GPZ 7000 Successor, March 9th boys…. Apply for those second mortgages…

[geowizard]

I’m sure people that dropped 10 or 15 grand on a detector, (depending what country you are in) after a 10 year wait agree, however they didn’t spend that money because it’s design is innovative, they expect it to recover gold, my Gold Cube is innovative as well, that doesn’t mean I can swing it around the desert by its legs expecting it to find me nuggets 🤣.

Hopefully this is a one off but I’m seeing more comments than I like that are similar to this, I’m on the Aus forums, 8000 as well.. won’t repeat all the comments here as it’s not about Minelab bashing, it’s about “if you are eager to buy, you may want to watch for a bit to ensure the bugs are worked out”, there are several vocalizing they’d wished they’d done just that…. Watch Woodys recent videos as well (detectormods).

Think that’s over reacting? A picture says a thousand words LOL

View attachment 2248832

Charging $20.00 to fix a problem it never should have had… money money money… I found out yesterday that the new harness backpack like a Camelback does not Include the water bladder, you have to buy that separately as an option…. LOL…. Money money money, it’s a rich man’s world… (in my best ABBA voice)

Buyer beware.. 😉

With reference to the yellow ferrite, it is used for ground balance calibration. It is a bit pricey.

 

[geowizard]

Well this is fun !!

It's a fun exercise in human behavior! We are surrounded by intellectual minds that love to "b word" about problems with new detectors and when presented with obvious reasoning, they argue the semantics and dispute any reference to a higher level third party explanation! It gives forums the drama and entertainment we come here for but don't take my word for it.

- Geowizard

 

[Tesorodeoro]

hhhmmmm I dont understand squat when it comes to electronics but If a dumb ass like me can go find gold on the surface with a metal detector than I am an instant expert and for some reason my PI detector magicallly finds sunbakers every once in a while.

I wish those guys with the $8,000 detectors would leave a few laying around. On the surface is fine with me.

 

[geowizard]

View attachment 2249074
You stated PI detectors like the GPZ 8000 miss nuggets, you did not state the GPZ 8000 specifically, which is not a traditional PI. I shared those videos to show that both true PI as well as ZVT as used on the 7000 and 8000 have no problem with sunbakers. I think generalizing the issue to be based on the technology itself might be short sighted, especially with such a massive change in coil technology as is used in the 8000.

The Minelab GPZ 8000 is not a traditional Pulse Induction (PI) machine. Instead, it uses Minelab’s proprietary GeoZVT™ (Zero Voltage Transmission) technology, which is the next-generation evolution of the ZVT platform first introduced with the GPZ 7000.

Here is how it differs from standard PI technology:

• The Technology Gap: Conventional Pulse Induction detectors work by sending a powerful pulse of electrical current into the ground, abruptly turning it off, and listening for the signal decay from a metallic target. While excellent for punching through highly mineralized ground, PI can sometimes lack sensitivity to very fine, sub-gram gold.
• The GeoZVT™ Hybrid: GeoZVT is engineered to bridge the gap between the extreme depth of PI and the hyper-sensitivity of Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors. It operates with a continuous, opposite-polarity transmission that significantly increases depth while maintaining high target sensitivity.
• Concentric Toroidal Coils: The GPZ 8000 pairs this technology with a new "Z-Set" concentric toroidal coil system (rather than the Monoloop or DD coils common on PI machines). This specialized coil architecture actively works with the GeoZVT processing to cancel out ground noise and stabilize performance in difficult soils.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Pulse Induction (Traditional PI):
  • Sends pulses into the ground and measures decay
  • Great in mineralized soil, but limited target ID and sometimes less depth on certain gold
• ZVT (what the GPZ 8000 uses):
  • A different, proprietary tech from Minelab
  • Generates continuous opposing magnetic fields instead of pulses
  • Designed to combine PI-like depth with improved sensitivity and stability

So what is it, really?

Think of ZVT as: “Beyond PI” rather than PI itself

• It’s not VLF
• It’s not traditional PI
• It’s its own category, though it borrows strengths from both

Ultimately, it acts as a hybrid system that gives prospectors the heavy-duty mineral rejection and depth of a high-end PI machine, while maintaining the sharp sensitivity required to hit fine, small gold.

