Target analysis

[Rudy]

It is amazing how much buried junk there is! I know that when I started in the hobby (not so long ago), I quickly realized that the highly touted LCD display screen (VDI display) was wrong more often than not.

Many targets ID'ed as Nickels turned out to be pulltabs. And many targets ID'ed as half dollars or cartwheels where really crushed soda cans. Although the best course of action is to dig up everything until you have the experience, limited hunting time dictates that you learn some tricks of the trade as quickly as possible to help you figure out if you really want to dig that target.

Here are some rules of thumb I've accumulated, to help you analyze the targets:

1. When you get a loud signal in discriminate mode and the pinpoint signal is loud-----it is usually a large target near the surface.

2. If you get a loud signal in discriminate mode and a much weaker signal when pinpointing it is usually a large target deeper.

3. If you get a good signal in discriminate mode and an extremely weak signal when pinpointing --it is usually a tiny target or a very deep coin size target. Also some hot rocks, coal burnt items mimic this same sound (a little practice in this area helps).

4. If you get a good signal in discriminate mode and a clear pinpoint signal (average sound) then dig (this is usually a coin size item at average depths). This is what many train their ears to.

5. Weak signal in discriminate mode and also a weak pinpoint-----this is the "cream of the crop signal" for deep target hunters. Unfortunately some small shallow objects mimic this sound also. Take out 3 to 4" of dirt and if the signal is still weak it is probably a deep target. Pay close attention to those soft signals (also called "whispers" by many).

6. One way signals-----these sound good on the first sweep in discriminate mode (in one direction but not in the other --backsweep, etc.). When pinpointing you may get an extremely loud pinpoint and write it off as trash--DON'T!---many times it is a good target next to a piece of trash. Dig out the trash and look for the good target. Experiment with some of these targets to see how your detector reacts.

7. Semi broken signals--on the first sweep in discriminate mode you get a signal that tries to punch through the discrimination setting (usually a half to 3/4 signal). This occurs in places of EXTREME trash. Swinging the coil at different angles and sweep speeds can help isolate the signal and gives you a better idea whether to dig or not. In these cases pinpoint doesn't give you much information because of the multiple targets in the ground (trash around the good target).

Newbies have a tough time with these signals and the only real way to learn them is to PRACTICE with your detector. This is where a veteran with an inexpensive detector can clean up vs. a rookie with a new high dollar detector. You have to learn your detector’s language to get the best out of it so give it time!

Hope you find this helpful. Enjoy.

[msimon2]

Thanks Rudy

Everywhere I read said don't worry about oneways for now. I am going to have to pay more attention to them.


Mike

[TONKA]

I've heard too many stories about people finding great
things after getting a bad signal.

I'm a firm believer in digging everything! I wind up with
more trash than other people but one of these days it's
going to be my story about a great find that everyone
passed up because it was a lousy signal...

[Rudy]

Hi Msimon, I have found many coins which sounded good one way only.

Tonka, It is a matter of time. Frequently, I can go and hunt for 2 or 3 hours max. Under these circumstances, I can't dig everything or I won't cover much ground, so ... I cherry pick.

One of the first things I skip are memorial pennies.

[OT]

Hi Rudy,

Good information.

In regards to not picking up memorial pennies or zinc pennies, if you are working an old area, demolition site, old picnic ground, or any place that has history, I would pick up those targets because most of the really old wheatbacks are very low on the VDI scale and the Indian head pennies come in as low as zinc pennies. If the detector is telling you that the target is on the surface or just below surface then most likely it will be a zinc penny.
If I'm just coin shooting at a school or a newer park then I too will bypass all the zinc penny signals.

Just my crusty old two cents worth.

;)T

[Rudy]

Hi OT,

Good input about wheats and IH coming in on the same VDI range as memorials. I agree with you that in old sites and demos, one should do like Tonka and dig just about everything. I should have explained it in the context of coin shooting at a local park.

[msimon2]

My biggest problem with the pennies is they are everywhere. Seems like every signal I get is another penny. I pulled about dozen out of my yard. There are more but I don't want the Mrs to think I am going to re sod the yard.

I went out thursday and ignored as many as I could and still came back with six. 2 of them were next to other coins and it was easier to get the penny sound first.

I will say that my take on the other coins increased because I wasn't spending time diggin memorials.

Mike

[Rudy]

My biggest problem with the pennies is they are everywhere. Seems like every signal I get is another penny. I pulled about dozen out of my yard.

Msimon, if I were you, I'd check all my pant pockets.

[925Bill]

Good info. Rudy! Generally those tips apply. Obviously, all detectors have different "isms." I personally hardly ever check in "all metal" to hear if the signal is a "dig" or "no-dig." Or use pinpointing to surmise what a probable target might be. I just dig most of them anyway. At the particular the sites that I hunt.

It's only "my' humble opinion. But... I think there are many who depend excessively on technology. Meter readings, numbers, programs. What the target might be. Etc. and so on. Many "newbies" purchase the newest, most advanced, expensive detector, blindly.
Especially if they are in areas, where T.H.er's are few. And sharing what they like or don't like about there detector, the features, what they use it for, primarily.
And what they feel their particular model excells at. Just isn't there. They don't have anyhing to base a buying decision on. So many purchase them from seeing the name in a treasure publication "ad". Or articles where this brand or that brand seems to be among the most frequently mentioned.
I feel that all the technological advancements made over the years. Are fantastic! (Don't get me wrong, now!) But they should be used as tools to reduce the chance that the target will be "junk". Instead of "depending" on them, as "gospel." In exact I.D. of every object. Believe me. There are more than a few who have retired there machines. Before they really ever got started.
They believe that targets that read "ring" or "silver quarter", etc. Should be! And are frustrated they haven't "hit it big" within the first few months of using their detectors. It's a fact. I can't tell you how many folks I've talked to, who have said something like: "Yeah. I got a detector. It's in the closet." "It was harder than I thought." (to learn. or figure out) "Man I was dissapointed!" "I thought I'd have found a bunch of good stuff by now."
Rudy has some good suggestions and tips for you folks out there viewing. So make a note of them.

If you are in an area, where there are "no local" dealers. Or. If you are an experienced T.H.er. And are familiar with them and there features. You "know" what a reasonable expectation might be, of a new detector. Then purchasing from a "mail order" discount business, is fine.........Or if it is your only option.
It's all about getting a detector that suits your needs. Instructions on operation, and expectations. Explaining there will be many different sounds. Some different for the same object. Depending on depth, phase angle, ground moisture, etc.
Familiarity with your detector can onlybe gained by using it! Dig as many targets as you can. (if a newbie) And don't expect "privately minted" gold coins, right away! The more targets you dig. The more familiar you'll become with them. That's one thing that'll reduce your frquency of digging junk, right there! Just don't expect to unearth privately minted gold coins, the first week out!

I think it if you covered up any readout of numbers, programs, or other visuals. So you could not see them. Many might not be so succesful.
I'm sure I could write "at length" (Ha! Chortle! snicker!) on...Uhh. Er....What ever uh. Oh yeah. Great tips that Rudy pointed out. Before I so "Rude-ly" (Rudy,Rude-ly? It was dumb, forget it.) Went off on a tangent, and strayed from the original topic.(s) At least I think I may have. So sorry Rudy! Anyway. I hope you are able to find some crumb of usefulness, in "the book" I just wrote! That'll be $ 2.95 please. S&H included....Just jokin'. I wouldn't charge for all that blabbing! 925Bill.

[Rudy]

Hmmm,......ahh .....huh .....hmmm. Sure.