Detecting when its cold out...

[bazinga]

Detecting when it's cold out...

I am using a Minelab Explorer XS which I just got last Wednesday. I detected a park and fairgrounds from friday to sunday for a few hours each day and came up with 139 coins, a few relics, and relatively few dug trash items, except for when I was trying to learn some of the sounds / numbers that read on the screen to see what they were telling me.

I went out today and it was about 30 degrees out and what were strong signals the other day for coins were pulling up screw caps for pop bottles, and foil. Does the detector work differently when it is cold out? I have noticed that the batteries drain pretty quickly when it is colder.

Thanks,
Brian

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Cry Of The Eagle: History And Legends Of The Cherokee Indians And Their Buried Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Cladius]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

Brian, your detector should work as well but you are correct the batteries will not last as long when cold. Cladius.

 

[rusty nails]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

alkalines r garbage in 41 degrees or less. i forgot the tip about this and remembered the hard way on a 29 degree hunt at 5am in the morning.

 

[Vingamel]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

I agree about the batteries; colder weather makes alkaline go bad faster. I only detect between the months of November and April because I can't stand heat. I accidentally left my detector turned on in the closet, and the batteries didn't seem to be affected, even after a week of being on. But all it takes is a few long hunts in cold weather to drain them alkalines.

I also prefer digging in cold weather. When you pull out a plug, the frozen dirt stays together better instead of crumbling all over the place. Just keep slicing that plug in halves until you've zeroed in on the find. Heat? Blehhh, I hate it.

 

[bazinga]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

Vingamel.... Haha, I'll take the heat over the cold any day of the week! I would rather have dirt crumbling than fingers falling off

What batteries does everyone recommened? I am using the rechargeable battery pack that is made for the Explorer.

Brrr, it's getting cold already

 

[Vingamel]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

I haven't gone to rechargeables yet, but I refuse to use Duracell. I've had nothing but problems with them (dead, leaking, bottoms busted out). So far, Energizer is my favorite brand.

Must be my Viking heritage, but I am a big baby in the heat and happy as a little kid in below freezing temps.

 

[bazinga]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

I'm a big baby all of the time unless I am finding some good stuff, haha.

 

[Vingamel]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

Check out all those places where they have fall festivals. I imagine most lost items sit there until spring when most of the MDers come out of hibernation. Once you find some good stuff, you'll be so excited that you won't even know that your toes have just frozen and will probably have to be removed by the surgeon. Who needs toes anyway, funny lookin' nubs anyway.

 

[DigEmAll]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

I run 2200mA Energizers... the work well, and recharge in about 15 minutes. Charger and 8 AA'a runs about twenty bucks at Wally World.

As far as cold goes.... it doesn't matter around here. There is no such thing as a plug around here. Then again it is pretty easy to rake the sand back with your hand! LOL

You know, it was 16 degrees here in "Sunny Arizona" this morning, wind blowing about twenty miles per hour.... that is pretty darn cold, I don't care who you are!!!! LOL

 

[bazinga]

Re: Detecting when it's cold out...

The other day I tried to go out to hunt a 'virgin' home site and it was 10 degrees before the wind chill.... and the wind was blowing 40mph and I was in an open field. I lasted about 10 minutes... it was horrid....

But at least with that site I can wait until its a bit warmer out to hunt it without a fear of someone else hunting it.