- Joined
- Dec 1, 2016
- Messages
- 327
- Reaction score
- 149
23 May.Hi,just came back from using the Impact at Havelock goldfield during the last 3 days .Only detected for 8 hours as most of the time was used up searching for the spot I discovered on Geovic,but never found as the ground topography and tracks did not seem to match those of Geovic.Initially I used it in the discrimination modes and found a small piece of quartz which gives a constant signal but with no discernible sign of gold or iron.Dug up a few weak signals to find nothing and it was disconcerting.I think the discrimination modes are more for coin hunting in parks and beaches as this machine is clearly intended for.There was no need to use DI3 or VLX2 as the gullies were free from trash.But for finding gold I quickly came to the conclusion it is better to use the GEN mode as the discrimination modes may miss it.In Gen mode the machine talked to me and pointed out small patches of highly mineralised ground with a broad signal against real objects which gave a spiked signal.GB only needs to be done once and the automatic system adjusts as you walk around.The most impressive feature of this unit is its ability to remain stable in our highly mineralised soils on our goldfields.Mineralisation level on the meter remained at 25% all day in all discrimination modes while in GEN mode it was 25-50.It did not overload once in the 3 days.I did not need to increase the isat level from its default setting of 1 to compensate for higher mineralisation,and indeed increased the gain from its default of 70 to 85 due to the high stability of the unit.Overall the unit is very easy to use as all modes have particular default settings for each mode. I set the Fe.vol to 0 and the unit remained silent in DI2 mode.The unit is a bit heavier than some other units but its incredible balance makes it seem light when in operation.Overall design and build quality makes it stand apart from all others when considering its low price.Only fault was the wired earphone jack which protruded out too far and if placed on the ground and stepped on may easily break the connection in the housing.