Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Ideal "Starters" Metal Detector - Fisher F2

The Fisher F2 has been getting some good reviews and with a price of $295AUD, I reckon it would make the perfect metal detector for someone starting out in the hobby.


Time: 10:23 (Video courtesy of jasonr2210)

Friday, November 7, 2008

Minelab Safari

Hidden treasures are now within reach with Safari!

Powered by Minelab's FBS multiple frequency technology, Safari combines deep, sensitive and accurate detecting for anyone demanding both simplicity AND performance!

Safari uses advanced digital filtering to eliminate the influence of ground signals, automatically. Experience easy, seamless detecting whatever the field conditions!

With its High Trash Density setting, Target Ids and audio tones are updated when sweeping over closely spaced targets FAST! This improves the recovery of deeply buried high conductivity targets in a trashy environment and allows you to more accurately identify the type of target found.

Accurate and easy to use, press the pinpoint button and watch the Safari zone-in on the precise location of that precious target.

With four pre-programmed Detect modes, you can choose from Coin; Coin & Jewellery; Relic or All Metal. Each individual mode contains the optimum settings for identifying the characteristics of your preferred targets, allowing you to maximise your time in the field.

Features

Ultra-lightweight 11" Double D waterproof coil combines high performance, great depth and sharp pinpointing.
Four pre-programmed Detection Modes - Coin; Coin/Jewellery; Relic and All Metal.
Four Programmable user modes
Linear -10 to +40 discrimination scale. Accept/Reject functionality.
Fully Automatic and Manual Sensitivity control options.
Pinpoint with audio and visual indicators for accurate detection.
Trash Density - High ensures fewer false signals experienced in typical coin and relic environments, Low is ideal for clean sites.
Threshold adjustment level on a 0-40 scale.
Target Volume Adjust - adapts target signal volume to suit user preference.
Noise Cancel - automatically selects the quietest, most stable channel for detecting.
Menu Interface - Intuitive menu structure for fast and easy access and adjustment. Clear view target depth gauge; Target ID number; Target Icon (in Coin and Coin/Jewellery Modes); Mode indicators and Graphic Identification Bar showing active discrimination pattern.
LCD Screen, 64 x 128 pixel with adjustable contrast settings.
Long lower shaft as standard allowing extra extension for user comfort.
Robust, well balanced design for comfortable detecting over longer periods.

Details Courtesy of the Minelab website

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Ancient Chinese Coin Unearthed in Northern Territory

A HISTORIC Chinese coin from the Ch'ing Dynasty has been discovered in an archeological dig in the heart of Darwin.

The excavation began in a vacant lot behind the building in the city centre on September 22, ahead of the lot's redevelopment.

Constructed in the 1880s, the building is testament to the establishment and expansion of the Chinese community in the Northern Territory. It is the only building associated with Darwin's 19th century Chinatown which still survives today. 

Heritage officer Patrician Bourke, from the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS), said the dig aimed to unearth evidence of those who used to live at the site, and how they lived. Among the historical gems buried in the soil was a Chinese coin that Dr Bourke said most likely originated from the Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911). There was also an Australian penny from 1921, four Chinese medicine vials and various buttons and beads. A pearl shell and metal pieces that may have belonged to a soldier's buckle and casing for bomb storage were included in the find.

One of the most exciting finds so far has been a well that was located with help from the Chin family, who were owners of the building for many years, said Dr Bourke. The well is a reminder of a time when there was no reticulated water in Darwin and residents relied on wells for drinking water. We excavated the well down to a depth of about four metres, bringing up many artefacts, including whole bottles and we're still sorting through the spoil.

Dr Bourke said the archeological investigation would add to information about Darwin's early development, with the information used to elaborate on existing interpretations of history. The fieldwork is expected to be finalised by the end of November.

Courtesy of AAP 06 Nov 2008.