What Does Disc Mean On A Metal Detector?

Metal detectors are devices that find coins, relics, gold, and other metals. These devices can be used anywhere, such as in backyards, forests, beaches, lakes, etc., as they are versatile devices that are easy to use depending on the model.

While metal detectors have many features that can be a bit intimidating for beginners, I aim to help you understand these features so that you can make the most of your metal detector.

Metal detectors have multiple features and functions, including a discrimination feature. Now, the point of discussion is what does “disc” mean on a metal detector?

The feature of a metal detector called a “disc” helps it tell the difference between different types of metals. In this article, we will talk about this feature in detail.

Find out the most important yet basic 5 functions of a metal detector every detector must have.

Let’s Discuss In Detail – What Does Disc Mean On A Metal Detector?

How Can Discrimination Be Achieved?

Discrimination can occur in several different forms, as follows:

Tone Variation

The device detects different materials and changes tone to show discrimination. The device makes a loud sound when it detects metal and a quiet sound for non-metal. So, this is discrimination in terms of tone variations.

Turning Off Specific Metals

Another form of discrimination is turning off the detection of certain specific metals. If you don’t want to detect aluminum or iron, swing those metals in front of the detector. Then, using the settings, block or turn off their detection.

Notch Filter

An advanced form of discrimination in metal detectors is the notch filter. The notch filter works by blocking the target ID.

The ID is achieved when the metal to be blocked is swung in front of the detector, and the device displays the ID of the targeted material.

Then, you can note that ID and, through settings, block that particular ID, and the metal detector will stop detecting that specific metal.

Importance Of Discrimination

The discrimination feature in a metal detector is important. It helps the operator work easily and comfortably. Unwanted metals are not detected by the detector, so no extra sounds can irritate or distract the user.

Similarly, the device does not waste time detecting unwanted items, allowing the user to focus on their target. The discrimination feature in a metal detector is important. It saves time and energy and allows focused detection.

Uses Of Discrimination Feature

Here are a few uses of the disc feature in metal detectors:

In Trashy Areas

In areas with a lot of trash, discrimination is useful. It helps the detector find specific materials, like aluminum foil. The disc feature lets the user block detection of those materials and focus on finding important items.

Areas With Construction Leftovers

The disc feature is useful when the detectorist is working in an area with construction debris. The device often detects nails, wires, and other materials, which can make the process noisy. So, the disc feature helps the operator avoid such situations.

Another important feature of the detector is ground balance, so learn in depth about What is Ground Balance on a Metal Detector.

How To Use The Disc Feature?

Another point to consider is how to use the disc feature. To enable the disc feature on your device, you can either swing your detector above the item to be filtered or swing the item through the detector. The main aim is to get and note the ID of the target to be filtered.

Afterward, you can block or filter that particular ID through the settings, and the device will not detect that item again. You can also use the metal detector’s discrimination feature to block specific items.

When To Use The Disc Feature?

Once you learn how to use the disc feature, the next question is when and where to use this feature. Operators can use discrimination features to filter or block unwanted items. Metal detectors can detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

To avoid wasting time, turn on the disc feature in trashy areas where the device finds unwanted items often. You can also use it in places with construction debris.

The areas have a lot of metal items like nails, wires, and pipes. This can make the device not work as well. So, if the operator enables the disc feature, they can keep detecting with the same efficiency.

When Not To Use The Disc Feature?

While we have discussed when and in which situations to enable the disc feature, it’s important to know when not to use this feature.

It is often recommended to operate your device in all modes. This is because many items have IDs that are similar or close to each other. When the operator uses the discrimination feature, they may miss the targeted item.

For instance, aluminum and silver have similar or close IDs, so filtering aluminum could cause you to miss silver as well. Therefore, it is suggested not to use this mode frequently.

Disc Feature In VLF Technology

Metal detectors that use VLF technology are commonly found in the market. They are used to detect coins, gold nuggets, relics, and more.

In best VLF metal detector disc feature accurately identifies different metals, including ferrous and non-ferrous ones. The disc feature in VLF metal detectors has a good notch filter that improves accuracy and ease of use.

Disc Feature In PI Technology

In PI technology-based metal detectors, this feature is available but not as active and accurate as in VLF technologies. However, the best pulse induction metal detector offers greater depth compared to VLF technology.

This is because PI is an advanced technology, but it does not provide efficient results in terms of the disc feature. PI technology lacks the advanced notch filter found in VLF technology.

Conclusion

Hopefully, after reading this blog, you have a clear idea about what does disc mean on a metal detector. Metal detectors are advanced tools that find and sort objects using features like discrimination. This helps users save time and energy. It works well in trashy areas and places with construction debris.

Discrimination mode is revolutionary in the field of metal detectors because it can potentially save treasure hunters a lot of time and effort by not detecting trash that lies underground.

Now that’s it for today’s guide, I hope the information i shared today will be valuable to you and will help you in your metal detecting journey.

For more information about treasure hunting using metal detectors be sure to check out my other guides.

Good Luck!