Resetting the threshold with the water scoop , mine is light weight aluminum, is pretty much standard operationg procedure on the X-Cal.
Sweeping the search coil by a nickle, like you are doing is much better as you end up with a more pleasing treshold tone that is closer to gold.
You can use a zinc penny to train your ear, as it is not worth the effort to retrieve them - unless they are fresh drops.
A pure copper, 1982 and before penny will give you a tone similar to a silver coin as it is highly conductive.
It's fun to try and guess what an object is before digging, but not necessary. If it beeps in discriminate mode - dig it
An X-Cal is like a guitar, in that it is easy to learn but difficult to master.
Sweeping the search coil by a nickle, like you are doing is much better as you end up with a more pleasing treshold tone that is closer to gold.
You can use a zinc penny to train your ear, as it is not worth the effort to retrieve them - unless they are fresh drops.
A pure copper, 1982 and before penny will give you a tone similar to a silver coin as it is highly conductive.
It's fun to try and guess what an object is before digging, but not necessary. If it beeps in discriminate mode - dig it
An X-Cal is like a guitar, in that it is easy to learn but difficult to master.