A zero GB covers it all, in multi frequency.
Not correct. A '0' setting is just a handy setting regardless of the unit being in the Multi-IQ function or a selected single frequency. The Equinox is
always going to improve the detector's performance and help reduce any possible falsing caused by having an errant GB for the mode you're using.
I auto ground balance because, it's so hard to find clean ground with my NOX to manual GB. Am I doing something wrong? Should I just put GB on Zero?
By
"auto ground balance" are you referring to 'Tracking' or an Automated GB where you bob the search coil over a spot of ground? If you are referring to 'Tracking,' I suggest not to, especially if a lot of the area is 'unclean' due to nails, rusty tin or other ferrous discards.
Forum readers should know that here we are talking about the Ground Balance settings as they relate to the Equinox 800 and not to other makes and models they might own or be interested in. Many makes and models have an Automated GB or even a Manual GB control, but with some it only functions in the Threshold-based All Metal mode and is NOT fully functional for the Discriminate mode(s).
Fortunately, the Equinox series
does have GB capability. I own and use two of the Vanquish 540 Pro Pack models and they do not have a user-controlled GB. That renders them with a design issue that can cause falsing, and the Equinox displays the same issue in some modes as well. It is correctable, however, with an Automated or Manual GB adjustment ... or should be.
'
hikerdude,' I know what you mean about some sites having a really terrible amount of debris that makes it difficult to find a clear spot to GB, but I handle this in a couple of ways. One is that some of these are gold mining era ghost towns and with one detector I use the 'average' GB setting for that general area ...
outside of the townsite proper ... has a GB numeric phase read-out in the '81+' to '85' range. On those two models I have the luxury of 'Saving' the GB setting so that they start out with that GB as a default when turned On.
A different model has a manual GB control and I keep it set close to where most of that challenging ground needs adjusting. The four other models I use with a GB function have either an Automated GB or a Manual GB control, so until I encounter an open area to GB, I adjust the GB for several nearby areas close to the hunt site and remember that manual GB setting. Then, when at the hunt locations, I just manually adjust the detector's GB setting to that numeric read-out and should usually be ready-to-hunt.
Depending upon the terrain, you can also look around for several exposed rocks of serious size. Use the rocks to adjust the detector's GB setting, and if they vary a lot, then use the GB setting for the more mineralized rock for that area. Detector designs and limitations vary, but these suggestions should help.
Monte