Hi everyone! I have read this forum for a year and finally decided to join.
The begining:
I started metal dectecting in the mid 90's with a tesoro, then went to a whites spectrum xlt. I felt this area where I live was really hunted out(NEPA) so I quit the hobby from 2002 until 2010. When I thought that metal dectecting technology might of finally advanced far enough to get deeper into the ground, I looked for a new machine. After searching for a better detector on youtube and various forums, I came to the realization that there may be just one detector for me, the minelab etrac(say it with pride!!!).
The Etrac era:
I got my etrac in Sept of 2k10. My initial thoughts were that this was a tough machine to learn on. After about a month, going 3 days a week, I got the hang of it, and at this stage, feel that I am close to a master as can be. Also, in the year since i have owned it, I have found things I have never found with any other machine. I have done one season. Starting season two in March(I hope).
My first finds with the etrac:
Franklin half (first season goal)
SLQ (second season goal)
barber dime (third season goal)
V nickel (lifetime goal)
st christopher medal (lifetime goal)
1909 VDB penny (lifetime goal)
My hunting ground:
For those not familular with North East PA, it is a very old area that has been coal mined, hunted to death, filled, and hunted to death again. Finding 9 inch coins from the 1950s is not to uncommon. If you hunt the area, private property is your best bet, however, you can hunt the common areas if you have luck, or expert skill. I feel I have expert skill(not near Neb though
), my father has the luck.
Some amazing finds with the etrac(to me anyway):
a 9" 1936 silver quater right in between two chunks iron all in a 5 inch radius(this took 20 mins to find as the iron was causing me to think that there was nothing good there) I Think I wouldnt have found it if I wasnt using TTF.
An 8" Barber dime on its side next to a curb
And then disaster struck:
While detecting, I noticed that the screen on my etrac would distort. It seemed like it was very random. I would look at the screen and only the left half was displayed, or the screen would adjusted horizontally and I couldn't see the battery indicator. The headphone wire was loose so I only got sound once in a while. The lower shaft was stripped at the top. Also, air tested, everything silver seemed to read 12-50 with silver nickels 12-32 12-34. I tried a number of things to no avail. I sent the machine in and they got it on 1/27/11. I'm hoping the issue could be resolved soon.
Well, I guess I have bored you enough. GL and HH
Bey
The begining:
I started metal dectecting in the mid 90's with a tesoro, then went to a whites spectrum xlt. I felt this area where I live was really hunted out(NEPA) so I quit the hobby from 2002 until 2010. When I thought that metal dectecting technology might of finally advanced far enough to get deeper into the ground, I looked for a new machine. After searching for a better detector on youtube and various forums, I came to the realization that there may be just one detector for me, the minelab etrac(say it with pride!!!).
The Etrac era:
I got my etrac in Sept of 2k10. My initial thoughts were that this was a tough machine to learn on. After about a month, going 3 days a week, I got the hang of it, and at this stage, feel that I am close to a master as can be. Also, in the year since i have owned it, I have found things I have never found with any other machine. I have done one season. Starting season two in March(I hope).
My first finds with the etrac:
Franklin half (first season goal)
SLQ (second season goal)
barber dime (third season goal)
V nickel (lifetime goal)
st christopher medal (lifetime goal)
1909 VDB penny (lifetime goal)
My hunting ground:
For those not familular with North East PA, it is a very old area that has been coal mined, hunted to death, filled, and hunted to death again. Finding 9 inch coins from the 1950s is not to uncommon. If you hunt the area, private property is your best bet, however, you can hunt the common areas if you have luck, or expert skill. I feel I have expert skill(not near Neb though
), my father has the luck.Some amazing finds with the etrac(to me anyway):
a 9" 1936 silver quater right in between two chunks iron all in a 5 inch radius(this took 20 mins to find as the iron was causing me to think that there was nothing good there) I Think I wouldnt have found it if I wasnt using TTF.
An 8" Barber dime on its side next to a curb
And then disaster struck:
While detecting, I noticed that the screen on my etrac would distort. It seemed like it was very random. I would look at the screen and only the left half was displayed, or the screen would adjusted horizontally and I couldn't see the battery indicator. The headphone wire was loose so I only got sound once in a while. The lower shaft was stripped at the top. Also, air tested, everything silver seemed to read 12-50 with silver nickels 12-32 12-34. I tried a number of things to no avail. I sent the machine in and they got it on 1/27/11. I'm hoping the issue could be resolved soon.
Well, I guess I have bored you enough. GL and HH
Bey
