Hi all just purchased an ace 250 and I am a newbie ,this is my first Metal detector.I am in Ca.I have not turned it on yet will do so in the am. Any advice for a greenhorn? Have always been interested in this hobby and looking forward,I hope to some good finds............Frank
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Newbie
- Thread starter Frankd55
- Start date
Uncle Willy
New member
Hunt in coins mode only. Turn the sensitivity down to four bars and leave it there. Practice - practice-practice. If you have bark chip playgrounds in your area hone your skills there. Tape some coins about a foot apart to the back of a piece of cardboard and lay it down over a surface with no metal under it, then practice locating and pinpointing the coins. Use something sharp to probe through the cardboard to see if you hit your target. Metal detecting is not a easy as it looks or sounds. It takes patience, perserverance, and lots of practice. There's a lot of info on this forum in the archives on pinpointing plus videos showing how its done.Good luck and we'll look forward to seeing your finds.
Bil
Bil
Mick in Dubbo
New member
G'day Frank.
Welcome to the hobby and the forum.
The best way to start, is to play around with it at home, so that you can become familiar with how the detector operates and gives you a controlled environment in which allows you to see how various targets respond. Use coins and junk. Pinpoint off the 12 o'clock position of the inner coil. When you feel comfortable with it, take it out on your first hunt. If you just go out without being familiar with it, then you can become frustrated fairly quickly.
It's a fun and relaxing hobby, to be enjoyed, but it will take a bit of time to master. You will dig up rubbish, we all do. Over time you will get a bit better at telling good from bad targets, but you will always dig up rubbish. So have fun and ask more questions as they arise.
Good luck.
Mick Evans.
Welcome to the hobby and the forum.
The best way to start, is to play around with it at home, so that you can become familiar with how the detector operates and gives you a controlled environment in which allows you to see how various targets respond. Use coins and junk. Pinpoint off the 12 o'clock position of the inner coil. When you feel comfortable with it, take it out on your first hunt. If you just go out without being familiar with it, then you can become frustrated fairly quickly.
It's a fun and relaxing hobby, to be enjoyed, but it will take a bit of time to master. You will dig up rubbish, we all do. Over time you will get a bit better at telling good from bad targets, but you will always dig up rubbish. So have fun and ask more questions as they arise.
Good luck.
Mick Evans.
When everything else seems normal, but your detector seems to have gone nuts, switch to the all metal mode. You will learn a lot about what is in the soil that way - and how it affects your outcome. The amount of ferrous material in the soil alone, will surprise you.... and will cause much distress to your detector.
"Secret Tips to Success...for Metal Detecting Newcomers"
1. Equipment is NOT the answer.
The other, more crucial element is MINDSET. We tend to be techno-dependent, expecting gadgets to do all things for us. Guess what? People were finding treasures before detectors came along. The difference is they knew what to look for and had some idea where to find it. You do the same. Do buy a quality detector, then consider it merely the means to an end. As I like to say, "Know Before You Go."
2. Dig, man dig!
You wont find anything if you don't and you won't learn what your machine is, either. Your goal is to become an object recovery specialist, not an object locating expert.
3. DO NOT rely on that meter or display.
There is a mountain of hype that claims this detector or that detector can tell "trash from treasure." DO NOT believe it. There is A LOT of junk out there and most of it masquerades as good stuff. You will find trash and plenty of it, so start developing a cavalier attitude to it early on. See, TIP #2 .
4. Turn the Sensitivity down to start.
Dont expect to find stuff halfway to China, as most good things are within the first FOOT, usually less.
That's the good news.
Here's the bad: SENSITIVITY (gain) increases cannot "suck in" what isn't there to start with. Rather, gain that is set too high only results in false signals and lots of frustration.
5. Set time limits.
a. Plan to detect for a certain amount of time, as often as possible. Like any activity, good practice makes you better.
b. DO NOT detect longer that you should - set a limit on that, too. Remember you have a job and a family and friends.
6. Set Recovery Goals.
A certain coin, or artifact, a certain number of coins, etc. Then work to achieve them.
Some say that this is "just a hobby and goals are for work." DO NOT believe that, either. Achievement/success is utterly dependent on your ability to push yourself beyond the simple, past the easy frontiers.
