Sov Elite

[Art (NWOH)]

If you are running it maxed out and know what the different numbers mean to you, then it don't matter. Just don't try to compare your numbers to anyone elses. It's only for reference anyway. I know one guy who calibrates to 600 on US quarters. His readings will be different from everyone elses, but that's how he wants it.
You could calibrate to any number it will adjust to if you want. Has no effect on detector operation.
We calibrate to the highest reading metal coins we have. Dimes, quarters, copper pennies, 50cent pieces....anything that will max out. An aluminum can would work, but is hard to carry in your pocket.

HH
HH

 

[element]

ahh thats cool then. I just thought as it was a 550 meter and it was reading at 605 max then there was something not right. cheers for clarifying

 

[Art (NWOH)]

Well, the meter will drift just a bit due to temperature changes and battery voltage changes. If you want to keep it dead on, then you have to check it every so often to see if it needs a bit of adjustment. That is, if you really think you need it for very specific readings for some reason.
Because the whole circuit is very touchy it would not be practical to expect the meter to give exactly the same numbers if it could not be user adjusted. Even changing coils usually requires adjustment to get the numbers back to the same. Switching the meter between detectors will also require adjustment. Due to component tolerances it is simply not possible to to make a meter/coil/detector combination to always give a 'standard ' reading without adjustability. I have one meter that I had to do an internal adjustment on because it would not adjust far enough with one of my Sovs.

HH

 

[plugger]

n/t

 

[asanaman]

Allllrught!!! This has been a good one! Very helpful... Thanks to all.

Hey Art, I take that if the meter is dialed all the way over ( to the right on mine), then it is still good? Also you or I read that it should be done on the clean ground, or not? And if not will the 'magic' number if done in the air?

I am using the 10 coil, and plan on getting an 8 or 5"... Suggestions.. and while we are getting good information passed on I used mine today with the 10" on a heavily trashed site. my friend wanted to see how it worked, against his explorer. Wel, he loved it and I come outa there with 10 times the coins an finds. I am pleased to say the least! It performed flawlessly, but it was slow moving. Still all in all it was sounding on coins 7-8" while nails were coming out with them. I was amazed as were the other two I hunted with. It truly did a great job. No joy on the silver, but wheaties and others. The site dates back to 1830's and to date. There is quite the variety to find all around that a area. So thanks for all the help, and good hunting to all...

K

 

[Art (NWOH)]

Well, as I said, it will still drift a bit. If you run it all the way to either end the numbers will change a bit over time, and usually if you change coils. too. No matter where you calibrate to, it will drift a little. You want a bit of up/down adjustment to calibrate when this happens. You say it goes to 605 right? You could adjust to 600 so you will have a little to play with, or set up for an even lower calibration point. Just give yourself a little room up or down.
If you decide to adjust to a mid range point you will have plenty to play with. You will have to learn new numbers though.
Be careful of carrying. The balance point of the detector is very near the meter, and it is easy to bump the calibration knob.

You need to calibrate on clean ground to prevent ID problems from trash, or simply do it with an air test. Same results either way for me.
You could even rig in a digital volt meter to read the actual ID voltage sent to the meter, but the floating point auto ranging of the meter would drive you nuts. Not to mention the strange numbers. You would not be able to calibrate it for drift either.

HH

 

[goodmore]

The Sovereign is slow. But if you are finding the good stuff slow is OK. It is faster on the beach. If you find that you want a different meter they come up for sale pretty regular in the classifieds. I had the meter mod done to my GT where the meter is mounted in the speaker hole. That is another great thing about the Sovereign. The customization of it is more than any detector out there.