Metal Detecting

Hi all, I’ve just ordered my first detector, the Quest Q30, is it difficult to set up as a beginner, is the owners manual easy to follow, any tips or advise would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

These machines are designed to be easy to set up and use.

Before (and after!) it arrives, read the manual a couple of times: https://www.questmetaldetectors.com/quest-q30

Have fun!

I'm a beginner too and bought an X5 earlier in the year - have found it user friendly and easy to use as an entry level machine. Can't imagine it will be much different to the x30! The instructions are straight forward and there are You Tube videos available that I also found useful

it is a fairly simple detector, the programs work very well, doing the research on the backward fields I use the Field program, but every now and then I check the signals with gold mode 2.
Sensitivity 85 is fine, but if the field is not disturbed the sensitivity can be increased. in any case try to do more tests on the same target without digging, so you will learn faster.

I bought one recently (Quest 30+) and found the ‘manual’ to be more of a ‘pamphlet’!

That said, there’s a fair amount of detail on it, but for a complete newbie (like me) I found it daunting and rather complex.

As previously suggested, I’ve found the most useful thing has been to watch You Tube walk-throughs and use of the detector ‘in the field’, which is when the various settings and variations come to life.

Combining that with personally ‘getting out there’ and looking like the rank amateur I am has been the most useful! After a short while, making errors (and digging tons of rusty iron) leads to a closer appreciation of settings and target identification, which in turn has led to a calmer and more studied approach when in the field - and far more enjoyment.

As stated, there is much to be said for downloading a detector's operating instructions (and studying/asking questions etc) in advance of the machine's arrival on the doorstep! Much of the information required to understand a detector and the various circumstances which affect it's use and operation in the field are to be found by browsing the the blue panel on the left.
The key to enjoying the learning 'how to' process in the early period of use is definitely reliant on the amount of research carried out.
Have you seen this section which outlines circumstances liable to affect all detectors to some extent?
Some FAQ's and more

Good Luck. Regards Eric