Questions about GTI 2500

[Reggie]

I sent off my 2500 because it did not image, identify or give the same depth readings on the same target in all three modes: all metal, discriminate, and pinpoint. Garrett's technician says that this occurs when the sensitivity setting is MAXED out, as mine was. So, they are sending it back without finding it necessary to make any repairs.
Question: Have any of you experienced this? (There is nothing in the manual to warn of this issue.)

2nd Question:Whether you have experienced this or not, what do you set sensitivity on to get the best depth from your 2500?

Thank you!

 

[Terry in PA]

Running your detector maxed out is not a good Idea. You should however run it as high as possible with out the detector becoming erratic . Sometimes the preset sensitivity is to much.Running your detector with less sensitivity doesn't mean you'll loose targets in fact you may pick up targets that were mask by junk that the detector seen in a higher sensitivity setting.Running it at a 6,7,8 setting works fine and still gets good depth.If depth is what you want run it in the true all metal mode. But you'll hear everything in the ground. Hope this helps you.
Happy Hunting !!

 

[Mark652]

I generally run my GTI-2500 in all metal mode unless the ground is really trashy. My sensitivity is pretty much at 7 and I leave it there. I am very satisfied with the depth I get with the detector, finding a dime at 5-6 inches is not a problem and I'll get more depth if the soil and moisture is right. I will often hit a target in all metal and switch to coin or relic and confirm the target in that mode---if it is a good target I'll get that sweet tone, but even targets with the not-so-sweet tone that still sound solid and size right I'll dig. With my 2500 I have learned several important realities--and comparing with other GTI-2500 owners have confirmed that each machine behaves different, you really have to become acquainted with it. One reality is that image, identity and depth are rarely what the screen tells you. On MY 2500 the depth is almost always less than what the meter reads. It will say the target is 5 inches down and I'll find it at 3 inches. It will identify the target in the coin range and it will be iron or vice versa. I find especially in ferrous soil I will get a reading on the meter that the target is in the nickel-pull tab area. If I remove a few inches of soil over the target and re-sweep the target will now show in the coin zone--or vice versa. The one area that my detector is very accurate on is the size. If it says it is coin size the target may not be a coin, but it will be the size of one. If every indicator on the 2500 says the target is a coin--right tone, right depth, right zone on the meter---but the size does not indicate coin, it is never a coin. Conversely, if the tone says coin and the zone says coin and the size says coin, it is a coin 90% of the time. I've sent my detector to Garrett for a full tune up and got it back with a clean bill of health. The reality is, work the machine and get to understand what it is telling you. I listen to the sounds in my headphone and use the meter to confirm whether I will dig the target or not.

I hope this helps, good luck. The 2500 is a great detector, once you are familiar with it you will be finding great stuff.

 

[liltracs]

I start out 6 to 7 and work my way up to check for deeper coins. Usually 9.5 to 10.5 is max for me. If you get a choppy signal crank it up to see if it gets better. Usually the only places I hit coins over 6 inches is where dirt has been filled in.

 

[Uncle Willy]

Ever since I ran the Garrett Clasroom ( precursor to this forum ) I have warned Garret users of running the sensitivity maxed out. It can create all kinds of problems including masking good tagets. Run your sensitivity at about 6.5 and the performance of your tector should improve.

Bill

 

[Uncle Willy]

No machine is 100% accurate on readings as it is registering probability based on conductivity. A detector is not an X-Ray machine and can only give readings within its capabilities, declaring what it thinks it sees, not exactly what the target is.

Bill

 

[Reggie]

Thanks Bill and everyone. Live and learn. I'll be glad to get it back and try your settings. That should do the trick! R

 

[Uncle Willy]

You will notice your find count going up when you drop that sensitivity.

Bill

 

[Reggie]

That would be a Good thing. Thanks.