7. Carry your detector with you as much as possible.
You never know when a chance to detect will come along. But dont leave it in your car, longterm! We're talking about sensitive, costly electronic instruments here.The heat and jostling is murder on them and thieves know what they are worth, too.
8. Learn about your area and what you might actually find.
Do a little research about every possible place you might consider detecting, from the local park to vacant lots. It does no good to take your detector to a barren parking lot. I tried it once...I'm right.
The park in my city was once an old home place, then a housing area through the 50's and now a modern park. The old coins and stuff are NOT where the modern play grounds are - and few know it but me. Get the point?
9. Talk to your friends and family about your new hobby.
Include the strangers you meet too, like folks in the checkout line or ban tellers. Ask if they know any old places, or good modern places, where lots of people have been active. Make up some simple personal introduction cards on your computer, naming you as "Detectorist." People respect credentials and beinng an ambassador of the hobby will open doors for you.
10. Plan to do all sorts of detecting.
You are new and this hobby has lots to offer. Dont imagine yourself only "this sort" of detectorist or "that sort." Try it all.
11. Learn the Detectorists Code of Ethics.
And practice good recovery techniques, ALL THE TIME. Few things will sour you on this hobby like being ticketed for leaving holes behind you or getting busted on private property. I learned this last one the hard way, at the wrong end of a shotgun - don't repeat my mistake.
12. Get a durable carry bag and keep these things in it:
+ Extra headphones - A broken set of phones will ruin any hunt.
+ Extra batteries for your unit(s)- Likewise, a set of dead batteries is a fun-buster.
+ 2 Digging Trowels - NOT the crap from WalMart's garden section. Get purpose built tools.
+ An inexpensive sand scoop. There are an amazing number of easy-digging sandy spots to hunt. You'll thank me for suggesting this one.
+ 1 recovery apron - Most home centers sell nail aprons for a $1. They''l do.
+ 1 10" probe - I make mine from a 3/16" piece of brazing rod and a section of old broom handle. Use this to probe for coins beneath the turf.
+ 1 10" long screwdriver - for "popping" the coins you probe from the turf.
+ 1 8-10" inch hunting knife - Just plain useful. Cuts roots, plugs in grass, etc.
+ Garden gloves - ones you can manage dextrous work in.
+ Super glue and duct tape - you don't need this explained, right?
...You can have more but you'll need these things, sooner or later.
BONUS TIP #13: Determine to Have Fun!
[size=x-small]copyright ddh. All rights Reserved. Dont reprint this without permission.[/size]
"Secret Tips to Success...for Metal Detecting Newcomers"
1. Equipment is NOT the answer.
The other, more crucial element is MINDSET. We tend to be techno-dependent, expecting gadgets to do all things for us. Guess what? People were finding treasures before detectors came along. The difference is they knew what to look for and had some idea where to find it. You do the same. Do buy a quality detector, then consider it merely the means to an end. As I like to say, "Know Before You Go."
2. Dig, man dig!
You wont find anything if you don't and you won't learn what your machine is, either. Your goal is to become an object recovery specialist, not an object locating expert.
3. DO NOT rely on that meter or display.
There is a mountain of hype that claims this detector or that detector can tell "trash from treasure." DO NOT believe it. There is A LOT of junk out there and most of it masquerades as good stuff. You will find trash and plenty of it, so start developing a cavalier attitude to it early on. See, TIP #2 .
4. Turn the Sensitivity down to start.
Dont expect to find stuff halfway to China, as most good things are within the first FOOT, usually less.
That's the good news.
Here's the bad: SENSITIVITY (gain) increases cannot "suck in" what isn't there to start with. Rather, gain that is set too high only results in false signals and lots of frustration.
5. Set time limits.
a. Plan to detect for a certain amount of time, as often as possible. Like any activity, good practice makes you better.
b. DO NOT detect longer that you should - set a limit on that, too. Remember you have a job and a family and friends.
6. Set Recovery Goals.
A certain coin, or artifact, a certain number of coins, etc. Then work to achieve them.
Some say that this is "just a hobby and goals are for work." DO NOT believe that, either. Achievement/success is utterly dependent on your ability to push yourself beyond the simple, past the easy frontiers.
