Metal detectors

Usually everyone is looking for coins, jewelry and the vast majority of devices are suitable for that. Deep detectors are sometimes used to search for "war", with deep coils, lower frequencies or multi-frequencies.

Searching for extremely large objects requires depth detectors, they do not all distinguish metals, some only show magnetic metals.

When riding in water, a sealed device that can work 3-5m is enough. Deep.

With diving equipment, you can choose an underwater detector that can withstand immersion up to 60m.

If the device is used infrequently, it is not worth investing in detectors with extremely high settings, as information is forgotten and can be set incorrectly without knowing it. In this case, pay attention to the factory applications with the devices.

However, for the best and with a large budget, you can choose a PRO device and start using the factory applications. Once learned, you can "jump" to the PRO settings without changing the entire detector.

Both can be found FOR and AGAINST. Batteries are used in virtually all new detectors, simply saving money because you don’t have to constantly buy new ones, lithium batteries are lighter, take up less space.

Disadvantages - do not forget to charge, most new detectors are not available without tools, the lithium battery needs to be protected from freezing, do not leave it for a long time, it drains faster in cold weather. Batteries are commonly used in older models, the AA type is widespread, not afraid of cold (less discharges than lithium batteries), but polluting the environment, losing battery covers is heavier, Krona type batteries are very expensive. The more expensive Minelab Vanquish models come with AA-shaped Ni-Mh batteries and a charger, so even if you forget to recharge, you can quickly switch to AA batteries and keep working.

The old detectors used concentric coils (ring in the ring), most more expensive new ones use DD type coils ("D" and inverted "D" compressed on the sides).

The concentric coil gives an accurate point in the middle of the coil, with it it is easier to find the center of the find, but the bridge needs to be covered by ~ 30%, because the signal is received only in the central part of the coil. This reduces the search speed and makes you more likely to miss something.

The DD coil is generally considered “better” because it is more forgiving of cluttered waves, searched faster (scans full length), and is more tolerant of heavy, mineralized soils. Disadvantage - the signal is not visible from the point, but from the line, so to find the center, you need to make a crossing bridge, turning 90 degrees.

There is usually a misconception that the larger the coil, the better. Not quite so. Factory coils are usually 8-12 "(1" = 2.54cm) and this is a size that is more suitable for all occasions. Large coils are used in the hope of finding deeper finds, but discrimination is reduced, weight is increased, and in contaminated areas such coils hardly show smaller, valuable finds. Small reels are light, accurate, but the search takes a long time due to the small coverage area and their depth. It is better to postpone the purchase of a reel until you know your search locations and needs.

Some detectors operate on a single fixed frequency, others operate on multiple frequencies (multi-frequency), and still others can operate on a wide range of frequencies simultaneously (multi-frequency). Each frequency gives the device a certain character, e.g. copper coins are best seen at 7-8kHz, larger objects, large silver coins at ~ 4kHz, thin, small objects respond best at frequencies above 15kHz.

It should be borne in mind that as the frequency increases, the penetration of the signal into the ground deteriorates.

In this case, if the budget allows, it is better not to choose one fixed frequency, ideally the best option is Multichannel, which can also work on single frequencies (eg Minelab Equinox series).

The manufacturer of Minelab is a leader in multi-frequency detectors.

No, but a device with at least a transmitter for wireless headphones is recommended (headphones can be purchased later) because the headphones work quietly, do not disturb colleagues, do not pay unnecessary attention.

The wind and car noise do not obscure the signals, making it easier to understand the size, depth and position of the find.

The wireless headset does not interfere with movement, place the device near digging, and there is no chance of the headphone cable being broken or scratched.

Weight is a critical factor when spending a lot of time in the fields, so it needs to be given a lot of attention.

The weight of most devices varies in the range of 1-1.5 kg, here XP devices stand out, weighing only 770 g.

Some, well-balanced devices are comfortable even when weighing more, but it’s individual and best tested in our physical stores.

Some devices on the market are completely wireless (cables are not only between the control panel and the headphones, but also between the remote control and the coil).

The advantage of this solution is the absence of a cable, which is the most common and quite expensive problem for wired devices, and the extremely fast selection and assembly of the detector (the cable prevents this), without having to worry about wrapping the cable correctly.

Occasionally, customers unknowingly change the coil address and the control unit "no longer sees" the coil. It’s more the result of yawning, but it happens. The coils without cable have their own battery and electronics inside.

A basket of finds and rubbish is required when purchasing a detector, as rubbish collects very quickly, and a shovel is also required.

A shovel for digging beds is not necessary to search for coins, we recommend a narrower blade with serrated edges and a comfortable handle. If you want compactness, there are also 2-part shovels. Usually cheap soldiers quickly start to wobble, needing a lot and bending often. the most comfortable shovel to about waist length.

The pushbuttons are usually cheaper or older models, even older models have potentiometers (swivel castors). Of course, the space occupied by the physical buttons and dials is limited, which limits the number of settings; Old devices with many buttons often have problems with dirt getting under the buttons.

Devices with menus allow you to have significantly more settings on your device, and sets of settings allow you to have applications or even save new ones. The oldest models didn’t even have screens.

Metal detectors are used in quite difficult conditions, so the protection of the coil, the panel, and sometimes a separate battery compartment is required. When the guards are not used, the detector wears out faster, loses its residual value, and unprotected consoles can be damaged by water. Coils, some models and console guards are usually included, but need to be clarified.