VDI Normalization (corrected two errors)

The Beep Goes On

Silver Member
Jan 11, 2006
3,403
207
Houston, TX
Detector(s) used
CTX3030, Excalibur II, V3i, TRX
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
VDI Normalization is the DFX's way of displaying and providing audio based on the familiar 6.67KHz (XLT) VDI number responses. The 3KHz and 15KHz modes generate different VDI responses than we're used to. VDI Normalization changes these responses to the familiar XLT standard.

I read the part in the manual, and in other books, about VDI Normalization, but there wasn't much real world data to work with. In other words, if you turn Normalization off, what do the numbers mean? I hear myself saying "I'm used to the 6.7KHz VDI responses...I'm not going to know what the hell my machine is telling me!". This is the reason I did the bench testing presented here. I wanted to use the Normalization option, but didn't know what to expect. Now, at least, I have some reference data.

We're told that using 3KHz Raw (non-normalized) mode will increase the VDI separation for coins (high conductivity targets) and shrink the VDI separation for gold (low conductivity targets). The 15KHz Raw mode does the opposite, it will shrink the VDI separation for coins and increase the VDI separation for gold. This is why most gold detectors use high frequencies. This is also why a lot of detectors work between 5KHZ and 10KHz...trying to get the best of both worlds.

The benefit of using the Raw (non-normalized) modes is that, with increased VDI separation, you can more easily identify targets and discriminate the junk that may inhabit the same VDI range. If you're hunting coins, use the 3KHz Raw mode. If you're hunting gold, use the 15KHz Raw mode. The increased VDI separation improves your chances of finding desirable targets because you will dig less because you can be more selective. For instance, let's say that you're hunting for gold jewelry and there are two pull-tab varieties infesting the site. If you discriminate the single predominant VDI number of those two types of pull-tabs, causing the Tone ID to cut out on those targets, you will not be discriminating out a lot of the desirable targets. This is because there is a greater VDI separation in the desirable range and it is less likely that, by discriminating the undesirable target, you will miss many desirable targets. If you use the Normalized mode, the desirable and undesirable targets would be more likely to have the same VDI responses.

Below is a table of the targets I bench tested, a chart showing the VDI values and a picture of the targets. It is interesting to note that the three Normalized modes don't always agree. I haven't tried using the Raw modes yet, but with this compilation I have some real world data on which to base my target selection.

HH!
TBGO

131668655.jpg


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slow sweeper

Sr. Member
Jan 7, 2005
499
7
Oregon
Re: What is VDI Normalization All About? (for DFX users)

Wow! You've been busy.

Question: Are your readings the same if you bench test holding a rusty nail or bottle cap next to the good target? I've always assumed that a trash target laying next to a desirable target will affect the VDI. But come to think of it I've never tested it. :-\
 

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OP
The Beep Goes On

The Beep Goes On

Silver Member
Jan 11, 2006
3,403
207
Houston, TX
Detector(s) used
CTX3030, Excalibur II, V3i, TRX
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Re: What is VDI Normalization All About? (for DFX users)

Yeah, it took a while ;)

The targets were single targets with no interference from trash...just wanted to get some basic data. They are air tests, so you can expect some differences when the targets are in the ground.

HH!
TBGO
 

chirper97

Sr. Member
Mar 28, 2005
483
171
south charleston, wv
Detector(s) used
White's V3i, White's DFX 300, Garrett Infinium PI, Fisher CZ6A, Garrett Deepseeker and Groundhog ADS
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Beep Goes On;

Thank you!

As a new user of dfx300 I appreciate you doing this research!

:thumbsup:
 

rugratt

Jr. Member
Dec 19, 2008
74
2
Erie, Pa
Detector(s) used
bounty hunter, whites DFX
Beep,

I'm a new user of the DFX. I'm trying to learn as much as possible before the weather breaks. Looks like you have done your homework, plus some! Just a couple questions. I have read through the manual but never noticed that the trigger toggles forward and back. What is the forward for? I scanned the manual could not find it. I have only had a chance to take it out one time so if there are are any other basic things or pointers, could you let me know? One more thing, could you send me a copy of your charts.................

Thank You,
Rugratt
 

OP
OP
The Beep Goes On

The Beep Goes On

Silver Member
Jan 11, 2006
3,403
207
Houston, TX
Detector(s) used
CTX3030, Excalibur II, V3i, TRX
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
rugratt said:
Beep,

I'm a new user of the DFX. I'm trying to learn as much as possible before the weather breaks. Looks like you have done your homework, plus some! Just a couple questions. I have read through the manual but never noticed that the trigger toggles forward and back. What is the forward for? I scanned the manual could not find it. I have only had a chance to take it out one time so if there are are any other basic things or pointers, could you let me know? One more thing, could you send me a copy of your charts.................

Thank You,
Rugratt


Hi Rugratt - Pushing the trigger forward locks the machine into pinpoint mode. If you PM your email address to me I will send you the data (later today...going detecting in a few minutes).

HH!
TBGO
 

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