Just got my Omega 8000 today

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

Well, the UPS man delivered my new omega today, and of course...delivered it too late for me to go out and do anything with it. But at least it did get here. Opened the box and was so surprised at the weight. This thing is so light I almost wondered if anything was missing. Of course there wasnt, but that is the really noticiable thing about it. Then there were the coils. I got the 3 coil package. All I have really been able to do so far is some air testing. I did discover with the air tests, it was very sensitive. And swing it some in the house I noticed how easy it was to overload it at the standard settings. Its so sensitive. Cant wait to swing over the ground tomorrow. Seems to be an amazing detector. Controls are so easy. I have been used to the DFX and the GTI 2500...and having the many menu's and other settings to go through and change. With this, its simplicity itself. Talk about a breath of fresh air.

So will go out tomorrow as soon as I can and try it out on a patch of ground up the road that had an old one room schoohouse setting on it for many years. Tried there one time before with the DFX for a very short time, but the weather was against me so didnt stay long. Tomorrow should be good.

 

[Furious T]

Good luck Dennis, I love mine! Have now tried all three coils and they make the Omega a very versatile detector.

 

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

Good luck Dennis, I love mine! Have now tried all three coils and they make the Omega a very versatile detector.

Thanks, looking forward to trying them. Likely wont try all 3 tomorrow. I figure to use the 11 inch as the site isnt too trashy and I want to cover it. Its a plowed field now so the coins are not going to be deep unless they are REALLY deep. They are going to be turned over every couple of years. So its a good site to try it on for the first time.

 

[Monte]

As FuriousT stated, the 3-coil package make this excellent detector quite versatile!

I toyed with all three coils at first, then decided that I'd work with the Omega 8000 and the 'stock' 10" Concentric coil. That would provide me with a good base by which to judge/compare the performance of the 11" DD and 5" DD coils. I nabbed an 1887 Indian Head last night in some sidewalk repair with the stock 10" coil, as well as a fair amount of coinage so far this month just doing some quick work of wood-chip playgrounds at parks and schools. That includes a 1922 Peace dollar on Saturday. I'd bet somebody is missing either a "Good Luck" piece or a gift from grandpa. Maybe something they just ripped off, too, but I know one thing ... it's mine, now.

Anyway, there are several things I've come to appreciate about the Omega, and with my bad back and health, the light and handy feel is tied with excellent field performance. in hunting one thing that I do to make sure I am not over-working the Omega 8000 (sweeping too quickly or aggressively) is to just let it rest in my fingers. I don't really grab hold or make a tight grip most of the time, preferring to just relax and take it easy. Just a perfect balance for me.

Best of luck when you hit that "patch of ground" up the road. As I stated in an earlier post, I just Twist (On and set the Sensitivity level) .. Press-Press( the Tone touch-pad in the Disc. mode to select d4) ... and Press and Bob (2-4 times to 'Grab' a functional Ground Balance), then start searching. A truly FUN and rewarding detector.

Monte

 

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

Hey Monte, yea, I think the 3 coil package is a great deal for the omega. I have one extremely trashy site I plan to hit soon with the 5 inch coil and then I want to use the 11 inch on the schoolhouse site. I did make it into a tot lot earlier in town. One that has been hit hard. Didn't stay long, little over an hour. But found the below. The gold colored 1 dollar I haven't found before, not familiar with and am going to have to look it up. Its new but just haven't seen one before. One 1963 quarter, another 1971 I think and then mostly recent stuff. The pennies nothing to speak of. And then one bullet. Expended and flattened, but a surprise for a tot lot. And then of course the usual trash but since we all have seen the trash, didn't figure anyone wanted to see more.

I found most of the silver stuff about 1 or 2 inches, the pennies mostly about 3 or 4 inches, not sure why that is. The pennies were hitting about 65 or 70, and the rest about 90. Soil about 74 most of the time. I liked the way the 8000 signaled. It was dead on and I knew what was there before I dug. That surprised me. I shouldn't have been, but I was. I hadn't gotten really correct readings like that with my previous detectors in this lot. Not consistent like this anyway. So I will say I was pleasantly surprised.

I am amazed at the growing chorus of folks expounding the virtues of the 8000. It has been around quite a while but it seems to just suddenly appeared. I had hardly heard anything about it 6 months or so ago. I had heard of the T2, the F75 and the F70. But it seems only just the last few months that I have seen or heard much about the 8000. And the majority of it good which is surprising...even by those who I know have been or are, avowed adherents to different makers of MD's. But any more I see so many who have one detector from one maker and have a backup from another or who use one from each. 10 years ago, most seemed to have just one machine, or if they had two their second one was of the same brand. Today, there just doesn't seem to be the strict brand loyalty that there used to be. Like me, I just want to find the one or two detectors that "FIT" me and the brand isn't as important as it might once have been.

