Help with pinpointing on the xterra 70

[lafatlife]

Hi all, I have a question. When I find what seems to be a good target, say 36 or 38 and I pinpoint, why does it go to -2 or similar? Does this mean it is iron? I have been skipping these but I am wondering if I am missing something.

Thanks for the help.

 

[BarnacleBill]

To get a correct ID you must move the coil back & forth over the target in Pinpoint mode. If you just hover it, it will not ID correctly.

HH
BarnacleBill

 

[lafatlife]

Ahhh so regardless of what the number is, if it is a good signal, I should dig it then. Yes?? Thanks

 

[BarnacleBill]

Not necessarily...........Most current VLF detectors use a motion based ground rejection/discrimination system. That means the coil has to be in motion over the ground to obtain an ID of the target. Therefore if during the regular search mode the detector shows an ID of 36, then you go into pinpoint to isolate it, and then by moving the coil back & forth you get the ID 36 once again. This helps make sure you are pinpointing the correct target.

If you don't move the coil back & forth in pinpoint mode, the detector will still pinpoint, but it's not getting enough information to provide a correct ID. Where the ID in pinpoint is very useful is if you have several targets nearby and want to make sure you are over the desired target. Keep in mind that if the correct ID is a 36 and you just hover the coil, it may read any of several numbers that are NOT correct.

There has been some debate here in the past about how much you have to move it. I find that some 1 ft swings work for me, but others have seemed to need more distance.

HH
BarnacleBill

 

[lafatlife]

Wow BarnacleBill, that explains a lot!!! I was questioning why the numbers would change so much and kept telling myself to trust the machine. (This machine is new to me.) I figured that while pinpointing it got a better read on what was in the ground and therefore it was iron. My other machine I could hold still to pinpoint without a problem so I did not realize that I had to move this one. I read the book again and it does say to move it but I missed where it says hit the pinpoint button. To me it read just like you would normally pinpoint, sweep in different directions which is what I usually do anyway. I watched the video and they focused on the center ring while pinpointing.

Thank you for helping me with this. Now I need to go back over where I passed up those targets and try again.

 

[slowswing]

I have had the same problem. Excellent info, that helps to explain why I have misread some targets. Now I just have to return to a few sites to dig some items I thought were junk. I am new to this so thanks a lot for the help.

 

[bigjohn070]

I never pay any attention to vdi in pin point.
But i always swing over the target in prospect mode.
Helps me to determine if its a coin.

HH
BIG JOHN

 

[ky keith]

how does it do that john?

 

[bigjohn070]

Just by sizing the target (Coin will have a sharp up and down tone)

 

[lafatlife]

Interesting. I have not used the prospecting mode as yet because I am still learning my machine. I have about 20 hours on it now and really like it.

If coins have a sharp up and down tone, what do rings have?

Thanks

 

[NH Bob]

Also take note that I've dug many signals that were low numbers but high tones and when removing the plug and swining back over the hole, The #s will lock on and most times it will be a high # and a good target. Some of these are 8" or more. Depending on soil conditions.

 

[waltripcrew]

Great information thanks