This thread could not have come at a better time. After 5 unsuccessful trips (one as recently as today) I must admit that I drove home quite despondent. A result of a rough day out in Creswick combined with a poor nights sleep, at the end of a very warm and muggy couple of weeks. Oh, and a headache from my Gold Monster as I clearly chose the wrong area to detect. *sips on a whisky to lessen the dull ache*
I've had the GM for a couple of months now and, as mentioed above, have had 5 unsuccessful trips out with it. The GM advice here from this forum has been amazing. Additionally the resources from youtube whilst great, have been a been a bit of a double edged sword. Prospectors like LDC make it look easy but, when I get to site, its anything but!
So, after 5 trips I've indeed taken stock and have come to the follwing conclusions.
1. Whilst I've found alot of lead shot and junk, I'm still very green with the machine. Running the machine on
manual 9-10 I think is creating more issues than the extra sensitivity and depth is worth in these early days. I can't listen to a gold signal tone if its drowned out with hot ground.
There was a thread that had a couple of links in it that described running the GM machine on Auto and Auto+ for beginners. Perhaps its time that I actually used said settings. Yes, I will lose sensitivity and depth but, if it helps me identify gold targets signals, as well as cutting out hot rocks, etc, then I think in my early GM days, it may be worth it.
I know the recommended setting is Manual 9 but, sometimes you've gotta got backwards to go forwards.
2. Identification of favourable soils for the GM. I have only used my GM in Creswick. So, I have A LOT more ground to cover. Perhaps a change of scene is in order? Maybe my next few trips should focus on the GT areas that have more favourable conditions. This will rely on my setting aside some serious time to research online, as well as make use of information centres and this forum. My understanding is that the GT is highly mineralised. So, I'll need to try and perform due diligence when researching and finding places to detect.
3. So, I imagine most of us prospect alone or, in very small groups. Whilst there is a HEAP of help and information online and via media platforms, you can't really substitute face to face interactions. I get it, people are protective over the spots the prospect. However, I have thought more than once that it would've been great to be part of a small group or the like while out there. I have researched detecting groups in my area so, the obvious next step is to get in contact. Pedro3141, if you're
looking for a GM wingman, please let me know. 2 sets if eyes and ears may be all we need to turn our failures into success'.
I feel that having success with the GM will greatly enrich my detecting journey. The GM learning curve is steep, no question. But, I very fond of my GM. And I think with the right attitude, guidance, patience and perseverance, I can have many success' with it. Then again, maybe I'm naive or maybe I'm just prideful. But, I'm definitely not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
The PI detectors will come eventually but, if the prospecters on Youtube and here on the forum can have success with the GM, then so can we.
Cheers,
Pip.
