Mojave defect?

[Sven]

A discussion at Tom D's forum has turned into a discussion about the Mojave and its ability to pinpoint accurately.
Some claim the Mojave pinpoints precisely and quickly like Tesoros are known to with a concentric coil.
A couple of us, maybe more out there finding pinpointing precisely not possible unless target is close to the surface.
Doesn't matter if the 7" or 8x9" coil is on it.

I have a mo that I posted about originally not be impressed about. Mainly about some lag time, saw this in one video on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Mv9hmp_nY where a silver coin is picked up, swept across again with the coil, couldn't hear it. swept across again and it appeared to signal. So maybe its not actually lag but the ability to recover on a buried target? The second issue I have is with pinpointing, my Mo pinpoints off center 1 to 1 1/2" of the search coil. You just have to figure out which side off center the target is. I have never needed an electronic pinpointer using a Tesoro until I started using the Mojave. Keep it in my left hand now with my digging tool. I am getting better...LOL That really sucks when hunting a manicured lawn where you want to leave no trace you have been there. I'll be danged if I can use a screwdriver tip to probe and retrieve a target. Never had issues like this with any other Tesoro. Could always put my probe on a buried target if its coin based.

My Mo is fully use able and works great to the depths mentioned in my hunting posts but, think I may have gotten a lemon type deal. Des D made a reply that maybe some were rushed thru to satisfy demand. Oh yeah, that sure sound like the White's MX Sport issue.............................Anyways now I know why this used less than a month brand new like unit was traded off. Doubt the orig owner knew that the Mo may have had issues, he just didn't like it. Well, I figured out why.

Anyways, its out of warranty, got it second hand. I know some of you guys will be saying, should have bought brand new so you would have had warranty. For what I have into it, it not worth spending more money paying shipping two ways from and to Canada to Tesoro, approx $90 or so plus $50 Tesoro wants to look at it.

I suggest Tesoro check each detector using in ground buried coin test to verify it can pinpoint like it should. An above ground test doesn't show this defect.
Not sure how many others have this problem or now realize they have a problem and just thought this was normal operation of the Mo.

I really like Tesoros, figured I would give the Mo a go, this will be my last new model purchased. If I buy another Tesoro, would get an older couple of my favorites which are also Monte's, the Silver Sabre Micromax and Eldorado.

 

[Whimpster]

Sven,

What depth are you experiencing incorrect pin pointing....I haven't noticed it with mine..but I never paid much attention to it.
I'll run some tests with mine and see if I see any difference.

Whimp.

 

[Sven]

If you haven't noticed it and since you are already a multiple Tesoro owner, then you have a good unit.
Nothing to worry about. If a person routinely digs a 5" diameter plug, probably not an issue, you'll find the coin.
I have compensated by digging a larger plug than I would normally do with a Tesoro. Using a number of pinpoint techniques
that I learned using various detectors and DD and concentric coils over the years, helps. I can generally figure if the target is pinpointed centered
of the coil, in reality its 1 to 1 1/2" off center left when sending a screwdriver type probe down. If not, its somewhere within a 2-3" diameter from coils center.
Digging a larger size plug will find it. Using the supplied 7" coil or a 8x9 coil shown the same results. So we know its not the coil. Other than this issue, the Mo is a really nice detector, enjoy using it.

My post was just a heads up that there could be some faulty ones slipping thru at the factory or its entirely normal for the Mo.
Appears I am not the only one with the pinpointing issue.

 

[amberjack]

only used mine a couple times and thinking after reading this could have a very slight lag nothing that worried me though thing that got me was its reaction to deeper big targets with the 7" coil it was basically rendered useless by deep half aluminium cans, no biggy, it has a spot in my kit bag ... its a 250 $ detector to me 400$ but hey if it can do one thing good for me I am happy.

