Whites GOLDMASTER Series User manual

GOLDMASTER® Series
OWNER’S GUIDE
GMX SPORT
WATERPROOF GOLD DETECTOR
with XGB Technology

XGB TECHNOLOGY
SPECIFICATIONS
XGB TECHNOLOGY is a patent-pending automatic ground balance
system. It is purpose-built for operating a high-frequency VLF gold
nugget detector in difficult ground conditions.
Traditional VLF detectors struggle to balance rapidly changing
ground mineralization and hot rocks.
With XGB technology, the GMX is able to track small changes in
soil composition as well as longer-term shifts in both ground phase
and strength. This allows it to operate in ground that traditional
VLFs struggle in.
Users have extended control over the range of XGB in the
Goldmaster’s All-Metal mode. Simply enable Iron Cancel to
expand the ground filter in moderate soils. In very challenging soil
conditions, hold the Iron Cancel button and select a higher setting
for maximum performance in variable ground.
Detector Type Gold Nugget/Prospecting
Frequency 48kHz
Weight 4.0 lbs with batteries
Length 45 inches to 55 inches, Assembled
Batteries 8aa Included
Battery Life 20-40 hrs
Search Coil 6” Concentric included
IP Rating IP 68 waterproof to 10 feet
Audio Speaker or 1/4” Headphone
Ground Balance XGB and TracLock
Warranty 2 Year Transferrable
Unique Features Ground Scan, All-Metal Disc.
Optional Coils 4” x 6” GMX or 4” x 6” 24K

Introduction
White’s Electronics, Inc.’s Goldmaster® platform has served electronic prospectors
well over the last 20 plus years, resulting in income for professional miners and
diversion for hobbyists. With modern advances in DSP, improved ergonomics,
and performance increases, the GMX SPORT represents the next generation of
high-frequency induction-balance waterproof gold nugget detectors.
When our engineers set out to build the GMX, the goal was simple: Improve the user’s
chance to find gold by combining the electronics of the GM 24K with the waterproof,
rugged design of the MX SPORT.
The obvious way to achieve this goal is increased sensitivity. The GMX features a 54%
increase in coil voltage over the GMT. You will see this in increased sensitivity to small
nuggets. Even at lower gain settings the GMX is an extremely “hot” machine on small
gold and specimen nuggets.
Experienced electronic prospectors know that more sensitivity is not the only answer
to increasing the odds of success in prospecting. A machine’s ability to track and
cancel the ground is often the biggest challenge we face in our search for gold. That’s
why the GMX Sport features the all-new ground tracking system we call “XGB” (Xtreme
Ground Balance). This system works with multiple ground points to ensure stable oper-
ation. The GMX also features Iron/Hot-Rock cancellation in both audio modes, expand-
ing the ground range even more for quiet operation in the most challenging ground.
When the nuggets are few and far between, prospectors often have more success
at sluicing, panning, or dry washing. You will find an all-new mode in the GMX, called
“Ground Scan” that can help you successfully track and mark black sand or other
mineral deposits in stream beds, washes, or even under ground (where the backlight
comes in handy).
In addition to these new features, old standbys like Variable Self-Adjusting Threshold
(vSAT), Ground Grab, TracLock, and adjustable audio options help users to setup the
machine as they see fit based on ground conditions and personal preference. Where
other companies rely on completely automatic operation for limited uses, White’s
Electronics, Inc. believes in giving you the ability to adjust a machine for a wider variety
of conditions, hopefully resulting in more gold in your pouch.
With a combination of patience, research, and a little luck, you’ll get your GMX’s coil
over gold. But be warned, if you don’t have gold fever yet you will after your first nugget!
Good luck and happy hunting,
White’s Electronics
XGB TECHNOLOGY
SPECIFICATIONS

Quick Start

Table of Contents
Assembly ............................................................................................................2
Batteries, FCC and CE Compliance ........................................................4
Interface .............................................................................................................5
Quick Start .........................................................................................................6
Special Notice ..................................................................................................7
Controls
Sensitivity ....................................................................................................8
Volume/Threshold .............................................................................10
V-Sat ..........................................................................................................11
Target ID ..................................................................................................12
Audio ..........................................................................................................12
Iron Cancel/Discrimination ............................................................12
Gound Controls .....................................................................................14
XGB ............................................................................................................14
TracLock ..................................................................................................15
Ground Grab ..........................................................................................15
Ground Scan ..........................................................................................15
Searching
Pinpoint Technique ..............................................................................16
Non-Motion Pinpoint Mode .............................................................16
Headphones ...........................................................................................17
Field Use & Tuning ..............................................................................18
Backlight & Battery Life ....................................................................19
Hot Rocks ................................................................................................20
Sensitivity & XGB .................................................................................21
Pinpointing ..............................................................................................22
Sensitivity and Variable SAT ...........................................................22
Target ID ..................................................................................................23
Frequency Shift .....................................................................................23
Proper Care ...................................................................................................24
Service ..............................................................................................................25
Warranty .......................................................................................Back Cover

