Still trying to understand sensitivity

[Magyar]

It's the very word "sensitivity" that confuses me: I would like to explain, and then maybe someone can post in the clearest, simplest words what this term means as regards depth:

My "non-detecting " usage of this word is the kind of sensitivity as when someone is sensitive to , for example ...bee stings...or to some topical cream....or to certain foods.

But in "detecting " terms ,sensitivity is said to mean "depth"....?

I need to know why a lower sensitivity setting decreases depth and a higher sensitivity increases depth...it's confusing to me.

I use a MInelab GT and a Sov . Elite....I love these detectors..they have found me many valuable treasures, but I think I have just been lucky....not skillfull because I do not understand the settings.

Any help would be appreciated

Thank you in advance
Magyar

p.s. 2 college degrees and I can't figure out "sensitivity"?//

 

[GaryM]

Sensitivity,

Well, It's like mixing a cake. The slower the speed ( sensitivity) on the mixer the less it mixes( less Depth ). The higher ( sensitivity ) on the mixer you go ( more the depth ), the more it mixes until you get to a point that the cake batter flies out of the bowl and all over. You need to turn it up until it gets to that point then back it down just until the detector ( mixer ) is stable and not going wild. = more depth.

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[Magyar]

Gary ,

thank you so much for this explanation.


I understand better now with the analogy of the mixer....

p.s. I've had batter flying all over my kitchen counter many times ...I can relate to this analogy very well..

I appreciate your response.
Magyar

 

[Old Sox]

[quote GaryM]Sensitivity,

Well, It's like mixing a cake. The slower the speed ( sensitivity) on the mixer the less it mixes( less Depth ). The higher ( sensitivity ) on the mixer you go ( more the depth ), the more it mixes until you get to a point that the cake batter flies out of the bowl and all over. You need to turn it up until it gets to that point then back it down just until the detector ( mixer ) is stable and not going wild. = more depth.[/quote]

Dang! That simplifies things. I have been thinkin way too hard on this subject, thanks GaryM

 

[Pete in MI]

So you're hiding over here too

All I could offer as an explanation would have been to say the more sensitive one is to a topical creme the deeper it affects the cells below..the more sensitivity...the deeper the depth.

Morning to you, L.

 

[BlackX]

My understanding has been that increasing the Sensitivity lowers the point at which something under the coil will trigger a response. i.e., minerals or the edges of iron, etc., will be more likely to trigger a response from the detector when the Sensitivity is set higher.

An analogy I see used a fair amount is how turning on the high beams on an auto when in fog tend to light up the moisture particles suspended in the air rather than the road (or vehicles or...) ahead. (That analogy seems to make sense to me when some of the more experienced detectorists talk about lowering the sensitivity in trashy areas (at least when one is a beginner with a particular detector (like I am with the SE)).)

 

[Neil]

Rich thats a very good point. I used to bump my sens up high but not anymore. I will readjust the sens on a deep target and see how low a sens I can run and still get the target and its amazing how deep the Explorers and Sovs go with lowered sens, plus it seems to aid in target seperation and the threshold resets quicker.

HH
Neil

 

[Magyar]

Hey, Pete...you found me! Is there nowhere to hide in this beautiful world?

You are cool!!

 

[Pete in MI]

n/t