Minelab target signals

Goldprospector

Junior Member
Joined
May 14, 2017
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Greetings one and all. This post is for those using a Minelab.
Minelab does not make it clear what to expect for target signals.
Especially when using all metal mode, iron mask mode, and sound mode (as opposed to graphic lcd target id mode).
For example, regarding the target signal when in all metal, or iron mask mode, the user manual of an X-Terra only has this to say about it:
A metal object in Prospecting Mode is identified by an abrupt change in pitch and volume of the threshold tone.
That's all. No mention of what kind of metal, (just "a metal object"). No mention of what kind of change in threshold to expect: A louder threshold volume? A quieter threshold volume? A high pitch in the threshold pitch? Or a lower pitch in the threshold? Etc.

This post is really a warning. Because what to expect in all metal or iron mask mode is JUST THE OPPOSITE of what to expect in discrimination mode.
In discrimination mode, when the threshold pitch drops to a very low, uninspiring tone, or when the threshold volume disapears suddenly and completly, we call this "nulling out".
The machine nulls out, usually when passing over an undesirable target that has been notched, blocked, or rejected. Most Minelab users know this.
But here's the thing: If you are running in all metal, iron mask or sound mode, if your machine nulls out, this is probably a very desirable target! Just the OPPOSITE of what we expect when running in descrimination mode! So much for "an abrupt change in pitch and volume of the threshold tone". Try no volume and pitch at all! One would think that Minelab would mention this in thier user manual.
 
A Minelab X-Terra. But most of the Minelabs, such as an Excal Soveriegn, work the same way.
Yes, it can be quite confusing. This is why I posted the heads up.
 
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