SEMPERFI61
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n/t
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:fisher:OF ALL THE GOLD BUGS WHICH IS TOP DOG:confused:
- Thread starter SEMPERFI61
- Start date
While I havent tried the other models my GBSE 2.9 will never leave my inventory. I prefer VCO. I have found everything with it from gold jewelery to old silver coins. I have had it miss deeper silver quarters and half dollars but get silver dimes deep. I always go back over areas I find silver with a lower freq. MD and have found the larger coins. My experence.
Clad2Hunt said:
Let me ask you this. When you say the GBSE 2.9 missed the larger deeper silver coins, what detector found them, how deep where the coins and did you go back over the same targets with the GBSE after you got hits with the other detector? Sometimes I go back over the same ground that I thought I covered thoroughly with the same detector and find more stuff.
The 1st generation 29 version, AFTER they were returned to the factory and retuned so they would hit better on larger silver, are the best of the best as far as I'm concerned. I have tried the version 3 and I think I will be keeping my "29" in my arsenal. The version 3 is as close as you are gonna get unless you can check one out in person, as even some dealers don't know what you are talking about with the versions.
Clad, Maybe yours was not returned for the upgrade by the dealer? When was it made? Mine was made in May 2010 by the sticker in the battery box. I got mine after the dealer sent it back for the update. I just hope nothing goes wrong with mine to where I have to send it in, be afraid I would get it back with a different version in it!!!
Clad, Maybe yours was not returned for the upgrade by the dealer? When was it made? Mine was made in May 2010 by the sticker in the battery box. I got mine after the dealer sent it back for the update. I just hope nothing goes wrong with mine to where I have to send it in, be afraid I would get it back with a different version in it!!!
SEMPERFI61
New member
yep, versions now i am really 
.ok the old and the new SE LOOKS LIKE THE 1200 SERIES FISHERS RIGHT??THEY ARE BETTER THAN THE GB PRO,AND SE???
VERSIONS I BELIEVE I HEARD SAY IS HOW FISHER KEEPS UP WITH THE BATCHES OF DETECTORS THEY MAKE
I WAS JUST TOLD THAT.
THANKS GUYS-------------------------------BILL
.ok the old and the new SE LOOKS LIKE THE 1200 SERIES FISHERS RIGHT??THEY ARE BETTER THAN THE GB PRO,AND SE???VERSIONS I BELIEVE I HEARD SAY IS HOW FISHER KEEPS UP WITH THE BATCHES OF DETECTORS THEY MAKE
I WAS JUST TOLD THAT.THANKS GUYS-------------------------------BILL
sgoss66
Well-known member
Some questions folks --
1. How can you tell a Gold Bug SE from one of the "version 1" machines just called "Gold Bug," sold at Cabelas? Appearance-wise, there is some way to tell, but I forget. I know the Pros say Gold Bug Pro on the faceplate; I think both the Cabelas "version 1" and the SE both just say Gold Bug on the faceplate. But, I'm thinking the SE says "special edition" or "SE" or something somewhere on the S-rod/handle?
2. What is the "silver fix" you guys talk about that occurs with the 2.9. I KNEW the version 1 machine from Cabelas had the "silver problem," but I thought the 2.9 (i.e. the SE model) WAS the fix for that problem. Are you saying there are 2.9s out there that had to be SENT IN to Fisher to get the "silver fix?"
3. If this is the case (some 2.9 versions still need the "silver fix", then how do you know if your 2.9 SE has had the "silver fix," or not?
4. If you have a 2.9 that needs the "silver fix," will Fisher do the "silver fix" for you for no charge if you send it in?
5. There was some mention of "missing deeper quarters" above, from user "clad2hunt," and then user "tabman" asked for more detail. I'd like this detail too. The "silver fix," and doing well on deeper silver, would be the difference for me in buying one of these, or not. I would only use it as a prospecting machine on occasion, and not enough to justify buying a gold-only detector. BUT, if it does hit well enough on silver (after a "silver fix,"), then I could use it as a backup/spare/"let my daughter use it occasionally" type of machine, and thus justifying the purchase.
Sorry for all of the questions, just trying to understand all of this! And Fisher has not made it easy! How well this thing will do on silver is, as I said, the buy/no buy decision point for me, even though the original reason for wanting it is for its ability in a gold prospecting mode.
