The Official Whites MXT Information Thread

[CyberSage]

OK here is my first question for the MXT experienced!

When using Relic mode on the MXT with the trigger in normal position I have observed that anything discriminated out generates a lower tone and anything accepted generates a higher tone. The display is active always. By turning up the discrimination to where just Silver would give of the high tone am I still loosing sensitivity? It would appear that all targets are still being recognized and illicit a response. Other words it seems like the discrimination control is just determining what tone to respond with, not inhibiting any thing. So, will I loose depth or separation at depth?

Thanks in advance!

Keep Swing'in
Jack

 

[Rudy]

I've never noticed a loss of depth in this mode Jack. But you still have the possibility of the VDI categorization being off on deep targets in mineralized soil due to phase shifting.

 

[CyberSage]

I've never noticed a loss of depth in this mode Jack. But you still have the possibility of the VDI categorization being off on deep targets in mineralized soil due to phase shifting.

I am guessing the way way to overcome some of this would be to use a Double D Coil? Smaller field would reduce this effect?

 

[Rudy]

I am guessing the way way to overcome some of this would be to use a Double D Coil? Smaller field would reduce this effect?

The DD will help some, but it will still happen.

Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a humbling park in this regard. Some of the worst soil to be hunted anywhere. It is so bad that White's habitually tests many of their new prototypes there.

 

[CyberSage]

EDIT: I have since discovered that Relic Mode is the way to go here. You don't need to hold down the trigger. Because of the fast recovery time of the MXT very little probe movement is needed to activate the motion response. This also allows some VDI feed back as well.

As far as use of the Sunray DX-1 probe on the mxt. On the DFX you could simply flip the toggle on th probe interface, place your probe face down on the ground and lock the trigger on the DFX forward. This would give you the VCO effect of the DFX as long as VCO was turned on. On the MXT it looks like VCO is turned on always. When using the probe you can't flip the trigger forward on the MXT, that just select an alternate mode. So I have to hold the trigger with one hand and probe with the other to get the VCO effect. This ties up both hands leaving no way to manipulate the plug and dirt. Bummer! Relic mode seems to work somewhat like this on it's own since it is a mixed mode of sorts. Am I missing anything here on the use of the DX-1? I have already fashioned a trigger hook of sorts That I can flip over the trigger to hold it.

Keep Swing'in
Jack

 

[david blackstoc]

I just got a XLT and NOW i see that there is no coil options like the MXT and DFX, if i do buy a new MD should i get the DFX or MXT?

 

[booker]

Jack my hearing is not the best anyway so the tones seem alot alike to me. But if its a true find (not foil) it does seem more loud. But I find myself watching the screem way more than I did. I do miss the the different tones

 

[Rudy]

EDIT: I have since discovered that Relic Mode is the way to go here. You don't need to hold down the trigger. Because of the fast recovery time of the MXT very little probe movement is needed to activate the motion response. This also allows some VDI feed back as well.

As far as use of the Sunray DX-1 probe on the mxt. On the DFX you could simply flip the toggle on th probe interface, place your probe face down on the ground and lock the trigger on the DFX forward. This would give you the VCO effect of the DFX as long as VCO was turned on. On the MXT it looks like VCO is turned on always. When using the probe you can't flip the trigger forward on the MXT, that just select an alternate mode. So I have to hold the trigger with one hand and probe with the other to get the VCO effect. This ties up both hands leaving no way to manipulate the plug and dirt. Bummer! Relic mode seems to work somewhat like this on it's own since it is a mixed mode of sorts. Am I missing anything here on the use of the DX-1? I have already fashioned a trigger hook of sorts That I can flip over the trigger to hold it.

Keep Swing'in
Jack

Jack, the MXT response and recovery time are so fast that I use the DX-1 in discriminate mode. I never go into pin point mode with it. You can soon get used to it.

 

[CyberSage]

I discovered this today. Very little probe movement needed. I like getting VDI feedback from the probe as well. Clad is easy enough to pick out. Pull tabs come in looking way to good just like the DFX, but there are a lot of lower conductive deeper targets down there than you would think. Pinpointing is very easy. Lot to learn here, but I feel good about the purchase already.

Jack

 

[Lowjiber]

Jack,

I actually added the DX-1 to my MXT based upon your advice, so I'll pass along my "technique" for using it.

When I've roughly pinpointed the target, I set the MXT down next to the future hole so I can see the screen and crank the gain to 3X. This increases the "depth of the probe" and increases the VCO output.

Holding the probe vertical, I rapidly move the probe over the pinpointed area. If the target is anywhere within about 3", the VDI will still register and the sound remains the same as with the big coil. However, if the big coil missed the ID and the target is really a pulltab (etc)...you'll hear a scratch in the background.

Most of the time, I can exactly pinpoint a shallow target without pulling the trigger. Of course, if I suspect multiple targets right next to each other I pull the trigger and use the probe to separate/dig the targets.

I've just developed the habit of turning the gain back to its hunt position when I put the probe back in place.

This may seem elementary, but it really works well for me.

