Metal Detecting Tips

Buying a metal detector is just the first step in a persons’ quest to look for old coins and jewelry. Before going on that expedition, here are a few tips worth knowing that will help make the search successful.

1. People who don’t know how to use a metal detector should learn from those who know how to use it. This will make it easier for the user to know when there is something worth digging or just ignoring and continue on with the search.

2. Before going out, the metal detector should be checked to make sure it is functioning properly. The best way would be to hide a coin in the garage and have the individual successfully find it; this will increase the chances of finding other artifacts during the treasure hunt.

3. Another thing that has to be checked is the weather. Tests have shown that looking for objects when it is snowing or raining outside is useless because these interfere with the instruments on the metal detector. This means the person will have to wait until the conditions outside improve or reschedule the search when it is sunny.

4. Proper clothing is important during a treasure hunt. The proper outfit can keep the individual warm and/or cool and free from insect bites.

5. Most treasure hunts take hours before anything is found. It would be a good idea to take a tent for the person to rest in and some water along because dehydration often causes those in the group to call off the search.

6. Metal detectors run on batteries. Since these will wear out in a few hours, it would be a good idea to carry spares so the person can continue looking for treasure.

7. The treasure hunter should research the designated area before going in. This will save the individual time and energy, which can be put to better use looking in the right place.

One of the things that the person should determine is if the area where the search will be conducted requires a permit. Some places require documentation and it is advisable to get it beforehand so there won’t be any problems when something has been found.

Treasure hunting can be fun. By following these steps, the individual will have a great time searching for an artifact and making some money from it.

Supplies For Metal Detecting

The basic definition of conducting deep metal detecting work is when masses of objects or metals that are buried are found anywhere between forty centimeters to three meters just below the surface.

Any other investigations that require depths that are greater than mentioned would then require a significant amount of equipment that is expensive and highly specialized.

The following are equipment and supplies commonly used in metal detection.

A VLF detector

This type of machine generally functions using a frequency that ranges from five khz to thirty khz.

It is known as the VLF detector since it operates on frequencies that are very low.  This specific item could be used to detect any coins or jewelry that is small which may be buried under the soil’s surface - about fifteen inches maximum.

Believe it or not, this machine is quite efficient and not really bulky and almost anyone could learn to use it in just minutes.

The use of magnetometers

Basically, a magnetometer penetrates deep into a soil - usually about thirty feet or approximately ten meters; or for more sophisticated equipment, the depth could range from more than one hundred ninety feet - or sixty meters.  Try not to confuse this equipment with other metal detecting gadgets that may not be so efficient.

Though the magnetometer is quite pricey and requires a considerable amount of experience and practice in order to acquire great results, metals are detected easily using this equipment.  Magnetic tokens of nickel, iron, and cobalt could be found using the magnetometer as well as magnetized fields in a particular area; this include any local abnormalities that are geologic in nature.

However, if you are on the lookout for a bigger bounty - such as buried ships, mineral veins, and war cannons - the magnetometer is perfect for you.  However, before embarking on a metal detection adventure of this magnitude, make sure to have a significant number of competent professionals with you as there may be gaping and huge holes awaiting your journey.

The flux gate

Another metal detecting supply is a magnetometer that is called a flux gate.  Believe it or not, this equipment is the result of more than a year of development and research. It is considered to be the most ideal equipment being used to hunt specifically for gold and treasure - that could contain iron - which is buried deep.

All in all, there are a great number of metal detecting supplies and equipment available that is ready at your beck and call. Know what you want, your needs and your preferences in order to get the metal detecting product you need for your own use and enjoyment.

What Is A Metal Detecting Tutorial?

Searching for treasure is something that children grew up with after reading books about pirates.  This fantasy can now become a reality as the person can buy a metal detector and start looking for jewelry or old coins that have been buried in the ground.

Some people think that reading the manual will make the individual an expert in looking for these objects. The truth is it takes time to master the skill and getting some help from the experts is a good start.

Information regarding metal detection is available in books, magazines and on the Internet. The person should study the types of devices available or simply inquire about the types of model.

The first part of the tutorial is designed to familiarize the user with the different parts of the metal detector. This will give the individual an idea of what each part is used for and how important it is to finding objects buried underground.

The second part will orient the person on how to use it when scanning a given area. The metal detector is swept from left to right in a slow motion and should a sound come back, this means there is something there, which could be something of value or just trash.

The third part usually involves teaching the person the different technologies used in detecting metal objects. This could be very low frequency, pulse indication or beat frequency oscillation.

The mode of detection depends on the type of model purchased. It would be good for the individual to know his equipment in the event the current model being used is upgraded or if the customer decides to buy a better one in the future.

