Correct detecting technique is important to get the most out of your detector. The techniques described will give you the best chance of success.
Holding the Detector
Insert your arm through the armrest and armrest strap. Grasp the handle of the detector and rest your forearm in the armrest.
The correct position of the armrest should allow you to comfortably grip the handle. Your elbow should sit just above the back of the armrest and the detector should feel like an extension of your forearm.
Adjusting the Length of the Shafts
The lower shaft can be adjusted to several set lengths between fully extended and fully retracted. Adjust the lower shaft to the correct length and tighten the twist lock to hold it in place. A correct shaft length will allow you to swing the coil over the ground without uncomfortably stretching or stooping. If the coil is too far from your body it will be difficult to balance and maneuver while detecting. If the coil is too close to your body it may detect your digging tools or any other metal which you are carrying, causing confusing sounds.
Adjusting the Angle of the Coil
- Loosen the yoke nut and bolt that fastens the lower shaft to the coil. It should be loose enough to allow the coil to be moved for adjustment, but tight enough that the coil can hold its position.
- While holding the detector in the detecting position, lightly press the coil to the ground until it sits flat/parallel with the ground. The coil should remain parallel when lifted to the sweep height, approximately 25 mm (1-inch) above the ground.
- Tighten the yoke nut just enough to hold the coil in position.
Sweeping the Coil
EQUINOX Series detectors are motion detectors, meaning that the coil must be moving across the ground in order to detect a target. If the coil is held stationary over a target, it will not be detected. The side-to-side detecting motion is called 'sweeping' or 'swinging', and with practice will become a comfortable and fast way to cover ground. Sweeping the coil incorrectly can cause you to miss targets or can generate false signals. Though the coil assembly is rigid and durable, sudden jolts or bangs may cause random signals and inaccurate Target IDs, as well as excessive wear and tear. Careful sweeping will ensure the coil performs to an optimum level at all times.
Sweep Parallel to the Ground
You will obtain the best performance when the coil is swept close and parallel to the ground at all times. This will maximize detection depth and improve the response to small objects. Avoid excessive brushing of the coil on the ground.
Overlap Your Sweep
Practice sweeping the coil over the ground in a side-to-side motion while slowly walking forward at the end of each sweep. Slightly overlap the previous sweep to ensure full ground coverage. An average sweep speed is 2 to 3 seconds from right-to-left-to-right.
Targets
Metal objects are referred to as targets. Targets are comprised of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are those containing iron such as steel, nails, and some types of coins. Nonferrous metals are those which are not magnetic, such as gold, silver, copper, bronze, and aluminum. You may wish to find a range of both ferrous and non-ferrous targets.
Examples of Common Targets:
• Desired ferrous target – war artifact • Undesired ferrous target – iron nail • Desired non-ferrous target – gold coin • Undesired non-ferrous target – pull-tab
