One more from Oregon

[Jack D]

Last night I purchased our first metal detector. I've been wanting one for so many years I lost count. A couple of weeks ago while camping with our son and family, our grandson was using a toy MD and showing us his "treasures".....rusty nails, bottle caps, etc. A few days later, my wife of 44 years was watching a Whites ad on TV and remarked that "it would be nice to have one of those, but I suppose they cost too much", or words to that effect. Well not one to pass an opportunity like that, I started researching the possibilities. Since Whites is about 50 miles from us and well known around here, I started there......Yep! Too expensive. Being retired and on a more or less, fixed income, our budget is limited. Good used was also more than I wanted to pay.

Reading posts on this forum, I learned what was considered the bare minimum in MD's and found one on Craigslist a few miles from us. It is, I believe, one or two steps above a toy and hopefully, a fair starter. It is in "near new" condition and the price was in my range. $75.00....Controls are Mode (off, VLF, TR1, TR2), Ground, Discrimation, Sensitivity & Volume control. Also has jack for earphones. It is an "off" brand that most on this board don't seem to recognize.....Famous Trails. However one post says a similar model from this maker is a low end entry level detector. The model I purchased is probably a CM572 although it is unmarked. Famous Trails Metal Detector, Nice & Mint! I won't be able to pick it up until after 3:00 PM today. I'm leary of "no name" brands and just hope this purchase is worth $75.00. I did find this site that sold it for $260 at one time. CM572 Discriminator Metal Detector from Famous Trails I can't find any specifications or manual for this model.

I'll be looking for tips on how to use it on this forum and learning by searching our property 1.75 acres this weekend and probably long after (I doubt I can cover it well in two days).

[COMMANDR]

Welcome to TQ Jack D Lots of good people here, all willing to share what they know. Happy Hunting

Gary

[MinelabMan]

Sorry Jack, I really don't know anything about that brand but I'm sure others will chime in.

I just wanted to welcome you to TQ and the world of Metal Detecting, where you never know what you'll be digging next

I hope the detector works out for you and look forward to seeing your posts!

[pris]

I want to welcome you to TQ, first of all! Second of all, and I don't want to sound too harsh, but I don't think I would go with this detector. I haven't heard of it, and it looks a bit old, not that either of those are a bad thing on their own, but together and the fact that there's no instruction manual... I would think you'd be way better off with something else. What exactly are you willing to spend? I think the Ace150 goes for a pretty good price (around $150 brand new). You could also speak with one of our sponsors here. They may have some used machines that they're able to back up. At least you would know that you're buying something that works. This seller also only wants cash? Hmm. I sure would hate to see you throw away that much $ on something that's not that good. That's a bunch of money. I bet it's heavy, too...

I sure hope this helps. Please understand that I really just want to help you out.

[KellycoChick]

Hey Jack D,

I just read what Pris has to say, and I second her. The "no manual" thing is what really bothers me, because I'm new to this and I don't know where I would be without a visual reference at my side to start, not to mention I love to read.

Kellyco has a Pre-owned section, and the good thing about getting a used one from a TQ sponser is that you get to hold us accountable for it later!

Having said that, click around our pre-owned section, and give us a call. I'm sure our sales people will work with your budget, and chances are you'll get all kinds of pouches and trowels to get you started thrown in too.

But whatever you decide, welcome to TQ. Everyone around here is awesome, and will help you out however possible!!!

Preowned and Demo Metal detectors - Kellyco Metal Detectors
Or call toll free and talk to a sales person - it can't hurt.
1.800.898.6673 or 1.800.327.9697

[Jack D]

Originally Posted by KellycoChick

Hey Jack D,

I just read what Pris has to say, and I second her. The "no manual" thing is what really bothers me, because I'm new to this and I don't know where I would be without a visual reference at my side to start, not to mention I love to read.

Kellyco has a Pre-owned section, and the good thing about getting a used one from a TQ sponser is that you get to hold us accountable for it later!

Having said that, click around our pre-owned section, and give us a call. I'm sure our sales people will work with your budget, and chances are you'll get all kinds of pouches and trowels to get you started thrown in too.

But whatever you decide, welcome to TQ. Everyone around here is awesome, and will help you out however possible!!!

Preowned and Demo Metal detectors - Kellyco Metal Detectors
Or call toll free and talk to a sales person - it can't hurt.
1.800.898.6673 or 1.800.327.9697

Too late! I've already made my purchase. The "no manual" thing doesn't bother me.....You can usually download manuals on the Internet. I haven't found one for this model, but did find one for a newer similar model from the same manufacturer that has the exact same controls (Browse the product manual [Download: PDF, 1.19MB]). I'm willing to bet the operation will be identical as far as adjustments and tuning are concerned, since the controls are identical.

At any rate, I'm of the opinion that you should take at least one risk every day....this is my risk for yesterday. I doubt that it is a big risk, as I can always resell it and probably get all my money back. If I'm a sucker, there's probably another one out there, somewhere.

I do appreciate the feedback, however, so keep it coming. And thanks, everyone, for the warm welcomes.

[gordiesgirl]

Just want to give you a big warm welcome to TQ. Happy hunting

[pris]

Originally Posted by Jack D

Too late! I've already made my purchase. The "no manual" thing doesn't bother me.....You can usually download manuals on the Internet. I haven't found one for this model, but did find one for a newer similar model from the same manufacturer that has the exact same controls (Browse the product manual [Download: PDF, 1.19MB]). I'm willing to bet the operation will be identical as far as adjustments and tuning are concerned, since the controls are identical.

At any rate, I'm of the opinion that you should take at least one risk every day....this is my risk for yesterday. I doubt that it is a big risk, as I can always resell it and probably get all my money back. If I'm a sucker, there's probably another one out there, somewhere.

I do appreciate the feedback, however, so keep it coming. And thanks, everyone, for the warm welcomes.

In that case, WELL DONE!! I am sure you're really going to love getting out there and huntin'. It's a great hobby, for sure! Please make sure to keep us updated on your finds. You never know, maybe it will outshine us all. I would say, study that manual that you found and any questions, let us know. If it finds metal, it's a keeper!

[KellycoChick]

Aww that's okay Jack D!! You'll still enjoy what you're doing! And trust me - this is one addictive hobby... I doubt this will be your last machine!! But again, welcome!!! And let us know if you need any help!!

[Dugday]

Hello and welcome, Good luck with your new purchase. hope it works well for you. Post again when you make your first find........... Dug