What metal detector

[PanBiker]

Just browsing through some of the older threads and thought I would update this one.

Not detected for a while but I went online to download a Crown Foreshore permit for the bit of Northumberland we were visiting with the grandchildren this year for our bucket and spade holiday.

Please to report that there is no longer a requirement to obtain a permit for any Crown Foreshore, you would still require permission for any private beaches but no longer for the Crown stretches which are the majority.

Good news but I forgot to pack the detector.!

I did notice a guy detecting on the Newbiggin beach though one day that we were down there.

[PanBiker]

I have upgraded my tech in metal detecting. I found a really good deal with a reasonably local dealer. It was in their Ebay Shop and advertised as only used a few times. It had a really good "buy it now price" which I accepted. It was delivered yesterday and it is a quantum leap in technology. Its a Minelab Equinox 700, it uses their proprietary Multi IQ tech which means it uses multiple frequencies simultaneously when scanning. It has target ID and depth guides on the display, more facilities and options than you can shake shake the proverbial stick at! The machine comes shipped with wireless headphones which is and extra advantage. Carbon fibre shaft so it also a lot lighter than my previous machine. Lithium rechargeable batteries in the detector and the headphones. It's in its original box and came with the original sales invoice which shows that it was first sold on the 1st April this year!. When I opened it up to put it together you would be hard pressed to tell that it has been used at all, absolutely pristine condition, well suited with the purchase.

[Stanley]

Nice to hear of a purchase living up to expectations Ian. Good luck with it.....

[Big Kev]

Nice one Ian, do love a bargain

[PanBiker]

I put my original detector up on Ebay and it sold the day after and is now on its way to Berkshire.

[Big Kev]

Excellent stuff

[PanBiker]

I went on to Minelabs website to download the full manual for my new bit of kit (62 pages). Most tech stuff now only come with a "getting started" guide. I printed that out double sided A4 and have shoved it in one of those binders with the plastic inserts for each sheet.

While I was on the support bit of the site I noticed they had a software update tool for download. I installed that, ran it and then connected the detector to the computer via its USB charging lead. The application checks the current software installed and offers any later updates. There was one for the 700 so I set it going. I had previously done a factory reset on the current software which cleared any erroneous settings. It took about 3 min to upgrade the detector and arrived at a disconnect tab, click that and you're done. I like it when stuff works properly, efficient and painless. So the detector and its software are completely up to date. One thing I know after browsing the manual which covers the slightly higher spec Equinox 900 as well is that it is a very versatile bit of kit and compared to my previous machine one could say, "it sure aint Kansas". You can run it on the default settings, it has two modes for each category of search, Park, Field, Beach and Gold, covers all bases I reckon.

[Stanley]

It all sounds very comprehensive Ian..... (But complicated!)

[PanBiker]

Just a bit of a learning curve Stanley. The detector will work fine on its default settings, they cover all ground types and are optimised for each of the different strata's. I have just had a small upgrade delivered, its mechanical and a high impact moulded plastic brace for the shaft to coil hinge, it beefs the hinge up and makes it lot more robust. Not a lot of brass so a good investment I reckon.

The bottom of the shaft has a rubber bush which fits inside two lugs on the coil a securing bolt goes through and allows whatever tilt you need on the coil. The mod part shrouds the lugs making a stronger joint, it has a longer bolt to pass through the new assembly. It an interference fit to get the through holes all lined up, I am about 80% sorted at the moment. One way trip so it only needs doing once.

[Stanley]

If you find you need anything that's in my orbit Ian, don't hesitate to shout!