TARGET IDENTIFICATION ?

[roadrunner_426]

A question for those who have used detectors which presume to identify target before digging...how accurate are the indications registered with this feature ?...thanks , Ray

 

[WThesing]

The answer generally speaking can be "pretty decent". There are factors involved. First, the quality of the machine. Second, the soil conditions, and in the case of a coin, the position it is in, within the ground.

The computer end of the machine is providing IT"S BEST GUESS when considering the above. Some metals profile the same as others, which is why we dig most targets in the aluminum / gold range.
There are often times when the sound of a target may be just a little different than a trash target, and some of us rely on a sixth sense to dig.

Remember that the machines are calibrated for coin size targets. Anything out of that profile reduces accuracy of I.D.

 

[hoser]

And if the target in new to the ground, say dropped in the last year, the target ID is more accurate. The ones that have been in the ground a long time and have a sizable "halo" can read out as something different. I don't know how many silver dollars I have dug, only to find the minute the air hits them, they turn into a pop can.

 

[poptop]

And if the target in new to the ground, say dropped in the last year, the target ID is more accurate. The ones that have been in the ground a long time and have a sizable "halo" can read out as something different. I don't know how many silver dollars I have dug, only to find the minute the air hits them, they turn into a pop can.

I've dug a few of them too. It's really amazing how they change like that.
What did we do without target ID, I think we dug most targets unless we knew from experience it was junk. My PrizmII, when it says penny, it's a penny or dime or something else. When it says zink penny, it's a zink penny or something else. When it says quarter, it's a quarter, or something else. When it says 5 c, it't a 5c ot something else. When it says pulltab, it's that or a ring or something else.................... Think I'll go back to my coinmaster and dig most everything
pop

 

[bdoubled]

I just switched from a target ID machine to a sound-only one because I believe my ears are more accurate than my eyes. It all depends on what you're hunting. If you're strictly a coinshooter, then TID is fine. If you're a relic hunter, then TID is meaningless and, I would argue, even counter-productive.

 

[YARDBYRD]

When I used to have a boat I caught all kinds of fish just by marking and logging where the best spots were without actually knowing the depth of the water.... You just felt it...... Then I got the bright idea to buy a depth finder and tried to get all fancy like the big boys.. My success rate suffered until I realized that I already knew what i was doing so why change a good thing... I still used the depth finder but didn't rely on it as much.. after that my fishing improved....

As with detectors, I would imagine that the folks that are used to the old machines that didn't have target ID are better at sensing a target then those of us that only know the iD machines........But I'll bet if you ask any of them they will tell you that their EXPERIENCE plus the new technoligy is the secret to their success.... I know myself, I have only hunted with an ID machine and and it does take some time when you don't have the experience to get used to what is what.

The only thing I know to do without questioning everyone to death is take the stand That anything I don't dig could be passing up the find of a lifetime.......When I think about it that doesn't sound all that bad for a once in a lifetime find ... I just like being out there and doing it so I'll take whatever learning curve that comes with it. I feel good that I can now dig a hole and cover it back like no one was there. Can't wait til I start finding the good stuff

 

[TonyinCT]

Target ID is diminished as the detector encounters deeper targets. Also , objects other than coin sized or shaped targets generally will not ID correctly . Try to remember what the response on the meter and the sound was when you find certain targets. See if the depth is accurate and you'll find your self IDing targets before you look at the meter.
8)

 

[Waterman]

I have found that TID tectors have a tendency to lie to you at times after a target is over 6"-8". I go by sound, tones now, but may purchase a Patrick Meter for my SOV/GT since I got a good deal on a new 8" SunRay coil recently for hunting Gold rings in trashy park areas. The jury is still out on that idea! LOL H.H.:-)

 

[ctcfl]

I just switched from the classic III to a new MXT, seems I am finding less! I know I must be doing something wrong...anybody have any advice/hints for using the mxt?

Thanks,
Chris