a couple of questions about air testing

[strike it rich]

As you know Ive just got my new detector is air testing worth anything. Testing my model I only got about 5inchs max on a small coin how ever puting the same coin up a pile of books no staples I might add I got around 9inchs how can this be any explanations thanks

 

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[watercolor]

Striker, first off, congrats on your new detector!

To start, air-testing (no books) at different distances would probably be beneficial for you to see what type of readings you get on your detector for different coin types (copper, silver, etc.).

After that, dig some SOLID plugs (it's very important to preserve the compact soil matrix) in the ground at the same recorded depths out back and bury the same coins. Then, compare the readings/sensitivities at the various depths you get with the air test. . . unless you're going to be hunting in a library, this will be more practical (sorry, couldn't resist this last comment).

Important: you may want to mark where you buried your coins. . . just in case

Good luck & HH!
watercolor

 

[Digger]

Air testing is a great way to make adjustments such as discrimination as long as you realize all bets are off once you hit the ground.

As far as your books test it makes no sense. Perhaps the book was about moisture? We know moisture increases the depth a detector responds to a target

 

[Ricardo_NY1]

I'd say air tests are useful only to verify that the detector works. Burying a coin or two or making a small test garden will give you realistic reults, specially if you throw in a junk item or two in the mix. Congrats on the new detector.

 

[Montana Jim]

I agree that this is the most basic test to watch your readings and make sure the batteries work...

Once an item is in the ground all bets are off - like Digger said.

The BEST thing for you with having little to no experience is to simply dig everything... you'll soon jump on a learning curve and be good to go...