Once you have learnt how to use the Garrett Acer’s features and functions it is time to take it out and start hunting – but you may be wondering how you go about doing so effectively and where you should make your first attempts. Here is some Garrett Ace Metal Detector hunting advice.

Basic Technique

The first thing to consider is the positioning of the detector. In order for the searchcoil to detect objects correctly it needs be held at the correct height, between 1 and 2 inches above the ground, and remain parallel to the surface at all times. Once the detector is correctly positioned, you need to focus on your movements. Using this device isn’t is straightforward as simply walking up and down.

Cover the ground slowly and move the searchcoil in a straight line, sweeping it horizontally. Your speed should not exceed half a foot to a foot a second and when moving forward, do so by half the diameter of the searchcoil to ensure the best coverage.

Where To Start

Now you are ready to hunt, two great places to start are the beach and the back yard, especially for novices wanting to practice their skills. Sandy areas with loose surfaces are great places to try and detect objects using the pinpointing system. For this you need look no further than the local beach or a child’s sand-pit, beaches are ideal not just in surface for digging but the possible finds.

Lawns and back yards then provide the perfect place to begin work on tougher surfaces with more difficult detection, doing so in the perimeters of your own home means you are free to search and dig at will.

From then the possibilities are endless, with this hunting advice you have the basic knowledge and capabilities to use get going quickly. We urge you though to read up in more detail on search strategies in the manual and on the Garrett website.

For further information, take a look at two of our favorite detectors in the Garrett Ace range, the entry level Garrett Ace 150 and more advanced Garrett Ace 350.

The Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector is a great model for beginners and is also one of the most affordable metal detectors on the market. The controls are intuitive and easy to familiarize yourself with.

Here’s a step by step guide of how to utilize the main Garret Ace 150 controls:

Power Up

Press the power button once to turn it on with the same settings used previously, and hold the power button down continuously for up to 10 seconds in order to reset the detector to the original factory recommended settings.

Understanding The Display And Tones

Immediately you will notice across the top on the control unit is a scale that orders conductive metals in categories from left to right horizontally. At the far left is the iron category of metals, which is considered the lowest conductor, and to the far right is the silver category, the highest conductor. During scanning, the metal type of your target will light up in the corresponding category, to let you know what sort of metal you are most likely to find. The silver metals category, which includes coins, is always the easiest to search for and will give you the strongest signal sounds due to its highly conductive nature. Approximate coin depth will also be illuminated in the far right column on your display while searching.

Selecting The Mode

The mode column lists three possible options on the left-hand side of the screen, including “all-metal,” “jewelry,” and “coins.” Press the mode button at the bottom left to change to the mode you prefer. The “all metal” category is the most sensitive, and shouldn’t be used around areas with lots of other large metal objects and other possible sources of signal interference. The “jewelry” mode will search for precious metals while disregarding scrap metals. The “coins” mode will target specifically the metals commonly used in coins, (i.e. copper, nickel, silver, gold) while also disregarding metal trash like aluminum cans.

Adjust The Sensitivity

The large sensitivity button in the bottom center of the display has four levels. Each press of the button will select the next level of device sensitivity, which will be continuously lit up on your LCD screen. The highest level, to the far right, should only be used for seeking very small objects or more deeply buried precious metals.

For full details, and before using your detector, please refer to the owner’s manual. You can also click here to view our Garrett Ace 150 review and price information.

The features of the Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector are easy to use and understand, and they are meant to be – this is a great entry level detector that’s easy to use.

Graphic Target ID

It comes with Graphic Target ID technology which is exclusive to Garrett devices. This indicator is useful in locating items such as iron on the left side and coins on the right side of the screen.

Mode Selection

It offers a mode setting in which you can set what metals you are looking for. These modes are All-Metal, Jewelry and coins.

The target ID legend shows commonly found items such as iron, gold, silver, nickel, ptabs, rings and coins. This will tell you what type of target has been found.

x2 Scale Indicators

There are also two scale indicators. The upper scale has five levels of indication. This is where the target ID cursor is and where it will indicate the target. The lower scale, or Notch Discrimination Scale, will indicate whether the ace will be able to detect an audible signal.

Coin Depth Indicator

There is also a coin depth indicator on the right side. It has an indicator for 2 inches, 4 inches and 6 inches or more. Larger targets may be displayed closer than they are. To get the best possible reading, sweep the target area with your searchcoil 1 inch above the area.

