I own two SEs and try my best to use them daily.
I've logged a lot of hours but am still learning.
JSYK, your NULLING problem is a common one and easily fixed.
It's primarily caused by heavy soil mineralization or large metal objects in the ground.
Here's a few ideas for you.
First, I am going to assume you know all about NOISE REDUCTION and how to perform it. I personally have found there is no need to perform the procedure each and every time you turn your machine on or change coils. If your machine operates quietly, then all is well. In those cases where I do encounter excess noise, I adjust NR manually; on the fly. You must however allow sufficient time for each channel to respond, choosing the quietest one of eleven. According to Minelab's own experts, a little noise does not effect your machine's depth capability; only the user's ability of hear the intented target. NOISE REDUCTION is not the same as GROUND BALANCING. Your machine ground balances automatically.
Have you actually tried hunting in ALL METAL?
IMO, it's the only way you will get the most from your machine.
Both of my SEs are set up this way.
All DISC PATTERNS cleared
IRON MASK off----(when on set at 20-22)
SENSITIVITY@32MAX with auto-sensitivity engaged
RESPONSE-normal
VOLUME-max limit 10---GAIN 10
TONE-threshold tone-5---variability-10---limits-10
SOUNDS --- ferrous (conduct is also a good option. Either will work)
RECOVERY---fast on if in trashy area --- deep on in trash free area (never engage both at same time)
There's some videos, located at this link which can help you should you take the time to view them ---
http://www.mlotv.com/tag/minelab/1
You will need to learn to trust SMARTFIND; it is very accurate. Sound is important too. Using FERROUS most iron will give a low bleep. Non-ferrous items will sound off with a high bleep. Rusty nails and wire will often fool you, sounding identical to good targets. This is where IRON MASK comes in handy. For those type of targets, engaging IRON MASK will help you determine if the target is good or bad. But, not always. You will dig nails, wire, and pulltabs regardless if you are doing your job correctly. If the cursor falls to the bottom right, chances are good you have a pulltab. If the cursor falls mid-way the bottom or to the bottom left, dig. You may have a nickel or gold. If the cursor falls midway-right the screen, possibly lead/bronze. Should the cursor land upper screen, whether left, middle, or right always dig. The rectangular shaped pulltabs, pulltab tongues, tongues bent over into thunb hole, and can slaw are a detectorist's nightmare. There is just no way to effectively screen them out and you will dig them. I have found on iffy pulltab signals, engaging IRON MASK helps to stabilize/calm the cursor. Deep targets will often sound broken. You will need to dig them to be certain what they are. SunRay's X1 probe comes in handy here. Often, I find it tempting to leave iron in the ground should I dig down, determining by the sound of the probe (miniature coil) the target is most likely iron. But, usually I retrieve the target; removing it from the area. Many times I have consequently recovered good targets masked by the worthless one. Writing of the probe, I've noticed when useing high SENSITIVITY settings it often does tend to make the probe a little unstable. With a little practice, you'll soon figure out the pinpoint mode doesn't always work with the probe.
The new PRO coil is excellent at target separation and sensitivity. If you are in a heavily trashy area, you will need to consider a smaller coil however. I really do like my little FBS-800. It's depth capability, when utilizing AMM is amazing. I also have in my arsenal a 4.5x7 and a 5 inch coil. If in doubt which coil to use, smaller is always better IMO.
Be sure to save your settings under USER SETTINGS utilizing either USER A or USER B. Your machine will automatically save your settings when you turn it off but you want to do so regardless. You may also wish to write your settings down. There's a log in the back of your manual. Should your machine become unstable you may need to ocassionally reset it to factory settings. It's a simple procedure and one covered on page 18 of your manual. All you need do is hold the power button down for 2 seconds or so. This is where your saving your settings under USER A or USER B comes in handy. If you haven't done so, you lose all your custom settings. In all honesty, I've only reset one of my machines once and it was due to the SMARTFIND window freezing; not keeping up with new targets. This too is quite common with the SE.
Be patient.
Using AMM you will hear every target in the ground; good and bad and will need to investigate each one carefully to find the really good stuff!
Believe me; it does become easier if you will give it a chance. A good set of headphones is a must. I personally like
Killer Bee Hornets, SunRay Pros, and Gray Ghost Ultimates. The new RatPhone Maxs are suppose to be very good also.
I've got a set coming.
I hope this info helps you,
you've got the best land detector out there. Congrats!
GRB