AJ

 

[Whimpster]

Sven,

Ok...my pin-point seems to be fine...but as AJ has said I do notice a bit of lag with the 7" coil...seems to work fine on the first 4" to 5" after that it starts to lag a bit on a slower sweep speed as it hits 7" to 8".
If you pickup your sweep speed it will then hit the deeper targets.
I've used the 8" donut coil and It works far better then the 7" coil..hits the targets better and works great on a slower sweep speed and no lag?
The 5.75" coil is almost identical to the 7"coil as far as depth...again you need a faster sweep speed on deeper targets.
Have a penny at 6"depth a dime 6" a Nickel at 7" and a quarter 8"....all coils hit the coins with the sen at 4 and 0 disc...but again the smaller coils need a faster sweep on the 8" quarter.
The 8" coil at the same settings will hit them all on a slow sweep...

Whimp.

If you haven't noticed it and since you are already a multiple Tesoro owner, then you have a good unit.
Nothing to worry about. If a person routinely digs a 5" diameter plug, probably not an issue, you'll find the coin.
I have compensated by digging a larger plug than I would normally do with a Tesoro. Using a number of pinpoint techniques
that I learned using various detectors and DD and concentric coils over the years, helps. I can generally figure if the target is pinpointed centered
of the coil, in reality its 1 to 1 1/2" off center left when sending a screwdriver type probe down. If not, its somewhere within a 2-3" diameter from coils center.
Digging a larger size plug will find it. Using the supplied 7" coil or a 8x9 coil shown the same results. So we know its not the coil. Other than this issue, the Mo is a really nice detector, enjoy using it.

My post was just a heads up that there could be some faulty ones slipping thru at the factory or its entirely normal for the Mo.
Appears I am not the only one with the pinpointing issue.

 

[Sven]

I noticed the sweep speed/depth/target patterns as well, bench testing with my dirt box recently.
After watching the video I posted it became clear to me what I thought was lag is not really lag.
And as you have found out the 8" like my 8x9 a slower sweep is better.
I know I have been doing this automatically when detecting and pinpointing a target was increasing or slowing the sweep and distance moving the coil side to side, trying to isolate a target. Haven't given it much thought until you mentioned it. I guess once the patterns are learned you can get a better feel if the target is deep or shallow. Now is this also a way for the Disc circuit to eliminate certain junk targets? Did notice, not digging a lot of small foil wrappers-wads or balls even when disc setting in the lower below foil range. I am no expert here on how the disc circuit works. But, it also raises a question, if you opened up the control box and noticed two trimpots, one for GB and now pretty much figured out the second one is for the Disc Bias since the external pot wires get soldered in right near the Bias trimpot. According to Reg, the Disc bias trimpot adjusts the trash it will pick up at min setting of the external disc control. And generally is not a trimpot anyone should mess with and left alone, Dave J. says it will really mess up a Teknetics since it messes with the target ID circuitry. Does have me wondering if it is not adjusted correctly could it cause the Mo to re-act like mine..........?

Over all this post opens up discussion by others for input about actual operation of the Mojave. It have some quirks to find out about. Not complaining about the Mo's ability to find and locate coins at a respectable depth for its price. Found it does very well with "quiet performance", again a thought all the above mentioned may have something to do with producing a detector that was quiet in operation instead of a noisier, chatty machine, deeper machine, per another post (Allan Cannon) regarding the discussions at Tesoro and the Mo as a final product. Maybe the Mo is indeed a different strain of Tesoro detector than normally manufactured.................

 

[Sven]

Went out in the backyard to do some quick freshly buried US 25 cent quarter testing.
Air testing and the 8x9 coil did about 1" or so better, that's why I recently purchased it.
Surprised actual outside bury test it couldn't pick up the 6" buried quarter and it seemed to be a touch chatty.
Put the 7" coil back on it did pick up the quarter at 6". At 7" the coil could not see it. If I switched GB to high, the 7" didn't see the quarter.
I used all sorts of settings etc. Will say it did get a better response, slightly on the Canadian steel clad coins dime, nickel, quarter, lying flat and again better on edge.
Our $1 and $2 coins were easily picked up at 6" loud and clear. Have to now think that maybe I have a lemon of a unit compared to everyone else's who have posted about the Mo they own.
Still makes a good cherry picker for Can. clad down to about 6", would work fine for my wife who only can dig to about 1-3" due to health issues. And disc can be set to accept more or less just the $1 and $2 coins. If my wife thinks she is capable of detecting and may like to use it, will hang on to it. If not, will sell it off cheap as is or as parts to recoup some cash......and call it a day. Prefer to be detecting with a problem free unit.

