First time out with ET

[usafaviator]

I was able to get out for the first time today with my ET and stock coil. I'm still in the learning phase (quite a bit different than my MXT Pro), but I do have some observations:

1. This machine goes deep! The most shallow target I dug today was about 3 inches, the deepest over 10! The crazy thing was that the target 10" down was a small snap from (what appears) to be a baby bib or something similar.
2. I have a lot of learning to do to understand what falls where on the number scale. I'm used to VDI's...this will take some time and in the field experience.
3. Most of the aluminum and pull tabs I dug fell in the 13's.
4. I will be taking a pre-emptive asprin/motrin next time...at first I thought there wasn't much difference between the Pro and the ET, but after a couple of hours I surely felt it in my shoulders, and I'm in good physical condition.
5. THIS IS A WHOLE LOTTA MACHINE! Not as turn on and go as intermediate machines, but that's cool because (I believe) that the more proficient a person becomes with a high tech machine, the better the results (gold, silver, etc.).
6. The stock coil is great, but not so good at seperation in trashy areas....my X-5 should be here next week!
6. See #1. If you don't like digging deep holes, the ET is probably not for you!

Tommorow is supposed to be in the upper 50's here, so I plan on going our again for a little birthday hunt. I'm looking forward to becoming an expert with this machine...just going to take time like other things worthwhile in life.

 

[banditicey]

GOOD ATTITUDE!

I always smile when i locate a little itty bitty thing way down, because it proves to me that the ET will pick it up if it is there

It is only a matter of time before you get good enough to find coins and what not but remember it is a learning thing and digging all sorts of stuff is part of it

What part of the country do you detect at? You are still having decent weather and go for it

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

[squirrel1]

Keep at it and everything will start falling into place especially after you find silver in the different environments. As far as the weight you can get yourself a harness and it will help you. There are a few different styles in the market place to choose from. One thing is for sure, you got the right rig to get serious when it comes to vacuuming the ground.

 

[usafaviator]

@ banditicey: thanks! I'm stationed in Nebraska, Omaha areas and surrounding. The only thing that got me a bit today is that I always get at least a buck or two in clad everytime I go out with my MXT Pro...not even a penny with the ET today. However, I'd give up all the clad if I can start hitting the deppe silver with the ET!

@squirrel1: I've been looking at the harness idea. It is evident that (if I want to MD for extended periods of time...4-5hrs+) I'll need to get something to make it easier. I put an add on the classifieds looking for a swingy thingy, but people at telling me to make my own and it works better...guess I need to start looking at people homemade ideas.

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Great post! It is a turn on an go machine once you understand the language. It will come!

 

[BarberDan]

I had a hell of a time with the E-Trac for the first 3 hunts or so....Bart can attest to that, as I called and emailed with all of my perceived problems...lol. In the end, I finally started getting IT. I had come from a simple ACE350 and just needed a little seasoning. I can tell you now that it is the only machine I would even think about buying. I have a back up F75 that I've never even turned on for a hunt, because I love the E-Trac so much. Although I do sometimes think about breaking out the F75 because that thing is light as feather...lol

 

[Ken in Georgia]

I hope I have the same luck too, when I get mine.

 

[earthmansurfer]

Great machine and with that over 10" targets I'm guessing your soil is mild?

Congrats and good luck with your new machine! Good feeling to dig deep, eh? Sometimes I prefer a really deep copper coin over a shallow silver for the challenge.

 

[Sailorman]

Yup, I can relate to it all! Still fairly new with mine but after a bit the machine starts to make sense and then it's great. Yesterday we chased a signal that looked like a copper penny down 8" only to finally find (thankfully had a ProPointer) a little eighth inch by quarter inch piece of copper sheet! Pretty good I'd say!

As for the harness I have precious little free time so i put down the money with Doc's. The thing is deceptively simple but well thought out. It basically puts the weight on your belt line not your shoulder or back. Adjustments for length face less then 5 seconds. If you want to switch arms you can change over pretty quick. I also bought a second lower setup for my other detector and can leave both set up for use with the main harness.

I also was pretty frustrated with the learning curve until I put on the X-5. I guess maybe because it was giving me info on less ground and separating the trash so well that things really came together for me. It's a great little coil.

I love this hobby!