Quoting,

"ZVT (what the GPZ 8000 uses):

• A different, proprietary tech from Minelab
• Generates continuous opposing magnetic fields instead of pulses
• Designed to combine PI-like depth with improved sensitivity and stability"

Jen,

Which way is it?

"GeoZVT" (tm) as used in the GPZ8000 is the prior art PI ZVT in a new dress. Without reading and understanding the salient purpose as found in the patent literature, discussion of things like SNR become meaningless to you. The key to understanding is getting the story from the horses mouth. Growing our knowledge base involves a process of listening and learning IMHO.

- Geowizard

 

[geowizard]

hhhmmmm I dont understand squat when it comes to electronics but If a dumb ass like me can go find gold on the surface with a metal detector than I am an instant expert and for some reason my PI detector magicallly finds sunbakers every once in a while.

minerjosh,
Very true. When I made the statement about PI detectors, I composed the statement to limit the point to "like the Minelab GPZ 8000" to avoid including every PI detector. You have it right. The end user finds a detector that they become an instant expert with because it works! It isn't magic. It's the right combination of detector and the right application for that detector.

- Geowizard

 

[Carl-NC]

You might want to reread what I actually wrote. I said it was not a “TRADITIONAL PI”, I never said it wasn’t a PI. I know adjectives can be tricky, but using one clearly implies it still belongs in the PI family. In other words… I appreciate the correction on something I never actually said. Pointing out that it isn’t a “traditional PI” inherently means I know it’s a PI.

Most of what you wrote looks AI-generated, and AI doesn't seem to know how "ZVT" works. Ferinstance,

• Generates continuous opposing magnetic fields instead of pulses

is misleading. Those opposing fields still create the exact same fast slews as PI, therefore ZVT actually does generate pulses. Add to that the Minelab lit that has implied ZVT is a form of VLF and the result is a lot of confusion. You didn't seem to know exactly how it worked so I explained it. Sorry if I annoyed you.

 

[geowizard]

Most of what you wrote looks AI-generated, and AI doesn't seem to know how "ZVT" works. Ferinstance,

• Generates continuous opposing magnetic fields instead of pulses

is misleading. Those opposing fields still create the exact same fast slews as PI, therefore ZVT actually does generate pulses. Add to that the Minelab lit that has implied ZVT is a form of VLF and the result is a lot of confusion. You didn't seem to know exactly how it worked so I explained it. Sorry if I annoyed you.

Carl, excellent analysis!

Having worked every level in electronics gives me an appreciation for the end-user that is not an expert in the art and science. Experts may debate the salient points of the internal parts and pieces while the end-user wants positive feed back in the form of return on their investment. Confusion prevails among those outside of the design side and debate prevails among those having insight to the fascinating core of the design.

Thanks to everyone!

Fun stuff!

- Geowizard

 

[geowizard]

VLF?

I see VLF popping up once in a while. LORAN (now eLORAN) and (OMEGA decommissioned in 1997) VLF stations transmitted "far field" transmissions for air and marine navigation that were used by exploration companies for location of ore bodies.

Frequency Domain (FDEM) Metal detectors transmit their own continuous sinusoidal reference signal and represent a different method of metal detection. FDEM detectors may use VLF frequencies but are a different method than early VLF detectors.

Now, you can have it both ways!

Google AI says:
Key Features and Benefits

• Discrimination: VLF detectors can distinguish between types of metal, such as iron versus silver or gold, allowing users to ignore trash.
• High Sensitivity:
  Ideal for finding small, shallow-to-medium depth targets like coins, rings, and jewelry.
  • Ground Balance: Many models offer automatic or manual adjustments to reduce interference from mineralized soil.
  • Ease of Use: Their lightweight design and straightforward operation make them perfect for beginners.

VLF vs. Pulse Induction (PI)

• VLF: Superior at discriminating metals (telling you what the item is) and better for high-trash areas.
• PI: Better for extreme depth and in highly mineralized ground or saltwater, but with limited discrimination.

Top VLF Metal Detector Brands & Models

• Minelab: Known for models like the Gold Monster 2000 (high-frequency for gold) and Multi-IQ technology.
• Garrett: Reliable for general hunting and gold.
• Bounty Hunter: Popular for beginners, featuring user-friendly controls and built-in trash elimination.
• Nokta Detection Technologies: Offers versatile, modern VLF machines.