 

[tmanly]

Had my Omega for two weeks, been hitting a Tot Lot and local YMCA. Would hunt a couple of days a week for a couple of hours. Very pleased with unit except it is a little weak on nickels.

here are my finds:
210 -Penny's clad
21 -wheat Penny's
1 -1962 Canadian penny
3 -nickels ( 1 1944P)
1 -1944 Merc dime
17 - quarters clad
33 - dimes clad
1/4th of a wheat penny
1 - 1974 Kennedy half
1 - Shell Oil token 1960
2 -charms ( 1 silver)
1 -ball of silver
1 - gold ring (coated)

 

[bugg]

I used to just dig the real tight numbers in the nickel range, But i tend to dig some of the bouncier numbers in the nickel range, especially if they are 3" or more deep, and I have been bringing home more nickels.The grungier the nickels are, the more the numbers seem to bounce .

 

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

Thats a pretty good haul for just a couple of weeks and a few hours over a couple of days each. Not bad at all. And you got silver. No bad at all. I figure for just a bit over an hour I didnt do too bad. I did get a dollar coin. Just not one I have seen before. Not something usually found at a tot lot. No jewelry yet with it. Hadnt noticed what you mentioned about it being weak on nickles. Course...didnt get any and that could be why. Still gotta try to get up to the old school house site and see what I find there. The wind has been blowing pretty good out here today. Up here on the high plains it blows....alot. But today was pretty high...too high to get out there so am hoping the wind will drop before sunset so I can get an hour in at least.

I think I am going to go up to the state lake not far from us and try my luck in the swimming areas there and then up around the campground. Might even take my PI Pro and get in the water...long as I dont freeze...I got my water shoes and my water suit...JUST in case... Its pretty good and wil keep me from freezing for a little while. Wont be warm...but....see what I can find. I figure my wife and I can take a lunch and make a picnic of it.

 

[tmanly]

I did notice that the Omega loves anything that is round. I usually don't dig odd signals but need to start. Also should mention that I found about 30 Penny's in one spot. Must have been a coin spill and not worth picking them up. But it was about 6" down. I have not learned enough to go full metal mode yet. But have been trying it out in some areas. If you want to find a lot of coins, just walk the sidewalks and search to each side about 2 feet. Plenty of coins there.

 

[Monte]

I just wish I could retire and not have to work, and then be more healthy so I could hunt more/longer when I do get a chance.

So far this month the Omega 8000 has produced the following from mainly tot-lots and one section of sidewalk repair:
$1 ..... 3, including a 1922 Peace Dollar (tot-lot)
50

 

[Monte]

Hey Monte, yea, I think the 3 coil package is a great deal for the omega. I have one extremely trashy site I plan to hit soon with the 5 inch coil and then I want to use the 11 inch on the schoolhouse site.

Yes, a good combination. Best of luck at those sites.

The gold colored 1 dollar I haven't found before, not familiar with and am going to have to look it up. Its new but just haven't seen one before.

President Dollars and Sacajawea Dollars sure are good finds. Easier than plucking 100 pennies! Since the Sacagawea's came out I have been 'averaging' 14 dollar coins per year, but I think I might best that in 2010 as I have already found 7 dollar coins (one a 1922 Peace dollar) hitting wood-chip playgrounds and I haven't really jumped into the best part of the hunting season yet. I'm hoping for at least 20 this year. I sure envy the Canadians and Australian's with their $1 and $2 coins. If the USA would get rid of the paper dollar hobbyists would see an increase in their coin hunting values.

One 1963 quarter

Congrats on the silver.

I liked the way the 8000 signaled. It was dead on and I knew what was there before I dug. That surprised me. I shouldn't have been, but I was. I hadn't gotten really correct readings like that with my previous detectors in this lot. Not consistent like this anyway. So I will say I was pleasantly surprised.

A lot of different variables that can impact Target ID, but for the most part I'm quite pleased with the Omega's perormance.

I am amazed at the growing chorus of folks expounding the virtues of the 8000. ... I just want to find the one or two detectors that "FIT" me and the brand isn't as important as it might once have been.

It's good to have two or three detectors in your battery that can compliment each other and 'FIT' what YOU want to do. I know that for me the Omega 8000 has now become my primary-use unit and I've parted with a couple of others I've had as I, once again, trim my personal detector battery back down to 2 or 3.

Happy Hunting.

Monte

 

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

Hey Monte

The gold colored 1 dollar I haven't found before, not familiar with and am going to have to look it up. Its new but just haven't seen one before.

President Dollars and Sacajawea Dollars sure are good finds. Easier than plucking 100 pennies! Since the Sacagawea's came out I have been 'averaging' 14 dollar coins per year, but I think I might best that in 2010 as I have already found 7 dollar coins (one a 1922 Peace dollar) hitting wood-chip playgrounds and I haven't really jumped into the best part of the hunting season yet. I'm hoping for at least 20 this year. I sure envy the Canadians and Australian's with their $1 and $2 coins. If the USA would get rid of the paper dollar hobbyists would see an increase in their coin hunting values.

