Tips and direction for Spectrum XLT, newbie here

[Loulatime]

Got a White's product second hand off ebay after some comparisson online of different models. I am getting the hang of the machine and I re-read the directions to familiarize myself with the workings. Inspite of this I wanted to ask a quick question from some Veteran users.

The unit seems to be very accurate in finding junk but when I get a solid tone and reading 95+ I will dig and find nothing. No junk, no treasure... Re-pinpoint the hole (sometimes 12+ inches deep) and still get a positive reading again in an empty hole. What am I missing? Is this me not digging enough width? Is this just a false reading? I will ground balance as well to be sure I do not get a false read... Any help would be great!

Lance
Massachusetts

 

[tjn63]

A 95 on the XLT can be what is called a "Hot Rock". It's a rock that contains metal minerals, and will set your detector off. I haven't used the XLT much(I just bought one for my wife), I use a DFX. But they're very similar as far as readings go. Sometimes I get high signals in the 80's to 90's that say they're really deep. Alot of the time it'll turn out being a deep nail that's usually off to the side of my hole a little bit. I'll bet you're experiencing one of these two things...

 

[TerraDigger]

I think TJN63 is correct....Here is a old post from a detectorist named Reg that may help you...actually it will help you alot

Q. User gets alot of +95 readings

A. Hi Edward,
I stumbled into your post so I thought I would add my opinion if you don't mind.
Now, from a technical standpoint, a coin can read higher than normal as the result of the ground conditions. The analysis is basically done using math means that adds the ground signal to the target signal. There is a tendency for some objects to read upscale on a target ID detector in highly mineralized ground. As the target signal becomes weaker and weaker, the ground signal begins to dominate, thus the higher reading. George Payne wrote about this, I quote "In addition, if the target is deep it will more than likely tend to read higher on the VDI meter in mineralized ground".

Terra Diggers Personal Note: The reason that I don't get +95 readings when bench testing is that the +95 phenomena (where target is too deep for VDI to get accurate reading) needs ground mineralization to occur. Air testing has no mineralization present.

Now, if there are few "hotrocks" in your area, I would recommend you turn on the +95.
Years ago, when I was using another Whites unit, I found that accepting the highest 3 or 4 highest negative numbers (-96 through -92) to positive would also increase the number of deeper coin finds without causing me to dig much trash. So, this is something else to think about. I used to call this sort of cheating but after finding out just how the mineralization distortion occurs, I call it distortion compensating.
User: Jim M.

On both the XLT and DFX extremely deep non-ferrous tagets will id, both audibly and visually, as +95. Thus, if you want to find the really deep goodies, the astute XLT or DFX user will ALWAYS set +95 to ACCEPT at OLDER sites. If one REJECTS +95, they will ALSO reject the really deep targets. But here is another "get more depth" hint" which will also get more depth: program your machine to also ACCEPT -95. Yeah, -95. And, then watch the VDI meter for faint, "iffy" signals which give BOTH a +95 AND -95 "double bar" graph readout.
To make a long story short, I got 8 such signals in short order. But signal number 8 wasn't so "iffy," so I dug it. It turned out to be a very old token. Whoa! Little Jimmy then re-traced his steps, and EACH (and I mean each!) of those other double-bar signals produced coins dating from 1898 to 1917.
User Dave

+95's can be very deep targets also, and GOOD ones at that. A way to tell is if the reading goes below 95.5 ,and, or, you get the slightest hint of a pinpoint. When I get a +95, a I really investigate it with many swings and checking for a pinpoint, if it goes below +95.5, even just to +95.4 or +95.3....I Dig. Been using this method for many, many years, and DEEP targets have varied from 2 foot deep Buckles. and many coins at depths of the 16 inch range. This is one of my Best kept secrets.

When dealing with HotRocks in high iron mineralization here in Va, the Pinpoint mode is my main tool. When pinpointing, hotrocks tend to not give a pinpoint signal at all, or the signal smears and moves around with no definite point.

Trash Tips
A deep GOOD target when pinpointed will sound much softer than the discrimination mode. Trash will sound weak or borderline in the discrimination mode and LOUD in the pin point mode as a general rule.

Reg

 

[TerraDigger]

I think TJN63 is correct....Here is a old post from several detectorists from a defunct website that may help you...actually it will help you alot

Q. User gets alot of +95 readings

A. Hi Edward,
I stumbled into your post so I thought I would add my opinion if you don't mind.
Now, from a technical standpoint, a coin can read higher than normal as the result of the ground conditions. The analysis is basically done using math means that adds the ground signal to the target signal. There is a tendency for some objects to read upscale on a target ID detector in highly mineralized ground. As the target signal becomes weaker and weaker, the ground signal begins to dominate, thus the higher reading. George Payne wrote about this, I quote "In addition, if the target is deep it will more than likely tend to read higher on the VDI meter in mineralized ground".

Terra Diggers Personal Note: The reason that I don't get +95 readings when bench testing is that the +95 phenomena (where target is too deep for VDI to get accurate reading) needs ground mineralization to occur. Air testing has no mineralization present.

Now, if there are few "hotrocks" in your area, I would recommend you turn on the +95.
Years ago, when I was using another Whites unit, I found that accepting the highest 3 or 4 highest negative numbers (-96 through -92) to positive would also increase the number of deeper coin finds without causing me to dig much trash. So, this is something else to think about. I used to call this sort of cheating but after finding out just how the mineralization distortion occurs, I call it distortion compensating.
User: Jim M.

