Metal detecting is much loved and appreciated worldwide as a
personal hobby pursuit, and the same technology is also used by security
services and armed forces. On a personal level, from young to old, there is
nothing more exciting than listening intently to the detectors
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All this is based on the power of electromagnetism. it has
been said that electricity and magnetism are like an old married couple', where
ever you find one, the ether is certainly not too far away. Magnetism
ultimately helps create electricity and electricity helps create magnetism,
this is how closely they are linked. Electricity always comes from a powered
generator, regardless of the source of power, the generator is essentially a
large drum of copper wire, when this wire moved at high speed through a
magnetic field it creates electricity. The electricity motors we use every day
for example even the simple electric motors that power our household appliances
run on the reverse of the generator concept. When electricity is introduced
into the electric motor it changes the magnetic field in a coil of wire thus
making it spin. So, it really is a case of Yin and Yang.
You use electricity to create magnetism and magnetism to
create electricity. When you have a changing electric field you invariably have
a changing magnetic field, and this is how we can begin to understand how metal
detectors work.
So how does all this magnetism and electricity make a metal
detector work?
The basic design of a metal detector has a round transmitter
at the end of a handle. This transmitter has a wire coil inside it, and when
electricity enters this coil it creates its own magnetic field. As you move
this transmitter (we'll be recommending later in the article that you develop a
‘Low and Slow' sweeping movement) you'll also be moving the magnetic field. If
the transmitter moves over a metal object, the magnetic field from the
transmitter causes another magnetic field to appear around the metal. This is
the magnetic field that the detector picks up. The metal detector usually has a
second smaller coil in its head called a receiver coil that's connected to an
audio speaker. This is how it is possible to accurately hone in on the exact
location of the buried metal. The closer the transmitter coil or the head of
the detector comes to the piece of metal, the stronger the magnetic field
becomes and thus the stronger the magnetic field in the receiver coil the
louder the noise as more current flows in the loud speaker.
Now that we know the basic science behind the metal
detector, how do we get the best results from it First off, read the
instructions. Each and every metal detecting model has its own very specific
set of instructions and handling guidelines. It is very easy to rush into
things, just open the box and head out to your local park but please take the
time to know your settings as it will save you lots of time and frustration and
quickly make your metal detecting experience much more enjoyable and rewarding.
It's all in the hips! Low and Slow!
The way in which you swing your metal detector is just as
important as getting to know your instruments settings. A 'Low and Slow',
approach is universally recommended. It is very important to keep your detector
low to the ground without actually hitting it. The lower to the ground we hold
the transmitter head then the better chance we have of the magnetic field
penetrating and deeply as possible into the ground. As well as getting used to
a low sweeping left to right motion it is very important to do it slowly. if
you are moving the head too fast over objects you do not give the system time
to create enough of a magnetic disturbance, especially in smaller objects and
as a result you'll have covered ground and missed an opportunity for detecting
an object.
Many seasoned detectors will tell you that location is
everything in having enjoyable and rewarding time with your detector, so make a
plan and do some research! It’s very important to get into the mindset of...
where would items containing metal be lost. Get to know your local area and
think along the lines of where do people congregate whether it be picnic areas
or play grounds etc. it is always amazing how simple coins or pieces of jewelry
can inadvertently get lost where there is movement of people. It is very
important to know your local laws with regards to metal detecting and never
trespass on private property without consent from the owners. But looking up
old survey maps my give indication to the location of old houses, industrial
buildings or farm yard out houses. Sites like these can be a treasure trove of
old artifacts.
The one and everlasting favorites location for millions of enthusiasts is the beach. Considering the sheer volume of people who go to the beach in summer-time and more than likely change their clothing whilst there... well it's a near guarantee that you find some recent coins and jewelry to say the least. Not to mention the intoxicating allure of finding some pirate silver coins that may have been washed ashore from a sunken galleon many eons ago. Another surprising tip for the beach is to re scan holes you have dug. It has been recorded many times that the ocean can create pockets of items from its tidal action and items may actually be stacked in several layers. 80 it's very good practice to re-scan after your initial dig.
Finally, it always pays off in the long run to maintain and
clean your metal detector. Always clean if off with fresh water to avoid long
term soiling or possible rust corrosion from saint if you were using it at the
beach. Were necessary use a lubricant on those moving parts.
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