Digging The Target - Minelab SD2200V2 Instruction Manual

Page 18
7.6

Digging the Target

Once you have established the location of the target it is necessary to dig
a small hole to recover it. In order to preserve the environment, it is essential
to make the hole as small as possible and always replace any soil and
grass that you have removed. Carry at least one of the following digging
tools with you when searching. The best tools are:
· a small, strong, digging spade
· a pick
· a shovel
· a crowbar (for very deep objects in hard ground).
Before digging, clear the area of loose surface material and check that the
sound is still there. If it is not, the target must be among the surface material.
If the signal is still there, dig down 50mm to 100mm. If the target is not
visible, sweep over the hole. If the signal has gone then it must be in the
pile just dug. Make sure that there are no objects buried in the soil.
Take care when you dig because damaging a nugget can reduce its value.
Minelab suggests you start digging about 100mm in front of the target to
reduce the chance of damage. Pile the diggings carefully as it might be
necessary to search them systematically later. They must also be replaced,
just as they were dug, once your search ends.
If it becomes evident that the target is in the removed soil pile, sweep the
coil over the pile and pinpoint where it lies. Progressively halve the pile
containing the target. If the target is still difficult to find, lay the detector
down with the coil flat on the ground. Take a handful of the diggings and
pass them over the coil. If there is no signal, place the handful carefully
away from the pile and repeat with another handful. Of course, your hands
and wrists must be free of any metallic jewellery and watches. Once the
object has been recovered it is a good idea to sweep the hole again to
ensure that there are no other targets to be detected.
When you have found an object in a particular hole, search the surrounding
area very carefully as it is very likely that there are more objects nearby. If
you hear a target, keep searching until you find it. It is there and it might be
valuable.
Note: Refill the hole you have dug, and leave the area as you found it.
The Minelab SD2200v2