new ace250 user questions

[nudigger]

Hello,
I am fairly new to metal detecting. I have been at it for about 1 month now. I am using an ace250 and I have a few questions about this particular unit.
1. I understand the ace 250 is an auto ground balance unit. My question is, is it just turn on the unit and go, or is there anything that needs to be done as far as the ground balance?
2. What is the proper way to get the sensitivity set right for an area when using the ace 250?
3. I have been using this unit in the all metal mode with descrimination set to ignore everything below a nickle. Is there a prefered setting for this unit amoungst other ace250 users? I am mainly interested in finding coins, both newer and older, but I do not want to overlook jewerly types of stuff either.
I ask these questions because I can not help but feel like I am missing a lot of finds. I have watched the DVD that came with the ace several times and also have read the owners manual several times and neither has answered these questions. I have found a large amount of trash of all different types, but I have also found about 30 coins. Mostly pennies. I just can not shake the feeling that I am doing something wrong though. I dig all the signals that I get. I use the headphones. I do my research as best that I can for an area that I may hunt. Granted my research may not be as intense as some others. I at least try to date the areas that I choose to hunt in. So far I have hunted in two different tot lots, an old park, and two old baseball feilds, but so far the trash to coin ratio is way in favor of the trash.
I am pretty sure that these areas are not hunted out. I have asked several people if they have ever seen anyone else using a metal detector in these areas and always the answer is no, that I am the first one that anyone has seen in our town or the surrounding area that has been seen using a metal detector.
I guess what I am saying is that I really have no idea what in the world I am doing or ho to do it and I need some help to get better at using this ace250.
Thanks for any ideas, suggestions or help that antone may feel like sharing with me.
Nudigger

1. I understand the ace 250 is an auto ground balance unit. My question is, is it just turn on the unit and go, or is there anything that needs to be done as far as the ground balance?
Just turn it on and go.

2. What is the proper way to get the sensitivity set right for an area when using the ace 250?
Turn it up high, if it becomes unstable then just turn it back until it smooths out.

3. I have been using this unit in the all metal mode with descrimination set to ignore everything below a nickle. Is there a prefered setting for this unit amoungst other ace250 users?
I believe that most people have their own preferences, but so will you after you use it a few times. It all depends on the soil and what you get comfortable with.

I am mainly interested in finding coins, both newer and older, but I do not want to overlook jewerly types of stuff either.
I ask these questions because I can not help but feel like I am missing a lot of finds.
Most likely you just haven't passed over jewelry yet. The 250 is a super machine and it will take getting used to before you become one with your machine

[cntrydncr1]

I can't add much to what Booby had to say. I usually use jewelry mode myself as I don't want to be digging iron.

[julieburger]

Hi and welcome. What Boobie said.

[JCWhite]

Welcome to TQ. You got questions, we got answers. Keep em coming and there is usually someone here to help.

I agree with Boobie too. Here are a couple things I do with my 250. I usually hunt parks/playgrounds in the jewelery mode. If I am at an old homestead I will put it in all metal mode and dig everything. Sometimes when I get a iffy signal I will pass over it in several different modes to try to get a better idea of what the machine is trying to tell me. As for sensitivity, I run it all the way up unless I start getting false signals, but usually the machine is stable even at the highest sensitivity setting. Hope this helps and good luck.

[nudigger]

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. I am going to try running in the jewelery mode with the sensitivity turned all the way up. If the machine starts acting erratic then I will turn the sensitivity down until it calms down. I will post the results as soon as I can get back out there. My son is recovering from major back surgery, so that is where most of my time is being spent right now. Maybe I will go out into my own yard and hunt a little bit. That way if he needs me I will still be in close proximity to him.
Nudigger

[Joe PA]

Hi nudigger, welcome aboard. Boobie's advice, as usual is right on. As for my 2 cents, I have had the best success using jewelry mode, as it discriminates iron, but keeps pulltabs. Sensitivity usually set in the middle range, 4 maybe 5, as in my area going higher usually induces a lot of false signals. I have successfully gone up higher, but it was in Ny, not PA. Ground conditions will dictate this. My trash/goodie ratio is high too, but you have to expect this - as everyone knows you have to dig the junk to get to the good stuff.

Good luck

[FinalLastDays]

I personally hunt in Coin mode with the Ace250. I normally metal detect parks, maybe I should be detecting in Jewelry mode. You will always find lots of trash. But do not let that get you down. The other coins are out there. Nickels have a lower tone on the Ace250 - much like a pulltab. Keep swinging your coil, you will find more.

[prison police]

Hello nudigger, and welcme to TreasureQuest. I too have a 250 and found that I have better luck with my sensitivity showing 4 bars.I use coin mode and sometimes jewelry mode.After dropping down to 4 bars I found more things worth finding.BUT I also have the sniper coil. If you do not have one,get one if you can.I highly recommed it.I also have the sunray yf-1 probe and it too makes life easier. My recovery time is faster. Like you,I too am a newbie at this fun hobby and have about 40 hours under my belt.Just keep swinging away. Best of luck to you, PP