10.
treasure hunting tips
p28
11.
2.
Recovering the Object
Once the target has been pinpointed, clear the surface of loose material (twigs, leaves, etc…)
and check again for the signal. If there is no signal then the target is amongst the surface
material. In this case search the surface material until the target is located.
If the target is still in the ground, recheck using the pinpoint mode. For lawned areas, cut a grass
plug in a horse-shoe shape leaving one corner attached, then bend the sod back. If you have
pinpointed properly your find should be in the middle of the exposed hole. If not, the use of a probe
can assist in locating the find exactly and minimize soil disturbance.
If you cannot see the target, but are confident it is still in the hole, remove some soil and place it
on a plastic sheet next to the hole. This will enable you to pour back the dirt and leave the
surrounding area clean after taking out your find.
Place the coil flat on the ground next to you and gradually remove handfuls of soil from the
plastic sheet and pass these over the coil. Keep repeating this procedure until you hear and
recover your target. Be sure to recheck the hole and surrounding soil, as several coins can
sometimes be found in one hole.
Pour back the loose soil and carefully tread the sod down to its original appearance. This will
maintain the pristine nature of your site and help to ensure future access for everyone enjoying this
great pastime.
Please note:
Dig carefully so as not to gouge or scratch the target, which may be valuable or
unique. Be sure to remove any rings or watches from your hands before passing soil across the
coil. You may get conflicting signal responses from metal items on or close to you.
Once again, always remember to refill holes.
11. Environmental Concerns
Firstly, it should be pointed out that treasure hunting with a metal detector is the most
environmentally friendly way to recover coins, rings, and other treasure items. However, it is
important to leave an area searched in the same condition you found it.
When searching parklands or properties where the grassland or lawn is sensitive to
disturbance, always use special tools to enable the recovery of targets without digging large holes.
This retains the surface "plug" of grass and soil to be returned undisturbed.
All holes that have been dug must be properly refilled. Not only is it environmentally
unacceptable to not fill in holes, it is also dangerous.
The use of headphones when detecting will also reduce external noise, sometimes an annoyance
for other operators in the area.
Take away and properly dispose of any junk that is found or produced, such as nails, tin cans, or
flat batteries. Leaving an area "scarred" can result in action being taken to prevent the use of metal
detectors, which will spoil this fascinating hobby.
www.minelab.com
12.
detector care
www.minelab.com
p29
12. Detector Care
The Sovereign GT is a high-quality electronic instrument, finely engineered and packaged in a
durable housing. Taking proper care of the detector is mostly common sense.
• Do not leave alkaline batteries in the control box when the detector is not in use for any
period exceeding two weeks.
Damage caused by leaking batteries can be severe and will void the warranty through
negligence.
•
If temperatures are very high,
do not leave the detector in the sun for longer than
necessary
. Covering it when not in use will help protect it. Try to avoid leaving it in a closed trunk
or in a car sitting in sunlight.
•
While the coil of the detector is designed to be waterproof, the control box is quite susceptible
to water intrusion. Always protect it when using the detector in rain or on the beach where salt
spray is prevalent. Using the accessory hipmount bag to protect the control box will assist this
in most weather.
• Never allow the box to come into contact with gasoline or other oil-based liquids.
• Keep the detector clean and dry
and avoid getting sand and grit into the shafts or the
tightening nuts. Do not use solvents to clean the detector; use a damp cloth with mild
soap detergent.
•
Flat or faulty batteries cause many problems with detectors. Ensure that only quality alkaline
batteries are used, and that they are replaced when the low-battery warning signal is heard
through the headphones or speaker.
•
Ensure that the coil cable is in good condition and not subject to undue stress. Do not undo or
loosen the coil connector at the base of the cable where it enters the coil. This should always be
firmly tight.
