Fine-Tuning For Metal Detector 2022

Knowing the best metal detecting tips to fine-tune your detector is key for optimal performance.When it comes to getting the most out of metal detecting, the first decision you need to make is what type of metal detector to buy. Metal detectors use two different types of frequencies: Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Pulse Induction (PI).

Very Low Frequency (VLF) this type of metal detector uses two coils. One sends and the other receives to detect targets in the ground. The sender coil creates a magnetic field that reacts to metal objects and a current is formed when a target is found. The receiver coil takes the signal and amplifies it to be heard through a speaker or headphones. Many detectors can even translate the signal into a number based on how strong the magnetic current is.

Metal detectors that use VLF technology can give information back on targets. The control box is where the magic happens with this type of detector. It interprets the signal and turns it into simple visual and audio cues. Depending on how much work goes into the interface and controls, you can ignore targets you don’t want to dig , see about how deep a target is and change the sensitivity

Pulse Induction (PI) While the previous types of metal detector technologies used two coils working together, PI can use one or more coils in a much different way. The coil sends out bursts of electronic currents that bounce back when it hits a metal object.  There is no way to tell the difference between targets — just that there is one.The greatest advantage of PI frequency detectors is that they search much deeper than the VLF.

It will give you the best results if you plan on searching for very deep targets. Many beach and underwater detectors use PI as well. It is very stable and reliable at finding targets even in the salt found in beach water and sand.

There are many metal detectors on the market for a wide range of needs and experience levels. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or choose one that does more than you need it to. Finding the detector that fits your needs boils down to choosing the features you need.

Getting Extra Depth with Your Metal Detector , now that we’ve covered the basics of metal detector frequencies, let’s look at some practical metal detecting tips you can follow to get extra depth. This can help you find older relics as well as targets that other detectorists may have missed. Practice these tricks in your test garden and get comfortable with them before going out into the field.

Increasing sensitivity will definitely help you detect at greater depths – under the right circumstances. The thing with sensitivity is that it’s a double-edged sword. It can actually reduce your target identification capability if you run it too high. Doing so may drive you nuts with alerts in heavy iron or very trashy spots.

Swing your detector’s coil as close to the ground as you can to increase the depth at which you’re detecting. This may seem like a rather obvious tip, but you would be surprised how many detectorists lose sight of how high their coils are when they are paying more attention to their swinging motion.

It’s important that you read and know your detector’s instruction manual thoroughly. Your detector may have particular settings that will allow you to find deep targets.

The readings your detector emits may be different depending on how quickly you are swinging it. For example, some detectors get a much clearer reading on deep targets when it is swung moderately fast, rather than a slow swing. This is one of the reasons that practicing in a test garden is so helpful – you can experiment with different speeds to see how your machine responds.

If you are not using headphones with your detector, then you are almost certainly missing some deep targets. You are likely distracted by outside noise and don’t hear quick or faint alerts.

Additionally, when you’re hunting a site where you suspect there are deeply buried items, try covering upyour detector’s display and going by sound only. Sometimes, deep targets will signal with only very subtle changes in the audio. Not seeing your display will force you to listen more carefully to the sounds coming from your detector. This is another reason that you need to wear a good set of headphones when you are trying to locate deeply buried targets.

In the above section, we looked at some simple steps detectorists of all levels can take to get deeper readings. But what if the soil itself is preventing your metal detector from accurately taking deep readings?

Soils in different areas contain varying levels of metallic minerals which can affect detection depth. That means that you could be missing valuable finds if you don’t know the composition of the ground that you are searching. One way to minimize the effects that ground minerals cause is by using ground balancing as it allows your detector to limit signals from ground minerals.

Ground balance is important because concentrated ground mineralization may cause signals that tell you there is a target when there really isn’t. The feedback from mineralization can also hide good targets and negatively affect depth detection. A ground balance setting on your detector will help minimize the loss of depth and the false signals.

Ground balance is a variable setting that increases your machine’s detection depth in mineralized soil. The soil may contain fine iron particles in areas with red earth or salts found in beach sand. These types of minerals cause your detector to react as if it found a target. That means that the effect of mineralization can mask smaller items. When the ground balance is corrected, it removes the responding mineralization signals so that you can hear target signals clearly.

Most “starter” metal detectors (ones that have fewer adjustable settings and are aimed at novices) have a ground balance setting that is set at the factory and cannot be adjusted by the user. These are good starter machines and they will do well in mild soils, but they will likely struggle in soils that have higher levels of mineralization.

A detector that has manual ground balance will have buttons or knobs that allow you to lower or raise the ground balance based on the type of soil you are searching. Once you set the ground balance, it will not change until you adjust it again. Having the ability to tweak the ground balance and operate it a little higher or a little lower can be beneficial sometimes. A detector that offers you the option to switch between manual and automatic ground balance is really the way to go.

It is worth doing research to see what kind of metal detector is best for the area and type of targets you plan on hunting. Metal detecting forums, Facebook groups, and metal detecting clubs are all great places to start and offer many of their own metal detecting tips. They can tell you if you should be looking at a specialized detector for the beach or gold fields, or if an all-purpose detector would be better.

Keep in mind that ground mineralization can be inconsistent. In some areas, you may find a dramatic difference in the ground mineralization within just a couple of feet. You may find yourself having to adjust the ground balance setting often in order to not lose any depth while hunting.

It doesn’t take much to get the most out of your metal detector if you follow these metal detecting tips. Both beginner and experienced detectorists will benefit from choosing the right kind of metal detector frequency, as well as using some simple tricks to get the most depth possible. Those dealing with heavy mineralization will benefit from adjusting their ground balance configurations. Following these steps will ensure many successful hunts for years to come.