Best Use Cases

• Beach/Water: Waterproof VLF models are excellent for wet sand.
• Relic Hunting: High sensitivity to iron and non-ferrous metals.
• Gold Prospecting: High-frequency VLF detectors are specifically designed to find small gold nuggets in mineralized soil.

Considerations
While excellent for many purposes, VLF detectors can sometimes have difficulty penetrating to extreme depths compared to PI technology. They are, however, the standard choice for most metal detecting enthusiasts.

- Geowizard

 

[geowizard]

What's your IQ?

Early in my quest for Gold, I mined placer Gold in Alaska.

In 2010, the mining district I was mining was surveyed by an Airborne fdem survey! I absolutely needed to know "where" all that Gold I was mining came from and the survey could provide the answer.

I could interpret resistivity data and determine conductivity. We all know metal detectors (PI included) respond to conductivity! More conductivity = More Gold, right?
Iron is a conductor and it has conductivity too. More conductivity = more Iron!

My Whites GMT discriminates! I did a deep dive and made a discovery. I discovered how to discriminate. I learned about IQ. Sadly, the GPZ 8000 and PI detectors in general have low or no IQ.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, over the past decade, I proceeded to discover all of the Gold in Alaska!

Ask me how.

- Geowizard

 

[Jennifer-007]

Most of what you wrote looks AI-generated, and AI doesn't seem to know how "ZVT" works. Ferinstance,

• Generates continuous opposing magnetic fields instead of pulses

is misleading. Those opposing fields still create the exact same fast slews as PI, therefore ZVT actually does generate pulses. Add to that the Minelab lit that has implied ZVT is a form of VLF and the result is a lot of confusion. You didn't seem to know exactly how it worked so I explained it. Sorry if I annoyed you.

I’m not sure what any of that has to do with my response about if it’s a class of PI or not, but great red herring work. 😉 PS, it takes a lot more than a good debate like this one is, to annoy me… you haven’t even begun so no worries.. 😉

 

[Jennifer-007]

With reference to the yellow ferrite, it is used for ground balance calibration. It is a bit pricey.

I’m well aware, I’ve owned a 7000, I also routinely use ferrites in the construction of common mode current chokes and baluns for HF radio antennas, but thanks.

 

[Jennifer-007]

Quoting,

"ZVT (what the GPZ 8000 uses):

• A different, proprietary tech from Minelab
• Generates continuous opposing magnetic fields instead of pulses
• Designed to combine PI-like depth with improved sensitivity and stability"

Jen,

Without reading and understanding the salient purpose as found in the patent literature, discussion of things like SNR become meaningless to you. The key to understanding is getting the story from the horses mouth. Growing our knowledge base involves a process of listening and learning IMHO.

- Geowizard

I’ve been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1986, in Canada, USA, and Australia (General, with 15 WPM CW, not a no code Technician). I was also a field service tech for Motorola for many years. I know more about signal to noise ratio (SNR) than most should have to know so please no need to make condescending statements about it being meaningless to me, my needing to read up or learn, or it being over my head (the impressions those statements give, in fact the entire paragraph is demeaning or implies a level of intelligence I lack or do not possess that you have no basis to make judgement on), but thanks.

Jen

 

[Jennifer-007]

minerjosh,
Very true. When I made the statement about PI detectors, I composed the statement to limit the point to "like the Minelab GPZ 8000" to avoid including every PI detector.

- Geowizard

Then you shouldn’t have stated PI’s systems do not find sun bakers, that’s what caused the confusion and exactly why people started disputing your comment, you said what you said, this is a beaten horse, let’s move on.. lol

Jen

 

[geowizard]

Then you shouldn’t have stated PI’s systems do not find sun bakers, that’s what caused the confusion and exactly why people started disputing your comment, you said what you said, this is a beaten horse, let’s move on.. lol

View attachment 2249229

Jen

Sorry you misunderstood. I said, "PI's like the GPZ 8000"

 

[geowizard]

I’ve been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1986, in Canada, USA, and Australia (General, with 15 WPM CW, not a no code Technician). I was also a field service tech for Motorola for many years. I know more about signal to noise ratio (SNR) than most should have to know so please no need to make condescending statements about it being meaningless to me, my needing to read up or learn, or it being over my head (the impressions those statements give, in fact the entire paragraph is demeaning or implies a level of intelligence I lack or do not possess that you have no basis to make judgement on), but thanks.

