I really want to start metal detecting. I have a detector that my dad gave me when i was 10, and it looks like a nice detector. It is from radio shack, i will post some pics in a bit. What settings should i put it on? Where should i detect? Where can i find places to detect? I would love for someone to help me. here's the pics....
Try city parks and public sports venues with dirt ground. Like a baseball field/park bleachers or soccer field. Ben
i have the exact same detector!! what i do is hit the auto notch if you want to dig cents, nickels, and silver coins. if you just want to dig silver coins, use the notch button, and put the discriminator all the way up. i just use the auto notch when digging in sand, or loose dirt and gravel. but when i'm in the dirt, i use the notch with the discriminator all the way up. its not worth digging 3 inches in packed dirt for a ate up zinc cent. the good thing about the auto notch with the dicriminator is that you still pick up the pre 1982 cents and dimes, quarters, and any other silver coin. it just does not pick up nickels with that setting. well, go to a park and find some silver!:kewl:
cody: Good luck detecting. the important things to remember 1) to dig everything-- or you'll miss the gold 2) remove your trash 3) fill your hols 4) be careful and considerate of others.
I have tried with my detector several times, with no luck! I have tried all the settins, all I get is junk, I did find one penny once! a 1980d..bit tossed it with the trash! I am just looking at wrong places? do you guys detect on grass?? I can't get the items up after I find a beep! I end up digging a huge hole and then still I can't find it! I search through the hole and it keeps on getting larger and larger and larger! and then the noise is gone!! I and I get frustrated, spending 15 minuets on a hole and the noise goes away! anyway suggesinos would be appreicated!
the dicriminator is the one to the right that says disc/notch at the bottom. i think the best way to dig for gold is push the detect all metal button, and when gold shows up on the screen, dig it! thats good that you got that for $125. i got mine for $200. well, good luck!
In my case most things I get a hit on is anywhere from just below the surface to 8 in below. 1. try to pinpoint your target before you start digging. 2. when I start digging I use a little plastic shovel and put ea. shovel full over the detector to check if I've got it, be sure not to have any rings, watches or other jewelry that might cause a hit on the det. 3. I'll rescan the hole several times during the process. 4. cover the hole when finished. If the soil is acidic most things will get corroded and just look like a dirt clod, unless it is a recent loss it won't be real shiny. John
Usually you want to set it as high as you can without chatter. Turn it all the way up and then back it off until it stops beeping. You may have to back it off a little more if you get non-repeatable signals. For gold you can't discriminate much. If you choose not to dig pull tab signals you will miss gold rings. The detector you have there is a Radio Shack branded Bounty Hunter. Read the manual and practice in the yard until you get the feel for it. Practice with change, rings, whatever and see how it responds. It's not hard but it's also not as easy as it looks. Check out - http://gometaldetecting.com/
