I am really new to metal detecting and chose the AT PRO for my first detector what I need clarifacation on is this when I am scanning the ground I have the coil approximately 1-2 inches above the ground and when I get a hit I pin point once I have pin pointed the location of what ever is in the ground. Here is where I need some clarification if the coil is 1-2 inches above the ground and the detector is saying the item is 6 plus inches deep do you actually only dig about 4 inches down. And before anyone answers please do not give me a smart a.....ed answer like get a pro pointer because I all ready have one thanks for any help
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need some clarifacation
- Thread starter djsmith
- Start date
The depth meter can be alittle deceptive sometimes. As a rule I usually dig the plug approx. half of the depth of what the meter is showing and scan with my Pro-Pointer. If I get nothing, I scan the plug real quick and dig another inch or so and scan again. Also, if it says just 2" then I usually scan the ground with my Pin-Pointer first as the target may be just under the surface and I don't need to dig a hole...instead just pop it out with a screwdriver.
Ok from what you just said I do scan the ground with the pin pointer before I dig but what was confusing me was when I did dig like say 6-8 inches like the detector was reading most every time the item would be in the plug approximately 1-2 inches shallower then the detector was telling it was
I think with more experience you will get the coil directly over the target and get a bit closer on the depth reading . It took me some effort to get the pinpointing right on. I don't know all the factors involved target size, etc., but it's not going to be perfect reading every time.
I read and responded on the other forum as well.
Most of the time my pin pointing is dead on target. I often re pin point from 90 degree turn to be sure. A 90 is also good to check the accuracy of the vdi. I got several solid dime or Penney vdi readings only to have them change from a 90 degree recheck. The buddy with me dug a few more coins, but more trash as well. Mostly because I was slower and hadn't been there as long. Four of his wheat's were because I found a 1928 quarter and told him to come over to where I was. You have read the ground too. We were at an old school playground that had soil added over the years, except a couple low spots, where we found the old coins.
Most of the time my pin pointing is dead on target. I often re pin point from 90 degree turn to be sure. A 90 is also good to check the accuracy of the vdi. I got several solid dime or Penney vdi readings only to have them change from a 90 degree recheck. The buddy with me dug a few more coins, but more trash as well. Mostly because I was slower and hadn't been there as long. Four of his wheat's were because I found a 1928 quarter and told him to come over to where I was. You have read the ground too. We were at an old school playground that had soil added over the years, except a couple low spots, where we found the old coins.
You will come up with your own retrieval method after a little getting comfortable with what the machine is telling you, depending on the soil you hunt, some is real easy digging and some is not, you should also practice on shallow targets without using your Propointer, or even the PP button on your detector after a while. You'll see, after a while, you will get so good and fast from target ping to pocket!
Mud.
Mud.
William-NM
New member
Welcome, DJ!
Once I pinpoint with the detector, I always check with the ProPointer first - sometimes it saves digging a crater. As you know, the depth is an estimate based on coin sized items, so if it's larger, it may be deeper than shown and if it's smaller, it may be more shallow. Also, note that 6" on the depth gauge means 4" - 6" , 8" means 6" - 8", etc...
Best of luck- hope you'll post your treasures!
Once I pinpoint with the detector, I always check with the ProPointer first - sometimes it saves digging a crater. As you know, the depth is an estimate based on coin sized items, so if it's larger, it may be deeper than shown and if it's smaller, it may be more shallow. Also, note that 6" on the depth gauge means 4" - 6" , 8" means 6" - 8", etc...
Best of luck- hope you'll post your treasures!
Read the owners manual (it has a chapter on pinointing), watch the training videos and then; practice, practice, practice is the only way to get to know your detector. My ground is totally different from yours. My hunting style is totally different from yours. As someone used say, "Just do it." With the AT Pro, you will be rewarded.
I want to thank everyone that responded to my post. I have been practicing in my own yard and I am starting to finally here the three different tones I'm trying to dig everything with a vdi reading of 22 and up have dug up several pennies,dimes and quarters also found a bullet slug from looks like a 38 and some kind of a copper tag or something and a bunch of flat nails and other garbage I use pro mode zero with no disc I switch over to standard zero just to get a feel for the different sounds my ground balance usually is around 84 to 88 so I am assuming that means my ground is fairly mineralized. I really enjoy just getting out of the house our home was built in 1889 so I'm hoping to find some good things but if I don't it doesn't matter because the way I look at it the worst day of dirt fishing is better then the best day of work again thanks everyone
Dj. Hope you have a coil cover on you coil. If you do, run you coil over the ground with the coil barely rubbing the tops of the grass blades. It's pretty difficult to wear out a coil cover doing that. Depending on the coin size, if you are hitting a coin at 6" the detectors depth meter may be an inch off. Not to worry. With experience and a good Garrett Pro Pointer you will overcome any depth issues.
If you are digging 6" in a park, be sure to cut a neat horse shoe plug and carry a towl or something to put your dirt on. There are lots of you tube videos on how to do that.
Good luck with your AT Pro. It's a great little machine. If you ever take time to notice, most of the people that have the high end Minelabs usually have an AT Pro also.
I'm one of those people. I got the AT Pro first then a CTX 3030. Use them both a lot. I have over 1000 hours on my Pro.
If you are digging 6" in a park, be sure to cut a neat horse shoe plug and carry a towl or something to put your dirt on. There are lots of you tube videos on how to do that.
Good luck with your AT Pro. It's a great little machine. If you ever take time to notice, most of the people that have the high end Minelabs usually have an AT Pro also.
I'm one of those people. I got the AT Pro first then a CTX 3030. Use them both a lot. I have over 1000 hours on my Pro.
Hello DJsmith! I endorse the comments of colleagues, I agree 100%.
It is good practice for learning to do a "testing ground" with several objects buried at different depths and in different positions. Together can also bury a coin and a ring of aluminum tin can, coin and an iron nail and stuff. This way, you will practice with knowledge, the different shades and brands of AT PRO.
When you know what it costs to dig too much, too fast you will learn the true depth of the targets.
Best regards and hope quickly start enjoying this great machine
It is good practice for learning to do a "testing ground" with several objects buried at different depths and in different positions. Together can also bury a coin and a ring of aluminum tin can, coin and an iron nail and stuff. This way, you will practice with knowledge, the different shades and brands of AT PRO.
When you know what it costs to dig too much, too fast you will learn the true depth of the targets.
Best regards and hope quickly start enjoying this great machine