How to Test a Metal Detector Coil ?
When purchasing a new metal detector, people often overlook the coil. They are preoccupied with the control box, the choices it provides, and how user-friendly the interface is.
But today we will discuss how to test a metal detector coil so that you know the metal detector you are buying is suitable for the task you are purchasing it for.
Even though this is an important part of the device, you must realize that the metal detector coil is probably the most crucial component. Before you try adjusting the settings, make sure the coil is working properly.
Many people ask how to test a metal detector coil right after purchasing the device. To help with this, we use various testing methods. Metal detectorists often use a major test to check if the coil is working properly.
Detectorists check the coil’s functionality to understand the device’s capabilities. These tests actually let you know whether you have made a wise investment or not.
What is a Metal Detector Coil?
The hardware at the end of your metal detector is known as a search coil or metal detector coil. To find metals buried beneath the surface of the earth, you sweep the metal detector along the ground using this component.
Since it finds metals and hidden valuables, the coil is perhaps the most important component of your metal detector. Metal detectors work by sending an electromagnetic field into the ground from the search coil.
Any metal objects near the field will get charged and create their own electrical field. When the retransmitted field enters the search coil of the detector, a target response is generated, alerting the user.
Objects That Can Be Used for Testing the Search Coil
Before initiating any test, the treasure hunter must be aware of the objects that can be used to test the metal detector coil.
Various metallic items with different sizes, thicknesses, and densities can be used. However, it is preferable to test with an object that has a bigger size than the coil itself, such as rings, earrings, nails, and:
- Ring
- Bangles
- Silver plates
- Coins
- Nails
Metal Detector Coils Explained for a deeper understanding of these essential components and how to test them effectively.”
Objects That Can Be Used for Testing the Search Coil
Before initiating any test, the treasure hunter must be aware of the objects that can be used to test the metal detector coil. Various metallic items with different sizes, thicknesses, and densities can be used. However, it is preferable to test with an object that has a bigger size than the coil itself, such as rings, earrings, nails, and:
- Ring
- Bangles
- Silver plates
- Coins
- Nails
Metal Detector Coils Explained for a deeper understanding of these essential components and how to test them effectively.”
How to Test A Metal Detector Coil?
For locating various metal types and depths, coils are available in a range of sizes. Read over the device’s specs and make a note of all its features before beginning the test.
Once you’ve created the list, try each of these procedures on it. The eleven different tests you should perform to see if your metal detector is functioning efficiently are listed below:
Air Test :
To test the metal detector, put it flat on a table. Then, put a ruler next to its coil. This will help you see how deep it can sense an object from a certain distance. Turn the device on, and leave the default settings as it is without any modification.
Move the selected metallic object in front of the coil. Depending on the object, a properly functioning device should produce either a loud or weak signal.
Gradually increase the distance until the device stops beeping. Note the distance to estimate the depth the device can detect metal. Repeat this test with different-sized objects to check the device’s maximum potential.
Ground Test:
Bury a metallic object in soil or ground, ensuring it is free of trash and other metals. Use your metal detector to find these objects at various depths and record the different types of beeps it produces for each one.
You can alter the size and depth of the objects to understand how the metal detector responds to similar metals in typical soil.
High Mineralized Test:
Determine whether the metal detector functions well in highly mineralized soils. Check the soil’s mineral composition using a magnet.
If the magnet pulls in more dirt, it shows there are small metal particles or minerals. Repeat the ground test procedures by placing metals of various sizes at various depths and using a metal detector to locate them.
Learn in depth – What is ground balance on a metal detector? This question often arises among those new to metal detecting.
Beach Test:
Even though it is similar to the ground test, conducting it, is essential because beach sand differs from typical soil.
Beach sand is highly mineralized, contains a high concentration of metal particles, and includes a lot of quartz. Therefore, it’s likely that the metal detector you purchased won’t work well at beaches.
Discrimination Test:
This is one of the most crucial features of a metal detector. Before using your metal detector, check its specifications. If discrimination is mentioned, conduct this test right after air testing. Verify that it can distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
First, test iron-containing metals. Then, adjust the device’s settings to block iron signals during detection. Wave a few iron nails in front of the coil, and it should remain silent.
If it beeps, the test is invalid because iron was intended to be ignored after the function was applied. Check for additional metals independently in a similar manner.
Discrimination in High Mineralized Soil:
After air testing discrimination, test the device on the actual ground. Select highly mineralized soil and configure the detector to ignore a certain metal signal. Attempt to locate them underground to determine the accuracy of mineralized ground discrimination.
Stability Test:
Continuous beeping from the metal detector indicates instability. Verify the device’s stability on various soil types.
You may need to pump the coil multiple times above the ground to stabilize it. A fully functioning metal detector should stop beeping routinely.
Electrical Usage Test for Indoors:
There are circumstances where you might use your device indoors or near electrical devices. It is crucial to test it indoors to determine if it functions there. If it becomes noisy indoors, it may not be capable of detecting metal.
This test can show you how your detector reacts to electric wires. It also helps you know the right distance to keep between the wires and detectors to avoid electrical problems.
Follow these metal detector false tone settings to avoid them as much as possible.
Waterproof Test:
Never submerge a metal detector in water unless directed by the manufacturer. Verify if the equipment is indeed waterproof if claimed.
Once confirmed, test it by submerging a portion of the coil in water and using the metal detector to detect an object submerged up to 50% of its length.
If the detector is not waterproof, the coil housing may absorb water, causing serious damage to the instrument.
Multi-frequency Testing:
Some metal detectors may have more than one frequency. If your detector has two, four, or more frequencies, test it on various metallic items at each frequency.
Conduct either a ground test or an air test to determine the depth of detection for each frequency.
Battery Test:
Metal detectors can use rechargeable or disposable batteries. If you have disposable batteries, replace them with a different set to check if the device still functions properly.
If using rechargeable batteries, use them until they need recharging, record the duration, recharge, and test again.
If your metal detector has multiple coils, use each one to test the battery and determine its lifespan for coils of various sizes. This makes sure everything works and prevents battery problems when you go on treasure hunts.
Conclusion
Hopefully, Now you know how to test a metal detector coil. Ensuring the coil functions properly is crucial for successful metal hunting. Imagine spending an entire day searching for treasure, only to come up empty-handed due to a malfunctioning coil.Â
The coil test is important, as you can only test the depth the detector will provide if you do the coil test. Keep in mind that the coils often do not provide as much depth as the manufacturers advertise.
The coil is one of the essential parts of a metal detector, and without it, the detector cannot detect anything. The right approach to using a metal detector is to test its coil first.
Checking the working and capabilities of a coil before going for metal hunting can prove to be an amazing experience.