At the great hunt at Oregon Hill, Pennsylvania I tried to gain knowledge that would help me be a better scoper. Here is some information I acquired from experienced scopists who were willing to share their experience.

Kenny Logan, Georgia

Balance is the main thing. If you have good balance with a good steady motion the scope will lock on. I was a paint and body man for about ten years. I learned how to sweep with a steady hand. The painting experience has helped me develop a good motion for scoping. A good way to develop a steady wrist is to fill a coffee cup clear up to the rim; walk around with the coffee without spilling any from the cup. To gain scoping facility, Kenny believes in the three "P's": Practice, Patience, and Persistence.

Murlin Triplett, Ohio

Practice…learn that balance. My hand stays steady. Don't grip the handle tightly or you will throw yourself off balance. Once you have handled your Electroscope® for a while and bring it back up and regain a good balance.

Many beginners get themselves off balance when they try to correct what really was a "hit" on an actual target. The beginner fights the "hit" with an inappropriate movement of the wrist. I did the same thing when I first started. I didn't have anyone to help me and tell me what to do. I went to Dave Walters for help. He told me to quit fighting the wrist. After he told me, I quit.

Keep that arm level and lock the wrist back. Think of the machine as an extension of your arm. Only swing about 30% when you are out hunting. If you go too far, the shoulder drops and you throw the scope off balance.

Get the instrument level, make your sweep smooth and easy, and let the machine do the work.. Good scoping takes practice. You don't just buy the machine go directly out the door and find treasure. You're just not ready for that, but you will be.

Thomas, Pennsylvania

Hold the scope real steady, as if you were spray painting. I always have a foot out in front of me. I feel more comfortable that way. It appears to others that I am a very intense scoper, but I am really getting into a good balance posture. After I get my body feeling good and balanced, I really concentrate to maintain that steadiness.

Practice in front of a mirror in the house, that's what I do. I would sweep the scope a thousand times until I had perfection. Balance is 90% of the game.

After you have locked on the target, move the scope back and forth. The more you do this, the more the lock will be achieved. Move the scope slowly, about six inches either way. Sometimes it's better not to even look where the scope is pointing, just let the scope do the work. Never try to guess where the treasure is located. Let the machine show you!

David Walters, Georgia

Spread your feet apart. Shift the weight back so you are in an upright position.

Balance the scope in a straight line with your arm. Get a feel of balance in your hand so the instrument seems as if it is riding on a cushion of air a direct line with your arm. Then start a slow motion.

Put gold or silver objects in front of you to practice on. Leave the machine off. Practice moving the scope right through the target. After you get absolute balance and confidence then you can turn the machine on before you make a sweep. Then when the antenna points to the objects it is the machine that identifies the target, not the operator because the user has learned the balance point. Always go by what the machine is telling you. You may have got your eyes off the target area totally and stare at the back of the scope to keep concentration only on what the instrument is doing.

Just master your balance in a two foot space in front of you and in a straight line with your body. That's all you have to master no matter how large an area you intend to cover.

Dave Rendina, New Jersey

The best scoping advice I can suggest to you at this time is…Practice, Practice, Practice. Once you are sure of your balance which is the first critical thing, practice some more. Then persevere when the disappointments come until that first find that you know in heart was no accident. Then as your finds add up and your confidence builds, you will be on your way.