I want to share some of the Intel that went into the Impact. What you are about to read is TOTAL HONESTY. I want all of you to be armed..... see/witness just exactly what 'mindset' went into the Impact. This will clarify...... for years to come...... the 'thought process' that went into the Impact. You will see MY learning-curve. You will see/witness the evolution of revisions...... and 'why' they happened. I have not 'cleaned up' any of the (below) data...... as I do feel what I am about to post is 'prudent'....... and ........ most importantly: "important/genuine". It is: 'Real People/Real World'. I am sharing some of the e-mails between myself and Nokta. It is a long post........ let's see if it works.
Nov. 1st 2016
Hi Dilek & Alper,
Two hours in the test-garden with the Impact....... then hunted 8-hours in the real world. In a nutshell:
* Is the unit dust-proof/rainproof?
* Nearly identical depth performance to Fisher "Boost Process" F75 when the Impact is in 5-Khz & 'DEEP' mode...... except...... so far...... it appears the Impact is a bit more EMI stable.
* DI2 & DEEP modes whilst in 5-Khz...appears to be nearly identical in overall depth performance...with a slight edge (advantage) going to "DEEP" mode.... maybe 0.1" of an inch (2 or 3mm).
* Observation: The Impact is MANY, MANY different detectors combined...... all-in-one..... due to all of the different 'modes'.
* The Impact will take a fair amount of time to learn "properly"..... due to all of the different modes.
* "Modes" are small print...... but all visible on screen.......and NOT hidden with multiple menus (and/or sub-menus). Very nice.
* Hidden menus (and sub-menus) are kept to a minimum. (K.I.S.S. theory). Nice.
* Pinpoint has no VCO...... bad problem.
* Upper part of pistol-grip is square....... and the lower part of my thumb now has a blister.
* In many cases....... F1-F5 frequency-shift has minimal effect.
* Unit is exceptionally "ID confident".
* I would like to see a small bar-graph depth gauge on the faceplate.
* Impact 'up-averages' ID of deeper targets..... as to be expected in low mineral dirt.
* Overall volume of unit is a bit low.... even whilst on maximum volume.
* Unit eats batteries fairly rapidly..... even when headlight is off...and both backlights are off. Batteries are very warm when they are removed.
* No 'last settings' memory....when unit is turned off. I would like to see 'last settings' memory retained..... without having to 'save settings'.....when unit is turned off.
* I have come to the realization that I am always coin AND relic hunting at every inland site that I hunt. So..... there is a constant 'indecision' of which frequency (5, 14, 20) of which I should use. Then...... there is the realization that I will need to hunt the sight 3 separate times; ...... each time with a different frequency.
* So far..... I am favoring 5-Khz in concert with "DEEP". This is a strong propensity of mine; yet, with the understanding that it may be too early to conclude.
-------------------------------
Side notes/gut-feelings: Both sites I hunted today had very low mineralization (1-bar dirt). EMI was minimal......allowing for higher gain/sensitivities to be utilized. When I was within 60-meters of powerlines..... EMI would commence. F1-F5 presented minimal help/change. Because the (5-Khz & DEEP) depth this unit is capable of ascertaining (parallel to Fisher F75 in 'boost')..... I really enjoyed hunting with the Impact. This may alter 'which' units I will hunt with from here....going forward. Probably the largest attribute of this DEEP & 5-Khz is.... the unit will ID to maximum/fringe depth….(no blank screen at deeper depths). Yes.... the last 1-inch.... the ID's are mostly inaccurate; yet, this is to be expected...as there is nearly no signal to basis off of.....for ID purposes.
More to follow.
Sincerely,
Tom
Nov. 2nd 2016
Hi Dilek & Alper,
And hunted all day today again. Exclusively utilized 5-Khz & DEEP. Disc on '3'....... and tone-break on '21'. Thoughts/results:
* Rapidly developing confidence/skill-set/competence with Impact.
* When bumping sticks, twigs, leaves, wet grass...... Impact if very ESD/EMI stable. Zero unstable chatter.
* In Florida, there is almost never a reason to run Depth-ID at minimum or medium. Maximum provides the most/best intelligence.
* Silent EMI is (unknowingly/unsuspectingly) 'performance-inhibiting'. (As to be expected).
* Any EMI does equate to: 'loss of depth/performance'...... and in linear fashion.
* In several cases today..... a F1-F5 freq shift change resulted in no EMI mitigation. In a few other areas..... changing F1-F5 made a large difference. Above ground power lines were anywhere between 10-meters to 40-meters away today.
* Non-VCO pinpoint REALLY hurts. I really need the audio to rise in frequency......and the volume to increase......as a target is approached.
* Tone-break at '21'...... is pinnacle performance for small iron differentiation/ID/mitigation.
* Very few nails have been dug (thus far) with Impact.
* Many digital detectors come with a 1-99 conductivity scaling on the top of the faceplate of the unit. I have NEVER used this scale for anything....as it is redundant to the VID.
-------------------------------------
Because of the performance level of the Impact.... this has prompted me to perform a continuous head-to-head comparison of Impact vs F75 'boost process' on ALL deeper targets today. I located (and marked) 71 deep targets with the
Impact. With the F75 adjusted/configured for peak performance........ I could locate ALL 71 of these targets; however, 2 of the targets were exceptionally weak/broken detection on the F75. They resolved a bit more audibly clear on the Impact. Then I located 54 more 'fringe depth' targets with the F75. The Impact could detect ALL 54 of these targets...... but 3 of them were exceptionally weak/broken detection ..... worse than the F75. The common denominator: The F75 had VERY slightly better detection of fringe-depth lower conductors. The Impact had VERY slightly better detection of fringe-depth higher conductors. (Impact = 5-Khz.... vs.... F75 = 13-Khz). In overall summation; the performance of both of these detectors are almost exactingly identical. ((( I still feel that I could squeeze another 0.1" (2-3mm) more depth performance out of the Impact.
