Detecting Courses?

[Dusttodust]

Anyone done any training courses eg Aussie Detector experience at Sofala, what was your experience?

 

[user 4485]

Anyone done any training courses eg Aussie Detector experience at Sofala, what was your experience?

I've been to one at Windeyer but to get onto some different private property access, not for the training.
These are more of a short 1-2 day tour where they'll give training to newcomers on request or if you don't want any help you can just head off on your own (within the boundaries).
Can't really comment on the training, having not done it myself, but it did appear to be pretty thorough with Clegy & another bloke helping those who wanted help one on one. Pretty sure they all found some gold on the day too.
Was a range of detectors there from Minelab GPZ, GPX's, VLF's & even a QED that day. Having used a QED I tried to give the owner a few pointers but it was late in the day when I realised there was one there so was pretty quick.
It was a smaller group & everyone was sort of giving each other a hand or pointers if they asked. I've found people on these tours are usually pretty friendly & helpful.
Clegy is definitely a character & very much a people person. He's got good knowledge of a wide range of different detectors. I can't remember the other blokes name now but remember he was knowledgeable in the couple of chats during the day. From memory been prospecting for a long time in the Central West NSW area.

 

[Hawkear]

Not knocking detector training courses but I am a great believer in teaching oneself because things learned that way are generally better remembered.
All you need is are few small test bits (lead will do) and your detector.
Your detector will most likely have default settings chosen by the manufacturer (for good reasons). Set you detector on those, bury your test pieces in the ground and go from there.
If you can detect something in the ground at a satisfying depth, you are halfway there. The rest is learning by experience.
It is the experience that is really hard to teach and learn.

 

[Dusttodust]

Not knocking detector training courses but I am a great believer in teaching oneself because things learned that way are generally better remembered.
All you need is are few small test bits (lead will do) and your detector.
Your detector will most likely have default settings chosen by the manufacturer (for good reasons). Set you detector on those, bury your test pieces in the ground and go from there.
If you can detect something in the ground at a satisfying depth, you are halfway there. The rest is learning by experience.
It is the experience that is really hard to teach and learn.

Thanks, but i have never held a detector or a gold pan, for that matter. Im thinking get the basic knowledge right to start with and learn from there, and your right in "teaching oneself", Thanks.

 

[Dusttodust]

I've been to one at Windeyer but to get onto some different private property access, not for the training.
These are more of a short 1-2 day tour where they'll give training to newcomers on request or if you don't want any help you can just head off on your own (within the boundaries).
Can't really comment on the training, having not done it myself, but it did appear to be pretty thorough with Clegy & another bloke helping those who wanted help one on one. Pretty sure they all found some gold on the day too.
Was a range of detectors there from Minelab GPZ, GPX's, VLF's & even a QED that day. Having used a QED I tried to give the owner a few pointers but it was late in the day when I realised there was one there so was pretty quick.
It was a smaller group & everyone was sort of giving each other a hand or pointers if they asked. I've found people on these tours are usually pretty friendly & helpful.
Clegy is definitely a character & very much a people person. He's got good knowledge of a wide range of different detectors. I can't remember the other blokes name now but remember he was knowledgeable in the couple of chats during the day. From memory been prospecting for a long time in the Central West NSW area.

Thanks, this is the "experience" i have booked on with my wife. We are both looking forward to starting a new adventure. Thanks mbasko

 

[clodmac]

Thanks, this is the "experience" i have booked on with my wife. We are both looking forward to starting a new adventure. Thanks mbasko

You will learn more in a day as a newby with decent instruction than you will in 6 months on your own , then you develope skills over the next 20-50 years or so , good luck and enjoy