Would... Could... the Equinox Help Me?

[SageGrouse]

Do you have a club in your area? I have enjoyed the clubs I have been in the past. They allow you to talk to others about different equipment and techniques. If they have club hunts, then you can get exposed to more locations that may just have that silver quarter.

We just keep at it.

Ray

Sadly, I live in Santa Fe. Santa Fe is not actually a city, even though it is the (ostensible) capital of New Mexico. It is, in actual fact, the secret, hidden suburb of ALBUQUERQUE.

There are two (I think) MDing clubs in the area. BOTH are in Albuquerque. NONE in Santa Fe. It is forever and always this way. When I went to Meetup.com, I searched on science fictions clubs. It said yes, there are SF clubs in your area.... in Albuquerque. Metal detecting clubs... in Albuquerque... Writers' groups, hiking groups, science fiction conventions, you name it... they LIST them for Santa Fe..... in Albuquerque.

As for starting a group... I don't think it woudl work. mainly because... nobody actually *lives* in Santa Fe! When I lived in California, I had NO idea groups existed! I never saw anyone out MDing and I didn't have the Internet then. So yeah... I have always been solo. If I could attend an Albuquerque group, I'd try... but what I notice is that the online sites for the Albuquerque MDing clubs ... the last update was somewhere in 2010! They are seriously moribund.

I'm still not giving up, though.... I'll keep on hanging in there. I need tow ork on becoming more proficient with the MineLab.
Sage(in Santa Fe, not Albuquerque)Grouse

 

[SageGrouse]

Thank you, everyone!! Something just occurred to me... The Walker I found, the silver salt shaker, the tiny filigree bracelet piece, etc etc... were all found in the SEVENTIES! ... Back before MDing became so fiercely popular. I think y;'all are onto something... I was at the leading edge of the hobby in 1978! SINCE then, I think just about every really accessible place HAS been hit! It *is* location!

I'm glad to think that, while the Nox might add some depth and precision... that the cost of the purchase would be more than the results would warrant.

I will look into a better coil for the XTerra. That is an expense I can save up for and afford. Also, maybe a carbon fiber shaft, because that Xterra is a *beast* to swing. Plus, thre shaft is set for a certain minimum length from forearm cuff to handle, and right now it's at my elbow at its shortest. I need a smaller shaft.

IF I could find a working Micronta, I might go back to swinging THAT, as it was light enough to enable me to really work it. I find with the MineLab, I end up with sloppy coil technique due to sheer *fatigue* after about two hours hunting! If it were not for the MineLab attachment being different from simple "screw-on" adjustment parts, I could switch shafts with the Bounty Hunter, which has a shorter forearm shaft. I'm only 5'1" and a (clad) quarter inches, so being small I'm at the far lower edge of detector specs.

I really appreciate the help and encouragement! This is WHY, when I answer questions on Quora, about detectors I ALWAYS refer folks to FMDF! You all are the very BEST! I loves ya allz!

SageGrouse

 

[Tpmetal]

go here http://www.historicmapworks.com/Atlas/US/11748/Santa+Fe+1886/. compare it to more modern maps and get permission for one of the sites listed on this map and I guarantee you find something.

 

[pescadore]

I had the Xterra 50 and it was a good machine but I did much better when I upgraded to the 705 because of the speed of the processor and more discrimination segments which greatly improved the ID. I doubt seriously that going back to an entry level machine would help your case. If you really are wanting to get some silver coins then I would seriously consider getting a few permissions at some older local residences and try your luck there. You stated that you have hunted curb strips. Were those strips in the old part of town? Location is the most important aspect of finding older coins. An updated machine would probably help but you would just have to decide whether the investment would be worth finding a silver or two.