Metal Detecting and Relic Hunting in Australia

Thanks Magnus for the link.

Please stop by and join the forums.

World Metal Detector Community

The World Metal Detector Community welcomes all responsible metal detector users, and wishes to promote good practise, conduct, reporting and recording procedures within our fascinating and multi faceted hobby!

The brand new and fast growing online social networking community for metal detectorists!

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.

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Time: 10:23 (Video courtesy of jasonr2210)

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

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.

Minelab E-Trac

News from the Minelab website;

Minelab's most technologically advanced detector sets a new benchmark for the industry!

E-Trac is Minelab's most technologically advanced detector, incorporating unique Full Band Spectrum (FBS) Technology. Its sleek, sturdy design, innovative control panel, intuitive menus, clear LCD, robust lightweight coil and comprehensive targeting options set E-Trac apart from any other detector available today.

Minelab has taken a further ground breaking step by incorporating a USB interface, which will allow you to download and upload E-Trac settings, User Modes and Discrimination Patterns using your own Personal Computer (PC).

E-Trac will locate valuable metal objects in a variety of mineralised ground conditions such as extremely salty soils, sea water, wet beach sand and highly magnetic ground conditions. By using the E-Trac you can become one of the many successful detectorists who combine their passion for the outdoors with the excitement of discovering valuable coins, relics, gold and jewellery on a regular basis.

E-TRAC Technology

E-Trac delivers Full Band Spectrum (FBS) with Simultaneous Frequencies ranging from 1.5kHz - 100kHz through its powerful microprocessor. The frequency range means that the signal received from the detector coil is analysed from a wide range of responses. This allows E-Trac's advanced signal processing to rate detected objects according to their ferrous and conductivity (FE-CO) characteristics and analyse more target information so that the target identification (ID) is more accurate.

Minelab's Smartfind™ is a unique two-dimensional scale of discrimination. Smartfind™ graphically represents both the ferrous and conductivity properties on the same display. This combined with E-Trac's target Discrimination ability eliminates signals from undesired targets and accepts signals from desired targets. E-Trac's technology means:

- Greater detecting depth
- High sensitivity over a wide range of targets
- Less interference from electromagnetic sources
- More accurate identification of target characteristics

E-TRAC Xchange

E-Trac Xchange allows you to download and upload detector settings and Discrimination Patterns via USB to your Personal Computer. This advanced feature is designed to allow you to quickly configure the E-Trac to particular detecting environments and preferred targets.

You can always share your experiences and settings with other detectorists. The installation CD and Xchange User Guide supplied with your E-Trac ensure you can get started straight away.

You can build a resource library charting your success with your E-Trac. Download and store your valuable Settings, User Modes and Patterns for your favourite sites and upload them as required. There's no limit to the number you can store on your PC so make the most of your E-Trac and never worry about losing your successful settings again!

Features

• E-Trac Xchange USB functionality - create, download and upload your E-Trac Settings and Discrimination Patterns for your favourite sites; save to your PC or XChange them with others by email.
• Ultra-lightweight waterproof 11" Double D Waterproof Coil, versatile with sharp, accurate pinpointing and depth!
• QuickMask™ with independent Ferrous and Conductivity rejection level adjust - a fast and simple way to edit Patterns
• Smartfind™ offers Minelab's proven unique discrimination and dual coordinate target profiling.
• Discrimination Scale with radical realignment improves the target ID and recovery rate of good targets at depth
• Sensitivity functionality with expanded Auto, Manual and "Suggested" settings
• Refined Threshold adjustment level on a 1-50 scale - greater precision to suit your requirements
• Pinpoint with audio and visual indicators on 2 modes makes target size and identification more accurate than ever
• Four pre-programmed Minelab User Modes with specific Settings and Patterns suited to Coins; High Trash; Beach and Relics.
• Four User Mode slots - personalise your Modes to suit your specific detecting target preferences and environment.
• Ground Setting options of Neutral and Difficult adapt easily to benign or the most challenging operating conditions with these settings.
• Trash Density - High ensures you experience fewer false signals in high trash environments, Low is perfect for cleaner sites.
• User-centered Keypad and Menu Interface Design - enhanced usability with intuitive icons and logical menu sequences that are fast and so easy to use!
• Clear resolution Visual Display Panel 72mm x 48mm - designed for optimum visibility in all light conditions
• Ergonomic, perfectly balanced Handle Assembly ensures longer periods of detecting without fatigue!
• Additional Expert Features and Preferences allow you to customise your E-Trac to suit your needs.

Quick Update from Jimboomba

We have finally moved into our new house at Glenlogan Lakes, Jimboomba. There is still a lot of unpacking and sorting before I can finally settle down and start to enjoy my hobbies.

