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Detecting in nails(long)

Steve(MS)

New member
I thought I might do a write-up for hunting in nail trashy areas. First though I want to define a the terms 2-way and 4-way. 2-way refers to when you are just sweeping back and forth over a target and getting a signal both times. 4-way refers to the same except the other 2 are when you turn 90 degrees and still get signals both ways. When using the stock coil or any coil for that matter, make sure you investigate those 2-way signals and here is why--lets say there is a coin with a single nail over the top of it, if you are sweeping across the nail, then you have a better chance of getting a signal on it but if when turning 90 degrees, the signal is all iron, then that would be typical of what generally happens. The important thing is to be aware of when the iron is getting dense. It also helps to go to a smaller coil when encountering these situations too, the smaller footprint helps to weave between the trash, also smaller coils generally don't go as deep as the stock which is good because it is better to sacrifice some depth in order not to get overloaded on iron. In these situations, one has to take more chances on the iffy signals to make good finds, that is go for some of those on the left side of the screen, where the audio may be broken, and are 2-way signals only. Remember the sound, meter, and depth reading when taking chances on those iffy signals as they can work in concert for you in deciding on which signals to dig. If you dig several then you will be able to tell how the Exp is reacting to the trash and the site thereby making better decisions on the next ones you go for. As for sweep speed, go slow, listen for anything that is not a ferrous sound, sometimes those non-ferrous targets will be very abbreviated in audio length. If you are in a an area that has yielded good finds before then even go for what I call those wild sounding warbles(the ones that change in tone rapidly) as they can also be a good target mixed in with iron. Watch the depth meter from time to time too, if the depth bar is staying way at the top over a given area, then it may be time to put on the small coil. Grid off the area on a 90 degree from the first detecting angle. 4-ways are a no-brainer, 2-ways also, then there may be times to go for a few of the 1-ways as they can be a non-ferrous item. The object when dealing in these iron ridden areas is to try to identify ferrous from non-ferrous, I usually go for any non-ferrous item regardless of what it is, this is usually meant for those areas where there is none or little modern trash present so keep that in mind. Some of the lower non-ferrous conductors will give a very broken, not very good repeating sound, especially those that are deeper down. Last but not least, it is very important to not use very much disc, no more than -14(XS and 2) as more than that will eliminate those targets mixed in with iron, preferably -15 or wide open for the ones that use ferrous sounds if that is the way you run it anyway.

Now for the disclaimer, this is mainly to help those who are getting started with the Explorer and is not meant for anyone who is completely comfortable with how they doing. The best way to learn anything is to do it on your own but if this helps, that's fine, if not, it didn't cost anything:lol:. so keep that in mind.
 
Thanks for the information. Any tips on pinpointing? Two way signals are really tuff. I've been working them off the front edge of the coin when I can. I would almost rather leave a one way signal in the ground than chase it with my shovel.
 
If a target don't repeat from at least two ways leave it go unless its real deep...Deep coins, next to junk and turned coins won't always repeat. Several ways to pinpoint and find one that works and stay with it...
 
Lifting the coil off the ground can help at times while sweeping the 2-ways in detect mode, it seems to narrow the signal somewhat, comparing in pinpoint mode but targets on an angle may cause the two not to agree. Seems to me the pinpoint mode wanders on some signals. When using pinpoint mode I usually approach the signal from each side then turn 90 degrees doing the same and dig where the imaginary center is.
If there is only one target under the coil, you can use the tip of the coil in detect mode to find the center of the signal by approaching it from the 4 sides, once again finding the imaginary center point.
 
Thanks for sharing as it may indeed help a newbie Explorer user or refresh an oldbies mind..Keep in mind side to side is one thing but to and fro is another due to the makeup of an Explorers coil, so do that 90 degree turn for more accuracy...keep the good posts coming my friend...
 
I saw EXP II film on CD. After this my PP is 100%. Go to PP mode. Imagine a line along central bar with most strong signal. Go 90 deg and do the same. The most strong signal in cross will be the target. This works perfect for me.
 
The problem I've had is with signals that disappear when you turn 90 degrees. Thanks for the reply.
 
Chances are they are junk and unless one is really deep usually move on..Was the same way with any detector I ever used and is an excellent indication its not worth digging..I know some relic hunters that dig all as long as it repeats and come up with some nice finds, but if it doesn't repeat they move on..
 
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