Where (in a hidden menu/sub-menu) can I add a adjustable tone-break 3rd tone on the Impact.....whilst in 'DEEP' mode? This is the make-or-break determinant of whether I continue to use the F75 as my primary hunter....... or the Impact as
my primary hunter. This is how impressed I am with the Impact!
((( You have come a LONG way...... to match the depth/performance of the 'boost process' F75! Congratulations!!!)))
Nov. 3rd 2016
Hi Dilek,
For some reason...... your answers/responses did not show up in RED. I sent you another e-mail last night.....that may have answered some of your questions/comments. Here are more of my overnight thoughts:
* I am trying to instantly feed you data as I discover it, just in case you are time-pressed...... rather than waiting for a (delayed) larger "summary response".
* Any time I receive a new prototype detector, I always look for two primary critical performance attributes:
1. Flagship depth.
2. Carpets of nails/iron unmasking abilities.
If the prototype is a beach unit, once again, I always look for two primary critical performance attributes:
1. Sensitivity to small gold in wet salt.
2. Micro-jewelry sensitivity & intelligence in dry sand.
* DEEP mode timing is VERY functional/useful.
* 5-Khz is not the best choice for hunting in carpets of nails (as to be expected).
* Coil shield-paint/shielding/impedance is proper.
* To split hairs so accurately with tone-break ID accuracy to FULL DEPTH....... is commendable. This really builds trust/confidence in the unit.
* Faceplate menu is very simple/easy/intuitive to navigate through. K.I.S.S. theory.
* Only the nearest 10% of the pinpoint feature provides VCO. Otherwise there is no increasing frequency and no increasing volume as a target is approached. F75/T2 presents FULL range.
* For EMI mitigation: Impact F1-F5.....vs......F75 F1-F7......... share the same exact performance (and inherent problems). Many areas.... changing freq's does nothing to rid EMI.
Nov. 3rd 2016
Hi Dilek,
I spent the entire day today with the sole purpose of: attempting to ascertain just 0.1" more depth out of the Impact...... which...... in turn...... would then exceed the performance of the F75. No success. DEEP & 5-Khz is still the deepest mode....... with a nearly exact match in performance to the F75 at its maximum performance settings/configuration. Still....... nice to see this....... as this is the first time in history of a 'performance match' (in Florida dirt).
* Also, there is a large/measurable performance gain on low conductors when progressing from 5-Khz to 14-Khz to 20-Khz. Very pronounced in DEEP mode. The opposite also holds true; there is a large/measurable loss in performance/depth on high conductors when operating frequency is increased. (Per expectations.)
* DEEP mode is a major attribute. Not to be underestimated.
* When the Impact is on 14-Khz & DI3..... performance is identical to Racer-2 in DI3. But..... when Impact is in DI2 and Racer-2 also in DI2...... the Impact has a marked 4% performance gain over the Racer-2. I speculate the internal
component cross-talk in the Impact is less; with subsequent stability enhancement; hence, a measurable increase in performance. But, for all intents and purposes...... The Impact can be configured to perform exactly as the Racer-1 or 2.
Micro-jewelry testing/hunting next on my list.
Sincerely,
Tom
Nov. 4. 2016
Hi Dilek,
( I will answer your question shortly. )
Today was a micro-jewelry dry sand beach hunt day. Selecting 20-Khz & DEEP mode..... I tried to ascertain 56-Khz Racer Gold performance levels...... and the Impact is not a 56-Khz Racer Gold! But..... once again....... the DEEP mode still remains the most powerful mode of choice. Although the Impact is not a micro-jewelry hunter (and was never its design intent)..... it is a very powerful jewelry hunter....... including small gold.
* There is more discernible intelligence in DEEP mode...... vs...... any All-Metal mode..... in Florida dirt.
* DI2 is deeper than DI3 (and DI4).
* VLX2 mode is deeper than VLX1 mode.
* DI2 mode..... vs ...... VLX2 mode = Same depth. (Although VLX2 is a much more modulated audio response).
* DEEP mode is still slightly deeper than DI2 or VLX2 mode.
Amplifying info on this exact subject: VLX2 mode at a Sensitivity setting of '99' ....... presents the exact same depth (on a clad dime)...... as DEEP mode with a Sens setting of '96'. . . . . . . BUT....... the audio is so heavily modulated (reduced) that the 'perception' is: VLX2 mode is less powerful. This modulated/reduced audio.... also.... is detrimental in the real world...as...fringe-depth targets merely sound like ground chatter/falsing......so the fringe-depth targets will be easily missed. I am a strong proponent for modulated audio; yet, this is one (major) drawback.
* For the individual numbers....... and in incremental steps......... there is a tremendous 'boost' in performance/sensitivity whilst increasing Sens settings from 96 to 97 to 98 to 99. It is most noticed in DEEP mode. There is hardly a place whereby EMI is low enough to employ Sens settings of 96, 97, 98, 99......... but........ this 'overdrive' ability is a major attribute. ((( I
still feel I may be able to trump the F75 'boost' yet............ especially if I can find a location/site of exceptionally low EMI. )))
* With so many different 'modes' to select from...... There is a fair amount of redundancy between a few of them......... to include all of the All-Metal options/modes. I 'question' having so many modes; yet, I do indeed (applaud) welcome the small differences between them.
