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XL Pro Meter

C

clay jones

New member
Hi All, I have a question about the meter on the XL Pro. With the detector turned OFF should the meter pointer be exactly on Zero (0)?? I wonder if the factory calibrates the meter ?? Mine is above the (0) with the detector OFF. Thanks for any answers. Clay
 
Old Timer it is below the Zero (0) about 1/16 inch with all on Presets and Ground Balanced with threshold sound. Thanks Clay
 
Test it to make sure that the half dollar and silver dollar will I.D. correctly. You will get a slightly different coin reading on pennies...copper pennies up to 1982 will read different than the modern zinc pennies. Also, Indian Head pennies will read on the low end of the penney mark. Most nickels, dimes, and quarters will normally read dead on the mark. Please let us know the test results.

It is my understanding that the meter is calibrated at the factory using a nickel on the low end and a silver dollar on the high side. Wrangler :)
 
maybe it isn't critical as to where the needle points at rest. I'm going to guess that if you adjust the needle to point at a consistent spot with a particular target, that you can use that as a reference point for any future settings, or hunt site.

In other words, let's say you have a new, shiny, nickel pointing at 28 on the meter (the center of the Nickel wording on the meter face) when testing it on the ground with the coil held at 4 inches above the nickel, and with all other settings where you will use them during your hunting session at that location. It would seem that if you learn where other desirable targets read on the meter, they would be consistent if you set your meter to always point at 28 on a shiny, new, nickel once your other settings are made.

I'm thinking that maybe it isn't as critical where it points when the machine is off as much as when it's on, and where it points on a known target with all other settings made for that particular ground, on that particular day. Maybe the idea of the needle pointing to the same place when the machine is off isn't the real issue.

I know that in order to get the proper calibration on the SunRay meter for the Minelab Sovereign, I use to use a dime, and set the meter to just read 180 when passing the coil over the dime laying on the ground I was hunting. Perhaps a similar procedure should be used with the 5900/6000/XL Pro meter. I don't know.

Of course, on another note, it seems as though it makes sense for the needle to point to zero when the machine is on, and the other settings are on the (P)reset. Or perhaps it should point to zero when the machine is off. Or maybe it should point at zero with the machine on and held at waist level. Very confusing as to what is the ideal.

If you look closely at the meter, you will see that each target has a range associated with it. The Nickel wording on the meter face spans the numbers of 23 to 34. The Penny wording on the meter face spans the numbers of 46 to 66. The Dime wording on the meter face spans the numbers of 61 to 68. The Quarter wording on the meter face spans the numbers of 70 to 83. The Half wording on the meter face spans the numbers of 80 to 88. The Dollar wording on the meter face spans the numbers of 88 to 100.

According to the manual, these variances in indication are due to alloy inconsistencies in the various coinage over the years. That may be the case, however the wording on the meter face is of a consistent size and typeface. It seems too coincidental that the alloys in the various coins would just happen to fit those ranges that the numbers/wording use. With that being said, it seems as though, and my experience shows, that a particular coin can fall anywhere within the numeric range under the target wording. The key is learning where that is on your meter, in the area you are hunting.

Another thing the manual brings up is that static electricity can affect the meter reading. Read what the manual says on page 34 (XL Pro). I think I will start using the anti-static clothes dryer sheets more frequently to avoid any static buildup.

Just some ramblings after thinking about your question more closely.

OldeTymer
TheTreasureLeague.com
 
a nickel on the low end and a silver dollar on the high end.

You are correct in that on occasion, a coin may not read "dead center" on the meter due to inconsistencies in the metal at the time it was produced at the U.S. Mint. Copper pennies up until 1982 will read differently than the later Zinc penny that is only copper coated. The Indian Head penny will also not read dead center on the penny I.D. on the meter. Also, the angle of the coin may induce an off center reading.

There is an excellent book on this subject, "Taking A Closer Look At Metal Detector Discrimination" by Robert C. Brockett. You may be able to find this book at your local metal detector dealer or maybe on eBay. This book will answer just about any question you may have on discrimination and target I.D. on the White's 6000 series metal detectors. It is easy to read and understand.

In closing, Old Tymer, you have lots of experience and I can not imagine much that you do not know about metal detectors...you are highly respected. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
Kelley,

Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate it.

I know I got to rambling with this subject, but after thinking about it, I came up with that diatribe. I still think the key is getting your meter needle set to one particular spot with all other settings at a particular setting as well. That way you know you are starting off the same each time. I just used the nickel as an example, and I suppose any setting, as long as it was consistent, would work.

Once that is established, and you have learned where desirable targets read, you should get consistent results for those targets at any site you hunt.

Then again, I may be full of beans on all of this. :D

I agree with you about Brockett's book. If you own a 5900/6000/XL Pro series Whites machine, or any discriminating metal detector for that matter, you should own and read this book. I have read it at least 3 or 4 times myself, and I seem to pick something else up from it each time I read it. It also re-enforces what I have already gained from it each time I have read it.

Thanks again for the kind words. I really do try to help by giving back to the hobby what it has given me. A lifelong pursuit, no doubt. I only wish I had learned of it sooner than I did.

OldeTymer
TheTreasureLeague.com
 
Kelley, I was finally able to test coins to get meter readings. With the XL Pro on Presets I got the following readings 4" away from the coil. Zinc Cent "50" on meter and "L" on Gold scale
Copper Cent "64" on meter and "1st N" on word Penny
Nickel "26" on meter and "C" on word Nickel
Dime "64" on meter and "I" on word Dime (same as copper penny}
Quarter "74" on meter and "U" on word Quarter
Half Dollar "82" on meter and "H" on Half
Silver Dollar "96" on meter and "2nd L" on Dollar
I assume if I remember the numbers I will more accurately ID the targets { within a number or two either way of the test numbers}
Thanks Clay
 
As such, I would not worry about whether or not the needle is on zero when off. Don't forget to post some of the good things that you find with the XL Pro...it will encourage others. Kelley (Texas) :)
 
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