I started 'hunting' in the mid 60's. Used an army surplus mine detector. Not bad if your looking for something the size of a baseball. First real machine was Metrotec (Fisher Labs). Used it a couple of years then got a Whites Coinmaster sometime late 60's. Went through a couple of other machines till I got this 5/DB. I can't remember when I got it, memory on some things just not what it used to be. It's been very good to me. Found lots. Last time I used it or 'hunted' period was mid 90's in Nevada. Doc says I need to get some exercise now that I'm pushing 70 so I'm looking to get back in the 'hunt'. I've been out of touch with the new equipment. Been browsing Youtube, join TreasureNet and this forum to gather info as to whether the new equipment out there is miles ahead of my 5/DB are just a little better. Thats the first question. If the new equipment is significantly better then the next question comes into play as to which machine I should get. But before anyone expounds one the digital readouts that part of the technology doesn't impress me. Beep and dig as I see posted in these forums. That's they way I've done it for 48 years. I would appreciate any input. If 'Monte" is around and reads this post I would welcome his expertise in older model Whites machines, particularly my model. I know they didn't make them that long before going to the 6/DB.
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Whites 5/DB GEB Should I upgrade
- Thread starter foiler
- Start date
It's not so much I don't like digital I just havent seen anyone come out and say that its any better. Let me define 'better'. Does digit ground balance better than analog, does it dicriminate better does it go deeper match side by side with an analog machine on the same target. If it does then I'd probably be interested in getting one, I can ignore the crap on the screen. From what I have seen in hundreds of 'found' photo's is a lack of rings, gold and jewelry in general because the 'screens' are telling them its trash so they dont dig. I've seen plenty of digital against digital high dollar machine comparisons. My old 5/DB's limits for a silver dime under ideal conditions was about7 to 8 inches, usually 6 on average. Just trying to find out if its worth spending700 bucks or so on a new machine that will significantly out perform my old 6 knob and a button analog.
Hi Foiler, and welcome
I'd say the first and foremost advantage to newer detectors is weight. I know the doc tells us old farts to get out and exercise, but that's no reason to kill ourselves!
As to detector recommendations, you can pick up a White's XLT for a pretty reasonable price, especially if you look for what they call the "rainbow" version. Called that because of the colorful decal on the side of the box and the rainbow decal on the coil. It is electronically exactly the same as the later model E-series XLT.
The XLT offers tone ID on your targets. If you are going to ignore the display (for the most part), then you're going to want to have some kind of audio indication of what the target is other than just metal.
Folks will tout it's versatility because you can write "programs" to match different environments, and you can. However, the units come "preprogrammed" with some very effective settings. You don't have to ever do anything more than turn it on, select a program, point the correct end towards the ground, balance (oh so easy to do), and go.
There is also a variety of coils to suit different environments. The stock 950 (9.5") coil is a good general purpose that covers a decent amount of ground, then there is an optional 8 inch (not really necessary) a 5 inch (good to have) and a 3.5 inch for really tight work in very trashy areas.
So there you have my recommendation. Good luck and good hunting!
I'd say the first and foremost advantage to newer detectors is weight. I know the doc tells us old farts to get out and exercise, but that's no reason to kill ourselves!
As to detector recommendations, you can pick up a White's XLT for a pretty reasonable price, especially if you look for what they call the "rainbow" version. Called that because of the colorful decal on the side of the box and the rainbow decal on the coil. It is electronically exactly the same as the later model E-series XLT.
The XLT offers tone ID on your targets. If you are going to ignore the display (for the most part), then you're going to want to have some kind of audio indication of what the target is other than just metal.
Folks will tout it's versatility because you can write "programs" to match different environments, and you can. However, the units come "preprogrammed" with some very effective settings. You don't have to ever do anything more than turn it on, select a program, point the correct end towards the ground, balance (oh so easy to do), and go.
There is also a variety of coils to suit different environments. The stock 950 (9.5") coil is a good general purpose that covers a decent amount of ground, then there is an optional 8 inch (not really necessary) a 5 inch (good to have) and a 3.5 inch for really tight work in very trashy areas.
So there you have my recommendation. Good luck and good hunting!
