What Makes the Whites MXT Special
The Whites MXT stands out as one of the most capable metal detectors for serious relic hunters and coin shooters. Released in the mid-2000s, this machine quickly gained a reputation for its ability to find deep targets that other detectors miss.
The MXT features a 14kHz operating frequency, which provides excellent depth penetration while maintaining good sensitivity to small targets. Its dual-coil design – with both transmit and receive windings – helps reduce interference and improves target separation in trashy areas.
What really sets the MXT apart is its adjustable ground balance system. You can fine-tune the detector to handle everything from mild soils to highly mineralized ground, making it suitable for various hunting conditions across the country.
Key Features at a Glance
The MXT comes packed with features that serious detectorists appreciate. The threshold tone can be adjusted for audio sensitivity, helping you hear faint signals from deep targets. The discriminator control lets you filter out unwanted items while keeping good targets.
The meter display provides visual target identification, showing you whether you’re likely digging a coin, pull tab, or piece of iron. The All Metal mode gives you maximum depth when you’re not worried about trash.
Getting Started with Your MXT
Setting up your MXT correctly makes a huge difference in performance. Start by installing fresh batteries – this detector works best with good power. The battery life is impressive, typically lasting 20-30 hours depending on usage.
Mount the search coil securely and adjust the shaft length for comfortable swinging. The MXT is a bit heavier than some modern detectors, so finding the right balance point helps reduce fatigue during long hunts.
Initial Ground Balancing
Proper ground balancing is crucial for MXT success. Turn on the detector and let it warm up for a few minutes. Find a clean area of soil without metal targets nearby. Pump the coil up and down while adjusting the ground balance control until the threshold tone remains steady.
You’ll want to recheck your ground balance periodically, especially if you move to a different area with different soil conditions. The MXT’s ground balance range covers most hunting situations, but extreme mineralization might require some experimentation.
Mastering the Controls
The MXT’s control panel might look intimidating at first, but each knob serves an important purpose. The gain control adjusts sensitivity – higher settings give more depth but can cause chatter in noisy conditions. Start around 3/4 gain and adjust based on your hunting environment.
The discrimination control helps you ignore unwanted targets. At higher settings, you’ll eliminate pull tabs and foil, but be careful not to set it too high or you might miss good targets hiding nearby.
Understanding the Audio System
The MXT produces different audio tones based on target conductivity. High tones indicate good targets like coins and jewelry, while low tones suggest iron or other undesirable items. The threshold tone provides a constant background hum that gets louder when you pass over a target.
Many experienced MXT users prefer hunting with headphones to better hear subtle signals. The audio response is quite fast, allowing you to pinpoint targets accurately with the pinpoint mode.
Coil Selection and Performance
The standard 10″ DD coil that comes with most MXT packages works well for general hunting. But different coil options can enhance performance for specific situations. The 5.3″ DD coil is excellent for tight spaces and trashy areas where target separation matters.
For maximum depth on larger targets, consider the 14″ DD coil. This larger coil sacrifices some sensitivity to tiny items but provides impressive depth on coins and relics buried deep in the ground.
Coil Care and Maintenance
Keep your coil connector clean and tight to prevent intermittent signals. Rinse the coil with fresh water after hunting in saltwater or muddy conditions. Avoid dropping the coil on hard surfaces, as impacts can damage the windings.
Check the coil cable regularly for cuts or wear, especially where it connects to the control box. A damaged cable can cause false signals and erratic behavior.
Target Identification Tips
The MXT’s meter provides target ID numbers that correspond to different types of metal. Coins typically read in the 80-90 range, while pull tabs fall around 50-60. Iron shows up below 20, and foil can read anywhere from 30-70 depending on size.
But don’t rely solely on the meter. Many good targets can read like trash, especially if they’re deep or corroded. Always dig questionable signals, particularly if they show repeatable audio responses.
Understanding Signal Characteristics
Good targets usually produce repeatable, consistent signals when you sweep the coil over them from different directions. Weak, inconsistent signals might indicate deep targets or ground mineralization. Multiple signals from the same spot often suggest trash or multiple targets.
The MXT’s fast recovery speed helps you identify individual targets in littered areas. You can often hear separate audio peaks for different items buried close together.
Advanced Hunting Techniques
Once you’re comfortable with basic operation, try these techniques to improve your finds. The MXT excels at finding deep silver coins, often detecting them several inches deeper than other detectors in the same class.
Try using the All Metal mode with low discrimination when hunting in clean areas. This setting provides maximum depth and helps you hear faint signals that might be masked in discriminate mode.
