Understanding the Garrett ATX Metal Detector
The Garrett ATX is a professional-grade pulse induction metal detector built for serious treasure hunters who need maximum depth and performance in challenging environments. Unlike VLF detectors, the ATX uses pulse induction technology that excels in mineralized soils, saltwater beaches, and areas with high iron content.
The detector features a unique design with a DD coil configuration that provides excellent ground coverage and target separation. Its military-grade construction makes it waterproof up to 10 feet, perfect for shallow water hunting and rainy conditions. The ATX operates on a single frequency of 13kHz, optimized for detecting all metal types including gold, silver, and relics.
Key specifications include adjustable threshold, discrimination modes, and multiple audio tones that help identify targets before digging. The detector weighs approximately 5.5 pounds with the standard 10×12 inch coil, making it manageable for extended hunting sessions despite its robust build quality.
Getting Started with Your ATX
When you first unbox your Garrett ATX, you’ll find the main control housing, search coil, lower and upper stems, arm cuff, and battery compartment. Assembly is straightforward – connect the lower stem to the search coil, attach the upper stem, and secure everything with the camlocks. The control housing mounts to the upper stem with a simple twist-lock mechanism.
Powering up the ATX requires eight AA batteries, which typically last 20-30 hours depending on usage. The detector features a bright LED display that shows battery level, sensitivity settings, and mode indicators. Before your first hunt, it’s crucial to perform an air test to understand how the detector responds to different metals at various depths.
Start in an open area free from metal interference and sweep the coil slowly over test targets like coins, rings, and pull tabs. Listen to the audio responses and watch the LED display to learn the characteristic signals for different objects. This familiarization process will significantly improve your ability to identify targets in the field.
Ground Balancing Techniques
Automatic Ground Balancing
The ATX features automatic ground balancing that continuously adjusts to changing soil conditions. Press and hold the GND BAL button until you hear a long beep, indicating the detector has completed the balancing process. This mode works well for most hunting situations and requires minimal user intervention.
But automatic ground balancing may not always provide optimal performance in extremely mineralized areas. The detector might struggle to find a stable balance point, resulting in choppy audio responses or reduced depth. In these situations, manual ground balancing becomes necessary.
Manual Ground Balancing
Manual ground balancing gives you complete control over the detector’s response to ground minerals. Start by pumping the coil up and down over clean ground (no metal targets present) while adjusting the GROUND BALANCE knob. Listen for the threshold tone to stabilize – when the audio becomes smooth and consistent, you’ve achieved proper ground balance.
Fine-tune the setting by making small adjustments and testing the response. A properly ground-balanced ATX will provide maximum depth and smooth operation even in highly mineralized soils. Some experienced users prefer manual balancing for its precision and consistency across different soil types.
Ground Tracking Mode
The ATX includes a ground tracking feature that automatically adjusts the ground balance as you move across varying soil conditions. This mode is particularly useful when hunting in areas with mixed mineralization or when covering large areas with changing soil composition.
To activate ground tracking, press the GND TRACK button. The detector will continuously monitor ground conditions and make subtle adjustments to maintain optimal performance. This feature allows you to focus on detecting rather than constantly readjusting settings.
Search Modes and Settings
Discrimination Modes
The ATX offers several discrimination modes to help filter unwanted targets. The ALL METAL mode detects everything without discrimination, providing maximum depth and sensitivity. This mode is ideal for relic hunting and areas where you want to find everything.
The DISC mode allows you to eliminate ferrous targets like iron nails and foil while still detecting valuable non-ferrous metals. Use the DISCRIMINATE control to adjust the discrimination level based on your hunting conditions and target preferences.
The SALT mode is specifically designed for beach hunting and areas with high salt content. It optimizes the detector’s performance in saltwater environments where standard settings might produce false signals or reduced depth.
Sensitivity Settings
Sensitivity controls how deeply the ATX can detect targets and how it responds to small objects. Higher sensitivity settings provide greater depth but may also increase false signals from ground minerals or electromagnetic interference. Lower sensitivity reduces depth but provides more stable operation in challenging conditions.
Start with medium sensitivity and adjust based on your hunting environment. In highly mineralized soil, you may need to reduce sensitivity to achieve stable operation. On clean ground or beaches, maximum sensitivity will provide the best depth and performance.
Audio Settings
The ATX features adjustable threshold and audio response settings. The threshold control sets the background hum level – a slight audio threshold helps you hear subtle target responses more clearly. Set the threshold just audible enough to provide a reference point without being distracting.
The detector offers multiple audio tones that indicate different target types. Ferrous targets typically produce low tones, while non-ferrous metals create higher tones. Learning to recognize these audio patterns will help you identify targets before digging.
Advanced Hunting Techniques
Grid Pattern Hunting
For maximum coverage and target recovery, use a systematic grid pattern when hunting an area. Walk parallel lines approximately 2-3 feet apart, overlapping your sweeps slightly to ensure complete coverage. This methodical approach prevents missing targets and helps you thoroughly search each area.
When hunting in trashy areas, consider using a tighter grid pattern with closer sweep spacing. This increases your chances of detecting good targets between trash items. Mark your starting point and use natural landmarks or GPS to track your progress across large areas.
Pinpointing Targets
The ATX includes a pinpointing mode that helps locate targets precisely within the search coil. Press and hold the PINPOINT button while sweeping the coil side to side over the target area. The audio response will peak when the coil is directly over the target.
For accurate pinpointing, sweep the coil in both directions (left-right and front-back) to determine the exact target location. This technique is especially useful when hunting in areas where careful digging is necessary to preserve the site or when targets are deeply buried.