7. Carry your detector with you as much as possible.
You never know when a chance to detect will come along. But dont leave it in your car, longterm! We're talking about sensitive, costly electronic instruments here.The heat and jostling is murder on them and thieves know what they are worth, too.
8. Learn about your area and what you might actually find.
Do a little research about every possible place you might consider detecting, from the local park to vacant lots. It does no good to take your detector to a barren parking lot. I tried it once...I'm right.
The park in my city was once an old home place, then a housing area through the 50's and now a modern park. The old coins and stuff are NOT where the modern play grounds are - and few know it but me. Get the point?
9. Talk to your friends and family about your new hobby.
Include the strangers you meet too, like folks in the checkout line or ban tellers. Ask if they know any old places, or good modern places, where lots of people have been active. Make up some simple personal introduction cards on your computer, naming you as "Detectorist." People respect credentials and beinng an ambassador of the hobby will open doors for you.
10. Plan to do all sorts of detecting.
You are new and this hobby has lots to offer. Dont imagine yourself only "this sort" of detectorist or "that sort." Try it all.
11. Learn the Detectorists Code of Ethics.
And practice good recovery techniques, ALL THE TIME. Few things will sour you on this hobby like being ticketed for leaving holes behind you or getting busted on private property. I learned this last one the hard way, at the wrong end of a shotgun - don't repeat my mistake.
12. Get a durable carry bag and keep these things in it:
+ Extra headphones - A broken set of phones will ruin any hunt.
+ Extra batteries for your unit(s)- Likewise, a set of dead batteries is a fun-buster.
+ 2 Digging Trowels - NOT the crap from WalMart's garden section. Get purpose built tools.
+ An inexpensive sand scoop. There are an amazing number of easy-digging sandy spots to hunt. You'll thank me for suggesting this one.
+ 1 recovery apron - Most home centers sell nail aprons for a $1. They''l do.
+ 1 10" probe - I make mine from a 3/16" piece of brazing rod and a section of old broom handle. Use this to probe for coins beneath the turf.
+ 1 10" long screwdriver - for "popping" the coins you probe from the turf.
+ 1 8-10" inch hunting knife - Just plain useful. Cuts roots, plugs in grass, etc.
+ Garden gloves - ones you can manage dextrous work in.
+ Super glue and duct tape - you don't need this explained, right?
...You can have more but you'll need these things, sooner or later.
BONUS TIP #13: Determine to Have Fun!
[size=x-small]copyright ddh. All rights Reserved. Dont reprint this without permission.[/size]
You haven't turned it one yet?
Where in CA do you live? If your near the beach
I'm sure you'll have a good time.
If your in NORTHERN Calif, there are many
great places in the country, small towns etc.
Advice? Take your time and remember to
invest in a small hand held pinpointer. You'll save yourself
loads of time digging.
Good Luck.
YES I Ate the Hampster!
Where in CA do you live? If your near the beach
I'm sure you'll have a good time.
If your in NORTHERN Calif, there are many
great places in the country, small towns etc.
Advice? Take your time and remember to
invest in a small hand held pinpointer. You'll save yourself
loads of time digging.
Good Luck.
YES I Ate the Hampster!
Hey thanks all,advice taken and some great tips. I am in far Northern Ca.I'm 3 hrs from the Ore. Border.I tried it this am and it works, put down some targets (penny, quarter) and practiced pinpoint does'nt seem to diffulcult.I believe I will get a pinpointer eventually.Going to try it out this weekend on a fishing trip to the creeks,and probably at the city park.
Is it ok to go on school property to hunt,I guess I can ask the school just thought someone here might know .Thanks for all the good tips I will be on here regularly,there is a lot to read.........Frank
Is it ok to go on school property to hunt,I guess I can ask the school just thought someone here might know .Thanks for all the good tips I will be on here regularly,there is a lot to read.........Frank
First hunt over at the local school grounds I did'nt spend much time maybe an hour or so Woohoo! my first find was a pull tab, then an old pencil 2 inches long and on the way back to the car I got a penny.I did pinpoint them with the Ace 250 and dug them up.No fantastic finds but finds they were! I found them,well the Ace 250 did I'm hooked.