 

[stangthang]

thanks for that tip...will help when it thaws here....ha

and thanks for the advice about the cover... I guess I will just keep some plastic baggies and freezer bags on hand with some tape. This was my original plan anyways....

 

[Romeo7]

OK here is my first question for the MXT experienced!

When using Relic mode on the MXT with the trigger in normal position I have observed that anything discriminated out generates a lower tone and anything accepted generates a higher tone. The display is active always. By turning up the discrimination to where just Silver would give of the high tone am I still loosing sensitivity? It would appear that all targets are still being recognized and illicit a response. Other words it seems like the discrimination control is just determining what tone to respond with, not inhibiting any thing. So, will I loose depth or separation at depth?

Thanks in advance!

Keep Swing'in
Jack

Jack,
No, you are not loosing any depth. I am consistently recovering coins in the 5-12 inch depth running this way. I also run with the trigger switch in the forward position so I only hear the higher VDI targets. everything else still shows up on the display, but you only a short chirp when something is discriminated out.

 

[stangthang]

OK. I posted this in the detector accessories forum, got lots of reads, but no response.

"How to carry extra coils and lower rods?

Hello all,
So, I got my MXT with 4 different search coils. I ordered 2 more lower rods from White's so I just have to switch rod and coil assembly to try a new coil. How do the rest of you carry these around when detecting? My plan was to just put them all in a backpack, coil side down, and zip it up as best as possible, with the rods sticking out. I considered buying a rifle or gun case that has padded double sides, but will cost about $40 for a cheapie. I also saw the case that was on the silent auction. So you leave this case in the car. What do you do if you are walking in to a search site? Take your next fav coil off the lower rod and pack it in your gear bag somehow? "

Is there a way to carry an extra rod and coil while detecting, like if you are planning on wandering a ways from your vehicle? Maybe a stupid question, but I can't seem to come up with an idea. I am trying to carry as little gear as possible, while also being somewhat prepared. Maybe my question should be, what extra gear do you carry while detecting a park or field? How do you carry it?

-Jim (Quad Dad)

 

[CyberSage]

Jim,

I am not really sure I would want to Carry all my coils with me. I usually keep them in the car. My hunts are planned out and researched and I most generally know what type of area I am hunting. The detector accessories area of the forum is a much more appropriate place for this question. Honestly, I would never consider carrying all my coils while hunting. May be if my wife came along she could carry them.

Keep Swing'in
Jack

 

[stangthang]

OK, just one extra coil?? (a small one) I am curious what other extra gear people have bought for the MXT? I got an extra battery case so I could pack some alkalines and my re-chargeables.... I realize some of my questions are not about the actual detector, but I have not used it yet due to cold weather and am trying to get some help setting it up for use. Anybody ever use the cheap metal bracket, or "stand" that White's sells? I think it just attaches to the bottom of the metal case.

 

[CyberSage]

I use a metal stand on each of my detectors. Really helps keep the unit high and dry. Highly recommend it.

 

[stangthang]

I think I could see the little metal stand on your machine in the pics from your latest Sunday morning sidewalk hunt. Thanks for the info. I think even as a newbie, I will be a little ahead of the (experience) game when I am able to get out again this Spring.

 

[Tin Nugget]

Wow, great thread... Of course it is making me crazy because I bought a used MXT on Ebay a few weeks ago and can't take it out and try it here in Wisconsin. ( sigh)

I am interested in any opinions about different coils. When I bought the used machine, it came with a 5.3 or small round coil, a large 12" round, a 6x10 DD, and the stock old MXT coil. I just ordered two more bottom shafts so I can switch them out easy.

Also, any opinion on using a dust cover from Kelly Co, or the in-line probe that can attach to the MXT? I forgot the names (dx-1?) because I don't even want to get the detector out of the closet. It is torture. ( sighs again, deeper )

So any Bounty Hunter model will interfere with the MXT? Oh geez. I have two BH Tracker IV's at home as well for the kids to use. ( No, you go way over THERE and detect!! ) haha....

Hey, you have all you need to get rolling. Coils and DX1, you are set up and ready.

 

[fpeck1948]

New MXT user

I had a previous thread in the general section "sad but" where lady bought an MXT for her husband in Nov 08 and he died before the box was even opened.

I was able to nego a price with her for $500.00. I picked it up yesterday and did all of the warranty work, etc and there was even one of those holiday coupons in the box for the headphones, choice of coil and a pinpointer from whites for $99.

I would assume being new that the 5.3 coil for trashy areas would be the selection for me, but dont know if the headphones and pointer are worth getting this package.

Any comments on these two items would be appreciated before I go and spend the $99.

My maim objective is to do old home sites, cellars, foundations, historical locations, ghost towns, etc and of course the occassional tot lot and so on.

The prospecting mode really means nothing to me as I live in Ohio and I would think that the ground mineralization is pretty normal here.

Thanks in advance,
Frank

 

[GoBotRocker]

Thank You!!!

Hey Jack,

Thanks for the great info and direct access to some other great post's on the MXT.

Your'e swinging my vote back to the MXT over the DFX. Either will be great, suspect I'll run the MXT right outta the box better than the DFX.

Thanks also to Rudy and Lowjiber, great info...

:tumble: