Hi all,
Well, the SPP has gone through a minor revolution so it will work in OZ. The Fix initially was to modify the electronics so the "hiccup" was no longer a problem. That took a brief amount of time but is done now. Unfortunately, the SPP never had an initial reset function and wasn't needed until the initial Fix was installed. As it turns out, certain coils will not allow the detector to turn on as if a reset function was in place. This is a start up condition that simply requires the detector to reset itself and that happens once you raise from the ground or raise and lower the coil with respect to the ground. Once that is done, the initial start up audio will not happen again until the detector is turned off and on again.
People complained about this start up signal so a second very simple Fix was implemented and that was to short out the problematic circuit causing the audio start up signal. Well, both fixes were my suggestions and I failed to notice that when the second fix was installed, there would be an increase in gain. The result is more like the gain pot was extended over a wider range.
So, if you decide to have both fixes installed, you will have more gain, which when using on a beach with the GB off will result in a deeper detector. Ironically, more gain is just what many people want. With the GB on, there can be more depth but at the expense of more noise. Unfortunately, noise signal is also increased as are all target signals. So, with both fixes installed, the preset mark is not exactly where it was initially. So, don't expect the same results if you used the detector prior to the fixes.
Now, if you read the instructions, you will see where it is stated the gain control is or should be set at a level that can be allowed for the conditions. Bad ground, high EMI both will cause one to reduce the gain for a nice quiet response. The preset is merely a starting point for a beginner but may be too harsh for many locations in OZ. In 99% of the world, the preset is just fine as a starting point.
So, in simple terms, with both fixes you have more gain now than what was originally available is not a fault. In fact many find that a plus. The preset notch or setting is merely a mark on the box you can use as a reference. It doesn't mean anything else.
A few people do not like the second fix. That is fine, and if you catch Dean before he installs it, it can be left off. It is no big deal. This is a bottom line PI with exceptional features at a great price. Please don't expect $5000 or $6000 service on a detector costing 1/5 as much. Also, try to get your much more expensive to run as smoothly as the SPP.
Now, as for coils, the SPP like the TDI series has an autotune function that is maximized for a 12" coil or smaller. Use a larger coil and the results will not be optimized. Tricks will be needed to get maximum depth.
This detector will work with ML compatible coils but don't expect the greatest results. They can easily be noisier, more temperamental over bad ground and quite expensive. They generally work, though.
The closest coil made today that matches what Eric Foster designed for the TDI series is Miner John's coils. Eric used to use a special lead foil for shielding but later changed to a special tape. He designed his windings for a certain signal at the end of its pulse length. Today, Miner John uses a similar special rather expensive tape for shielding and similar wire size. The result is better noise rejection and generally overall a quieter more stable coil.
Just so you know, I have no affiliation with Miner John except to answer his questions should he call. I also use similar techniques when I build a coil for one of the TDI series for myself.
I hope this clears up some misconceptions.
One last note, if you don't like the fixes as they are now, please feel free to not buy a SPP and to spend whole lot more for a different brand. In my opinion White's has already spent more time and money than the SPP costs in trying to provide a decent working machine for those of you in OZ. In my opinion, it is by far the best bang for the buck.
Reg
Well, the SPP has gone through a minor revolution so it will work in OZ. The Fix initially was to modify the electronics so the "hiccup" was no longer a problem. That took a brief amount of time but is done now. Unfortunately, the SPP never had an initial reset function and wasn't needed until the initial Fix was installed. As it turns out, certain coils will not allow the detector to turn on as if a reset function was in place. This is a start up condition that simply requires the detector to reset itself and that happens once you raise from the ground or raise and lower the coil with respect to the ground. Once that is done, the initial start up audio will not happen again until the detector is turned off and on again.
People complained about this start up signal so a second very simple Fix was implemented and that was to short out the problematic circuit causing the audio start up signal. Well, both fixes were my suggestions and I failed to notice that when the second fix was installed, there would be an increase in gain. The result is more like the gain pot was extended over a wider range.
So, if you decide to have both fixes installed, you will have more gain, which when using on a beach with the GB off will result in a deeper detector. Ironically, more gain is just what many people want. With the GB on, there can be more depth but at the expense of more noise. Unfortunately, noise signal is also increased as are all target signals. So, with both fixes installed, the preset mark is not exactly where it was initially. So, don't expect the same results if you used the detector prior to the fixes.
Now, if you read the instructions, you will see where it is stated the gain control is or should be set at a level that can be allowed for the conditions. Bad ground, high EMI both will cause one to reduce the gain for a nice quiet response. The preset is merely a starting point for a beginner but may be too harsh for many locations in OZ. In 99% of the world, the preset is just fine as a starting point.
So, in simple terms, with both fixes you have more gain now than what was originally available is not a fault. In fact many find that a plus. The preset notch or setting is merely a mark on the box you can use as a reference. It doesn't mean anything else.
A few people do not like the second fix. That is fine, and if you catch Dean before he installs it, it can be left off. It is no big deal. This is a bottom line PI with exceptional features at a great price. Please don't expect $5000 or $6000 service on a detector costing 1/5 as much. Also, try to get your much more expensive to run as smoothly as the SPP.
Now, as for coils, the SPP like the TDI series has an autotune function that is maximized for a 12" coil or smaller. Use a larger coil and the results will not be optimized. Tricks will be needed to get maximum depth.
This detector will work with ML compatible coils but don't expect the greatest results. They can easily be noisier, more temperamental over bad ground and quite expensive. They generally work, though.
The closest coil made today that matches what Eric Foster designed for the TDI series is Miner John's coils. Eric used to use a special lead foil for shielding but later changed to a special tape. He designed his windings for a certain signal at the end of its pulse length. Today, Miner John uses a similar special rather expensive tape for shielding and similar wire size. The result is better noise rejection and generally overall a quieter more stable coil.
Just so you know, I have no affiliation with Miner John except to answer his questions should he call. I also use similar techniques when I build a coil for one of the TDI series for myself.
I hope this clears up some misconceptions.
One last note, if you don't like the fixes as they are now, please feel free to not buy a SPP and to spend whole lot more for a different brand. In my opinion White's has already spent more time and money than the SPP costs in trying to provide a decent working machine for those of you in OZ. In my opinion, it is by far the best bang for the buck.
Reg
