First go!

[Digmeahole]

So I bought the xterra 305 Thursday and tried it out quickly for 30 minutes this morning. Had it on all metal mode (as I don't understand the other modes yet) and found a bit of junk but was still fun!

 

[Ramjet]

Interesting finds you'll be addicted in no time.

 

[Goldpick]

A sensible approach to starting out with your detector, dig all targets until your are familiarised with their responses. Once you have some confidence up, try adding in some minimal discrimination to knock out unwanted iron targets, and start to get used to using a couple of ID tones to differentiate other good targets. When I first used the 305, I made the mistake of using too many tones which made life pretty hard in very junky areas, when I was really better off keeping it simple and sticking to just 2 or 3 tones (can do up to 12 tones).

Here is a chart to show you x-terra target ID's for most commonly found Australian coins, though the numbers may vary by one or two digits depending on depth and other factors.

 

[rocketaroo]

After a shortwhile, try just digging signals over 24, as you can see on the chart, your not missing that much, and your digging alot less. Some only dig signals 30, or above (coin shooting) but your missing all the gold rings then.

 

[Digmeahole]

Thanks for the chart! I dug in a paddock behind my place (our land) and knew it would all be junk but just wanted to see how it worked.

Had a foldable army type shovel that I snapped. got a nice little metal one today so might go out Sunday morning and see what I can find.

 

[youngy]

Nice finds mate, so would you recommend getting a xterra 305 for a starter. Since I have been thinking of getting into it a bit.
Youngy

 

[Digmeahole]

Nice finds mate, so would you recommend getting a xterra 305 for a starter. Since I have been thinking of getting into it a bit.
Youngy

I think the 305 is good value for what I paid ($319 anaconda) 3 year warranty all seems good. I literally just started this morning and it seems to be easy to use with what seems to be a lot of features I can slowly start using with more use.

So I would say at that price point it seems good.

I was tossing it up with a compadre or eurotek but they work out to be similar in cost once you add shipping etc

 

[Digmeahole]

Had spare 30 so quickly went out again and found interesting stuff!

I think the metal loop thing is off a horse saddle? Maybe?

 

[rocketaroo]

A stirrup

 

[Digmeahole]

Haha yeah :/ , well just googled it and it defentily looks like one!

 

[youngy]

Cheers mate thanks for the feedback. I look into it.
Youngy

 

[rc62burke]

Nice finds mate, so would you recommend getting a xterra 305 for a starter. Since I have been thinking of getting into it a bit.
Youngy

Mate
Nothing wrong with the Exterra units but they are old technology now, I would most likely have a look at the new Go Find range if you are looking at minelab, this new range should do all the exterra's do but are new & will no doubt prove to be better.
cheers
Lee

 

[rocketaroo]

The go finds are plastic fantastics, plastic can only take so much use, before it becomes wobbley, or broken. Great to pack in a suitcase, and light/easy to use for young kids. If your looking to get into the hobby, (rather than, just as a holiday toy) , then the xterra will serve you better, and for as long as need it to. Just my opinion