Question for Monte, A1 vs. A2 on Delta 4000

[mr.thumb]

Monte, after using the new detector for a few days now I am wondering about the difference between all metal mode A1 and A2. It seems as though there is quite a difference in the way each mode performs, I like the responsiveness of A1, but A2 seems to clip off the sound and acts like a form of discrimination. I know from the manual that comes with the machine that one mode is for more mineralized ground and the other is for less mineralized. So what is the deal? I know your vast knowledge of this stuff will be helpful for me to better understand the workings of this machine, which is really neat. Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[Dave J.]

A1 is an all metals autotune mode which (unlike the corresponding mode on the more expensive models) does not phase ground balance. In most soils it will exhibit audible ground pickup. In lightly to moderately mineralized ground, you can use it by controlling your sweep height carefully, not scrubbing the ground, and paying close attention as you listen through the ground noise. Reducing the gain may be necessary to make the ground noise more "listenable-through", which despite the lower gain will usually increase slightly the effective depth under those conditions. .....In highly mineralized ground (especially the red clay kind) no matter your technique it'll just be too noisy. It pays to learn how to use A1 where it can be used, because where it can be used it's deeper than A2.

A2 (as you suspect) is like a discriminator. It's set to knock out ground noise but not metal targets. A2 is easy to use, requires essentially no skill, and provides better target separation in trashy areas. Its disadvantages are that it's more choosy about sweep speed, and isn't as sensitive to deep targets.

--Dave J.

 

[Ken in Georgia]

Thanks for the information Dave !!!

 

[Monte]

Dave J. gave you/us the answer as to their design concept. My only comment is this. The Delta is a turn-on-and-go models with factory preset GB which means we don't have any control to handle the conditions, other than the fact that the Delta does provide us these two All Metal search options. I think that's great, and it's superior to what other makes provide us.

So, as you note, there can be a difference in audio response and in perceived depth of detection. Thus, I simply do the following:

When I decide I want to hunt in an All Metal mode, I select a1 and use the highest Sensitivity level I can. If the location I am hunting allows me to search in a1 without excessive noise, then that's what I do.

If the conditions make things too annoying, I simply select a2, adjust for the maximum Sensitivity level, and hunt.

It's just that simple because at least I have two All Metal modes to use for a variety of conditions. Then, all I need to do is make sure I know the best effective sweep speed to use and the fun begins.

Monte

 

[mr.thumb]

Thanks Dave, I think I understand better now. After using it more and more I find that I am better able to understand how it works, and the differences between the two all metal modes, I usually do as you say, Dave, and it works for me. I am really enjoying this new toy, but I still drag the 505 along for a loaner and alternate uses, it will fill in the gaps that I come across, I usually leave the 4 inch coil on the 505 for when it is needed in tight places and down into deep holes. Also thank Monte, as usual you cut to the heart of the issue.

Mike