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The Minelab SD2100 is a simple to use pulse induction metal detector designed to find gold nuggets. Unlike the newer GP models, the SD is a manual ground balance machine with two independent channels and a search mode. Tuning and tone are also set manually. Some people find this intimidating but its very easy to ground balance and tune the machine. Anyone can learn how to do it and the learning curve on this machine is substantially lower than any other Minelab PI. The SD2100 handles ground mineralization superbly. There are very few areas where the SD will not run smoothly. It is therefore time efficient. Since the user spends less time chasing false signals, ghost signals, hot rocks and the like, more time is spent digging metal targets such as gold nuggets. It's the perfect gold prospecting metal detector. Although other Minelab gold metal detectors (GP series gold detectors) may have an advantage on small nuggets when they are buried slightly deeper, one would be hard pressed to find a gold detector that was more efficient at determining if gold nuggets exist in a particular area. Some tests actually suggest that the SD's outperform the GP series detectors when it comes to detecting large nuggets at depth.
Instructions for tuning and ground balancing an SD2100
The SD2100 offers depth and sensitivity at a bargain price. New units cost
around $1700 but price increase effective January 1st 2008 will bring the units
up closer to $2000. A used SD can be picked up for under $1000. Later the SD can be
modified with regulated systems, amplifiers and all of the great aftermarket
coils for improved performance and many times, a used SD2100 will come with a
lot of these.
Some feel that SD users are at a performance disadvantage when pitted against
the GP series detectors. This may be true in some respects. The GP's will punch
slightly deeper, depending on the mineralization of the soil and size of the
target. The GP's are touted as being more sensitive. I know this is the case
with the Extreme. Everybody is always talking about these advantages but you
rarely ever hear about the advantages of the SD. For example, I've never found
any ground conditions that the SD will not run in. There is one particular area
that comes to mind in the southern Bradshaws where it is impossible to run a GP.
I was curious if an SD would run there and sure enough, it ran like a song. You
can always count on the SD running smooth and quiet. Also, I've personally found
tiny nuggets down to 2-3 grains with the stock 11" DD coil, without an amp or a
regulator which does increase performance in depth, sensitivity and smoothness.
