Metal Detecting Target ID & Discrimination Settings Guide

Guide optimal discrimination, notch, and sensitivity settings based on detector model, site conditions, and target goals to reduce trash and keep valuable signals.

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Improves efficiency in high-trash areas.

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We ask for detector brand/model, site conditions, primary target, ground mineralization, sensitivity level, current issue, and experience level because these set discrimination (e.g., notch iron in trashy parks). These inputs reduce trash. Limitation: the tool provides model-specific general advice and may not reflect firmware variations; test settings on known targets.

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Metal Detecting Settings for Minelab Equinox

Recommended Discrimination Pattern

When hunting in clean parks or beaches for coins and jewelry, a well-defined discrimination pattern is crucial. Considering your inputs, here are two recommended patterns:

Pattern 1: Coin and Jewelry Focus

1. Discrimination Range:
   • Iron: 0-5 (notched out)
   • Low Conductors: 6-11 (notched out)
   • Mid Conductors: 12-18 (accepted)
   • High Conductors: 19-25 (accepted)
2. Notch Settings:
   • Notch Out: 0-5 (Iron)
   • Notch Out: 6-7 (Lowest Low Conductors)
   • Notch In: 12-25 (Mid and High Conductors)
3. Sensitivity:
   • Sensitivity Level: Medium (5-6)

Pattern 2: Expanded Jewelry Search

1. Discrimination Range:
   • Iron: 0-10 (notched out)
   • Low Conductors: 11-15 (notched out)
   • Mid Conductors: 16-20 (accepted)
   • High Conductors: 21-25 (accepted)
2. Notch Settings:
   • Notch Out: 0-10 (Iron and some Low Conductors)
   • Notch In: 16-25 (Mid and High Conductors)
3. Sensitivity:
   • Sensitivity Level: Medium (5-6)

Understanding VDI Numbers and Iron Falsing

VDI Numbers

• VDI (Visual Display Indicator) Numbers range from 0 to 40+ on the Minelab Equinox.
• Iron typically falls between 0-10, with most valuable coins and jewelry being in the range of 12-25.
• Higher numbers often indicate better conductors such as silver and gold.

Iron Falsing

• Iron falsing occurs when the detector misidentifies iron targets as valuable finds.
• This can happen due to the presence of rusted metal or other factors interrupting the signal.
• To minimize iron falsing, ensure that your discrimination settings are properly adjusted, and consider using a lower sensitivity in areas with heavy iron contamination.

Summary of Settings

• Discrimination Pattern: Choose either Pattern 1 or Pattern 2 based on your target preference.
• Notch Settings: Adjust to exclude unwanted iron signals.
• Sensitivity: Set to Medium (5-6) for stability in detecting coins and jewelry.

Brought to you by TheToolCollective.com

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The Tool Collective are a group of diverse and talented hobbyists on a mission to create thousands of ultra specific, and helpful decision making tools that help others who share our passions and interests. Whether they help with buying decisions, or give you expert level advice for techniques or methods, we will make it. Metal detecting is something many of us grew up doing with our fathers and relatives, especially along the east coast beaches of the U.S. Not many things that bring you a sense a pure hope and wonder like wondering around trying to find a valuable piece of gold jewelry. It's a lot like fishing, you never know what you may catch. Here are a bunch of decision tools devoted to metal detecting enthusiasts and treasure hunters. Enjoy!

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