Each detector has its own personality. As I continue to learn about the Minelab CTX-3030 I am aware that the detector imparts a certain attitude to the treasure hunter. As I detected a few North East Florida Beaches during Tropical Storm Beryl. The Minelab CTX-3030 performed seamlessly despite the challenging weather. From wind to rain to getting hit by a few high waves the Minelab CTX-3030 has a “can do… go anywhere” attitude. When a hurricane or storm hits the coast I like to hit between three to five beaches, so I can better focus in on a high potential erosion event.
After hitting a few tourist beaches I settled on one particular beach where the waves had pushed targets up trapping them in the rocks. The weather front from Storm Beryl was pushing the waves high up on the beach, so I had to concentrate on the higher part of the beach as it was too dangerous to chance getting caught between the rocks and the occasional odd wave that would push up high.
Minelab CTX-3030
I immediately began finding coins, but most were clad pennies. I did not want to spend valuable time chasing pennies, so I quickly blocked them out with two taps of the reject button. Now, I could concentrate on finds of greater potential and I quickly moved on from one rock sand trap to another. I then realized that the screen display of the Minelab CTX-3030 is like getting a second opinion on a target.
At this point I can pick out the nickel signals by ear, but if I want a second opinion I look at the screen and confirm the signal. I was digging a good portion of aluminum shards. A while back I had taken a bit of can slaw and rejected it with the smallest reject size available. This works perfectly as a marker in that aluminum tends to vary in signal conductivity especially if it is old or worn. However, it does not vary much! My little reject box on my display served as a reference point and all the shards of aluminum I hit were close to this area. This gave me a great deal of information that I was likely detecting an piece of aluminum.
Smartfind 2 Display
The great thing about using the small size reject box is that it helps you mark the ferrous conductive coordinates on the Smartfind 2 display, so that you can spot trends. But with the small reject box you still have the signal displaying with the reject cursor, thus giving you the option to dig or not dig. I have found this is a great way of learning where various targets appear on the display.
As I detected the 11th sand pocket, I noticed it almost looked like a natural sitting bench carved out of the Coquina rock by the waves. As I ran the coil over the sand, the Target Trace showed two targets. With the first flip of the scoop I saw a flash of gold as a ring rolled away underneath the overhang of the rock. I quickly ducked down fearing the waves would come in and take it away. Luckily I could feel the heaviness of the class ring in my hand before the waves came rolling over the rocks. I quickly secured it in my pouch telling myself…”there’s time to look at it later”.
Like a soldier in combat I was back on the mission and now the Minelab CTX-3030 had locked onto the second target. This was a bit more difficult in that I was hitting the rock bottom, a good eight inches under my scoop. I finally stuck my hand in the water logged sand feeling around when my pinky finger went through another ring, a men’s gold wedding band. I wonder how both rings had been lost in the same spot? Perhaps coincidence or maybe someone was sitting on the natural ledge and the rings fell out of a pocket.
Four Rings And A Silver Bracelet
As I walked off the beach with four rings and a silver bracelet in my pocket I thought about the Minelab CTX-3030. In learning how to operate a new detector, one spends time focusing on what each function does, as well as what and how to change settings on the fly. However, during this hunt I realized I had not really thought about the machine at all. It had performed seamlessly and intuitively without regard to what the weather was presenting. I now realized the limiting factor will never be my detector. The Minelab CTX-3030 has a can do, confident attitude and this attitude was spilling over to the way I detect and to how effectively I used my time. The Dutch have a saying…”there is no bad weather… only poor choices in clothing”.
Today I definitely took heed of the storm’s fury… my Minelab CTX-3030, however did not seem to notice.
By Randy Horton, AKA Digger
“Hunting by ear” enables me to maximize my time in the field. On the Explorer or E-Trac, I can assign a single tone, two tones, four tones or multiple tones as a response to either conductive or ferrous based targets. If I am hunting in Two Tone Ferrous (TTF) on my E-Trac, targets with a ferrous value equal to or less than 17 will produce a high tone. A low tone will be produced on targets with a ferrous value greater than 17. These ferrous parameters (1-17, 18-35) are established within the software, with no option for the user to change them. Others who enjoy hunting in TTF may have discovered that some “good targets” can provide a ferrous reading larger than the “break point” of 17. To make sure you don’t pass those targets up, you either have to stop and look at the display on all target responses.
