Once you have identified and defined your intentional use, you can start
deciding on which metal detector will right for you. If you desire to use you
metal detector in several environments, that's great, then you know you want a
versatile metal detector. After you have decided on the terrain, then the next
step is to compare features and functions:
Depth:
The factors mentioned above will affect the detectable depth. Some metal
detectors have been built to sense deeper beneath the ground. A few metal
detectors permit you the feature of adjusting or maximizing your search depth,
it then displays the depth of the item it items found. If this option is
significant to you, then you need to look at and research metal detectors wit
this feature.
Alerts:
The audio, visual, and tactile alerts, inform you when the metal detector has
picked up a signal from a metal object. Simple metal detectors give off the same
beep or audio signal no matter which metal has been sensed. Better quality metal
detectors give off distinctive beeps and audio signals depending on the type of
metal it has sensed. The top quality metal detectors will give off a higher
pitch, the closer you get to the target. Some of these models even have a
vibrate mode that you can set.
Ground Balance:
A majority of the metal detectors today will have different options and degrees
of sophistication which will permit you to adjust your metal detector for the
mineral compounds found in the soil. This will eliminate the metal detector
giving false alerts. With the simplest unit, you manually adjust the ground
balance. The more sophisticated units use microprocessors, which cancel the
ground minerals, then automatically track the changing conditions.
Detection Mode:
Countless metal detectors let you adjust the settings to be more specific for
the metal you are searching. There are four common detection modes: coin, for
searching for coins and jewelry; relic, which would include buttons, buckles,
bullets, etc; and prospecting, which obviously is for gold. Some metal detectors
will concentrate on one or two of these modes, while others are set for only one
mode or all modes at once. Having the ability to set your metal detector for a
particular mode reduces the amount of false alerts.
Sensitivity:
You can adjust many metal detectors to be more or less sensitive to ground
minerals, or other things depending on the terrain in which you're searching.
Having the ability to adjust your sensitivity reduces the amount of false
alerts.
Display:
The display of the metal detector will depend on its brand and model. Remember,
the less sophisticated units will not display all the information, where as the
more sophisticated units will display the most information. This is simply
because it has the ability to capture more.
Battery Life:
'AA' batteries are used by most metal detectors. They give approximately 20-30
hours of operation. If battery life is an issue, then look for a metal detector,
which meets your requirements.
Size and weight:
Depending on the brand and model, the weight of metal detectors can vary up to a
few pounds. This will make a huge difference when you are on a long detecting
sessions.
Other:
There are so many more features available for metal detectors it would take
another site to explain them all. Some of these features are patented by
specific manufacturers, while other features are available on several brands and
models. When you do your online research, you will discover the metal detector,
which is right for you. To do this, you simply have to decide on what features
you want, and which ones are not worth paying for.
Here are a few other features:
Portable rod- the rod can be broken down for easy transport.
Waterproof and water resistant units and yes, this includes the control box. If
you're considering searching lakes, streams, shorelines, or swamps then this is
a feature you may want to consider.
Salt and freshwater versatility- this feature permits you to go from salt to
freshwater.
Enhanced sensitivity to gold- you may want to consider this, if you are
interested in prospecting.
Iron target analyzer, this will determines the probability of the object being
made of iron.
Detachable control box with hip or chest mount available ? this feature give
your arms a rest. |