Thank you for the input, I'll put the XLT on the short list. I've seen post on that machine and it is spoken of fondly. The 3 elements to my question, digital vs analog have yet to be addressed. I'll reiterate - does a digital machine ground balance, discriminate and penetrate better than an equal quality analog machine. If so is it marginal or significant.
Yes, digital machines ground balance better. Even if you fail to get a good ground balance at the start, the auto trac features of todays machines will make up for it in three or four sweeps of the coil.
Yes, the digital machines display target data more accurately. Speedy processors take thousands of samples per microsecond, They don't just average those readings, either. They compare them. Something analog machines cannot do.
Yes, and no, todays digitals are operating at a variety of frequencies. Some even operate at multiple frequencies. The XLT, which I recommended earlier, uses the same 6.592 kHz as your 5/DB, but, modern electronics, and closer tolerances, have resulted in detectors that make better use of the power available. The coils are more efficient as well.
Yes, the digital machines display target data more accurately. Speedy processors take thousands of samples per microsecond, They don't just average those readings, either. They compare them. Something analog machines cannot do.
Yes, and no, todays digitals are operating at a variety of frequencies. Some even operate at multiple frequencies. The XLT, which I recommended earlier, uses the same 6.592 kHz as your 5/DB, but, modern electronics, and closer tolerances, have resulted in detectors that make better use of the power available. The coils are more efficient as well.
Thank you 'a4wdguy'. So, ground balance is a plus with digital machines. But would you say that the discriminating circuitry is equal to the original analog machines? Basically determining ferrious and non-ferrious is a simple process. Now I understand that digitalizing spectrum values and attaching a number to them can translate into 'identifying' a target in theory, and thats what these new machines do though I've seen an read some serious inaccuracies. But that in itself is not 'discriminating' in the true sense. I would say its an added benefit from modern technology. I would use the term 'benefit' loosly here as it certainly is a selling point to market new machines. I can see its value in some instances, just dont trust the science completely. So, we have 'ground balance' on the side of digital, discrimination leaving out the 'identifying' factors probably equal, that leaves depth. Would you say that the newer digital machines would out perform an equal analog machine as to depth putting aside the ground balance aspect. I believe my 5/db can ground balance with the best of them. I've used it in wet ocean sand on both coasts and highly mineralize areas of Nevada. Havent had a place I couldnt hunt. I ther digital circuits allowing deeper signal response than analog circuits? And lastly you mention the coils. I completely forgot about improved coil technology. That could make a difference. So, I have to ask one more question. Can any modern coil of today be used on my 1970's model 5/DB?
Everybody argues greater depth, but I have my doubts. Properly set up, my XL Pro could easily match my XLT in target depth, but my blue box 5900 Di didn't stand a chance. I tend to think the newer coils are more sensitive and the newer IC circuits are more powerful, efficient, and have greater range. It's no secret a transistor amplifier is better than a tube amp, so an IC amp is doubtless even better. So i'm not entirely convinced the magnetic fields are physically larger, except when the coil is larger. But I am sure the total circuit is more sensitive and better at recognizing the difference between the target and surrounding mineralization.
My understanding is that newer coils will work on older machines but don't have the circuitry to realize any real gains.
My understanding is that newer coils will work on older machines but don't have the circuitry to realize any real gains.
I would venture to say when you get a newer detector wether it be a xl pro, or a xlt and you go back over your previously hunted sites you will find alot of stuff you missed.the newer technology is faster- processors and better coils, otherwise new detectors would never need to be made, I started with a whites 6000 d blue box and went to the xlt and found alot I missed. take the dive and see for yourself.
Unfortunately, I never had a chance to use an analog unit. I'm sure, it has to have some advantages... although compared to modern technology and White's improvements since they have been around since forever I would trust it. Get something simple to use and get a good coil. You can always sell it and lose little if you buy it previously enjoyed. DFX around 450, got 2 at that price. If need to send to sweet home hq in Oregon for an amazing job of a facelift for around $100 delivered. Done it twice. Amazing service and super nice people to work with.
