Detector features?

[Clint in KY]

I’ve been out of the hobby for quite a while, but still have the Tracker IV I started with. Getting back in and thinking of upgrading the detector. Looking at all features of the new devices, and wonder how useful Target ID really is. I’m not taking about the numerical ID, but the indicator of coins, jewelry etc. I had a Fisher F2 which had the numerical ID and I could get a good idea of what it was just from that.
Is there a benefit to Target ID that I am overlooking?
Thanks

 

[The Beep Goes On]

Not really. They just represent ranges and provide a representative possibility. Welcome back!

 

[ArfieBoy]

Welcome back from Oregon!

 

[geowizard]

If they worked yesterday, they work today!

Improvements may buy depth or sensitivity, etc. but come at a cost!

- Geowizard

 

[cudamark]

If you're in an area with lots of unwanted targets, a visual I.D. screen can help you cherry pick.

 

[Clint in KY]

If you're in an area with lots of unwanted targets, a visual I.D. screen can help you cherry pick.

Doesn’t the numerical ID do the same thing?

 

[cudamark]

I guess we need to define exactly what kind of display we're both talking about. There are several versions. Some with just numbers. Some with a picture of the likely target (old school). Some have what is called "target trace" which gives an idea as to shape of the target. Some will even show more than one target on the screen. The more sophisticated the display, the more info you gain to make a decision to dig or not. If you just want to dig everything, get a PI machine and go to town. That would drive me nuts, so, I love having as much info as possible. I prefer a detector with a good depth I.D. also. If I'm after the older targets, knowing the depth is a real benefit.

 

[guest]

I’ve been out of the hobby for quite a while, but still have the Tracker IV I started with. Getting back in and thinking of upgrading the detector. Looking at all features of the new devices, and wonder how useful Target ID really is. I’m not taking about the numerical ID, but the indicator of coins, jewelry etc. I had a Fisher F2 which had the numerical ID and I could get a good idea of what it was just from that.
Is there a benefit to Target ID that I am overlooking?
Thanks

Hi @Clint in KY .
It all depends on your preference. Displays can help you guess what you've found, but you'll only get certainty by digging it up. I'm currently searching with two old Tesoro detectors. No iron break, no multi-tone discrimination, just beep'n dig.
Very lightweight, using 9V Batteries, silent search, and a lot of fun in the field.
Made me find some stuff I never had dug up with my TID machines, as it had possibly been a ringpull.
So, use what will let have you some fun...😃🤞🍀

 

[geowizard]

Discrimination (aka Target ID) is an important function in metal detecting!

Frequency Domain/VLF detectors detect two components of the response from a target. Whites Electronics and others discovered and developed the concept of metal discrimination. Measuring In-phase and Quadrature components of the signal reveals the difference between iron and precious metals which includes copper as a noble metal. There is a spectrum of metals that led to understanding and application of full spectrum displays.

It's easy to check it out by testing it on your detector. Get an iron nail or equivalent and a real copper penny, silver dollar, gold ring, etc.!

- Geowizard