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I learned a very important setting yesterday.
- Thread starter I a thr
- Start date
Threshold on 10. That will change. I might try my field site again without threshold now that I have hit it several times shallow.
I was wondering about those deep weak signals I had heard about but I was not hearing. That being said I did get a shoe buckle at 14" but never a coin below 10" and that was a big English penny.
Thanks again for posting this. A lot of heads are better than one.
HH
1859
I was wondering about those deep weak signals I had heard about but I was not hearing. That being said I did get a shoe buckle at 14" but never a coin below 10" and that was a big English penny.
Thanks again for posting this. A lot of heads are better than one.
HH
1859
In my opinion.....
The X-70 Threshold level should be set so that it is just barely audible. This "slight background tone" allows us to determine "target blanking" (on rejected targets), when running in the discriminate mode. Threshold tone also allows us to hear an (accepted) target's audio signal when that signal rises above a faint threshold tone. As mentioned in previous posts, setting it too high will create too much sound, not allowing you to hear a subtle rise on small or deep targets. Conversely, setting it too low can create a situation where the target tone will not rise above the threshold far enough to be heard. Our objective is to set the threshold at a point that we hear it in the background. But not so high that it gets in the way of hearing that subtle change in tone. My rule of thumb would be to set it as low as you can, while maintaining a constant hum.
The X-Terra 70 offers FOUR different threshold settings. Coin/Treasure mode offers one programmable setting for use with headphones and another programmable setting for use without headphones (with the speaker). As well, Prospecting mode offers one programmable setting for use with headphones and another programmable setting for use without headphones. (again, with the speaker) Each setting can be programmed independently of another. And, all programmed values will be retained when you turn off your X-70.
In the Coin/Treasure mode, the threshold level for use with headphones is adjustible from -5 to +25, with the factory default at 12. Likewise, in Coin/Treasure the threshold level for use without headphones (with speaker) is adjustible from -5 to +25, with the factory default at 12. If you are using a good set of headphones, you will probably be able to hear the threshold at a level between 1 and 5. (depending on your hearing). I currently have mine set at 5 with my Gray Ghosts turned to full volume. I have another set of "inexpensive" summer headphones that do not a volume adjustment. They do have the quality sound reproduction of the Gray Ghost either. Nor do they block out the background noise. But when the temps are real hot, they are far more comfortable. And when I use them, I do have to raise the Threshold a click or two.
I seldom (almost never) hunt without headphones. But as I said, the X-Terra allows you to have a different setting for those times when you don't use them and choose to listen to the speaker. When using the speaker, in order to hear the threshold above outside noise, you'll likely need to set it higher than when you are using headphones. I currently have mine set to 11 for use with the speaker. I usually hunt in the wide open spaces where traffic noise, surf sounds, etc. is not a problem. But even in the great outdoors, the environmental cover will restrict the speaker's audio a little bit. Keep this in mind if you hunt with the speaker and slip on the cover.
In the Prospecting mode, the factory default Threshold is set at 8 for use with headphones and at a 10 for use with the speaker. But you can adjust each of them independently, from -5 to +25, just like in the C/T mode. I don't live in an area where I can prospect for gold. So I only use my Prospect mode for target sizing and Pinpointing. And since I've already found the target when I do either of those excercises, I have my threshold set at 7 with headphones and 14 with the speaker. Again, this is just a personal preference, keeping in mind how I use the Prospecting mode. I've already located the target and that subtle noise is not an issue. Sizing and pinpointing is, at this point.
A few closing observations.....
The Threshold tone in the C/T mode is a 230Hz tone and the pitch is not adjustible. Volume is adjustible. The amount of threshold tone is adjustible. But the pitch of that tone is not adjustible. Comparing the threshold pitch to a tone in the multi-tone mode, I'd say it is just below a +2. But that is just a guess. Since I've mentioned threshold and volume in the same paragraph, let me say that adjusting them to work in unison is our objective. Don't try to compensate for a poor set of headphones (or a lot of ourside noise) by increasing the threshold high. It is far better to max out the volume of the headphones (or speaker) and use a lower threshold setting as opposed to having a low volume and trying to hear a target by raising the threshold. Turn up the volume and set the Threshold as low as you can, while retaining a slight background tone. If you are unsure why that is, go back and read the first paragraph in this post.
