Fixed versus Tracking

[Bullwinkle]

G'day everyone,

I use a Gpx5000 with a 15" Evo coil. A set up that works quite well.

I always use it "Tracking", but understand that "Fixed" goes a bit deeper. When I have tried Fixed it seems to pick a lot more ground noise so I end up flicking it back to Tracking.

Can anyone please advise:

1. If Fixed does actually go deeper roughly how much deeper?

2. How do I adjust my machine to eliminate some the extra ground noise?

Thanks & best regards

Johnno

 

[Baldy]

My understanding is that if you have it set on tracking and you pick up a signal, wave it over the signal a couple of times , the machine will ground balance and cancel out the signal as though it is ground noise..and signal is gone..Thats why I run on fixed and only manually ground balance when needed instead of the machine doing it automatically..I dont think fixed punches any deeper I think its about ground balance..Q2..If you want to run quietly turn the Rx gain down , but you will loose depth..The more Rx gain the more depth you will get..I run on a pretty high stability setting..Remembering the lower the number is turning it up..The highest number is the lowest setting..I run Stab on 4 to 6..regardless of the Rx gain..I recon I can run a higher Rx gain with the lower numbers on the stability because with the stronger stability I recon it runs quieter allowing me to run the Rx gain hotter..make sense xdfghtrdhji...

 

[ProspectorPete]

Hi Bullwinkle, I've been of the understanding that it's best to run in fixed unless the ground is too variable and you have to GB every couple of meters.
I run Evo coils in various parts of the Vic GT in fixed and only GB every now and then when I hear the warble of the coil when slightly raised/lowered over sticks etc.
Was told that fixed will make a target stand out better so I haven't used tracking at all yet and hopefully won't have to.

To reduce ground noise yes reduce RX gain a little.
I set up opposite to Baldy and start with Stab on factory p/s and adjust the RX until it's about to warble (usually between 7-9) and then notch up the Stab (usually 13-16) to 'open up' the machine, this is how I was told by people I trust so it's what I stick with but there's no right or wrong, just what suits you.
I still get some ground noise but it's pretty quick and easy to decipher the ground noise from a genuine target, if I get too much ground noise with my above settings I simply reduce RX by 1 and if still persisting then I'll notch the Stab back 1 or 2.
Another thing I noticed that settles a chattery machine or settings is changing the swing speed setting from slow to very slow, tested it on a test patch and I recon it actually helps pick up faint signals better because the machine is more stable, but I may be wrong too.

 

[mbasko]

I always used fixed on the GPX5000 because I was always told it was deeper + wouldn't track out iffy signals. I never tested the theory on depth & don't know if it's gospel or not but many very good operators still recommend using fixed unless the ground conditions dictate i.e. highly variable. I don't think tracking actually "tracks" out signals as much as we've been led to believe & what started out as a general precaution as something that could happen grew into it will happen if you use tracking.
To reduce noise in fixed you'd need to reduce gain &/or stabiliser as mentioned above or possibly use another timing to suit. (Assuming you're getting a good ground balance).
When I had my SD2200D I would operate in tracking (mine didn't have a quick track button added) & switch over to fixed when I got a target. This would prevent tracking the signal out & was also easier in many areas rather than staying in fixed + constantly switching to tracking to re-balance.
The way I see it now tracking & fixed are just 2 of the many tools available to use to your advantage on the GPX to help you in a wide variety of conditions/situations. If I get another I would be giving tracking more of a go especially after using the SDC & GPZ in tracking.

Nenad has written some good info on GPX tracking v fixed here:
https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=248329#p248329
https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=17538

 

[Bullwinkle]

Thank you all, for your advice. It all makes perfect sense. Probably just need to patient & peristant. I know when l first went with the Evo 15, it took a while to adapt, but now I wouldnt look back.
So Ill have a crack at adjusting to fixed & see how it goes.
You never stop learning in this caper & its fantastic everyone in this group is prepared to share theirs. Which is very much appreciated.

 

[Redfin]

I detect in the GT and always use tracking, when I get a target I switch to fixed.
Play around with the settings at one of the test sites and you will see/hear there is minimal difference in depth.

 

[madtuna]

When prospecting for new ground and covering a fair distance at a quicker pace than when detecting, I'll often use tracking. But for 99% of the time I'll use fixed and ground balance regularly whether I think it needs it or not.

It's very hard to track out a shallow target, but easier to track out a ground noise. Often those bigger deeper bits start out as a ground noise and don't become a defined target until you've removed several inches. I'd hate to track out a bigger deeper bit.

Always check your ground noises, turn a ground noise into a target.

 

[Smoky bandit]

2 days off for a broken leg...Twice If you ever need a job in se qld mate let me know. I'm sick of these panzys around here :Y: :Y: