Coin Shooting with the X-Terra 70 (long read)

[Digger]

Coin Shooting with the X-Terra 70

Several months ago, I wrote an article entitled Coin Shooting with the X-Terra. This article was designed to jump-start hobbyists detecting with either the Minelab X-Terra 30 or the X-Terra 50. My intentions were to immediately follow that article up with one on the X-Terra 70. But, as many of those using it can attest to, the more I use it the more I learn. So much that it has taken me nearly a year to come up with an article that logically explains some of the ways I use the X-70. So let

 

[NH Bob]

Interesting read Randy,
I'm going to incorporate your sensitivity section in my start up procedure. Makes perfect sense to me.
Also was impressed that this is a compilation of a years work or should we say enjoyment.
Thanx Bob.

 

[BarnacleBill]

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?55,288286,288286#msg-288286 ???

Cause it's easier finding 1/40th gram of gold than finding an entry in your ~400 posts.

X70's already in the bank, thanks for taking the time, my fingers got typist cramp half-way through reading it.

HH
BarnacleBill

 

[Digger]

I wrote some time back. There may have been a few "tricks" I've learned since that was written. But, all in all, it is still pretty accurate. Thanks. HH Randy

 

[Digger]

a labor of love. Not that I like writing, so much. But I just LOVE metal detecting! HH Randy

 

[Frank in NH]

n/t

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[crow-duck]

Randy you did a great job !!!!!I wander if they could post it at the top of the forum to keep some of the same questions ask over and over and as a reference for everyone.
crowduck

 

[Ed in Mo]

WOW....great job!!

 

[B.T]

Great post Digger but Im a bit tripped out by the recomendation of "NOT" to use tracking whilst prospecting in highly mineralised ground. (Before I go on this is not a knock at your integrity.) I find it works great, though like a typical auto tracker it needs a reminder to hurry up now and then, I call the "Semi Auto Trackers". If I hunt in fixed in real bad ground where there are mineral, positive to negative, changes in just inches of each other I will be going from one end of the bal scale to the other in inches. Losing depth, gaining depth, losing depth and so on. Unless I check and adjust every two or three seconds or every two or three inches.
I have no probs with the Auto track on the 70 and have found insanely small bits whilst using it. Perhaps the people using it and experiencing probs are just turning it on and not riding it, so to speak, letting it do it all itself which if you do that it will become lazy and not track on certain changes. Think of the tracking like those trick shift auto's in cars where you still have to hit the shift but not the clutch. You both work together.
Now and then give it a reminder pump or when you hear the threshold drop or rise , not from target but minerals, hit the track button twice whislt pumping it to quiken it up.
Too it may be that where they are hunting is a unique area of mineralisation where the tracking just doesnt recognise whats going on. Which I could understand happening. There must be places like that somewhere.
If so my full appologies for appearing to correct anything you wrote because thats not what this is for. Again top post and info.
More please.

 

[Digger]

Good Point BT. As long as the user understands that Tracking Ground Balance will update the settings very quickly for the first three seconds, and then slow down, and, you are willing to "ride the clutch" to keep it fast, it will work as designed. And, as long as the user understands that Tracking Ground Balance may result in nulling out a target if you continually sweep the coil over it, it will work as designed. Thanks for you comments. As I said in my post, I don't Prospect for gold. So, if you have any other tips, please share them with us. HH Randy

 

[Carib24k]

great information guys,since i bought my x50 January 1'st its been great the more i use it the more i love it. now i know what all the terms mean and can understand your post. keep the good works

 

[Dick from IA]

[quote Frank in NH]n/t[/quote]
Glad i didn't trade my X70!

Me too, Frank
I had it for sale last month and almost let it go; a little birdie on my shoulder said "Don't", and I didn't. Phew!!

Went out for the first time ever using the 5x10DD coil; Man, does that coil ever find the "itsy bitsy" pieces. It's gonna get me some rings this year; I can feel it

 

[plugger]

n/t

 

[Frank in NH]

n/t

 

[Frank in NH]

n/t

 

[RonNH]

n/t

 

[ffman]

Great Info! I have been MDing since April 07, and purchased the X-70 as my starter machine. I have found lots of stuff with it, but really have felt un-trained, and lacked confidence. I was really glad to find a forum dedicated to the X-70. It is going to take some time to digest all the information, but I am sure going to try. I have yet to find my first silver coin, but now I can see that I have not helped myself in this matter. Can't wait for the weather to change!

Many Thanks,
ffman

 

[Digger]

just ask! Lots of good folks on the X-Terra forum. HH Randy

 

[Elton]

Thank you for the very understandable operations guide for the Xterra 70.
After reading it and re reading (LOL) I think this may help myself, and other 70 users be much more successful in the field.
You, I think, have solved the mystery of my feed back problem by using less Sensitivity with the different coils.I also noticed by using this technique I in fact have been able to better air test my 3kHz coil. In a prior post I stated I had poor air test...this allowed me to read the target farther away from the coil, and much sharper on the sound. Now if the weather will cooperate, the Snow will melt, and I can find a place where the ground is actually visible..I will try it where it counts.