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What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Hello all,
Curious what your top tip would be. I envision this thread as a sort of checklist, but not quite. If you have what you think is a good tip or two, then put it in here. Ok, here goes, preceding technique...
MINDSET - I have found that the better and more positive my mindset the better I hunt, the more intuitive I am to know where to hunt, the better I listen and focus, etc. Now, we can't always have the best of mindsets and sometimes we detect to get away from things but we clearly can still affect it. Just drinking a coffee seems to pick me up mentally. :interesting: Planning the night before sort of pumps me up. :sleepy: ehehe You get the point.
FOCUS - This relates to Mindset. When I am swinging I listen and hunt better if my mind is focused or at least just open and relaxed as opposed to thinking of a problem, Hey, is that a cop?, something else, etc. If you are 100% with what you are doing, very little is going to pass you by. But if you are only partially there, well then that speaks for itself. We can't expect the machine to do all the work. So, imagine you are a surgeon as a lot is riding on you! :stretcher:
EMS
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Hey EMS!
Great to see you posting on American Detectorist. Thanks for checking us out. I look forward to your post. OK, now to the question at hand. A few things that make for a good hunt...
Research - Know the history of the area your hunting. An old picture of the park is worth more than a thousand words, it's worth some Silver as well! Talk with the old timers in the area. Visit the local museums and history archives. Look at your surroundings as you hunt, and use your imagination.
Time - Try and plan for adequate hunting time for a given area. Move deliberately and at a slow pace. Don't hurry your hunts. Focus on small areas instead of the whole site. Go back and hunt instead of trying to cover to much ground. It's quality of time, not quantity that makes for good finds.
Jack
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Research, research,research I always have plan before I leave the house which means good research. I make sure it is a site that has potential for old coins and I have my permission granted before I leave to hunt. That way my time is spent hunting and not driving around looking for a site and then winding up in a park somewhere digging clad. I would rather dig one quality find during a hunt than a pile of clad.
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
MINDSET - .... is absolutely everything.
My state of mind is everything. I need to be challenged. I love detecting with someone who challenges me. No matter how hard I try when on my own... when I am with someone who challenges me, I will go the extra mile for better results.
FOCUS - Like you said, it involves being able to focus AWAY from someone bothering you. That means you need permission to be at the site, reassurance of such, and being comfortable of that on your own. I like private sites (in public areas) and I can be in a better state of mind when I am not having to worry about others' thoughts.
That is hard to accomplish in public parks, where I do most of my detecting.
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
The most important thing in metal detecting is
[size=1:crazy:t]KNOW YOUR DETECTOR
Learn the controls of your detector and what they do. Learn to adjust ( if the controls are adjustable) the controls to the different ground conditions and type of area ( trashy or iron items all over or beach...etc...) Learn the ID/VDI ( if your detector has those) and the sounds your detector makes on different targets. Learning how to search in loads of trash areas, on the beach, in and around tight quarters-------Knowing how to operate your detector at its maximum potential in many different settings will have your finds increase no matter where you are searching.
Research, Mindset, Focus and Time are important...but without excellent knowledge of how to maximize your detectors operations, in any situation, you will be missing targets.
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The most important thing is have fun.
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Dig anything that makes a sound close to what your hunting I have found silver next to nails with my Excalibur II that sounded like a small blip.
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Great tips for all of us newbies!! |:confused:)
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This is my first full season detecting. I think one thing I have learned is. You can't hunt good, if you are tired. I get to the point. Where my arm doesn't even want to swing the coil anymore. If you get tired. Stop for a while and take a break. Have a drink, or a snack. Let your body rest. Figure out your next stratagy. Then go at it again! At the end of the day. You'll be glad that you rested.
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Research, research.....Know your machine, focus & patience,.....oh, and did I mention research!
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Quote:
Originally Posted by anotherpulltap link=topic=7703.msg88478#msg88478 date=1320634153
The most important thing is have fun.
so true!!! |:cheering:
Have the desire to learn, the patience and willingness to dig a lot of worthless trash for every one good find, and understand that you could go home empty handed after a long day of MDing.
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
research - know your targets and go to where they should be
permission - public grounds can give up a few targets, but you need to be on private property to find the goods!
know your detector - if you don't understand it WELL, you will only dig the shallow, easy things.
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RESEARCH ::::: KNOW WHAT YOUR DETECTOR IS TELLING YOU :::: AND DOUBLE CHECK YOUR HOLES .....
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Take a wet washcloth in a ziplock bag to clean off your hands when you're done.
Also take along a small squirt or spray bottle of water to clean off the silver coins so you can tell what you have without scratching them. And most important......
JUST GET OUT MORE OFTEN!!!!!!!!
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
#1 Coil getting too heavy? shorten the rod a notch,it makes a difference.
#2 if possible,put all of your detecting stuff in a back pack.so when you leave home,you haven't forgotten anything. (Us old farts are allowed to forget stuff,,,hence the back pack LOL) .
