Striking out with the DFX

[themjj]

I'm new to metal detecting and could use some advice. I've wanted to get a DFX for the past 5 years and I finally got one about a month ago (e-series with a pro-pointer). Since I've had it, I've only found maybe $5 in clad (one buffalo nickel). Now, I'm only using the pre-set programs (coins, coins and jewelry). Does anyone use the custom programs with the DFX? Does it make that much of a difference. Also, what does gold jewelry show up as? (I don't have any to test) I was also thinking about trading out the DFX for an AT PRO. Good move, bad move or wait? No trash talking, I just need some good advice.

Thanks guys.

 

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[Jim in Idaho]

I'm new to metal detecting and could use some advice. I've wanted to get a DFX for the past 5 years and I finally got one about a month ago (e-series with a pro-pointer). Since I've had it, I've only found maybe $5 in clad (one buffalo nickel). Now, I'm only using the pre-set programs (coins, coins and jewelry). Does anyone use the custom programs with the DFX? Does it make that much of a difference. Also, what does gold jewelry show up as? (I don't have any to test) I was also thinking about trading out the DFX for an AT PRO. Good move, bad move or wait? No trash talking, I just need some good advice.

Thanks guys.

The DFX has a considerable learning curve. If you can, get a copy of Jeff Foster's book "Digging Deeper with the DFX". It is a wealth of info on the DFX, and has complete instructions for setting it up, and also has several programs to enhance the depth capability. The DFX was White's top-of-the-line unit until the 3 frequency machines came out. Ity's a grweat unit.
Jim

 

[digging440yrs]

HANG IN THERE

 

[mfitzs70]

Doubtful that it is the DFX...remember location , location, location. Good luck

BTW...gold will ring out like nickles on most machines..

 

[N.J.THer]

I love my DFX...It took me months to find my first silver coin. That was years ago...now it is rare if I don't find a silver coin when I go out. It takes time but one day it will all just click and you will start finding the good stuff. If I'm running out for a quick hunt and don't want to tweek the settings I use the preset Deep Silver Program. That is my favorite preset program.

Good luck and just make sure you put the time in on the machine. At first dig everything and learn what the good and bad stuff sounds like.
NJ

 

[marjam]

I have used the dfx for about a year now. My silver finds have more than doubled since. Its the best I have owned. The preset programs are the way to go when you are first learning it. It has numerous ways to tweak it, and once you start to understand what its telling you, then I would start playing with the settings.

You made a great choice, just be patient and it will come.

 

[themjj]

UPDATE!!! Thanks for the advice! I had a great day today! 1902 Dime (first silver) and 1883 IH View attachment scan0002.pdf

 

[marjam]

Congrats on the oldie. That is a great find......HH

 

[fistfulladirt]

My 12 y.o. will get my DFX this year. First he will have to clean 3 years worth of dust off of it. Just sayin.

 

[marjam]

I bet your 12 yr old is excited. I will never get rid of mine. I guess you have decided to keep yours too if you have kept it for 3 years. I would love to have a minelab etrac in addition to the dfx, and plan to get one soon, but as long as I keep finding things with the dfx I am satisfied for now.

 

[fistfulladirt]

I bet your 12 yr old is excited. I will never get rid of mine. I guess you have decided to keep yours too if you have kept it for 3 years. I would love to have a minelab etrac in addition to the dfx, and plan to get one soon, but as long as I keep finding things with the dfx I am satisfied for now.

I'm not saying that it's a bad machine. It just didn't perform to my expectations. I'm keeping it because I'd like my son to have a decent machine to start with.

 

[marjam]

I plan on keeping mine as well for family members once I upgrade to newer technology. The dfx is still a good machine, I havent used anything yet I like better, but I havent had a ton of machines either.

No I didnt think you were talking about it. It is over 10 years old, the technology that is. Surely there are machines better now, I just havent had the privilege of using them yet.

 

[mark v]

I'm not saying that it's a bad machine. It just didn't perform to my expectations.

Mine doesn't either.

 

[N.J.THer]

As I said earlier I absolutely love mine but to each their own. I do want to try a Minelab E-Trac. For all I know I'm missing more then I'm finding with the DFX and just don't know it...lol. I did pull a 1854 silver three cent with the DFX yesterday and that coin is a little thing so I don't believe I'm missing much. I do perfer my Minelab Excal when water hunting.

Nice finds and good luck on future hunts.
NJ

 

[fistfulladirt]

As I said earlier I absolutely love mine but to each their own. I do want to try a Minelab E-Trac. For all I know I'm missing more then I'm finding with the DFX and just don't know it...lol. I did pull a 1854 silver three cent with the DFX yesterday and that coin is a little thing so I don't believe I'm missing much. I do perfer my Minelab Excal when water hunting.

Nice finds and good luck on future hunts.
NJ

N.J., just curious as to what kind of depth you get with the dfx? I could never get past the 6" mark even on a quarter.
It's amazing when you can actually break into the 10-12" depth range, that's what I was missing.

 

[N.J.THer]

I'm not getting super deep but I can find stuff a little deeper then 6"...maybe if ground conditions are right I can get to 8 maybe 9". On average though most stuff I dig is 4-6 inches deep. You are right though if it is not the fender of a model T I'm not finding anything at 10-12 inches. I've always felt that if the ground was not disturbed I don't think coins would get that deep unless they were buried on purpose. If that was the case I hope there is big enough signal that I would get a reading that deep. Now your making me want to try the E-Trac again...I thought I was over that...lol.

More important then the machine you hunt with is your research and the time you spend learning your machine. I know guys with machines that are 15+ years old that can run circles around guys with todays top of the line detectors. The machines have become almost an extension of their body and they can tell not only that they are digging a penny but what type of penny it will be. It just amazes me. Unfortunately we are losing alot of these experts to time.

No matter what machine you get if you put the time into it you will start finding good stuff sooner or later.

NJ