On both the XLT and DFX extremely deep non-ferrous tagets will id, both audibly and visually, as +95. Thus, if you want to find the really deep goodies, the astute XLT or DFX user will ALWAYS set +95 to ACCEPT at OLDER sites. If one REJECTS +95, they will ALSO reject the really deep targets. But here is another "get more depth" hint" which will also get more depth: program your machine to also ACCEPT -95. Yeah, -95. And, then watch the VDI meter for faint, "iffy" signals which give BOTH a +95 AND -95 "double bar" graph readout.
To make a long story short, I got 8 such signals in short order. But signal number 8 wasn't so "iffy," so I dug it. It turned out to be a very old token. Whoa! Little Jimmy then re-traced his steps, and EACH (and I mean each!) of those other double-bar signals produced coins dating from 1898 to 1917.
User Dave

+95's can be very deep targets also, and GOOD ones at that. A way to tell is if the reading goes below 95.5 ,and, or, you get the slightest hint of a pinpoint. When I get a +95, a I really investigate it with many swings and checking for a pinpoint, if it goes below +95.5, even just to +95.4 or +95.3....I Dig. Been using this method for many, many years, and DEEP targets have varied from 2 foot deep Buckles. and many coins at depths of the 16 inch range. This is one of my Best kept secrets.

When dealing with HotRocks in high iron mineralization here in Va, the Pinpoint mode is my main tool. When pinpointing, hotrocks tend to not give a pinpoint signal at all, or the signal smears and moves around with no definite point.

Trash Tips
A deep GOOD target when pinpointed will sound much softer than the discrimination mode. Trash will sound weak or borderline in the discrimination mode and LOUD in the pin point mode as a general rule.
Reg

As a new detectorist, please learn how to extract coins without damaging the ground

 

[nailfinder]

i have used the XLT sence they came out and i have found that most 95 readings are either hot rock or very deep targets. if it gives me solid hits as i swing over it then i dig it. there is one area that i hunt for civil war relics where they have done some iron mining and i get a lot of 95 readingd and it is anything from a coin, three ringer, or button. i have learned over time that this area gives very high numbers due to minerals in the ground and the more you use your machine you to will learn what to dig and what not. the XLT is an awesome machine good luck with it

 

[widebody]

[size=large]that's just great. now i have to go back to my park, if it ever stops raining, and re-investigate the +95s i've passed over in the last two years. ya learn something all the time on these forums.

HH[/size]

 

[Monte]

Got a White's product second hand off ebay after some comparisson online of different models.

Questions, to help me and other try to help you:

Q.. What other makes and models have you used?

Q.. How long have you had the XLT?

Q.. Which search coil(s) do you have for the XLT?

Q.. Do you understand 'Ground Balance?' That is, have you owned a model that required manual GB? If you GB at a spot, do you know how to verify that you have a good 'functional' GB?

Q.. Which factory Program are you using, or is it a 'Custom' program?

Q.. If it is an altered or non-stock program, what settings are used?

Q.. What prompted you to buy the XLT?

Q.. What type(s) of sites are you hunting, and what are you looking for?

Q.. Are you looking at the Signagraph on the bottom portion, left-to-right, on the Target ID display? Use this often as it is more helpful at separating good targets form potential junk.

I am getting the hang of the machine and I re-read the directions to familiarize myself with the workings.

Refer to the last paragraph on Page 36 and the continuation on Page 37. That relates to the +95' response.

Inspite of this I wanted to ask a quick question from some Veteran users.

ARMY Oh, wait ... your mean the other kind of veteran! Well, I was the one and now I am the other.

The unit seems to be very accurate in finding junk but when I get a solid tone and reading 95+ I will dig and find nothing.

If you are hunting in the Disxcriminate mode and get a +95, be aware, as others have stated and is in the reference I mentioned in the Owner's Manaul, that if the signal sounds softer or weaker or deeper ... Dig It! If not, it might be junk or a 'hot rock' or other ground mineral challenge. Make sure you glance at the Signagraph along the bottom of the visual display. Usually, the 'smear' of prompts, especially more in the Iron range, can be a good indication that the object is iron (ferrous) and potentially not desired.

No junk, no treasure.

If you are digging 'hole' and getting nothing at all, there can be a few reasons.:

Q.. Do you first get a signal, attempt to recover the target, and in Pinpointing you hear a loud response that suggests the target is deeper? If so, that can easily be a too negative GB for the All Metal/Pinpoint mode and the detector is responding to a 'void.'

Q.. Are you checking the TID before recovery, and also checking the target size when you Pinpoint?

Re-pinpoint the hole (sometimes 12+ inches deep) and still get a positive reading again in an empty hole. What am I missing? Is this me not digging enough width? Is this just a false reading? I will ground balance as well to be sure I do not get a false read.

If the GB setting is too negative, you will get a beep if you lift sweep over a hole or if you lift the coil when in the Pinpoint function. The #1 thing to double check is the GB setting you have at a site when you experience any questionable behavior from your detector.

You could check for any local White's Dealer who is also an avid detectorists who might be able to help you 'hands-on.'

Monte

 

[widebody]

[size=large]well Monte is the Guru of XLTs. so sad he was army though. the Marines are always looking for a few Good Men. probly could have taught how to clear minefields.
i do thank him for the current info and that from the past.

HH[/size]

 

[Loulatime]

Thanks eveyone! I really appreciate the support! The feedback has helped ALOT~ Just went to the beach and had a blast; no treasures but a handfull of change. It is all good! Best of luck to us all for the Summer.