Metal Detecting Tips-

How does a metal detector work?

There are many pages on the internet which explain in great detail the technical processes of the modern metal detector. A simpler explanation is what most people want.

A metal detector sends a series of electromagnetic waves into the ground and receives the waves back again. It detects and measures the response of the ground (and any ferrous or metallic objects it contains) to the waves sent out by observing how those objects alter the waves received back to the machine.

The three main variations of detector are defined by the different methods of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves. There is the basic B.F.O., or beat frequency oscillator, the popular and precise V.L.F., or Very Low Frequency machine, and the special-purpose P.I., the Pulse Induction model.

Modern detectors have several ways to indicate the presence of metallic objects. They may show the swing of a meter's needle, make various beeping sounds, increase the pitch or volume of a sound, show the possible id of the object on an LCD screen, or even use a voice to broadcast the information.

Metal Detecting Tips-

Buying a Metal Detector-

If you have never bought a metal detector before, the number of choices, options, types, and brands can be overwhelming. Take the time to answer a few questions about yourself and the prospective detector, and you will have a much more rewarding experience.

Ask Yourself:

• Am I in decent physical shape to begin with? There is a certain amount of walking, bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, kneeling, scooping, and digging involved.
• Can I maintain my curiosity and sense of adventure enough to do research, handle empty days, and keep going out? If so, you will have found a satisfying pastime.
• Do I truly have the time to devote to a new pursuit or hobby? It takes time to research areas, travel, hunt, and recover.
• What do I want to look for? Relics? Coins? Jewelry? Gold? Caches? Perhaps your other interests will contribute to what gets you hooked on metal detecting.
• How much money should I spend? Spend too little, dig mostly trash. Spend lots of money, throw away your cash. Your interest and skill level will help determine a fair amount to invest.
• Can I be patient enough to learn how to use my detector? There is a time commitment to practice the craft often. More practice will reap greater dividends in skill, recovery, and enjoyment.

About the detector you're considering:

• Is this detector designed to hunt for Relics? Coins? Jewelry? Gold? Caches? Buy a machine designed for your specific interest, or buy a quality general-purpose machine if you have no specific leaning. If you buy a detector that's merely suitable for a task, it may well not be.
• Is this detector intended for a certain location or condition? There are specialty detectors for salt water, deep caches, mineralized soils, prospecting, and more.
• Is this detector comfortable enough for extended use? It should have a balanced feel, easy-access controls, hooks for a belt, reasonable weight, and in some cases, the ability to remove the control box off-pole.
• Is this detector intuitively designed, or is it too complex to be practical? The easier it is to learn how to use and operate, the more fun you will have.
• Does this detector come with a good warranty and support? You might have bought a nice machine, but it is only that without service and support.

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