Ok, now I know..I have seen the Sacajawea dollars. This one was a presidents one then. Just wasnt familiar with them and didnt think about the Sacajawea dollar.

One 1963 quarter

Congrats on the silver.

Thanks. I was lucky. The tot lot has been one that has been hit hard by locals. Including me. Which surprised me for the amount that I found in just an hour.

I liked the way the 8000 signaled. It was dead on and I knew what was there before I dug. That surprised me. I shouldn't have been, but I was. I hadn't gotten really correct readings like that with my previous detectors in this lot. Not consistent like this anyway. So I will say I was pleasantly surprised.

A lot of different variables that can impact Target ID, but for the most part I'm quite pleased with the Omega's perormance.

Yes, you are correct. But when ground conditions and the finds all come together right, you get a great day and some good ID's. Havent been able to go back out. It started raining yesterday afternoon and hasnt quit yet. Steady rain/drizzle. The weather has been conspiring against me. AGAIN.

I am amazed at the growing chorus of folks expounding the virtues of the 8000. ... I just want to find the one or two detectors that "FIT" me and the brand isn't as important as it might once have been.

It's good to have two or three detectors in your battery that can compliment each other and 'FIT' what YOU want to do. I know that for me the Omega 8000 has now become my primary-use unit and I've parted with a couple of others I've had as I, once again, trim my personal detector battery back down to 2 or 3.

I havent had the omega long enough yet to really say for sure. One outing is hardly a tryout though I did very well and really liked the way it performed. I have a safari coming and then thats it for me for a while though I am considering getting a Tesoro to try out. I have never used one yet so am curious about them. Considering a Deleon, I think it is?

Anyway, I will need to pare my own collection down to 3 come the end of summer. I just wont have room for more.when the wife and I go traveling this fall.

Happy hunting to you too.

 

[Monte]

Shoot me an e-mail and I'd be glad to share my thoughts and discussions on the Omega 8000, the Safari, and the DeLe

 

[CoinShooter-Craig]

tmanly said the Omega was weak on nickles. I hit a ski hill by me the other day for an hour , and nickles outnumbered all the other coins dug by far. 3 quarters , 2 dimes , 7 nickles , and 3 pennys. Probably the most nickles I ever dug in a hour ever ,with any other detector that I've owned. HH , coinshooter-Craig

 

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

tmanly said the Omega was weak on nickles. I hit a ski hill by me the other day for an hour , and nickles outnumbered all the other coins dug by far. 3 quarters , 2 dimes , 7 nickles , and 3 pennys. Probably the most nickles I ever dug in a hour ever ,with any other detector that I've owned. HH , coinshooter-Craig

I would say that was his personal impression. He might have that impression based on alot of factors that others might not experience. Subjective ya know. In my case I dont know because I havent found any nickles with it yet. Only used it one time so far. Might not even gone across any. So I have no way of judging.

Mearuing the capabiities of any detector is entirely subjective and based on each persons abilities and experience. But I will say this, nickles do fall into their own little catagory due to their type of metal content and conductivity. Its harder to make a judgement then.

 

[tmanly]

On the nickles, It seems that two out of three signals are pull tabs, so I tend to not dig unless I get a real good 56 or 57 signal. Anything that jumps around I let it go.

 

[CBAILEY IN GA]

n/t

 

[CBAILEY IN GA]

modern pull tabs air test at 55-58 on the omega and depending on height can hit 57 very consistantly so if you want nickels you will dig lots of pull tabs. I cant tell any difference on the sound, on the xterras pull tabs would be choppy.

 

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

modern pull tabs air test at 55-58 on the omega and depending on height can hit 57 very consistantly so if you want nickels you will dig lots of pull tabs. I cant tell any difference on the sound, on the xterras pull tabs would b8e choppy.

I went out to my garden this afternoon to test what you say. Now, the soil in my yard is pretty high in minerals. Showing a 68 on grab. Anyway, I have several nickles planted...two of them older coins, and a couple new ones. from 2 inches down to 6. The new ones near the surface I would get strong to choppy signals at about 56 to 57 depending on which angle I swung the coil. The deeper ones would get choppy but would come in at bout 57 maybe a little higher, again depending on the direction I was swinging the coil. But they would break up. And be like you say...kind of choppy. Then I went to where I have the junk planted, especially the pulltabs. I got strong signals on them at 56, 57 from them down to about 4 inches...after that it would get choppy but it was a different sound somewhat than the nickles but still very similar. So its telling me that you have no choice but to dig...but that you can someimes tell you have a nickle IF you dig the choppy signals. Those are the ones to dig. And likely would be the older coins. Now...this was just from my test garden...which is a pretty extensive one. When we sell this place, someone is going to have fun. I am leaving it in the ground. <laugh>