Low Battery Indicator

The Low Battery indicator will appear in the middle of the screen above the sensitivity indicator when the battery signal becomes weak. For best results, use AA alkaline batteries. Typical battery life is 20-40 hours. Replacing the batteries are simple. Just slide the battery cover off of the Ace and replace the batteries.

Tone ID

The Garrett Ace 150 also comes with a tone ID that will emit different sounds for each type of conductivity found. High tones are used for US coins, medium tones are used for international coins and jewelry and low tones are used for iron and nails.

Headphone Compatability

The Ace also comes complete with a standard headphone jack that makes hearing the tones that much easier.

All of these features make the Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detecor a great choice for any metal detecting enthusiast. For more info, please see our full Garrett Ace 150 review here, which includes details of the best prices.

The X-TERRA 705 will emit many different sounds for it numerous purposes so recognition is vital for the optimal use of the detector. Starting with some of the basic noises that you shall hear, there are many different combinations and responses when using the control panel.

The short three note tune that can be heard on starting up the detector is also the type of noise that heralds the completion of a process such as calibration. If you input a command into the keys you will receive one of two responses, a short beep means a positive acknowledgement while a low dull beep shows that the attempt was invalid. Should you want to restore the factory settings, a six note tone will be played on completion.

When using the X-TERRA 705 in detection, you will first hear the low background buzz of the threshold. In coin and treasure mode, a positive target is indicated by a beep that raises in tone depending on the objects conductive level. In prospecting mode, targets are indicated by a change in pitch and volume of the the threshold tone. Should the detector go silent, a rejected target has been found, and if the sounds varies from the norm in ‘warbling’ or randomisation, then there could be false targets.

Another noises to look out for when using this model are the battery tones and negative responses. A low battery is indicated by a descending tone, once this gets longer shut-down is in operation. The negative noises to be aware of are the jittery sounds produced from external interference, the repeated buzzing of an overload to the coil from too strong a signal, and the six note detection error tune.

Once all of these sound have been understood you are well on your way to mastering the X-TERRA 705 and successful metal detection. For further details on this model, please check out our Minelab X-TERRA 705 review and price guide.

Basic Requirements

When taking care of your X-TERRA 705, one the most important requirements is keeping it clean and dry. Sand and grit can easily get into the shafts and fastenings so adequate preventative methods but be adhered to. Liquids, such as gasoline and petroleum-based forms, should be avoided at all costs, but water also proves problematic.

Control Box Protection

While the coil may be safe in depths up to 20 inches, the control box is not waterproof, it holds some weather resistance but on the whole protection is required. This can be obtained through the special cover that is available for the model, a cover that also has the added benefit of protecting the display window which is liable to being scratched.

Cleaning

Cleaning and maintaining your X-TERRA 705 is easy providing you follow these simple rules. Solvents are not to be used in the cleaning process, instead just use a mild soap detergent and a damp cloth.

Use The Right Coils

If dealing with the coils, it should first be noted that those from other models can not be used with the X-TERRA 705, it requires coils with V Flex compatibility. Always ensure that your coil is free from stress and in good condition and above all, be sure to turn off the detector before changing it.

Storage

Another tip with care of your X-TERRA 705 and maintenance is its appropriate temperatures. It can be stored at -4 to 149 degrees Fahrenheit and operated at 32 to 113.

Battery Care

The final area of consideration is the battery. It is advised that the batteries are removed if the detector will not be in use for over a week because of the risk of electrolyte leakage. Low batteries also run this risk so be sure to change them one the signal sounds. When replacing a battery, Lithium Ion Varieties are acceptable, however not if they are the rechargeable kind as they have too high a voltage.

Further Information

Please check with your manual and Minelab if you’re in any doubt and before using and maintaining your detector. You may also want to check out our Minelab X-TERRA 705 review here, which includes the best deals as well.

Happy hunting…

The Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II is a powerful metal detector that is highly sensitive and can quickly help you find precious metals with ease. There are some core techniques that you need to know when using this fine instrument in the field, and later with some more practice and experience you can further refine and develop these techniques even more to best suit your own needs in your particular searching environments.