The last part of the tutorial will be rather like a practical test for the user. Some coins or other metallic objects can be thrown in the backyard or hidden by someone else. After a few minutes, the individual should successfully find all of these items in order to pass the tutorial.

Buying a book or watching a video is just one way to learn how to use the metal detector. It would be better to get hands on experience such as that offered by local clubs so that other tips and can also be learned. These organizations also sponsor treasure hunts and other activities for the members so one can be just as good as the experts.

When To Dig - Is It Trash Or Treasure?

Some people think that it takes great skill to operate a metal detector and find treasure buried in the ground. The truth is, it just takes a little practice so that an individual will know whether the object is worth digging or just move because it is just trash.

The metal detector has a built in transmitter, which scans the ground. If something metallic bounces back, the receiver will pick this and send a signal to the user. Since each object has different characteristics, this signal can give the individual an idea of what is underneath.

The first tip that a person should know is how the metal detector works. This device is hand held, so being familiar with the parts and the switches it has will give the treasure hunter a good idea of how to use it.

It would be a good idea to practice using this at home so one will become familiar with the machine before going out into the field.

There are various metal detectors in the market. If the alarm goes off every time, maybe the user should examine the machine being used to determine if it functioning properly. In most cases, there is nothing wrong and the person just forgot to set the notch to only respond to certain objects over a limited area.

The second tip for the avid treasure hunter is to study the manual carefully to understand the type of sounds made by the machine and the meaning of the numbers that appear on the screen.

Scientists and other experts call this method discrimination. This is because it is based on the sound heard, the numeric readout or the meter indicator, enabling the hunter to tell if the object is treasure or trash.

The third tip for metal detecting is that it would be better to conduct a search in a group. This will allow everyone to focus on an item of value so that the focus will not be diverted to anything else. This will lessen the time it takes to scan an area so that the members can move on to something else if nothing was discovered.

Metal detecting can be both fun and challenging. By knowing how the machine works and doing the search in a group, the chances of finding something of value are much higher as more ground is covered.

Finding New Places To Detect

Metal detecting is not a particularly popular hobby, but the good thing about it is that more and more people are getting hooked on it. Metal detecting is an activity that can be very thrilling and educational at the same time.

Metal detecting is really a form of treasure hunting. Most of the valuable items in the pre-modern and modern world are made with or are embellished with different kinds of metals. Metals have been the founding material that treasures are built from and this is the reason people are detecting metal.

A crucial factor to consider when going on a metal detecting journey is the location. There have been many metal detecting enthusiasts before and the more popular sites have already been cleaned up. How does one find his own treasure land? What are some ways of finding fresh metal detecting spots when everyone else has depleted the easy ones?
Here are some great tips.

1. Go on-line

The world has been transformed by the technology that is the Internet. Information has been pooled into one massive portal where people can interact and exchange valuable stories. There are many websites out there that give a sneak peek or educated guesses as to which spots would most probably be great for metal detecting.

2. Get a history book

Knowing the details of your local town is a good way of spotting new areas for metal detecting exploration. Try to spot the not-so-popular historical events in your area and try to detect there. One should always believe that there are still places that are left out by the previous enthusiasts of metal detection.

3. Go on trips

When taking a vacation somewhere, take your metal detector if it would be possible. Just try your luck on the beach or in the woods, you never know what you will find. Besides, it’s a great way to pass the time if there are no pending activities.

4. Try topography maps

Topography maps and GPS gadgets are really great tools for finding and locating new spots. If you feel that you have found a place that is really worth going to, look at the topography map to find the easiest way of getting to the place and take along a GPS if possible.

There are a lot of treasure to find out there, all one has to do is be patient and enjoy what he is doing. Keep on detecting!

Understanding The Signals From Your Metal Detector

Treasure hunters love to use metal detectors because they aid them in searching for those hard to find metal items planted in the ground.

When you are looking at metal detectors you might say that these contraptions are not that hard to understand.  You are actually right.  You just need a huge amount of patience and perseverance and you will learn to understand what the beep beeps mean.

To learn what your detector tells you is matter of good listening skills and keeping notes.  You need to tally or remember specific sounds and see which or what type of metals created that particular kind of sound.  Be very observant and focused on the small or faint signals your contraption sends out for you.

Your machine works by transmitting signals below the ground.  When this happens and there are no metal objects your machine is very quiet and makes no other signals.  If there are coins or other metallic objects in the area you are searching different sounds come into play because the signals transmitted are blocked and interfered with.

You can change levels of detection in your machine by controlling your pad.  There are specific frequencies for different types of metals you want to consider in your search.  At the lowest level you may end up with a tin soda can or other metal scraps.  At the highest level on the other hand you risk not detecting very low sited coins or other precious metal objects.