When in technical conversation; I place top priority on DEPTH. When I am hunting out in the real world....... I place top priority on DEPTH...to the point of it being a subconscious intuitive pinnacle order-of-magnitude. Having worked in an
archaeological capacity....... surreal becomes the 'real'........ and I have positively verified/validated the criticality of the importance of depth....... countless times. For you to have incorporated DEEP mode in the Impact........ is a MAJOR step in the right direction.
I have yet to find a (exceptionally low EMI) site where I can run Sensitivity above '95' whilst in DEEP mode........ but I will actively find one/them.
Small coil testing is next on my list (and may allow Sens 97, 98, 99 more readily).
I am SO comfortable (right at home) with the audio language and hunt-ability of the Impact.....to include its nuances. The audio-intelligence is virtually identical to the F75/T2 platform.
Sincerely,
Tom
NOV 6 2016
Hi Dilek,
I tested/detected most of the day today (Sunday). . . . . at a (3-hour round-trip by car) location that presents very low EMI. I was able to always run Sens on '96'..... and most of the time at a setting of '97'........ and a few (good/allowed) occasions whereby I could boost Sensitivity to '98'. This is with 11" coil, DEEP mode and 5-Khz. This was a confidence-building affirmation as to the units genuine depth capabilities. I have built full confidence trust that the Impact is exactly the sensitivity/power of a F75 'boost process' capable unit. I could not get the Impact to exceed the depth capabilities of the F75 'bp'........ but certainly (now) fully 'trust' this unit. The F75 can ascertain its performance at 13-Khz....... and the Impact can match it on 5-Khz (only). While the F75 has 4-tones in 'boost process'....... the Impact only has 2-tones. If you are a relic hunter...... this is not a problem....and is the preferred tone option. If you are a relic AND coin hunter..... 3 tones (or 4 tones) is preferable.
* The audio language of this detector...... regardless of MODE....... is audibly intuitive. Conveying.
* Both my wife & I could not see the protective film on the faceplate...... as it is a exact fit/cut. But....... my 7 year-old daughter could see it...... and peeled it right off! Scratch is gone.
* Each MODE on the Impact is to be looked upon as a completely different metal detector. Then, , , , changing frequencies WITHIN EACH MODE, is ALSO a completely different metal detector. With 12 different MODES.....and 3 different
frequencies per MODE........ this equates to 12 x 3 = 36 (different detectors in one unit).
* To me..... the pistol grip is leaned/pitched too far forward. I would like to see it a bit more vertical.
Today's (rare) opportunity forced me to circumvent testing the small coil. I shall now resume original intentions. ((( I sure hope you are receiving all of my e-mails. )))
Sincerely,
Tom
NOV. 7 2016
Hi Dilek,
Let me answer your question......and also provide more new data.
* The pistol grip is leaned too far forward........ and is somewhat fatiguing on my wrist. The display is easy to read......and has zero problems. Only the physical position of the pistol grip is too far downward ....... and would like it to 'stand-up' about 5 - 10 degrees more vertical.
SMALL COIL TESTING in low mineral dirt.
* Under ideal conditions..... the small coil acquires/detects a clad dime to depths of 10.6" in DEEP/5-Khz........ identical to the (13-Khz) F75 'boost process'.... also with small coil.
* Small coil is effective in trash.
* Impact hunts very well in aluminum trash areas. Proper mode selection (user preference) can really help aid the user in aluminum trash. Coupled with the proper utilization of tone-break..... hunting in thick aluminum trash can yet be enhanced to another level of usable audible intelligence.
* But with a caveat; Fringe depth low-conductive aluminum (including chewing gum foil) will up-average ID into the 80's (high-conductive coins range). This is (unfortunately) common with many different brand detectors, yet...... can be combated with some acquired skill-set.
* DI2 & DI3 modes express exact same performance as Racer 1 & 2.
* DI99 mode is not good for relic hunting.... as low-conductors (versus iron)....... sound almost the same frequency. DI99 very good for (high conductive) coin hunting.
* Once again: 5-Khz is not your friend in carpets of nails/iron. (Fun to experiment with though). 14-Khz & 20-Khz much better choices for carpets of nails.
* There are 2 different conductivity scales PER EACH frequency. Two conductivity scales x 3 different frequencies: 2 x 3 = 6. Six different conductivity scales in total.
* Is there any way to boost the (depth) performance of the 14-Khz option..... so as to emulate the 13-Khz F75 depth capabilities?
I took a week off of work to test the Impact. I MUST go back to work now!!!! .....but will still find some time to continue testing a little..... most probably in the evenings. Then, will commence full testing again..... in a few days.
Sincerely,
NOV. 09 2016 2:07PM
More collected/acquired data:
* DEEP mode is worthy of placing more engineering focus. You are on to something! It is, by far, my most favored mode. Enhance and boost the DEEP mode into 2nd Generation..... and beyond!
* The higher the freq... the more EMI-prone. 20-Khz is the most susceptible to EMI.
* It is my experience/engineering/gut feeling that a 1" larger coil will (performance bell-curve) present peak depth performance on coin-size targets with the Impact platform. This would be a 12" x 8" DD coil (versus the factory
11" x 7" coil). If you increase the size of a 12" x 8" coil any larger..... detection depth on coins will begin to decrease again (while targets larger than coins will gain slightly more depth performance).
Sincerely,
Tom
Thursday, November 10, 2016 2:31 PM
Hi Dilek,
* In DEEP mode and 5-Khz...... I can acquire a clad dime at 12.0" in Florida dirt.
* In DEEP mode and 14-Khz..... I can acquire a clad dime at 11.8" in Florida dirt.