Assembly
1. Remove all parts from the shipping carton and check assembly
diagram to ensure all parts are present.
2. Install black rubber washers on ber lower rod; attach search coil
to lower ber rod. Use only the nonmetallic washers, ber bolt,
and ber thumbnut provided to secure search coil loop to the
lower ber rod.
3. Insert lower ber rod into center rod so that the spring buttons
line up with one of the length-adjustment holes in the center rod.
Turn the camlock to eliminate any slack.
4. Insert the center extension rod into the hand-grip section. Turn
the camlock to eliminate any slack.
5. Wind the search coil cable around the rods, rst revolution over
the top of the rod, all the way to the display pod. Plug the cable
into the connector on the back of the display. When looking at the
back of the display, it is the connector on the right. Tighten the
retainer ring securely.
Fiber Bolt & Thumbnut
Search Coil
Non-metallic
Washers
Fiber Rod
Center Rod
Search Coil
Cable
Camlock
2

6. read the velcro arm strap through the slots on the armcup. With
your arm in position, fold the strap over onto the velcro so that the
strap is loose enough to to pull your arm in and out of the armcup.
7. Grip the detector and sweep the search coil over the oor. If the t feels
uncomfortable, adjust the position of the lower ber rod. e ideal
position allows you to stand up straight and sweep the search coil over
the ground without stooping over.
8. Install eight “AA” batteries in the battery holder carefully noting the +
& - positions marked inside the battery holder. Insert the battery pack,
lining up the contacts. Tighten the battery seal.
Non-metallic
Washers
Control Pod
Camlock
Handgrip
Search Coil
Connector
Center Rod
Search Coil
Cable
Battery Holder with Cap
Velcro Armstrap
Control Buttons
Display
3

Tips on Batteries
• e GMX Sport operates for up to 40 hours (without backlight) using
eight quality “AA” batteries.
• High-quality “AA” alkaline batteries are recommended. Rechargeable
NiCad, Nickel Metal Hydride, or other similar “AA” substitutions work
well. Batteries near or above 2 volts per cell and higher are not recom-
mended.
• Battery life will change with battery type, operating temperature, and
backlight use. Lowering the volume of the built in speaker or using
headphones extends battery life.
4
FCC COMPLIANCE
is device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
conditions:
1. is device may not cause harmful interference.
2. is device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Caution: Changes or modications not expressly approved by White’s Electronics, Inc.
could void your authority to operate this product.
CE COMPLIANCE
is device operates within the following frequency range and maximum power output:
1. Frequency band in which the radio equipment operates: 47kHz-48kHz
2. Maximum radio-frequency power transmitted in the frequency band in which the
radio equipment operates: 250mW

GMX SPORT Quick Start
Target ID #
Higher number,
Better chance of gold
Beep Mode On
Iron Cancel On
Volume Level
SAT/Threshold Level
Audio Mode
SAT +/-
Volume +/-
Threshold +/-
Iron Cancel
Disc LO/HI
Visual Target ID
Ground strength in
Ground Scan mode
Backlight On
TracLock On
Sensitivity
Power On/
Off
Backlight
TracLock
Ground Scan
Sensitivity
Adjust other settings
Ground Grab/Exit Setting Selection
Pinpoint (non-motion)
GMX SPORT Interface
NOTE: Regular text = button TAP, Italic text = button HOLD
5

GMX SPORT Quick Start
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Quick Start Instructions
With the GMXproperly assembled and the batteries installed, follow
the instructions below to start nding those nuggets!
Turn the GMX on by pressing the POWER button.
Set the VOLUME to your preference (tap Speaker icon, use Up and
Down buttons).
Set the THRESHOLD to a faint hum (hold Speaker icon, use Up
and Down buttons). For silent search, turn this all the way down
Set the SENSITIVITY to a level that ensures smooth operation (Up
and Down buttons).
Set the SAT to get a stable threshold (hold Music button, use Up
and Down buttons).
Select your preferred AUDIO mode (tap Music button). With the
Music icon displayed you are in Beep mode. With no icon, you are
in Zip mode.
Enable IRON CANCEL if you experience difcult ground condi-
tions, hot and cold rocks, or iron trash (tap Nail button).
Lower the search coil to the ground, then “pump” the coil up and
down acouple of times and XGB will automatically balance or
track out the ground mineralization. Or you can Lock the tracking
(Lock button) and perform a ground grab (Bullseye button).
Start swinging the search coil in wide sweeps that overlap each
other.
If you experience false signals or constant beeping or popping,
turn the SENSITIVITY down a bit, adjust the SAT up, or enable
IRON CANCEL.
6

