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The Q30 and Q30+ have a Ground Tracking function that can help keep the detector properly adjusted
as ground conditions change. This function can be activated / deactivated using the guidance on Page
7.
NOTE: The Ground Track function is NOT recommended when searching sites that contain a large number
of targets (either trash or valuable targets). The circuit can track to the metallic objects rather than only the
mineralization resulting in erratic operation and less than optimal detection depth. In these areas, manually
set the ground balance using the bobbing technique described above periodically to ensure the detector is
set properly.
DISCRIMINATION & NOTCH
The Q30 series offers the ability to select what targets will produce an audio response as you search a site.
While there may be times when you want to detect all metallic objects in your search area such as if you are
performing an archeological survey, in most case you will want to eliminate at least some of the targets to
save time and increase your find rate. You can always reduce the number of targets being rejected and re-
hunt the site if the finds warrant doing so at a later date.
The Q30 series has 25 segments on the arc that circles the outer edge of the LCD screen with each segment
encompassing four (4) numbers. Each of the segments can be turned off (clear) to indicate an audio
response will be produced or on (black) meaning no audio response will be produced as the coil passes over
a target that corresponds to the specific segment.
To start with, using the Q30 series with the factory preset settings will help you get familiar with the type of
targets that register in each area of the arc. As you become more familiar with the detector and understand
what targets are worth ignoring at a specific hunt location, you can add or remove specific segments to create
a custom pattern that allows you to selectively eliminate what you consider trash and focus on the high-value
targets.
To adjust the level of discrimination being applied, press the Menu Selection touchpad (see “F” on Page 4)
until the arrow icon above the DISCRIMINATION icon appears along the lower portion of the screen. Using
the UP / DOWN touchpads, move the flashing segment to the block you either want to reject (if it is currently
clear) or accept (if it is currently black). Tap the upper right touchpad (see “G” on Page 4) to make the desired
change. Continue this until you have customized the level of discrimination to meet your needs on the site
you are planning on searching.
NOTE: Any changes you make to the discrimination level in a specific search mode will be retained when
you turn your detector off which makes it simple to create a custom setting that can be used at multiple
locations.
An example of where discrimination can be used effectively to recover U.S. coins in an area that is currently
in use and littered with trash such as pull-tabs, screw caps and tin foil is to start with the PARK search mode
and add DISCRMINATION so that the final pattern includes the following:
Small iron, tin foil,
slivers of aluminum
U.S. 5c,
Small gold jewelry
Pull tabs, aluminum,
small screw caps
Indian Head cents,
copper, clad & silver coins