Garrett ACE 250 FAQ

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In this article, you find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the Garrett ACE 250.

If you have a question that is not listed here, you can use the search bar on this site (upper-right corner for desktop, at the end of the article mobile device)

I’ve talked a lot about the ACE 250 in many of my previous posts, so you should find an answer to your question.

You can also write your question in the comments section down below. I’ll update this page when I can.

Use the table of contents to navigate easily.

Can you use rechargeable batteries with the Garrett ACE 250?

After using your device for some time, you’ll need to replace the batteries.

The manufacturer recommends using alkaline batteries and avoiding heavy-duty ones.

This is universal for all the detectors I know so far.

You can use rechargeable batteries with your ACE 250 without a problem. But, they don’t last as long as alkaline ones.
batteries
For more details, you can check this article about the recommended batteries for a metal detector.

Garrett ACE 250 calibration

To clear up any misunderstanding, calibrating isn’t the same thing as setting. If you want to know how you set your Garrett ace 250 check this article.

Calibration, in general, means adjusting the measurement of a tool to match the standards. And this is done in labs using very accurate tools.

So, If you’re getting false signals, read the tone paragraph below.

And if you think your device’s readings aren’t accurate, you can contact the customer support to help you.

Calibration is not something you can do by yourself.

How to ground balance the ACE 250?

Minerals in the ground could cause false signals. That’s why metal detectors need ground balancing.

For the Garrett ACE 250, ground balancing is simple…

You just do nothing.

Ground balancing is automatic (or preset).

Garrett ACE 250 tones

What do the tones do?

The Garrett ACE 250 has an LCD screen which helps the user to identify the buried metal.

In addition to that, the ACE 250 can emit three different tones. Each tone corresponds to a conductivity range.

This way, you can get an idea of what to expect to find after digging without having to look to the screen.

For metals with low conductivity like iron, you’ll hear a low-pitch audio signal.

For targets having a medium conductivity such as pull-tabs and jewelry, the signal will be moderate.

And if the target has a high conductivity, the speaker will emit a bell tone signal.

You can listen to the tones in this short video.


You’ll not hear a signal if you choose to discriminate the metal.

When pressing and holding the PINPOINT button, the beep will indicate the strength of the signal.

The closer the target to the center of the search coil, the louder the tone will be.

You have to get used to your machine. Plant some targets you know or pass some metal objects in front of the coil. This way, you’ll get used to the signals.

If you changed the coil you may have to relearn the tones again.

What if they’re not consistent?

If the tones aren’t consistent, rescan the area back and forth instead of sideways.

The target may be too deep, on the edge of the depth range the ACE 250. The detector sometimes picks up the signal and sometimes it disappears.

Therefore, lower the coil as close as possible to the ground to make sure there’s really a buried metal underground.

When the coil is touching the ground, the depth range will be extended a little bit further. However, it can be scratched because of the friction.

To protect it, you can buy a coil cover, which will also keep it from being cracked when hitting rocks.

You can, if you want to, ignore iffy signals and focus only on repeating and solid beeps.

If the tone is jumping abruptly when you swing the coil, there may be two targets with different conductivities buried very close to each other, for example, a nail and a ring.

The inconsistency of the tones could be due to false signals. There are many potential causes for that.

First, start by reducing the sensitivity as low as possible.

Don’t wear steel-toed shoes or with a steel reinforced sole.

Make sure the coil’s connector is in place and the cable is wrapped tightly around the detector’s shaft.

Turn off your mobile phone and put it in your back pocket or leave inside your car.

Maybe the pinpointer or your mate’s metal detector is causing the false signals.

Therefore, keep some distance between each other when metal detecting in groups.

If you think the pinpointer is interfering with the detector, you can try the Minelab Pro-Find 35 Pinpointer.

The manufacturer is saying that it’s designed to reduce interference with a nearby operating metal detector.

If you’re using a coil cover, remove it and clean from the inside. A small metal object is stuck in between.

Stay away from power lines, electric fences, and any other electronic device.

The ground could be full of junk. So, move to another location.

Is the Garrett ace 250 good for gold prospecting?

The ACE 250 is a popular choice for beginners. It’s not made specifically for gold prospecting.

It could detect gold nuggets. But it won’t perform as good as metal detector’s made specifically for gold.

The Garrett ACE 250 could find gold if it is processed into jewelry. You can find necklaces, watches, and rings…

Even the more advanced detectors have difficulties detecting gold nuggets if they’re too small (let alone the ACE 250).

If the nugget is as big as a coin it can be detected up to 11 inches.

If it is too small, it can only be detected if it’s shallow (1 or 2 inches).

This also depends on the coil’s size and shape.

Larger search coils can go deeper but they’re less sensitive to small nuggets. Smaller ones are more sensitive and perform better in trashy soil.

The second problem is that gold is usually found with other minerals which will interfere with the metal detector and causes false signals.

So the detector needs to be able to filter these signals.

Having the best machine in the world won’t produce any gold unless you find good locations. Therefore you need to do some research to find them.

Joining clubs will help you too.

For now, if you don’t have a lot of money to invest, stick with the Garrett ACE 300i. it will help you to learn the basics of metal detecting.

If you find valuable targets you can, use them to upgrade later. The ACE 300i isn’t very different from the ACE 250.

Pinpointing tips

The coil is a few inches large. When you detect the presence of a target, it could be anywhere under the surface below the search coil.

Which is relatively large considering that you’re going to dig many holes a few inches deep.

This is where pinpointing comes into play.

It helps you locate the buried metal exactly. This way you dig a smaller hole.

This means less effort, less frustration, more digging (and more finds), and the holes will be easier to cover and to make them look as if nobody was digging there…

Just to name a few advantages, you get the idea.

Ok, how can you do that?

You have two options: you can either buy a pinpointer. The Garrett carrot is highly recommended by many detectorists.

Or you can use the built-in pinpointer of the Garrett ACE 250.

Simply press the PINPOINT button and swing the search coil slowly over the target area sideways and back and forth.

Reduce the amplitude progressively until you hear the loudest tone. You can also keep an eye on the upper scale which will display the signal’s strength.

If you did everything right, the buried metal should be exactly below the coil’s center.

Which one is the best? You can try it for yourself and decide. It a personal preference.

In my opinion, spend some time with the built-in one then borrow a pinpointer from one of your friends.

Test it and if you like it you can buy one for yourself.

Conclusion

As I previously said, feel free to ask any question you want. I’ll answer them when I have time and if I can find one.

2 thoughts on “Garrett ACE 250 FAQ”

  1. Hi , I just brought a Garrett Ace 250. What is the biggest Coil it will take, say the Nel Big Coil for Garrett ace metal detector 15″x17″ would it fit and how good would it be.
    I am quite new to metal detectors
    and detecting. Thank you in advance. Ray

    Reply
    • I recommend you stick with the stock coil. Bigger coil doesn’t mean necessarily better. Smaller coils are better at handling soil full with trash.

      Reply

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