Pinpointing is one of the most important, but simple to learn, techniques you need when treasure hunting. Knowing how to pinpoint correctly can mean the difference between digging a six-inch hole or a 2-inch plug.
The ACE 250 is equipped with an electronic Pinpoint pushbutton that makes pinpointing more accurate. Using this Pinpoint Mode is simple to do. After detecting a target, place the searchcoil on the ground to the side of the target's suspected location. Now, press and hold the Pinpoint pushbutton while maintaining contact with the ground and slowly move your searchcoil from left to right and then front to back over the suspected target's location. The maximum sound will be heard when the target is directly beneath the center of the searchcoil as shown.
Targets typically pinpoint under center of coil.
Also, while electronically pinpointing, the Upper Scale on the LCD indicates signal strength. When the greatest number of LCD segments (increasing left to right on the scale) is shown, the center of the searchcoil is directly over the target.
NOTE: Keeping the searchcoil on the ground will help ensure the distance between the coil and the ground remains constant throughout the pinpointing process; in this case the distance is zero inches. If the terrain does not allow for this type of "coil scrubbing" then do your best to maintain a constant height between the coil and the ground.
Pinpointing Shallow or Irregular Targets (ACE 250) [click here]
Very shallow targets may pinpoint under tip of inner coil
The pinpoint location is almost always in the center of the coil. In other words, a target pinpointed with an ACE 250 will be directly beneath the center of the searchcoil (See Using the Pinpoint Mode). However, exceptions to this rule may occur for oddly shaped iron targets, such as a nail or piece of wire lying horizontally in the ground; flat objects on edge; or, even a very shallow coin. In cases such as these, the pinpoint location may be closer to the front of the inner coil as shown here.
By carefully paying attention to the audio signals (and the Upper Scale indication on the 250) you'll quickly become familiar with how your ACE pinpoints deep and shallow targets.
Even though the ACE 150 does not have an electronic Pinpoint Mode, it is still simple to find the location of a target. As you pass over a target with the 150, the audible signal will be made at the trailing edge of the coil. In other words, if you are moving your searchcoil over a target from left to right, you will hear the target signal when the left edge of the coil is over the target. Likewise, when moving the coil from right to left, you'll hear the signal when the right edge of the coil is over the target. Now that you've passed the searchcoil over the target from the left and right, turn 90° to the target and scan again, using the same method. The target will be located in the center of the imaginary "+" you created when scanning as shown.
