Starting with an oldie

[Lornce]

Hello all, I've been thinking of getting into detecting for the last couple of years and had just been pricing out a first detector when during a trip to Kelowna BC last weekend I was given a used unit. It was from an elderly gentleman a friend of my mothers. It’s a Garrett A-D-S VLF/TR Deepseeker called the Coin hunter (bought originally in 1969). It comes with a hard case, and two coils (7.5” and 10”) Big green metal beast that takes 6 - 9v batteries. I well have to invest in rechargeable batteries of some sort, perhaps a trip to Radio shack is called for.

It finds coins under the living room rug with no problem. I’ll take it out to the back yard when the weather is nicer and give it a try then the school yard down the street.

Just curious what I would use to dig up things I locate with without disturbing the grass. One web site I visited suggested a screwdriver or a brass probe. Curious what you carry for digging with etc.? Also what to uses as a “skid plate” to protect the coil. Should I try to find a commercial one or are there home made alternatives. Any advice or comments about the detector would be appreciated.

 

[awhitster]

It sounds like it's probably a heavy old detector but still good. The only advice I can give you is the need for a pin pointer for grass. The detector will get you close but a good pin pointer is a must. Otherwise you will have to dig big holes to try and find coins. I use a Vibra Probe. Nice and sturdy, works by vibrating. Here is a link: Vibra Probe. They cost about $100 but well worth it, trust me.

 

[TuckyTector(InezKY)]

Compared to the detectors of today, the older detectors are heavier and have more of a learnin curve. But if you take time to practice and learn them, they can still run with the detectors of today. The detector is just as good as the one operating it. I still have my old ADS II and still enjoy getting it out for a hunt every now and then. I love playing with it and still think you can gain a little more depth with the right tuning compared to the preset modes on some of the detectors of today. If you don't have a user manual go to Garrett's web site and download one for free. http://www.garrett.com/hobby/techsupport/prodmanuals.asp
Keep swingin and learnin and I think the old ADS will work for you.
Happy Hunting
KY Bud

 

[Uncle Willy]

Check with Garrett to see if they have a coil cover to fit the old beast. You may not even need one as long as you don't use the detector for a club. Those were good old machines in their day ( and tough as nails ) and will still hold their own. And a great machine to learn the basics of detecting on.

A screwdriver is standard equipment for most beeper swingers. One way to recover deep coins without digging ugly holes is to cut a plug with a sharp hunting knife, pull it out, retrieve the coin, put the plug back just as it came out of the ground, and step on it. If you happen to carry water with you pour a little on the plug to give the grass roots the urge to reach out and re-connect

Bill.

 

[ernied]

they were a great machine in their day and will still find a lot of coins.if you decide you like the hobby i would invest in one of the newer garrets as they are a lot lighter and much more stable.also consider this garret does not repair a lot of the older machines i know they don't repair the freedom series anymore and they are a lot newer than your's try an ace 250 a lot of bang for the bucks.

 

[OzarksMike]

I still use my ADS Deepseeker as much as my Ace 250. Bought it in the late 70's. Sure, it's heavier but pinpoint is dead on. Still working on pinpointing with the Ace.

 

[Lornce]

Thank to all for the advice!!