HELP!!! Please anyone with an XLT!!!

[bryan]

Hello all,
I picked up an whites xlt today. I have read the online instruction manual. I am still trying to figure out how to work this darn thing. I know that it cant be too hard. I did go outside for a fue minutes and play with it but its snowing here so i didnt stay out long. I picked up a signal and it read like +85 and i am assuming that the pic was of a stack of coins so i located it and it said it was like 7 inches down so i got a shovel and dug down. It was like 5 inches and it was a lid off of a veggie can. ahhh how do i set this thing up right and what is the easiest way to tell what to dig and what not to dig. I guess that is the question.... any help? please!!

 

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[The Beep Goes On]

Hi Brian,

It can be difficult to determine what the machine is actually trying to tell you.? No metal detector can tell you exactly whats in the ground.? It can tell you a lot of information about the object through the display and through audio, but it's up to you to determine if the target is worth digging.? For instance, the icons on the display (nail, pulltab, ring, penny, dime, quarter, half-dollar and dollar) are just to let you know what general "range" the target falls into.? The XLT uses VDI numbers (-95 to +95) and certain objects usually fall into specific ranges of VDI numbers.? The problem is that the XLT judges everything as if it was a coin-sized object.? That's why some things are not at the depth the display tells you they are.? A large object can read 6", but can actually be much deeper if it is large.

With the XLT you have this information to help you:? The icons, the VDI numbers, the audio (Tone ID must be on to get more detailed audio info), the DC phase and the non-motion pinpointing mode (helps judge size).? The VDI numbers and audio are the best source of info.? The VDI numbers can tell you if the target is a pure metal or an alloy (one or two numbers, or a whole range of numbers).? The audio can tell you if the object is round or bent and much more.? It also, of course, tells you whether it's an acceptable target, or not, per your discrimination settings (accepted and rejected VDI numbers).

The XLT is a computer with many user-definable settings. Most detectors don't have all the bells and whistles of the XLT. You will probably want to start with the built-in programs (COINS, COINS and JEWELRY would probably be your best choice). I would turn on VCO, for sure, and probably TONE ID as well, although it can confuse some folks. Save the program in a EEPROM slot if you don't want to have to change the settings every time.

All this may not make sense to you and, if you were like me, it takes a while to understand what the XLT is trying to tell you.? Read the manual at least twice, get books on the XLT and read them and use the detector as often as possible.? Dig a lot of targets and get to know how the detector responds.? Keep your trash targets in a bucket to practice with (bench test using desirable and non-desirable targets to learn the differences).

Hope this helps a little.?

HH!
TBGO

 

[bryan]

thank you.
how do i save the settings?

 

[The Beep Goes On]

Let's see if I can get this right...

- Select PRESET PROGRAMS
- Press ENTER
- Select a program, like COINS and JEWELRY
- Press ENTER
- Select LOAD
- Press ENTER
- Press MENU
- Select PRO OPTIONS
- Press ENTER
- Select AUDIO
- Press ENTER
- Scroll down to TONE ID
- Press ENTER to turn it on, if it isn't already
- Scroll down to VCO
- Press ENTER to turn it on, if it isn't already
- Press MENU twice
- Select PRESET PROGRAMS
- Press ENTER
- Select one of the user definable programs slots (go to the last one if you're not sure which is which)
- Press ENTER
- Select SAVE
- Press ENTER
- Press Menu twice to get to the Main Menu, or press the trigger to start hunting.

Next time you want to use your program, perform the first five steps (choosing your program instead) and press the trigger. You can name your program by selecting NAME instead of LOAD or SAVE, but do this after you SAVE it the first time.

All this is in the manual...it will become second nature after awhile.

HH!
TBGO

 

[greenswinger]

Not trying to be a smart alec...but thats one of the reasons I like my garretts . Turn on and go !!!!!!! Will detect for food..............call...br - 549

 

[The Beep Goes On]

I hear you. The XLT IS turn on and go...but you have the ability to customize if you want. The preset programs are just like any other detector.

HH!
TBGO

 

[bryan]

yah there are alot of programming possibilities i guess. if you can figure it out

 

[jglunt]

Great advice from other users.

As mentioned earlier, I like DC phase turned on. In pinpoint mode the VDI numbers in the upper right corner (smaller readout) will give a more accurate representation of what may be down there in terms of alloy range. If your sweep reading shows a solid + number with only one or two bars on the graph and your pinpoint VDI shows near the same + number after moving over the target several times...dig.

Depth is relevant to target size and you can be deceived by larger targets that are much deeper than your machine says they are....it's part of the learning process and you will learn to recognize that sharp short tone from a coin vs a can. Tone ID is usually your first clue. Use it and soon your ear will be able to distinguish all the subtle nuances.

The XLT has a longer learning curve than many but you will be rewarded for your patience. Consider the learning process as part of the fun and intrique of MD'ing. Take your time and enjoy it.

READ THE MANUAL

READ THE MANUAL

READ THE MANUAL

Oh, did I mention read the manual?

 

[slow sweeper]

Did you go to the XLT classroom forum? I sent you a link in an e-mail.
Remember that you're not going to be able to learn everything overnight. Stick with it and don't get discouraged.

 

[U.K. Brian]

Well this all seems an attempt to make things very difficult.
Just pick the programme nearest to what you think you need.
Make any adjustments like upping sensitivity and suiting the tone to your own hearing etc etc
Squeeze and release TRIGGER
Push MENU, Then press ENTER to enter the preset programme section.
ARROW down to an empty programme slot and press ENTER.
Arrow down to NAME. Select it and press ENTER.
Put a name in ie Beach, Iron, Pasture or whatever suits the programme. Press MENU. This automatically saves everything.