* In DEEP mode and 20-Khz..... I can acquire a clad dime at 11.0 in Florida dirt.
The F75 'LTD version' with 'bp' boost process (but not the newest version with DSP) ..... I can acquire a clad dime at 12.0" in Florida dirt.
Sincerely,
Tom
November 14, 2016 10:57 AM
Hi Dilek,
More discoveries/observations to report:
* On 14-Khz and DI2 or DI3...... iron see-thru/unmasking is virtually identical to Racer-2. Also, overall performance is identical to Racer-2.
* Reducing Disc (especially the last few Disc numbers) has a more profound (positive) effect on overall depth
performance.....then......say.......increasing Sens from '65' to '90'. But..... it is hard to run Disc below '3'....... as EMI levels dramatically increase. Only a few geographical areas permit this (godsend) capability.
* ID accuracy (to depth) in dry sand is phenomenal. This is to include splitting hairs with Tone-Break OR Disc.
* Switching between 14-Khz & 20-Khz....specifically for dry-sand beach (jewelry) hunting ..... appears to have the same amount of attributes/detriments.
* My Florida Atlantic Ocean wet-salt Ground Balances out perfectly/exactly at a Grnd Bal setting of 00.00. --- As to be expected; this Grnd Bal setting makes the Impact 'gold-dead'.
* COG mode presents approximately 45% depth loss...... especially across the gold-conductivity spectrum.
My personal thoughts/feelings/intent(s):
I am right on the edge of jumping out of the F75 platform..... and permanently into the Impact; but will not do this. If there is even the slightest possibility to somehow increase depth on a small coin (clad dime size) from 12.0" ....... to 12.1" whilst in DEEP mode (and add a 3rd tone added to DEEP mode) on the Impact...... I would make the permanent change-over. The F75 & Impact are Corporate Flagships. If either unit can boost performance by just a few mm's (millimeters)..... it will then become 'World Flagship' status. ((((This is how close you are.))))
I am NOT concerned about making the Impact a 'micro-jewelry' hunter.
I am NOT concerned about making the Impact a wet-salt beach hunter.
Sincerely,
Tom
November 15, 2016 8:33
Hi Dilek,
For legitimately justifiable rationale...... TAKE YOUR TIME in the improvement/upgrades of the Impact. THIS platform in particular....is worthy of additional engineering 'focus'..... so as to create a very serious Flagship. If you deem necessary...... I can help 'save-face' on the forum...... should folks become excessively impatient with any additional waiting period. The dimes I use for testing purposes are U.S. clad dimes....which are dated 1965-to-2016. IF you are using a 1964 (or older) silver dime as your 'test-standard'...... this poses zero problems with physics/engineering basis....... as long as you use the same exact dime for all 'standardization' testing/calibrating/engineering. This removes 'variables'.... and creates a 'constant'. ((( In other words....... the one specific dime that you use...is your 'test-standard' unto which all testing/calibrating is based off of. )))
* A Half-Month of testing the Impact...... and there is still quite a bit to test/discover.
* Dead batteries in the Impact can be installed in the F75......and used/run for another 13 hours.
* Increasing Tone-Break setting........ does reduce depth slightly (in real dirt); yet, no where near as critical as the depth loss encountered by increasing Discrimination. The slight loss of depth performance by increasing Tone-Break setting...... is nearly a 'perceived' outcome; yet, there is a (very slight) measurable depth loss (in a controlled environment)......in addition to the 'clipped' audio...as Tone-Break is increased.
Sincerely,
Tom
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 7:51 PM
Hi Dilek,
Many more observations to share.
* I have yet to find a place/site where I can use Sens '99' (in DEEP mode). Actually...... few places have allowed '97' Sens. In fact.......in most cases.... it is rare that I can go above 95 or 96........ due to very common EMI encounters. BUT........ it is nice to at least have the 'option' to go to Sens of '99'...... just in case...... I ever do find the very rare opportunity (site)
whereby conditions allow full Sens ability....with minimal EMI encounters. Sooooo......... this is also to say.......,,,,,,,,,, If Alper (and crew) are trying to ascertain a bit more depth for the Impact........ it should not be performed via adding additional Sensitivity settings of '100' and '101'............. as this would drive the unit into even greater EMI/instability. One idea/method would be to reduce internal component cross-talk......... if feasibility allows. Tightening up coil impedance spec's/tolerances to yet another higher level.... could be another method to ascertaining a bit more depth. "Cost" analysis would need to be looked upon....... if this were the chosen option.
* I utilized DI99 mode extensively today. In fairly heavy iron trash.......... then in fairly heavy aluminum trash........... then in fairly heavy iron & aluminum trash. The DI99 audio is very weird...... unique........ but I like it. The audio responses are very short/quick...... but intelligent and 'telling'. Co-located targets of different conductivities have a two-fold encounter.
First..... 'some' (a certain percentage of) blending is encountered. And Secondly....... a distinct warble (audio frequency 'pitch' change) is encountered...... as the coil is swept over the targets of different conductivities. This Second encounter meets my expectations.
* I'm burning through alkaline batteries (several sets now) in just over 8-hours per set. ((( Yes, I'm mostly in 5-Khz. )))
* I am quite fond of the utilization of a pair of 9V batteries....... versus........ 4-AA batteries.
* I really like the pistol stalk intelligence configuration of the Impact. (Even though the pistol grip is tilted a bit too-far-forward.... by just a few degrees.) This is also to say..... I do not like the intelligence (the control box & face-plate) mounted under the arm cup.