 

[BarryL]

Have not noticed this with mine it pinpoints to right in front of ears on coil as for as lag I have not noticed it will be going out tomorrow to a spot will check it then . I do know I like my 8 inch brown coil better on my Mojave

 

[Whimpster]

Sven,

I believe your right,you may have a problem with your Mojave....you should have hit the 6" quarter easily with the 8x9 coil.
My 8" brown donut coil hits a clad quarter easily at 8" with setting of sen 4 disc 0...the 7" coil struggles to hit the quarter with the same settings...although I can hit it with a faster swing speed.
I have noticed I loose about an inch in depth when I set the toggle switch to high...but it does cut the chatter down as well.
Still say the 8" donut coil is the better coil of all I've tested....
Going to try my other coils tomorrow and see where they test...... 8x9 webbed concentric, 10.5 donut and the 12x10 webbed concentric.
Sven... it's a shame your not getting the full potential out of your Mojave....think you would really enjoy a proper running machine.

Whimp.

Went out in the backyard to do some quick freshly buried US 25 cent quarter testing.
Air testing and the 8x9 coil did about 1" or so better, that's why I recently purchased it.
Surprised actual outside bury test it couldn't pick up the 6" buried quarter and it seemed to be a touch chatty.
Put the 7" coil back on it did pick up the quarter at 6". At 7" the coil could not see it. If I switched GB to high, the 7" didn't see the quarter.
I used all sorts of settings etc. Will say it did get a better response, slightly on the Canadian steel clad coins dime, nickel, quarter, lying flat and again better on edge.
Our $1 and $2 coins were easily picked up at 6" loud and clear. Have to now think that maybe I have a lemon of a unit compared to everyone else's who have posted about the Mo they own.
Still makes a good cherry picker for Can. clad down to about 6", would work fine for my wife who only can dig to about 1-3" due to health issues. And disc can be set to accept more or less just the $1 and $2 coins. If my wife thinks she is capable of detecting and may like to use it, will hang on to it. If not, will sell it off cheap as is or as parts to recoup some cash......and call it a day. Prefer to be detecting with a problem free unit.

 

[Whimpster]

Spent some time this morning in my back yard before the rain hit, testing out a few coils on my Mojave, settings at sen 4 disc 0..Testing with Canadian coins..... the depth of the coins,a penny at 6"depth a dime 6" a Nickel at 7" and a quarter 8" another quarter at 11".
First I tried my 8x9 concentric coil at a slow sweep speed on all of the targets got a nice tone both ways on all but the 11" quarter..it got a broken response on a fast sweep.
Next up was the 10.5" concentric donut coil....now this coil hits the 11" quarter at a slow sweep...nice hard tone....last coil tested was the 12x10 spoked concentric coil...it's a beast on the end of the Mojave...very heavy but has great depth as well.
On the 11"quarter it also hit hard at a slow sweep... the coils I tested will give greater depth on a higher setting like 5 to max but I also experienced some chatter and instability when swinging the Mojave.
Also noticed when switching the toggle to high you loose about a 1/2 to inch of depth in my dirt...which is fairly mild.
Over all in my dirt I like the 8" brown donut coil the best...good depth at a slow sweep ...it's at the limit of not being to nose heavy and a detector that's fun to swing all day.


Whimp.

HH.

 

[Sven]

Thanks for the update, guess that really confirms I have a problem machine.
If I was still living in the US I would send it back to Tesoro with the $50. Living in Canada, it would cost me at least $150, then add that on top of what I have into it.
It's not worth it, would really take a loss if selling it. I hope others will read mine and your posts to confirm they have a good working unit.

