nuggethunting

Minelab Metal Detector Forum Hello All, This forum will be dedicated to strickly to the Minelab Brand. Talk about metal detectors, searchcoils, accessories or whatever is allowed here as long as it's releated to the Minelab brand. Below is some information I have gather for anyone that is interested in learning more about the Minelab brand. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=dWK0AQt8W1g The Minelab Story: Since its origins in 1985 Minelab has been the world leader in providing metal detecting technologies for consumer, humanitarian demining and military needs. Through devotion to research and development and innovative design, Minelab is today a major world manufacturer of hand held metal detector products. Over the past 20 years, Minelab has introduced more innovative and practical technology than any of its competitors and has taken the metal detecting industry to new levels of excellence. Specialising in advanced electronic technologies, Minelab's competitive advantage was created early on with a highly innovative and dedicated research and development team inspired by the innovative physicist Bruce Candy. Minelab spends a higher percentage of annual revenue in research and development than any of its competitors enabling us to continue to provide cutting edge technology in metal detecting equipment. We excel in providing leading technologies and are confident that our culture of innovation and commitment to quality will ensure Minelab continues to succeed. With manufacturing, distribution and customer service operations in Australia, Europe and the United States you are always safe in the knowledge that customer care is close at hand. Minelab’s worldwide network of Authorised Dealers are able to give you the most up-to-date knowledge in products and techniques that will help you to improve your success rate in the field. Minelab products continue to set new standards in the world of metal detecting for both performance and innovation. In line with these high standards Minelab is an ISO 9001 Quality Endorsed Company. ISO 9001 is a worldwide quality standard certification that ensures continuous improvement is maintained in order to provide the highest level of product quality for our customers. We believe in a strong customer focus and working together to find innovative solutions that add value to our products. It is this commitment to the development of new technologies, along with excellence in customer service that will give you a big advantage when you are out detecting, no matter what the ground or environmental conditions. With Minelab products you will have the opportunity to find more good targets more often. In 2008 Minelab became a member of the dynamic Codan Group of Companies. The parent company, Codan Limited, is an international leader in high frequency radio and satellite communications markets with customers in over 150 countries. In 2009, Codan celebrates its commemorative year, marking 50 years of Codan communication equipment. Minelab Customer Care Helpline - If you ever have a questions, comment or concern about a Minelab product, you can now call the new Customer Care Team Number: 1-877-SOS-MLAB (1-877-767-6522) Ewout A. Kozel Operations Manager, Minelab USA North American Operations e: Ewout.Kozel@MinelabUSA.com Minelab Website, Minelab Treasure Talk, Newsletter and Minelab TV links - Minelab's Main Website - www.minelab.com Minelab's Treasure Talk - Minelab's Newsletter - Minelab's TV - Minelab Product Warranty - Dealers and customers can now submit their metal detector or product warranty information through Minelab's website. This makes it much easier for Minelab to receive the correct information and elliminate any chance of the warranty card getting lost in the mail. You can still submit your warranty cards through mail if you prefer. Standard Minelab Metal Detector Warranties are 3 Years from the date of purchase. Minelab's New Repair Warranty Info - 7 day, no questions asked product replacement Covers out-of-box failures - No questions asked! 30 day product replacement review Covers out-of-box failures up to 30 days after initial purchase! 90 day guarantee on out of warranty repair work Repair for same problem at no additional charge Free shipping back to Minelab to remedy problem (3-day select, both ways) Currently excludes Excaliburs (to be included Jan 1, 2011) For in-warranty work, they will extend a customer’s warranty for the amount of time they have the machine! Minelab Metal Detector Technologies -

Minelab CTX3030 Now Available from Rob's Detector Sales US Customers Only Hello All, Minelab has now released their new Treasure hunting metal detector called the Minelab CTX3030. The field reports have been amazing on this new unit. For more information you can contact us, Rob's Detector Sales by email, phone or the forums. For more information from Minelab, please visit the CTX3030's new website at - http://ctx3030.com/ Here is a new video on the unit from Minelab - Rob Allison

