How To Use A Metal Detector
Whenever you buy a device for a particular user, you have to learn to optimize it. There are wide varieties available in the market with the same features, but their way of operation may differ from one another.
It is essential to know how to use a metal detector, as every metal detector is designed for a particular use.
These devices are a bit expensive, so their desired outcomes are only possible if the user knows how to handle the machine.
We design their specifications for specific areas. We can only evaluate their performance after achieving the best results.
If you are new to this hobby and looking forward to buying a detector we would recommend you buy the best metal detector for beginners.
A beginner-level device will help you to understand this hobby much better. Once you understand the dynamics of metal detention you can upgrade your detector with an advanced one.
How To Use A Metal Detector – Follow the Steps
Here are the important steps to give you an idea of how to start the device and perform its functions.
Check Exterior
It is essential to check the weight of the metal detector.
Check if the machine feels smooth and whether its cover is intact.
Ensure that the physical appearance is neat and undamaged.
Sometimes there is a possibility of any cable being damaged, which could result in the machine not working properly.
Double-check the connections of the metal detector while buying and ensure that no wires are lost or malfunctioning.
On the exterior of the device, it is important to ensure that it is crack-free and that no water or dust particles can enter the device.
Purchase protectors for the device to prevent any significant damage.
Turn On The Device
Before turning on the device, make sure it is fully charged. If it is fully charged, you can take it with you on your adventure visits.
Press the power button for a few seconds to start the device.
The device will not provide full backup if it is not fully charged.
Scroll Through Settings
After turning on the device and checking the digital displays, carefully review the settings.
If the device has no display screen, recheck the knobs for proper functionality.
Explore the menu to see the available options in the metal detector settings.
Read The User Manual
Refer to the user manual to understand the device’s functions and how they work.
User manuals give instructions on how to use the device right and get the results you want.
Manufacturers also suggest mean values for specific settings, such as sensitivity and gain.
Configure Settings
Based on the settings and optimal values you learned from the manual, configure the device accordingly.
Mostly, you will have options for sensitivity, gain, frequency, volume, LED light, and discrimination.
These settings may vary from device to device.
Experiment With Settings
In this step, you need to test the metal detector with some experiments. Place different-sized target objects like rings, watches, mobiles, and coins.
Test the device according to the size of the objects, such as 2 inches, 4 inches, or 8 inches, to understand its performance and obtain results.
Swing the target object in front of the coil to produce sound and observe how it performs with the adjusted settings.
To get accurate results, perform these swing actions often and adjust the settings accordingly.
You can also note down the values to facilitate data analysis later.
Metal detector sensitivity settings are one of the most important factors in detection, so learn about them along with other settings.
Identify Tones
After testing different target objects, you can set specific sounds for particular metals.
Test all metals like iron, steel, copper, gold, silver, etc., to adjust the tones for each metal.
When you go to the fields, these sound settings help you identify the type of metal present underground before digging.
In addition to learning detector tones, it is important to understand metal detector false tone settings, as they can cause a lot of confusion while hunting.
Start Digging
When you take the metal detector to the field, the audio tones give you an idea of the type of metal present in the area.
Initially, you need to dig for all objects identified by the device. This is important to determine their value.
As you gain experience, you’ll recognize the different sounds metals make and know which ones to avoid.
Analyze Finds
After digging and finding an object, observe its tones to determine whether you should take further action or ignore it.
Carefully analyze the finds and preserve them to maintain any historical value they might possess.
Store the finds in their original form to facilitate evaluation by archaeologists.
Scan Again
Scan an area again with different settings to find valuable items missed previously.
If you are using a multi-frequency device, you may discover objects that were missed with previous settings.
Scanning the same area helps improve the metal detector’s performance.
If you are digging in your backyard, you can dig a little, then swing the device again to increase the detection depth potential.
For example, if the device’s potential is 2 feet and you didn’t get results, try digging an additional 2 feet. After detection, you can maximize the depth potential to 4 feet.
Conclusion
Metal detectors vary from one another. Each metal detector has its settings and way of functioning. It is important for users to carefully read the manuals and instructions provided by the manufacturers.
They provide proper guidance on how to hold and handle the device when working in the field. Numerous tutorials are also available on the internet to gain further insights about how to use a metal detector.