I'm a newby and I need some advise

[nipoleon]

I went out this morning for the first time and found nothing. I live in the San Bernardino Mountains and my first thought was to go to a local park. When I first turned the GTA 350 on I got a beep and I couldn't find anywhere that it wouldn't beep. I think there is alot of minerals in the gound here, could that be my problem? If I hear a strong beep how deep should I dig? I read all the material and watched the VHS tape that came with my metal detector so I think I know generally how it works but if this continues I know it will hard to find any enjoyment.I'm not looking for instant reward but I know there must be an better way. If you can help me I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks

 

[khouse]

I don't know the 350 but i can give you some generic pointers. If you getting a lot of beeps turn your sensitivity down until it settles down. don't worry about loosing depth. if your getting a lot of beeps with the sens all the way down then move to another area. keep your coil just off the ground all the way through your sweep. do not come up at the end of your sweeps. when starting out notch in only the coins and for now only dig good solid repeatable beeps. when pinpointing you will get use to the intensity of the tone. lower the tone the deeper. just remember most coins will be 4 inches or less. when retrieving a target place your coil about 10 inches from the hole then wave handfulls of dirt over the top of the coil to see if you get a beep. try a bark chip or gravel playground for easy digging. post back with all your finds good and bad.

 

[John-Edmonton]

Hold The on/off button for a while until the unit beeps. The default mode should give you comfortable setting to hunt with. Got to a school yard and search there. Just take a screwdriver with you and try and probe the targets. If they are shallow, just pop them out. You need to learn your machine, while at the same time develop the skill of pinpointing. It takes time......the better finds will come soon enough. Enjoy your hunts.....its a hobby

 

[nipoleon]

Thanks, I do just that tomorrow morning.

 

[nipoleon]

Thanks, all of your advise makes sense.

 

[jackinaustin]

Hi Nipoleon,

I have had a Garrett 350 for about 12 years. It will take a small amount of time to learn and it is an ongoing learning curve. I have found literaly 10's of thousands of coins with mine plus everything imaginable. It is an amazing machine. You can send me a PM anytime and I will help in any way I can. HH Jack

1500 350 250

 

[Uncle Willy]

Yeah it sounds like sensitivity is your main enemy. Crank it down to about half and go from there and keep the coil off the ground. Scan slower also. Being a motion detector it will be more sensitive to targets, junk, and mineralization the faster you swing it, so slow down.

Bill

 

[nipoleon]

Thanks for help. I quess I need to spend some time with it before I have any more questions. But for now How do you pinpoint the target? One response to this enquiry told me to take a srewdriver with me and find the target with it. Is this the best way locate the target?
Thanks again,

 

[nipoleon]

Thanks, I thought I was going to fast.

 

[jackinaustin]

When using any tool for digging and probing make sure sharp edges sre rounded off. I have used a wooden handled ice pick with the tip blunted. Once I have pinpointed the target, I probe straight down in the dirt until the probe hits solid on the target (almost all the time the coin is flat). I slowly probe more until I find the edge of the target, then poke my probe under it and pry or pop it up. Not too hard because you have already loosened the soil above it. If you are in an area that has newer or clad coins you will not care if you scratch them but if you may hit on older and silver coins, go slower and be more carefull. Do not get in the habit of using your fingers to remove dirt or whatever from hole. The first time you cut yourself on hidden glass or sharp metal will cure you real quick. Go ahead and email me for more on pinpointing targets. The 350 is very easy to use and is bad --- on coins. It loves dimes and quarters.
jacksfd@hotmail.com
Happy Hunting.

 

[Uncle Willy]

Yeah take your time. Those coins ain't going anywhere. Going too fast can increase falseing and missing some targets.

Bill

 

[nipoleon]

Thanks, I'm always amazed when total stangers take the time to help. It makes me know that I've chosen the right hobby.

 

[jackinaustin]

This is a hobby that everyone seems t want to share.

 

[Uncle Willy]

Best bunch of homo sapiens on the planet. You have joined an elite group. Enjoy it.

Bill

 

[nipoleon]

Thanks Kenny,
I give you an update tomorrow, I going in the morning. I can't wait to find my first coin.