The Threshold pitch is adjustible in the Prospecting mode. When you pass the coil over a metallic object, the threshold tone will change in both volume and pitch. On a scale of 1 - 30, the threshold tone can be set in frequency from 140 Hz to 1010Hz. I set mine at 11 as it is a sound that is easy for me to hear slight variances. And like I mentioned, I use Prospecting mode for target sizing and pinpoint. But this setting is totally up to the user and finding a tone that is easy to discern.
Remember, the Threshold levels are adjustible for use with headphones or with the speaker. Same goes for the Volume levels. Separate programs that can have different values. And all values will be saved when you turn off your X-70.
HH Randy
The X-70 Threshold level should be set so that it is just barely audible. This "slight background tone" allows us to determine "target blanking" (on rejected targets), when running in the discriminate mode. Threshold tone also allows us to hear an (accepted) target's audio signal when that signal rises above a faint threshold tone. As mentioned in previous posts, setting it too high will create too much sound, not allowing you to hear a subtle rise on small or deep targets. Conversely, setting it too low can create a situation where the target tone will not rise above the threshold far enough to be heard. Our objective is to set the threshold at a point that we hear it in the background. But not so high that it gets in the way of hearing that subtle change in tone. My rule of thumb would be to set it as low as you can, while maintaining a constant hum.
The X-Terra 70 offers FOUR different threshold settings. Coin/Treasure mode offers one programmable setting for use with headphones and another programmable setting for use without headphones (with the speaker). As well, Prospecting mode offers one programmable setting for use with headphones and another programmable setting for use without headphones. (again, with the speaker) Each setting can be programmed independently of another. And, all programmed values will be retained when you turn off your X-70.
In the Coin/Treasure mode, the threshold level for use with headphones is adjustible from -5 to +25, with the factory default at 12. Likewise, in Coin/Treasure the threshold level for use without headphones (with speaker) is adjustible from -5 to +25, with the factory default at 12. If you are using a good set of headphones, you will probably be able to hear the threshold at a level between 1 and 5. (depending on your hearing). I currently have mine set at 5 with my Gray Ghosts turned to full volume. I have another set of "inexpensive" summer headphones that do not a volume adjustment. They do have the quality sound reproduction of the Gray Ghost either. Nor do they block out the background noise. But when the temps are real hot, they are far more comfortable. And when I use them, I do have to raise the Threshold a click or two.
I seldom (almost never) hunt without headphones. But as I said, the X-Terra allows you to have a different setting for those times when you don't use them and choose to listen to the speaker. When using the speaker, in order to hear the threshold above outside noise, you'll likely need to set it higher than when you are using headphones. I currently have mine set to 11 for use with the speaker. I usually hunt in the wide open spaces where traffic noise, surf sounds, etc. is not a problem. But even in the great outdoors, the environmental cover will restrict the speaker's audio a little bit. Keep this in mind if you hunt with the speaker and slip on the cover.
In the Prospecting mode, the factory default Threshold is set at 8 for use with headphones and at a 10 for use with the speaker. But you can adjust each of them independently, from -5 to +25, just like in the C/T mode. I don't live in an area where I can prospect for gold. So I only use my Prospect mode for target sizing and Pinpointing. And since I've already found the target when I do either of those excercises, I have my threshold set at 7 with headphones and 14 with the speaker. Again, this is just a personal preference, keeping in mind how I use the Prospecting mode. I've already located the target and that subtle noise is not an issue. Sizing and pinpointing is, at this point.
A few closing observations.....
