recovering the target
page 42
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GP 3500
When you are sure of the location of the target, it is necessary to dig it out. In order
to preserve the environment, the hole should be as small as possible. Afterwards,
always replace the soil and grass which is removed.
It is essential to carry at least one of the following digging tools with you when searching:
•
small, strong digging spade or shovel.
•
pick with broad scraping blade.
•
crowbar (for very deep objects in hard ground).
Step 1
Before digging, clear the area of loose surface material and check that the target
signal is still there. If it is not, the target should be amongst the surface material.
Also remember if there are other signals close to your target. This is important
so that when you come to dig your hole, you do not heap the loose dirt on top of
another target already in the ground.
Step 2
If the target signal is still present, use your pick to dig to a depth of approx. 50mm.
Step 3
Sweep the coil over the hole to determine if it has been dug. If the target signal is
not heard, then the target should be in the pile just dug.
Step 4
Otherwise dig a little deeper and check again.
Step 5
Take care when you dig, as damaging a nugget may reduce its value. Start digging
approx. 100mm in front of the target to reduce the chance of damage.
Step 6
Pile the diggings carefully, ensuring that you do not make the pile on top of another
target (see step 1.), as it may be necessary to search them.
Step 7
If the target is located in the soil, which was removed, sweep the coil over the pile
and pinpoint its exact position.
Step 8
Keep halving the pile which has the target.
Step 9
If it is still difficult to find the target, place the detector on the ground with the
coil horizontal.
Step 10
Take a handful of the diggings and pass over the coil.
NOTE – Your hands and wrists must be free of any metallic jewellery and watches.
Step 11
If there is no signal, place the handful carefully in a new pile and repeat with
another handful.
Important:
Always refill any holes before leaving, and scatter leaves, etc. to restore the
area to its original condition. Any rubbish you recover should be taken away with you and
disposed of properly. Removing rubbish and refilling holes will help metal detector users
maintain a good reputation. This should lead to more areas being readily accessible
for prospecting
recovering the target
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GP 3500
GP 3500
www.minelab.com
page 43
Recovering Deep Targets
The GP 3500 has depth capabilities that will surprise both new and experienced prospectors.
If the target appears to be buried deeply, it should help to use the following technique:
Step 1
Use the cross sweeping method to locate the target accurately.
Step 2
Dig a hole large enough to insert the coil, approx. 100mm deep.
Step 3
Keep testing the target location as you dig deeper.
Step 4
Take care that the target is not in the wall of the hole. You may dig past it.
Try pinpointing again to check your hole is in the correct position.
HINT
When the object has been recovered, it may be worthwhile sweeping the hole again to ensure
that there are no other targets.
If you find an object in a particular location, search the surrounding area very carefully.
It is likely that there are more objects nearby.
If you hear a target signal, keep searching until you find the object;
it is there and may be valuable.
Salty Environments
The GP 3500 will find objects at great depths in salty environments.
However, the interfering signals caused by highly concentrated salt may
not be able to be completely 'balanced out' if using automatic ground
balance alone.
HINT
Change Soil switch to Salt setting for salty environments. To use the salt
setting, you will have to use the specially designed GP series range of coils.