Hello All, The Greaterville, AZ Footprints DVD is now available and in stock. Same price as other Footprint DVD's, $70.00 + SH. Here is some information on the Greaterville DVD - FootPrint Details The Greaterville FootPrint covers approximately 72 square miles, centered around the historic town of Greaterville in the Santa Rita Mountains, southeast of Tucson, Arizona. The map extent runs East to Hwy 83, south almost to Sonoita, North to Sycamore Canyon and West to the head of Fish Canyon. The Greaterville area has a long and storied history of placer & hard rock mining. Placer mining has been done largely by small miners at first with rocker boxes and more recently with metal detectors. A large scale placer operation was attempted by the Santa Rita Water & Mining Company in the early 1900's. Their headquarters is now a Forest Service Heritage Site known as Kentucky Camp. Most of the land in this area is now part of the Coronado National Forest. However, it was not always that way. In the early 1900's most of the land became patented. The Santa Rita Water & Mining company held the patents on about 3,000 acres of the best placer ground in the area. The company failed and the patented land remained in private hands until 1989 when the land was acquired by the US Forest Service through a land swap. This FootPrint includes all the standard map layers plus several unique layers pertaining to Geology. The geology is mapped at 1:24,000 around the major gold-bearing gulches showing faults and hard rock intrusions. We have created a unique layer mapping the historic placer gulches and their extents, identifying them by name and detailing where the gold was found in each gulch. Several in-depth geologic studies have been done on this area and the full reports are included as pdf documents. Placer Information This information is taken directly from US Geological Survey Bulletin 1355, Placer Gold Deposits of Arizona, by Maureen G. Johnson, 1972. Extent: The placers in the Greaterville district are found in streams that drain easterly from the Melendrez Pass area in the Santa Rita Mountains to the Cienega Valley. The deposits are in the southeastern part of T. 19S R.15E and in the southwestern part of T. 19S R. 16E. The gold-bearing gulches are, from north to south: Empire, Chispa, Colorado,Los Pozos, Hughes, Ophir, Nigger, and St. Louis Gulches, tributaries to Hughes; Louisiana, Graham, Sucker, Harshaw, Kentucky, and Boston. Placers were found not only in the gulch gravels but also in gravels on the hillsides and ridgetops between gulches.Hill (1910) describes the distribution of the gold-bearing gravels in each gulch in detail, and, as his report is well known, I will only summarize his description. In general, the gold is found in the lower 2 feet of angular gravel overlying bedrock and underlying less rich gravels; in places, the gold was concentrated in natural riffles in the sedimentary bedrock.The gold recovered range in size from flakes to large nuggets. Hill (1910, p.20) states that the gold washed in 1909 ranged from small flakes to particles 0.1 inch in greatest dimension. Most of the largest nuggets were recovered during the early mining period in the district; at that time (1874-86) nuggets worth $1 to $5 (about 1/20 to 1/4 oz.) were common, and one nugget weighing 37 ounces was found. Production History: The early production is not accurately known. For gold recovered before 1900, estimates range from as high as one million to as low as $500,000. During the 20th Century the placers have been worked continually by many individuals using rockers. Much of the placer ground has been reworked several times, but a considerable of gold is said to remain in the gravels. Various attempts have been made to mine the gravels in different gulches using hydraulic or dredge mining methods, but thickness of overburden made large-scale mining unprofitable. In 1948 a dragline shovel and dryland washing plant treated 90,000 cubic yards of gravel from Louisiana Gulch, recovering 535 ounces of gold, an average of 21 cents per cubic yard (or .006 oz per cubic yard). This was the largest amount of gold recorded from the placers in any one year during the 20th century. Source: The placer gold was derived from erosion of free gold-bearing veins genetically related to a quartz latitie porphyry (dated at 55.7 m.y.) intrusive into Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. These veins are found near the heads of the gulches and have been mined for the gold content at the Yuba, St. Louis and Quebec mines. Order today by calling one of my dealers, or by calling 623-362-1459 Take care, Rob Allison

