Alan Applegate
New member
Some of us have a detector garden wherein we know where, and how deep the target is, as well as what the target is. In fact, everyone should have a garden with multiple targets, properly marked. Every size coin, aluminum foil, pull tabs, small circular pieces of metal (simulating a ring; washers work well), and even a few nails should be included. Obviously, there should be similar object at different depths. For example, a dime at 3, 5, and 7 inches. There is a good reason why.
Assuming you do have a garden, you should scan it on a regular basis. One has to remember, ground and air temperature vary, as does air and soil humidity, and along with these changes, the conductivity of the soil. Every one of the parameters changes the effective depth, and the response of the detector in use. If you're really astute, you'll keep very good track of the results. That is, depth indicated, scale indication (iron, zinc, gold, etc.), and perhaps the alert tones as well. Even the frequency if your metal detector uses more than one. You should also use different scanning speeds, and maybe even the height the coil is above ground.
If you have a detecting friend, you should have he/she scan your garden too. After a few months of playing in your garden, you'll begin to realize a whole lot of things, some of which affronts common belief.
The one common denominator isn't the frequency, it isn't the detector, or even the coil size (if there isn't a large disparity), it's the operator! If you think this is a copout, try it yourself.
I don't want to put words in Uncle Willy's mouth, so I'll paraphrase. Time in grade means more than the machine. Indeed! Practice makes perfect.
Alan Applegate
Assuming you do have a garden, you should scan it on a regular basis. One has to remember, ground and air temperature vary, as does air and soil humidity, and along with these changes, the conductivity of the soil. Every one of the parameters changes the effective depth, and the response of the detector in use. If you're really astute, you'll keep very good track of the results. That is, depth indicated, scale indication (iron, zinc, gold, etc.), and perhaps the alert tones as well. Even the frequency if your metal detector uses more than one. You should also use different scanning speeds, and maybe even the height the coil is above ground.
If you have a detecting friend, you should have he/she scan your garden too. After a few months of playing in your garden, you'll begin to realize a whole lot of things, some of which affronts common belief.
The one common denominator isn't the frequency, it isn't the detector, or even the coil size (if there isn't a large disparity), it's the operator! If you think this is a copout, try it yourself.
I don't want to put words in Uncle Willy's mouth, so I'll paraphrase. Time in grade means more than the machine. Indeed! Practice makes perfect.
Alan Applegate