Metal Detecting understanding me

[Sniffer]

Today, I'm on the purchase run - running wild with a credit card.

Well, I would be - but I thought that I would ask detectorists opinions as they are more passionate about this stuff than I.

We're replacing two of our detectors and we like the Minelabs ones.

We've already settled on an 8" Monoloop as one head - but we're dithering between choices for the deeper/larger object head. On the one hand, an 18" Monoloop. On the other a 15" x 12" Semi-Elliptical Double D.

Now I don't think there's a massive difference in performance between the two on paper - but veer towards the DD to have greater coverage of the ground circumstance.

The smaller head is for backfill scanning mostly and the larger head is for assisted fieldwalking.

[garybrun]

Which Minelab are you looking at??

Are you discriminating in anyway or are you diggineg every metal object??
Take a look at my site http://www.minelabowners.com and you will find all there is to know on this brand. Feel free to contact me via email if you need more info gary.brun@minelabowners.com

http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording OUR heritage for future generations.

[Sniffer]

Our field team said SD 2200D to me - though I was wondering if some of the newer models like the Explorer SE might be a better option. The tasking is very varied; we do a lot of work near shorelines and so something which is going to merrily operate around highly mineralized/salt sand but has (for the smaller head) good discrimination (it's generally everything metal we want, though we have to keep our options open) and for the larger head, good penetration. The Field team liked the Minelabs stuff because they're familiar with it (and we can get repairs and spares pretty much worldwide).

The smaller head doesn't need much in the way of depth.

I've had a quick look at the site - really helpful and I think I will need to put a large pot of coffee on and go through it in detail.

Is the SE the successor to the SD series - or are they just misleading?

[garybrun]

Sorry for the delay.
I can see why you are thinking SD2200D as this is a gold machine :-)

The explorer SE is the way to go as it can also handle mineralized ground due to the FBS technology and the DD coil. take a look here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2sul0o_PUI the principles are still the same with the new SE.
If you PM me your address I will send you both DVDs.
You will find that the SE with the smaller head (good for target separation) still compares in depth to its larger brother.
With the SE you can also see at a glance the ferrous content of your object which Im sure is a great plus when digging etc.
Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.

P.s. I'm not a dealer or employed by the Minelab company... but I do use their machines and make instructional material on them.

I would not recommend for your needs the GP series(this the latest technology up on your SD series. Expensive does not always mean the best :-)


http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording OUR heritage for future generations.

[Sniffer]

Thanks awfully for all that. Strangely, you've hit one of our common needs right on the head. Most of our metal detection does have a focus on ferrous content; we don't really want gold, but encounter a lot of lead, copper, nickel and brass. I think I'll get the field chaps to have a look at the the SE as you seem to like it too and will get back to you after they've rowed over coffee and a couple of pints.

For our other searches, we are hoping to get a couple of ERA machines. That's presently under discussion.

[garybrun]

I don't know much about the ERA systems.
I do know that they are used for mine detecting etc.
Wish I had one in my detecting collection.

Do you ever use "experienced detectorists" on your digs?
I'm sure there are many out there who would be willing to help you and could also help train your staff at the same time... you may even find you don't have to purchase any machine ;)

http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording OUR heritage for future generations.

[Sniffer]

One of our sidelines is to do with Unexploded Ordnance - sadly. There's an awful lot of it around in places like Egypt. (last estimate I saw, 21 million items under the ground). We have a commercial EOD team and the new ERA stuff is for them. They wanted the current US military model with built in GPR but they are, understandably, hard to come by.

We did use some in Iraly, but it's nigh on impossible to form relationships with experienced detectorists when our work may never hit the same region twice. If we were operating a lot in the UK, then it would be a lot easier. The business model isn't set up conventionally and means the field chaps need to be self-sufficient mostly. They're competent on detection - they've been using them for years as a tool of the trade - although (like most people in any field) they use equipment they don't entirely understand how to take apart and rebuild.

Whilst their operator level is more than adequate for the task, specification is always a headache. You just can't keep up with all the developments and maintain an enthusiasm for everything as well as do a job. I'm meant to just do IT, but my IT time takes up about two hours a week whilst I do everything else technical (like specification and.. ermm.. buying machines that go ping). I have no idea what's new in IT for the last six months. I do like the idea of using reviews from people though.

If I express an opinion, shoot the boss. He's a bad man.

[garybrun]

Which way did yougo with this sniffer??

http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording OUR heritage for future generations.