Xterra 305

Hi all. Due to the recent floods in south east Queensland and lack of work because of it the wife and i could only afford an X terra 305 as our first ever detector. And to top it all off, the bloke who owns the shop in Gympie wasnt even there to give us a demo or some pointers on how to run the machine properly. The manual was pretty vague and i get the impression that we will have to learn to use it pretty well to have a decent chance of finding anything. My partner is interested in coin detecting while i want to one day find nuggets. The fella at the shop told us it would do both. We are both newbies to the game and would love some feedback on how to make the most of our current situation. Thanx heaps guys

No-one should laugh mate, the 305 is a very good coin and relic detector. Its a bit disapointing that you could not be given a run down by the dealer but they are not hard to work out, take a bit of time and test the responses on a few different targets and the numerical values and you will soon find enough to trade up. Happy hunting, mallee00 and the mutt

Thanx very much Mallee00. I love the positivity. Will do. All the best

yes mate, I agree with the other post, you have to start somewhere and most times for complete new chums it is better to use a simple machine and learn it well instead of the top of the range detector and zoom all over the place not even knowing how to use it. Many of us have started on the bottom and updated to a better machine once we were more experienced...it is a tough ask to be handed a 5000 and go out and find stuff, I think it is easier to use a simpler machine and find stuff...that will keep the spirit alive and make this hobby a rewarding past time...good luck with all your outings and may your pockets be full of goodies ..
cheers SS

hopefully someone in the forum here will be able to give you some easy to understand start up settings and you will soon be on your way..

aido, The 305 will find you plenty of coins & rings. Read the manual & test it on known targets as pre. stated. Then go to a well used playground with wood chips or sand under the swings & other play items.You will need a garden trowle or screw driver to dig for coins don't use a pick or shovel they are not needed . I wish you both well with the new hobby.
"TWO BOB"

aido,
Work the parks there is less children & PLEASE back fill holes the coins will not be deep. Hope you get a pocket full of coins. "TWO BOB"

Hi aido here is a link to a coin hunting forum http://www.findmall.com/ it has links to all coin machine makers i have a garrett ace 250 when im not looking for gold i go to the beach and parks i also had the minelab quattro it was a great machine with the numbered display it makes it eaiser to see what the machine has detectored so good luck and keep us posted with your finds PS hope the link helps

TWO BOB wrote:aido,
Work the parks there is less children & PLEASE back fill holes the coins will not be deep. Hope you get a pocket full of coins. "TWO BOB"

and when you cut a plug please dont cut all round the hole --say you cut a square hole well cut 3 sides and fold the plug of grass and dirt out /extract the coin or ring/ and pop the plug back into the hole --that way you still have grass that will grow and wont die and leave a tell tale mark to show where you have been. As others have said use this machine as much as possible in fact when the machine feels like it is an extension of your arm then you know that you have arrived.

thanks again all for the very handy hints. this forum is a very friendly place indeed

hi aido
my xt30 paid for itself very quickly. If you have beaches then you will be laughing. Just remember the standard coil isnt waterproof. I know the 30 and the 305 had some changes such as ground balance, so if the 305 has a tracking setting then going wet to dry sand shouldnt be a problem. But if not, try doing the dry sand first and then the wet. Hey, it might not be nugget shaped but you will find your gold

Good afternoon all,
If one were to get a large plastic bag (Making sure that it did not leak.) and covered the coil could you not detect in shallow water? Maybe there is a good product opportunity for someone to make a purpose built waterproof cover. I imagine the machines would detect okay through thin plastic.
Yours tropically, Harry

Do not laugh my first detector was a piece of stick about 4 foot long and had 6 feet of fishing line attached to a big red U magnet. ( did not find any gold but found heaps of metal beer cans in the olden days) Was about 8 old at the time.