Xterra 70 Newbie

[Ecris]

Hi Everyone,

After some long research, I have purchased an Xterra 70 with headphone from a nice chap in NH who no longer uses it.

I did some preliminary testing and the detector works normally. Does anyone know a good practice routine for a new metal detector'er? I am reading the FAQs section on the forum too. I am in NY btw. Thanks in advance.

 

[Steve(MS)]

Before you get started, read the manual and play with the settings so that you can get familiar with how to make adjustments and what the functions are and the different modes.
Pick out a nickel, dime, quarter, zinc penny, a few different pulltabs and a small piece of foil and place them on the ground, choose the tone option that you want to work with and scan them, noting the tone and meter readings.
Then work on your pinpointing, seeing if you can get directly over the coins in the center of the coil.
Then go out to a place that has clad and pulltabs, etc and do some digging, noting what the tones, depth and meter reading are. It's best if you can find a place with very shallow coins to get started.
Don't expect to make great finds right off, although that is possible, instead learn as much as you can while using the detector.
Try to stay clear of areas that are loaded with iron on your first few trips out, that is something you can learn to deal with once you get to know the keypad and learn the detector better.
This assumes that you are new to detecting, some of these steps can be skipped if you have experience.
HH

 

[xwyokid]

I do believe you have answered your own question. Get out and use it and use it . Practice will familiarize you with what the machine is telling you. The FAQ FAQ section is invaluable. Good Luck and welcome.

 

[Ecris]

Thanks for the help. I did some of the testing on coins, a couple of rings and metal and I approaching it slow. The weather is not cooperating though.