Goldtarget
(AKA OldGT)
So I've put in some time now to looking at what these ex military machines can and can't do and the various differences between them and other Minelab stock and modified options. Firstly as always it seems detecting gold has a user bias and a small element of luck that will naturally skew any result, so keeping that in mind I've given it some serious consideration.
This machine to me seems like an unsung hero that punches above its weight. Firstly the cost. Unmodded its going to be under a grand for a pi built by minelab, this is a great starting point. Second to this the stock coil is capable of detecting gold, both shallow and small and deeper larger targets. Comparing this for the price range seems like a pretty good deal. Its gb ability is very capable, and here is the kicker, its emi response is extremely low, perhaps stealth like low, after all it makes sense, why build something that detects landmines that is useless if its stormy or close to civilisation? Just ponder that point for a moment it will get you thinking.
Next how does the competition stack up? Well if your serious a pi is going to be an advantage over a vlf. Check out the top level vlf price point, even against a level 1 mod. Its a tempting price point from this perspective, but you are conceding a warranty. But for me I've bought great second hand cars on the private market that served me well without a warranty, and payed more. A mod two is tricky, at this price point other machines come into, play and a new pi is in reach. This is where the waters are muddied, but still an option for low cost gold getting.
The argument is also swayed a little in battery packs, overall the F1A4 seems a vary viable and economical option over the long term compared with other Minelab offerings, perhaps some of the battery mods available close the gap but again a design advantage of the bat, like my little vlf i like the idea of batteries you can get anywhere than can be upscaled to rechargables. That's a handy backup. Inbuilt these machines have the ability to switch down to6v to compensate in power losses, another handy military inclusion. Questions remain, like resale value and seller support for modified units, and they may not be the 5000 but as a solid entry level machine I think they, stack up .
This machine to me seems like an unsung hero that punches above its weight. Firstly the cost. Unmodded its going to be under a grand for a pi built by minelab, this is a great starting point. Second to this the stock coil is capable of detecting gold, both shallow and small and deeper larger targets. Comparing this for the price range seems like a pretty good deal. Its gb ability is very capable, and here is the kicker, its emi response is extremely low, perhaps stealth like low, after all it makes sense, why build something that detects landmines that is useless if its stormy or close to civilisation? Just ponder that point for a moment it will get you thinking.
Next how does the competition stack up? Well if your serious a pi is going to be an advantage over a vlf. Check out the top level vlf price point, even against a level 1 mod. Its a tempting price point from this perspective, but you are conceding a warranty. But for me I've bought great second hand cars on the private market that served me well without a warranty, and payed more. A mod two is tricky, at this price point other machines come into, play and a new pi is in reach. This is where the waters are muddied, but still an option for low cost gold getting.
The argument is also swayed a little in battery packs, overall the F1A4 seems a vary viable and economical option over the long term compared with other Minelab offerings, perhaps some of the battery mods available close the gap but again a design advantage of the bat, like my little vlf i like the idea of batteries you can get anywhere than can be upscaled to rechargables. That's a handy backup. Inbuilt these machines have the ability to switch down to6v to compensate in power losses, another handy military inclusion. Questions remain, like resale value and seller support for modified units, and they may not be the 5000 but as a solid entry level machine I think they, stack up .
