Ask Jimmy Sierra: DFX increasing depth & discrimination

[jimmysierra]

Hello,
I am interested in finding small relics (musketballs, buckshot, coins,buttons, etc) in the upstate NY area. I have a DFX which works great to about five inches (discriminate mode) and slightly deeper in all metal mode. I am looking for small objects (not large iron cannon balls). I work mostly in fields. The areas I am in now have been mostly worked out (for a normal DFX detecting depth).
I am looking to gain greater depth than my 9 inch DFX coil can give me as well as better discrimination (yes, I am asking a lot). After doing some air tests and a field test, I found that a bigger coil may only add a couple of inches (in all metal mode) but was reduced in sensitivity in discriminate mode. Pinpointing would have been a major problem with the larger coil. For the standard DFX coil, the cone the coil produces is ideal for pinpointing.
Based on this information, what product do you recommend. I see three coils. The Bigfoot looks promising. Based on your recommendation, would I be getting greater depth? If so, how much? Also, how would the sensitivity be in discriminate mode as compared to the standard 9 inch coil.
Thank you,David

Dear David
I have a couple of ideas to share. I can see you are wanting to get the most out of your DFX.
First we have to face the limitations of the physics involved. In general larger coil goes deeper than a smaller coil but requires a
larger target. So a coil 12" and smaller is matched well with coins sized targets and smaller. The 14" is and larger is best for cache hunting and large relic hunting, this is why our Hotshot is 12". We want to keep most coins in range.
You can expect about a 2" increase with the Hotshot on your DFX.
Not sound like a lot? Well if you optimized the settings on your DFX it will put you 2" past maximum and that can be the difference between hitting a target and missing a target.
Discrimination:
Unfortunately any level of Disc REDUCES your depth, so it immposible to get BOTH depth and Disc.
What you want is target ID not Target silence ( which is what Disc creates).So here is what I reccomend;
First-Maximize your signal.
See how high you can run your AC senst and your Preamp Gain without erratic tone or overload.
Second-Maximize your Target ID,try the mixedmode audio.
Third-Only then consider an accessory Loop.
The Hot Shot will add depth, the Bigfoot will add coverage, making one sweep do the work of six! But no increase depth.
No place is every hunted out
Just harder to hunt.Good luck,Jimmy

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