Needless to say I was very happy with this find. Thanks for watching...
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Sony Action Cam for Metal Detecting
I've been carrying a tripod and video camera around since this spring and I don't mind saying "I started to hate videoing my hunts." Trying to hold a digging shovel and tripod in one hand and swing my machine in the other was a pain. I looked at all the POV video cameras out and really liked the Sony. I have used Sony products for years and have had good luck with them.
At this point, I have decided on mounting the cam on my headphones. This option gives me the best actual POV that does not hinder my normal swing. The cam is out of the way. It did take a few mounting attempts to get the angle right, but I think I have it just about right now. Anyone that videos their metal detecting outings should consider this option. It gives you the ability to film your entire process from getting the target signal, digging target and recovery. All of us that watch YouTube videos of metal detecting love it when we see a nice coin come popping out of the ground somewhat "LIVE." As if we were there...
Here is a short video on how I have mine mounted:
JCJ
At this point, I have decided on mounting the cam on my headphones. This option gives me the best actual POV that does not hinder my normal swing. The cam is out of the way. It did take a few mounting attempts to get the angle right, but I think I have it just about right now. Anyone that videos their metal detecting outings should consider this option. It gives you the ability to film your entire process from getting the target signal, digging target and recovery. All of us that watch YouTube videos of metal detecting love it when we see a nice coin come popping out of the ground somewhat "LIVE." As if we were there...
Here is a short video on how I have mine mounted:
JCJ
Monday, October 14, 2013
Guys love "Gear", any type of gear...
Most guys love the gear they use for any of their hobbies. Fishing gear, hunting gear, racing gear, metal detecting gear, etc...name the past time and you can name the gear that comes with participating in that hobby. A lot of gear is inter-changeable with various hobbies. Hunting boots can be used for any of the outdoor hobbies. Flash lights are in just about any hobbies gear list.
What I would like to talk about is the gear used for metal detecting. Over the years I have developed a pile of gear that I use most every time I go detecting. Through trial and error I have compiled a list of essential gear (on my person), back up gear (in the truck) and just in case gear (also in the truck). We will start with the essential gear.
In the photo below are my essential gear items. Belt, with finds bag, digging knife, pin pointer and gloves. I always have this on my person when detecting for coins or relics. Also, I have used the "Predator" relic shovel for many years and can't imagine using another. This shovel is the best. I like a wide belt as it holds the items on it more securely. I use a Minelab digging knife and am satisfied with the performance. Garrett pin pointer has been great over the years, but will try the Minelab Pro pin pointer soon. Will let you know my thoughts on it once I have used it awhile. Always carry a few cleaning brushes to help ID finds in the field. Toilet paper is a must and is always close by. Good pair of gloves, I use a cheap $4 pair and when they wear out I toss them. Marking tape to mark an area or a spot. The waist pouch (camo) is new and I will be trying it out on the next few hunts. I have seen some other guys using them on some video and figured I give it a try. More pockets, more gear!!
Recently I started wearing a vest all the time when detecting. I have a summer vest as well as a fall/winter vest. Fall and Winter vest has blazed orange. They both have plenty of pockets to store more gear!!! Adding to the essentials list, I always carry my camera, cell phone, reading glasses, magnifying glass, field notebook and water. I use to carry a GPS, but with the CTX 3030's on board GPS that is a mute point. Inside my finds bag I carry small containers to store my good finds. Putting coins, buttons or small brass items inside these containers along with some soil will help protect them during the rest of the hunt. Cell phone for an emergency. Camera for videos that go on YouTube as well as documenting a find. Reading glasses and magnifying glass because my eyesight is not what they used to be. Field notebook to write down notes about finds found. Even with the GPS on the CTX, I still need the field notebook. Its faster to write a few notes than to do data entry in the field. My process when finding a nice target is recover item, mark spot with the CTX's GPS, take a few notes and then on to the next find.
Back up gear is stored in the truck and most of it fits into a large tote box shown below. My back up gear is extra batteries for metal detector and pin pointer. Car chargers for CTX battery, Wireless module and video camera. Extra storage containers for finds, rags for wiping down detector and a few tools.
