dixiedigger57, you're very correct in many ways!

None of us have control over what might be left around any site for us to find. Before we arrive at the site to get out and enjoy some detecting, we have no guarantee as to what might be there, it's metal make-up, its depth and position in the ground, or if it's unhampered by nearby trash or partially masked by some annoying debris. There is a lot we do not know or are uncertain about, and that means it is up to each of us .. 'The Operators' .. to do all we can to take care of those things we DO have some control of.

As the 'OPERATOR' it is our assignment to do some research and find huntable sites that have the potential to hold desirable targets to search for.

A savvy 'OPERATOR' is also responsible for learning about any environmental or debris-caused challenges we might confront at a site, and then use that knowledge when selecting the best metal detector model(s) they can to better handle those conditions.

The 'OPERATORS' also need to learn and know the best control adjustments to gain all-around performance from their chosen detectors to handle things they will confront, and the 'OPERATOR' must also select the most efficient search coil(s) to take on any of those challenges in order to get the best results out of their equipment.

Things don't stop there because it is also important for the 'OPERATOR' to be in excellent control of their search coil sweep so they can better cover the selected site, thoroughly, in order to have the best chance of getting, and hearing, a good target's audio response. More often than not, that will mean using a slower sweep speed, overlapping repeated passes for better coverage, and being methodical in how they cover a site to ensure they have a greater likelihood of putting the search coil over a desirable target. Taking their time to move along slowly for best efficiency in coverage rather than scurrying along leaving wide spaces between each side-to-side sweep causing gaps of missed areas.

To best handle all of these tasks and deal with things when we confront a detecting site, it just might be very helpful if the 'OPERATOR' also has ample Patience to be in, and stay in, control of all the challenges to be dealt with and not slip into any bad habits and ignore what is required for best success.

Yes, I am Monte and I've tried to do my best through these many years to be a better 'OPERATOR.' Sometimes it isn't easy, but I try.

Quote
dixiedigger57
• I hunt the same places over and over and over. all year long, wet dry cold hot leafy covered high grass mowed.

•.when i change machines and coils, i find stuff.

• when i run a different setting i find stuff. but not everytime.

• I have found that changing machines i may sweep at the wrong speed sometimes. makes a difference. sometimes my simple two knob will find what my digital wont. same place.

→ cant explain. its got to be ME. Operator. ←

→ I think settings and sweep speed and getting the target under the coil are the main thing. the coil design, size, and strength of the unit for depth or separation. ←

• all machines find something.

• the cheapest machine i own, a Compadre, has found shallow to medium targets other machines i own have passed up, and i think its due to the little coil and ed180, partly, low disc, and sweep speed the other. → and mainly due to OPERATOR. ←

• my guru that taught me would use a simple machine and come right behind me to show me what i missed. OPERATOR.

• adjust your machine accordingly. practice good habits. do appropriate settings.

• In rain or snow drought whatever the soil maybe be like, be a good OPERATOR.

Just my thoughts in agreement and I highlighted the key comments in dixiedigger57's post that struck me as being so very true.

Monte

"Your EYES ... the only 100% accurate form of Discrimination!"
Stinkwater Wells Trading Post
Metal Detector Evaluations and Product Reviews monte@ahrps.org ... or ... monte@stinkwaterwells.com 503-481-8147Regular-Use Outfit: Nokta / Makro: 4 models .. Teknetics: 1 modelTesoro: 2 models .. White's 1 model .. XP: 1 modelA Handy Loaner Unit: Fisher: F-44Headphones: Killer B's 'Hornet' -- Detector Pro Gray Ghost XPNote: Detectors are listed alphabetically by Brand. Models are chosen based on search site conditions.*** All working well today to make memories for tomorrow. ***