Will keep you posted.......

Quiet of Late

My apologies for not much happening on this site for the last 6 weeks. We were meant to be in our new house in Jimboomba at the end of May. Currently we are living with my parents in Forest Lake but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We now have handover confirmed as July 30 which is just under a week away.

Once we get settled in, then I can start doing my research and get out there and join the Brisbane Metal Detecting Club and enjoy myself. This site should become more active again come August.

Cheers
Laurie

Brisbane Metal Detecting Club Newsletter

Yesterday Roger sent me the latest newsletter (May) from the Brisbane Metal Detecting Club called the "Gold Seekers Newsletter". Their motto is Perserverance - Patience - Practice.

Seems the club is quite active and the newsletter made for some good reading.

Thanks Roger.

Portable Antiquities Scheme

The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary scheme to record archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales. Every year many thousands of objects are discovered, many of these by metal-detector users, but also by people whilst out walking, gardening or going about their daily work. Such discoveries offer an important source for understanding our past.

This website provides background information on the Portable Antiquities Scheme, news articles, events listings and access to our database of objects and images.

UK Detector Finds Database Newsletters

Here you will find all the quarterly newsletters produced by John Winter of the UKDFD team. Makes for some interesting reading.

The UKDFD is an initiative by members of the metal-detecting community to promote good practice within the hobby. It is an easy-to-use, friendly and supportive online facility for detectorists to record their finds and ensure that the information is preserved for future generations.

Brisbane Metal Detecting Club is Alive and Well

Just received some great news from Roger at the Brisbane Metal Detecting Club. The club is alive and well and meet every 3rd Thursday in Kalinga, Brisbane.

More news to come.

No Brisbane Metal Detecting Clubs

I am quite convinced now that there are NO Brisbane metal detecting clubs. I have not received any replies to my letters and no club listings show up in the Australian Gold Gem & Treasure Magazine. Also David from Treasure Enterprises of Australia informs me that he hasn't heard from them in years.

Therefore, I am looking for any mentors/groups in the Brisbane area who are keen to bring a new person into the hobby.

X-Terra Tips and Tricks

Links to get the best out of your Minelab X-Terra metal detectors.

X-Terra Tips from Minelabowners

Coinshooting with the X-Terra 70

X-Terra Target Id Chart for U.S. Coins

X-Terra Tips for the Coinshooter

X-Terra Tips & Tricks from NQ Miners Den

Tips for the X-Terra 70 from JacksGold

Time Team's Opinion of Metal Detectorists

Information courtesy of the Time Team website:

Detectorists have the potential to make a great contribution to archaeology if they work within the law and in conjunction with landowners, academics and field archaeologists. For example, the Hoxne Hoard, one of the richest Roman treasures ever discovered, was found in a Suffolk field by a detectorist who promptly reported it, saving many rare and delicate objects for conservation that would otherwise have been destroyed by the plough.

Time Team has benefited hugely, too. At the investigation at High Worsall in the 1998 series, detectorist John Bradbury gave us terrific assistance checking spoil heaps, and he found several medieval artefacts. And Tim Hand found many coins and the wonderful Roman brooch at Turkdean during the 1997 Live, plus even more brooches when we returned there for the 1999 series. We couldn't have managed to investigate the huge site at Bawsey St James for the 1998 Live without the help of all the detectorists, who work very closely with county archaeologist Andy Rogerson. And you can read detectorist Denny Woodthorpe’s account of his involvement with Time Team when he helped in the excavation of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in the 2001 series.

Detecting is now an established tool within the battery of methods available to professional archaeologists, and Time Team is happy to use it. This is especially so if it is carried out by local detectorists with particular experience of conditions in the area.

Unfortunately, however, there is a negative side. Any idiot can get hold of a metal detector. The irresponsible and criminal use of this little machine has greatly damaged the reputations of responsible detectorists. If all detectorists worked with local landowners and archaeologists, and recorded, reported and deposited their finds in their local museum, there would be no difficulties. Regrettably, the activities of a minority have made many archaeologists wary of all metal detectorists. Finds are unearthed and removed with no record of the context in which they were found; less valuable (to non-archaeologists) finds are simply discarded.

At the site of the 2001 Live, unscrupulous detectorists were still raiding the site even as Time Team was setting up in advance of the dig. The importance of recording metal detectorists' finds is now recognised by the archaeological community, who have persuaded the government and the Heritage Lottery Fund to fund a voluntary recording scheme for detected finds: the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The bucket found by a detectorist at the site of the 2001 Live was reported under this scheme.