Pinpointing Like a Pro
The pinpoint mode on the MXT is highly accurate. To pinpoint a target, move the coil side to side until you get the loudest signal, then move front to back. The target will be directly below the center of the coil at this point.
For even greater accuracy, try the “X” method – make an X pattern over the target and dig where the lines cross. This technique works especially well for small targets.
Common Issues and Solutions
Some MXT users experience electrical interference, especially near power lines or other detectors. Reducing the gain or using the frequency shift function can help minimize this interference.
If your MXT starts behaving erratically, check the battery connections first. Loose batteries or corroded contacts can cause all sorts of strange behavior. Also verify that all cable connections are secure.
Troubleshooting Guide
No sound at all? Check your batteries and audio connections. If the threshold tone is present but you’re not getting target signals, verify that the discriminate control isn’t set too high.
False signals or chatter? Lower the gain setting and make sure you’re properly ground balanced. Sometimes EMI from nearby electronics can cause issues that gain reduction solves.
Accessories Worth Considering
A good quality set of headphones dramatically improves your ability to hear faint signals. Look for models with volume control and comfortable ear cups for long detecting sessions.
Consider getting a smaller coil for hunting in parks or other areas with lots of trash. The 5.3″ coil that Whites offers is perfect for these situations and helps you isolate good targets among the junk.
Digging Tools and Recovery
The MXT’s depth capability means you’ll be digging deeper holes than with some other detectors. A sturdy digging tool like a Lesche digger or a good quality trowel becomes essential. For rocky soils, a small pick can be invaluable.
Always fill your holes completely and leave the area looking better than you found it. This responsible detecting practice helps maintain good relationships with landowners and the public.
Where to Hunt with Your MXT
The MXT performs exceptionally well at old home sites, schools, and churches – anywhere people gathered in the past. Its depth capability helps you find items that have been buried for decades or even centuries.
Parks can be productive, but expect to dig a lot of modern trash along with the keepers. The key is patience and learning to recognize the subtle signals that indicate good targets beneath the surface.
Beach Hunting Considerations
While the MXT isn’t specifically designed as a beach detector, it can work well on dry sand beaches. The ground balance system handles the mineral content of beach sand effectively. But for saltwater beaches, you’ll want to ground balance frequently as conditions change.
The MXT’s weight might become noticeable during long beach hunts, so take breaks as needed. The payoff can be finding older coins and jewelry that lighter detectors miss.
Maintenance for Longevity
Clean your MXT after each hunting trip, especially if you’ve been in dusty or muddy conditions. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the control box and coil. Avoid using harsh chemicals or high-pressure water on any part of the detector.
Store your MXT in a cool, dry place when not in use. Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage electronic components over time. If you won’t be using the detector for several months, remove the batteries to prevent corrosion.
Battery Care Tips
The MXT works best with high-quality alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries. Avoid using cheap batteries as they may not provide consistent power, affecting detector performance.
If using rechargeables, make sure they’re fully charged before heading out. Carry spare batteries on long hunts, especially in remote areas where you might not have access to replacements.
Joining the MXT Community
The MXT has a dedicated following of detectorists who share tips, techniques, and success stories. Online forums and social media groups provide great places to learn from experienced users and show off your finds.
Attending local detecting club meetings can also be valuable. You’ll meet other MXT owners, swap hunting stories, and maybe even find new places to detect.
Learning Resources
The original owner’s manual contains a wealth of information about the MXT’s features and operation. Many experienced users recommend rereading it periodically as you gain more experience with the detector.
YouTube videos from experienced MXT users can demonstrate techniques and settings that text descriptions can’t fully capture. Watching these can accelerate your learning curve significantly.
Final Thoughts on the MXT
The Whites MXT remains a capable and reliable metal detector even years after its release. While newer models offer some advanced features, the MXT’s combination of depth, reliability, and versatility keeps it relevant for serious detectorists.
Success with the MXT comes down to understanding its nuances and spending time in the field. The more you use it, the better you’ll become at interpreting its signals and finding those elusive deep targets that others miss.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a detector that will grow with you or an experienced hunter wanting a reliable backup machine, the MXT deserves serious consideration. Its proven track record and dedicated user base speak volumes about its capabilities.
Remember that every detector has a learning curve, and the MXT is no exception. Be patient, practice regularly, and don’t get discouraged by the trash targets you’ll inevitably dig. The next signal could be the valuable find you’ve been hoping for.