Steve
1. How can you tell a Gold Bug SE from one of the "version 1" machines just called "Gold Bug," sold at Cabelas? Appearance-wise, there is some way to tell, but I forget. I know the Pros say Gold Bug Pro on the faceplate; I think both the Cabelas "version 1" and the SE both just say Gold Bug on the faceplate. But, I'm thinking the SE says "special edition" or "SE" or something somewhere on the S-rod/handle?
2. What is the "silver fix" you guys talk about that occurs with the 2.9. I KNEW the version 1 machine from Cabelas had the "silver problem," but I thought the 2.9 (i.e. the SE model) WAS the fix for that problem. Are you saying there are 2.9s out there that had to be SENT IN to Fisher to get the "silver fix?"
3. If this is the case (some 2.9 versions still need the "silver fix", then how do you know if your 2.9 SE has had the "silver fix," or not?
4. If you have a 2.9 that needs the "silver fix," will Fisher do the "silver fix" for you for no charge if you send it in?
5. There was some mention of "missing deeper quarters" above, from user "clad2hunt," and then user "tabman" asked for more detail. I'd like this detail too. The "silver fix," and doing well on deeper silver, would be the difference for me in buying one of these, or not. I would only use it as a prospecting machine on occasion, and not enough to justify buying a gold-only detector. BUT, if it does hit well enough on silver (after a "silver fix,"), then I could use it as a backup/spare/"let my daughter use it occasionally" type of machine, and thus justifying the purchase.
Sorry for all of the questions, just trying to understand all of this! And Fisher has not made it easy! How well this thing will do on silver is, as I said, the buy/no buy decision point for me, even though the original reason for wanting it is for its ability in a gold prospecting mode.
Steve
BH_Landstar_
New member
There was a batch that could not see silver very well. These had version 1 software in them as far as I can tell, and may have had version 2 as well (note: not sure about the 2.9 versions).
FTP recalled the units to have them checked and re-programed, this includes the ones sold by Cabela's. I got one from Cabela's that just has Gold Bug on the face plate with version 3 software in it and it performs / works like the Pro version with VCO in both DISC mode and ALL Metal Mode.
Get a silver ring or silver coin and test how far away from the coil the ring or coin is detected and post your results here.
Pics of the Gold Bug's below. The first pic on the left is the new Gold Bug without VCO and Manual Ground Balance controls, it's all done via the GG button (computer controlled / preset). The second picture is of the Gold Bug SE with 2.9 software, some Pro models also look like this as mine does with version 3 software in it. The third picture is the Gold Bug Pro / DP model, this is the new face plate.
It's a hit or miss deal if you get a Pro that has the face plate of the 2nd picture.
FTP recalled the units to have them checked and re-programed, this includes the ones sold by Cabela's. I got one from Cabela's that just has Gold Bug on the face plate with version 3 software in it and it performs / works like the Pro version with VCO in both DISC mode and ALL Metal Mode.
Get a silver ring or silver coin and test how far away from the coil the ring or coin is detected and post your results here.
Pics of the Gold Bug's below. The first pic on the left is the new Gold Bug without VCO and Manual Ground Balance controls, it's all done via the GG button (computer controlled / preset). The second picture is of the Gold Bug SE with 2.9 software, some Pro models also look like this as mine does with version 3 software in it. The third picture is the Gold Bug Pro / DP model, this is the new face plate.
It's a hit or miss deal if you get a Pro that has the face plate of the 2nd picture.
I believe the 2.9 versions were the ones to have a problem with big silver. I have a 2.0 and it will air test a silver dollar at 14 inches loud and clear because I do not have modulated audio in disc.
doesn't bother me I like it and get just as much info by switching to all metal and pin point really has a personality Ive gotten to know after a year of hunting with it. The newer versions seem to be able to run at higher sens just about everywhere. Its just my opinion but I think Fisher reduced the gain on them a bit to make people happy who complained about the emi on the first models. Rather than turn the gain down and use the extra out where you can. I see no difference in shielding on the coils so they had to do something. I can run wide open in the gold fields but get emi in the city and run at 50 to 70% and still get great sensitivity. Earring backs and tiny foil lead shot all hit hard. Which one is the best is determined by whats the best for you. Bo you want vco or saturated audio. But what I do say I would not like is not having the ability to manual ground balance. As the version ones don't have this. As far as I know or can find even the first models that went to cabellas could manual ground balance. I got mine in DEC of 09, Why Fisher did this is bad business and I think just to justify raising the prices on the newer versions. A positive for FTP I will say is this is my first Fisher machine and I love it. I still own two Whites and a Tesoro and they sit in the closet.
