I use the factory rechargeable pack in my GT, but if you decide to use the alkaline pack for a spare just make sure you don't put rechargeable in it. If you seem to have a problem with the alkaline pack I would look to make sure the batteries are all in place like they should be as it sounds like one is not make connection like it should.
Setting for a beginner is volume max, sensitivity all the way counter clockwise until it click so you are in auto. In auto it will run a bit smoother giving you time to learn it better, but once you do than manual at around the 11-12 o'clock position. disc either none or around the 10 o'clock position and no notch with a threshold and not silent search so you can hear when it nulls on iron and this way you will know if you are going too fast also. I like to run iron mask on, but off may get you less falsing, but less good targets close to trash. The track/ lock/ pinpoint in the pinpoint position as this switch is only active in all metal, so when you do switch to all metal to pinpoint the toggle will be in pinpoint already. set threshold to a slight threshold and start swinging slow and listen to all the GT will be seeing, now you decide with the tones that are repeatable and the meter reading which one you want to dig. It don't take long and you will know what a good signal and a bad one will sound like and have great success. Also remember to have patience and get to know your detector well as the more you learn the easier it will get.
Rick
