Now that you have read Why you Want a Metal Detector For, it is time for you to learn the basics. Metal detectors come in various sizes and shapes and most of the time what you pay is what you get.
Metal detectors can only pick up objects within a limited depth. The common depth for a metal detector is approximately 30 centimeters. Which can vary greatly depending on numerous factors:
A) The metal detector’s capacity.
B) The soil.
C) The object’s Halo (some old objects tend to pass conductivity to the ground next to it, making it easier to detect).
D) Size of Object.
E) Type of Material.
A good metal detector in good conditions might find objects buried up to a meter deep. Fortunately, most buried objects are just 20-50 centimeters deep (depending on the soil) which leaves us with many possibilities to find new treasures.
There are currently three main metal-detection technologies:
- Beat-frequency oscillation (BFO)
- Very low frequency (VLF)
- Pulse induction (PI)
It is out of the scope of this article to go deeper into details about these technologies, but nevertheless; VLF is the most widely used of them all. Additionally, each technology has its benefits; but VLF tends to be better and less expensive. For more information about this, refer to my other articles.
The technology used for metal detection matters very little as they all have an unique purpose – to find what is hidden underneath the ground. Newer metal detectors have very advanced software incorporated in them which allow the user to change the “minimum object” to simply ignore small coins or other very small objects.
Treasure hunting itself has been a practice going on for thousands of years. It is in our advantage that we have some very good technology to help us find them easier and faster – Metal Detectors.