First time out with the E......

[oneguy]

Only got an hr in but managed 7 clad coins at the trash ballpark. Got 1 quarter, 2 dimes, 2 coopers, 2 zinckers. One of the dimes was @ 7"+ with a nice clear signal so I was impressed with that. Not sure what my settings are because I can't seem to figure out how you save a setting once in the Menu...???? Tried this several times and ended up just rebooting the thing back to the factory settings (I think...lol). I assume I'm in coin mode but have no idea really. Basically I stayed with the basics like good repeatable signals from different directions and for the most part only dug good high tones. When I strayed and dug "iffy" signals or with bouncy #'s, mixed tones,etc. is when I'd dig some junk. Dug 1 pulltab, 1 can, 1 canslaw, 1 burnt aluminum so not too bad for the really trashy ballpark on a first time out.

I also had a constant hum while hunting that was somewhat annoying but not bad...I can get used to it if that's the nature of the beast? If not...how do you get rid of it?

I was also wondering what the battery life is like with alkis' and the rechargables?

I thought I'd have trouble pinpointing but it seems to be fairly easy both in disc and using the pinpoint so no problems there.

You guys are right about the thing being sensitive. It really talks to you and I think I'm gonna like that....lots of info coming thru that coil.

Weather is good so will try and get some more time in before predicted snow on Sunday.......

 

[Elton]

I also had a constant hum while hunting that was somewhat annoying but not bad...I can get used to it if that's the nature of the beast? If not...how do you get rid of it?



Turn your back ground hum down to 15 or 16


Not being a SA here but darn man you better read a little of that manual LOL .....

 

[D&P-OR]

Yep & Yep!!

I also had a constant hum while hunting that was somewhat annoying but not bad...I can get used to it if that's the nature of the beast? If not...how do you get rid of it?



Turn your back ground hum down to 15 or 16


Not being a SA here but darn man you better read a little of that manual LOL .....

 

[oneguy]

spent days and hrs reading books, manuals, reading forums, youtube, asking questions like this now so I'm trying...

thanks for the 15-16 thing

Now how do you save that setting....???? I "THINK" you just exit the screen/menu but I've read and re-read so much crap my head is spinning right now.....lol

 

[Mason Jarr]

After you set it to the level you want just press the "Detect" button and that'll take you back to the main menu. If you need the specifics it's on Page 59 of the manual.

 

[bskerj]

Glad you got your etrac today....go to goes4ever "s site and there is a great tutorial on the etrac ...the gentlemen takes you through everything step by step using video, it helped me a ton. The Etrac is pretty easy to learn just don't over think it.

 

[Jim D]

The constant hum is the threshold sound you here. In your manual go to the index and look up
threshold sound and it will tell you how to turn it up or down. It should keep a very slight sound,
that way you will know wheather you are nulling out.
Also the battery will last at least 6 hrs or longer if you are using earphones. You can charge the battery anytime ,
(I charge mine over night). Hope this helps you. HH

 

[oneguy]

After you set it to the level you want just press the "Detect" button and that'll take you back to the main menu. If you need the specifics it's on Page 59 of the manual.

Thanks Mike.....that's what I needed and I'd read that just before you posted it. This morn I spent a couple hrs reading the manual & Andys book but surely didn't think to look way in the back of the manual. I was also doing some air tests in front yard to listen to the machine,etc.. I'm pushing things way too fast as I'd like to get some field time in as it's supposed to snow Sunday. I'm definately over thinking things and better just slow down and let it happen when it happens.....

Thanks guys for your patience and help.....and your replys DO help!!!!!

I'll get it........

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Looks like your off to a great start - good luck with your new machine !

 

[bskerj]

I also forgot to mention to download the Etrac Emulator...it is a great tool at your fingertips.

 

[Mason Jarr]

I'd play around with it, but don't expect too much for the rest of this season. It's the kind of machine that is you rush into, it'll cause beau coup frustrations and you'll want to go back to your old machine. Take it slow. Read all winter and play around some if/when you get a short thaw. By spring you'll be ready to venture out and get serious with it. That's where I was earlier this year. Luckily I found a guy down in SLC, Jason in ID, who gave me a ton of tips and even offered for me to come down there and do a hunt with him. When he'd find targets that I'd missed, he'd have me come back over them and listen to what he was hearing. You can't get better experience than that what comes from someone who's got several years running the machine. That's why I offered to come up that way next year and give you a hand (plus I want to hunt your honey holes!! LOL). I'm mainly running my CTX now, but I do use the E-trac as well, so I don't forget how to run it. I don't have years of experience, but I hunt almost every day for at least 3 or 4 hours....often all day long. I also set mine up using the universal settings and preferences that Goes4Ever has on his site. The multi-tone is what you got this machine for. It's tempting to stick it in TTF and leave it there, and there are times where TTF is the best approach, but you need to learn multi-tone to get what you paid for. Patience, grasshopper! These folks will get you taken care of. But, try to read and answer your own questions first. You'll learn more and remember it longer that way. PM me if you need to.

 

[fishnnut]

Just my .02 here but I would leave it in the factory settings for several hunts and keep it simple. Once you have 50 or 100 hours on it then start and experiment with more advanced settings. That emulator that was mentioned is an excellent tool to play with in the winter when a person can't get out due to weather. I have had my etrac since Jan. of this year and like you was all jacked up and asked lots of questions here and read all kinds of stuff but there is nothing better than time actually spent on the machine. I didn't have anybody out here to tudor me so had to learn it myself. Now it's a piece of cake just takes time and it will click... It will be raining silver before ya know it. LOL Good luck and HH...

 

[Prep1957]

I would keep the threshold " HUM" if I were you ,you can set it to its lowest level but as new operator you really need to identify when the Hum cuts out and returns because that is called the Minelab Null.When it cuts out a lot it is telling you to slow down.It will also tell you how much junk you are dealing with.When it cuts out, you are not detecting the area under your coil.It has done what you told it to do through disc and cut out or Null.There could be and often is very good coins not detected because of Null mismanagement.Those that hunt silent is a matter "Comfort" but you are losing the full potential of your Etrac.Welcome to Etrac,you have one of the best detectors on the market.

 

[oneguy]

I would keep the threshold " HUM" if I were you ,you can set it to its lowest level but as new operator you really need to identify when the Hum cuts out and returns because that is called the Minelab Null.When it cuts out a lot it is telling you to slow down.It will also tell you how much junk you are dealing with.When it cuts out, you are not detecting the area under your coil.It has done what you told it to do through disc and cut out or Null.There could be and often is very good coins not detected because of Null mismanagement.Those that hunt silent is a matter "Comfort" but you are losing the full potential of your Etrac.Welcome to Etrac,you have one of the best detectors on the market.

I turned it down today but I could still hear it and it wasn't quite as loud as yesterday....much better. Thanks for that tidbit, now I know what "nulling out" is as far as what the machine is doing....had quite a bit of that today. Machine is on factory coin mode. Hunted 3hrs today and only dug 5 coins (clad) and lots of junk. Kinda frustrating as this fairgrounds is a 1905 place that I've been lucky enough to get permission to hunt. I usually come away with at least 40-70 coins per visit when using my ol trusty GSII. It's a good place to learn because of all the junk but it really tested my frustration today.....

Thanks again...I learned some more!