Ability To Adjust Both Ferrous And Conductive Parameters
The Minelab CTX-3030 allows the user to hear an audio response based on either the ferrous or conductive properties of the target. It also offers the choice of hearing a single tone for all targets, two tones, four tones or multiple tones. (Multiple tone = 35 ferrous or 50 conductive) In addition, the Minelab CTX-3030 user also has the ability to adjust both ferrous and conductive parameters by “resizing” each target group. This is done via simple programming in the Tone ID Profile.
In the following picture, I have changed the ferrous “break point” (from line 17) to ferrous line 23, in a TTF program.
4 Tone Conductive
The same mapping flexibility applies to conductive audio tones in that I can map the conductive “break points” to any conductive value(s) I desire. The following picture is a screen shot of 4 tone conductive. Notice that I set the third “bin” to represent targets with conductive values of 24 – 38. And, it will provide an audio response of 660 Hz, a medium-high tone.
In addition to mapping the parameters for each target group, I can change the pitch of the audio response for each of them. I also have the ability to play any or all of the tones.
Pitch Of The Audio Response
Mapping individual screen segments and assigning a preferred audio response to each map segment has greatly enhanced my ability to “hunt by ear”. But in addition to ferrous/conductive one tone, two tones, four tones and multiple tones, the Minelab CTX-3030 offers yet another audio response option called “Combined”. Combined allows the user to hear a combination of both ferrous and conductive tones. And just as in the examples mentioned above, we have the ability to map each of the target segments. That information will be covered in my next Treasure Talk blog “Combined Audio – The best of both worlds”.
Minelab CTX-3030
This is Minelab’s highest performing all-around metal detector. It can find objects in every type of soil, including mineralized ground where gold is found. This machine has five preset search modes and is also fully customizable for more advanced detectorists. This detector works in any terrain, including the ocean and wet beach sand.
Our customers say that this detector is heavy but well-balanced. If you plan on using this for an extended period of time, a harness is available to help relieve some of the strain.
- Weight: 5.20 pounds
- Frequency: 1.5 kHz – 100 kHz
- Waterproof: Up to 10 feet
- Warranty: Three-year limited
- Programmable to fit your needs
- Most accurate target identification on the market
- GPS to track your finds
- It is heavy — over 5 pounds
- Higher price point
- Slower processor than newer detectors on the market
What Our Customers Say
- “I had the pleasure of calling and talking to Kellyco … looking to upgrade... I was looking for the best land and best water machine. Your rep explained all of the differences and highly recommended the CTX-3030. One machine for both. Why buy two different machines when one detector does both? It has been the best buy I have ever made. It took a little bit to get used to the sounds but I have absolutely no regrets. Great for the days that I want to hunt both land and water. Thank you very much for the recommendation.” - Paul
Learn More
FAQs
The device detects metals (such as gold, iron, and copper) for depths up to 3 meters.
Is the CTX 3030 good for gold? ›
I can boldly say the CTX 3030 is the most sensitive metal detector I have ever used for gold jewelry hunting on the beach and this awesome metal detector has changed my approach to finding smaller items of gold jewelry on the beach.
Is the CTX better than the equinox? ›
There is no doubt that the Equinox 800 is a faster machine than the CTX 3030, however, that could also mean that it won't go as deep in some instances. The Equinox 800 has incredible capability in handling heavy mineralization and identifying iron.
Is the Minelab CTX 3030 easy to use? ›
It is at the top of the range for a reason, and that reason is just how easy it is to use and how well it can find items of value. The only complaint I have about the CTX 3030 is that it weighs more than what I was expecting, but it is well balanced and so it just takes a little while to get used to.
Which metal detector has the best depth? ›
Best Deep Seeking Metal Detectors of 2021
- Fisher Gemini 3. $649.00. ...
- $2499.00. ...
- Nokta Invenio Pro. ...
