Very frustrated but probably doing something wrong

[BruceB]

Well let me start off by saying that I'm using a Discovery 2200 model. If anyone has had any run ins with this models please share.

Now I know it's a lower end model so I'm not expecting the world it just gets very frustrating to have a hit and then start digging only to check again and then hear nothing.

Is it just me or is this model just not that reliable and should I just focus on upgrading?

I know my grandfather has got to have some cool finds waiting for me on his land but I can't get to them with the way it or me is performing at this time.

I've even been watching you tube clips of metal detecting to see if I can pick up tips or techniques

Thanks for any info

[norbyx]

Well you have to check if you are getting constant signals or just sporadic beeps now and than..
You need to have constant beeps over and over again before you start digging. Also if you get a good signal try to put yourself at a 90 degree angle and run the coil over the same spot to see if it is still there or not.
Well let me tell you that MD is about patience, and practice. I don't know how many times you have gone out but when I was starting this MD I also had bad signals, I couldn't tell one from another and I dug "gost" signals as well...
Take your time to practice and you will be able to get it. If you don't than search for a local club or some close by experienced MD that can help you understand your detector better.
Last read as much as you can, watch as many videos as you can and don't get frustrated it is just a matter of time before you get it. Nothing is easy the first time, it becomes easy with practice and more practice.

[randwool]

Try some simple tests by putting different objects on the ground and see how the machine detects them. Swing over the target and lift the machine (simulating depth) up over the target to see how proximity will affect the received signal. Try to pinpoint and see where the target ends up under the coil. Not all are dead center. Use some coins, nails, pull tabs, rings, keys, or some dug trash to simulate targets. You might try to look for shallower targets. Most, and even sometimes, all of your finds will be trash. That's just reality, and very normal. A good find will be rewarding in itself due to what you have had to go through to get to that point. Hang in there, keep looking for an upgrade machine. Lots of folks try MD'ing just to give it up in a few months. Perhaps you can score a better unit in the want ads or craigslist. Let us know how you are doing along the way.

[Terry Soloman]

You have gotten some good advice so far. Now here is my OPINION.

The machine you are using now is inferior and will cause frustration. Trying to save money in this hobby ALWAYS backfires. You end up spending more money than if you had just saved up and done it right.

If you are going to stay in the hobby, get a good entry level machine; Tesoro Compadre, Fisher F2, Garret Ace 250, Whites Coinmaster. Learn it inside and out (about 150-hours on the headphones), and most importantly have fun!

[BruceB]

Thanks for all the advice and i will definitely work on shelling out more money to get a better device plus once i do get the device i will make sure and do my homework on it.

Quiting was never an option, just wanted to see if maybe i was doing something wrong or if it's truly trial and error until your comfortable and understand your machine.

Thanks again to everyone who posted

[ToddWisconsin]

Bruce..Terry is exactly right...Get an easy to use stable entry level detector ...I recommend not getting a top of the line detector right away..they are just too complicated for the everage user .. Both my whites and Minelab are not much better than a standard detector in factory preset mode.. Once you understand the hobby , then its time to do some tweaking ...and that is where a top of the line detector can help.. giving you the edge on deep and masked coins... I was so dissappointed the first day I got my dfx , I wanted to send it back... It hardly hits a quarter at eight inches with the preset mode , But once you understand any machine.. It will be a rewarding expierience ... I am telling you that just owning a 3030 isn't gonna magically put silver in your pocket..These guys finding silver , would be finding MOST of it with almost any other top notch detector also... If you can swing it , look for a used XLT....These detectors are tried and true ..workhorses .. very deep in factory preset modes...and you should be able to get one rather cheap.. DFX although a better overall unit , is not as easy to understand..nor is an explorer ... Good luck with whatever you choose ..above all have fun doing it !

[ebone581]

Don't get discouraged. The youtube videos help and kinda "pump you up" But also remember, for every successful youtube hunt, thousands of hours have been spent by others with nothing or just some clad. But, coming across a good find, is rather rewarding. (At least have been for the few I've found) I am still a novice and the frustration comes early. Stick with it. Finances keep me from a top of the line unit, not that I am ready for one, but remember you are out doors, and the holes you are digging aren't to be filled with your corpse. So it could be worse!! Enjoy and good luck.

