

This is just a guess.

Salt is a mineral and high concentrations of it, as in salt water, will play havoc on a VLF type detector. Ground balancing usually will not help if you are working wet sand as each time a wave rolls under your coil, the mineral content will naturally change. Dry beach sand is usually not as difficult as wet sand but you may still have to tune back on your sensitivity as it may still cause your detector to "chatter". On a heavily pebbled or rocky beach, I would guess that there is not as much sand holding the minerals so your machine would be easier to stabilize. Here in Florida, are beaches are mostly white sand and crushed shells so I have not had the opportunity to search any pebble beaches. Again, this is only a guess.

Good luck.

Therick

 

[nick hunter]

is absolutely normal, even for the most basic MD's.

According to my 15-years beach hunting experience, you can expect between two and four inches bonus depth depending on the search coil dimensions.

Digital has no part to play, it' only a matter of ground effects.

I searched some time on wet sand with a PI machine ; great depth, but difficult digging an less jewelry than on dry.

In summer I look for coins, after autumn storms, I go for gold.

Hope this was helpful