The XP Deus metal detector stands out for its advanced customization options that go far beyond simple factory presets. While many detectorists stick to the basic programs, exploring the Deus's flexibility can unlock significantly better performance in challenging conditions.
The Deus interface remains intuitive even with its professional-grade adjustability. You don't need programming experience to tap into settings that can transform tough hunting days into successful ones.
Why the Pitch Program Works for Deep Targets
Program #4 (Pitch) gets overlooked by many hunters who gravitate toward HOT or ULTIMATE modes. But Pitch mode excels in mineralized soil where multi-tone programs struggle with chatter and false signals.
The single-tone approach eliminates tone confusion while still providing target information through audio intensity and smoothness. Deep coins that barely register in other modes often produce clear, repeatable signals in Pitch.
Custom "Pitch 101" Configuration
Start with factory Program #6 (Deep) as your base. This foundation uses more aggressive ground filtering that prioritizes depth over iron rejection. Here's the complete setup:
- Discrimination: 5.5
- Tones: Switch to Pitch under Expert menu
- Pitch Range: Leave at default setting
- Sensitivity: Start at 90 (reduce if ground noise appears)
- Frequency: 28 kHz with HF-compatible coil
- Iron Volume: 3
- Reactivity: 2-3 (use 2 in clean ground, 3 in trashy areas)
- Silencer: -1
- Audio Response: 4
Save this configuration to an open memory slot. The 28 kHz frequency works particularly well with smaller HF coils for enhanced sensitivity on deep coins and jewelry.
Ground Balance Considerations
In highly mineralized soil, consider switching to manual ground balance. Auto GB can be overly aggressive and mask deep targets. Pump the coil over clean ground and fine-tune until you hear minimal ground response.
Reading the XY Target Screen
The XY screen becomes crucial in Pitch mode since you're not relying on tone ID. Good targets typically show stable, consistent lines, while trash produces erratic patterns.
Coke, charcoal, and similar nuisance targets create perfectly vertical lines on the XY screen. Large iron pieces disrupt the line with chaotic movement. Clean, repeatable XY patterns combined with smooth audio usually indicate worthwhile targets.
Optimizing XY Zoom Settings
Reduce the Zoom setting from factory level 6 down to 3. This prevents faint signals from creating oversized visual responses that can be misleading. Hold the pinpoint button, adjust Zoom to 3, then wait five seconds for the menu to close automatically.
Understanding Pitch Audio Behavior
Pitch mode communicates target information through audio intensity and quality rather than tone variation. Strong, smooth responses typically indicate larger or shallow objects, while soft, drawn-out tones suggest small or deep targets.
Iron produces distinctive crackling or stuttering audio that's easy to recognize once you've heard it. You're listening for clean, unbroken signals that repeat consistently from multiple swing angles.
Focusing on Deep Targets
If shallow targets are masking deeper finds, reduce Audio Response to 3. This setting suppresses loud surface targets while maintaining sensitivity to faint deep signals. It's particularly effective in areas with heavy surface trash.
When to Use Pitch Mode
Pitch mode requires a short learning curve, and the 5.5 discrimination setting means you'll occasionally dig interesting iron pieces. However, once you understand the audio characteristics, it becomes powerful for specific conditions:
- Dry, mineralized soil where other modes chatter
- Deep coin hunting in old homestead sites
- Areas with heavy iron contamination
- When paired with high-frequency coils like the X35 series
Advanced Techniques
Goldfield Program Alternative
Once you're comfortable with basic Pitch mode, experiment with the Goldfield program. It uses similar tonal principles but includes enhanced ground handling for extremely mineralized conditions. This makes it valuable for relic hunting and gold prospecting.
Coil Selection for Pitch Mode
The 9.5" x 5.5" elliptical HF coil works exceptionally well with this Pitch setup. Its smaller size provides better target separation while maintaining good depth in the 28 kHz frequency range.
For maximum depth in open areas, the X35 13" x 11" round coil offers impressive coverage while still providing the sensitivity benefits of higher frequency operation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Excessive Ground Noise
If the detector chatters constantly, reduce Sensitivity in increments of 5 until stable. In severe cases, switch to manual ground balance and fine-tune more precisely than auto GB allows.
Missing Deep Targets
Increase Silencer to 0 or +1 if you suspect you're missing faint signals. The -1 setting prioritizes stability but might suppress some borderline targets in quiet conditions.
Comparing Pitch to Other XP Modes
Unlike the popular ULTIMATE program, Pitch mode doesn't attempt complex tone mapping. This simplicity becomes an advantage in challenging ground where multi-tone programs struggle to provide consistent target information.
The HOT program offers more aggressive settings but can become unstable in mineralized soil. Pitch mode maintains stability while still providing excellent depth performance.
Test this Pitch configuration in your typical hunting areas. Many detectorists find it reveals targets that other programs miss, especially in the 8-12 inch depth range where signals become subtle and traditional tone ID becomes unreliable.
