GM 1000 - How to find detectable areas in the Golden Triangle

[grubstake]

I thought the tone you get in scrap is the same tone you would get in gold with SDC,
I do have excellent hearing so I don't use head phones. I can hear a minuscule tone.
If I'm am wrong can someone please advise.

You are correct. Don't confuse any comments about Gold Monster tones with what you can hear with the SDC. The Gold Monster is a VLF detector and to a degree can differentiate between iron (ferrous) scrap metal and non-ferrous metal (gold, copper, lead, aluminium, etc). The SDC is a PI detector, which has no such discrimination ability, but is much better at coping with ground mineralisation than a VLF.

In my experience, excellent hearing makes headphones especially beneficial, as outside sounds (ie. distractions) are minimised and your brain can focus 100% on what the detector is telling it.

 

[ProspectingPip]

Auto and Auto+ aren't just for beginners - they're how the machine was designed to be run, so use them and save yourself the pain you've been having. And where do you get the idea that you will lose sensitivity and depth? Auto+ is actually higher sensitivity than the highest Manual setting, but if it's too chattery for you, just turn it down to Auto.

Check out these two invaluable Gold Monster guides by master user Jonathan Porter, from Minelab's Treasure Talk series:
https://www.minelab.com/anz/go-minelabbing/treasure-talk/mastering-the-gold-monster-1000
https://www.minelab.com/anzea/anz/g...-sensitivity-control-on-the-gold-monster-1000

Thanks for the links, Grubstake.

Ok, it looks as if I've COMPLETELY misread how how Auto/Auto+ and sensitivity go hand in hand. I thought that the Auto modes affected the depth at which you can detect. This now seems not to be the case.

Yup, this seems like an absolute game changer. I'm sure I've read this info before however, perhaps in my eagerness to fire the detector up and find gold, I wasn't as diligent in my reading as I should've been.

Youtube prospectors I watch who use the GM seem to always have the detector in Manaul 9, all metal mode. I thought that because these guys are experienced GM users, then I would try and emulate that.

Big load of fail cake right there on my end.

However, your post, at the very least, should save me another post detecting whisky treatment. Instead, hopefully I can repurpose that whisky as a celebratory toast.

Cheers,

Pip.

 

[ProspectingPip]

Hi all,

So, I'm very lucky to work a 4 day work week (I work 5 days in 4). So, I'm once again hopping in the car to travel to Creswick for an early morning swing.

Got a couple of spots in mind. Will try Auto and Auto+ tomorrow and see how I fare in that regard. Thanks again for all of the valuable GM info and advice people have provided.

Updates to come...

Cheers,

Pip

 

[grubstake]

Best of luck to you, Pip!

 

[ProspectingPip]

So, the update...

I'll rip the bandaid off and reveal that I didn't find any gold today.

However, I left Creswick today with a strange feeling of optimism, for a number of reasons.

1. I actually followed the advice provided in this thread and spent the day using the GM on Auto and Auto+. The machine was still a little chirpy at times (mostly when in Auto+) but, the targets I did dig were very clear, full non ferrous.

Considering the cacophony I've listened to over the last few trips, I was a welcome, albeit, quieter change. Being able to hear the sounds of the bush was nice addition to having a swing.

It was really enjoyable and has boosted my confidence.

2. I picked up alot of lead shot from one particular set of workings. I mean, it was getting consistent target tones, digging, and getting led shot. I think all up about 8-10 bits of shot I found. So, safe to say that I've probably gotten my ear in for that tone but, I'll always dig those targets from now on.

3. I was a little confused by a clear target tone, but a full ferrous reading on the discrimination bar. They kinda sounded similar to the lead shot but, the tone + discrimination bar had me leaving those targets. As I believed they were hot rocks.

4. I think I'm on the right track. However, after 5 trips, I am thinking of branching out to detect more in the GT next time.

Amyway, I still had a great day out and am keen for more.

Cheers,

Pip.

 

[Hawkear]

Lead shot is the way to go. Even high range PI detectorists should be happy when they are detecting lead shot. (They aren’t of course).
If lead shot is being consistently found then it is only a matter of time before a small nugget will appear amongst them.
A matter of being in the right area.
Work the shallow edges of diggings and only a matter of time.

 

[ProspectingPip]

Lead shot is the way to go. Even high range PI detectorists should be happy when they are detecting lead shot. (They aren’t of course).
If lead shot is being consistently found then it is only a matter of time before a small nugget will appear amongst them.
A matter of being in the right area.
Work the shallow edges of diggings and only a matter of time.

