GPX4000 - Sensitive Smooth Timings

Hi All,
I have this question that I hope some of you may help me with. I live in the Dunolly area so my detecting ground is highly mineralised and noisy. I try to keep a stable threashold.

I use a GPX4K with a N/F 16inch mono. I also use a small 10X5 mono and sometimes a 25inch N/F mono. I primarily use the sensitive smooth timings to maintain the stable threshold. Tracking fixed. Deep audio mode and slow/very slow swing speed speed. Gain on about 9 -13 depending on the day.

Of late I have felt that either someone with a 4500 has been just in front of me or I may be missing targets. I changed to a DD coil to quieten things down and went to normal timings and have commenced to pick up more targets normally down to about .5 - .75 of a metre. I also dig any disturbance of the threshold at all.

My question is that when using sensitive smooth timings am I missing targets as I seem to go for ages without getting a hit.... when I flick to normal timings I seem to pick up alot more targets... and ground noises for that matter. Is there that much of a sacrifice to maintain a stable threshold by running in smooth timings.

My second part of the question is what is wrong with running in the tracking mode when in sensitive smooth timings?

I have asked this question before but it seems that the sacrifice for a quiet machine may not be worth the targets missed and it may be better to stick to the normal timings with a DD coil using a mono when conditions permit.

Thanks in advance.

Ray

Hi Ray

The only real way to know for sure if you are missing targets in smooth is to mark out an area and detect it, marking any targets with something like a builders set out spray paint. Then change to normal timings with a DD coil and go over the exact same area and mark out targets with a different colour spray paint, then you can really tell wether or not there is a difference.

Then lastly dig all marked targets, and record wether or not normal timing targets with a DD coil were just mainly ground noise or were in fact real targets, and if targets in smooth mode were real targets.

If you are prepared to do this then you will know for sure, and will never be left wondering about the two different timings.

cheers dave

Thanx Dave,
Of course... something so simple yet effective...will go out this afternoon and it it a go....

Thanks

Ray

Hi all,
Just out of interest I followed Dave's advice and went down the back with my GPX4000. My property borders onto an old timers gully that was worked extensively in years gone past and more extensively of late (by me). There is alot of rubbish as its on private property and has not been thrashed (yet). I marked an area out about 100 m x 100m and to keep it short I went over that area in sensitive smooth and then normal timings with a 16inch N/F Mono coil.

In normal timings I located an old fired cap from a muzzle loader down about 6 inches that I did not pick up while in smooth timings. I then went over the area with the standard 11inch DD coil and picked nothing further up. In both modes I picked up some hand made nails, three .22 projectiles and small pieces of rusted metal.

Seems that there may be something to think about after all. I intend to repeat this in the next day or so.

Ray