Metal Detectors False Tone Settings
Beginner detectorists often have high hopes when they use a metal detector for the first time. They expect to swing the detector over the ground and find their first gold artifact when they get a signal.
However, unfortunately, that is not always the case. What they may encounter instead is a false tone, which is not indicative of an actual target. You can usually recognize a false tone if it is distorted or unclear.
A metal detector often gives false tones depending upon the soil conditions(mineralization). False tones occur when you receive a signal, but there is nothing when you dig.
This happens because the signal is not from metal, but from soil with minerals or other factors. In this article, we will talk about metal detectors’ false tone settings and how to avoid them.
How to avoid false tones on metal detectors. This will help you save time when digging.
Reasons Behind Metal Detector False Tones
- Soil mineralization
If the soil has high mineral contents present in it, it will distort while searching in such conditions. Metal detectors send out energy that reacts with minerals in the soil, making it harder to search.
As a result, the detector will get a weak or distorted false tone due to those minerals. If your device makes such noises very frequently then it is called a stability issue.
Where the device is unable to perform its function properly in this case you have to take some measures to avoid such instability.
- Weak Metal Detector Technology
Sometimes a device doesn’t rely on advanced technology. It might have limited hardware or unreliable software.
As a result, the metal detector can’t detect ground conditions accurately and produces false tones. Other reasons for giving off false tones could be that the device is not upgraded or not based on the latest technology.
To avoid problems like false tones and other concerns, opt for top metal detectors or professional metal detectors when purchasing advanced gadgets.
- Electromagnetic Interference
If there are wires and cables near the area you’re detecting, the metal detector won’t work well. It gets unstable and gives false tones because of the current in the wires.
So if you want to scan such an area then wait for a power outage and then detect it. When electricity passes through wires, it creates electromagnetic interference, which disrupts metal detectors.
- Oxidation
Some underground elements are stable, but when they react with oxygen, they create interference. This interference includes ferrous oxide and magnesium oxide. When these minerals rust, they mess with the metal detector’s magnetic field and make it glitch.
- Inappropriate Swinging Technique
If you are not moving your metal detector properly over the ground. Sometimes, when using the detector, objects like rings or phones in your pocket can cause false tones.
These are the consequences of incorrect swinging techniques. To avoid the interaction between the detector’s field and the control box keep the device at a 45-degree angle.
Sometimes, when a metal detector’s coil touches the ground or grass, moisture or dew can enter the coil. This can cause false beeping sounds.
- Cable Connection Issues
The cable which connects the coil with the control unit may be broken or is not fixed properly in the slot, and will give a false tone. It’s basic troubleshooting that can be easily fixed and false tones can be avoided.
- Another Metal Detector Nearby
If another metal detector is being used nearby then its field is going to react with your metal detector. This will create distortion and your detector will give false tones.
A simple way to avoid this interference is to change the frequency of your metal detector. You can use this option when using two devices at the same time.
By changing the frequency channel of your device, you can prevent false signal tones and keep your device stable.
- High Sensitivity
If you have set your device’s sensitivity at a high level it will make your device unstable. Your detector can detect deep ground, but even slightly mineralized soil will interfere with the signals. So keep a check on the sensitivity of your device.
Indicator of Metal Detector of False Tone
- Distorted Audio Signal
A signal is not very clear if it is a false tone otherwise the signal upon detecting a metal object is very clear and loud. In case of a false tone, the sound will be broken or the tone will be very low which indicates a false tone.
- No Target ID on The Screen
When you detect any object underground, your metal detector will display a specific ID of the identified metal ranging from 0 to 99 or 0 to 10. If the device is giving a false signal, the detector’s display will not show any ID. Instead, it will display a few lines indicating a false tone that can be ignored.
- Unnecessary Threshold Noises
Sometimes without any apparent reason, you may hear threshold noises without even moving the metal detector. This shows that your environment is not good for metal detectors. There might be electromagnetic interference from electric wires.
Metal Detector False Tone Settings You Should Try
- Ground Balance
The first thing that you need to do is to try multiple ground balance options. For that, you need to ground balance in multiple places.
Stand still and balance your device on one spot. Press the ground balance button. Take ten steps forward. Repeat this process to analyze the ground conditions.
To accurately read the ground and reduce false tones, your machine needs to balance itself in multiple locations. To learn in-depth read – What is ground balance on a metal detector?
- Decrease Sensitivity or Gain
Sometimes you may have set the sensitivity so high, that is not suitable for that ground type. If your device is giving a false tone repeatedly then try to reduce the sensitivity or gain to the point where your device becomes silent. That is the optimum sensitivity level for your ground.
- Lower The Frequency
If your device is multi-frequency, then you may select the lower frequency level, if it is noisy on a high-frequency level. This will help in minimizing the false tones of your device.
Conclusion – Metal Detectors False Tone Settings
If your metal detector keeps making extra sounds, you can try these options to fix it. False tones occur when there is no target object. This can occur due to soil with lots of minerals, outdated metal detector technology, rust, improper swinging, or high sensitivity.
We hope these troubleshooting solutions will minimize false tones. Which will result in improving your metal-detecting experience.