Just in case gear consist of spare metal detector, heavy duty scoop for river, creeks and ponds. First aide kit
What I would like to talk about is the gear used for metal detecting. Over the years I have developed a pile of gear that I use most every time I go detecting. Through trial and error I have compiled a list of essential gear (on my person), back up gear (in the truck) and just in case gear (also in the truck). We will start with the essential gear.
In the photo below are my essential gear items. Belt, with finds bag, digging knife, pin pointer and gloves. I always have this on my person when detecting for coins or relics. Also, I have used the "Predator" relic shovel for many years and can't imagine using another. This shovel is the best. I like a wide belt as it holds the items on it more securely. I use a Minelab digging knife and am satisfied with the performance. Garrett pin pointer has been great over the years, but will try the Minelab Pro pin pointer soon. Will let you know my thoughts on it once I have used it awhile. Always carry a few cleaning brushes to help ID finds in the field. Toilet paper is a must and is always close by. Good pair of gloves, I use a cheap $4 pair and when they wear out I toss them. Marking tape to mark an area or a spot. The waist pouch (camo) is new and I will be trying it out on the next few hunts. I have seen some other guys using them on some video and figured I give it a try. More pockets, more gear!!
 |
| Essential Gear |
 |
| Back up and Just in case gear |
Back up gear is stored in the truck and most of it fits into a large tote box shown below. My back up gear is extra batteries for metal detector and pin pointer. Car chargers for CTX battery, Wireless module and video camera. Extra storage containers for finds, rags for wiping down detector and a few tools.
Just in case gear consist of spare metal detector, heavy duty scoop for river, creeks and ponds. First aide kit
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
This video is of a few hunts we did over last few days. I got permission to hunt some farm land just west of Ashland, VA. The farmer that owns the land has some prime property for relic hunting. Last hunt was with my friend Robbie at one of his spots in Caroline county, VA. Robbie hunted a yard in the city of Richmond the other day and pulled seven silver coins out of the ground. Robbie needs to start videoing his hunts. Seven silver coins...nice. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for a chance to win two nice prizes. HH
JCJ
JCJ
YouTube Channel Metal Detecting Virginia's Big Contest...
Spread the word to everyone about the contest. Current subscribers and new subscribers qualify. As soon as we get to 100 subscribers total, someone wins both prizes...
Here are some photos of the prizes:
JCJ
Here are some photos of the prizes:
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Good hunt from this spring...
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Erie County considers restricting use of metal detectors
You see them sweeping beaches and parks, hunting for buried treasure.
They are relic hunters with metal detectors in hand and ear phones on their heads listening for the sweet clicking sound of discovery. Perhaps an old coin. Maybe a ring. More often, it is an old pop top from a beer can.
Then there are some true legendary finds, like the retired electrician in England who discovered a gold cup in what was later declared an early Bronze Age funerary site.
But many of these metal detector hobbyists feel they get no respect.
If they’re not at odds with archaeologists over the recovery of historical or pre-historic items, they are skirmishing with local officials who want to restrict their access to beaches and parks. Even reality shows like “Savage Family Diggers” and “Dig Wars” don’t show the hobbyists in a favorable light.
“Most of the time, it’s just change we find,” said Kathy Cartonia of Williamsville, who started detecting in 1988.
“What do they think we’re going to do with metal detectors? Wreck the place? It makes no sense.”
So it should come as no surprise that Erie County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commissioner Troy Schinzel is working to implement a policy that would place a handful of county parks and both county-run golf courses off-limits to the use of metal detectors. The policy would also establish rules on the removal of items from public grounds.
“I am concerned about that activity occurring in our historic or older parks,” Schinzel said. “We have five heritage parks where I would not want this type of activity permitted: Chestnut Ridge, Akron, Como, Ellicott Creek and Emery.
Schinzel is not alone.
See full article here.
They are relic hunters with metal detectors in hand and ear phones on their heads listening for the sweet clicking sound of discovery. Perhaps an old coin. Maybe a ring. More often, it is an old pop top from a beer can.
Then there are some true legendary finds, like the retired electrician in England who discovered a gold cup in what was later declared an early Bronze Age funerary site.
But many of these metal detector hobbyists feel they get no respect.
