How do you tell the difference between ground noise and a true target signal?

[Hawkear]

I thought I'd start this topic for the benefit of newbies as this seems one of the problems that many face when starting out. I have witnessed some newbies digging huge holes in search of that elusive ill-defined "target" that seem to be forever moving around in the hole. I am reasonably happy with my own ability to identify ground noise but one can always learn if there are better ways.
When I am faced with an iffy signal my first reaction is to ground balance just off to one side.
If the signal continues after that I always scrape a small bit off the surface and check again for any increase in loudness or definition.
If the signal continues on deeper into the dig with still no better definition, I just assume it to be ground noise.
Does any one else have any other methods to save themselves some detecting time.

 

[Dog Ranger]

This covers it pretty well

 

[Redfin]

Exactly what I have telling people on this forum for 9 years. Works everytime

 

[Xadz]

After going out four times now over the last 2 weeks for 6 hours a piece with the Gold Monster 1000. I cannot stress enough what everyone told me.

Know your machine.

I've been going over ground that makes signals that I think is gold and determining whether it's gold or junk, now I dig the target either way but trying to tell what it is by listening. And I've learnt something every single time just by listening on whether it's gold or junk, sometimes junk sounds like gold but I'll put my test nugget down next to the "fake" signal and analyse.

I've learn more this way than any other way.

Find a "fake" target, put my test piece down next to it and listen to the difference. There is a difference, whether it be small or big but there's always a difference.

 

[Redfin]

Not really sure the suggested the method will work with VLF technology.

 

[Jaros]

Dig everything until you learn the way the machine sounds on different metals.

 

[Redfin]

Dig everything until you learn the way the machine sounds on different metals.

Good advice, and keep a piece of ground noise in your pocket.

 

[GoldnJules]

This covers it pretty well

Thanks DR - this is great!

 

[Dog Ranger]

Thanks DR - this is great!

Pleasure G n J, but not my work so can't take credit for another's efforts

 

[GoldnJules]

Pleasure G n J, but not my work so can't take credit for another's efforts

Yes, but you brought it to my attention which I appreciate. I’m not very good at searching for things on this site yet. Still learning how to navigate it.

 

[user 12139]

I suggest you ground balance on a tiny bit of gold away from the hole, then place that piece in the hole and try detecting it... it may change the way you determine ground noise! The only safe way I've found to determine ground noise is to spread the dug pile right out, if that changes the detectors response - usually softening it... its ground noise. If you still have a distinct signal, continue to investigate.

 

[Gold1hunter]

Ever been around a tree got a target then as you dig you start to suspect ground noise but it sounds too good & ground balancing doesn't seem to work? It can end up being a root! (GPZ 7000 are good rooters (not necessarily talking about the owner - but in my case))

My fix for this scenario is to wave the coil across the trunk of the tree if it sounds like what you're digging STOP DIGGING!

 

[user 12139]

it the tree is a stump, I've probably been there & thrown my junk finds into the trunk

 

[Gold1hunter]

it the tree is a stump, I've probably been there & thrown my junk finds into the trunk

You don't catch me out, I always check hollow tree trunks to see if you've been there with your horse shoes, beer cans and all the other junk you throw in there.

I always wondered who it was, now we all know!

 

[Hawkear]

Also inspect the ground that is giving ground noise. In addition to the tests you can perform as mentioned before, many patches will correspond with charcoal or mineralisation (colour) changes caused by ancient burnt stumps. It can give extra confidence to your decision making.

 

[Dave's Office]

I've dug heaps of charcoal signals, I'm awake up to them now and have finally worked them out.

 

[Jaros]

Gotta know your machine.-Practise, practise practise.

 

[20x]

Yep, that works

 

[davo85]

This covers it pretty well

Hello, can anyone say if this method is valid with the 6000? I tried this method with clay today, but I kept getting noise. I watched another video today of a guy saying I should hover the coil at ground level over the hole, and if there is little or no noise, then it's just ground noise.

In regards to clay, has anyone got any other tips for a newbie or should I just quit the hole once I notice I'm getting noise in both my throw out and in the hole?

 

[20x]

Hello, can anyone say if this method is valid with the 6000? I tried this method with clay today, but I kept getting noise. I watched another video today of a guy saying I should hover the coil at ground level over the hole, and if there is little or no noise, then it's just ground noise.

In regards to clay, has anyone got any other tips for a newbie or should I just quit the hole once I notice I'm getting noise in both my throw out and in the hole?

The ground is really wet and super conductive atm mate, like trying to detect a piece of gold on a sheet of iron. I'm simply waiting for summer and the wait sux.