Wanted: a little CTX guidance

[Wyomingmedic]

I was able to hit a local park for the first time with my new CTX. I found a plethora of pop tabs and chain link fence scraps.

I am noticing what I can only describe as "falsing". Basically, it is a decent sounding signal which is only repeatable when the coil is swung a certain way. If I change my stance or swing angle, the signal will sound like garbage and I will move on.

That said, I did have some issues with seemed like strong, repeatable signals which would solidly register at all swing angles. Once I started digging, it was like the signal moved. I could scan and pinpoint with the CTX, dig the area, randomly scan the hole getting the same position I was before. After a few minutes of digging, I would scan the hole and notice that the target is now stronger several inches to either side. I'm sure the target was not in the dirt I dug.

I wonder if it is the remnants of gum wrappers and other foil (which seemed to be everywhere) or possibly the ground itself. Running through the ground balance procedure seemed to help a bit, but once I moved a few feet, it was back again.

New to the detector, so I am not expecting to just pick it up and run circles with it. I am very shocked at the amount of signals that my brain must decipher quickly. Having become proficient at morse code, I don't think I will have a problem with it. But the idea that a signal could move seems to boggle the mind.

Thoughts on my approach? Is "falsing" a common problem while learning higher end machines?

Thanks,
WM

 

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[Tom_in_CA]

The best way for a machine like that, is to hook up with someone proficient, and trade off flagged signals.

Another way is to set your disc pattern very high, so that the only thing you're accepting is copper pennies and up. Do that for an entire day in an area filled with clad. Then the next day lower your disc window to accept down to zinc. The next day drop a hair more . And so forth lower and lower till you're finally at factory "smart screen ", (or ferrous with the screen wide open ). THEN the "lights will go on" and it will make sense.

 

[Wyomingmedic]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, as far as I know, there are no highly proficient MDers within hundreds of miles of me. I have met up with a few folks on this site (all within 300 miles), but they seem to be about the experience level of myself.

I will play with the discernment for awhile until I get a feel for what the machine is telling me. I have considered traveling to a different area (read: different state many hundreds of miles away) and teaming up with an experienced person for a few days.

Benefits of living in Wyoming= no people
Negatives of living in Wyoming= no people


Thanks,
WM

 

[kwkstar]

I have been watching YouTube about the CTX3030 and alot of the CTX owners are showing settings and howtos.

 

[Wyomingmedic]

After the original post, I hit the local parks and my own yard purdy hard. I also absorbed as much information as I could find. With 10ish hours on the machine, I am starting to feel a lot better. The buttons are flowing and the sounds are starting to make more sense.

I was actually able to dig some decent targets at 8+ inches the other day.

Do I need to practice more? Oh heck yes, but it is starting to come together. Give Evan (Gonehunting) an Email with any questions. If he has not created a video explaining it, he will tell you what he knows.

Super duper awesome machine, for sure. BIG step up from my Prizm LOL

WM