On my GPX4000, when switching from fixed to tracking using the thumb button, there is no audible beep. There is a beep when the detector is set on tracking, and you use the button to go fixed. I am pretty sure there was a beep before, but don't recall since I was mainly using the switch on the control box.

Thank you,
Mike

Hi Mike,
When you're in tracking mode it will beep when you push the button on the handle, but if you're in fixed mode there will not be any beep when you push it. Hope that helps you. Good luck out there and find some BIG ones.
sourdough

SWEET!! This is why I wasn't using the button. I wasn't hearing the beep so I didn't want to use it. Even though its about a year old now, I am still learning this wonderful piece of equipment.
Mike

Mike,

Find a copy of Jonathan Porter's DVD "The Outback Prospector The GPX Factor". It's very informative and you will learn alot. You may have to watch it three, four or five times to get everything out of it (I know I did), but well worth it.

sourdough

Mike . When you are in tracking on the switch and you come on a rapid ground change pressing the button puts it into super fast tracking for a few seconds. The beep tells you when the fast tracking starts. Running over a large trash target while in tracking throws the GB way off. You will want to push the green button after this happens and rebalance. In fixed, a large target doesn't change the GB. Also when running in tracking, lifting the coil more than a few inches off the ground can also throw the GB off. It is seeing the ground and cancelling it and then air and it will try to set the GB to the air. Needless to say, trashy areas and places with lots of obstacles aren't the place to use tracking. It will be out of GB most of the time. This is why most people prefer fixed . While in fixed , the fast tracking is enabled as long as you hold the button down and ground balancing stops as soon as you release the button. Get used to pushing the button frequently and doing a quick rebalance often . When you get the hang of it you can pretty much do it on the move and hardly miss a beat. When Changing locations there may be a radical change from the last place you ground balanced . I usually go through the GB process twice on a new spot in two different places a few yards apart to make sure I didn't pick a hotspot or a hotrock to balance over the first time. If you are very far out of GB the detector will let you know it's time to update by moaning and groaning as you swing. Keeping your detector in near perfect GB is one of the most important things you can do. It will enable you to hear deeper, fainter targets.----Bob

The GPX-4000 has a much faster forced Ground balance than the GPX-4500 (when the Quick Trak button is triggered when in Tracking mode) so this needs to be taken into consideration. The ground balance goes quickly out of balance when the coil is lifted mainly in non-variable ground conditions (Fixed is better for these ground types) as the auto GB is primed ready to pounce on any variation.

For more info on our range of instructional DVDs visit our website below.

Hope this helps,

JP

Aurum Australis

AZ Mike,

I too have a 4000.

Montana is a wizard and definitely knows his stuff. Everyone would do well to take to heart what he has to teach.

I purchased JP's DVD's. He also has alot to teach all of us new detector owners.

I can onely say that as long as we have people like them to help guide us newbys. we are in good hands as long
as we listen to what they are trying to teach us.

Thanks to both Montana and JP for yor help and guidance.


Rich

Much of what I pass on is based on what I have learned from listening to JP and then applying it or modifying to local conditions. Some good ideas even come from relative newbies. A lot can be learned from the internet but I think it's really foolish to spend thousands on a detector and not spend a few more dollars on a good video on how it works. It's the first accessory you should purchase and will cost far less than even one extra coil.----Bob

Now I need to find this dvd. Time to start cruising the web!

Mike

Montana ... are you making reference to JP's " The Seta Project" dvd? Or Chris Gholson's "Practical Prospecting with Minelab's GPX Series"?

Or both?

Mike F

I will give an opinion on that one Mike...

#1 anything by JP
#2 anything by Chris

just my opinion - no bias one way or the other...


Flak

Mike . JPs video has the more in depth technical info while Chris's is more geared to practical applications in the U.S. goldfeilds. I would recommend having both and this can be done for about $100.00 . (3 grams of gold). You will get far more out of them than reading the operators manual which I found hard to decipher and lacking in many respects.----Bob

Thanks Bob. Sounds like a little homework needed before February gets here!

Mike F

You can get JPs video at Robs website and Chris's on this website. ----Bob

Bob,

Thanks again. I just realized I got Chris's Practical Prospecting and have pulled it to watch again. I'll go chase Rob for a copy of JP's work.

Mike F