Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics

The Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics is one of the most powerful and versatile metal detectors on the market. It’s designed to tackle a variety of terrains and hunting conditions, making it a preferred choice for treasure hunters and relic enthusiasts alike. Among the many features that set the Equinox 800 apart is its VDI (Visual Display Indicator) chart, which plays a crucial role in identifying different metals, coins, and relics. This guide will delve deep into understanding the VDI chart and how it can significantly enhance your relic hunting experience with the Minelab Equinox 800.

What is the Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics?

Before diving into the details of the VDI chart, it’s essential to understand the Minelab Equinox 800 itself. The Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics is a multi-frequency metal detector that works across a broad spectrum of targets and conditions. It offers a highly responsive display, adjustable sensitivity, and an easy-to-read interface, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced detectorists. Its multi-frequency technology allows you to detect a wide range of metals, from modern coins to ancient relics.

With its advanced features like target ID, target depth indicators, and a backlit display, the Equinox 800 makes metal detecting more intuitive and effective. But one of the most useful aspects for relic hunters is its VDI chart.

What is a VDI Chart?

The VDI (Visual Display Indicator) is a numerical scale that helps metal detectorists to classify the type of metal detected. Each target detected by the metal detector will have a corresponding VDI number, which typically ranges from -9 to +40 on the Equinox 800. This scale helps identify whether a target is likely to be a piece of iron, copper, silver, or gold.

The Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics essentially assigns a number to each type of material based on its conductivity, which is a key factor in identifying different metals and determining whether it’s worth digging up. The higher the VDI number, the better the conductivity of the material, meaning that precious metals like silver or gold will typically show up with higher VDI values.

How the VDI Chart Helps Relic Hunters

For relic hunters, understanding the Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics can save both time and effort in the field. By interpreting the VDI readings, you can make educated guesses about the nature of the targets in the ground before digging. This is especially important when relic hunting, as there are many different types of items buried, and you’ll want to avoid digging up every piece of scrap metal.

1. Identifying Different Metals

The VDI chart helps distinguish between various metals, which is essential for relic hunting. Here’s how the most common metals are categorized:

  • Iron: VDI numbers from -9 to 0. Items like nails, rusted tools, and other iron-based objects typically show up in this range. While these items are not usually valuable, relic hunters often encounter them when searching historical sites, and the VDI chart can help decide whether it’s worth digging.
  • Copper: VDI numbers between 10 to 30. Copper items, such as old coins and relics, often fall in this range. If you’re hunting in areas known for past human activity, you might find relics from the colonial or pre-civil war periods, and the VDI chart will help you distinguish these copper items.
  • Silver: VDI numbers from 30 to 40. This is where valuable relics, including old silver coins, can show up. The VDI chart is crucial for identifying these metals quickly so you don’t miss out on any treasures.
  • Gold: Gold can range from 1 to 45 depending on the alloy, but generally, it’s found in the upper 30s to low 40s. While gold jewelry might show up in this range, gold relics can be trickier to pinpoint, as the VDI number can vary greatly depending on purity and form.

By understanding where different metals fall on the Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics scale, you’ll be able to filter out non-valuable targets and focus on finding relics and treasures.

2. Target Depth and Size

The Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics doesn’t just give you a VDI reading, but also estimates the depth of the target. This is useful because the VDI number is often more accurate the closer the target is to the surface. As objects become buried deeper, the VDI number may become less precise, and you may need to rely on other features, like the target size indicator, to make an informed decision about whether to dig.

For example, an object with a high Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics reading might indicate a silver or gold relic, but if it’s deep in the ground, you might want to assess its size before deciding whether it’s worth digging for. In some cases, it could be a large piece of aluminum or another scrap metal that’s giving off a similar signal to a valuable relic.

3. Filtering Out Junk Metal

Relic hunters often encounter junk metal in areas with high human activity, such as old battlefields or abandoned towns. The Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics is extremely helpful for filtering out common, non-valuable items like aluminum foil, bottle caps, and pull tabs, which usually show up with lower VDI numbers. For example, aluminum tends to fall in the 10-20 VDI range, while bottle caps may show up between 15-30 VDI.

When relic hunting, these types of items can quickly clutter your finds, so knowing what to ignore can help you focus your efforts on digging up more valuable targets. By using the VDI chart, you’ll be able to differentiate between junk and treasure more efficiently.

How to Interpret the Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics Hunting

Interpreting the Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics requires a combination of experience, practice, and understanding of your surroundings. As with all metal detecting tools, the VDI readings aren’t always 100% accurate. Environmental factors, like soil mineralization, can alter the readings and lead to false positives.

Here are some tips for interpreting the VDI chart effectively during your relic hunts:

1. Practice in Known Areas

Start by practicing in areas with known relics or historical significance, like old farmhouses, battlefields, or ghost towns. As you dig and identify different metals, take note of their Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics readings. Over time, you’ll build an intuitive understanding of the numbers and what they correspond to in real-world scenarios.

2. Consider Other Factors

Don’t rely solely on theMinelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics. Pay attention to the target tone and the signal strength. A high-pitched tone might indicate a valuable object, while a low-pitched tone might suggest iron or junk. The depth reading can also be a deciding factor, as deeper objects may produce more erratic readings.

3. Know Your Area’s History

Before heading out to hunt, familiarize yourself with the history of the area. If you’re hunting near a battlefield or an old settlement, you’re more likely to encounter certain types of relics, such as buttons, musket balls, or coins. Knowing what to expect in terms of VDI readings can help you focus your efforts and improve your chances of success.

4. Be Flexible

The VDI chart is a great tool, but it’s not infallible. If you receive an inconsistent or unusual VDI reading, don’t be afraid to dig. Some relics, like bronze or old brass buttons, might have unique conductivity properties that don’t fit perfectly into the typical VDI range.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics

  1. Use Multi-Frequency Mode: The Equinox 800 allows you to use different frequencies for different types of targets. This can help improve the accuracy of the VDI readings.
  2. Adjust Sensitivity: If you’re hunting in an area with lots of trash or high mineralization, adjust the sensitivity settings to avoid unwanted signals that can skew your VDI readings.
  3. Ground Balance: Proper ground balancing ensures that your VDI readings are not affected by the minerals in the soil, giving you a clearer picture of what’s below the surface.

Conclusion

The Minelab Equinox 800 VDI Chart for Relics is an invaluable tool for relic hunters, providing a numerical representation of the conductivity of different metals, which aids in distinguishing between valuable items and scrap. By understanding the VDI chart and practicing your metal detecting skills, you can drastically improve your efficiency and success rate when hunting for relics. The key to success lies in combining VDI readings with other metal detecting features and local knowledge, ensuring that every dig counts.

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