[MikeMike]

Just some things to look at (that I have done)
Try carrying your shovel / scoop over your shoulder or behind you.
Watch out for power Lines causing interference.
Watch out for rust "halo" s where an iron object was laying.
and very, very small dirty pieces of foil
I hope this helps some.
Also, no "steel toe" boots while detecting

[CDNsilver]

Terry is right, also try these tips on that machine and see if you can
find some goodies while you are waiting for an upgrade.

1-Make sure your coil wire is snug all the way up the shaft and the
chrome connection ring at the unit is snug (finger tight)

2-Turn the sensitivity down a bar or two.

3-Put your detector in all metal for now with no notching (you don't have to dig everything)
The idea here is to learn the 4 tones and dig only the high tones for now.

4-Don't even look all the LCD screen for now as it will be very jumpy
because of all the trash in the yard. Insted listen for just the high tone
targets.

5-Once you find a high tone target it has to be repeatable on both
the left and right swing

6-Turn 90 degrees to this high tone target, it should be repeatable
on both the left and right swing if not move on to the next high
tone target that is repeatable.

7-Pinpoint and dig your target.

Give this a try and let us know how you make out.

Take care,
CDNsilver

[Terry Soloman]

Originally Posted by CDNsilver

Terry is right, also try these tips on that machine and see if you can
find some goodies while you are waiting for an upgrade.

1-Make sure your coil wire is snug all the way up the shaft and the
chrome connection ring at the unit is snug (finger tight)

2-Turn the sensitivity down a bar or two.

3-Put your detector in all metal for now with no notching (you don't have to dig everything)
The idea here is to learn the 4 tones and dig only the high tones for now.

4-Don't even look all the LCD screen for now as it will be very jumpy
because of all the trash in the yard. Insted listen for just the high tone
targets.

5-Once you find a high tone target it has to be repeatable on both
the left and right swing

6-Turn 90 degrees to this high tone target, it should be repeatable
on both the left and right swing if not move on to the next high
tone target that is repeatable.

7-Pinpoint and dig your target.

Give this a try and let us know how you make out.

Take care,
CDNsilver

Super advice!

[BruceB]

Great advice from everyone and i'm definitely getting pumped looking at all these great finds

[pescadore]

The advice has been great but the 2200 should be adequate for a starter machine. I have a friend that has a BH and a lot of people talk bad about them but he finds a lot of silver rings and coins. He is also over $300 in clad this year alone. I think you need to just take the advice above and learn how to pinpoint your targets and you will do fine !!! Practice and Patience !!!

[DINOSAUR1]

Some metal detector dealers will rent detectors by the day . If you make a purchase from them they deduct the rental fee. Good Luck

[sllingshot47]

Originally Posted by Terry Soloman

You have gotten some good advice so far. Now here is my OPINION.

The machine you are using now is inferior and will cause frustration. Trying to save money in this hobby ALWAYS backfires. You end up spending more money than if you had just saved up and done it right.

If you are going to stay in the hobby, get a good entry level machine; Tesoro Compadre, Fisher F2, Garret Ace 250, Whites Coinmaster. Learn it inside and out (about 150-hours on the headphones), and most importantly have fun!

Ditto.

[Dirty Money]

Every piece of advice here is spot on!

Just run what you brung. Get to know it well. "Practice and patience" will always win out.

While it seems that we all lust for the greatest and latest, remember that there are members on this forum with $200 detectors that on a given day will out hunt those of us using $1000 - $3000 detectors.

Enjoy the hunt. Enjoy the research.

HH

[johno97007]

Originally Posted by BruceB

Well let me start off by saying that I'm using a Discovery 2200 model. If anyone has had any run ins with this models please share.

Now I know it's a lower end model so I'm not expecting the world it just gets very frustrating to have a hit and then start digging only to check again and then hear nothing.

Is it just me or is this model just not that reliable and should I just focus on upgrading?

I know my grandfather has got to have some cool finds waiting for me on his land but I can't get to them with the way it or me is performing at this time.

I've even been watching you tube clips of metal detecting to see if I can pick up tips or techniques

Thanks for any info

Your detector is a step or two above mine and I gotta tell you the first one I had gave me fits as well. I eventually sent it back to amazon and ordered the same unit as a replacement. I have the Quickdraw II and still am not sure that I like it although I'm getting better at pinpointing. Speaking of pinpointing, if you don't already have a pinpointer, get one...if you don't want to spend $100 plus, go to Harbor freight and pick up theirs for under $20. For the level of skill that I have, it works fine.

"X" your high tones, and narrow them down. Pinpoint to make sure it ain't on the surface, and get to diggin'. You'll start finding all sorts of neat stuff.

Good Luck!