New E-Trac arrived today

[DiggerDanbo]

Greetings E-Trac(kers)
Just got my new E-trac today! New to the machine and rookie to metal detecting, and new to this forum. Got a GREAT deal on the whole set-up plus a new set of Grey Ghost phones for $900! What a machine to start with eh. Anyhow I will be scouring these forums to make sure I get it right the first time! Of course with several trial and error attempts.
Just read a post about how many pre-programmed settings are now included, manual says 4, I hope it's 10. Anyhow I still have not assembled or turned it on yet it arrived late last night and then I had to go to work, night shift. Off for the weekend though!
Here is my first official E-trac Question: How can you find out what version you have and can that be updated online?
Thanks
DiggerDanbo
Going be drinking and setting it up today!

 

[Mcdetect]

Start with the standard coin mode with auto sensitivity. Read the manual and forums as you said. Also watch youtube videos of experienced users using the etrac where they show you the actual signals (not everyone shows the signals).

Practice digging in your own yard until you can extract a target leaving little to no trace of your activity.

Have patience since the etrac can be difficult to get used to (especially for someone new to detecting) but is an absolutely fantastic machine.

Enjoy your new hobby and great machine!

 

[nalc472]

I seem to find as much with the stock coin program. Only weeks is variability set on 29. Ground difficult. Switched over yesterday from my program to the coin program swung coil one time and found a clad dime. go figure

 

[diggervance]

Hello and welcome

: Mcdetect has given you the best advise.

You don't want to over whelm yourself, slow and steady and learn what the detector is telling you.

Good luck and good hunting

 

[Elton]

n/t

 

[Batch]

DiggerDanbo,

I think you may be referencing a post I made when you mentioned "Just read a post about how many pre-programmed settings are now included..."

I have been doing more reading/research/thinking and I realize I made a major mistake and showed myself to be less than the sharpest stick in the pile. There are only 4 pre-programmed Minelab MODES and 4 user programmable MODES. Somehow I mis-read, mis-remembered, and failed to pay attention. There are 10 preprogrammed Minelab PATTERNS and 10 user programmable PATTERNS (distinct from MODES). There ARE 10 PATTERNS of each type...hence the 10+10 on the box.

I apologize for any confusion I caused. I wondered why I never really got an answer to the post or via private message.

My advice is two-fold. First, listen to everyone here...they know their stuff! Second, HAVE FUN!

Respectfully,

Batch

P.S. I will also close out the other confusing post with the above clarification.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Congrats on your new E-Trac !
It's a fantastic machine and once you get familiar with it you'll make a lot of great finds !

Keep reading and posting in this forum - it's a great place to learn.
Get a copy of Andy's - Explorer & E-Trac book - it goes way beyond the factory manual.
And down the line - be sure to get a small coil ( 6" or less) it's a game changer in iron infested areas !

Good Hunting !

 

[Gannon]

Your gonna love it!

 

[DiggerDanbo]

I figured that out too, and today after 2 weeks of ownership I finally took my detector out for it;s inaugural run. This is going to be fun to learn.