* On the Impact ..... the audio is divorced from the VID. (Identical to T2/F70/F75 platform). On many occasions ...... I would detect a target that would present a VID below the Tone Break setting...... yet, give the audio tone that is above the Tone Break setting. After recovering many targets that did just exactly this....... 'most' of the targets were indeed (conductively) above the Tone-Break setting. Hence, I have more trust/faith in the audio. (Which is substantially preferred.)
* Regardless of mode....... the Impact is very good in aluminum trash sites. For the record....... fringe-depth aluminum targets (or any target....for that matter)...... can ID as anything. (((As to be expected.)))
* Since DEEP mode does not have a 3rd tone....... I must utilize Tone-Break very selectively..... to compensate for the lack of a 3rd tone. It is indeed a bit of a handicap; yet, not too bad. My settings (for deep coin hunting) in a fairly trashy area: Sens '92', Disc '03', DEEP, 5-Khz, Tone-Break '52'. ((( By changing a Tone-Break setting of '22' to '52'....is only 0.2" loss of depth on a clad dime.....in real Florida dirt. ))) In this configuration...... even without looking at the VID........ it is quite easy (audibly telling) when a coin was found/detected. Switching over to DI3 mode..... and the deeper coins were undetectable. Out of range. Hence; the DEEP mode is the preferred mode (in Florida low mineral dirt). In one particular area/location..... I found 2 coins that I should have never of found. In both cases...... the coins were deep. I knew they were coins. (Due to my confidence in the audio artificial intelligence of the Impact). This prompted me to perform some head-to-head testing. The coins were too deep for the XP GMP to detect. The coins were too deep for a (non-boost) standard Teknetics T2 to
detect. They were too 'masked' for a CZ to see/detect. And..... one of the two coins was 'mostly' undetectable for the F75 to detect..... due to the slightly higher level of EMI encountered on the F75 platform. The other coin was fully detectable to the F75...... but only after the exact pinpoint location of the deep coin had already been established/identified. The Impact struggled with this coin also; yet, the 'perceived' detection of this particular (undug) coin...... was ever-so-slightly.... more intelligible. These conditions/experiences/occurrences may seem very minute' ...... yet, this is exactly where the 'hair-splitting' differences can be ascertained, measured, reported ..... for comparison analysis.,.,.,.,.,., then.....expounded upon. In all fairness....... I must also 'state-for-the-record'........ there are a few targets that the F75 (with boost process) will detect...... that the Impact will miss (or struggle more-so) ....... vs ....... the F75. BUT....... the differences are so minute'. (Hence; my request to boost depth performance of the Impact.... by just simply 0.1" on a clad dime.)
* The first site I attempted to hunt/detect today.... had such severe EMI that......... after 50 minutes of attempting to mitigate.......... I simply had to leave. Nothing helped. Power lines were approx. 45-Meters away. Walking to different areas of the property made no difference. There 'might' have been underground power lines..... unsuspectingly. I speculate the small coil would have helped about/approx 30%...... which still would have not been enough to allow for a sane hunt. (((The F75 fails here also.....for the exact same amount & reason.)))
Sincerely,
Tom
Saturday, November 19, 2016 6:29 PM
Continued notes/observations:
* So far...... every area that I have exposed the Impact to.... has been low mineralization.
* Most of the time (most of my hunting).... iron volume is on F2.
* I am not finding a "center" (resonant) frequency on the Impact. Each individual frequency (5, 14, 20) appears to be max-Q.
* Almost all of the sites that I hunt.... I am "coin AND relic" (high AND low conductor) hunting..... and am torn between which frequency to use. Most of the time, I do not have the time to hunt the area multiple times....to allow using each individual frequency option/choice.
* Is there a way to continuously display 'which' frequency has been selected /// which frequency the Impact is operating on? (Minor detail..... as 'scrolling' through the menu still exists as the alternate option).
* It is a requirement to memorize each ID scaling..... for each MODE and FREQ that you will be utilizing for each individual hunt. Some folks may complain about this. A "cheat sheet" is in order. ((( This is not a complaint ...nor a
problem...... as...... many of the MODES deliberately provide unique ID scaling for custom-tailored/targeted specific intent. THIS NEEDS TO BE WELL ARTICULATED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL....AND IN THE MARKETING ADVERTISEMENTS. )))
* 5-Khz (with standard 11" coil) is still my "chosen" freq-of-choice for nearly all of my hunts.....thus far. When iron/carpets-of-nails site(s) are hunted, then 14-Khz coupled with small coil....is the preferred choice. Rarely have I used 20-Khz (so far) for real-world application. --------- Underlying/almost subconscious 'take-away' message: Maximum depth (for high conductors) is ..... by far...... THE most/largest determining/primary ultimate quest. Bottom line!
* Whilst in DEEP mode (my primary mode), the audio tones are very telling/conveying. More specifically: The length/width/girth/breadth of the audio report. The audio blending. And the audio-tonal ID. Rarely do you need to
look at the Visual/numerical ID display. I very much cherish the VCO audio of DEEP mode. Multiple attributes. Priceless.
* I had a unique test-garden encounter/experience that I am trying to replicate/duplicate...... and will report IF it occurs again.
Some of my e-mails to you..... have been 'failed delivery attempt'...... yet, my outbox shows they went. SOOOOooooooo ....... I have concern (again) that you are not receiving my e-mails/data.
Sincerely,
Tom
November 21, 2016 10:16 PM
Sending another e-mail....... in-the-blind! Hoping/guessing you are receiving all of them.