Hey Lucky, What a beautiful find you have there. I think there is a reason they call you "Lucky." Hey, Lucky is a great nickname, but we all know you're much more than lucky, your experience and willingness to share in my opinion is the reason you continue to be successful. I firmly believe in helping others and feel good things come in return. Keep up the great nuggetshooting up there! P.S. Thanks once again for your friendship and referrals. Rob Allison

Hello All, Many have been waiting for this Footprints DVD to be released. Now you can purchase the Rich Hill, Stanton DVD from Rob's Detector Sales. This Footprint lets you explore the famous Rich Hill goldfields before you ever leave home. Covering over 50 square miles of the Weaver Mining District, this Footprint is the most comprehensive map of Rich Hill ever made available to prospectors. Home to the historic town of Stanton and the Octave Gold Mine, the area is known for its large nuggets and beautiful high gold content. The Rich Hill Footprint Layers include the following: Aerial Imagery, Shaded Elevations, Transparent and Base Topo Maps Hydrology Includes: Water Flow Visualization Drainage Basins Soil Wetness Ortho Rectified Streams Land Ownership Includes: Placer Claims, Lode Claims, Mineral Patents, Homesteads, Historic Mines, Geology, Ortho Rectified Roads, BLM current claims display, GPS capable With this footprint you can display and print your GPS and track waypoints on any map. System Requirements: Windows 2000 or newer including XP, Vista or Windows 7 32 or 64 bit operating systems 125 MB of memory 2.5 GB of Disk Space DVD Drive Admin Privileges *Internet Explorer Browswer (required for GPS download fuction only) Retail Price - $90.00 Your Price - $69.95 + Shipping/Handling Give us a call to order by phone at - Rob Allison

Hey Doc, Any chance you can update my information on your dealers page? That info is from about 10 years ago. Please change to - Rob's Detector Sales PO Box 8926 Surprise, AZ 85374 www.nuggethunting.com auplacers@yahoo.com - email (623) 362-1459 - office line (602) 909-9008 - cell Thanks, Rob Allison

Hello Gaine, Not sure why she thought that. On another note, a customer called today and said "why are you selling them for $4,750.00." I told them I offer one of the best bundle packages, free shipping with full insurance, field instructions and all the support one can ask for. They must have thought it was good enough, cause I made two sales today on the GPX-4500's. I think many are starting to realize now that Minelab posted the information on their main website. Kind of like hearing it from the "Horse's Mouth!" I always suggest purchasing new and from an Authorized local dealer if you can. Be careful on all Internet deals if you don't know the person or know someone that knows them to verify it's a good deal. Just my thoughts, Rob Allison

Hey Doc, Thanks for posting the site about the fake Minelab's. I have a story for you about fakes. About two months a Lady called and wanted to purchase a GPX-4500. I told her all about the fakes and make sure you purchase from an authorized dealer. Long story short, she purchased from one of those auction sites (not Ebay) and she purchased a fake for like $3,100.00. She called me and expected me to bend over backwards and contact Minelab for her to have her money refunded. I never heard back, but I think she got screwed and I done everything before hand to inform her. Live and learn I guess .... Rob Allison

Hey Guys, I think this was a good post for this time of year. Maybe it can save someone else from getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke. What I've always been told (not that I do it all the time), is that you need to mix 50/50 water and sports drinks. Drinking just water will not completely hydrate the body. I actually went out and puchased a few cases of Poweraid Ion and water stickly for my prospecting trips this Summer. I'm also looking for a good wide brim hat, but then I can't use headphones. I might have to stick with an external speaker over the Summer. Take care, Rob Allison