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Never get dejected. I have come home with zero[0] coins. Yet I am just as excited to go out the next time because I am convinced that at the bottom of the next plug I dig will be a worthwhile coin.
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#1 - Be sure that thing is switched on!
OK. May be #2 right after Zip Zip's #2. lol
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no flies on you zip zip good advice thumbsup01
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Get permission 1st. And not trying to cover the entire site. Domain awareness, knowing where you are. Looking up the area in maps and old papers, Talking to the area residents and getting ideas from them. It usually is not the first time someone has asked them about where to start looking. I've had clues to where I should look talking to folks in the parking lots of stores and golf courses. Many times I look at the parks around the town central squares and ball parks. Since I don't usually have more that 2-3 hours for a hunt I draw a map and go back several times to make sure I didn't miss much. Sometimes I get the idea that a area has been hunted many many times - I don't really care ! These areas are still hiding something for me.... I was at a old park near a old bandstand and two other MD'ers were right there in the same park. One of them told me that this place is empty I shrugged my head and proceeded to pull out a 1922 Peace dollar right in the same path he just got done searching. (thanks ace 350) - and most important of all NEVER give up....... :yes:
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
As others have said, know your machine. ":beerbuddy:ecome one with your machine, and the force will be with you!
Above All...... Have Fun
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
If you are looking for gold jewelry - go where they wear it the most. And this is not the rich people's area. Steve in so az
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Quote:
Originally Posted by CODY link=topic=7703.msg112010#msg112010 date=1337317021
":beerbuddy:ecome one with your machine, and the force will be with you!
[attachimg=1]
Yes, The force is strong with this one.
Give yourself the best opportunity to find the gold. Use the right equipment, in the right places.
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Always be aware of what's going on in your surroundings .
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Headphones - It's getting hot here and I often hunt with my headphones off when people aren't around. Boy do the speakers miss the nuances and cheap headphones (I've had) are nothing like a good pair of headphones. Some hit the highs better in my experience (like Gray Ghosts - nice for E-Tracs/FBS machines imo) and some hit the low conductors better (here in Europe Chef Phones seem so).
Pinpointer - Not an advertisement, but if you haven't tried a Garrett Pro Pointer you are missing out. They really increase the speed of retrieval and perhaps more importantly can make it such that you don't scratch the coin!
Trash Bag - I put all my trash in a free bag I got from kellyco years ago. It has a mesh bottom and goes for 20ish bucks. Have to say I've stuck with it. Coins go in my pocket and things more worthy in my wallet or somewhere else.
Digging Tool - I've used a few and the Lesche thus far is the best. I put a bicycle grip on the handle after taking off the old one and it is much more grippy now. They DO NOT BREAK. If you can use a shovel I have found that narrower ones (like 5 cut the soil easier - nice on dry days). To keep the grass from dying (at least when things are drier) it seems that 3 sided plugs folded over are best (not completely removed) Having some roots still attached seems to help in recovery. Also, deep plugs with shovels, again, if allowed, seem to recovery best, due to the roots going down deeper I guess.
Albert
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Hi,
1. When looking for a ghost house, try to find a high point and study the topography of the land. Even when there are no foundation stones sometimes there is an artificial flat spot where the yard was, and look for concave holes where wells or root cellars were.
2. Often the only clues to a ghost house are the perrenial plants that they planted. Like Rhubarb, Hosta, Flax, Day Lilies, and Peonies, at least in the Midwest. Usually in Iowa at least, they would plant White Pine on the north sides of their houses. This is always a give away because it is not a native tree.
It amazes me that the only thing left, at least above ground, of our houses in the centuries to come may be the plants we planted in our yards. It just goes to show that the things we build do not last, yet Gods creations, or natures creations, depending on your belief system, are much more permanent. It kinda of puts a different spin on gardening.
Good luck!
Adrian
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Quote:
Originally Posted by freemindstuck link=topic=7703.msg132999#msg132999 date=1359611649
Hi,
1. When looking for a ghost house, try to find a high point and study the topography of the land. Even when there are no foundation stones sometimes there is an artificial flat spot where the yard was, and look for concave holes where wells or root cellars were.
Great tip! You should also hunt the high point as well. It is very likely that the folks who used to live at the location spent time at the high point looking over their spread. Maybe a picnic or two happened at that location.
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I once lived in the mountains of northern California...giant redwood forests and everything else.
Many of the cellar holes (old homesites) up in the mountains were seemingly impossible to find. Then I stumbled across the old Easter Lilly Trick.
Often Easter Lilies were planted around old homesites. While the home and everything else may be gone, the lilies shine like diamonds against the darkness of a forest floor. They bloom every spring and have helped me a lot.
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Very interesting technique. It's the same with Lilac Bushes here in Colorado. They were often planted around outhouses.
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was the peace dollar hiddin with a lot of nails surrounding it?