Whatever metals you can find may be different from what a professional and/or a neophyte may find with the same machine.  Professionals through continuous listening and trial and error have mastered the art of metal detecting.  Their secrets?  Simple! PATIENCE.

Yes, you need patience in going through the area; carefully trying not to miss an inch and swinging very carefully.  You must also keep your search very close to the ground just in case there are coins planted far below the ground so your detector can detect them.  If you worry about your coils banging into every rock in the area get a bump guard or what some call a shield.

Try wearing headphones to hear more clearly all those very soft tones and beeps created by your machine.  You never know if they just might whisper a soft signal that there are coins right bellow were you are standing.

You might even want to keep the pace at a minimum.  You don’t want to miss anything, do you?  Remember all the beeps are important, so identify them and through patience and understanding you will be a more effective metal detector user.

Waterproof Metal Detectors

There are many kinds of metal detectors out there on the market. However, not all of them can be used for certain purposes such as underwater metal detecting. Underwater metal detecting, as the name implies, entails the use of waterproof metal detectors which can do the job of spotting treasures underneath the water and the sand.

There are two basic kinds of waterproof metal detectors, the VLF and the PI. The first kind is efficient in discriminating trash from precious metals, while the latter is efficient in detecting metals that are deeper, however, the downside of the PI is that it is relatively poor in discriminating different kinds of metals. Here are some of the more popular waterproof metal detectors in the market today.

1. Minelab Excalibur

The Minelab Excalibur is a great waterproof metal detector to use in fresh water. It has a discriminating feature which, even when turned off, gave great accuracy in distinguishing between trash and good finds.

A main issue that is associated with the use of the Minelab Excalibur is its weight. It tends to be heavy and a bit of a drag in sand and saltwater expeditions. The bulkiness and heaviness of the equipment makes it slip most of the time in underwater expeditions. Another issue that is associated with the Excalibur is that it makes unnecessary noises and they can be quite annoying. It also has a poor ability to hold stored power for a long period of time.

2. Fish Impulse Detector

This is a relatively new model of waterproof metal detectors. The main problem with the Fish Impulse Detector is that it is quite complicated to operate. It needs to be strapped onto one’s neck for him to be able to operate the controls with his two hands. A good thing about it is that it is good in saltwater metal detection. Even if you take the detector far away from the water, it still does the job.

3. Fisher CZ

The Fisher CZ is probably one of the most popular waterproof detectors out there. It gives one the flexibility of using it on water metal detection trips or on land-relic-detection trips. It is practically easy to use and one needs not to change the settings of the machine. However, it really likes iron and cannot distinguish if from other metals very well.

These are three popular brands of waterproof metal detectors. Metal detectors are a must for people who would want to combine the thrill of metal detecting with the sights and sounds of the beach and its waters.

Where Can You Find Metal Detectors?

Metal detecting is attracting more and more enthusiasts. It combines the thrills of treasure hunting with the serenity of nature. It is a great way to clear one’s mind of the daily stresses of life and it also gives him a chance of finding something valuable.

Getting a metal detector is a must in metal detecting. No one can engage in metal detecting without a decent metal detector. The question is- where does one get a metal detector? If you are a beginner or a curious soul who would want to get involved in the hobby of metal detecting, then reading the information below will really help you. Here are some ways of finding metal detectors:

This Website

We offer a variety of choices from well known merchants with secure ordering so you don’t have to be afraid of buying online through our site!

Radioshack

The country’s biggest distributor of electronics is also selling metal detectors. Not many know this fact, but one can purchase brand new metal detectors at Radioshack. They sell the basic models which can cost as low as 50 US dollars and they also sell the advanced models which cost thousands of dollars.

On-line

The Internet has changed the way the world works. Businesses and business transactions have been made “on-line” and whether or not we like it, it is a good thing. Finding metal detectors on the Internet is not such a bad idea. There are a lot of sellers out there who are willing to sell their metal detectors at reasonable prices. With the high cost of advertising in other media forms, they have gone to the Internet to find buyers.

Ebay, the biggest on-line auction website is a portal where metal detectors can be bought and sold. Thousands and thousands of brand new and second-hand metal detectors are posted in Ebay.

There are thousands of metal detector distributors who have also engaged themselves in the Internet. Find one which has a store near you and visit them personally. Locating these stores has definitely been made easier with the availability of the Internet.

Join a metal detecting club

If you are really keen on getting on the metal detecting bandwagon, you would probably want to sign up for a metal detection club. If you are already a member of the club, they can really help you find good metal detectors which will meet your needs and your wants. Take it from the experts and you’ll never have to take the risk of buying something that you don’t really want.

