First finds with the explorer

[MeNstick]

Took out the EX2 a couple of times and am very impressed. Went to my local park (nothing old by any means) and went over an area that I have taken all my other detectors (my public test area). After reading Andy Sabich's book (Mastering the Explorer recommended here, thanks guys!) and reading as much as I could on the net (also sights recommend here), I went to give it a try. I tried a disc program awhile, and edited out some tabs, cleared the screen and selected crown caps out and screw caps out, and left everything else wide open (any comments on positive discrimination?). It took me awhile to get used to all the information that was coming in. Then accepted it as if it were threshold (background noise). Ended up -10 iron mask, and a make shift disc jewelry coin program. Was really surprised to find coins I have passed over. Either they were maybe an inch or so deeper, or best of all on edge! Which was another surprise. Was looking for deeper finds and with the 8" coil I was getting a reading of 8" or so and would go after it only to find after pulling a 4" plug there would be a coin standing straight up and down at the bottom of the hole! The other miracle was the iron mask. To be able to get an iffy signal and go to iron mask and determined whether it was truly a good target (why do you have to go two pushes to get past the iron mask setting screen or am I missing something?). All and all I believe I'm going to enjoy this years finds. I'm trying to get a somewhat smooth threshold and trying to keep the nulls to a minimum by reducing the sensitivity (in real trashy areas going to 32 auto), but I heard that it may be better to reduce the gain instead. Any comments on this?

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Ez4RN9aZ

 

[minelab locust]

first off i think you would do better in the trash with lowering your sensitivity...it will help separate targets better for one...just a thought

 

[MeNstick]

Thanks, I'm still trying to get a handle on the positive and the negative grounding that is needed to balance out the unit. I did notice that by reducing the sensitivity (around 19 to 17 manual) that the nulling would diminish some, and the threshold would become alittle more stable (some slight falsing). I still haven't found a real deep target yet, but gaining confidence since I located the coins on edge. After using it a couple of days I went to check the MXT to see if the batteries were charged and it sounded like a screaching pig (what difference). Any more suggestions would surely be appreciated. Thanks, RD

 

[minelab locust]

[quote MeNstick]Thanks, I'm still trying to get a handle on the positive and the negative grounding that is needed to balance out the unit. I did notice that by reducing the sensitivity (around 19 to 17 manual) that the nulling would diminish some, and the threshold would become alittle more stable (some slight falsing). I still haven't found a real deep target yet, but gaining confidence since I located the coins on edge. After using it a couple of days I went to check the MXT to see if the batteries were charged and it sounded like a screaching pig (what difference). Any more suggestions would surely be appreciated. Thanks, RD[/quote] if you want to tell iron from the good stuff try ferrous sounds and all metal or VERY low iron mask and set the gain at 5 for a start(easiest way to tell deep sigs) then after you get used to how deep stuff is supposed to sound you can bump up your gain a notch or 2 ...all metal is gonna dive ya nuts for the first few hunts but it will get easier as time goes by..

 

[mattockman]

I couldn't agree with you more Minelab Locust, but you know what is funny......I am laughing at myself right now.....as much as I post to trying diff. settings and experiment....I just relized I am scared to try gain below 6.....deepies get quiet at 6 so I guess I am just afraid of going lower....It's like trying a bike without training wheels for the first time as a kid.....I think I am going to experiment more......but its scary......whats up with that?......The only way to get answers is find out for yourself......I am a Curious George type......thanks for the eye opener.....I was surfing diff. forums and read on one post that you need at least a good 10-12 solid hours to master a garrett and do good.....wow......is the Explorer that much a learning curve? I have had the XS for at least 6-7 years and still learning.....and my first opinion is, this is the perfect detector for a guy like me....I will never get bored with this baby......I love to tinker and explore......what a concept!

 

[minelab locust]

[quote mattockman]I couldn't agree with you more Minelab Locust, but you know what is funny......I am laughing at myself right now.....as much as I post to trying diff. settings and experiment....I just relized I am scared to try gain below 6.....deepies get quiet at 6 so I guess I am just afraid of going lower....It's like trying a bike without training wheels for the first time as a kid.....I think I am going to experiment more......but its scary......whats up with that?......The only way to get answers is find out for yourself......I am a Curious George type......thanks for the eye opener.....I was surfing diff. forums and read on one post that you need at least a good 10-12 solid hours to master a garrett and do good.....wow......is the Explorer that much a learning curve? I have had the XS for at least 6-7 years and still learning.....and my first opinion is, this is the perfect detector for a guy like me....I will never get bored with this baby......I love to tinker and explore......what a concept![/quote] man i feel exactly the same as you mattock ...this sure is one great hobby we all enjoy..and each for his or her's own reason :thumbup dont get any better than that man