
An added bonus is that it helps to reduce 60 cycle interference, such as transformers and power lines. The BIGFOOT is 18 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide. Pinpointing with the BIGFOOT is very simple and accurate. Squeezing the pinpoint trigger on the detector will make the BIGFOOT go blank (negative) on the back half (9 inches) of the coil. The front half of the BIGFOOT remains sensitive (positive).
In other words, the target will only be heard under the front half of the coil. The trick, then, is to center the target by moving the coil from side to side till is seems to be midway from either edge and then squeeze the pinpoint trigger and push the coil forward like on a shuffleboard. The target will disappear as it leaves the midsection of the coil (marked by the two arrows) Thus by pushing the coil forward and backward you can easily hear the sound of the target appear (when it is under the front part of the coil) and disappear (when it is under the rear half of the coil) That point where it appears and disappears is exactly at the center of the coil between the arrows. The rear half of the coil is actually rejecting the target and so you hear a very distinct sound when the coil is pushed forward and the front half leaves the target. You might note that the coil is first moved side to side to center the target between the side edges of the coil, much like with a round coil and after it is centered, squeeze the trigger and posh the coil forward.
Of course, if no target is heard when the pinpoint trigger is squeezed, the target is probably under the back half of the coil and being rejected. You should then just pull the coil backward a bit to get the target under the front half where it will be detected and then push and pull as described. Some users prefer to pinpoint right off of the front of the coil.This is OK, but I prefer to use the above method as it is more precise and very fast and easy once you get used to it. IMPORTANT: You may AIR BALANCE the BIGFOOT the same as any coil, with the Bigfoot held in the air.... HOWEVER, you MUST GROUND BALANCE the detector with the BIGFOOT pointed at the ground at about a 45 degree angle, with the FRONT tip of the coil touching or just above the ground and the REAR of the coil held OFF the ground at 45 degrees, You will then lower the coil parallel to the ground for searching as with a standard coil. It is, of course, best to keep the front and rear halves of the coil as close to parallel to the ground as possible.
Use shorter strokes in trashy areas and broader strokes for covering larger, cleaner areas. If at any time, the Bigfoot appears to loosen up on the rod and wants to tip or paddle, it is time to either clean or replace the rubber washers where the rod joins the coil. The nut should only be tightened "finger tight".