Well IDX actually I haven't tried running wide open. I've thought about giving it a shot. But when I first started using the Explorer I read up on different programs that the "experts" used (pretty clever,huh?)and truly these guys know the Explorer inside and out. One of them was Bryce Brown. I was impressed with his thoughts behind the program he used so I dialed all his numbers into my Explorer and off I went. I've been using the Explorer Se Pro now for about a year and 1/2 and feel like I've done pretty well. I do dig iffy signals, circle the target to try and decipher whether it's a rusty nail or a coin, etc. (Oh, I've gathered you use the digital display and of course I use the Smart screen). I'm trying to rely more on sound, the tones and all. That is coming to me slowly. I still like to have ID confirmation. But like I said I do dig iffy signals, more and more as I've matured with the Explorer. I've been fortunate enough to dig 125 silver coins so far and I've worked in some fairly trashy spots and pulled coins out of areas that I'm pretty sure have been left for dead. I really do need to try some different approaches though. I know that using as little discrimination as possible and hiking the sensitivity up as high as possible on manual would yield more depth from what I understand. What that means is of course uh, hard work! Wading through the tumult of signals and tones and learning to catch the illusive silver warble amidst it all. I've sort of been working up to that. Still, the quest for the ideal coil for depth remains a lure for me. But maybe I need to stretch the Explorer's wings and let it loose with wide open disc. and working the sensitivity up. I think you're right, I should try that first and see where it takes me. Perhaps to the depths I seek!