Any users of the GTAx 550?

[italian49837]

Hi all,new here,but not new to detecting. I recently purchased a GTAx 550 and have a few questions.


1. Is there anyone who knows of any good custom "programs".


2. I am getting the BONG signal alot aswell. Do you think that is i try the same remedies for the Ace 250 i could get similar results?


3. Is it just me or does it seem like no one really sues this machine?

 

[Bruce Olson]

http://www.garrett.com/manuals/GTA-500.pdf don't know if you got the owner manual or not if not hope this help on some question.

 

[italian49837]

Yeah i got the manual but it seems to be really cheap. It was in the detector box,but it looks to me like its just a photo copied version. Not sure,maybe thats how they come.


Did a few hours of detecting since i received the machine and it seems to work good. Found about 2.oo in clad and a few wheaties. Found a rusted chain link at about 9 inches in the coin mode so i know it will get deep.

Im curious id the machine is in all metal mode if the "coin bong" goes off if the probabilty of diggin a coin is the same.


I used a GTA 1000 about 9-10 years ago and had great finds with it. Numerous IH and Mercs and other assorted coins.


Any idea where the 550 stacks up against the 1000? I know the 1000 has a larger number but to me i think the technology in the 550 should be on par with the 1000.


Any hints or advice is appreciated.


Ryan

 

[Blockade Runner]

On the bonging, make sure your that your coil cable isn't slapping around.
I normally end up in cut overs and brush that I can barely move around in while relicing. Move the coil wire straight up your lower shaft ( make sure that you leave just enough length at the coil so it can move freely front to back = Imagine that you would trip forward - you want enough so that you wouldn't pull the cable out of the head)
Secure the straight part with the supplied velcro or plastic lock.I dont start wrapping my cable in circle until about the click lock.
People do different things but I buy the cheap black pipe insulation
and then use a NON adhesive ace bandage wrapped over top ( check em out- the new ones stick to themselves with no adhesive) On the picture I used the bow hunting tape ace type bandage ( this stuff was $15 bucks a roll- the ace I happily discovered is about $3 bucks and you get more)I also wrapped my steel handled shovels in the ace and they are so comfortable and easier to hang to. In my case this wrap protects my cable from the brutal Virginia sticker bushes. It will give you a fit if you need to break the detector down though. It is a lot faster and totally clean as opposed to tape.
Get the coil/ cable straight- lower your sensitivity and see if this works out. Get the detector to a good site - a field with no big power
lines and a old homesite nearby is a good place. I can never get a true impression of a NEW detector working around a house or neighborhood because of all the odd junk and possible interence. Once you get the hang of it in no mans land you can solve problems in trouble areas.
Take some items with you to try out. I bet a lot of people on this site who have worn the hand grips out on their favorite detector probably were a little skeptical their first day, week or year.
Having the name Garrett on it will lower the learning curve. You are ahead at the start. I hope I do not upset a site user stealing or modifying his motto BUT SWING LEARN SWING LEARN and stop looking at the new whizbang machine of the week knowing it has to better than yours. As always " HUNT ZERO DISCRIMINATION AND SEE ALL THE TARGETS"
BR, Dave

 

[italian49837]

Hey....lotsa good info there.....thanks alot.

 

[Uncle Willy]

A lot of people use it and it's a great detector and hot on rings. Go to losttreasure.com and read my field test on the 550.

Bill

 

[wag-jr]

i have had mine for about a year now and i love it.had a little trouble learning to pinpoint [my first detector].finally took it to the lake andwent on a pulltab hunt [easier digging] now i can cut a small plug and my target is there.as far as the bong something you will get better at as you learn your machine.gonna dig some junk if your gonna find treasure.best of luck to you