* SPECIAL NOTICE
If you attempt to demonstrate or test the
GMX by waving targets in the air in front
of the search coil, it is ESSENTIAL to have
the GROUND BALANCE button in the
LOCKED setting.
This is necessary because when the GMX
is in the XGB setting, the search coil must
SEE ground while it is passing over the
target or it will think that the target IS
ground and will attempt to track it out.
This is the case whether you are demon-
strating with or without Iron Cancel.
You may, however, demonstrate the fast
ground balancing feature of XGB or
GRAB by waving or pumping a mineral-
ized rock in the air in front of the search
coil.
Thus, testing the GMX with targets while
in XGB mode must be done in or on the
ground.
7

GMX Controls
Current
Sensitivity
Level
Sensitivity
Increase
Sensitivity
Decrease
Controls
Sensitivity Control
With the SENSITIVITY control, you
increase the signal strength coming from
the ground. You might expect increased
signal strength to always nd more nuggets
at greater depths. However, high ground
mineralization will “bounce” the signal
back and mask good targets. It is therefore
necessary to ADJUST the SENSITIVI-
TY to give you the maximum allowable
SENSITIVITY without masking targets or
over-loading the circuit and at the same
time allowing you to operate the detector
with a constant threshold hum so that faint
signals can be detected.
This is where the GMX can help you out.
When ground mineralization is too high for
the current SENSITIVITY control setting,
the display shows you a series of lines
along with an audible “alert”. Reduce the
SENSITIVITY till the overload warning
ceases. On occasion, while searching, you
might go over a very large or very shallow
target. This will result in the same type
of behavior. Lifting the coil higher may
reveal some information on the target. You
still might want to dig it up!
Sensitivity Adjustment
1. The UP and DOWN buttons control the SENSITIVITY. Each press on the UP button in-
creases from a minimum level of “0” to a maximum level of “10”. Please note that levels 0-9
adjust the system gain, and that setting 10 enables an Audio Boost for maximum sensitivity.
2. Average ground conditions will generally allow for settings of 5-7 on the SENSITIVITY
setting. In mild ground you may be able to run as high as 10, and in extreme ground you may
need to lower the sensitivity to under 5. If the GMX overloads, the sensitivity is set too high!
3. One way to look at the SENSITIVITY control is like the accelerator in your car. Sometimes
you have to ease off for better control, and other times you can go “full throttle” for maxi-
mum performance.
8

GMX Controls
With the right combination of sensitivity,
SAT, and patience, your GMX can nd
gold down to the sub-grain size
4. The object of increasing the SENSITIVITY is to get the maximum available depth
from the detector WITH-OUT causing the overload message to appear, which indi-
cates an overload of the circuit.
5. In addition, any increase in SENSITIVITY adjustment should NOT BE at the
expense of maintaining a smooth and constant THRESHOLD “hum”. False signals,
beeps and bops from bits of mineralization, erratic behavior, and lapses in THRESH-
OLD all can be the result of running with too much SENSITIVITY.
6. The use of the VSAT (variable self-adjusting threshold) control will also help to
maintain a smooth THRESHOLD “hum” and will be covered in a later section.
7. While using a steady slow search coil sweep speed, advance the control towards “10”
while maintaining a quiet smooth background THRESH-OLD “hum”. If ground
noises are still a problem reduce SENSITIVITY.
8. The TARGET ID capability of the GMX also functions more accurately when the
SENSITIVITY is set at a level which allows for smooth operation. Too much gain
can cause bad ground to distort the proper identication of iron and non-iron targets.
9. Just as a slow, broad search-coil speed will maintain smooth threshold, it will also
allow the search-coil to get clear off of the target with each pass, thus insuring that
the GMT “sees” ground as well as target. This is essential for the accurate operation
of Target ID.
9

