Sovereign GT---Gold Detector?

[John's Detectors]

Hi everyone, John here from John's Detectors. I have been hearing about the Aussie nugget hunters using the Minelab Sovereign GT for this purpose. In fact the GT stands for Gold & Treasure from what I have learned. Anyway the huge expense of purchasing a regular gold machine like the Minelab GPX4000 for most Aussies is prohibitive to their budget. So they have resorted to using the GT because of the cheaper cost.
I got curious and did a quick test of the GT's sensitivity to a gold flake. I tried to weigh it on my digital scale and the flake didn't show anything on the scale. So I got my GT fired up and set up in the all metal mode. I used a measured scale in inches and started the air test. Keep in mind that I have no mineralization to speak of compared to other locations. My test is not to be taken as a standard of any kind. I just moved the gold flake to and fro in front of the coil. I was able to get a very good response at the 1 in. and 2 in. marks. Ok lets go for 3 inches, and I was still able to get a slight reaction to the very small gold flake. Much beyond the 3 in. mark and the signal response was virtually gone.
So it appears that the GT is sensitive enough to be used as a gold machine if one is in a tight for funds. If one knows how to use this machine it is capable of really great and deep finds. It is not a quick machine and you should swing slowly and have a good ear and patience and it will pay off for you.
I just wanted to let everyone know about the possibilities of the GT being used as a nugget hunter. I hope this is helpful and I just read on another forum where a fellow has built a PWM amp that goes inline between the coil and electronics of the GT to make it go deeper and become more sensitive. I hope to follow his progress and see if it will be a winner.
Ok God Bless all here at TQ and may your days be golden! Happy hunting!

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

[MinelabMan]

Hi John, that's interesting, isn't the Excalibur basically the same machine as the Sovereign just waterproof? I may have to try a bench test with it on a small nugget, unless you answer it for me first .

[anne]

My partner Mike always uses his GT when he does the Beaches it is a magnet for Gold rings.

[John's Detectors]

Hi Alan, yes the Excalibur is essentially a waterproof Sovereign. The Excalibur is a very good gold machine on the beach Anne. It takes a little getting used to but the GT or Excalibur are great sensitive and deep machines. Again Minelab is always trying to improve their technology and that makes me feel good about owning a Minelab detector. Ok God Bless you guys and happy hunting.

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

[KellycoChick]

John this is really awesome research you've done! WTG on keeping us all up to date and making the most out of a machine!! I'm sure this will come in handy for some folks!!

[John's Detectors]

Originally Posted by KellycoChick

John this is really awesome research you've done! WTG on keeping us all up to date and making the most out of a machine!! I'm sure this will come in handy for some folks!!

Hi Ali, very nice to meet you and yes I love to test the different models of each brand of detector. The Minelab GT is a neat detector and is pretty sensitive to small gold. I love the straight shaft and it is easy to swing. Since it is a broadbanded multifrequency detector, it has to be operating in the time domain. This gives it an advantage no doubt. Ok Ali thank you for the post and I hope we can chat again and God Bless ya, happy hunting.

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

[Steve in PR]

Very interesting, John. Were you using an 8" or 10" coil?

[Zman]

Great info and thanks for sharing. I am looking for a water machine.

[John's Detectors]

Originally Posted by Steve in PR

Very interesting, John. Were you using an 8" or 10" coil?

Hi Steve, I use the 10 in. on my GT. I want to say if I were going to a known goldfield that is producing, if I could afford it I would have a PI machine like the SD/GPX series. But the GT would suffice in a tight situation, at least it is better than nothing. Nice to hear from you Steve and I hope all is well for you. God Bless ya

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

[John's Detectors]

Originally Posted by Zman

Great info and thanks for sharing. I am looking for a water machine.

Hi Zman, I would recommend the Minelab Excalibur or Tesoro Tiger Shark and possibly the Sand Shark if it is strictly for salt beaches. The Excalibur is a waterproof Sovereign GT. The Garrett Infinium would be another possibility but from what I have read it can be a lesson in frustration,I personally feel that it can be mastered as well as anything else. Ok God Bless ya Mr.Zman and if I can help you with a water machine give a ring. CU later.

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