New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Metal Detecting Forums Archive

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grubby		Posted : Saturday, 1 June 2013 9:26:59 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Medals: Groups: Registered Joined: 1/06/2013(UTC) Posts: 130 Location: west auckland Thanks: 13 times Was thanked: 36 time(s) in 31 post(s)		Hi ya'll, I've been a pretty keen beachcomber and general rummager for as long as I can remember. I was given a garrett at pro a couple of weeks ago as a 40th birthday present. My first metal detector. I took it out into my back yard and found four pennies and a pile of shite. The pennies were two from NZ 1950 and1941, one Aussie 1927 and one Uk 1860. Today I went to my local park. Really just an empty section.... not very big. My first public park hunt. I only had two hours while my dear Mum looked after my kids. I was very careful to cut neat plugs and leave no trace of my activity. I found a silver ring and two silver shillings. NZ 1934 and 1937. Also a few ones and twos and a penny and a half penny. The two shillings and the penny were within about 20cm of each other. The information on this forum has been most valuable. What more can I say? ....... I'm hooked!

Spraty		Posted : Saturday, 1 June 2013 10:49:25 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Dust Groups: Registered Joined: 29/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 3 Location: Auckland		Hi max, great to see your early success and with the at pro, I've been researching these machines for weeks now as I'm keen to get one and give it a go. How are you finding using it ? I'm in hsn and keen to hit some beaches and parks once I get a machine.

grubby		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 8:57:51 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Medals: Groups: Registered Joined: 1/06/2013(UTC) Posts: 130 Location: west auckland Thanks: 13 times Was thanked: 36 time(s) in 31 post(s)		Hi Spraty, I'm lovin the at pro but seeing as it is my first I have nothing to compare it to. It seems to be working though. I have dug a lot of pull tabs and bottle tops but I think I'm doin' OK for a novice. Is hsn the airport code for henderson?

Spraty		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 10:44:35 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Dust Groups: Registered Joined: 29/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 3 Location: Auckland		Yes, Henderson , I've read it may not be the best novice machine but its the one I want, use it in the rain, in the sea, at the beach,, have you got a pin pointer ? Any special digging equipment ?

Guardian		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 11:08:28 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 30/10/2011(UTC) Posts: 716 Location: Dunedin Thanks: 42 times Was thanked: 222 time(s) in 185 post(s)		Originally Posted by: Spraty Yes, Henderson , I've read it may not be the best novice machine but its the one I want, use it in the rain, in the sea, at the beach,, have you got a pin pointer ? Any special digging equipment ? You can use the ATPRO in Standard mode and it is very similar to an ACE 350 - sound wise. I'm not a fan of the entry level machines from any manufacturer so urge people to get something that has adjustable ground balance. might be a little more expensive but makes the machine more versatile. If you don't like the hobby then you still have a better machine to sell. The AT PRO is a great machine, if you're after goldies ($1 &$2 coins) or silvers I'd recommend getting the US version if possible, an International model wouldn't be a deal breaker but in my opinion the US version is better suited to hunting here. Opps almost forgot a good pinpointer is the way to go, a Garrett Pro-pointer or a Minelab Pro-Find 25 are the most popular choices. They will save you a heap of time and frustration. Edited by user Sunday, 2 June 2013 11:12:30 AM(UTC) \| Reason: Not specified

Shilo		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 12:42:44 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Medals: Groups: Registered Joined: 29/01/2011(UTC) Posts: 573 Location: Kawhia Thanks: 17 times Was thanked: 285 time(s) in 185 post(s)		Because there seems to be more and more AT Pro uses now, I've just written a hints and tips post for the machine. Hope it helps somebody! http://www.paydirt.co.nz/forums/yaf_postsm25303_AT-Pro-Hints-and-Tips.aspx#post25303 And for digging tools - pin pointers, if you can afford them then get them. Both the Lesche digger and the Pro-pointer or Pro-Find are the sort of things that you can get by without having but once you do have them you wonder why you didn't get them sooner.
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goldstalker		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 1:05:54 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 11/10/2012(UTC) Posts: 454 Location: greymouth, west coast Thanks: 6 times Was thanked: 67 time(s) in 57 post(s)		Originally Posted by: Guardian Originally Posted by: Spraty Yes, Henderson , I've read it may not be the best novice machine but its the one I want, use it in the rain, in the sea, at the beach,, have you got a pin pointer ? Any special digging equipment ? You can use the ATPRO in Standard mode and it is very similar to an ACE 350 - sound wise. I'm not a fan of the entry level machines from any manufacturer so urge people to get something that has adjustable ground balance. might be a little more expensive but makes the machine more versatile. If you don't like the hobby then you still have a better machine to sell. The AT PRO is a great machine, if you're after goldies ($1 &$2 coins) or silvers I'd recommend getting the US version if possible, an International model wouldn't be a deal breaker but in my opinion the US version is better suited to hunting here. Opps almost forgot a good pinpointer is the way to go, a Garrett Pro-pointer or a Minelab Pro-Find 25 are the most popular choices. They will save you a heap of time and frustration. never run your AT pro in standard mode you will learn nothing and dig many shit targets always use PRO zero mode, i am use to mine only after a month i know weither its a pull tab, or bottle top, even if its a alloy one compared to steel beer top. and i wouldnt get the yank one i dont think they work good on beach i would get the international as the other dont like heavy mineralized ground well thats my opinion,