If they’re not at odds with archaeologists over the recovery of historical or pre-historic items, they are skirmishing with local officials who want to restrict their access to beaches and parks. Even reality shows like “Savage Family Diggers” and “Dig Wars” don’t show the hobbyists in a favorable light.
“Most of the time, it’s just change we find,” said Kathy Cartonia of Williamsville, who started detecting in 1988.
“What do they think we’re going to do with metal detectors? Wreck the place? It makes no sense.”
So it should come as no surprise that Erie County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commissioner Troy Schinzel is working to implement a policy that would place a handful of county parks and both county-run golf courses off-limits to the use of metal detectors. The policy would also establish rules on the removal of items from public grounds.
“I am concerned about that activity occurring in our historic or older parks,” Schinzel said. “We have five heritage parks where I would not want this type of activity permitted: Chestnut Ridge, Akron, Como, Ellicott Creek and Emery.
Schinzel is not alone.
See full article here.
Florida's Metal Detector Fanatics Fight High Tide and Murky Laws
Brian Deutzman braces himself against the pounding surf just off South Beach and slowly waves his fluorescent-colored metal detector underwater. His eyes narrow as faint electronic beeps resonate in his oversize headphones. Tall, pale, and draped in a thin white shirt, he looks like a combination of a hipster Ghostbuster and an actual ghost. Beachgoers point and laugh while children swim around in circles, trying to find out what he's looking for.
Wooomp. Deutzman freezes as he hears a long robotic tone. The 24-year-old scavenger finds plenty of trash, from rusted batteries to soda can tabs to enough pennies to cancel out a thousand wishes. But that noise means he's found something larger. It's the same tone he heard when he nabbed a priceless 19th-century watch and when he stumbled upon a full diamond grill.
Deutzman reaches into the sand, feels something solid, and pulls out a half set of human teeth. "It's from some castaway at sea," he says, noting the teeth with gold dental work will net $75 on eBay if they're real.
Get full article here.
Wooomp. Deutzman freezes as he hears a long robotic tone. The 24-year-old scavenger finds plenty of trash, from rusted batteries to soda can tabs to enough pennies to cancel out a thousand wishes. But that noise means he's found something larger. It's the same tone he heard when he nabbed a priceless 19th-century watch and when he stumbled upon a full diamond grill.
Deutzman reaches into the sand, feels something solid, and pulls out a half set of human teeth. "It's from some castaway at sea," he says, noting the teeth with gold dental work will net $75 on eBay if they're real.
Get full article here.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
First Water hunt with the CTX 3030...
and I would call it successful and a lot of fun. I did drop my non-waterproof camera in the creek. Sorry about the audio towards the end. Camera did make full recovery and is working fine. I left a deep target down in the creek because the water and sand kept filling back in. All this summer we had tons of rain and could not go back an retrieve it. Now its deer hunting season and landowner does not want me in there. Will have to wait for next year...Don't forget, please subscribe to my channels and hit the like button.
JCJ
JCJ
Giving back to the land owners...
I don't know about you, but most of the folks that let me metal detect their property never ask for any of the finds. When I first get permission to hunt from them, I always tell them they are more than welcome to any and all the finds. Most then say they don't want them. I do have a lot of land owners that want to see the finds, but very few want them.
So I started taking various finds that I have found on their property and put them in a small to medium size Sgt. Riker's case. I give them the case with the relics and their faces light up and a huge smile stretches across their face. A lot of the times they have seen the relics before, after a hunt, but they were dirty and only field cleaned. Now...they see the relics all cleaned up and show much more interest. Why is that...
A good by product of this, has been a clear and unmistakable increase in property to hunt. Every single landowner I have given a case to, has actively sought out other land for me to hunt. It is amazing how a little good will and kindness works.
I know some will say "I'm not giving up my relics" or "Man, I wouldn't have given up that button." To that, I say after 15 years of metal detecting, I have relics, coins, buttons, bullets, etc...coming out of my ears. I'm always buying a new something to display my finds. Bottom line, I have plenty and giving back some will not kill me. Most of what I give, I already have 10 of them. Plus, it has gotten me permission on property I didn't have before, to find more relics. The way I see it its a classic win / win.
