First time in the saltwater with the ATX

[nagov]

Interesting learning experience today, dug the usual trash and some clad but started the day with a test. I was out with two others one with an Aquasound and a 10" Excal (blue) and the other with an 8" Excal. I put a 5 gram 14k ring down 11" in the wet sand to check my settings and easily hit the ring, next up was the 8" Excal, he barely heard it (squeak) in Disc and had a good signal in Pinpoint. Next was the 10" Excal, it didn't hit it in Disc or in pinpoint.... settings were off on Sensitivity and when adjusted, it hit the ring in disc but not in pinpoint (?). He decided to go get the Aquasound and after all the adjustments didn't hear the ring at all.... He wasn't sure why it didn't pick up the ring other than not being in the water, he hunted with the Aqua and was the only one to get gold today!

Out in the water the ATX running without a Ground Balance worked as expected, had to put up with the Hee Haw sound as I slowly swung the coil but it was something I was comfortable doing. Signals were easily picked up and I dug some really deep holes out in the water. Being the first time using it in the water, I had to learn what a larger target would sound like so I did manage to dig some beer cans at depth.... I ended my day with a deep target that was larger than my scoop handle could manage.... snapped the fiberglass handle right off..... The ATX is different than the typical PI (that I am used to hearing) having the dual tones but I am starting to distinguish between large aluminum and iron with the slower rise and break in tone compared to the shorter/quicker rise and fall of a smaller or round target....it will take more time to learn.

HH all
Cliff

 

[jeffc]

Thanks for the update, Cliff. I assume you were using the stock coil? Also, when you hit the ring, did you ground balance the ATX?

Thanks again.

JC

 

[nagov]

No ground balance on that test, just turned the machine on and tested it. I was using the stock coil but do need to do a few more tests so I know what I may be screwing up when I change adjustments.
Also want to further experiment with non-motion mode, it may be more like what I'm used to with my other PI and when using the Excal in Pinpoint.

In addition, this was an all water hunt after the test. The unit worked flawlessly in the water (from shore to chest deep), wasn't to difficult to swing and compared to the CTX, is maybe just a bit easier to swing. I noticed the unit seemed to be slightly buoyant but still had the sling attached almost no weight on the bad swing arm in the water and I hunted for about 6 1/2 hours,

Cliff

 

[WaterWalker]

Yesterday was also my first time in salt water. No problems with detecting and finding a FINE piece of gold, a size 3 woman's band down beyond the sand and into the rocks. As there is no marking on the gold and it was broken at the sizing line, I assume it is pre 1930. Specific gravity testing will tell the karat later today. Just did the SG: 11.6 which is 10K and the ring weight is: 1.3grams.

I have been using the Infinium (mostly with the 8 inch coil) for 6 years and I do not think it would have heard this ring. I also use the Excalibur (20 years experience) and the ATPro (3 years experience). I am pretty sure neither of them would have heard the ring where it was resting.
I was using the "Factory settings" - no GB and no DISC. I did have the SENS down one notch. I had the HEE-HAW but could hear beaver tail and other small, really small targets

I rinsed the shafts and nuts with fresh water within minutes of leaving the salt water, BUT made the mistake of collapsing the upper shaft so the detector would fit into the car easier. BAD MOVE on my part as it took two of us to loosen the largest nut and pull the shaft out. All the shafts showed some scratching from bits of sand that must have gotten into the shaft.
My answer to getting the nuts loose should this happen again is to use a pair of rubber strap wrenches, one on the shaft and one on the nut. Using this method I will not put too much stress on the rotation lock lever that is just under the hand grip.
How was your experience with cleaning out the salt and sand?

For other members PLEASE chime in on this topic!

Thanks
WaterWalker

 

[nagov]

My answer to getting the nuts loose should this happen again is to use a pair of rubber strap wrenches, one on the shaft and one on the nut. Using this method I will not put too much stress on the rotation lock lever that is just under the hand grip.
How was your experience with cleaning out the salt and sand?

For other members PLEASE chime in on this topic!

Thanks
WaterWalker

Good suggestion on the rubber strap wrenches WW....

Cliff