* Yesterday....... I attempted to hunt 4 separate sites. Three of the four.... had such severe EMI with the Impact (and F75)...... that I had to switch to the XP GMP. The XP GMP is not a deep detector; yet, expressed zero EMI...... and kept the sites open/huntable. Since my intent was to test a theory(s) with the Impact, I chose to NOT stay long at these 3 unsuspecting EMI-laden sites. These three sites were in a typical rural middle-America, old (well maintained) town, regular residential housing neighborhood..... with 3 empty lots between houses. Regular average above-ground power poles/power lines ran down each residential road. Very typical. The 4th site prompted me to document the following notes:
* I'm seeing/witnessing/experiencing a pattern. The Impact will not hunt behind the F75. I have nearly 0% success-rate hunting behind the F75. This is to include low, medium and high conductors...... with the utilization of proper
Impact Mode/Freq selection. BUT, there is one stipulation. If EMI is low enough to allow/authorize a Impact Sensitivity setting of '97' (or above) whilst in DEEP mode; then........ there is a 45% chance of having success..... hunting behind
the F75. "Success" = Finding 3 (or more) non-ferrous targets that the F75 can not detect. Keep in mind..... It is very rare to find conditions/sites that allow Sensitivity settings of 97....or above. When these rare conditions are met...... it is somewhat obvious the Impact has a slight edge/lead/advantage over the F75 boost process. If I show up on site..... and can run Sens on 97 (or higher)..... I immediately know if I can detect/run behind the F75. Armed with this knowledge; if I determine that I can not run the Impact with a Sens of 97+ ...... I (now) will immediately quit/leave. SUMMATIONAL CONCLUSION: Sensitivity 97, 98 & 99 will reopen all old "hunted out" sites..... with a little bit of success. (((This data does not include carpets-of-nails sites.)))
* Impact (in 5-Khz) will completely consume a new set of (full charge) regular carbon batteries in 67 minutes. (non-alkaline).
* DEEP mode..... 5-Khz vs 14-Khz vs 20-Khz unmasking performance/capabilities.
After extensive testing....... results as follows:
# 5-Khz is a complete no-no in carpets of nails...... in the attempt to unmask non-Fe targets. Whilst it is the deepest mode for high conductors (and many other targets),.,.,. The iron 'falsing' is excessive/fatiguing. (This is a 5-Khz performance "expected-norm"....and comes as no surprise........ unless a technological paradigm-shift ensues.)
# 14-Khz presents 11% better performance at unmasking non-Fe targets in carpets of nails...... and 'falsing' is substantially reduced.
# 20-Khz is yet another (approximately) 2% better at unmasking....over 14-Khz.,.,.,.,.,., and 'falsing' is about the same as 14-Khz. BUT...... even though there is an approximate 2% unmasking gain whilst 20-Khz is invoked....... 14-Khz is nearly 18% deeper than 20-Khz in multiple real-world scenarios; subsequently, 14-Khz is substantially (overall) better than 20-Khz for stated intent. For the record...... I must also state: There are a few targets/scenarios that (exclusively) 20-Khz will detect......that 5 & 14-Khz will never see/detect; however, there are substantially more ("deeper") targets that 14-Khz will see/detect/report over all other options/freqs..... that far-substantiate the sole utilization of 14-Khz. (I do not have enough
scientific/exacting data to generate a solid/reliable percentage computation....as of yet; Hence, 'verified/witnessed' but inconclusive percentile resultant.)
# The XP GMP (head-to-head..... with variables controlled/regulated or mitigated)..... is still the Flagship for unmasking..... to the shallow and medium depth-windows. The Impact will ascertain the deeper depth-window (consistently) with a fair amount of success. And since there is linear-correlation to 'depth.... versus.... age'......... there is "value-added" to the Impact attributes at depth.,.,.,.,.,., enough to quantify/qualify/justify positive-bias towards Impact selection/utilization.
* In MILD alkali/salty dirt..... the Impact (inconclusively) appears to have a slight performance lead/advantage over CZ/T2/F75.
* I need to reiterate/state this again: The small elliptical coil is a Max-Q/dimensionally-perfect size. Depth vs separation bell-curve.
* I am somewhat bothered by the battery consumption rate (in 5-Khz).... and do wonder if a pair of 9V batteries would allow another 60-minutes of run-time......so as to authorize/allow an entire-day hunt....to completion............................... without having to change batteries in the same day. (Never use 8-AA batteries.... as there is a 8X chance of a battery going bad..... rendering the entire power supply useless. In the field..... it is TOO difficult to determine 'which' specific battery ....of the 8..... went bad...... especially without a Digital Volt Meter).
Sincerely,
Tom
November 23, 2016 11:36 PM’
Hi Dilek,
Yes. For instance.......... the XP Deus is a 3-Frequency unit also ...... BUT....... its 'center frequency' is 18-Khz. The detector was designed around the 18-Khz frequency. It is obvious the unit is 'tuned' for this frequency..... and the other two frequencies work ok...but you can tell the performance is slightly reduced (for what they should be).......because you are off of the 'center frequency'. The most obvious way to see/view this is: When you select 4-Khz on the Deus..... it should be markedly deeper on a silver coin. . . . . but...it is not. It is the 18-Khz frequency that detects a silver coin to greater depths......and NOT the 4-Khz option. ------ I do not see this anomaly on the Impact. It is linear.... and each frequency seems to work at peak performance (and not compromised). And more data/....
NOTES FROM THE PAST 2 DAYS:
* In many cases, selecting the wrong F1 - F5 EMI mitigation frequency/channel..... can cost several inches of depth performance. (And can be audibly fatiguing). Also, the Impact is not immune to silent EMI performance loss. (Per expectations, Unit does not defy physics). Selecting the correct F1 - F5 channel/freq is very important.
--------------- DEEP mode ----------------
* 20-Khz = A audio language all unto itself.
