Things I like about the E Trac....

[jbow]

I don't have one yet mind you, but it shipped today.

I like that it has three internal sensitivity channels... high, medium, and low. I like that auto checks all three and suggests an average of the three and lets you adjust it up or down three digits. That, imo, makes auto sens much more than it has been in the past with the Sovereign or the Explorer.

I also like that is has tweaked the three screens. ET has a pattern screen, it is called smartscreen on the Explorer. I like that the digital numbers are shown on the pattern screen. It has digital like the Explorer with a larger display of the digital screen. It also has quickmask, QM is like ironmask except it adds conductive mask to the ironmask.

I like the idea of a faster processor.

Not having it in hand yet I can only think about how I will use it. My thoughts are this. To use the SE in All-metal/ferrous sounds. To use the E Trac with patterns and conductive sound. I may completely change my mind after I use it a while...

All in all the ET sounds like a great machine and a definite advancement.

Julien

 

[jimpugh]

n/t

 

[MattR]

[size=medium]Hello Julien............

May I add a comment regarding the attached partial quote:-

Not having it in hand yet I can only think about how I will use it. My thoughts are this. To use the SE in All-metal/ferrous sounds. To use the E Trac with patterns and conductive sound. I may completely change my mind after I use it a while...

I'm sure you will find that the E-trac's Ferrous audio mode behaves similarly to your SE. ( I don't have the SE, so can't be affirmative. )

The only controversy being bandied about regarding those who prefer that mode of hunting, is the presumed loss of a couple of Fe 'bits' of resolution.

It appears that Minelab have chosen to map almost all coinage into a common Fe content rating of 12.

This has the presumed side effect of also 'lumping together' some trash of closely related FERROUS identities.

This initially invoked concern from those ( like me) who preferred using Fe audio for tone ID'ing items

I too shared that thought when I first read the literature. So, not having an E-trac at that time, I e-mailed Chris in Ohio, who kindly posted a listing of US coinage reading from his new unit. That sparked off the outcry regarding Fe 12 and its possible consequences.

Now, doing some lengthy theoretical extrapolation of old EXP II US data, and transposing it into what I tentatively assume is a reasonably correct set of equivalent E-trac substitutes, then I am becoming less concerned.

My thoughts are, that in reality, what Minelab have done for the expanded conductivity scale, more than compensates for the 'Fe lumping'.

Remember...We also have an expanded Fe range for all items.

So maybe if we all take a calmer look at matters, and test our new E-trac with those items we think are 'fogged' by this Fe 12 modification, then those concerned can publish their findings and any revised thoughts on the ONLY matter of contention with this new Minelab detector.

The overall reaction to the E-trac, is one of praise and complements for both its functionality and improved physical user comfort.

It requires time to prove if it can offer more than your present Minelab.

They've put a great deal of effort into this NEW model....( It's not a trivial up-grade)

I'm not posting to persuade anyone to buy an E-trac, but rather to explore the thoughts and opinions of others on those matters raised.

Look forward to your observations if you decide to try the E-trac................MattR.UK.[/size]

 

[Erik in NJ]

n/t

 

[grumpyolman]

I used mine for the first time tonight. I liked the brighter clearer screen and the speed at which it recovered from nulling. Pinpointing is much better and where the buttons are located makes the front panel really easy to use. I also like the digital readout on the same screen as the target mapping as it was just more info to consider. The real proof, initially, is that I went through an area at a school that I had pounded with my SE and a Fisher over the years. I immediately found coins that I had missed with both the SE and the Fisher. Might just be the new coil, but I think its the combination of things that helped. Also found a nice sterling ring with turquoise setting. I know darn well I went over the same spot at least a half dozen times with my other detectors. I no longer have the ring. My wife tried it on and since it fit, it's apparently hers. Regards...Jim

 

[jbow]

When I find jewelery... I just go ahead and hand it over to the wifey... she loves it all! laff

J