Thanks Hawkear.

Yeah, my understanding is that next to gold, lead shot is a close second. In terms of detecting, that is.

Now that I have the GM in the right settings ( better late than never), I had a really enjoyable day yesterday. Even though I didn't find any gold.

Also, a question for everyone. If I may. So, the discrimination bar is the GM's best guide for ferrous and non-ferrous. Is is possible for a ferrous target to "out tone" a non - ferrous signal?

In other words, should I be digging those ferrous targets if I think the tone sounds, "too good?

Also, lastly. What about the discrimination bar that swings between the two? I dug a few of those up and they turned out to be hot rocks.

Is it a case of if in doubt, dig it out?

Cheers,

Pip.

 

[grubstake]

Also, a question for everyone. If I may. So, the discrimination bar is the GM's best guide for ferrous and non-ferrous. Is is possible for a ferrous target to "out tone" a non - ferrous signal?
In other words, should I be digging those ferrous targets if I think the tone sounds, "too good?

Also, lastly. What about the discrimination bar that swings between the two? I dug a few of those up and they turned out to be hot rocks.
Is it a case of if in doubt, dig it out?

Yes, if it's 'too good' or you're in doubt, always dig until the signal goes away, just to see/learn what comes out. Never rely on what a display shows - your ears are your best guide.

 

[BriansGoneBush]

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.

I’m keen for a GM 1000 meet up, I just bought my detector after selling my Highbanker and using the cash for my first detector. I figure the Highbanker needs water, and more often than not, we don’t got much.
Feel free to message me and arrange a day out somewhere. Would be great

 

[Gary coutts]

Had my gm for 2yrs now only just found my first gold thanks to Phil moneybox
Great feeling hang in there bud it will come
Not that I know how to use mine properly
Gary

 

[ProspectingPip]

I’m keen for a GM 1000 meet up, I just bought my detector after selling my Highbanker and using the cash for my first detector. I figure the Highbanker needs water, and more often than not, we don’t got much.
Feel free to message me and arrange a day out somewhere. Would be great

Hi Brian,

Definitely sounds like a plan, mate. Will T up something very soon!

Cheers,

Pip.

Had my gm for 2yrs now only just found my first gold thanks to Phil moneybox
Great feeling hang in there bud it will come
Not that I know how to use mine properly
Gary

Yeah, it'll come mate.
I'm enjoying the hunt!

 

[Goldtarget]

Hi Pip.

Just a couple of observations.

If you are getting lead shot, its a good sign to a point, when I went out with the sdc I knew I was in the right areas where someone wasn't being thorough, or hadn't been before.

Try to avoid discrimination. The GM wasnt the most reliable. Which leads me to say, the sound you are looking for is like a squeaky balloon. Like the sound a balloon being rubbed makes.

Once you kind of hear it often enough you'll know the one.

Gold is pretty awesome conductor, I found most time I got gold it was a very consistent repeatable sound from different angles.

It took me a long time to realise the GM was very much like my coin shooter, the odd coin wont hit exact, and the odd bottle cap will hit consistent from different passes, but the good signals will always be good signals from different angled passes.

Take care to stay low, as in, it won't hurt to have the coil scrapping across the ground, and rake your edges so you clean up all your targets.

The diggers holes usually have two things in common.

They piled up the wash that was gold bearing on one side, and the overburden on the other.

It does make one side far more likely than the other.

And to that end, I've generally seen patterns on the best holes. Its usually a type of gold bearing material. Sometimes its orangey clay, other times angled rocks, or small similar shaped rocks. Whatever it is consistent with that run of gold, you'll often see a pattern.

And for what its worth, I've got the vast majority of my pieces from all detectors from the deepest widest most worked holes. Kinda makes sense intuitively.

Lastly, keep in mind that what you are doing isn't a waste of time. You can be lucky, but consistent thorough and patient detecting always comes out better in the average.

I eventually came to the conclusion detecting alone that I wanted to to ensure I didnt leave any detectable piece behind, so do it all as best as you can every time.

Whatever your machine lacks, it still requires the right mindset. And you are mapping the territory. I swear, the hardest piece to find is always the first.

Be it for the day, or the run of ground you are on, or the new machine, or in this case ever.

If you can smile and enjoy the hard days, the successful days will be even sweeter. At some point itll all click into place. The right ground, settings, and pattern recognition.

Best of luck, hope next time out is a success.