- Garrett ATX Deepseeker. ...
- Nokta Deephunter 3D Pro. ...
- Minelab GPZ 7000. ...
- Garrett GTI 2500+ Eagle Eye Package. ...
- Nokta Jeohunter 3D Dual System.
Once you look through it you'll see that CTX 3030 was called the best among all the reviewed metal detectors.
Which Minelab detector is the best? ›
Minelab CTX 3030
It has the most accurate target identification on the market today, so treasure hunters can discover more historical treasures and hidden metals.
Which Minelab is best for gold? ›
Minelab has coined the GPZ 7000 as 'The Future of Gold Detection' as it uses the ZVT (Zero Voltage Transmission) technology to detect up to 40% deeper than its previous models.
What is the best metal detector Minelab? ›
Best all-terrain detector: Minelab CTX 3030. If you're serious about metal detecting, you're going to need a machine that can operate in any environment while also providing the most accurate readings possible. Minelab's CTX 3030 is hands-down one of the best metal detectors for any situation.
What metal detector is better than the Equinox? ›
For those who are looking to upgrade from the Equinox or simply want the highest performance all-round metal detector then the only clear option right now is the XP Deus 2.
Minelab CTX 3030 Metal Detector at Rs 248500 | Gold Metal Detector in New Delhi | ID: 22991095088.
When did the CTX 3030 come out? ›
The Minelab CTX 3030 metal detector was introduced in 2012 and is still in production. It is a fully submersible multifrequency VLF metal detector aimed primarily at coin, jewelry, relic detecting, and beach detecting. The CTX 3030 also incorporates a built in GPS system and wireless headphone capability.
How deep can Minelab detect? ›
How Deep Can It Detect? Magnetic locators can detect iron objects between 4ʺ (10 cm) to 16ʹ (4.8 m) deep, depending on the object's size.
Is ORX better than Deus? ›
DEUS VS ORX
Sure the XP ORX has less features than the Deus, but it certainly does not make it a second place machine as it offers some added features over the Deus, and yes the ORX can be used for hunting Gold in its natural environment, especially when combined with the 80Khz HF Elliptical coil.
What's better Garrett or Minelab? ›
The Minelab Equinox 800 is a superior choice compared to the Garrett. The Minelab Equinox 800 offers better performance, modern features, and better results. Regardless of its battery life, it is a formidable unit.
What is a good metal detector for a good price? ›
8 Best Cheap Metal Detectors
- Top 3 cheap metal detectors in 2022:
- PANCKY Metal Detector.
- ULHUND Metal Detector.
- Metal Detector for Kids.
- Bounty Hunter 3410001 TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector.
- Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector.
- Bounty Hunter Gold Digger.
- Wedigout MD-4030 Pro Edition.
Disadvantages of metal detectors include: Only able to detect electrically conductive or magnetic objects. If a contaminant is neither ferrous nor conductive, it will be essentially invisible to a metal detector. Because of this, metal detectors are rarely used on their own for quality control.
Which is the most difficult metal detected by metal detector sensor? ›
Metal type
Typically ferrous is the easiest to detect, and stainless steel is the hardest to detect.
What is the best Minelab Pinpointer? ›
The Pro Find 35 is the preferred Minelab Pinpointer among its line of three pointers. The Pro Find series of detectors include the Pro Find 15, Pro Find 20, and Pro Find 35.
How do I adjust the sensitivity on my CTX 3030? ›
1. Press and hold the Sensitivity button to display the Sensitivity Quick Menu. Choose from the following options: • Sensitivity (Auto/Man) • Auto Level (Range -3 to +3) • Manual Level (Range 1-30) 2. Use the arrow buttons to highlight the required setting and press Select.
CTX 3030 Features. All new FBS 2 technology combines Minelab's FBS multiple frequency rectangular-wave transmission (1.5 kHz –100 kHz) with advanced digital coil-to-detector communications. The precisely calibrated smart coils and detector electronics allow advanced signal analysis for more accurate detection.
