New to this - thoughts about Ace 250

[40percentrobot]

Hello, all!


I am new to the forum (and to this hobby, really) and already I have learned a lot from your experiences. I just got an ACE 250 this past Saturday night, and I'd like to share my thoughts about the machine so far.


I read the manual and watched the DVD before I even turned the machine on. So far, so good. I went out into the backyard and started to claim my part of the Lost Fortune of Westworth Village, Texas. I got all sorts of very encouraging beeps and crazy readouts on the LCD panel. The machine had me convinced that I had not one, but several silver dollars around my yard, all of which were at least 8 inches underground. Needless to say, two blistered hands and half a dozen large, deep holes in my yard later, I was a very disappointed and frustrated fellow.


So I turned to the internet to find out what I was doing wrong. I found a few great resources, one of which is this very forum. I think the most important thing I learned was to turn the sensitivity way down. Maybe my dirt is weird, but the 250's factory sensitivity default seems to be way too high. Not 10 minutes after turning the sensitivity down, I found a Standing Liberty quarter in my front yard. It has a lot of pocket wear (so much you can't read the date) but it was just the thing to get me hooked.


Some other thoughts:



1) The Coin Depth indicator doesn't really seem to be worth much. Mine states that every target is at least 6 inches down when they are in fact 2-3 inches or less.

2) The "Pinpoint" feature took some getting used to. It seems that you have to push the button at just the right time to be able to find the "sweet spot." Has anyone else had this experience?

3) Signals must be consistent and repeatable in order to justify digging. Sometimes I'll get random beeps during a swing and I can't get a consistent read on where it occurred. I'll slow the coil down and retrace the area, but I can't find the signal again.

4) Speaking of slowing down, slower is better.

5) A brass probe is indispensible.

6) I should probably get with the program and order a coil cover soon. Also, I should go to the local surplus store and find a handy little bag to carry all my tools and junk in.




Can anyone offer any additional advice, or at least shoot holes in my half-baked theories?


Thanks,


Chris

[JCWhite]

Welcome to TQ. Those are some valuable insights you have gained in a short time. The 250 will do a great job but just like all the other detectors takes some time to learn. Would love to see a picture of that quarter. JC HH

[The TINMAN]

. Don't know about the ace 250 except alot of folks here use them and don't here anything but Positive things about them. I have played with alot of different detectors tho and like JC said, just kep practicing and learn what it's saying. It will all come together for ya. Nice find on the standing Liberty and Yes thats enought to hook ya.

Good Luck & HH.
The TINMAN

[pris]

Wow, outstanding find!!!! I also have an Ace250 and have had it since February. I would love to find a coin like that, but here in southern california, they're really hard to come by.

As far as the depth indicator, it relies on normal coin sizes to determine depth, so if something is larger, it may say it's closer to the coil. If it's smaller, it may say it's deeper. With coins, I have found it's relatively good at determining depth. If a coin is on its side, you may find that when you pinpoint it, you'll be off by a few inches. I usually will pinpoint, then turn at a 90 degree angle to my target and pinpoint again to make sure it doesn't move. (this is with the stock coil. the sniper coil is dead on)

You definitely need that coil cover to protect your coil from getting scratches. It's a cheap way to protect your investment.

Oh, and welcome to TQ!

[DirtDigger]

I own an Ace 250 and love it - although I haven't had many chances lately to get out and use it. I agree somewhat with the depth indicator - sometimes the items are a lot shallower than what what the machine is telling me. Other times it seems like it's right on. My only other advice would be to use a pinpointer (since I got mine, it makes things sooooo much easier) and to do a lot of field/air testing - swing different coins/metals across the coil and noting the different tones that the Ace emits. Good luck and happy hunting - with more and more practice, you'll soon be able to know exactly what the Ace is telling you. Shoot, you've already found an awesome find with it - imagine how many more of those you're sure to find!

[John's Detectors]

Hi Chris, yes the 250 is a hit and it is hard to beat the features per dollar price. Depth readouts are definitely not 100%. When pinpointing it is normal to have to move to one side or the other of the target before going into pinpoint mode. Swing low and slow staying parallel to the ground at all times. Don't UFO the coil. When you get a good signal learn to wiggle into it. Also even if you only get the doorbell on one swing analyze the target from all angles and see what the digital target indicator is telling you and try digging anyway, it may still be a good target. Ok Chris it is nice to meet you and God Bless.

John Tomlinson,CET P=VI
John's Detectors
Team Nuggetfinder
Blackwell,Tx.
Best Little Detector Shop in Texas!

[Zman]

First of all, Welcome to TQ!!!! Second, your already well on your way with this.That is an awesome find and right of the bat. It took me awhile to get my first silver. Congrats and hope to see many more posts from you. Good luck.

[EBCIII]

Welcome to the site, and congrats on a great find! It sounds like you are learning quick, keep it up, and good hunting, Beale.

[FinalLastDays]

Welcome to Treasure Quest, Chris. You definately have a great machine to start off with. I have an Ace250 as well and it has produced quite a number of great finds. My suggestion to you for learning how to pinpoint is to take some coins and put them on top of the ground where you are able to see them. Pass the coil over them and watch for the inner notch of your coil. When you press your Pinpoint button as you swing your coil, keep an eye on your coil and the position of the coin underneath - you will soon learn where the "sweet spot" is on your coil. I personally find the coin depth is close to accurate - however you must keep the coil as close to the ground and the coil must be over the target exactly in order for the depth indicator to be accurate. Sometimes you may have coins in the ground that are sideways and not in a flat position. This could cause signals as you swing your detector one direction and not in the other direction. As for a "finds" bag, I suggest buying a very inexpensive nail bag that you can find at hardware stores for under a buck. They usually have two pouches. I use one pouch for trash that I find and the other pouch for the finds that I am going to keep. I always keep extra pouches like these available if I have someone metal detecting with me. Good luck with your Ace250 - I am sure you are going to find some excellent "keepers" in the days to come!

[Buster]

Welcome to TQ. The ace is the detector alot of people use on this site. Weapon of chioce. I would get a coil cover to protect your coil. Maybe some gloves for the next outing. They help alot. Anyway, Happy hunting and if you have any questions there are alot of smart hunters on this site......Buster....