GMX Controls
Volume,
Threshold
Level
Volume Adjust
(tap)
Threshold
Adjust (hold)
The VOLUME control on your GMX only
adjusts the sound level of target sounds and
conrmation beeps. It is used in conjunc-
tion with the THRESHOLD to give you
the most control over the dynamic range
of you detector. This control is adjusted
by tapping the SPEAKER icon and then
using the UP and DOWN buttons to adjust
it louder or quieter. Note that holding the
SPEAKER button adjusts the threshold,
which will display the letters “th” on
screen. Adjust the THRESHOLD so you
can hear a faint hum - this will allow for
best performance on small targets.
For example, with a low THRESHOLD
and a high VOLUME, there is a large
range of signals you might hear. Some will
be just above the threshold, others will
bang out loud and clear. You can adjust
the VOLUME and THRESHOLD to your
own preference, but in general the best
range of target sounds will be available
with a high volume and low threshold. At
volume levels 9 and 10, you will see b1
and b2 on the display as these two levels
enable consecutive audio boosts for low
signals.
External Speaker or Headphones?
Volume/Threshold Adjustment
There are advantages to running your GMX with headphones. Battery life will be increased
and it will be much easier to hear the faintest signals. Wind especially can cause issues with
using the external speaker on a gold detector, as the buffeting in your ears can mask small
target sounds.
However, in snake country or in hot and humid conditions headphones may not be an op-
tion. The GMX has independent volume settings, meaning that you can adjust the volume
for the external speaker as well as the headphones, and these settings are saved when you
power the machine down. The GMX automatically senses when headphones are plugged
in, and the machine will switch to the saved headphone volume level. It then returns to the
saved speaker volume level when the headphones are removed.
10

SAT Level
SAT adjust
(hold)
Hot rocks are mineralized rocks.
They can be heard because they are differ-
ent in mineralization than the surrounding
matrix or body of ground. Negative hot rocks,
such as magnetite, tend to give a “boing”
sound when the search-coil is passed over
them. The greater the difference between
them and the ground, the louder the “boing”.
Positive hot rocks, such as maghemite tend
to sound just like any other metal target,
such as a nugget and can give a zip-zip
sound. Positive hot rocks will test any pros-
pectors patience. The GMX will reduce the
effect and help to identify many hot rocks.
V-SAT Speed Control
The Variable SAT (Self Adjusting Thresh-
old) Speed control adjusts the speed that the
GMX recovers its threshold hum when the
search-coil passes over changes in minerali-
zation. This setting is adjusted by holding the
MUSIC button and then adjusting the SAT
up or down between 0 (off), 1 (medium), or
2 (fast). The letters “Sa” will display when
adjusting V-SAT.
V-SAT Adjustment
The Initial Setting is 1 (medium), appropri-
ate for mild-to-moderate ground minerali-
zation. When you encounter fast changes
in ground mineralization or deeper, larger
hot rocks, you may either get false signals
(positive ground) or lapses in the THRESH-
OLD hum (negative ground). Increasing
the V-SAT control setting to 2 will speed up
the auto adjustment of the THRESHOLD
“hum” and reduce this interference. At the
same time, you should slow down your
sweep speed to help SAT do its job to main-
tain a smooth threshold.
Remember, overall depth will be diminished
with a faster V-SAT speed, but if the ground
is too noisy to separate a good target from
a false signal, it is better to operate with a
little more V-SAT speed than to lose a target
altogether. This is the same logic that was
used in describing the SENSITIVITY con-
trol. Lowering the gain will reduce overall
depth, but by doing so you can also improve
your performance and nd more nuggets in
the long run. For best results, set your V-SAT
speed JUST high enough to cancel out false
signals from ground mineralization and
set the SENSITIVITY control JUST high
enough to maintain maximum depth without
having false or erratic behavior.
GMX Controls
11