One should research on his own and ask other people about metal detectors to know what he would want to buy. The equipment will eventually add to the whole experience of metal detecting. Enjoy!

Basic Metal Detector Pricing

With all the models and types of metal detectors available, a deciding value for most customers is the price. The device that they will purchase should have the features they are looking for at an affordable price.

To give a prospective buyer an idea of the current prices of metal detectors, see the list below.

Garret:

Garret Ace 150 Metal Detector - $152.95

Garret Ace 250 Metal Detector - $212.45

Garret GTAx 550 Metal Detector - $424.95

Garret GTAx 1250 Metal Detector - $399.00

Garret Sea Hunter Mark II Underwater Metal Detector - $637.45

Garret Gold Scorpion Stinger Metal Detector - $467.45

Garret Master Hunter CX Plus Metal Detector - $509.95

Garret Infinium LS Metal Detector - $1062.50

Garret GTI 1500 Metal Detector - $679.95

Garret GTI 2500 Metal Detector - $934.95

Garret Treasure Ace 300 Metal Detector - $179.00

Minelab Metal Detectors:

Minelab Explorer II PRO - $1075.00

Minelab Quattro MP - $699.00

Minelab Sovereign GT - $599.00

Minelab X-Terra 70 - $695.00

Minlab X-Terra 50 - $495.00

Minelab X-Terra 30 - $349.00

Minelab Musketeer Advantage - $295.00

Minelab Eureka Gold - $879.95

Tesoro:

Tesoro Compadre Metal Detector - $151.20

Tesoro Cibola Metal Detector - $340.00

Tesoro Vaquero Metal Detector - $420.00

Tesoro Silver MicromaxMetal Detector - $239.20

Tesoro Conquistador Micromax Metal Detector - $319.20

Tesoro Eldorado Metal Detector - $375.20

Tesoro Golden Micromax Metal Detector - $423.20

Tesoro Deleon Metal Detector - $479.20

Tesoro Tejon Metal Detector - $559.20

Tesoro Sand Shark Under Water Metal Detector - $543.20

Tesoro Tiger Shark Underwater Metal Detector - $599.20

Tesoro Cortes Metal Detector - $679.20

Fisher Metal Detectors:

Fisher 1212-X - $143.95

Fisher 1225-X - $239.95

Fisher 1236-X2 - $319.95

Fisher Gold Bug II - $703.95

Fisher Coin Strike - $879.95

Fisher Gemini III - $599.95

Before buying any metal detecting equipment, it is advisable to look around first. Check out some models that are suitable for your detecting needs and compare their features and strength in reaching metals. If you can, seek the advice of professional hobbyists or those that have been detecting for quite some time already.

Make sure that the piece you are buying is really worth your money. Do not just buy the first model that you see. Also, weigh against the prices from different sellers. Do not pay more than you should for a particular type of detector.

Choose a good metal detector based on its capacity and price and have hours of detecting fun!

Metal Detecting History

Metal detectors have been around for more than a hundred years. Miners first used this device to detect ore. Since the machine was very crude, people still relied on old methods of striking against the rock in the hopes of finding this rich material.

It was only in the 1930’s that scientists were able to develop a system that would alert the user if there was metal underneath when it responded to a certain a radio frequency. The device was heavy; with a battery pack placed on the person’s back and with the detector held by hand.

The military found these useful during the Second World War in the search for landmines so that the area could be cleared for troops to pass. This is still in use today in troubled spots around the world to remove explosive devices and unexploded ordinance, which may kill or injure helpless victims.

More than 40 years later, people have found other uses for metal detectors. With the increasing incidents of hijacking happening in planes, vessels and other modes of transportation, security experts have installed these airports to check passengers before they get into the departure gate.

Schools, commercial buildings and other vital installations also use these devices. These are either placed in a fixed location or held by hand so that a person can be screened for weapons or bombs before entering.

But the metal detector is better known as a device to look for treasure and other artifacts. Archeologists use these in excavation sites. The type used can detect the size, weight and description of the object buried in the ground.

Those who want to do this for fun can use them at the beach, in the backyard or in a vacant lot and be happy to find jewelry, coins and other objects that are concealed beneath the earth’s surface.

The versions available in the market no longer come with earphones but will just use sound to alert the uses that some form of metal is detected under the ground. When this happens, all the person has to do is put the device down and start digging to see what fortune awaits the treasure hunter.

Metal detectors have come a long way from their initial purpose of detecting minerals such as ore and gold. The applications today are for military and civilian use, which will continue to exist until better machines are made to replace them.

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