Hey Guys, Thanks for all the comments. I couldn't imagine not using a Minelab. The last 15 years I've used the Minelab PI's with great success as a hobbiest. I would have never found the amount and size of gold I have found today without the use of the Minelab PI's. AzNuggetBob - Shot you over another PM. Hey I remember when I was much younger, probably 15 years or so I seen your success as a Nuggetshooter. I wish I could have been tromping some of those goldfields back when you did. Uncle Ron - I used to clean all my nuggets pretty good with water and soap, no acids. However, I keep them in the natural dirty state cause the person I sell them to likes them like that. Not sure if he wants to brag about finding them or what, but since he buys them at a good price, I leave them like that. I'm sure some have some hidden beauty under all the dirt that I'm not seeing. Justin - Go get them, Greaterville has a big nugget with your name on the side of it. If you find one with my name, just leave it there. Paul - Still plenty of nuggets to be found. If you need any help, please use the forum for answers. I'm always willing to help where I can. Talk with you all later, Rob Allison

Hello NvChris, I think that is a very fair evaluation of the TDI. I used the TDI at Moore Creek the first time when it first was introduced. I also spent some time here in Arizona with one at Rich Hill and the Bradshaw area. Found a few small nuggets with it, but when you're so used to what a Minelab PI can do, it was tough to stick with it. Talk with you later, Rob Allison

Hey Bob, I sent you a PM. You're always welcome on my hunt list. Talk with you later, Rob Allison

Hey Border Boy, Thanks for the comments. However, I'm not better than the next guy. You just need to get out there and learn what you can about the various placers and your equipment. It's just a matter of time until you become a very successful nuggetshooter. Wishing you the best in Greaterville. Rob Allison

Hello Barry, Great report of the Greaterville area. There's still a lot of gold to be found at those placers if you're willing to spend the time. One note I would like to add to yours is about 25% of the gold I have recovered from Greaterville is in specimen form. Here is one of my better, smaller specimens from the area. Yep, heard some nice big nuggets and specimens in the range of 9-12 ounces have been found down there. I got to hold a couple of them. Take care, Rob Allison

Hello All, Today a friend and I got an early morning start at nuggetshooting. We decided to hit one of our old stomping grounds that has always produced some nuggets in the past. After about 4 hours of hunting I ended up with four nuggets and a friend with one. I was using my trusty combo GPX-4500 metal detector along with the Coiltek Goldstalker 14-inch elliptical Mono. My friend was using his all-time favorite SD2100 with his Coiltek Goldstalker 14-inch elliptical also. Pictured below are our nuggets on a Coiltek coil. Mine on top weighed 5.1 Dwt's, 6.4 Dwt's, 0.5 Dwt's and 0.3 Dwt's. I didn't get a weight of my friends nuggets, but my guess is around 0.5 Dwt's. Weather was a little hotter than expected, but I managed to make it out of the desert before I got heat exhastion again. Take care, Rob Allison

Hey Benz, It's a great video. JP is like the Pioneer when it comes to modern DVD's for the Minelab PI's. I would take a trip up to Lucky and Co's place and get some instructions from them. Top notch guys up there! Also, use this forum as a place to ask questions about your new GPX-4500. There are handfuls of others that want to ask questions, just don't for some reason. The forums are a great place to learn and exchange valuable information. My phone line is always open for calls also. Take care, Rob Allison

Hey Al, I really want to get down that way. There are some other spots I want to show you also (smaller placer areas). It's raining here in Surprise. I wanted to get out this morning for a few hours of nuggetshooting, but the Wife said NO-NO! I guess I have to rest .... Rob Allison

Hey Jamie, Damn, I thought the Super Magnets that Dennis and I were using were big (2x2x.5) The big Super Magnet will save you a ton of time. I don't think for normal hunting applications you need one this big, but for certain area they do save a ton of time digging small iron rubbish. I sell a bunch of the 1.5x1.5x 3/8thth). Hope to see some new nugget finds soon. Rob Allison

Hey NvChris, Great looking Chevron nuggets. Wishing you many more! Thanks for sharing, Rob Allison