Audio Mode
Tapping the Music button toggles between two different audio modes. With the Music
Icon ON, the GMX will produce 2 distinct beeps, one high and one low, for different
types of targets. The higher tone has a better chance of being a non-ferrous target (gold,
aluminum, silver, brass, etc.), and the lower tone has a better chance of being ferrous
(iron, hot rocks, etc.).
With the Music Icon OFF, the GMX will produce a standard VCO all-metal “zip” sound
on targets. This mode is generally preferred by experienced prospectors due to the nu-
ances of the sound and perceived sensitivity to small targets.
All settings (SAT, Volume, Threshold, Iron Cancel, etc.) have the same effects in both
audio modes. This allows for maximum exibility for different users.
Target ID #
Higher number,
Better chance of gold
Visual Target ID
“Beep” Mode
Audio Mode
Selection
GMX Controls
Target ID
The GMX features two types of Target ID. The most obvious is the large numbers
displayed in the center of the screen when the coil passes over a target. These two digits
represent a scale from 0 to 99, with higher numbers equalling a higher chance that the
target is non-ferrous.
In challenging ground, or when gold is located in host rock, it’s important to dig every
questionable signal. Sometimes very small gold can produce a low Target ID number,
or in the case of sub-grain-sized nuggets, no number at all. This is why many electronic
prospectors hunt mostly based on sound.
In addition to this, the top most bar of the screen displays a general scale of targets. You
can see that gold has a large range, due to the many different sizes, shapes, and consist-
encies of gold nuggets. When in doubt, dig it out!
12

Disc Setting
(2 bars)
Iron Cancel (tap)
Disc. Adjust (hold)
Iron Cancel (Discrimination)
When detecting for gold nuggets it is often
best to “dig it all.” Gold can have various
shapes, sizes, be embedded in iron rock, so
it’s impossible to account for every nugget
in the ground and only dig gold. However,
in challenging conditions the electronic
prospector may need to adjust the GMX
to cancel out unwanted targets or heavy
ground mineralization. This is done at the
expense of some sensitivity, but in extreme
conditions the amount of signals can over-
whelm your senses, causing “ear fatigue.”
In these cases the real battle is in nding
good targets, not raw depth.
Situations where you might need to use
Iron Discrimination are: rapidly changing
ground minerals, high concentrations of
hot or cold rocks, old mining camps with
iron trash, highly variable ferrous ground
conditions.
Iron Cancel Adjustment
To enable Iron Cancel in either Beep or Zip mode, tap the Nail Icon. This will engage
the Iron Cancel feature at the default setting. You can adjust this setting up or down
by holding the Nail Icon, then using the Up and Down buttons to set the discrimination
range. Best practice is to only use what is required for smooth operation of the GMX, as
too high of an Iron Cancel setting will decrease the detector’s sensitivity to small gold
nuggets. Again, this is a trade off - it is up to the operator to pick the balance between a
smooth threshold and maximum sensitivity. If you are getting a lot of high signals from
hot rocks, tap the LOCK button while in the Iron Cancel adjustment mode. This will
block out a range of signals from 94-99.
Please note that unlike coin detectors, the threshold will not go silent over discriminated
targets in the “Zip” (all-metal) audio mode. This is to ensure smooth operation and com-
bat ear fatigue. You may nd that it is best to detect with Iron Cancel off, and then toggle
it on to check a target. Very small gold will often report a very weak target ID number,
or none at all, so this setting is best used as a last resort in only the most challenging
conditions.
GMX Controls
13

GMX Controls
Gold is usually found in min-
eralized ground, and the GMX
has XGB enabled by default
when the machine is powered on.
This makes it easy to get started
prospecting, as the machine au-
tomatically cancels out unwanted
mineralization so you can focus on
listening for targets.
However, there are times when
you may want the option to LOCK
the ground balance control, or even
display the ground information on
screen. The comprehensive ground
options on the GMX allow you to
do both of these things quickly and
easily, without menu-diving.
XGB
The original Goldmaster® featured a revolutionary ground lter system that was quick
to respond to mineralization changes. But even this industry standard had its limitations.
XGB is the automatic ground tracking method used by the GMX, and features an all-new
method and algorithm thanks to modern processing speeds and updated Digital Signal
Processing. For users this means that they can use this detector in a wider variety of
ground conditions with more stable operation and less ground noise. When coupled with
the Iron Cancel and SAT settings you have a truly versatile set of tools to combat nasty
ground.
XGB is the default setting on the GMX, and recommended for most users in most condi-
tions. It has the ability to track a wide range of ground, from ferrous to alkali, and features
an increased tracking speed over previous models without hurting sensitivity to small
nuggets. The arrows above and below the LOCK icon indicate whether XGB is tracking
up or down in values.
The algorithms used in XGB also give the GMX an edge due to the ability to track mul-
tiple ground points simultaneously. In highly variable grounds this is a huge benet, as
you may encounter wide enough swings in ground phase to render other machines almost
unusable.
Even though XGB is the suggested ground setting, advanced prospectors know that there
are times when more control over the ground settings can equal more gold in your pouch.
Details on these settings follow.
Ground strength
in GroundScan
TracLock ON
TracLock ON (tap)
Ground Scan (hold)
Ground Phase
in Ground Scan
Ground Controls
Ground Grab
14