* 20-Khz = Preferred choice in carpets of nails.
* 20-Khz = More susceptible to EMI.
* 20-Khz = Requires changing F1 - F5 freq/channel more frequently.
* 20-Khz = Less depth on coins; yet, substantially better audible resolution and ID....in carpets of nails.
* The higher the Sensitivity.... the better the ID resolution/accuracy. ((( Somewhat of a paradox. )))
* 20-Khz versus 5-Khz will find nearly identical non-ferrous targets in carpets of nails/iron..... but 20-Khz presents much better audible resolution, better numerical ID lock-on AND combats carpets of nails better. There is hardly any 'falsing' from iron whilst in 20-Khz. Major (and rare) attribute.
* When hunting 'unknown conditions' new sites...... it is a major attribute to be able to instantly change frequencies and modes...... to meet/suit the needs of 'changing conditions' at each individual site. Another major attribute of the Impact. It is many metal detectors all-in-one unit. Normally...... a sudden change in conditions requires grabbing a different detector to meet/match the niche-needs of the site.
* I have encountered "hot rocks" problems (old burnt coal.....in my case)........ of which almost all of them will ID as non-ferrous 'foil'. Almost all single frequency units incur this exact same problem. For comparison purposes: The simultaneous-two-frequency Fisher CZ is one (in very few) detectors that does not have this problem.
* Today, (4 times)..... the Impact encountered a software lock-up problem. . . . that required complete shut-down and restart. The ID display would continuously show "Cy"..... and Ground Balance would show 00.00. Performance was
reduced......and the display was locked-up on "Cy". A complete restart would clear all errors.
Sincerely,
Tom
November 24, 2016 9:28 AM
Hi Alper,
Yes...... I was in "DEEP" mode when I encountered the 'Cy' software error code. It happened 4 times.......and ..... ( ??? I 'think' ???) two of the times when I was switching frequencies into 5-Khz (from 20-Khz). I will continue to try to replicate the problem...... so as to better 'identify' when & what causes it....... for your enhanced/better troubleshooting techniques.
I applaud the fact that you implemented/incorporated 8 different hardware gain levels coupling ""Higher Sensitivity levels ... to ... increased ID accuracy"". There are very few brands of metal detectors on the world's open Market… that will acquire increased/better ID accuracy (at deeper depths) .....to this order-of-magnitude........... due to = increasing Sensitivity. Most of the time (with many other brands)...... when you increase Sensitivity...... you induce and increase ID 'splatter'. This is the "expected norm". The Impact is a (applauded/welcomed) paradox........ the opposite of
'expectations'! ((( And this quantifies/justifies "WHY" I try to run Sensitivity as high as possible.... right at (or just barely under) where EMI is encountered. )))
------ Something I need to clarify:
* When hunting in carpets-of-nails exclusively looking for high conductor coins...... I will employ DEEP, 14-Khz and small coil. 14-Khz gives overall best depth on coins in this specific scenario.
* When hunting in carpets-of-nails looking for relics (low, medium & high conductors)...... I will employ DEEP, 20-Khz and small coil. This presents a higher 'overall' statistical target ratio enhancement count.
* 14-Khz in carpets of nails..... is not fatiguing.,.,.,and quite easy.
* 20-Khz in carpets of nails is a few percent better at reducing iron falsing (vs 14-Khz).... and is (audibly) measurable/noticeable.
Sincerely,
Tom
November 26, 2016 10:40 PM
Hi Alper & Dilek,
ALPER......HOW DID YOU BREAK YOUR LEG?????
Here is Data Report #17:
* DEEP mode..... regardless of selected-frequency..... presents no (perceived) audio lag-time. ((A very good attribute.))
* DEEP mode VCO modulated audio is engineered/applied perfectly. Especially the last few inches of detectable range, whereby....the modulated tone volume is sufficiently loud.....and the pitch-frequency has not increased any.... in the very last few (detectable) inches; subsequently, the operator easily knows that a deep (or tiny) target has been detected. This is part of the audio artificial intelligence presentation..... for determining multiple data/facets/signatures of detected target.
* U.S. 5-Cent Nickel ID..... whilst in DEEP mode:
- 5-Khz = 47
- 14-Khz = 55
- 20-Khz = 61
Operator must be aware of these ID differences........ recover desired targets accordingly..... AND..... select Tone-Break accordingly in concert with operating frequency. For multiple reasons/justifications.... I have come to the conclusion that I embrace these "different" ID-scaling/software-code. With each operating frequency: COMPLETELY different metal detector. Accepted/embraced. Also.....and equally important to understand is: The ID scaling of iron remains exactly the same (((regardless of which (of the 3) operating frequency has been selected)))..... unaltered. This is to say: 00 - 40 iron ID range remains intact....... and with a hair-splitting Tone-Break setting of '21' still being the pinnacle small nails Tone-Break choice....regardless of which (of the 3) operating frequencies has been selected.
* Whilst in DEEP and 20-Khz: U.S. Half Eagle $5.00 gold coins, Indian Head pennies, U.S. Half-Dimes, Early Wheat Pennies, Spanish 10-Pesetas coins, Zinc Pennies..... and a host of other coins.... will ID as "82". I call this one of
the most exacting ""COIN"" ID High-Probability signatures. Any time a detected target ID's as "82" there is a high-probability (and expectation) that a coin has been detected.
Sincerely,
Tom
November28, 2016 AM
Hi Alper,
Wow! Hopefully....... you have no complications with the healing/recovery of your leg. And NO INFECTION(s)!
