Target ID/tone and Depth Conundrum

[BamaBill]

I've just realized/been informed that the machine I've been using for the last few years as a relic machine, may be a bit inadequate for what I've been using it for. The X-terra 70 that I only used to use as a coinshooting machine, apparently has a problem identifying small brass, such as buttons, as a non-ferrous item in bad ground at a depth of 8 inches or more. I know it can positively ID lead, but the flat button I buried at 8 inches a few years ago, in the bad ground of my backyard, comes up as iron.

What machines are on the market that can give a positive ID on brass at 8 inches? High or mid tone would be just fine as I usually don't pay any attention to VDI anyway. Also, please no heavier than about 3.6 lbs. I just recently acquired the AT-Pro, but haven't used it enough to know if it can accomplish this. But, I'm wondering if the fact that it uses a 15khz coil vs the X-terra 7.5, might make it better to work in iron, or how it really handles moderately bad to badly mineralized ground.

 

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[liftloop]

go higher on the khz for smaller lower conductive targets..

 

[Tom_in_CA]

The explorer series of detectors gives a pretty good indication of mid versus lows versus highs, on penny/dime sized targets, at depths up to 10" or so. And iron versus non-iron on penny/dime sized targets at 11" or so. But of course this is on targets with a clear-line of sight, low to moderate minerals, etc...

 

[Fletch88]

I've used my CTX in highly mineralized ground not too far north of you and getting a response over 5-6" was difficult, much less a positive ID. I didn't dig any brass while using it this particular day, but lead was all over the place depending on its shape and getting deeper than 6" was difficult at best. A PI with GB does a much better job in those places. You would be amazed at how many targets a VLF missed that are less than 4-6" in these areas of high mineralization.

 

[BamaBill]

Re: Ferrous vs non-ferrous at 8 inches

I've used my CTX in highly mineralized ground not too far north of you and getting a response over 5-6" was difficult, much less a positive ID. I didn't dig any brass while using it this particular day, but lead was all over the place depending on its shape and getting deeper than 6" was difficult at best. A PI with GB does a much better job in those places. You would be amazed at how many targets a VLF missed that are less than 4-6" in these areas of high mineralization.

You say a "A PI with GB" does a much better job. Are you talking about the White's TDI?
Yeah, I'm starting to think a PI would be a good machine to add to my collection, since the relics that are left are going to be in sites that VLFs don't fair well in.

 

[Fletch88]

You say a "A PI with GB" does a much better job. Are you talking about the White's TDI? Yeah, I'm starting to think a PI would be a good machine to add to my collection, since the relics that are left are going to be in sites that VLFs don't fair well in.

Bill, yes the TDI is one PI with GB, the other 3 I'm familiar are the Infinium, ATX and the GPX series.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

If "target ID" is part of your "conundrum", then no, I don't think the TDI is going to help you.

Yes it has a semi-ability to tell low vs mid vs high vs iron . But if set it up take advantage of that (off-tune the correct ground balance ), then you will have lost the fabled detph ability the pulse is known for . Your detph and ID ability will end up being no better than any # of regular machines by the time you're done . They're also way too squirrely sensitive for the average junky site.

 

[Fletch88]

Check the video out at the end to compare finds digging in the Bama red dirt. To dig targets over 8" you will dig a certain amount of iron when relic hunting. Ive never used the TDI so I can't really comment on its ability to distinguish iron, but have about 60 hours on my GPX 4800. I'm batting about 70% on knowing when the target is iron. A bent nail will fool the best of us no matter what machine your swinging.

 

[MrMikeJackie]

You already have two great machines that shouldn't have any problems identifying brass. What kHz coil are you using on the x70? Is it the18.75, if so then yea you might have a problem on the high conductors. Put a 3 kHz coil on there and you should have not problems with buttons. Your at pro is supposedly very good in iron infested sites and the dd coil should help with the highly mineralized soil. I don't believe you need another detector. IMHO , good luck!