Getting the most out of your SunRay probe.

Lowjiber

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  • [li][size=1em]The following is not an advertisement for SunRay probes. I have seven detectors, only four of which are compatible with SunRays. I have one on each.

    [size=1em]Not to be confused with a pinpointer, a SunRay is actually a tiny coil (about 1” in diameter) that replaces your search coil with a simple flip of a switch when you’re on your knees recovering a target that you’ve already decided to dig. If you decide to get one, you can simply use it like a regular pinpointer and be happy. However, there are a couple of tips that will shorten your overall recovery time and utilize the full potential of your new detector/probe combination.

    [size=1em][Note] In the text below, I’ll be referring to “all-metal” mode and “gain”. All-metal mode is simply engaged with the pinpoint button on an Ace 250, or the trigger pull on an MXT. Gain refers to the “Sensitivity”control on the Ace and the “Gain” knob on the MXT. Other machines may vary in terminology, but the concept remains the same.

    [size=1em]Remember, both the display and audio functions of your detector remain available when you engage the probe. If you’re hunting with your detector set at a lower gain setting, the probe will respond accordingly. We’ll see how to capitalize on this below.

    [size=1em]“Flipping” shallow (3”) targets has never been easier. We’ve all used our detector to pinpoint a target to within a three-inch diameter and started probing the ground to locate/flip the target. Using a SunRay, you can literally identify the exact spot to flip.

    [size=1em]Place the detector beside the target, keeping the display visible as shown in the picture below and turn on the probe using the simple switch on the box. You’re going to control the functions of the detector with your right hand and exactly locate the target with the probe in your left hand. The key to precision is to HOLD THE PROBE VERTICALLY, as shown below.

    [size=1em]Now, engage all-metal mode (with the trigger or button), and turn your attention to the headset as you move the probe in an “X” to locate the target. Below the exact spot where the sound is the loudest on both axes of your “X” lies your target.

    [size=1em]Here’s a tip that’s often overlooked…

    [size=1em]There are many times when the mineralization of the soil forces you to hunt with the gain/sensitivity turned way down to stabilize your detector. For example, it’s not uncommon in certain parts of the country to hunt the Ace 250 at only two “bars” of sensitivity, or the MXT on a gain setting of only 7 (very low). The probe will reach about 3” off the tip with just about any setting. However, a simple increase of the gain in all-metal mode will increase that by at least another inch…very handy and easy to do when you need a little more depth. Just remember to reset your gain when you resume hunting.

    [size=1em]The same technique can be very useful even when a target is too deep to “flip”. Knowing the exact center of where you should cut a flap can reduce the its diameter, resulting in ground repair after recover that is much less inclined to be noticeable…always a good thing. It’s not perfect, but larger targets or those elusive silver coins can be “centered” pretty easily with an increased gain and a little practice listening to the faint whisper of the all-metal response in the headset.

    [size=1em]I’ve found that it’s often unnecessary to even engage all-metal mode when trying to determine if a target is in my cut flap. Simply wave the probe over the flap and you’ll hear the discrimination signal…just like waving the coil over it, only easier and faster.

    [size=1em]Mulch filled tot lots are a piece of cake with a SunRay. Its construction is strong enough to literally push your way down to the target…removing excess chips while the moving the probe back-and-forth over the target. Using the probe, you can get under playground equipment where chips have piled up, but you get too much interference with your standard hunting coil. Getting close to chain-link fences has never been easier. Don’t laugh…those areas are often overlooked by most detectorists because of the proximity to iron.

    Have you ever hit a coin spill that's slightly scattered? Multiple coins in a concentrated area can rapidly recovered without even moving. Just use the probe to locate and recover each one…sure makes it easier on tired bones.[/li]
 

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Hey John, Thanks for that info. I love my Sunray probe. It's the best after market product I have ever bought. It is extremely good at pinpointing non ferrous targets, when they are mixed with iron. It's a must for me when doing cellar holes and people's houses. I never really needed a probe with my White's, but with the E Trac, for me, it's a definite!! :yes:
 
Excellent information on a great product. I have one for my DFX (and will work on the V3) and one for my TDI. RickO
 
This is a great post John!

I too have the X-1 probe on my E-Trac and Exp SE, and after permanently borrowing Angel's DFX I put a DX-1 on it too. :) I would be lost without it, particularly for those very very deep targets.

I use it for coins near and on the surface (3 inches and less) too... don't even have to use the machine to pinpoint; just use the probe.
 
I use it for coins near and on the surface (3 inches and less) too... don't even have to use the machine to pinpoint; just use the probe.

Yep, When I find any target I cut a shallow plug. After that it's all probe! lol This is the best way for me to not scratch the target and it's kinda fun too ;) I used to cut a deep plug and took the chance of scratching something good. But now I let the probe do all the work thumbsup01
 
Excellent information, John. The probe has proven to be a must for me when locating deep targets, reducing the chances of nicking them with the trowel.
 
Another great thread John. The inline probe on my dfx is a mega time saver.
I don't think I saw anything about the value of running VCO on the machines that have that function. Man, that really narrows things down. A 3 inch deep coin can be located to within the width of the face of the probe as long as the probe is standing straight up and down.....Gil
 
I love my DX-1. I was so glad that it worked on my V-3. If it hadnt I would have had to of bought one rated for the V-3. Idd hunt without a inline pointer and always had in the past,,, but after I got one I WAS SPOILED big time.
Great tips on the inline pinpointer!!!!!
 
I have hunted with John and seen him in action with his SunRay, a sight to behold! 8) :twirlingeyes: thumbsup01
 
Here's a great SunRay tip...

This is not my tip. I got it from another member of the forum...Rcasio44 (Rob).

It works great! Thanks Rob.

When you use your DX1, if you hold it near the cord you get the Max depth. As you slide your hold down on the coil it has the same effect as turning down the all metal. It gives you quick sensitivity adjustment.
 
Great info, now all I need to do is purchase one. :yes:
I swear that shot of you looks like in was taken in front of the ElRancho Motel in southern Nevada. ;)
 
I also own SunRay probe and I can tell directly to you that it is the best of its kind. I have tested a lot of them (too kind not to mention the brand names) and unfortunately they failed me. SunRay probe is suitable for everybody's purposes on it.
 
:angry: I have no problems using it with my XLT / the standard coil, but when I use it with the 5.3 coil It goes crazy while in detecting mode and it falses targets. Any solutions for thi problem? Right now if I use it I take It off / when I use the 9.5 coil I put it back on. :confused:
 
:angry: I have no problems using it with my XLT / the standard coil, but when I use it with the 5.3 coil It goes crazy while in detecting mode and it falses targets. Any solutions for thi problem? Right now if I use it I take It off / when I use the 9.5 coil I put it back on. :confused:
I must admit that I've never heard of that problem. The toggle switch completely disconnects the probe when the search coil (regardless of configuration) is in use. Here's a quote from the Sunray website: Toggle switch shuts off coil as it turns probe on and vise versa. Coil and probe are never on at the same time.

Given that, I suspect your 5.3 coil may be bad. My reasoning is based on the above quote and the fact that the probe is not moving when it's on the shaft. I think we've all made the mistake of replacing the probe on the shaft and had our detector go silent when we resume swinging. I always feel slightly embarrassed when I've forgotten to flip the switch back to the search coil and the probe is not responding because it's not moving.

You might try giving the nice folks at Sunray a call. The company is a mom-and-pop type of operation, and the folks there are very friendly. Their phone number is: 1-319-636-2244.
 

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