Just my two cents!
doesn't bother me I like it and get just as much info by switching to all metal and pin point really has a personality Ive gotten to know after a year of hunting with it. The newer versions seem to be able to run at higher sens just about everywhere. Its just my opinion but I think Fisher reduced the gain on them a bit to make people happy who complained about the emi on the first models. Rather than turn the gain down and use the extra out where you can. I see no difference in shielding on the coils so they had to do something. I can run wide open in the gold fields but get emi in the city and run at 50 to 70% and still get great sensitivity. Earring backs and tiny foil lead shot all hit hard. Which one is the best is determined by whats the best for you. Bo you want vco or saturated audio. But what I do say I would not like is not having the ability to manual ground balance. As the version ones don't have this. As far as I know or can find even the first models that went to cabellas could manual ground balance. I got mine in DEC of 09, Why Fisher did this is bad business and I think just to justify raising the prices on the newer versions. A positive for FTP I will say is this is my first Fisher machine and I love it. I still own two Whites and a Tesoro and they sit in the closet.
Just my two cents!
sgoss66
Well-known member
godigit1 -- from what I am gathering, I do think it is the 2.9s that had the silver issue (as you say), BUT the ironic thing is, for the folks who have had the "silver issue" resolved, it seems that the 2.9 then turns into a really great unit. Some say better than the version 3 "Pro?"
Did you get your version 2.0 from Cabelas? I was up to this point unaware of a version 2.0. I know Cabelas originally had 1.0 versions, but I thought the units sold as Gold Bug SEs were all version 2.9 units. I know the first Gold Bug Pros were then 3.0 version units, and now are version 4.0; I think Cabelas newest units, still called "Gold Bug," are version 3.0. I thought that along with the version 2.9 "SE" units having the "silver" issue, that the 1.0 units from Cabelas did, too, not sure. Your unit is the first I have heard of a version 2.0, that's why I wonder if it is a later Cabelas unit. If so, it may have been released after the version 2.9 SE, since the 2.9 apparently had the "silver" issue, and you state clearly that your 2.0 does NOT.
I'm SO confused!!
Here's what it seems like to me, could be wrong...
[size=large]"Cabelas" Gold Bug[/size]
Version 1 -- "silver issues." No manual ground balance?
Version 2 -- no "silver issues." Manual ground balance?
Version 3 -- no "silver issues" (these units are much like, or identical to, the Gold Bug "Pro" version 3 and 4??) Manual ground balance?
[size=large]Gold Bug "SE"[/size]
Version 2.9 -- "silver issues" (older "version" than the Cabelas "Gold Bug" version 2.0??) Manual ground balance.
***Note -- at least SOME have been "fixed" by Fisher, with version 3 (and even version 4??) software installed? (Some other units "fixed," but still with 2.9 version software??)***
[size=large]Gold Bug "Pro"[/size]
Version 3.0 -- no "silver issues." Manual ground balance.
Version 4.0 -- no "silver issues." Manual ground balance.
Can anyone verify or correct any of what I've just posted, which is currently the way I understand things?
Steve
Did you get your version 2.0 from Cabelas? I was up to this point unaware of a version 2.0. I know Cabelas originally had 1.0 versions, but I thought the units sold as Gold Bug SEs were all version 2.9 units. I know the first Gold Bug Pros were then 3.0 version units, and now are version 4.0; I think Cabelas newest units, still called "Gold Bug," are version 3.0. I thought that along with the version 2.9 "SE" units having the "silver" issue, that the 1.0 units from Cabelas did, too, not sure. Your unit is the first I have heard of a version 2.0, that's why I wonder if it is a later Cabelas unit. If so, it may have been released after the version 2.9 SE, since the 2.9 apparently had the "silver" issue, and you state clearly that your 2.0 does NOT.
I'm SO confused!!
Here's what it seems like to me, could be wrong...
[size=large]"Cabelas" Gold Bug[/size]
Version 1 -- "silver issues." No manual ground balance?
Version 2 -- no "silver issues." Manual ground balance?
Version 3 -- no "silver issues" (these units are much like, or identical to, the Gold Bug "Pro" version 3 and 4??) Manual ground balance?
[size=large]Gold Bug "SE"[/size]
Version 2.9 -- "silver issues" (older "version" than the Cabelas "Gold Bug" version 2.0??) Manual ground balance.
***Note -- at least SOME have been "fixed" by Fisher, with version 3 (and even version 4??) software installed? (Some other units "fixed," but still with 2.9 version software??)***
[size=large]Gold Bug "Pro"[/size]
Version 3.0 -- no "silver issues." Manual ground balance.
