Independently researched Settings Guide
Garrett AT Max Settings for Target ID
AT Max uses a 0–99 Digital Target ID with ferrous and non-ferrous conductivity regions. The number is most useful when repeatable and supported by proportional audio and target width.
Bottom line
Use Zero mode and a local ID log before creating Custom rejection
Ground balance, stabilize sensitivity and scan actual regional coins, tabs and foil. Cross-sweep every questionable response and use Iron Audio to reveal surrounding ferrous edges; never treat one number as object identification.
Field setup
Starting points—not universal presets
| Situation | Baseline | Action | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| New site survey | Zero | Iron Disc low | Dig representative ID sample |
| Modern coin cherry-pick | Coins | Factory pattern | Know what lower ranges are lost |
| Suspected bottle cap | Zero/Custom | Iron Audio cross-sweep | Listen for ferrous edges |
| Deep jumpy response | Zero or All-Metal | Slow consistent sweep | Dig repeatable two-way audio |
Method
Use a controlled workflow
Establish stability
Ground balance and control EMI before evaluating IDs.
Open the scale
Zero mode preserves the widest target evidence.
Calibrate locally
Scan actual coins and nuisance items in the soil.
Reject only patterns
Notch recurring trash after measuring valuable overlap.
Decision analysis
What actually changes the result
The 0–99 display measures response conductivity. It does not analyze composition. Aluminum, brass, gold and coins can share numbers.
Iron Audio reveals rejected ferrous information. It can expose cap edges or mixed iron, but complex targets still fool classification.
Air-test charts are incomplete. Ground minerals, depth, corrosion and orientation commonly widen or shift IDs. Build an in-ground local record.
FAQ
Seven questions specific to this page
What is the AT Max Target ID range?
Garrett uses a 0–99 Digital Target ID conductivity scale.
Which numbers are always good targets?
None. Conductive trash overlaps coins and jewelry, and conditions can shift the response.
Why does a deep coin ID jump?
Weak signal strength, soil, orientation, corrosion or nearby metal can spread it.
What mode is best for learning IDs?
Zero preserves broad target information and is more useful than a heavily rejected pattern.
Can Iron Audio identify every bottle cap?
No. It adds ferrous-edge evidence, but rust, shape and target mixtures can still fool it.
Should I notch a pull-tab number?
Only if you accept losing gold jewelry and other valuables sharing that conductivity.
Are air-test ID charts accurate underground?
They establish relative ranges, but real ground usually changes signal quality and number stability.
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Use evidence, not copied numbers
Record the conditions and keep only repeatable results.