Basic Searching Technique

Most importantly, the coil of your Bounty Hunter needs to always be kept in a perfectly horizontal position, parallel to the ground and surfaces you are scanning. While scanning, do not tilt the edges of the coil slightly upwards like a pendulum, for that motion will give you inaccurate readings. Walk slowly, moving the coil in an arc shaped pattern until you find some strong signals.

When you find clear, repeatable signals over an area, you will know you are locating a good target. Signals that have erratic patterns and do not produce stable sounds when you sweep the specific area a few times are usually scrap metal like pull-tabs from soda cans, and generally aren’t worth digging up.

Pinpointing

Once you have targeted a specific area that responds with a clear, repeatable signal, move a little slower to start pinpointing exactly where you should dig. Make side to side movements over the spot that gradually become more and more narrow, making a visual note where exactly on the ground the signal is produced. When you have pinpointed a small area, confirm it further by making vertical sweeps towards and away from you over this same area to see if you still get clear signal responses in the same place.

If there are some confusing signals, you can also try sweeping in an “x” shaped pattern to further pinpoint the exact target for digging. Sometimes if you are searching in a highly trashy area with a lot of metal debris, it helps to use different coils that can scan metals more selectively, like the Bounty Hunter 4 inch gold nugget coil system.

The four main categories you can target in your Bounty Hunter settings include:

• Coins (select “all metal” and turn knob to the 3 o’clock position)
• Relics and cache boxes (select “all metal” turn knob 100% counterclockwise)
• Jewelry (select “auto-notch” and turn knob to the 2 o’clock position)
• Gold, lost keys, etc. (select “all metal” mode)

For more information and the best deals, please click here for our Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II review.

There are four main Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II Applications. These applications make metal detecting not only fun but easy too.

Coinshooting

The coinshooting application is the most popular one. Make sure that when you are in coinshooting mode that you discriminate items such as iron objects, pull tabs and screw tops. Highly oxidized steel may also be detected when using this mode. To enter this mode press the disc/all metal touchpad then turn the notch knob to a position of 3:00.

Relic Hunting

Relic hunting is the next application. Relics are old items that can potentially be very expensive. They can be found almost anywhere. It is best to check the library for areas of historical events then target your search to that area. To enter this mode press the disc/all metal touchpad then turn the notch knob to 100% counterclockwise position.

Cache Mode

Cache mode is an interesting mode. It is for items that are hidden inside a suitcase, strong box, or some type of bag. They are often hidden inside a house in the floor or walls or even buried in the ground. You should use All Metal mode. To enter this mode press the disc/all metal touchpad then turn the notch knob to 100% counterclockwise position.

Jewelry Hunting

Jewelry Hunting is the last application. Jewelry can be located almost anywhere people go. The best places are beaches, fairgrounds and parks. There may be conflicting tones from pull tabs and cans so it is best to use Auto Notch mode. To enter this mode press the Auto Notch touchpad then turn the notch knob to the 2:00 position. Dig only when the low and high tones are repeated.

There are also some other applications that you can use. Such as finding machine parts, keys and property markers. Gold prospecting is another application to find gold objects. Both of these applications should be done in All Metal Mode.

Finding items using applications can be fun and it also takes some of the guesswork out of searching for a good dig. For more information, please see our full Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II review.

Tesoro Silver uMax Operating Techniques are pretty simple for handling and using your detector, but please do check your manual before starting, or contact Tesoro if in any doubt.

Adjusting For Comfort And Detecting Technique

The Tesoro Silver uMax should be held in a comfortable position for you after you have adjusted the pole and searchcoil to your liking. It works best when you swing the detector in an arc of three feet overlapping each other. Swing at a comfortable pace and do not swing too fast as it may pick up mineralizations in the soil. It is recommended that you keep the searchcoil height the same no matter what mode you are operating in. Try to get the coil as close to the ground as you can without touching it or changing the depth at the end of your swing.

Setting Up A Test

Planting a test garden of objects such as coins and jewelry is a great way to get to know exactly how to detect items the best. Make sure it is clear of any other metal objects then place items one foot from each other. You want to bury them at 2 inches to 4 inches in the ground. Practice over these targets to learn the best sweeping method to use.

Determining A Viable Target

Occassionally you may receive false signals from trash metal items or electrical interference when you are operating in Discrimination Mode. When these targets are found they emit a short, choppy sound. To determine if this is a real target, listen carefully. These are most commonly heard when reversing the sweep arc. They also do not repeat themselves like an actual target does. You can also bypass these trash alerts by using All-Metal mode. If the response is weak it is most likely a good target and if the response is strong it is most likely a trash metal.

