First off, CONGRATULATIONS!
Rule #1: Ignore the numbers- the Safari is an audio machine. Well, I know that for us curious folks that actually isnt possible (i'm a charter member of the Leave No Coin Behind program) but do so as much as you can. I have gotten the delicate flutey quarter tone at a LOT of different TIDs.
#2: get Andy Sabich's book and learn it. Also read all the threads here as there is a S-Ton of info buried in most every thread. Not everything about Safari use is chiseled in stone and you will see different opinions on many things. Try them all and use what works for You and Your style of hunting/hunting grounds.
What I recommend to new Safari users:
Go basic and learn incrementally. Trying to learn the Safari all at once is too much for the most experienced detectorist. Set to Auto Sensitivity, High Trash(unless its not of course), All Metal or Relic mode, and swing level and slow (you can speed up more than most folks think as you learn how your machine acts when you do- but learn slow first).
Blackout everything except 14,15,36,37,38,39. This gives you silver and all US coins except (most) zincs. Learn those SOUNDS. If you want, drop the 14,15 as all you will lose is nickels. If you want, you can leave more #s open and just not dig outside those recommended ranges. But if youre anything like I was while learning my Safari, it drove me crazy not knowing. I was hearing (and mostly digging) so much trash, I wasnt learning my machine and not having near as much fun as I should.
Gradually add range (unblack numbers) as you master the ones you have open.
While doing all this learn your machines pinpointing modes, its variability in different soils and soil moisture levels.
If you are hunting the beach or where there is very little trash (defined as your not minding digging it) you can open it up wide or just kill the negative #s.
Paul I have forgotten where you are located, but if you are ever in my area I'd be glad to hunt with you and show you what I (dont) know about the Safari.