TracLock ON
TracLock ON (tap)
Ground Scan (hold)
Controls
TracLock
TracLock on the GMX is the locked, “manual” ground setting. It functions similar to the
original GMT.
To LOCK the ground tracking to the current setting, TAP the LOCK button. A padlock
will display on the screen. This will put a hold on XGB and lock the current ground
phase and strength setting. This can be useful in those cases where you may nd extreme-
ly tiny gold, or when you have located a faint target. In some cases automatic ground
balance has the potential to track out tiny nuggets as you zero-in on your target. You may
nd it useful to enable XGB while searching, and then LOCK the tracking right after you
get a target.
Ground Grab
While the tracking is locked, you can press the CROSS HAIR button to perform a
Ground Grab. This updates the ground setting to what is currently under the coil. With a
combination of LOCKED tracking and Ground Grab you can easily update the ground
balance point as you swing, which serves as a sort of hybrid method of operation.
When you perform a Ground Grab the current ground phase reading will briey display
on the screen. This is a good way to keep track of the type of mineralization you are
walking over. More ferrous soils tend to produce a larger ground number, whereas more
alkali soils will produce a smaller number.
Ground Grab will also display the ground phase when the GMX is in XGB (automatic)
mode, but does not interrupt the automatic tracking processes.
Ground Scan
Ground Scan is enabled by holding the LOCK button. The display will change to display
the ground strength on the top bar, increasing from right to left. Full bars equates to
very strong mineralization, and one ashing bar alerts you that no ground information is
present.
The two-digit numbers displayed are the ground phase. Solid ferrite will read around 81,
alkali will read between 50 and 30, but you may encounter any range of phase numbers
depending on the area you are in.
Ground Scan is very useful in prospecting dry washes or creek beds for black sand
deposits. One trick you can use is to carry some landscaping ags with you, placing one
down where the mineralization is the strongest about every 10 ft. After making a pass you
can look back at the ags to identify the highest concentration of minerals. That is where
you would want to process material through a sluice or dry washer.
To return back to the regular search mode, tap the LOCK or CROSS HAIRS. 15

Searching Pinpoint Technique
Due to the wide scan nature of elliptical
search-coils it can be difcult to locate
small targets under the physical center
of the loop. Use an “X” marks the spot
technique as shown in the diagram to
identify the portion of ground the nugget
is in. Because most nuggets are too small
to isolate to an exact location as in coin
or relic hunting, remove the soil under
the center of the “X” until the target is no
longer in the hole, but in your pile of dirt.
Techniques for examining the pile of dirt
are discussed later in the manual. (page
20)
1 2
3
GMX SPORT Searching
Again, the procedure is to sweep over the target from side to side noting the side to
side center (see step 1 in diagram). Then turn 90 degrees and sweep the coil side to side
noting the center from this new direction (see step 2 in diagram). “X” marks the spot that
you need to dig (see step 3 in the diagram). You can practice with a small pieces of lead
or gold on top of the ground to become acquainted with the technique. It’s a good idea to
have a magnet handy, preferably in the handle of your digging pick, to pull iron out of
the dirt pile. It will speed up your recovery time. It will work on small almost invisible
hot rocks too.
Non-Motion Pinpoint Mode
In addition to this traditional method of pinpointing, the GMX also features an all-new,
non-motion pinpoint mode. This is engaged by holding the cross hairs button (large but-
ton in the middle of the keypad). With this button held down the detector will sound off
on targets whether the search coil is in motion or not. Non-motion pinpoint mode disen-
gages the XGB ground tracking, Iron Cancel, and SAT, so in very challenging conditions
you may nd that this pinpoint mode struggles to counteract mineralization. But it can be
very useful in sizing targets under the coil and giving you an idea of their shape. For ex-
ample, nails can often pinpoint as an oblong shape with a stronger sound on the at head.
While in non-motion pinpoint mode the screen will display the signal strength using the
two bottom “swoop” segments as well as the two-digit numeric display. The numeric
display reads from 0-30, with 0 representing a target close to the surface and 30 a target
at the edge of detection. Due to the various size, purity, and mineral content of gold nug-
gets, this scale is not capable of giving absolute depth readings and should only be used
as a reference point for signal strength. It also may give strong readings for extremely
large iron items that can surprise you with how deep they really are. The opposite is also
true- very small nuggets may read as weak targets. So it is best to look at the readings
and sound of the non-motion pinpoint mode as a signal strength, and not a depth reading.
16