Coils and Depth Gauge on the E-Trac...

[grumpyolman]

I know with the stock coil the depth gauge is supposed to show the target from the surface to 12" deep and half way down the gauge is about 6". What's the depth approximation if using different size and after market coils like a 6X8 SEF, a Sunray 8", or a 12X15 SEF? Diggin with the 12X15 this weekend it still seemed that half way down the gauge was still really near 6". Jim

 

[C&RHunter]

I haven't used anything but the stock coil on my etrac, but on my XS, I used the 8" a lot. I just used half way down on the 8 was 4", all the way down 8". Basically, roughly the size of the coil was the "same" as the max depth etc. I may be all wet here, but I think those numbers are close. (As close as the gauge usually was on the XS) Of course there are other reasons the depth gauge can be deceiving, but that was my "rule of thumb".

 

[3RINGER]

I used my 12x15 today and it really depends on the size of the target to me..just my 2 cents worth though.

other then that no big change.

 

[Hard Nosed Dave]

Hi Jim,

I to have found, with a larger coil, that it depends on the size of the target detected.

In using either one of or a combination of either tone id., on screen curser/cross-hair position or a digital value and more "conservative" settings on the Etrac, it has helped in deciding what the depth of the target might be.

I've got it down to about 80% certain of what the depth of a particular object is, using tone id. and curser position, using the 15" WOT.

Regardless of the 20% short fall , it hasn't stopped me from using this brilliant coil in most types of soil condition's.

Wondering if anyone else has found the same or maybe they can suggest a setting that might improve the accuracy. Please by all means let us know.


David Di

 

[Hungry]

I put the 15" WOT on when i assembled the ET out of the box, and tried the supplied coil last month, for 3hrs and went back to the WOT. I would just like a Dollar for every time my Depth scale shows 6" or up to 12", and the coin is sitting on the dirt under the grass. I don't worry too much about the depth, I use the X-1 , and if it doesn't pick up the coin , i dig deeper. HH.

 

[grumpyolman]

I use the depth as another one of the 'indicators' to decide to did or to not to dig...That is the question. For the first time last week end, I decided not to dig the 12-44s that were deep. Have never found an Indian around my current hunt spots and I have dug those 12-44s and they are always a zincoln. Dug one the other day, being dutiful and the chance it might be at least a wheatie, at a measured 12". I was suprised when I went that deep and found that nasty old penny. So..the depth gauge is another of the indicators that helps me decide on the iffy signals. That's why I was wondering what the difference in coil size might have on the gauge./
When I find a coin on the dirt or in the grass, on pinpoint it always screams louder than it should even though the gauge might show it deep. That coin will also do a quick double beep some of the time.
Wonder why more of the Experts here haven't provided their wisdom or experience? Jim.

 

[terrywl]

I use the 15" WOT too and am very happy with it so far, but as far as the depth gauge? I hit a nice target sound, got a repeat tone, looked at the gauge, about 4", looked at the ground and there sat a 1936 Merc. Wish they were all that easy to pick up! trust your ears!