JCJ
So I started taking various finds that I have found on their property and put them in a small to medium size Sgt. Riker's case. I give them the case with the relics and their faces light up and a huge smile stretches across their face. A lot of the times they have seen the relics before, after a hunt, but they were dirty and only field cleaned. Now...they see the relics all cleaned up and show much more interest. Why is that...
A good by product of this, has been a clear and unmistakable increase in property to hunt. Every single landowner I have given a case to, has actively sought out other land for me to hunt. It is amazing how a little good will and kindness works.
I know some will say "I'm not giving up my relics" or "Man, I wouldn't have given up that button." To that, I say after 15 years of metal detecting, I have relics, coins, buttons, bullets, etc...coming out of my ears. I'm always buying a new something to display my finds. Bottom line, I have plenty and giving back some will not kill me. Most of what I give, I already have 10 of them. Plus, it has gotten me permission on property I didn't have before, to find more relics. The way I see it its a classic win / win.
JCJ
Favorite hunts and the impressions they make...
By far my favorite hunt of all time was a few years back. I took both of my sons with me on a hunt not to far from our house. The land had been timbered 15-20 years prior and the loggers had knocked down the old home. There must have been a huge bag of bamboo seed in the house because the spot where the house once stood, was nothing but a bamboo forest. Everyone knows that is impossible to hunt...
We were able to hunt the outside fringes and the yard and did pretty well. Like all the hunts with my boys, I would find a good signal and ask them to come investigate and tell me what they thought. We exchanged ideas on what we thought and start to dig the target. We first dug a very nice Eagle button and then a few older coins. Towards the end of the hunt when attention spans were wearing out with both of them I got another good signal. We all took turns swing over the target and giving our opinions on what we thought it was. I started digging the target and out popped the most beautiful Virginia coat button I ever saw. The button was in really good shape. As we knelt there on the ground taking turns looking at the button, I couldn't help to think that we were the first people to see that button in 100-140 years. We still talk about that day.
This year I had my youngest son (Michael) with me on a all day hunt in Henrico, VA. It is a late war site and has produce a lot of relics for me over the last 4-5 years. The day was slow and we had to really work for the relics. I could tell Michael was getting tired and some what bored, so I was really swinging for a good signal. After 20 minutes or so, I came across a good solid brass signal. This time I did not say anything and let Michael find it on his own. Michael found the target and began to dig for it. A few minutes later he had the target in hand. A Mass Volunteer Militia Button. I had never seen one before and actually did not know what it was until we got home and looked it up. Needless to say he was excited and so was I. He made it a couple more hours on the hunt and then wanted to call it a day. I agreed and we headed home.
Getting kids (or adults for that matter) excited about history is tough and challenging. Both my sons have done pretty good appeasing me on our hunts. As the Dad, I have to remember they have other interest and they should. I know I did at their age. Both like to study history in school and maybe one day will relic hunt with their kids.
JCJ
This year I had my youngest son (Michael) with me on a all day hunt in Henrico, VA. It is a late war site and has produce a lot of relics for me over the last 4-5 years. The day was slow and we had to really work for the relics. I could tell Michael was getting tired and some what bored, so I was really swinging for a good signal. After 20 minutes or so, I came across a good solid brass signal. This time I did not say anything and let Michael find it on his own. Michael found the target and began to dig for it. A few minutes later he had the target in hand. A Mass Volunteer Militia Button. I had never seen one before and actually did not know what it was until we got home and looked it up. Needless to say he was excited and so was I. He made it a couple more hours on the hunt and then wanted to call it a day. I agreed and we headed home.
Getting kids (or adults for that matter) excited about history is tough and challenging. Both my sons have done pretty good appeasing me on our hunts. As the Dad, I have to remember they have other interest and they should. I know I did at their age. Both like to study history in school and maybe one day will relic hunt with their kids.
JCJ
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Hanover, VA. Civil War site
This is a video of a couple hunts over the last few weeks. We have not had a lot of rain and the ground is drying out. Did manage to find a few relics. Please subscribe to my channel and hit the like button. Thanks for watching and HH to all...
JCJ
JCJ
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