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GROUND BALANCING
Ground Balancing is another very important setting that needs to be set correctly. Some detectors have no Ground Balancing facilities, and do not track the ground setting
either. On these detectors, the Ground Balance has been set by the manufacturer. With some detectors that are not equipped with a Ground Balance facility, it is important when changing from the standard loop to a larger or
smaller loop , to make sure that the new loop is tuned into the detector it is being used on. When the standard loop is put back on, the
tuning procedure must be repeated, otherwise you will loose some depth, and therefore some finds. Most detectors work best with their standard loop. Ask your dealer, they will be able to advise you.
Only use a smaller loop if the desirable targets are too close together, or intermingled with iron targets, for the
standard loop to cope. The smaller loop will wheedle the targets out, but some depth will be lost because although
the smaller loop is more sensitive to small items, it is also more sensitive to the ground minerals and you will most
likely have to turn the sensitivity down to compensate. If in an area where targets are not too close together, a larger loop will go deeper on larger targets. There will be some loss of sensitivity to smaller targets, and less
sensitivity to ground minerals. You will need to increase Sensitivity, if possible, to compensate. Only use a large loop where finds are deep and a good distance apart.
On a detector with Ground Balancing facilities, or Ground Tracking facilities, you do not need to re-tune when changing to a larger, or smaller, loop.
Detectors with manual Ground Balance can be tuned for perfect ground balancing - that is when there is no change in Threshold Tone as
you lower the loop to the ground, or lift it about 30cm off the ground. To increase positive Ground Balance, set for the Threshold Tone to
increase slightly as you lower the loop to the ground. This will make the detector more aware of any ground minerals and smaller targets.
Very useful on low mineralised areas, especially on detectors with Ground Tracking facilities. To increase negative ground balance, set for
the Threshold Tone to decrease as the loop is lowered to the ground. This makes the detector less aware of ground minerals and smaller targets. Useful in high mineralised areas to help stabilise the detector.
When making either positive or negative ground balance adjustments, always err on the side of caution. Too much of either can lose finds.
If a detector has manual Ground Balance, without a Ground Tracking facility, it is wise to check your Ground Balance setting every hour or
so. Check it anyway if you hit a good spot, or go into another field. The secret with
any detector is to keep it stable. Whatever the conditions of an area, a stable detector, set just below its optimum performance, is a happy detector and it will
seek out the best finds. A detector that is not stable, that is crackling or nulling two or three times a sweep, will miss many finds - turn the Sensitivity down, and check the Ground Balance
........................... To be continued next month
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