New to Detecting in Vic and this site.

[Paul Smith]

Hi,
I used to go metal detecting years ago with my Father-in-Law and I really enjoyed it. I recently bought myself a Nokta Simplex BT Metal Detector, and I figure it will be a good way to get some exercise and maybe find lost treasure lol. I also have 20 acres up near Dunolly which I hope to explore, any hints on making this new hobby a little less painless would be appreciated.

 

[Hawkear]

Hi Paul. First tip would be to learn the capabilities of your detector.
To do that you need to do some testing. I note the Simplex is advertised as a multipurpose treasure/all metal detector.
There are two possibly three locations that you will want to test in. 1 Beach and possibly parklands and 2 in goldfield mineralised soils.
Test targets for 1 can be coins etc but you will probably need to make up test targets for the goldfields. These can be small bits of lead down to around 0.2-0.3 grams which are typical of the size of nuggets even experienced detectorists are picking up these days.
Bury your test targets to known varying depths and adjust the settings and your technique so that the signal you hear is sufficiently clear that you would be induced to dig it. That is the way you should detect. If signals are not clear enough to ensure that, you will miss targets.
Much of detecting is self learning so the next tip is just get out there.
Good luck.