tutoring

[davids]

So, got my e-trac about a week or so ago....and i have been out of detecting for almost 20 years....

was really frustrated with it in the beginning...now, I think I am getting the hang of it...but, some of the terms that are used on these forums are way over my head---

is there an on-line tutorial or anything someone can suggest?

big question--I saw in one of the posts---only dig consistent sounds on every pass--is that good info or? sometimes i get a hit on a spot that only beeps ever 2 or 3 times...could that be a good target?

is there a cheat sheet for the #'s?

Any help would be appreciated....I did find a Barber dime last night---so, I was thrilled...

 

[gibsondan]

I hadn't metal detected for more than 20 years when I decided to buy an E-trac. Before I bought the detector, I bought Andy Sabisch's book on the Explorer and E-trac. It was a lifesaver for a guy like me who never owned a Minelab detector before. I highly recommend it. It's also far better than the owner's manual because Andy breaks everything down and explains it very well. In addition to that I lurked on this forum for a while and then began to post questions. The more experienced detectorists here were and continue to be a big help. I believe I've pretty much got it. It's a great detector and I enjoy hunting with it. Too bad it's raining again today here in Ohio or I'd be out right now hunting a spot where I found silver this past Saturday. Bummer. Hope you enjoy your new detector. Dan

 

[moseng]

Other than what Dan said, you might Google "E-Trac video" for some good online instructional vids if you haven't already. Also have a look at vids of "real" people finding stuff with the E-Trac or Explorer to hear the sounds since they are pretty close. I too found Andy's book helpful, after all it IS the ONLY book other than the manual on the E-Trac. Really though, there is very good information and some very helpful tips in it. More than worth the $20 IMO. I really think though that the best way to learn the E-trac (or ANY detector) is to DIG.. A LOT... OF TARGETS! I have easily over 150 hours with the E-Trac and I can pretty much tell what I am digging about 80-90% of the time. The rest is still guessing! I am still a sucker for can-slaw, bent bottle caps, and pull tabs!

As for only digging consistent sounds.. it depends on what you are digging for of course but I think you would miss some good targets if you only dug good solid sounds on every swing! I "think" what people mean is the "falsing" sounds that are made by rusted iron which make high tones that mimic good coins and jewelery and break up with multiple swings. I think a good test might be to take a silver dollar or another good target and wave it front of your machine at various distances and angles. As you change angles or get further away you will notice a "breaking up" and / or slight change in tones / numbers. Something like this is similar to what you might hear in the ground and is by no means "consistent" but should you dig it? I vote yes! So, I think what "consistent means in this case (at least to me!) is when you hear or think you hear/read a good target just turn ninety degrees and see if you can still hear the "same" sound.

1. If it goes away, chances are it's "falsing" and is most probably rusted Iron. At least every target I've dug so far except one (a bent wheat penny) has been iron, some type of garbage, or a dry hole.
2. If the sound is different but still good, that's what I call "iffy" and probably will dig depending on how deep and the pitch of the sounds coming from the target. Most of the time (about 75%) it's a good target
3. If it sounds about the same, and that sound is something good, I always dig. 99% of the time it is a good target.

Cheat sheets! There are some target sheets. Google "The Beep goes on". Good site IMO!

Of course I could be all wrong and someone will chime in with better information!

I did find a Barber dime last night---so, I was thrilled...

Ok, so why did I just write all this stuff.... I haven't even found a Barber with my E-trac yet! Really though, good luck and if it sounds good to you just Dig it up!!