Target Recovery - Minelab EQUINOX 600 Instruction Manual

Contents

Target Recovery

Using the right tools and a good target recovery technique is important to prevent
damage to a buried target, which could significantly reduce its value.
Digging Tools
Different detecting locations have different
types of ground, so you will need to take
the right tools with you. You may wish to
use a combination of tools when you dig
to speed up the recovery process.
Buy the best quality digging tools you can;
Purchase them from a detecting specialist,
as tools found in hardware stores can be
inadequate for recovering a target and vary
widely in quality.
You don't want to be out on a detecting
trip with a broken digging tool!
Recovering a Target
Be sure not to wear rings, bracelets or a watch, as they will produce a signal
when you are recovering targets.
A Minelab PRO-FIND Series pinpointer is another useful tool for quickly
narrowing down the location of a buried target within a hole.
1. Once a target has been pinpointed, clear the ground surface of loose material and
check the ground again for a signal. If there is no signal, then the target is amongst the
surface material. If the target is still in the ground, Pinpoint again.
2. Try to leave the ground exactly as you found it. Using a sharp tool, cut a neat plug,
leaving some grass attached on one side like a hinge. Lift the plug out and over. This
prevents soil from being scattered and allows the hole to be refilled quickly.
3. Check the hole for the target. If the target is not in the hole, place the detector on the
ground with the coil flat. Pick up a handful of soil and pass it over the coil, returning soil
to the hole after you have checked it. Repeat this procedure until the target is located.
4. Check that no other targets remain in the hole. Refill the hole with all soil and grass as
neatly as possible. Step lightly on the soil to compact it.
Leaving holes or a scarred area may result in action being taken to prevent the use of
metal detectors. Please ensure that the area of ground is left as you found it, and remove
all rubbish.
Park
In Park locations, a digging knife with a serrated edge is great for cutting
through turf and fine roots to form a neat plug of earth. A small strong spade
is useful for digging bigger holes for deeper targets.
Field
Field locations are often composed of dense clay soil that will clump
together. A small strong spade is useful for digging bigger holes for deeper
targets.
Beach
Typical sandy Beach locations mean targets can be easily recovered with
the use of a plastic scoop, or even your hands. A long handled sand scoop is
required for recovering submerged targets from the water.
Gold*
In typical Gold locations, a small pick will help to break open the earth, while
a plastic scoop will assist with checking the soil for gold nuggets without
damaging them.
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