Sayvor
Sayvor
I thank you all for your input. What I'm reading here seems to be that the ground balance in a digital unit should be better than an analog. I think I would agree to that, makes sense that it would be able to track faster. As to the discrimination (not target ID) probably a wash there, no advantage. Depth I can assume would go to the digital machines not because their signal can go deeper but rather they are able to process more information and have the ability to demonstrate it to the use, ergo 'depth'. And then there are the coils which I assume have improved from the 70's. Thank you all again for you input. Looks like I'll be trying to determine how to spend my money. XLT or MXT seem to be what I should be looking at.
Both are formidable detectors. The MXT would probably be more familiar to your ear since it doesn't use tones. The MXT Pro has (I believe) 7 tones. The MXT operates at 15kHz while the XLT operates at 6.592kHz. The higher frequency is going to be more sensitive to gold and silver than the lower, and the MXT has far fewer controls to deal with. The MXT with White's 10 inch DD coil is an absolute monster.
Having transitioned to the Spectrum series of detectors I have come to depend on the tone of the target signal so would choose the XLT over the MXT. But, if I were coming from the XL Pro or older, I'd go with the MXT. Being more of an "either/or" kind of guy I would forego the MXT Pro with its limited tone range in favor of the original MXT or XLT.
Having transitioned to the Spectrum series of detectors I have come to depend on the tone of the target signal so would choose the XLT over the MXT. But, if I were coming from the XL Pro or older, I'd go with the MXT. Being more of an "either/or" kind of guy I would forego the MXT Pro with its limited tone range in favor of the original MXT or XLT.
Square Nail
New member
Hi foiler, if coins, jewelry, and parks will be your mainstay, I would look into a brand new Coinmaster GT. I have been looking at getting one to try. Auto tracking ground balance, front panel controls. No need for menu digging on the XLT/DFX etc. They are good detectors, but if your a analog person, then the Coinmaster GT may not be such a harsh transition. All controls buttons available on the front housing. The price might be better too. Not sure what type of batteries the 5/DB took, but the newer digital models will give better battery life. Just my $0.02 worth.
C E Stricklin
New member
I too started with an army surplus detector in 1962 and also went to a metrotec along the way a few BFO units some of which I built myself. I have owned detectors from most of the US manufacturers. I bought an Eagle Spectrum back when they were first introduced and later purchased a XLT when Whites first came out with it. They continue to be two of my main use detectors and until recently were my only detectors. I have since added an IDX Pro (all three detectors will interchange coils) with Mr. Bill's modifications which I use for hunting old iron infested homesites (Colonial period thru early 1800's). I have always been a beep and dig type searcher and do not use any discrimination except to eliminate small iron nails. I search by sound and seldom look at the digital display. If you can find a good XLT it will, in my opinion, suit your needs. I carry a small 10k gold pendant in a zip lock bag and use it to set my discrimination on all three detectors (this eliminates small iron nails). On the Eagle Spectrum and XLT I enter the factory relic mode, ground balance and check the 10k pendant to see what number it is showing on the digital display. Block edit to accept this number and all higher numbers, reject all lower numbers. Bump up the AC Sens to 75 and the Pre Amp Gain to 10.
I now also own detectors from First Texas and Garrett. My second choice for you would be an AT Pro as I am very impressed with it. I got mine to search rivers and creeks near civil war sites I have hunted for years.
I now also own detectors from First Texas and Garrett. My second choice for you would be an AT Pro as I am very impressed with it. I got mine to search rivers and creeks near civil war sites I have hunted for years.
I note that you use the factory preset program 'Relic' rather than one of the 'Coin' settings. Do you feel it is the best program for finding jewelry? My only concern is I've been using a 6 hz machine and I understand the XLT uses the same frequency as my old 5DB. I've found plenty of jewelry with my 5DB both gold and silver but one never knows what you missed. Also I'm talking about the 'good old days' of MDing on mostly virgin grounds in the 60's and 70's. I've seen a lot of talk about the higher frequency machines being more sensitive to small targets and particularly gold while the lower frequencies are better for silver. Wondering if there is that much difference. I've been reading about the DFX models and their dual frequency but I'm feeling that they are a more complicated machine to use. I appreciate your valued input.