Metal detecting can be a fun and exciting hobby, but it's important to use the right settings and techniques to avoid common mistakes, especially when it comes to discrimination. Discrimination is the ability of a metal detector to differentiate between different types of metals, and it's a crucial feature for any serious detectorist. However, many beginners make mistakes when using discrimination, which can lead to missed targets and frustration. In this post, we'll explore some of the most common mistakes that detectorists make when using discrimination and how to avoid them.
One of the most common mistakes that detectorists make is not understanding the discrimination settings on their metal detector. Discrimination settings allow you to discriminate against certain metals, such as iron or aluminum, while still detecting other metals, such as gold or silver. However, if you don't understand how your discrimination settings work, you may inadvertently discriminate against valuable targets. For example, if you set your discrimination too high, you may miss a gold ring that's surrounded by iron trash.
To avoid this mistake, take the time to read your metal detector's manual and understand how the discrimination settings work. Experiment with different settings in different locations to see how they affect your ability to find targets. Remember that discrimination settings can vary depending on the type of metal you're searching for and the soil conditions in your area.
Another common mistake that detectorists make is not ground balancing their metal detector. Ground balancing is the process of adjusting your detector to the soil conditions in your area to eliminate false signals. When your detector is not ground balanced, you may get false signals that can be confusing and frustrating.
To avoid this mistake, always ground balance your detector before you start detecting. Most metal detectors have an automatic ground balance feature that makes this process easy. If your detector doesn't have an automatic ground balance feature, you'll need to do it manually. Follow the instructions in your manual to learn how to ground balance your detector.
The sensitivity setting on your metal detector determines how deep you can detect targets. Many beginners make the mistake of setting their sensitivity too high, which can cause false signals and make it harder to discriminate between different types of metals.
To avoid this mistake, start with a low sensitivity setting and gradually increase it as you get more comfortable with your detector. Experiment with different sensitivity settings in different locations to see how they affect your ability to find targets. Remember that sensitivity settings can vary depending on the type of metal you're searching for and the soil conditions in your area.
Discrimination is a crucial feature of any metal detector, but it's important to use it correctly to avoid common mistakes. By understanding your discrimination settings, ground balancing your detector, and adjusting sensitivity, you can improve your chances of finding valuable targets and avoid frustration. Happy hunting!
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