Hello Benz, Great to hear you got a deal on a GPX-4500. I actually sold mine the following day to a local customer. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call or email me. You will be glad you invested the extra for a GPX. I recommend getting some training and maybe even picking one of the DVD's up (AZO's or JP's) if you didn't get one included. It's just a matter of time until you're picking up nuggets! Take care, Rob Allison

Hello Rudy and All, Rudy - That is what I was trying to tell you on the phone. If you purchase a detector that was sold to Dubia, or was being shipped to the US from Dubai or anywhere else besides the US, Minelab USA will see that it was not purchased from the US and void the warranty. Not saying there have been a bunch of issues with GPX-4500's, but if something went wrong you might rake out the cash to have it fixed out of pocket. I had to go to the ER last night, so been away from the phone. I will call you, or you can call me again and we can discuss it. Most of the dealers that are willing to sell a GPX-4500 for less than the selling price are not offering bundles, free coils, support and field instructions. This in the long haul will add up to more than saving $800-$900. Think about it, if you purchase a GPX-4500 for $4,750.00, you take the Commander DD and place it on Ebay. I'm sure you will make $400-$500 right there. Now you're only about $300 down, you can take the other coil and sell it and now your about breaking even. If you purchase that GPX-4500 for $3,700 - $3,800 you don't know if it's real, no warranty and no support. Is that worth trying to save? Trust me, I've heard many horror stories about guys trying to save and most of them ended up calling and saying, "Rob, you were right! Talk with you later, Rob Allison

\ Hey Guys, Ya, this heat exhaustion and heat stroke is no joke. I'm getting a bit older and carry a few extra pounds now, which I'm sure don't help. Also, I was jumping back in forth from my trucks AC that was freezing cold out to the 102+ hot weather. I'm thinking this might have done it. The weekend prior I was drinking tons of soda, which is a killer also. Lesson learned for the next go around. I promise to hydrate and bring plenty of sports drinks and water. Take care, Rob Allison

Hello Crooked, Yes, sure sounds like the dealer(s) in Dubai are overstocked. Dubai was the main hub for detectors being shipped, snuck or whatever into Sudan, Africa. The Minelab GPX-4500's are available and in stock (at least I have them) at the current time. Minelab is still running the Promo where you get a free 15x12 Commander DD Searchcoil with the purchase along with bundles the dealers are running. The price has increased from $4,495.00 to $4,750.00. Hope this helps, Rob Allison

Hello All, I'm native to Arizona and never had any trouble with the heat. Since the early 90's I've been hunting year around, even in the hottest parts of the year. Monday I went out for a short hunt and realized it was freaking hot. However, nothing different than any other time. I spent about 5 hours out in the hills and went through about 5-6 water bottles. It got to a point where it got so hot I decided to call it a day and head home. Everything was fine until I got home that evening. My head started to pound and I felt like I need to throw-up. I laid down for awhile and my wife decided to take my temp and it was nearly 103! Luckily my wife being an RN was able to get my temp back down to around 100. However, we battled the temp battle for about 5 hours with my temp going from 98 to 103 and back and forth. This is the first time I've had heat exhaustion and it's no joke my friends. This shit can kill you and luckily I got the hell out of there when I did. At around 104 temp you start to fry you brain. Well I'm here at home now and feel better, but still pretty weak. This is no joke, its Summer time and you better stay hydrated. I used to always say it will never happen to me, but it did. Be careful out there, Rob Allison

Hello Guys, I will clarify since I do sell both. For years I've been selling the Otto Complete Fiberglass Upper/Lower Kit. It's a great set up, but it's pricey to say the least. Herb sent me one of this Carbon Fiber Shafts and it's the "Cat's Meow." I have yet to post any pictures, but the new Carbon Fiber shaft will be what stays on my GPX-4500 and whatever else comes beyond that. Yes, Herb's Carbon Fiber seems like half the weight of the Otto Fiberglass. If you looking for either, I have them available for sale. Hope this helps, Rob Allison