As far as many different targets that are lumped together in the '82' ID....... I have several trains of thought. There will always be trash items that will ID anywhere in the entire spectrum of conductivity. . . . to include ID '82'. It is a 'MUST'....that detectorists understand this. (((It is all in the 'marketing'.... that is key to 'how-well' this unsuspecting attribute will be
accepted......then embraced by the detecting community.))) There is no 'magic' detector...... nor is there a 'magic' ID. What is important to design engineers of metal detection equipment (and specifically this Impact platform) is...... ""What is the RATIO of bad-targets-to-good-targets"" with this '82' ID. Yes..... there are bad targets that are 'dug' whilst recovering '82' conductivity ID's. But..... the ratio is above-average (subsequently; acceptable)....... with an overall detecting averaging attribute. When I was creating/inventing (with subsequent inception of) the Fisher CZ-3D "old coins" intelligence ID
enhancement(s)....... I knew there would be a 'critical-eye' that would be viewing/experiencing/and harshly grading this "conductive ID window" criticality. What I had discovered in the real world.... was that many older coins do not ID in the conductive-bandwidth of today's modern coins; hence, no metal detector manufacturer had created a "old coins" audible intelligence ID platform. I had discovered (with laborious hard-bought effort) knowledge that no detector design engineer knew. I also discovered that the general public/detecting community was nearly completely unaware of this condition. You
don't know....what you don't know. I did not want my laborious efforts and knowledge to go to waste/forsaken.... and I wanted to (technology transfer) share with the World this epiphany/new-discovery; subsequently, I created the CZ-3D "old coins" platform. Many other detector manufacturers have (now) copied and incorporated this "old coins" program.......... so........... I must have done something right. Yes, there has been some resistance by detectorists...... but........ overall, a much higher level of embracement........ especially the genuine "old coins" detectorists. What does this have to do with the Impact '82' ID? It very closely resembles the "old coins" intent........ so ......... with proper marketing semantics/explanation ...... it should be widely embraced.
* DI2 seems nearly redundant to DEEP mode.
* Of the DI2, DI3 & DI4 modes.....DI3 presents the least depth, DI2 the most depth.....and DI4 is not far behind the depth capabilities of DI2. Test-garden and real-world.
* DI3 mode. Can you marriage the DEEP mode depth performance attributes with the DI3 mode? This would create a 3-tone, Tone-Break audio intelligence DEEP "old coins" mode.
* I have made a switch-over (and permanently) to rechargeable batteries (due to Impact battery high-consumption rate).
* This is going to be difficult to explain, (properly convey/impart.....to the level of understanding needed)....... but I will try my best.
First, a definition:
0" - 4" = Shallow
4" - 8" = Medium
8" - 12" - Deep
The XP GMP is still the World Flagship (by a few percent) for unmasking in carpets-of-nails. . . . . but only to shallow (and 'some' medium) depths. Verified & validated. The Impact (20-Khz) is a few percent less capable of unmasking in carpets-of-nails....when compared to XP GMP. But....... the Impact can achieve/ascertain shallow, medium (and 'some' deep) depths of unmasking. Verified & validated. Because of the correlation of 'age vs depth'..... (((especially in the part of the World that I live/detect in))) ..... I 'favor' the Impact attributes over the XP GMP for an overall-averaging application/choice. And.......... for some reason.......... the Impact (in 20-Khz) seems to have a greater affinity-of-detection to the highest conductive targets (like coins)....in carpets-of-nails........... contrary/contradictive to 20-Khz (vs 5-Khz) whilst unmasking all non-Fe targets in iron. And it is not just simply because of the larger delta/differential between low-conductive ID iron vs high-conductive ID coins. Frequency plays more of a role.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016 10:06 PM
Hi Dilek, Alper and Mali,
I just received your software update info..... and I am having some computer/software issues on my end...... and will try to resolve shortly. Here is today's ( #19) report BEFORE I received your software update. ((( It really reflects what your software upgrade intents are! )))
* Cy error has only occurred one more time. I was in DEEP mode.... switching from 14-Khz to 5-Khz when it happened.
* Depth performance is so critical..... that I find myself NOT using any other mode except DEEP..... other than for real-world & test-garden 'testing' only.
* I will now make the statement/claim: The pinnacle/niche of the Impact is: finding high conductor targets in nail infested sites...... exclusively utilizing 20-Khz. (Impact does very well with medium & low conductors in nail infested sites also).
* More usable/real-world depth is gained by utilizing 20-Khz in trashy (especially iron) sites. I have now validated this.
* There are large/measurable performance gains (whilst in 20-Khz) when Sensitivity is increased for each/every single digit... from 92 - 99.
* The Impact does have sweep-speed dependency for peak performance results. Fortunately, the sweep-speed is a normal/average sweep-speed. Operating frequency does indeed alter the peak sweep-speed; yet, not by much.
* I cannot emphasize strong enough.... to place all engineering "focus" on ascertaining just three millimeters (3mm) more dirt-usable depth on a clad dime whilst in 5-Khz. This would change the Impacts title of "Nokta Flagship" to "World Flagship" status.
* Impact has very minor problems with flat/sheet steel.... falsing to a non-ferrous ID. (( Many other detectors are much worse. ))
* F75 LTD has depth AND intelligence... combined. Impact has depth (in DEEP mode) .... and intelligence in 3 (or 4) tones modes...... but not combined.
* 20-Khz 0"-8" resolute.... on entire spectrum of conductors.
* 14-Khz 8"-10" resolute... on entire spectrum of conductors.
* 5-Khz 10"-12" resolute.. on medium and high conductors.
Now....... let me see if I can figure out the error with the software updates..... then get them uploaded.
Sincerely,
Tom