Working in Trashy Areas
When hunting in areas with heavy iron contamination, use the ATX’s discrimination features to filter unwanted targets. Start with moderate discrimination and adjust based on the types of trash you’re encountering. Remember that higher discrimination settings may also eliminate some good targets.
In extremely trashy areas, consider using a smaller coil if available. Smaller coils provide better target separation and can help you isolate good targets among trash. The standard 10×12 inch coil works well for most situations, but a 5×8 inch coil might be beneficial in heavily littered areas.
Beach Hunting Strategies
The ATX excels at beach hunting due to its pulse induction technology and waterproof design. For saltwater beaches, use the SALT mode and adjust sensitivity for stable operation. Wet sand often requires lower sensitivity settings than dry sand due to increased mineralization.
Focus on areas where people congregate – towel lines, volleyball courts, and entrances to the beach. These high-traffic areas often yield the most finds. Don’t forget to check the water’s edge, as the ATX’s waterproof design allows you to search in shallow water where many targets accumulate.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning and Storage
After each hunting session, clean your ATX thoroughly to remove dirt, sand, and moisture. Use a soft brush to clean the coil and stem connections, and wipe down the control housing with a damp cloth. Never submerge the control housing in water, even though it’s weatherproof.
Store your detector in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Remove the batteries if you won’t be using the detector for extended periods. Consider using a protective case to prevent damage during transport and storage.
Battery Maintenance
Use high-quality alkaline batteries for best performance, or consider rechargeable batteries for cost savings. Check battery contacts regularly for corrosion and clean them with a pencil eraser if needed. Always carry spare batteries on your hunts to avoid cutting sessions short due to power loss.
The ATX’s battery life indicator will warn you when power is getting low. Replace batteries promptly when the indicator shows depletion to maintain consistent performance. Mixing old and new batteries or different battery types can cause erratic operation.
Coil Care
The search coil is the most vulnerable part of your detector. Avoid striking the coil against rocks, roots, or hard surfaces while hunting. Check the coil cover regularly for cracks or damage, and replace it if necessary to protect the coil from impacts.
If hunting in saltwater, rinse the coil thoroughly with fresh water after each session to prevent salt buildup and corrosion. Pay special attention to the cable connections where salt can cause connection problems over time.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
False Signals
False signals can occur due to various factors including ground minerals, electromagnetic interference, or detector settings. If experiencing frequent false signals, try reducing sensitivity or ground balancing again. Check for nearby power lines, cell phones, or other electronic devices that might cause interference.
In areas with extreme mineralization, you may need to accept some level of false signals and learn to distinguish them from genuine target responses. Proper ground balancing and appropriate sensitivity settings will minimize but not eliminate false signals in challenging conditions.
Reduced Depth
If you notice reduced detection depth, check your battery level first, as weak batteries can significantly impact performance. Ensure your ground balance is properly set for current soil conditions. Accumulated dirt or moisture on the coil can also reduce depth, so clean the coil thoroughly.
Check all connections for tightness and corrosion. Loose connections between the coil and control housing can cause depth loss and intermittent operation. If problems persist, the coil or control housing may need professional service.
Audio Issues
Intermittent audio or complete loss of sound usually indicates connection problems or battery issues. Check all cable connections and ensure they’re fully seated. Test with fresh batteries to rule out power problems. If the threshold tone is unstable, re-ground balance the detector.
For persistent audio problems, inspect the headphone jack and cable for damage. The ATX works with both built-in speaker and headphones, so test both to isolate the issue. Professional repair may be necessary for internal audio component failures.
Accessories and Upgrades
Search Coils
While the standard 10×12 inch DD coil works well for most applications, consider additional coil sizes for specific hunting situations. A smaller 5×8 inch coil provides better target separation in trashy areas and is easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Larger coils, if available, can provide additional depth in clean areas.
Aftermarket coils may be available from third-party manufacturers, but ensure compatibility with the ATX’s pulse induction technology. Garrett’s official coils are optimized for the detector’s circuitry and provide the best performance and reliability.
Headphones
Quality headphones can significantly improve your detecting experience by providing better audio clarity and reducing outside noise. Look for headphones with good bass response to hear the ATX’s deep target signals clearly. Waterproof headphones are ideal for beach and shallow water hunting.
Volume control headphones allow you to adjust audio levels without touching the detector, which is convenient when wearing gloves or in wet conditions. Some users prefer headphones with a built-in battery check function for added convenience.
Digging Tools
Invest in quality digging tools appropriate for your hunting environment. A sturdy trowel or digging knife works well for most soil types, while a sand scoop is essential for beach hunting. Consider a finds pouch or apron to organize your discoveries and trash.
For relic hunting or areas requiring careful excavation, a precision digging tool and small brush help preserve historical context and prevent damage to fragile items. Always fill your holes and leave the hunting area as you found it.
Maximizing Your ATX Investment
The Garrett ATX represents a significant investment in your detecting hobby or profession. To get the most value from your detector, dedicate time to learning its capabilities and limitations. Practice in different soil conditions and with various target types to understand how the detector responds.
Join metal detecting forums and local clubs to learn from experienced ATX users. Many detectorists share tips, hunting locations, and techniques that can accelerate your learning curve. The ATX community is active and supportive, with many users willing to share their knowledge.
Consider keeping a detecting log to track your settings, locations, and finds. This documentation helps you identify patterns and optimize your approach for different hunting situations. Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive understanding of how to adjust your ATX for maximum performance in any condition.
With proper care, technique, and practice, your Garrett ATX will provide years of reliable service and help you make exciting discoveries in even the most challenging hunting environments. The detector’s robust construction and advanced pulse induction technology make it a valuable tool for serious treasure hunters who demand the best performance from their equipment.