"I'm a total beginner... I must say some of the info and threads are getting me so excited to the point I'm completely dizzy... I cannot wait to get mine and post my finds... thanks for making me an addict!"
Man, just wait til you actually get a detector - youre gonna need a pacemaker implant!
Here's few tidbits for you, then. Read these, copy them and be happy:
"Dahut's Secret Tips to Success...for Newcomers"
Alright, this stuff isn't really a secret - it's much more! This is the stuff that many learn the hard way (like I did); the same stuff that someone should have mentioned at the start! Now someone has. Enjoy!
1. Equipment is NOT the answer.
OUCH, this one hurts! We tend to be techno-dependent, expecting gadgets to do all things for us. The other, more crucial element is MINDSET. Guess what? People were finding treasures before detectors came along. The difference is they knew what to look for and had some idea where to find it. You do the same. Do buy a quality detector, then consider it merely the means to an end. As I like to say, "Know Before You Go."
2. Dig, man dig!
You wont find anything if you don't and you won't learn what your machine is doing if you don't. Your goal is to become an "object recovery specialist," not an expert at locating objects. This leads to the next tip...
3. DO NOT rely on that meter or display.
Everyone that sells a detector pounds out a mountain of hype that says their detector can tell "trash from treasure." DO NOT believe it. There is A LOT of junk out there and most of it masquerades as good stuff - and vice versa. Meters lie and can lead you astray if you put your faith in them wholly. My 14K wedding band appears as a pulltab to all my detectors. I'd leave it behind if I was only watching that meter. You will find trash and plenty of it, so start developing a cavalier attitude to it early on. See, TIP #2 .
4. Turn the Sensitivity down to start.
Dont expect to find stuff halfway to China, as most good things are within the first FOOT, usually less. That's the good news.
Here's the bad news: SENSITIVITY (gain) increases cannot "suck in" what isn't there to start with. Rather, gain that is set too high only results in false signals and lots of frustration. On the Ace 250, this means start at about 5.
5. Set time limits.
a. Plan to detect for a certain amount of time, as often as possible. Like any activity, good practice makes you better.
b. DO NOT detect longer that you should - set a limit on that, too. Know yourself and remember you have a job and a family and friends. Wandering off in search of treasure is a lonely life, especially if you find it and there is no one there to share it with.
6. Set Recovery Goals.
This can be a certain coin or artifact, a certain number of coins, etc. Once you figure out what your goal is, then work to achieve it. Once done, develop another and continue on in thisfashion.
Some say that "this is just a hobby - goals are for work." DO NOT believe that, either - that's minimalist crap. Achievement and success at ANYTHING is utterly dependent on your ability to push yourself beyond the mundane, past the easy frontiers.
7. Carry your detector with you as much as possible.
You never know when a chance to detect will come along. But dont leave it in your car longterm - EVER!! We're talking about sensitive, costly electronic instruments here.The heat and jostling is murder on them and break-in thieves know what they are worth, too.
8. Learn about your area and what you might actually find.
Do a little research about every possible place you might consider detecting, from the local park to vacant lots. It does no good to take your detector to a barren parking lot. I tried it once... trust me, I'm right.
The park in my city was once an old home place, then a housing area through the 50's and now a modern park. The old coins and stuff are NOT where the modern play grounds are - and few know it but me. Get the point?
9. Talk to your friends and family about your new hobby.
Include the strangers you meet too, like folks in the checkout line or ban tellers. Ask if they know any old places, or good modern places, where lots of people have been active. Make up some personal introduction cards on your computer, with your name:
"Joe Schmo, Detectorist."
People respect credentials, even these little cards. Being an ambassador of the hobby will open doors for you.
P.S. DO NOT refer to yourself as a "treasure hunter," however. All sorts of connotations and ideas spring to people's minds when they hear the word 'treasure'... don't even get that started.
10. Plan to do all sorts of detecting.
You are new and this hobby has lots to offer. Dont imagine yourself only "this sort" of detectorist or "that sort." Try it all.
11. Learn the Detectorists Code of Ethics.
And practice good recovery techniques, ALL THE TIME. Few things will sour you on this hobby like being ticketed for leaving holes behind or getting busted on private property. I learned this last one the hard way, at the wrong end of a shotgun - don't repeat my mistake
12. Get a durable carry bag at the thrift store and keep these things in it:
+ Extra Headphones - A broken set of phones will ruin your hunt. Folding digi-phones are ideal for this.
+ Extra Batteries - Likewise, a detector full of dead batteries is a real fun buster. Carry spares.
+ 2 Digging Trowels - One 6" and one longer. DO NOT get the crap from WalMart's garden section, either. Either make or get strong, purpose built tools.
+ 1 Sand Sifting Sscoop. There are a surprising number of sandy spots that attract people. One day you'll thank me for including this one.
+ 1 Recovery Apron - Most home centers sell nail aprons for a $1. These will do fine. Avoid using your pockets, an old tube sock or other makeshift things.
+ 1 10" Probe - I make mine by epoxying a piece of brazing rod into a 4" section of old broom handle. Round the tip and there you go. Use this to probe for coins beneath the turf.
+ 1 10" Screwdriver - for "popping" the coins you probe from the turf.
+ 1 8-10" Full-Tang Hunting Knife - Just plain useful. Cuts roots, plugs in grass, etc. I like a Ka-Bar myself
+ 2 Pair of Garden Gloves - ones you can manage dextrous work in.
+ Super glue and duct tape - you don't need this explained, right?
...You can have more, but you'll need these things, sooner or later.
BONUS TIP #13: Be Patient and Determine to Have Fun!
copyright DDH/dahut, 2007
