Hello. I've been away from the 'hunt' for about 25 years or so. Doc says I need some exercise and, I have the time so I'm getting back in. Last machine I acquired was late 70's, cant recall exactly however, like me, its old but still works. I got the bug in the mid 60's when my then wife to be grandfather introduced me to metal detecting. He was using army mine detectors. Anything bigger than a baseball, he'd find it. The wife and I have been 'stricken' every since. As I mentioned, there's been a prolonged absence due to life and health issues getting in the way. I'm presently educating myself on the new equipment available. My Whites Coinmaster 5DB can still grab dimes at 6 inches but I've seen some impressive improvements over 'ol blue'. Thought this forum might be a good place hang out and see what the new equipment can do before I decide on a new one. Meanwhile, my old '5db ged' is still finding history.