The Threshold tone in the C/T mode is a 230Hz tone and the pitch is not adjustible. Volume is adjustible. The amount of threshold tone is adjustible. But the pitch of that tone is not adjustible. Comparing the threshold pitch to a tone in the multi-tone mode, I'd say it is just below a +2. But that is just a guess. Since I've mentioned threshold and volume in the same paragraph, let me say that adjusting them to work in unison is our objective. Don't try to compensate for a poor set of headphones (or a lot of ourside noise) by increasing the threshold high. It is far better to max out the volume of the headphones (or speaker) and use a lower threshold setting as opposed to having a low volume and trying to hear a target by raising the threshold. Turn up the volume and set the Threshold as low as you can, while retaining a slight background tone. If you are unsure why that is, go back and read the first paragraph in this post.
The Threshold pitch is adjustible in the Prospecting mode. When you pass the coil over a metallic object, the threshold tone will change in both volume and pitch. On a scale of 1 - 30, the threshold tone can be set in frequency from 140 Hz to 1010Hz. I set mine at 11 as it is a sound that is easy for me to hear slight variances. And like I mentioned, I use Prospecting mode for target sizing and pinpoint. But this setting is totally up to the user and finding a tone that is easy to discern.
Remember, the Threshold levels are adjustible for use with headphones or with the speaker. Same goes for the Volume levels. Separate programs that can have different values. And all values will be saved when you turn off your X-70.
HH Randy
BarnacleBill
New member
I see where many posters here like to run in Coin & Treasure All Metal Mode "with a Threshold". Doing so is redundant as all segments are being accepted and there are no rejected targets to "blank" the audio over. Unless of course you a running at a negative Threshold setting to quiet down the detector over small bits of surface foil or some other annoyance. If you are doing this(AM+Threshold), in my opinion you are just chewing up battery power and possibly setting yourself up for audio fatigue.
If mis-adjusted you can not only miss targets, but also miss the audio nuances of the targets. I guess an analogy would be the difference between the sustain & damping pedal on a piano being pressed. Unfortunately some of the "old school" users grew up with using Threshold and have a hard time weaning themselves off of it. There is probably the feeling that the detector isn't running right unless you can hear it humming along.
Now there is a circumstance where I find that running a Threshold for "a little while" is very useful. And that is if I think I am in an area with interference or if the ground is very hot, like hot gravels, and my sensitivity is set too high. The unstable Threshold will tell me that good targets may have a "ratty" sound because of the influence of interference or hot ground. So I'll run to it for a little while to listen to my surroundings before adjusting it to zero.
There is personal preference involved in some of what I am pointing out and I think everybody should experiment with different settings to find what they think works for them. But with one caveat, if you are having to crank the Threshold way up, then you need to address the root of the problem, which is either poor headphones or poor hearing. The detector is not responsible for you being deaf! If you always had to stand in the front row of the concert staring into the Marshall Stacks, well now you're paying the price MotorHead!
HH
BarnacleBill
If mis-adjusted you can not only miss targets, but also miss the audio nuances of the targets. I guess an analogy would be the difference between the sustain & damping pedal on a piano being pressed. Unfortunately some of the "old school" users grew up with using Threshold and have a hard time weaning themselves off of it. There is probably the feeling that the detector isn't running right unless you can hear it humming along.
Now there is a circumstance where I find that running a Threshold for "a little while" is very useful. And that is if I think I am in an area with interference or if the ground is very hot, like hot gravels, and my sensitivity is set too high. The unstable Threshold will tell me that good targets may have a "ratty" sound because of the influence of interference or hot ground. So I'll run to it for a little while to listen to my surroundings before adjusting it to zero.
There is personal preference involved in some of what I am pointing out and I think everybody should experiment with different settings to find what they think works for them. But with one caveat, if you are having to crank the Threshold way up, then you need to address the root of the problem, which is either poor headphones or poor hearing. The detector is not responsible for you being deaf! If you always had to stand in the front row of the concert staring into the Marshall Stacks, well now you're paying the price MotorHead!
