this is my barin trying to learn the xs^?<%#@*:/!

[pan]

i try to understand all the advise but it just floats around up there,so i use the factroy setting and if im getting noise i press the noise buttin this is as far as ive gotten . were should i go next?

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Google or search engine of your choice and type in Minelab Explorer. Some nice sites out there with a lot of good info.
Remember lots of user friendly units out there and an Explorer is not for everyone..

 

[Dave-WI]

Sounds like your trying to hard. Place some coins on the ground and see how your detector responds, then raise your coil above them and see how that differs. Try detecting at a playground that has bark chips (easy digging and almost always there are coins) take your time this machine is as easy or as hard as you make it. Andy Sabisch has a very good book that will explain the XS. HH

 

[Jim R.]

Probably the best advice would be to get hold of a copy of Andy Sabisch's book, it's just so much better than the Minelab book that came with your detector. Has a tremendous amount of info regarding the X and XS. But as mentioned elsewhere you can make it as easy or as difficult as you want. I've had mine for a couple of years now and still pick up useful info from this forum. The guys/gals on here are tremendous at helping others. BTW, Andys' book is 'Mastering the Minelab Explorer Xs & S'. Maybe someone on here has they would sell or you can check the dealers who support this forum, or contact Andy directly.
HH Jim

 

[jimp]

n/t

 

[dsurcy]

I will offer my 2 cents worth here.. since I am close to the point you are.
I am still learning the explorer (XS) in my backyard.. I can relate to your
frustration... and will relate a few things that helped my get down the road
a little..
As you mentioned.. find an area clear of any signals and do your noise
cancellation.. have a dime or penny ready.. after noise cancellation is
done.. place the coin in the middle of the clear area.. raise the coil a little
above the coin (otherwise I believe you may get double signals).. and start
making short swipes (waggles) over the coin.. and notice how small the
response area is.. AND that it responds only along the top to bottom of the
center bar of the coil.. this had me REALLY confused since I was use to
concentric coils and a wider response area.. it is important to focus on the
top to bottom of the center line of the coil.. now narrow the sweep down until
it is just focusing on the coin.. and as you waggle.. pull the coil towards you
until the signal disappears.. lay the coil on the ground.. and the coin should
be.. just in front of the coil on the center line of the center bar.. this is the way
I pinpoint a target now.. it is important to narrow the sweep/waggle to make sure
you are focusing on one target!!!
**warning.. if another target happens to fall on the same line of the center bar
of the coil as you waggle it towards you.. the target may seem extremely long..

I don't know why it was so hard for me to focus on the center line of the coil..
but I really still have concentrate on focusing on that line.. and not a wider line as the image of the coil gives me.... once this sunk in it really helped.

Also.. I'm learning in my backyard and it is LOADED with junk.. roofing nails, old
nails, pieces of wire, tin foil etc.. so.. with the factory preset I was just about totally
nulling.. and I was sweeping way to fast.. the null has to have time to reset or it will
not come back in time to pick up the next target.. at first I thought my explorer was
defective.. I have actually gone to Iron Mask -16 for now.. listening to sounds.. and
digging every signal I hear within a 10 x 5 foot area of the yard.. amazing the junk
I find.. .but.. I'm getting confident (with my digger tool, towel and electronic pinpointer)..
that I have a VERY high chance of finding what I pinpoint.. and that is important..

I hope this may help some.. I know I was TOTALLY confused a one point.. with the nulling
and slow reset.. and not making myself focus on the center line of the coil.. I was also
trying to pinpoint using the sweep one way.. turn 90 degrees and sweep again method..
this was not working for me.. instead I've gone to the other method mentioned above
and it has helped a great deal...

There a bunch of very knowledgeable people on the forum and very helpful.. I continue to
read and learn as you do.. but.. as was suggested to me.. I'm sticking with the very basics
for now.. and learning every day.. do get Andy's book.. lots of good information there..
and here on the forum.. it's just that most are WAY past where I am..

of course.. you probably are also.. if so.. disregard my rambling.. .

 

[pan]

its been raining here in austin for 3 days cant wait till it stops so i can try out the helpfull hints