Searching
16
Pinpoint Technique
Due to the wide scan nature of elliptical search-
coils it can be difficult to locate small targets
under the physical center of the loop. Use an “X”
marks the spot technique as shown in the diagram
to identify the portion of ground the nugget is in.
Because most nuggets are too small to isolate to
an exact location as in coin or relic hunting, re-
move the soil under the center of the “X” until the
target is no longer in the hole, but in your pile of
dirt. Techniques for examining the pile of dirt are
discussed later in the manual. (page 20)
Again, the procedure is to sweep over the target
from side to side noting the side to side center
(see step 1 in diagram). Then turn 90 degrees
and sweep the coil side to side noting the center
from this new direction (see step 2 in diagram).
“X” marks the spot that you need to dig (see step 3 in the diagram). You can practice with a small pieces
of lead or gold on top of the ground to become acquainted with the technique. It’s a good idea to have
a magnet handy, preferably in the handle of your digging pick, to pull iron out of the dirt pile. It will
speed up your recovery time. It will work on small almost invisible hot rocks too.
Non-Motion Pinpoint Mode
In addition to this traditional method of pinpointing, the Goldmaster
®
24k also features an all-new,
non-motion pinpoint mode. This is engaged by holding the cross hairs button (large button in the mid-
dle of the keypad). With this button held down the detector will sound off on targets whether the search
coil is in motion or not. Non-motion pinpoint mode disengages the XGB ground tracking, Iron Cancel,
and SAT, so in very challenging conditions you may find that this pinpoint mode struggles to counteract
mineralization. But it can be very useful in sizing targets under the coil and giving you an idea of their
shape. For example, nails can often pinpoint as an oblong shape with a stronger sound on the flat head.
While in non-motion pinpoint mode the screen will display the signal strength using the two bottom
“swoop” segments as well as the two-digit numeric display. The numeric display reads from 0-30, with
0 representing a target close to the surface and 30 a target at the edge of detection. Due to the various
size, purity, and mineral content of gold nuggets, this scale is not capable of giving absolute depth read-
ings and should only be used as a reference point for signal strength. It also may give strong readings
for extremely large iron items that can surprise you with how deep they really are. The opposite is also
true- very small nuggets may read as weak targets. So it is best to look at the readings and sound of the
non-motion pinpoint mode as a signal strength, and not a depth reading.
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Chapter 4 GM24k Controls
Summary of Contents for GM24k
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