How to Select an Underground Metal Detector
Metal detectors are electronic devices that employ coils of wire coiled together into search coils to locate objects buried underground. When electrically conducting metal objects come close, the search coil emits an alternating magnetic field which causes electrically conducting metal to produce an electromagnetic signal that emits an eddy current that induces an electromagnetic pulse from within that object, triggering electromagnetic pulses which cause an emission from it that are picked up by another search coil on the detector acting as magnetometers.
Electromagnetic signals generated by metal objects cause an electrical current in a detector's circuitry that is read by a computer, and then analyzed into audio or visual displays that alert users of their presence.
Working frequencies of metal detectors are measured in KiloHertz (kHz). Higher frequencies emit fewer electromagnetic (EM) waves per second but penetrate deeper, selecting for highly conductive metals like silver and copper more reliably than their lower frequency counterparts; conversely, lower frequencies tend to be cheaper and easier on equipment while not picking up as many targets with their electromagnetic waves.
The best metal detectors offer customizable settings that enable the user to professional metal detector tailor its performance for different soil types, target types, and metal detector mini experience levels - this feature is known as discrimination; for instance, metal objects may be separated based on how well they conduct electricity or magnetic force relative to other metals like iron.
Another key consideration when purchasing a metal detector is your chosen location for searching. Eleanor Hube of Cape Cod best rated metal detectors for gold Metal Detectors in Massachusetts notes that saltwater may interfere with detectors. She advises investing in models designed specifically to withstand this environment.
Minelab Vanquish 440, one of the best-selling models, features multifrequency best metal detector technology and can reach nine inches underwater with its search coil. Kropiwiec has been metal detecting since age 14, and recommends this detector as an affordable yet sophisticated choice for beginners.
As well as their commercial and military applications, metal detectors have numerous other applications beyond commercial and military purposes. Archaeology relies on them for finding artifacts buried underground; engineers use them to survey underground utilities and infrastructure; geologists map the subsurface using this technology; the global market for digital underground metal detectors is projected to experience compound annual compound annual compound growth of 11.1% from 2020-2024 due to top rated metal detectors strong demand from pharmaceutical, mining & plastic, food industries. Furthermore, rising demand in emerging economies will further drive this market growth.