Detecting the Thames with a laser thames scout

[brentwoodmudlark]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the detecting hobby and have just bought my first detector, a Laser Thames Scout as I'll mostly be detecting the Thames. After many times doing eyes-only searching I decided to try detecting, but can't get the hang of the settings to block out all the iron, and what sensitivity to use. Anyone else here detect the Thames with a thames scout or any other model and can help?

thanks
Mike

[pasttarg]

worst case scenario down there ,imo better to stick with eyes only and a trowel AND GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES as there is so much krap

i have around 10 gold finds with my eyes from the thames with no machine

[brentwoodmudlark]

I was hoping with a detector I could find even more finds, but its still amazing what can be found on the surface or by scraping. I've only got 1 gold find so far so little way to catch up

[Fusion]

Keep an eye out for other Scout users down there, or any other detectorists, for that matter, they may have/ use a Scout sometimes. More modern machinery is used by many now, Deus, T2/F75+5"DD coil, G2/GoldBugPro+5"DD, fast machines, small DD coils.

[timesearch]

I was watching Mud Men the other day and someone was using a detector, but it was covered in gaffer tape, so I couldn't see what it was. I was amazed by the restrictions on foreshore detecting and how they apply to different people, depending on how long they have held a licence etc. If I lived closer to London I'd love to have a go, but realistically it wouldn't be worth me paying for a licence, then having to work out tide and train times to get there.

[magnetman]

I am also about to start detecting on the foreshore, getting my permit this week

As I understand it a lot of mudlarks use eyes or basic detectors:

Compass 77b 100khz TR which -does- see through a certain amount of iron.

Viking 1 ? Similar also Rimatron, smart2 (not sure if thesr are actually rebranded viking units?) and some early whites machines with the 100khz frequency. Small coils.

Tesoro silver sabre with 4" coil for effective separation

Laser scout which I think is similar to the tesoro.

I don't know but I suspect that the real key to finding interesting things is looking carefully and spending time in good spots


I am going to use a compass coin hustler which is a very light and simple 100khz machine that will pick up a small coin (french 5 centime) behind a M10x70mm steel bolt with a 5mm drill bit beside it. At about 2.5 inches deep. Not much depth but it can find the alloys under the iron which is handy.

Where abouts are you going? I am planning to be around Limehouse until they start building the new thames tunnel which may affect foreshore access - not sure on that yet.

[Nailman]

I was watching Mud Men the other day and someone was using a detector, but it was covered in gaffer tape, so I couldn't see what it was. I was amazed by the restrictions on foreshore detecting and how they apply to different people, depending on how long they have held a licence etc. If I lived closer to London I'd love to have a go, but realistically it wouldn't be worth me paying for a licence, then having to work out tide and train times to get there.

That's a Laser scout the guy uses Grey Ghost headphones, I use a Scout the Iron discrim is spot on
Mine is not on the Thames

[brentwoodmudlark]

Where abouts are you going? I am planning to be around Limehouse until they start building the new thames tunnel which may affect foreshore access - not sure on that yet.

I usually go all over, no place in particular. I've been to Limehouse several times.. lots of large metal pieces and thick mud in certain parts so detector was of little use in those areas.

[magnetman]

i am going to have a go around Ratcliff stairs which is between King Edwards park and Limehouse, saturday morning

Went down there this morning with my 4 year old daughter today collecting glass and pipe fragments. There are 'beachy' bits with shingle and more rough places with a lot of iron scrap about as you say. I imagine the rough parts would be suitable for really old finds but there is so much junk there that a metal detector would have the same effect as trying to light a candle with a match in a gale. Possible with extreme care but not easy.

Anyway good luck whenever you get down to the River

[brentwoodmudlark]

Hope to see you around sometime then! Good luck saturday