Jen

 

[geowizard]

Jen,

Sorry, I am not being clear. SNR in this case has nothing to do with SNR in radio. I've been involved in radio and geophysical system design for many years. I'm not here to compare resumes. I am here to share information thank you.

Discussion on the GPZ 8000 and short time signal recovery has to do with noise specific to pulses switching "off" as described in the patent. Candy characterizes the phenomenon as SNR. I'm trying to share information relevant to the GPZ 8000 having a limited response to so called "sunbakers" and the reason as recognized and expressed by the inventor. The small, micro-volt, fast response signal from a small gold nugget in the period of time when hundreds of volts of noise from decay of CEMF dominates, results in no intelligent demodulation of signal.

- Geowizard

 

[Jennifer-007]

Steve Hershbach sold his at 26 hours, we now have another at 10 hours…. Wild, people aren’t giving the machine the benefit of the doubt as we’d expect, no chance to learn or get use to it, they’re using it and flogging it ASAP… We didn’t see this with the 7000….

 

[Jennifer-007]

And now he is closing his forum because of the drama

Steve and I go way back….. to 2009 when he was still in Alaska and had a Minelab dealership, and sold me a GPX-4500 defective out of the box with parts floating around inside. He was ZERO help when it came to getting it fixed and JP actually had to reach out to Minelab to get it repaired for me as Steve wouldn’t. I’ve purchased thousands of dollars worth of Keene, Minelab and Garrett equipment from his company in Alaska over the years. That said, he’s been an absolute penis to me anytime I’ve been on his forum, to the point others asked me what was going on, he banned me multiple times then unbanned me when he cooled down, he changed content of my posts (without indicating he’d done so) making it look like I said stuff I did not etc etc etc.

Steve tosses a wobbly on a regular basis, a couple months ago he took his ball and said he was going home and not posting again, that lasted about a week. He’s a self admitted arrogant jerk and over all his treatment of members has degraded to the point that all he seems to be doing is blowing up at people for no reason and then going in and deleting his comments quietly without saying anything or apologizing after he cools down.

Regarding the selling of his 8000, I guess he’s just lost faith in that “I poop ice cream” attitude and his own overblown abilities he’s had all these years (see below screenshot). I’m not bashing him, he admits to it in his video at Rye Patch with Chris Ralph (The Professional Prospector and Kevin Hoagland of GPAA) shown below, as well as in his posts as you can see. Steve has made no secret about his belief he’s better than everyone else, routinely reminds others of that fact as you can see and said it in that video (available on Youtube) so to see that post selling the 8000 was a real shocker. To see his arrogance get checked so badly, he can find gold with ANY detector, if only one detector can find gold you’re a bad operator…I guess if it performs so bad you have to sell it within 26 days it must say even more according to his logic… too funny… lol.

You can find his “I’m the best” comments at 3:10 in this video… his arrogance wont be missed, not by me at least (nor by several other members I know).

 

[geowizard]

After getting washed off East beach at Nome late one night in 2008, I hauled my gear, canvas tent, pump, hoses, and Proline combo high-banker up the sea wall and stored it. I moved my op to the interior in 2009. I landed in McGrath with all of my toys. I met a retired ADFG officer with the initials KP. He had just returned from Steves' pay to mine at Moore Creek with a big smile on his face. After introductions, he told me he was detecting at Moore Creek and decided to check out a hole where someone apparently found a nugget and ran off doing the happy dance. His 4500 as I recall lit up and he pulled out a 30 ounce Gold nugget! He reached in his pocket and revealed his prize. It fit nicely in the palm of my hand.

- Geowizard

 

[geowizard]

Detector Prospector SH touted a nugget he found at a pull-off from the highway near Chicken, AK on another forum. He explained of course, he had permission from the claim owner. I contacted the claim owner out of curiosity (looking for dirt). I found dirt and published my findings.

- Geowizard