What is the best metal detector under $250? ›
Over 30 hours of hands-on testing with seven top products priced under $250, we found the Garrett – Ace 250 to be the best metal detector in every category we tested. The Ace 250 is superior when it comes to locating coins, relics and gold, both in the sand and in the water.
What frequency metal detector is best for gold? ›
Gold can be found at 14 kHz and higher. At frequencies between 3 kHz and 7 kHz, silver, copper, and brass can be found. At frequencies between 4 kHz and 8 kHz, nickel and aluminum are most readily found.
What is the best metal detector for finding coins? ›
Top End Coin Detectors:
- DEUS 2 Waterproof Multi Frequency Metal Detector.
- Nokta Makro The Legend Waterproof Metal Detector Pro.
- Garrett GTI 2500.
- XP Deus.
- Nokta Makro Anfibio Multi.
- Garrett AT Max.
Gold, platinum, sterling silver, and other fine jewelry rarely causes an alarm. That means you can wear your rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches.
How do you know if Minelab is real? ›
For your peace of mind, your nearest Minelab authorised dealer will easily be able to confirm authenticity by inspecting the security label through the special viewer. IT'S THAT SIMPLE!
What's the newest Minelab metal detector? ›
MULTI-IQ+ Multi-IQ+ is the newest generation Simultaneous Multi-Frequency engine from Minelab, building on the success of the original Multi-IQ. Multi-IQ+ transmits more power through the coil at a wider range of operating frequencies, to light up more targets in the ground.
What brand of metal detector is used on Oak Island? ›
The main treasure hunting equipment I used during the filming of the show was my versatile CTX 3030 with several different size search coils and the PRO-FIND 25 pinpointer.
What is the best metal detector for beach and land? ›
Pulse Induction (PI) detectors
PI metal detectors have the natural ability to see through minerals of all kinds to find metal targets. Whether it's salt water or black iron sand and rocks, PI's are the least affected by minerals in the ground making them some of the best metal detectors to use at the beach.
What is the best metal detector for silver and gold? ›
Gold Kruzer with its high performance and modern design and included features is most advanced gold and micro jewelry metal detector on the market. Gold Kruzer is a best new device for natural gold detection because of its modern design and high-end performance in all ground conditions and terrain.
Learn about the best entry level models. Best beginner metal detectors are easy to spot.
...
Our Top 12 Picks
- Garrett Ace 400. ...
- Bounty Hunter Titanium. ...
- Bounty Hunter Platinum. ...
- Garrett Ace 300. ...
- Fisher F22. ...
- Garrett Ace Apex Wireless. ...
- Nokta Makro Simplex+ WHP. ...
- Fisher F5.
How do I reset a Minelab CTX 3030?
- With the detector switched off, press and hold the power button. The detector will power up and play the startup tune.
- Keep holding the button until you hear a low tonal sound, and then release the button. ...
- Use the arrow buttons to highlight the option you require and press Select.
Whites Electronics, AKA Whites Metal Detectors has a long history of handcrafting extreme and dependable detectors and accessories. In the 1950s, this Family-Owned USA based business started producing detectors and accessories in Sweet Home, Oregon by Ken Whites Senior. Whites has had a great name for many years now.
How much is a CTX? ›
1 CTX = 3.19 USD.
How many horsepower is the Honda CTX 1300? ›
Max torque was 78.19 ft/lbs (106.0 Nm) @ 4500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 81.4 HP (60.7 KW) @ 6000 RPM.
How much does a CTX 1300 weigh? ›
Is Honda CTX a cruiser? ›
The Honda CTX700 hit a few more notes than the CTX1300. It's also a relaxed cruiser with futuristic styling and a neutral (rather than foot-forward) riding position.
What metal Cannot be detected? ›
Metals That Can't Be Detected
Stainless steel has low magnetic permeability, which means it does not produce a signal strong enough to be detected. Other items that metal detectors won't be able to locate include: Gemstones. Paper.
What metal Cannot be detected by metal detectors? ›
Moreover, stainless steel is a non-ferrous metal, so it is one of the metals that a metal detector cannot detect. The reason is that it has low electrical conductivity.