Version 4.0 -- no "silver issues." Manual ground balance.
Can anyone verify or correct any of what I've just posted, which is currently the way I understand things?
Steve
The story of my GB purchase is a unusual one as I got it before the cabellas in Reno had even seen a unit. The way it went was I really wanted a new detector for Christmas as both the detectors i had were pretty old (EAGLE SPECTRUM GOLD MASTER 3) I started searching Ebay looking for something in my price range and came across what was being called the Gold Bug 3. Knowing the reputation of the Gb2 I was interested but the auction ended in 30 mins. So I threw in a bid of $400 just to get on the board and started researching the GB3. Well to my surprise their was no info to be found. DOUGHHHHHH I won. Now I was worried as to what I was really getting. The next morning I Start really checking things out. I called FTP and started asking questions and at first the response I got was their is no GB3 and the person I was talking to did not want to give me any info other than I had no warranty because i did not buy from a authorized dealer . Finally I was transferred to a engineer who I believe if my memory is correct was Mike Scott. I wanted to know what I was buying? He said Cabellas was calling them the GB3 and they were just calling them the gold bug and he reassured me that I was getting a good machine that would give the GB2 a run for its money. To make a long story short it set off a chain on events that I did not expect. The person from Ebay called me wanting to know what i told Fisher. Fisher had contacted him wanting serial #s off his machines as he had 4 of them. Other than above I had only said I got oft off of Ebay. So I ended up with a unit that had not been released yet and no warranty. I don't know if they were test units or what? At least one other person on this forum has stated he had a version 2 he purchased from cabellas . I doubt they are still available!
So it looks like you have a good grasp of the versions of the GB. The only thing I can add is that the 2.9 and higher versions have VCO in disc mode. And if I understand correctly it only kicks in after 5 or 6 inches deep. This to me seems counterproductive as the VCO seems more useful for identifying shallow small targets and makes deep targets harder to hear which is what i love about the saturated audio on my unit and then the Vco In pinpoint combined with the depth indicator really gives me some good info on target size.
What it boils down to is unless you can find a used version 2 or 2.9 you only have the options of a 1,3 or 4. I like my version 2 but if it did not have the ability to manual Gb I wouldn't want it so I would not suggest a version1.
The version 3 or the pros are supposed to have slightly more sensitivity to small nuggets. I would assume the 4s do as well. The versions appear to only be software changes and the units are essentially the same. (SEE THE EXPLANATION OF PROCESSES ON THE FISHER WEBSITE)under product resources and Dave J essays. www.fisher.com
The G2 is said to have two processors. On another post A 2.9 is pictured showing a possible two processors there as well. I'm no expert but I'm thinking one is a eprom for memory and the other is the processor. I intend to do the same with my 2.o later thought on that post to get a side by side of the two versions. It would be nice if someone would do it with a G2 so we really know.
If the G2 does have two processors I would say it is superior in that it will be faster and probably have modified processes..
HH
Jim
So it looks like you have a good grasp of the versions of the GB. The only thing I can add is that the 2.9 and higher versions have VCO in disc mode. And if I understand correctly it only kicks in after 5 or 6 inches deep. This to me seems counterproductive as the VCO seems more useful for identifying shallow small targets and makes deep targets harder to hear which is what i love about the saturated audio on my unit and then the Vco In pinpoint combined with the depth indicator really gives me some good info on target size.
What it boils down to is unless you can find a used version 2 or 2.9 you only have the options of a 1,3 or 4. I like my version 2 but if it did not have the ability to manual Gb I wouldn't want it so I would not suggest a version1.
The version 3 or the pros are supposed to have slightly more sensitivity to small nuggets. I would assume the 4s do as well. The versions appear to only be software changes and the units are essentially the same. (SEE THE EXPLANATION OF PROCESSES ON THE FISHER WEBSITE)under product resources and Dave J essays. www.fisher.com
The G2 is said to have two processors. On another post A 2.9 is pictured showing a possible two processors there as well. I'm no expert but I'm thinking one is a eprom for memory and the other is the processor. I intend to do the same with my 2.o later thought on that post to get a side by side of the two versions. It would be nice if someone would do it with a G2 so we really know.
If the G2 does have two processors I would say it is superior in that it will be faster and probably have modified processes..
HH
Jim
jackintexas
New member
I too have a 2.9. Would really be interesting to know what you will find out......Jack