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SHADOWx2
OPERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FIELD USE
Handling your detector
The detector should he held in a position that is comfortable for you as shown in the
ADJUSTING THE POLE & SEA RCHCOIL
section in
GETTING STARTED.
Swing the
detector from side to side in about a three foot arc, overlapping succeeding strokes well..
This motion is called a "sweep." The
SIIADOWx2
is designed to get maximum depth
without the frantic pace required of earlier motion detectors, so go at a pace that is
comfortable for you. In fact, trying to hunt too fast may even cause a loss of depth in
heavily mineralized locations.
Try to keep your search coil height consistent and close to the ground. Most people
tend to raise the coil at the end of a sweep--much like a pendulum--especially if they are
hurrying. Try to avoid this, as any increase in height from the ground will cause a
corresponding loss of depth.
In areas with well-kept lawns, the easiest way to maintain a constant searchcoil height
is to allow the coil to rest on the grass as you sweep from side to side. In rough and rocky
areas, it is best not to 'scrub" the coil on the ground, as the rocks will act like abrasives,
and wear away the coil bottom (an optional coil scuff cover will protect against this).
Sweep the coil as close to the ground as possible without touching. Hitting the ground or
rocks may cause a false signal much like a desired target would. Sweeping the coil too
high above the ground results in a loss of depth.
Planting a Test Garden
To better learn how your detector will perform in the field, it would be helpful to bury
some coins and trash metal junk items in an area that you know is clear of other metal
objects. Check the area with Disc set at zero to be sure it's clear of trash. Then bury the
targets at least 1 foot apart, and from 2 to 4 inches deep to start. Make a map of the area
to be sure you know what each target is and how deep it is. Practice on these targets to
familiarize yourself with your detector's target response. This will also help you learn the
proper sweep speed for best operation. This type of practice area is often called a "test
garden" or "test bed" and is one of the best tools to help you develop your metal detecting
skills.