What Rock will set off a metal detector? ›
Iron-bearing minerals within most "hot rocks" will cause a metal detector to go off. These iron bearing minerals are predominately the iron oxides: magnetite, hematite, limonite, maghemite and lepidocrocite.
Nokta legend is a great machine for the price. It's pretty dang quiet most of the time before you even do any noise cancelling or ground balance unless your sensitivity is up there. It's accurate and able to separate targets very efficiently.
Who owns ORX? ›
ORX is owned and driven by our members. We collaboratively work towards a future where financial institutions are prepared and resilient, protecting the global economy and all of us from inevitable risks in our constantly evolving world. Our Board is key to helping us achieve this goal.
How do you ground balance in XP ORX? ›
On the controller, press the “ Ground Balance” button once briefly while pumping the coil to the ground. The ORX will grab and calibrate the current ground value and stabilise your ORX. The number on the lower left of the screen (GND BALANCE) displays the users set ground value.
How deep can Minelab CTX 3030 detect gold? ›
The device detects metals (such as gold, iron, and copper) for depths up to 3 meters.
Is a bigger coil better on a metal detector? ›
The size of a coil can influence the detection depth and sensitivity of a metal detector. A good rule of thumb is 'the larger the coil, the more ground you can cover and the deeper it can go'. This sounds like the be all and end all, but the extra depth comes at a price.
What is the best gold detector brand? ›
10 Best Gold Metal Detectors in 2021
- Fisher Gold Bug 2.
- Garrett ATX.
- XP Detector ORX.
- Fisher Gold Bug Pro.
- Minelab GPX 5000.
- Nokta Gold Kruzer.
- Minelab SDC 2300.
- Minelab Gold Monster.
Some metal detectors are trained to detect a fairly basic level of depth. This is determined according to its range. If it is a low range it can detect around 5 to 10 cm while a medium range can detect almost double by reaching between 10 and 15 cm. In the case of the high range they can be up to 25 to 35 cm deep.
How deep can a Minelab Safari detect? ›
Amazing depth capability, reports of up to around 14″ A very accurate machine with good to trash ratios. Simple enough for beginners, good enough for pro's. Lightweight and robust, allowing a very comfortable day of detecting.
How deep can a Garrett detect pro? ›
When it comes to depth – I have used the AT Pro to find objects up to about 8-9 inches deep, but that really is the maximum. If you need deeper than 8-9 inches you will need to look elsewhere.
Which Minelab is the best? ›
The Minelab gold detectors are the best at ground balancing (ignoring ground noise) and being super sensitive to all sizes of gold at depth, while treasure detectors have advanced discrimination functions to differentiate between metals (i.e: dig the treasure, not the trash).
For best results keep your metal detectors coil as low to the ground as possible. An inch or less above the ground, but not scraping the ground.
What will a metal detector not pick up? ›
Metals That Can't Be Detected
Stainless steel has low magnetic permeability, which means it does not produce a signal strong enough to be detected. Other items that metal detectors won't be able to locate include: Gemstones. Paper.
Can you find diamonds with a metal detector? ›
This leads to an important point: metal detectors will not detect non metal items such as gemstones, diamonds and pearls. What a metal detector can do is lead you to indicator minerals, which are used by prospectors.
What makes a metal detector go deeper? ›
Detection Depth Factors
The simple answer is "as deep as the diameter of the coil". So detectors with larger coils will detect deeper. Large targets can be detected deeper than small targets. Circular shapes like coins and rings can be detected deeper than long thin shapes like nails.
How can I make my metal detector more powerful? ›
To increase the depth of a metal detector, you can:
- sweep the coil close to the ground.
- increase the sensitivity setting.
- reduce the discrimination setting.
- install fresh batteries.
- upgrade to larger coil.
A realistic depth to detect a fair size nugget is around 1,5 meters with the best gold prospecting machine on the market, the Minelab GPX5000. Depending on soil condition and nugget size a 1,5 meter depth is a realistic max depth for a large nugget. Deeper than 1,5 meters is not realistic.
What metal detector does man river use? ›
Minelab Excalibur II. The unique design of the new Minelab Excalibur allows you to use it effectively in or out of the water.
