New to Detecting in Vic and this site.

Paul Smith · Wednesday at 4:35 PM

Hi,
I used to go metal detecting years ago with my Father-in-Law and I really enjoyed it. I recently bought myself a Nokta Simplex BT Metal Detector, and I figure it will be a good way to get some exercise and maybe find lost treasure lol. I also have 20 acres up near Dunolly which I hope to explore, any hints on making this new hobby a little less painless would be appreciated.

Hawkear · 2025-01-30T17:49:13+1100

Hi Paul. First tip would be to learn the capabilities of your detector.
To do that you need to do some testing. I note the Simplex is advertised as a multipurpose treasure/all metal detector.
There are two possibly three locations that you will want to test in. 1 Beach and possibly parklands and 2 in goldfield mineralised soils.
Test targets for 1 can be coins etc but you will probably need to make up test targets for the goldfields. These can be small bits of lead down to around 0.2-0.3 grams which are typical of the size of nuggets even experienced detectorists are picking up these days.
Bury your test targets to known varying depths and adjust the settings and your technique so that the signal you hear is sufficiently clear that you would be induced to dig it. That is the way you should detect. If signals are not clear enough to ensure that, you will miss targets.
Much of detecting is self learning so the next tip is just get out there.
Good luck.

Paul Smith · 2025-01-30T19:03:44+1100

Hi Geoff,
Thanks for the input, I will shave some lead off a sinker, and give that a try, I was trying to test the detector in the back garden, but I think there is too much debris, I will do some testing at the beach at the first opportunity. I am keen to learn how to find gold on my property, which is only 20klm away from where the welcome stranger was found, so the odds of there being gold on my 20 acres is quite high, I believe there are some actually old gold diggings on the property, which is where I intend to start exploring. I should probably invest in a fine weight scale? any brand suggestions?
Cheers

Hawkear · 2025-01-30T19:49:17+1100

Paul Smith said:
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for the input, I will shave some lead off a sinker, and give that a try, I was trying to test the detector in the back garden, but I think there is too much debris, I will do some testing at the beach at the first opportunity. I am keen to learn how to find gold on my property, which is only 20klm away from where the welcome stranger was found, so the odds of there being gold on my 20 acres is quite high, I believe there are some actually old gold diggings on the property, which is where I intend to start exploring. I should probably invest in a fine weight scale? any brand suggestions?
Cheers

Yes a set of digital scales is quite inexpensive a can be useful for a long time. A detector shop can sell you one at a reasonable price. Part of your ongoing kit similar to appropriate digging tools eg a good pick for gold and scoop for the beach.
I love my scales because they are almost always bearers of good news.
With regard to your property there are maps available from GeoVic and other sources which will identify whether there are gold diggings or gold prospectivity on your property.

New to Detecting in Vic and this site.

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