XS depth meter and Minelab wiggle questions

[Anonymous]

I am new to the Explorer XS. I have been out a few times and noticed that on a number of occasions the depth meter has read in the approximately 5-6" range only to find the clad coin sitting near or on the surface? (Thank goodness for the X-1 probe!) Can anybody explain this to me? I did dig a clad quarter (which was on edge) about 3 inces down yesterday, but the meter indicated it was at least 6 inches down. Very confusing!
Also, as to the "Wiggle" When the signal stops, is the target supposed to be at the outer edge of the coil or do you just learn where to start and end your probing (i.e., it is somewhere down the coil's center strip)? Anything to help me get a grip on this pinpointing would be helpful - it is tough coming from a White's XLT with superior VCO audio poinpointing to the monotone Minelab "pinpoint" tone.
I changed to the Explorer because I wanted to find more silver coins. So, I am willing to put in the time to learn the detector. Any pointers, programs, explanations, etc. you can offer or send me would be appreciated.
Oh, and I have read the manual and Andy's book several times now.

 

[Anonymous]

how far off the ground are you holding the coil? the meter is only accurate withit scrubbing the ground.. generally to get the best reading check it when its reading the target in the center of the coil.. as for pinpointing I just use the x method if I use pin point, but after a while you can narrow it down pretty good with the x method in disc as well.. I seldom use the end of the coil method as the deep stuff stops short of the end of the coil

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I found the same thing to be true - that is that the target falls off before the tip of the coil. Just wanted to make sure it was not me.
As far as the depth, I had the coil on the ground. I had a fairly experienced person with me (also and XS user) who said that he found that the meter did not read acurately when the coil was close to the surface. I have found that to be expecially true when the coin is sitting in the top half inch or so, I was curious as to why it seemed more accurate when the target was deeper.

 

[Anonymous]

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[Anonymous]

Hey Darryl,
I never look at my depth meter. While using my 7.5" coil, I have my gain set on 7 and listen to warbling qualities. If I get a low volume signal with warbling, it is pretty deep. If I get a high volume, non-warbling signal, it is 2-3 inches or shallower. With gain set to 10, it all sounds loud. With gain set to 7 or 8, the deeper the coin, the less volume the signal has. Also, the deeper the coin, the more warbling the signal does. I like this because I get an immediate depth response from sound and never have to look down at the screen.
Place a coin on clean ground and try sweeping over it at different altitudes and you'll see what I mean.
If you have questions about learning sounds or digging less rusty nails, just ask.
I suck at using the pinpoint mode. I only locate the target by listening for the strongest signal, then by sweeping while backing up until I lose the signal, and then by going forward again and stopping right when I hear the signal again. At that point, I figure the target is somewhere under the front 1/3 of the coil. It usually is, unless it is a rusty nail. For information on rusty nail avoidance, look at previous posts on this forum, and look for my rusty nail posts on Shaner's forum: http://groups.msn.com/MinelabExplorerXSusers
I am glad you have the X1 probe. That thing is awesome.
Mike

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Mike - I will give your method a try. I will change my gain to your settings and practice practice paractice. I think I will burry a number of coins at different depths so I get the hang of it. Any other suggestions welcome!