A Buying Guide to Select the Right Metal Detector
This guide is made to aid you in understanding the basics of metal detectors that have existed for many years now, and how to select the best detector for you. Making a decision on which this type of electronic device to buy is not difficult with this comprehensive Metal Detector Guide. Treasure, coin and relic hunting, as well as gold prospecting have various requirements due to the target size, ground conditions, conductivity of targets and the amount of rubbish in the ground.
Metal Detector Buying Guide
What is a Metal Detector?
A metal detector is a portable electronic device that penetrates the ground magnetically in order for a person to find metal. This piece of metal is either a discarded junk or something valuable such as jewelry, coins, gold or historic relics. What you may be able to find and the unknown are something that appeals in metal detecting. Treasure, coin and relic hunting grounds are the usual places such as beaches, parks and farming land, which have the tendency to be littered with buried junk like ring pulls, bottle tops and nails. Metal detectors can find all of these targets; however, digging up some rubbish is, of course, time consuming and unrewarding. To resolve this, the range of this type of detectors has the capability to distinguish whether your likely target is a treasure or trash.
How Does a Metal Detector Work?
In an uncomplicated manner, all metal detectors function on the essence of electromagnetics and the reaction on conductive metals. This electronic device for detecting metal utilizes battery power to generate a penetrating magnetic field that infiltrates the ground. Any such thing that's metallic will then start to be charged with the magnetism, just like a paper clip that is attracted to magnet after touching it. The magnetized metal beneath the ground will then send a signal (usually by sound) back to the device, alerting the user that there's something metallic under the ground, what type of metal it found (if the device used is high end), and how deeply buried the metal is (if high-end units are used). Majority of metal detectors can perceive up to 12 inches (1 foot) below the surface. A lot can work much deeper. The distinction feature on this device measures two target properties: conductive properties and ferrous properties. Conductive properties cite on how a target deftly conducts electrical current and how it responds to a device's magnetic field. Rubbish like foil and nails has distinct conductive properties compared with valuable targets such as rings and coins. In this case, the device is able to judge whether the target is junk based on its conductivity.
Ferrous properties cite on the amount of iron is a target. It can tell how strongly it is attracted to a magnet. Targets with a ferrous property are usually trash, so it can be masked out or discriminated based on this property alone by the device.
Components of a Metal Detector
All metal detectors have similar components regardless of their model or brand.
1) Stabilizer - this is typically an arm brace that steadily supports the unit while it is moved back and forth over the surface.
2) Control Box - this is the device's "brain" and contains the speaker, circuitry, batteries, controls, and the microprocessor. Also, it may contain a jack for headphones.
3) Shaft - this connects the search coil to the control box. It is usually adjustable so that it can be adjusted at your height level.
4) Search Coil - this is the component that actually perceives the metal under the ground.
Considerations When Buying
You shouldn't buy this device mainly on one person's advice (usually a friend). Long-time users of this device are typically committed to their certain model and brand. Thus, they are normally not familiar with anything different, newer or better. In recent years, there are many new features and electronics that have been introduced. For you to make an educated decision in case you're thinking of buying this type of electronic device, there are many things you have to consider:
Price
Metal detectors are comparatively not expensive, but you have to decide how much is your budget, not only for the device but also for some other accessories such as digging tool, headphones and carrying bag, if so desired. Your budget could be the chief factor of them all, especially if you have never tried this type of electronic device. Fortunately, that purchases just enough a device to get you hooked.
Use
If you plan to utilize the device many hours per week, then it is recommended to get one with more electronic attributes than if you plan to utilize it only sometimes. It's a fact that the more features you desire, the more you'll need to spend.
Location
Do you live inland or near the water? Do you plan to search for jewelry and coins, search for gold, hunt for relics or use the device under water? The truth is, regardless of brand, all detectors have water-proof search coils; hence, they can be utilized in shallow water at the river or beach. They can't be used wholly under water, but there are available units for this use on the market. There are also various detectors available for searching for jewelry and coins, gold or relics. But the truth again is that most common metal detectors bought today are "general purpose" jewelry, coin and relic devices.
Skill Level
First and foremost, let us talk about your experience in metal detecting. If you don't have previous experience, then you are perhaps going to want to begin with an entry-level device. There is no swifter way to become frustrated with a hobby than purchasing a complicated device you do not comprehend. All metal detectors perceive metal - just like all vehicles drive down the street. What makes one metal detector better than another (just like cars) is the additional enhancements and features. It is considered a toy.
Metal Detector Buying Guide - Videos
Conclusion
The technology that lets you "look" below the ground and locate some hidden valuable objects is described by many terms that can be complex to compare with no explanation. This guide assists you in comprehending the differences in the technology and makes an educated buying decision. Now that you have learned all about metal detectors, you have to know that it is a fun hobby. Detecting can give you hours and hours of entertainment. Moreover, you may even get to find valuable coins and others. Maybe it is time for you to get out there!