goldstalker		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 1:12:18 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 11/10/2012(UTC) Posts: 454 Location: greymouth, west coast Thanks: 6 times Was thanked: 67 time(s) in 57 post(s)		im very hooked also, i have over $80 in $1 & $2 and over $30 in old decimal coins, ive found 8 silver coins some really nice 1881 british florins. now you will find a 1c and 2c will sound like a $1 or $2 they have pretty much same number around 76 and 77. some alloy bottle tops ring in at 77 also so just dig them all lol. beer bottle tops tend to be 81 use iron audio button to determine if it is also the number will jump around high 70s to 80s. the silver florins were a really high 91 solid, silver threepence around 60-66 siver sixpence around 80 if they are british 90% silver ones if there nz silver they will be at 50-60 depending on depth. anyway hope this advice might help you abit, if you want some more tips drop me a pm :) happy hunting

Shilo		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 1:20:49 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Medals: Groups: Registered Joined: 29/01/2011(UTC) Posts: 573 Location: Kawhia Thanks: 17 times Was thanked: 285 time(s) in 185 post(s)		Originally Posted by: goldstalker Originally Posted by: Guardian Originally Posted by: Spraty Y and i wouldnt get the yank one i dont think they work good on beach i would get the international as the other dont like heavy mineralized ground well thats my opinion, Sorry Goldstalker but that is completely incorrect. There is no difference between the US model and the International model apart form the tonal range and the writing on the face. The US model handles mineralisation exactly the same as the International model. There is also no difference between the two with salt conductivity either. Now the AT Gold is different - this can handle mineralisation (even better then both AT Pro models) but is unable to handle salt conductivity and thus not as good. on wet sand
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Guardian		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 3:39:04 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 30/10/2011(UTC) Posts: 716 Location: Dunedin Thanks: 42 times Was thanked: 222 time(s) in 185 post(s)		It's the tonal range I was referring to, the US model high tone comes in at about 75, perfect for goldies and silvers (especially shillings) with the Int version the high tone comes in lower at about 50 meaning you have to watch the VDI more closely. http://www.paydirt.co.nz...ostage.aspx#.Uaqn_Zy1tFI I agree with not using STD mode (but it's there if you are want to)- don't think anyone likes nostalgia that much - would have been better reserving the space for more custom setups.

latch		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 5:08:50 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 16/02/2013(UTC) Posts: 192 Location: dunedin Thanks: 198 times Was thanked: 27 time(s) in 27 post(s)		i agree with u can't really tell if its good or crap just on tone with the int model pro mode does give you a better idea tho
		fiend hard and find all

Guardian		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 6:25:02 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 30/10/2011(UTC) Posts: 716 Location: Dunedin Thanks: 42 times Was thanked: 222 time(s) in 185 post(s)		Originally Posted by: latch i agree with u can't really tell if its good or crap just on tone with the int model pro mode does give you a better idea tho Glad you made the switch. So much more information on the Target. Looks like my AT-Pro will be my go to machine for a bit as my AT-GOLD has gone belly up, appears it's the control box so it will be going for a holiday back to Garrett ~sigh~ Not the coil, not the batteries, not a setting, not environmental, not happy!!! ~shrug~ It's had a bloody hard life and as I left it in the boot of the car during the snow only got myself to blame.

