Field test and comparison of the C Scope CS4MX and CS4Pi (Part 1) by David Rees

My association with C Scope started about forty years back and the TR400 (Figure 1) was one of my earliest metal detectors enabling me to make my first finds, and to become hooked on this great hobby of metal detecting.

The control panel of the CS4MX (Figure 4) shows that it has five controls, and these are ground balance, on/off and sensitivity, a flick switch for selecting pinpointing or discrimination 1 and 2 set to discrimination 1), and controls to set each discrimination level. Whereas the controlpanel of the CS4Pi (Figure 5) has just two controls, on/off sensitivity, and a frequency control. There is also a light that illuminates when a target is located. Both have speakers and jack plug sockets for the use with headphones.

I reviewed the C Scope CS4MX (Figure 2) in a previous issue of the AMDS Times, and wanted to compare that detector with their CS4PI ((Figure 3) which is an extremely powerful pulse induction metal detector that is designed for use where most other detectors struggle, on the beach.

The ‘switch-on-and-go’ principle makes the CS4Pi a joy to use for anyone, even if they’ve never used a detector before when compared with some of the competitor’s machines that require all sorts of complicated adjustments to work on wet salt beaches.

The CS4MX and CS4Pi have distinctive cleverly designed control boxes, which can quickly be detached from the stem and belt mounted around the body and both are highperformance machines

These are the features of the CS4MX: -

• Frequency is the famed C.Scope 17kHz frequency operating system developed by C.Scope specifically for European and UK soil and mineralisation types.

• Mode Motion

• On/Off Sensitivity

• Two channel discrimination adjustable settings

• Default Auto Ground Balance setting

• Manual adjustable Ground Balance setting

• Pinpoint switch

• Power 8 Alkaline 1.5-volt AA or rechargeable NiMH pack.

• Battery life approximately 50 hours.

• Waterproof sealed battery compartment with easy fit large knurled nut locking.

• Control Box is constructed from rugged pressure tested ABS moulding.

• Hip mount facility.

• Two-part stem with cam knurled nut locking. Hole and pin alignment and length adjustment. GRP lower stem with ultra-strong bolt to the search head

These are the features of the CS4Pi: -

• Variable Frequency Motion Search System designed specifically for beach use.

• 1K-4.2K PPS Frequency Control.

• Audio Response with LED.

• Automatic Retune ‘Switch-on-and-go’ means less knob twiddling and more searching.

• All Metal Super Depth Mode optimised for beach.

• Belt mountable control box.

• Weight 1.45 kg including batteries

• Counterbalanced stem with Arm-rest has been designed for fingertip control and perfect balance.

• Lightweight Control Box ensures the detector is especially easy on the arm.

• Quick secure Adjustable Stem and locking mechanism enables the detector to be tailored to any user.

• Waterproof lightweight search head is fitted for deep probing and superb stability.

• Internal Loudspeaker.

• 6.3mm (1/4”) headphone socket.

• The operating frequency is 1.0 to 4.2 kHz

• Search head 20cm x 28 cm elliptical

• Typical battery life 30 hours (depending on batteries used, alkaline are recommended)

• Weight 1.45 kg (including batteries)

• Guarantee 2 years parts and labour, 5 years parts cover.

The CS4Pi is an extremely powerful machine and was designed for use where other detectors really struggle, on the beach. The operating frequency can be adjusted for maximum sensitivity on all ground types with minimal interference. It is lightweight and can be made even lighter with the belt-mountable control box. The "switch on & go" makes the CS4Pi easy and a pleasure to use for anyone, even if they’ve never used a detector before.

The assembly of the CS4MX and the CS4Pi is straight forward, although with the coil on the CS4Pi being hardwired into the control box. It is just a simple step of inserting thelowerrod into thetop shaftand widing thecableto a snug fit ensuring that the coil can tilt fully backwards. You then tighten the knurled twist lock for a firm grip. Fit eight AA batteries into the battery holder, fit theholder into the control boxwith thecorrectpolarity, and tightenthefourlock screws to close. Once fully assembled and held in the hand, both of these detectors have a balanced and quality feel to them. Each detecor comes with a user manual and the manual for the CS4Pi has just seven pages and both manuals provide all the information a user need know to start detecting including quick start settings.

