4/ High Gain and Target Size Distortions
A general characteristic of the CTX's processed signal is that there's something of a “disconnect” between what's under the coil--and the sound you hear. For the gold hunter--this presents a problem. While you are looking for small targets--some even odd shaped, there has to be a “cut-off.” When you run the CTX with the Volume Gain at “30”--there is no such cut off. Tiny bits of aluminum are modulated-up to sound like substantial targets. This is a good example of a CTX-specific jewellery hunting skill set that will prevent a real lot of frustration. While with practice some of these “bitty” sounding signals can be recognised by tone. I recommend reducing the Volume Gain down to “26” or “27” to bring these target sounds down closer to something in keeping with their actual size. (More on this below). It’s worth noting that many UK programs that are aimed at dealing with centuries worth of junk actually take the Volume Gain right down to “20.” Even still, the CTX's high Gain circuitry will amp up some conductors. Many of these will be tiny bits of coiled wire or other objects that have a shape which conducts well. The solution lies in simple basic target examination skills. (More on these later). Another key CTX skill to this end is being able to tell a deep, substantial response from a shallow small one.
There is no substitute for experience in learning these basic skills. While an inland coin hunter can get away with digging all high tones (while identifying obvious iron falses), to be an effective CXT gold jewellery hunter--a greater level of accuracy is required that begins with making accurate size / depth distinctions. Running the Pinpoint setting on “Sizing” helps here as well.
In my opinion to even have a Ratchet pinpointing setting on a high Gain detector like the CTX is counter intuitive--it robs you of critical target ID information. It's also worth noting here that several of the CTX's other features act to amplify small responses and it's necessary to be aware when you are using them. The “High Trash” Target Separation setting also acts to boost small accepted targets. I've run the CTX for quite a few years now and still struggle to not be bogged down by tiny objects which the Gain brings up to sound bigger and louder. One thing I'll repeat from my first CTX book is that it's important to learn to look for “sets” of target characteristics. These act to confirm on another. While the full “In-Keeping” method is detailed in that book--it's worth noting here that this kind of accuracy skill-building is critical for the jewellery hunter in that these low conductor ranges just plain have most of the junk. As well--in that most lost gold is small--sorting through these targets without losing your patience is a critical skill.
Picture Caption
A couple of great edge hunts with the CTX3030. Even with a sophisticated machine like the CTX, to consistently find gold there is the need for a reliance on simple basics.
From: The Minelab CTX 3030 Gold Hunters Guide
A general characteristic of the CTX's processed signal is that there's something of a “disconnect” between what's under the coil--and the sound you hear. For the gold hunter--this presents a problem. While you are looking for small targets--some even odd shaped, there has to be a “cut-off.” When you run the CTX with the Volume Gain at “30”--there is no such cut off. Tiny bits of aluminum are modulated-up to sound like substantial targets. This is a good example of a CTX-specific jewellery hunting skill set that will prevent a real lot of frustration. While with practice some of these “bitty” sounding signals can be recognised by tone. I recommend reducing the Volume Gain down to “26” or “27” to bring these target sounds down closer to something in keeping with their actual size. (More on this below). It’s worth noting that many UK programs that are aimed at dealing with centuries worth of junk actually take the Volume Gain right down to “20.” Even still, the CTX's high Gain circuitry will amp up some conductors. Many of these will be tiny bits of coiled wire or other objects that have a shape which conducts well. The solution lies in simple basic target examination skills. (More on these later). Another key CTX skill to this end is being able to tell a deep, substantial response from a shallow small one.
There is no substitute for experience in learning these basic skills. While an inland coin hunter can get away with digging all high tones (while identifying obvious iron falses), to be an effective CXT gold jewellery hunter--a greater level of accuracy is required that begins with making accurate size / depth distinctions. Running the Pinpoint setting on “Sizing” helps here as well.
In my opinion to even have a Ratchet pinpointing setting on a high Gain detector like the CTX is counter intuitive--it robs you of critical target ID information. It's also worth noting here that several of the CTX's other features act to amplify small responses and it's necessary to be aware when you are using them. The “High Trash” Target Separation setting also acts to boost small accepted targets. I've run the CTX for quite a few years now and still struggle to not be bogged down by tiny objects which the Gain brings up to sound bigger and louder. One thing I'll repeat from my first CTX book is that it's important to learn to look for “sets” of target characteristics. These act to confirm on another. While the full “In-Keeping” method is detailed in that book--it's worth noting here that this kind of accuracy skill-building is critical for the jewellery hunter in that these low conductor ranges just plain have most of the junk. As well--in that most lost gold is small--sorting through these targets without losing your patience is a critical skill.
Picture Caption
A couple of great edge hunts with the CTX3030. Even with a sophisticated machine like the CTX, to consistently find gold there is the need for a reliance on simple basics.
From: The Minelab CTX 3030 Gold Hunters Guide
