Threshold concern

[Winmagbar]

Hello all,

On my new to me Bandido II Micromax, the threshold sound doesn't begin until the threshold dial has been turned 3/4 of the way through its range. The sound is also not continually smooth but seems to pulsate very quickly. Are both of this conditions normal? Additionally, have you found that sending older detectors into Tesoro for a tube up is worthwhile and provides enhanced performance?

Thanks

Robert

 

[slingshot]

Oooh! On a Tesoro I had, that pulsing sound meant a trip to the factory. Hopefully you were near an EMI source nearby.

 

[walnut]

It won't cost much, and you'll have a brand new machine.

 

[Walknstik]

When I bought my first Tesoro (original Eldorado) I must have read my manual a hundred times and it stated...keep a nice steady hum on threshold. Later I was told by nugget hunters out west that you want to keep your threshold level to sound just like a mosquito humming in your ear... fading in and out ever so slightly for maximum sensitivity while in all metal mode. They claimed too much threshold (solid steady tone) would drown out the signals of the tiniest targets. As stated above EMI can definitely interfere with threshold sound.

 

[Hoser John]

Heavy power lines, microwaves, signal repeaters etc etc will bedevil you. Try other places to see if it does it all the time and turn down the sensitivity also-John

 

[Winmagbar]

Thanks all. Will try another location tomorrow. Possibly do need to send it in.

Robert

 

[homebre]

I have a similar problem with my Vaquero. It gives more of a gurgling sound rather than a nice clean hum on threshold. Doesn't seem to matter where I am.
Homebre in Hillsborough

 

[kittlitz]

I've also had threshold problems with my Tejon when there's EMI. In fact, sometimes, I still get a threshold tone even when the knob is at the minimum position (fully counter-clockwise). But when I get away from the EMI, the threshold seems to behave normally.

 

[Stoof-tabsallday]

Only time I get pulsating is EMI. The last time it happened I couldn't figure it out. Come to find the neighbor had an "invisible" dog fence. They and powerlines and transformers can have I'll effect on tesoros.

 

[Monte]

On my new to me Bandido II Micromax, the threshold sound doesn't begin until the threshold dial has been turned 3/4 of the way through its range.

I can't begin to tell you how many Bandido II [size=small]micro[/size]MAX units I have owned. Over a dozen, I am sure, and I just acquired another to replace my unit that was stolen from me last October. The one that was stolen needed the Threshold knob to be turned to about the 2 o'clock position. Another one I acquired last April needed setting at about the 1 o'clock position for a comparable Threshold hum. The unit I just acquired last week does need the knob turned to just about on the 3 o'clock position to have a matching Threshold hum I like to hear.

I have had at least a half-dozen Silver Sabre [size=small]micro[/size]MAX models that also required a knob position anywhere from about 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock to get the same, slight audio Threshold hum. It's usually due to subtle difference in the electronic components used, and might even be that the knob is just a little out-of-position on the control shaft. Not to worry.

The sound is also not continually smooth but seems to pulsate very quickly.

I get a pulsating or maybe a scratchy, erratic audio Threshold in many places when the detector is turned on and in All Metal mode in my house, outside near a house, business, power lines, transformers, substations, radio broadcasting sources, or anywhere near or in an area that is troubled by EMI. When I locate myself in an EMI-free location, where I usually hunt at old logging camps, gold mining camps, homesteads, ghost towns, etc., etc., I can set a nice-and-proper Threshold hum in All Metal and hunt away.

Are both of this conditions normal?

Yes.

Additionally, have you found that sending older detectors into Tesoro for a tube up is worthwhile and provides enhanced performance?

No, not unless it is necessary due to broken/damaged conditions or some component failure. There really isn't anything they due to "enhance performance" as any service is only for repair and to bring things up-to-spec. If you have a good working search coil, you are able to adjust the proper slight-audio 'hum' for your Threshold setting, then adjust the Ground Balance with the chosen search coil for peak performance with your Bandido II [size=small]micro[/size]MAX and you are ready-to-hunt.

My newly acquired Bandido II [size=small]micro[/size]MAX is off for service simply due to it needed some components checked in the Discriminate circuitry as it doesn't adjust as cleanly as my stolen unit did, or most I have had or match my Silver Sabre [size=small]micro[/size]MAX Disc. performance with a dense nail scattering. So in my case, yes, sending it off for service can be beneficial, but it's not for 'enhanced performance' as you control that with your settings.

Just learn your new-to-you Bandido II [size=small]micro[/size]MAX well and get out hunting with it as often as you can. Set some goals to accomplish in 2018 then use your unit to achieve the results! Best of success to you,

Monte

 

[SkiWhiz]

I have used a number of Tesoro detectors over the years that had a "pulsating" threshold. Never found it to be a problem.

 

[Winmagbar]

Thanks Monte and Skiwiz for the input. Should I be concerned that I do not hear the threshold until I have adjusted the dial 3/4 of the way through the dial adjustment?

Thanks

Robert

 

[Monte]

n/t

 

[Winmagbar]

Thanks Monte!

 

[Herb Jones]

I contemplated the same thing when I got mine.... thought I'd have sent it in by now... never got around until to
It.... now That I've used it for a while, I agree with most others here...

Swing away and enjoy, the B2uM is a sweet rig

 

[Winmagbar]

Thanks Herb, I need to get out in the field with mine.