 

[Whimpster]

Sven,

Don't know what you have tied up into your Mojave....but a trip to Tesoro maybe the what the doctor ordered?
I'm wondering if you have to pay the shipping both ways for a checkup...if it's only one way it may not be so bad.
Or part that puppy out...coil got to be worth a few bucks.
If Tesoro did find a problem from a manufacture defect they should bare some of the responsibility for the cost.
Might be worth a phone call....
It would drive me crazy if I had a detector that wasn't working up to par and I was still swinging it.
I have fixed a few items with a forceful swing to the side of a tree trunk...it worked..never bothered me again
Good luck...hope you can get it fixed up.

Whimp.

Thanks for the update, guess that really confirms I have a problem machine.
If I was still living in the US I would send it back to Tesoro with the $50. Living in Canada, it would cost me at least $150, then add that on top of what I have into it.
It's not worth it, would really take a loss if selling it. I hope others will read mine and your posts to confirm they have a good working unit.

 

[BarryL]

well took the Mojave out with the 7 inch coil and hit the spot I was speaking about did not notice any lag in it or pinpointing problems . extremely trashy area as it is a lot where they are tearing down old houses . Switched over to the brown 8 inch coil just for the lag test and pinpointing test had no problems with it other than really chatty as I ran very low disc and about 3/4 sens . Seems be working ok but have decided that I am going back to a Vaquero or Tejon as I like the Dual Disc feature on the Tejon so the Mojave has been sold and will be shipped Monday to its new home . I like Tesoro Machines very much and will always own one . I really would like to get a Silver Sabre µmax as that is one I have never owned . Sven I hope you can get your issue with it worked out but I am like you cost of shipping back could not be worth the effort Good Luck

 

[Whimpster]

Barry,

Think what we were seeing as lag was the detector not picking up the target at depth on a slow swing.
For example...my Mojave with 7" coil.. at a sen 4 disc 0 on a 8" quarter would not pickup the quarter on a slow sweep...fast sweep was ok.
As I moved to a sen of 5 to max it would pickup the quarter on a slower swing but would also false and chatter considerably more..
Guess it's just the nature of the beast.

Whimp.

 

[BarryL]

Barry,

Think what we were seeing as lag was the detector not picking up the target at depth on a slow swing.
For example...my Mojave with 7" coil.. at a sen 4 disc 0 on a 8" quarter would not pickup the quarter on a slow sweep...fast sweep was ok.
As I moved to a sen of 5 to max it would pickup the quarter on a slower swing but would also false and chatter considerably more..
Guess it's just the nature of the beast.

Whimp.

could be I think I will stick with my X2 it serves me well I guess I am like a lot of others tried it decided against it . I am sure there are a lot of folks who will be happy with it and that's a plus as Tesoro makes great detectors .

 

[ken ward]

Hi guys,

I am not having any problems with pinpointing.

The only thing I do not like is the tone.

Wish it was as sharp as the compadre tone..

KEN

 

[Sven]

I actually like the tone,,,LOL

 

[Sven]

Just thinking today, in my post I said my Mo with the 7" pinpoints like a DD and not like the usual Concentric.
So I did a quick experiment with my dirt box 15 minutes ago.

Took a quarter, gold ring etc.
Turned down the disc into or below iron range.
Swept the coil across the target 5" below the coil.
I would get a positive signal from the coils edge to the coils rear edge.
Pinpoints just like a DD.

Now, run the disc higher slowly all the way until the target is disc'd out.
After each adjustment found the target response narrowed towards the target marked on the coil.

This would definitely explain issues I had with pinpointing.

Anyone else find this happening?

 

[Electricfrontporch]

Just checked this air testing and in my test bed.
No difference with different disc settings.
Mine pinpoints great.
Is it possible that the coil on yours is wired backwards?
Inner transmit, outer receive?

 

[Sven]

Is it possible that the coil on yours is wired backwards?
Inner transmit, outer receive?

No, something like that is obvious and would have been caught at the factory. The detector would not function at all.
Will wait to see if others respond.
By the way the 8x9 does the same thing.