Accuracy of depth

[majakldragon]

Today while hunting in the yard I got a solid signal that said 6". Since its my yard and not a park I dug it. The target was only about 3" down and there was nothing else to be found in or around the hole. The ground was slightly wet clay. Does the wet ground register deeper than it actually is or is the depth thingy usually off by several inches. The target was a can that had been smashed flat and I am hunting with an Ace250. Sorry for all the lame questions but I am still learning this machine.
Andi

[prizm-pal]

Andi... I am learning too... and don't pay too much attention to depth reading... more on sounds... those flat cans can make you go deep though I am still digging most everything...I am sure others will be better help... just gotta listen to what machine is telling you..latter bud! Chick!

[majakldragon]

Thanks Chick,
I don't usually dig the really deep signals but since it was my yard I did. When I pinpointed it didn't seem to be as big as it was. It didn't even register on one end so I was suprised it was a can that was 6" long.
Andi

[ERnurse]

Large objects that cunduct; for what ever reason; like a coin, cause more heartache and more digging than the law should allow. I know you said it didn't sound big like a can when you pinpointed. That's good, your learning you machine. But sometimes your machine is going to be fooled. A smashed can can have sharp points sticking out the side. Sharp pointed objects, like ends of nails, give detectors fits. But keep working and learning your machine. You will help your machine find the good stuff as much as it helps you. Why did it register at 6 inches vs 3 inches found. Size of the object, coil height, soil, who knows. Alot of good stuff is deeper, so.... If you get a good tone at six inches, DIG IT!!!!

[EBCIII]

Oh yea dug my share of cans! I have found that the depth meter can be fooled somewhat. Mine shows deeper than the finds tend to be more often than not.

Good job on digging that can. Learning your machine is very important, Beale.

[Buster]

Yes I dug a can at the beach a few weeks back..Thing must have been down 10 inches...It just sounded so go..Fooled me good...Will still get fooled again on the next one too..Buster...

[MinelabMan]

Alot of times larger objects will read deeper than they are, and I read that most detectors id meters are set to be most accurate on a coin size target. I don't think it was the clay or the wetness in this case. Usually pinpointing will give you an indication of the size as will the sounds. I think it's important to only consider your id and depth readouts as a guide and rely more on the sounds. That being said, I'll still be digging cans