The Minelab CTX 3030 Metal Detector Handbook by Andy Sabisch

This is a thorough how-to book on Minelab’s CTX-3030 from settings, discrimination, how to search, what you might need besides the metal detector and lots of other useful information.This was the first metal detector I’ve ever used and I found the instruction manual that came with it, while it had good information didn’t have nearly enough on how to do settings, discrimination and a lot of other things that would have been useful. It also jumped around and didn’t thoroughly explain something so I didn’t have t go to this or that page for more info on the same subject.As a first metal detector, it’s not difficult to use but understanding about all it does can be difficult. I’m glad I got the book but I think I’d have gotten more out of it if I’d used the machine for a while first. Using it and playing with the buttons and settings would have given me a better frame of reference for what the book was talking about.I wasn’t sure what the book had to say on a few topics when I first got it and the machine. I read it cover to cover and had the metal detector with me while I did, which helped a little.I first used in on my front yard and the first hole revealed a Morgan silver dollar. However, the only reason I dug at all was because of the noise the machine made. I also recovered a some modern dimes, Nichols and pennies, along with a 1918 Standing Liberty quarter and a dandy collection of roofing nails. I thought that was great but didn’t really know why the metal detector found it. I went a few more times, once to a plowed field, once to the beach and once to the front yard of an old abandoned church. In all that, I didn’t find much to brag about.After having some experience using it, I went back to the book. The best thing it told me to do was to make a test garden. I located part of my backyard that I only got a few alerts on that dug up a couple of pieces of old copper wire. When I was sure there was nothing else there I dug the holes, per the book and buried at various depths, what the book suggested: something gold, pull tabs, nails, copper wire, etc. In all there were twelve different things. I spent hours going over one at a time and noting what the machine had to say about ferrous and conductive numbers and depths. When I though I was doing pretty well I added a second item, such as an steel nail next to a gold ring and a few second items at different depths than the original item and leaving the original items.After doing the garden for a week and comparing the readings with the object found, along with reading about it in the book, I felt it was time to go out again.I went back to the church yard, beach and plowed field and while I didn’t find any US $20 gold pieces, I did find enough US change to pay for gas, along with a child’s gold ring and, at the beach, a lot of keys and key on key rings including the newer pushbutton fobs. I’ve found going over territory that other detectorists have told me is played out, usually results in some pretty good finds.I’m by no means an expert but I’m doing pretty well. I think the book is great but, in my opinion, only if you have some context of what the book is talking about, especially the pictures of the screen showing different discrimination patterns. At first I thought it was a sort of map of where I was searching. Then I had an “Ah Ha” moment of what I was looking at as I reread the parts about discrimination.I recommend the book but read the CTX-3030’s manual first and then go metal detecting a few times. Then would be a good time to read the book with the CTX-3030 next to you. Read book, do what book says to the machine, on and on. I also recommend putting file tabs on pages you want to go to quickly and annotating the table of contents for the same type of thing. It’s a great machine. Use the book to make your understanding of it better and that will make you a better metal detectorists.

there is so much information in this book. I bought it before I bought my CTX. there is so much information in the book I know I will need to read it a few times. I feel I know the CTX so much better because of this book. Mindlabs should really be giving this book with the CTX. the manual that comes with ctx really is only a quick start guide.

Another great Andy Sabisch book. Don’t detect without it!

Well worth it. even if your an expert there somethings in there that can only help you improve and understand your CTX3030. Somebody starting out this book is a must have. instead of guessing and playing with settings it is well explained what and how to use all those features. after reading this book your will realized why the CTX3030 cost what it does. Well Worth it. Read it and refer back to it. You have a great detecter and now more importantly the knowledge how and what it does. I wish I would of known about this book at the time I bought my detecter. Just using the program modes with no direct understands of all the edits is like taking a Ferrari out for a drive going 40- 55 mph. Yes the book Really teaches you how to use this really great detecter CTX3030

As usual, Andy writes in a no-nonsense style peppered with a little humor. He doesn't sugar-coat the fact that the CTX 3030 has a steep learning curve but explains simply that you have to SPEND TIME with the machine.I describe Andy's book as an instruction manual as opposed to what you get with your machine which is simply an owner's manual.

Revised 3/13/2017Don't purchase the detector without this handbook!As a newbie to the hobby, I figured "Go Big or Go Home," so I decided to purchase a Minelab CTX3030 based on amazing reviews of the detector (and watching "The Curse of Oak Island"). What I didn't realize is how configurable this device is and how external forces (e.g., ground mineralization) plays such an important role in programming the desired settings. This book starts with a basic understanding of the settings, offers important pointers on settings (e.g., gain, sensitivity, tones,) and most importantly designing a profile with the proper discrimination for your particular use.I have to admit, when I started reading this book, I was a bit overwhelmed (just not an avid reader). My style of learning requires three parts 1.) The book 2.) the Teacher and 3.) Re-reading the book again. So, I decided to take a bootcamp, by the author of this book, Andy Sabisch. After a full day of walking through the same material as he covers in this book, I understood each section much better and was able to apply those field-tested baselines, coupled with my personal configuration needs.The fact is.. that this book gives you the full understanding of how to operate the detector; however, you are not going to find that magic formula for finding treasure (the whole teach a man how to fish scenario). Ultimately, every location is different and settings must be adjusted accordingly. Once you read and fully comprehend each section of this book, you will quickly find yourself mastering the Minelab CTX3030 as any other pick-up and detect machine. The short learning curve will be well worth your investment.Note: For those who require a Teacher component like me, I highly recommend reading this book and understanding the various sections prior to taking such a bootcamp. You will find yourself much more engaged if you understand the basics and gain much more (quicker) than taking the bootcamp alone.Cons: There is some repeating information in the book; however, I feel that it's to get the important points across and burn them into your memory (e.g., don't let the next guy find your leftovers).

A great help, although it can be confusing at times - just like the machine.