Soil moisture changes detector characteritics?

[cc8137]

Yesterday i went to a local park and dug a handful of coins. Today I went back to the same park and my detector (GTI 1500) acted differently. Seems like it wasn't as senstive as the day before. My question is ....Does soil mositure change the detectors sensitivity?

 

[cwilk]

Short answer is yes. It seems a bit unlikely to me that one day would make that much difference. That said, the difference between dry and moist soil can be very significant. Maybe it was that the soil changed between areas of the park you were detecting. I hunt this one school that has a long blacktop strip or walkway. Detecting on either side is like night and day. I assume because of the soil conditions on each side and how the grounds were used on either side. Finally, sometimes a factory reset will clear up any glitches you are experiencing. At least make sure you didn't change any settings etc.

Chris

 

[Uncle Willy]

Yes it does. Improves conductivity of targets.

Bill

 

[cc8137]

If moisture improves conductivity of the targets then...... to create same response of the detector in dry soil would increasing the detectors sensitivity a little give it the same response to moist soil?

Charlie

 

[Uncle Willy]

It wouldn't give the same response but would help some as long as your machine remains stable. Sensitivity is a two-edged sword and can work against you if bumped to high and actually mask targets. What do you normally run yours at now? I run mine at 6 to 7 all the time unless I'm in an area where I can crank it up. ith Garretts you don't lose much depth with lower sensitivity. Folks think if you crank the sensitivity way up that it drives the signal deeper into the ground. WRONG!! It just makes the coil more sensitive to everything in the ground - targets you hope to find - tons of junk - and mineralization - all at once..

Bill.

 

[John-Edmonton]

After the winter thaw, just after the frost is out of the ground. And, a very hot dry area can give little targets, but after a 3 day soaking of rain, it comes alive with more targets.

 

[Uncle Willy]

It certaiinly does. That's why we get such good depth here in Oregon as the ground beneath is damp most of the year as are the bark chips.

Bill

 

[sasquache]

hello i find in my ground is that my garrett gti 1500 seems too pick up targets much better when the ground is moist rather then dry.