Wednesday 27 November 2013

Garrett AT Pro International Mega VID Target Test List



Here are some test results that I have compiled from various sources around the internet and from my own tests.

Now like I'm sure you have read from many of the forums around the internet that the numbers are dependent on lots of variables such as was the target an air test or a reading from a target that is under ground. The condition of the target also plays a big role. Over all I find these readings useful as a starting point, they give me a little confidence in what to dig and what to ignore.

Tip: One what Id call a 'learning game' is to get a relatively repeatable signal. Then use this list to help you guess the target. To start with dig it all. This will help build your confidence when out digging.

Tip: The most common tip when dealing with the AT Pro Int is to dig everything 40+, you're still going to be digging pull tabs, bottle caps and all the other normal junk. But you're going to get all that small gold.

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Cscope CS4PI Pulse Induction Metal Detector Review


Given the amount of beaches we have in Ireland (East Cork in particular) a pulse induction machine seemed to be the way to go.

The machine itself is pretty simple with an automatic ground balance system all the user needs to worry about is switching on and hitting the beach. There isn't a pin pointing mode but finding your target is pretty easy because of the concentric coil search head. Using the side step method you can get a pretty good fix on your target.



Best thing about this machine is that when it beeps there is something down there under the coil simple as that. It does suffer from the same drawbacks of other pulse induction machines there is no discrimination of any kind so just dig every target.

I've had a chance to take this detector to a location that has some very mineralized sections and as such sections are no go for other types of detectors I've used. I've taken this machine into the worst sections of the beach and found plenty of the normal junk that I'd expect to find all over the the rest of the beach. As above if it beeps there is a target that needs digging.

Other things to note.

The control unit is not water proof so just be aware of this. You can belt mount the control unit making the detector very light indeed. If the machine gets a bump it will give a prolonged beep that lasts for a few seconds (1-2) as it re balances this seems to be normal so don't worry too much when this happens.

The overall build quality is good with the upper stem being metal and the lower a tough plastic. The control box is made out of a really good quality heavy duty plastic. It can also be belt mounted (The machine is supplied with a little belt attachment). The search coil is submersible and comes with a scratch cover as standard.

Video Review:

Here is a review that I found helpful when I was making decision to purchase.

Thursday 21 November 2013

Targets Used For Testing

There are the targets I've set aside for air testing my detectors.


Target

Target Image

Note

1 Cent

Clean Coins
2 Cent

Clean Coins
5 Cent

Clean Coins
10 Cent

Clean Coins
20 Cent

Clean Coins
50 Cent

Clean Coins
1 Euro

Clean Coins
2 Euro

Clean Coins
€1

Beach Find
€2
Beach Find
20c (Euro)

Beach Find
1c (Euro)

Beach Find
1c (Euro)

Beach Find V Worn
Large Silver

Steel Tent Peg

Wine Bottle Top

Chunk of Cast Iron

Old Pull Tab (Beavertail)

(no tail)
Junk Drinks Can

Ball of Tin Foil

Piece of Worn Alu

Chunk of Very Worn Iron

Large Lead Sinker+Steel Barbs

Medium Lead Sinker

Copper Plate >.5mm

Plastic Coated Copper Wire

Old Shotgun Cap

Rusty Nail

Beer Bottle Top

Medium Fishing Swivel

Eyelet (from Jacket or Tent)

Modern Alu Pull Tab

Steel Bolt

Diecast Toy Part

Fabric Covered Button

Lead Ball/Musket Ball

Belt Buckle

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Minelab Quattro Target ID Bench Test and Review


Having recently purchased a used Minelab Quattro I was left feeling a little deflated after seeing the various reviews pointing out the units slow recovery time between targets. On top of this figuring what the target icons actually related to here in Ireland. So here is the data that I have.
All the information here is first hand. Taken in all metal mode with zero discrimination.



Minelab Quattro's recovery time. Its better than you think.

Minelabs Quattro's are considered to have very slow recovery times. While this appears to be somewhat true with regards to the preset search modes that supply the user with graphic target icons. If on the the hand the user runs the unit in "All Metal Mode" the recovery time between targets is more than acceptable and on par with other brands of machines of the same approx age. Numbers on the display are more or less the same weather using conductivity or fe detection modes. Reading stability is really good for this machine I find that some other brands can jump around like crazy example swinging over a target the display may jump between 20-21 for instance, But another machine (Garrett AT Pro International) may jump to many numbers all over its display range. Granted the Garrett AT Pro is far more sensitive to the composition, Shape and size of the target.
So the bottom line is that the Minelab Quattro is a fine machine that can be picked up for a more than reasonable price, it works well on land or along the beach so I'll be hanging on to mine for a good while to come.