It is recommended that you use a high disc level setting in Discrimination Mode as this will detect nickel and small rings. If you feel the target is good, it is best to dig it out.

With some targets you are able to probe the soft soil and find the object, however, you may have to dig a small hole. Check with the detector after you dig a bit and make sure the signal is there. Remember to cover all holes or probes you have done.

For additional information on this detector, please check out our Tesoro Silver uMax review here.

To maintain optimum performance of theTesoro Silver uMax, you should ensure it is operated in the prescribed manner as per the Instruction Manual. It’s always a good idea to remember that this is a sensitive piece of electronic equipment and it needs to be handled carefully and in conjunction with the following guidelines:

Batteries

Remove prior to storing as well as after each use and always use batteries which are alkaline (high quality) with the correct voltage. If you want to use a Ni-Cad battery, it is always best to use a separate convertible pack. Again, the correct voltage output is essential.

Searchcoil

The searchcoil will need to be checked frequently for strain relief to ensure it is always intact and attached firmly. The cables will need to be protected during use by winding them around the pole stems Sweep carefully and avoid collisions with rocks for optimal performance, the searchcoil should be held just above the ground when sweeping If the searchcoil is comes into contact with salt water, it should be rinsed in freshwater.

Lower Stem Assembly

Ditto for the lower stem assembly. This will help to avoid corrosion.

Control Housing

The control housing will need to be covered with either a plastic bag or water resistant cover in the event of rain or if you are working near water. You will need to be on the alert for condensation build up as well and avoid it at all times. Ditto for the cable connectors.

Protective Scuff Cover

This should be fitted over the searchcoil and occasionally cleaned to remove dirt particles.

Things To Avoid

• Repairing the electronics yourself; this will void your warranty.
• Spray electronics, controls and switches with lubricants, cleaners, sealants, solvents etc. Instead, after each use, clean the detector with a soft cloth to remove dust, moisture, or other contaminants.
• Leaving the detector open to the elements at night because dew could form on it.
• Dropping it in water.
• Using it in an unprotected state while it is raining.
• Leaving the detector in areas where heat build up occurs, such as in the trunk of a car.
• Snagged cables Leaving the detector to roll around in the back of a pickup.

Handy Hints

• Dirt build-up in the scuff cover will limit performance over time.
• Use a soft cloth to clean parts.
• Don’t throw away the factory packaging because if you need to ship the detector back to the manufacturer, you will need it.

Always check your manual before carrying out any maintenance of your detector and contact Tesoro if in doubt. You can read a full review of the Tesoro Silver uMax here which includes the best price too.

Sometimes Bounty Hunter Discover 3300 troubleshooting advice is required. There are a few basic issues to look out for – this guide will show you their causes and solutions.

No Power Or Sound

Firstly, if no power or sound appears, check the batteries and connections, as connections may not be secure and batteries may be dead. If necessary, replace the batteries.

Continuous Tone

The majority of problems revolve around sounds. A continuous tone when the coil is over the ground means the detector requires re-tuning so simply re-ground the balance and activate Pinpoint. Should this still occur while in Pinpoint mode and the coil is off the ground, move the Ground Balance knob counter-clockwise because it is over-adjusted.

Continuous Low Tone/Continuous Repetition

A constant low tone and continuous repetition could mean the batteries are discharged or incorrect. Make sure to replace them using only 9V alkaline varieties.

Erratic Beeping

One of the biggest problems, with many causes and solutions, is a detector experiencing erratic beeping and chattering. This is usually due to interference from another electromagnetic source. Environmental, external influences could be a factor, if so the sensitivity can be manually decreased until the right level is reached.

If it is a man-made source, such as power lines or household objects just move away from it. The detector should never be used indoors. Another cause could be another detector in the area so be sure to maintain the required distance of at least 20′ from others. Failing all this it could be the result of a highly oxidised, buried object.

LCD Not Locking

The final issue is when the LCD does not lock on to its target ID. This is usually due to multiple targets or one highly oxidised target and can easily be aided by changing the angle of the coil and the speed of movement. If it is instead due to too high a sensitivity, turn it down.

Check your manual for full details or contact Bounty Hunter if required. You may also like to view our Bounty Hunter Discover 3300 review and info on the best prices.