Articles brought to you by Best Metal Detectors
Metal detecting has become a popular hobby and there are a wide range of metal detectors to choose from at prices ranging from less than $100 to more than $1000. Before you buy one there are some things to consider if you are going to get the most out of your new hobby and not give up in frustration when you fail to achieve the successful treasure hunting that you are aiming for.
All the different makes of metal detector have common components and parts. These include a stabiliser to keep the machine steady as you sweep it from side to side, a control box housing the circuits, batteries, speaker, controls and microprocessor, the shaft which connects the box to the coil and the coil which detects the target.
Metal detectors use electromagnetic induction. An electromagnetic field is produced by the coil when current is passed through it. If a metal object is present the field is distorted and electrical currents are induced in the metal object. These currents, called eddy currents then produce a magnetic field with a current opposite to that in the coil. This then produces a signal that indicates that a metal object is present.
Type of treasure hunting - There are many things people may be hunting for including gold, coins, jewelry, relic etc. Different metal detectors have features to make them more suitable to one type of detecting than another. For instance metal detectors may be sold specifically for gold hunting or coin shooting although most people start with a general purpose metal detector.
Location of treasure hunting - Will you be hunting on beaches, in the surf or on gravel or other soil. For sandy beaches a metal detector needs to have good ground balancing, for surf or underwater the detector must, of course, be waterproof.
Your Experience - For novices a general purpose metal detector with not too many features is the easiest to learn. More experience hunters may like to purchase a more expensive detector with a wide range of features that may take more getting used to but produce better results in the long run. There are also cheap junior metal detectors available that are easy to use.
Weight - Metal detectors come in various weights and a lighter model may be more suitable for children or those who may find swaying a heavy detector for hours tiring.
The price - in general the more features you opt for the heavier the price tag. A detector with more features will also take more time to learn to use correctly. If you want a quick start and a fun hobby for a few hours opt for a cheaper model with less features. If you are prepared to put in the time required to thoroughly learn how to use all the features and are prepared to pay the higher cost go for a more sophisticated model.
Image by j whiteman
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.