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lowjiber link=topic=7703.msg133140#msg133140 date=1359719936
Often Easter Lilies were planted around old homesites. While the home and everything else may be gone, the lilies shine like diamonds against the darkness of a forest floor. They bloom every spring and have helped me a lot.
Very picturesque prose and a good tip if you live out in California. Thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by CyberSage link=topic=7703.msg133149#msg133149 date=1359724910
Very interesting technique. It's the same with Lilac Bushes here in Colorado. They were often planted around outhouses.
Yes this is the same idea, and seemingly practical use of Lilacs. lol
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Everything everyone else said plus: adjust your machine so you are not stooped over and bent at the neck. This will give you a sore neck, back, shoulders very quickly and you'll have a lousy time. Posture is very important for us old dudes ( and those who want to be old someday ) -- I've taken my machine inside Macy's to look in a mirror to see how I'm standing - What I thought was good posture walking was not so correct so I drilled out my machine pole and adjusted it about a inch for better positioning I'd say right in between settings - . Just my tip.. :yes:
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
These are all great tips and I agree with each of you...but to me the most important thing is to know your machine, plant a coin garden or go to a local park and practice listening to those tones over and over. Once you think you are comfortable a good practice is to start calling every find before you dig. I have had very good detectors but didn't take the time to actually learn them before hunting and ended up being discouraged so I'm sure others have done the same.
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One thing I never go detecting without is a little note pad and pen....Lots of times when i'm detecting I see people out walking dogs and people just out for a walk, Its human nature for curiosity to get the better of most of them and invariably they will come across and ask if I've found anything??
I always make a point of showing them what I have found and during the conversation I ask them if they know any of the local land owners, most of them being local do, so I ask them for the farmers/landowners names and also what their names are. When I visit the farmer/landowner to ask permission I then add I have been talking to/know Mr whoever and I find this goes a long way in gaining the farmer/landowners trust :)
Not sure how relevant this is to any of you but i have gained most of my permissions in this way :)
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pona link=topic=7703.msg141589#msg141589 date=1369402377
One thing I never go detecting without is a little note pad and pen....Lots of times when i'm detecting I see people out walking dogs and people just out for a walk, Its human nature for curiosity to get the better of most of them and invariably they will come across and ask if I've found anything??
I always make a point of showing them what I have found and during the conversation I ask them if they know any of the local land owners, most of them being local do, so I ask them for the farmers/landowners names and also what their names are. When I visit the farmer/landowner to ask permission I then add I have been talking to/know Mr whoever and I find this goes a long way in gaining the farmer/landowners trust :)
Not sure how relevant this is to any of you but i have gained most of my permissions in this way :)
This is a great tip! Thanks for sharing! :yes:
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Quote:
Originally Posted by earthmansurfer link=topic=7703.msg88270#msg88270 date=1320526026
Hello all,
Curious what your top tip would be. I envision this thread as a sort of checklist, but not quite. If you have what you think is a good tip or two, then put it in here. Ok, here goes, preceding technique...
MINDSET - I have found that the better and more positive my mindset the better I hunt, the more intuitive I am to know where to hunt, the better I listen and focus, etc. Now, we can't always have the best of mindsets and sometimes we detect to get away from things but we clearly can still affect it. Just drinking a coffee seems to pick me up mentally. :interesting: Planning the night before sort of pumps me up. :sleepy: ehehe You get the point.
FOCUS - This relates to Mindset. When I am swinging I listen and hunt better if my mind is focused or at least just open and relaxed as opposed to thinking of a problem, Hey, is that a cop?, something else, etc. If you are 100% with what you are doing, very little is going to pass you by. But if you are only partially there, well then that speaks for itself. We can't expect the machine to do all the work. So, imagine you are a surgeon as a lot is riding on you! :stretcher:
EMS
To all fellow detectorists, Bring a small plastic wide mouth bottle w/ distilled water in it (about half full) to drop the goods in to keep from scratching them by wiping to see the date.I cringe seeing people sandpapering nice old goodies to see the date.
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Good call Swamp Yankee, I have a small spray bottle with diluted water in it which i use to remove some of the dirt on site...enough to hopefully id the coin.
I cringe seeing people sandpapering nice old goodies to see the date.
lol yep same here, I see it loads of times and it kills me to watch someone do it lol Another one is when someone comes up to you to ask you want you think the coin is and they remove the contents of their days searching from their pockets and and somewhere in between all the scrap metal and other bits and pieces is the coin they want you to look at..its been sat in the ground for hundreds of years going about its own business only for someone to try and destroy it getting brushed up against bits of scrap bronze etc in their pocket or finds pouch. :hairpulling:
So i also keep a load of small self seal bags so they can keep it in a better enviroment...I'm sure some of my mates do this on purpose because they all know how much its gets to me :cheesysmile: :cheesysmile: :cheesysmile:
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Re: What is your top detecting Tip? Checklist
Take off your steel toe shoes when detecting at lunch or right after work. >:{