Advice needed - XT705 rolling through numbers!

[JohnApthorp]

For the last 4 detecting sessions, my X-Terra 705 has taken up talking to itself. I noticed that there was a lot of "chatter" coming from it about 15hrs ago. (detecting hrs) I initially thought my batteries were going flat so I changed them with a new set of Name Brand Alkaline batteries. I did factory resets, checked the coil connection, wriggled the coil cable but still the machine continues to warble like a poker machine with diahrea.
This "chattering" & the fast rollout of al TDI numbers are driving me crackers. It only happens about 70% of my detecting time. I've tried lowering & raising the sesitivity, done numerous resets, done dozens of noise cancels but the saga goes on.
The soil that I've been detecting is still SLIGHTLY damp from the rain that we've had. The problem initially started in Parkes about 125kms away but is still doing it her at home.
If you can put up with the noise, the detector appears to work OK.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Gary.

 

[wizzo86]

have you tried lowering you sensitivity? I have found when detecting close or in the vicinity of underground electric lines that happens. Electric lines for night lights etc. Just a thought. Also in very mineralized soil or clay that happens as well.

 

[T.A.L.LasVegas]

Have you removed and cleaned your coil protector, the dirt between the protector and the coil can start producing tid's if not kept clean.
HH
Todd

 

[Digger]

....... Does the chatter happen with the coil held up in the air, or only when sweeping the ground? If it happens with the coil in the air, try manually selecting a different noise cancel channel different than the one selected automatically. I realize you said you lowered your Sensitivity. But is it possible to lower it to a point where the chatter goes away? If it eventually goes away, it might be that you need to run with a low setting. I know we talk about running with the Sensitivity cranked up as high as possible. But how high you can run yours and be most effective depends on many factors. Don't hesitate to lower yours if it takes away the chatter and you still get respectible depth. Is your Threshold set too high? Set it so it is just a barely audible hum when holding the coil in the air and volume at max. Another thing to consider...... improper GB........ try running in Tracking mode. If that works, you can take it out of tracking and the ground phase will remain at the last level selected in Tracking. If you are sure that ALL your settings are properly set, as Todd suggested, it might be magnetic material stuck between the coil and coil cover. If that isn't it, you may have a problem with the detector or the coil. If you have another coil, swap it out and see what happens with it connected. If that makes the problem go away, you either have a bad coil or the cable (or connector) has been damaged. Check the pin placement in the coil connector to make sure all pins can be fully inserted into the connector. I've seen a couple where the guy got in a hurry to plug in the coil, resulting in pin sockets that were mashed down, not allowing for the pin to seat properly. On the other hand, if the replacement coil acts the same way, it must be something electronic in the control housing. If that is the case, sounds like you'll need to send it to Minelab to have it repaired. Let us know what you figure out. JMHO HH Randy

 

[JohnApthorp]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
I disconnected the coil from the control housing to check the connecting pins as advised. I did find a few small pieces of rock/dust surrounding the pins. I cleaned this dust out with a fine brush & when I re-assembled the unit, it appears to work perfectly. I tested it this afternoon for 3 hrs & it never missed a beat. It even paid me $23 for the priveledge:-}
Thanks again for everyone's help. With my brains & your intelligence, we will overcome any obstacle!

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

Glad to see you fixed it John. But will you do me a favour. PLEASE leave some coins for me to find. $23 around here is pretty good. Little wonder why I didn't find a single coin after I hunted with you the other day. You're just too good.
Mick Evans.