Now that you have the features of these two detectors, before I head to the beach I though that I would include two more recent finds made using the CS4MX. The silver 1943 Mercury dime Denver mint was found at “7 depth (Figure 6) and contains 90% silver (. 0723 oz pure silver). Easily identified clear two-way signal. The small Roman coin a Constans, AE of Arles. 346-348 AD (Figure 7), and it gave a good clear signal and about 5” depth

You may wonder how a pulse induction metal detector works. Pulse Induction metal detectors work by sending a highamperagesignalthrougha, usually, coppercoilto create an electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field is then allowed to collapse which in turn creates a voltage spike that is able to be detected by the receive coil. Pulse induction metal detectors can deal much more effectively with complex, undulating ground conditions. For this reason, pulse induction devices work well when searching for gold. Often times, if you use a continuous wave metal detector in high ground mineralization, you will spend a lot of your time digging with little to no good items found. When compared to very low frequency (VLF) devices, pulse induction metal detectors can detect metal at greater depths.

Look out for Part 2 At the seaside with the CS4MX and CS4Pi in the next issue of the AMDS Times.

Sue Austin

It is with profound sadness that I have to inform you all of the passing of a true stalwart of our great hobby.

Suewasaproudmotherandgrandmotherto Amanda, David, Jenny and their children, and along with her late husband Trevor was amongst the founding members and defenders of organised metal detecting in the United Kingdom.

Between them, they made formidable advocates for the protection and advancement of our hobby, whether it was at their club at Bolsover, within the Yorkshire region, at formal meetings with members of the House of Lords, MPs’ and Government officials or at meetings with Clubs and National Organisations in Europe.

Sue was always the quiet power behind the throne, encouraging and supporting Trevor in his work as National Secretary by taking on the role of Assistant General Secretary and also supporting him whilst he was a member of the Treasure Valuation Committee.

In later years she continued her advocacy for our hobby at all levels as a member of the Associated Regions for Metal Detecting (ARMD) and also the Association for Metal Detecting Sport (AMDS)

Away from metal detecting Sue loved to spend time with her family and friends, be it wine tasting in Tenby, a quiet game of 10 pin bowling or just some quiet time with her family.

She will be sadly missed, not only by all her friends and family but within the metal detecting community as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Austin family at this sad time. RIP.

With thanks to Syd Hallam (Yorkshire Region ARMD and Brian Vaughan (Western Region ARMD)

AMDS/ARMD presentation to the PAAG on 14th March 2023

On Tuesday 14th March members of AMDS/ARMD gave a presentation to the PAAG (Portable Antiquities Advisory Group) in support of their application to join this advisory group.

The PAAG has a duty in Mike Hayworth’s words, “To advise the British Museum on the strategy and operations of the Portable Antiquities Scheme; comment at crucial points on related written material; contribute to the annual plan; consider issues raised about the plan and suggest possible solutions; facilitate two-way communication with the sector about the Scheme. The Advisory Group will also work with the Scheme to develop policyandbestpracticein relation to thediscoveryandrecordingofportable antiquities and to foster co-operation between archaeologists, museum professionals and finders.”

Since the inception of AMDS/ARMD one of their aims was representation on this decision-making body. Mike Hayworth the chair of the PAAG stated that it was very helpful to hear more about the two groups.

The representatives of AMDS/ARMD were asked for information on the make-up, the mission statement and their aims in becoming active members of the PAAG.

It was acknowledged that the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting was fully adopted by AMDS/ARMD from the outset of these two bodies being formed. Professor Michael Lewis (Head of the PAS) had welcomed this initial approach by AMDS/ARMD in late 2021. The Code of Practice differed from the existing Code of Conduct which hadbecome unfit for purpose, this being an area where the views of AMDS/ARMD differed from any other detecting organisations at that time.

As members of the Advisory Group AMDS/ARMD will also work with the Scheme to develop policy and best practice in relation to the discovery and recording of portable antiquities and to foster co-operation between archaeologists, museum professionals and metal detectorists.