goldstalker		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 7:02:14 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 11/10/2012(UTC) Posts: 454 Location: greymouth, west coast Thanks: 6 times Was thanked: 67 time(s) in 57 post(s)		Originally Posted by: Guardian It's the tonal range I was referring to, the US model high tone comes in at about 75, perfect for goldies and silvers (especially shillings) with the Int version the high tone comes in lower at about 50 meaning you have to watch the VDI more closely. http://www.paydirt.co.nz...ostage.aspx#.Uaqn_Zy1tFI I agree with not using STD mode (but it's there if you are want to)- don't think anyone likes nostalgia that much - would have been better reserving the space for more custom setups. mine is int version and high tone is around 75 not 50 all goldies and silvers are around 75-91 apart from nz silvers they are around 60-70 will be a lower tone if it is deep :)

goldstalker		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 7:04:08 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 11/10/2012(UTC) Posts: 454 Location: greymouth, west coast Thanks: 6 times Was thanked: 67 time(s) in 57 post(s)		Originally Posted by: Guardian Originally Posted by: latch i agree with u can't really tell if its good or crap just on tone with the int model pro mode does give you a better idea tho Glad you made the switch. So much more information on the Target. Looks like my AT-Pro will be my go to machine for a bit as my AT-GOLD has gone belly up, appears it's the control box so it will be going for a holiday back to Garrett ~sigh~ Not the coil, not the batteries, not a setting, not environmental, not happy!!! ~shrug~ It's had a bloody hard life and as I left it in the boot of the car during the snow only got myself to blame. man that sucks the AT gold has crapped out, things like that tend to happen to me lol im sure they will fix it up or replace it but that all takes time :( lucky you got the AT pro to fall back on :)

goldstalker		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 7:07:28 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 11/10/2012(UTC) Posts: 454 Location: greymouth, west coast Thanks: 6 times Was thanked: 67 time(s) in 57 post(s)		i read the yank one was bad at beach somewere, probly some yappa LOL well i find west coast beachs are way to mineralized just goes nuts down there, more so towards the water ive tried tweaking down the sensitivity and the ground balance manually but still chaters away but i managed to pick out a couple of coin targets out of all the chatter :) chch and nelson beaches be alot better ours are all black sand and old boats lol

Shilo		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 7:21:16 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Medals: Groups: Registered Joined: 29/01/2011(UTC) Posts: 573 Location: Kawhia Thanks: 17 times Was thanked: 285 time(s) in 185 post(s)		Originally Posted by: goldstalker i read the yank one was bad at beach somewere, probly some yappa LOL well i find west coast beachs are way to mineralized just goes nuts down there, more so towards the water ive tried tweaking down the sensitivity and the ground balance manually but still chaters away but i managed to pick out a couple of coin targets out of all the chatter :) chch and nelson beaches be alot better ours are all black sand and old boats lol Black sand is impossible for any VLF detector - a PI (Pulse Induction) type is the only thing that can really handle it. You've done well to pickup any target. Mineralisation like black sand and salt conductivity are 2 very different problems for a detector, a lot of detectors can handle one or the other but very few can do both. This is why a AT Pro (either of the Pro models) can handle salt conductivity but bums out more on mineralisation and the AT Gold can handle black sand much better but has more problems in the salt then the Pro does.
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grubby		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 9:18:50 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Medals: Groups: Registered Joined: 1/06/2013(UTC) Posts: 130 Location: west auckland Thanks: 13 times Was thanked: 36 time(s) in 31 post(s)		I was hunting on one of Aucklands volcanic cones today and had a nightmare with my pro pointer. It was goin' nuts! I guess it was to do with the high mineralisation of the soil? Has anyone else had this problem?

Guardian		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 10:25:28 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 30/10/2011(UTC) Posts: 716 Location: Dunedin Thanks: 42 times Was thanked: 222 time(s) in 185 post(s)		Can't comment on location but as for the pro-pointer they always false, they are like that annoying friend, they peeve you off but you'd be lost without them. They will false when the battery gets a bit low or pressure is put on the side of them. If yours is new it's a really good idea to cover it and keep it clean from day one - you'd be amazed at how much crud finds its way inside them. http://www.paydirt.co.nz...ointer.aspx#.UasO7Jy1tFI good idea by Lifejockey

Spraty		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 10:46:00 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Dust Groups: Registered Joined: 29/04/2013(UTC) Posts: 3 Location: Auckland		Lots of great pointers thanks guys

sycotoad		Posted : Sunday, 2 June 2013 10:54:47 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 9/08/2012(UTC) Posts: 569 Location: downunder Thanks: 120 times Was thanked: 126 time(s) in 97 post(s)		Originally Posted by: Guardian Originally Posted by: latch i agree with u can't really tell if its good or crap just on tone with the int model pro mode does give you a better idea tho Glad you made the switch. So much more information on the Target. Looks like my AT-Pro will be my go to machine for a bit as my AT-GOLD has gone belly up, appears it's the control box so it will be going for a holiday back to Garrett ~sigh~ Not the coil, not the batteries, not a setting, not environmental, not happy!!! ~shrug~ It's had a bloody hard life and as I left it in the boot of the car during the snow only got myself to blame. not good about the AT Gold Guardian but as far as customer support goes, I have only ever heard good things about Garrett .................. Hope it works out for you
		Makro - Nokta - deteknix - GoldFinder
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