HH
BarnacleBill
Jackpine Savage
Active member
BB said:
Oh I see, those Nugget Busters are already near max! maybe you need some different phones Bill. In noisy conditions with the detector volume at max IMO the best phones for the Exterra would have lots of volume adjustment left to play with. Increasing the threshold to compensate for the lack of volume seems counter productive to me.
Best phones I have found for many machines: Koss QZ-99's, Kinda clunky but you put up with it cuz they have VG sound isolation and plenty of "range".
Tom
BarnacleBill
New member
With headphones not on your head. Turn X70 volume all the way up to 30. Adjust Threshold to say 5. Hold one ear cup to your "good ear" 
Bring up headphone volume level, and hopefully you can hear the Threshold tone clearly at a certain point. Decrease Threshold one number at a time and increase headphone volume level as you do. Try to get around 3 to 4 on the Threshold.
Now, hold the ear cup out three to four inches from your head and wave the coil over a target. Is that level going to blast your head off? Bring the ear cup in an inch at a time as you swing the coil, comfortable? If you feel you can live with the level, put the headphones on, and now lower the headphone level if needed, since the levels should be much higher with both ear cups tight against your head.
Limiters can make it a little more difficult as there are different type with different settings. So you may have to twiddle more to find a good balance.
HH
BarnacleBill
Bring up headphone volume level, and hopefully you can hear the Threshold tone clearly at a certain point. Decrease Threshold one number at a time and increase headphone volume level as you do. Try to get around 3 to 4 on the Threshold. Now, hold the ear cup out three to four inches from your head and wave the coil over a target. Is that level going to blast your head off? Bring the ear cup in an inch at a time as you swing the coil, comfortable? If you feel you can live with the level, put the headphones on, and now lower the headphone level if needed, since the levels should be much higher with both ear cups tight against your head.
Limiters can make it a little more difficult as there are different type with different settings. So you may have to twiddle more to find a good balance.
HH
BarnacleBill
BarnacleBill
New member
OK I admit it, sometimes I stand alone out on the beach and play with my equipment.
HH
BarnacleBill
HH
BarnacleBill
Jackpine Savage
Active member
Too much information there Bill!
and experience the blanking sound of rejected targets, it should clearly indicate you had set some notches to be rejected. And that can only be done in one of the Patterns of the C/T mode. Obviously, there is not any blanking on accepted targets. And you can't reject notches in the all metal mode. I may have overlooked the fact that there are some newer members who may not understand my "wordology". 
So thanks for clarifying what I was attempting to explain.
Regardless, I am confident we are both reading from the same page. Well, almost the same page. I can see two exceptions........ I admit I am one of those "old school users" who like to hear a slight background tone in every mode I use.
And I don't recognize the name of that Marshall dude you referenced. 
Now, I did remember a gal named Marsha Stacks. Well, Stacks was a nickname. But I am sure her first name was Marsha. Could she have been a sister to that Marshall dude you mentioned? HH Randy
So thanks for clarifying what I was attempting to explain. Regardless, I am confident we are both reading from the same page. Well, almost the same page. I can see two exceptions........ I admit I am one of those "old school users" who like to hear a slight background tone in every mode I use.
And I don't recognize the name of that Marshall dude you referenced. Now, I did remember a gal named Marsha Stacks. Well, Stacks was a nickname. But I am sure her first name was Marsha. Could she have been a sister to that Marshall dude you mentioned? HH RandyBarnacleBill said:OK I admit it, sometimes I stand alone out on the beach and play with my equipment.
HH
BarnacleBill
You dirty old detectorist you
If I see you in a trench coat, I'm runnin the other way.Hopefully, you hunt past the sign on the beach that reads "Detector Covers Optional"
Good hunting, John K
Digger said:
Not a problem Randy, I've been reading some of the threads in here to learn about how to best use my new Xterra 70 (as well as get familar with its features.) Many of your posts are simply amazing. Lots of very interesting tips, excellent info and a big time help.
Thanks a lot,
Maj