What is a ground balance on a metal detector?

Metal detecting has taught me many things on my own. Whenever I encountered something unusual in the device or with the detection, I used to spend hours searching for solutions.

When I was new to metal detecting, I noticed some obstacles in the ground that disrupted my detection.

Now that I am familiar with the issue, I am often asked, “What is a ground balance on a metal detector?” Well, you may have seen that option on your device as well, and if you are still unaware of it, then you have come to the right place.

Based on my research and experience, I have compiled this article to help all those who are stressed about it. 

What is ground balance and how does it work?

Ground balance is a setting on a metal detecting device that allows the device to disregard unwanted objects caused by ground mineralization and stay focused on target objects.

Sometimes, when the device produces unwanted noises, it is an indication that the device is unstable and other items are interfering with a specific target location.

Ground balance is a setting that enhances the depth potential of metal detectors. For example, when detecting wet beach sand, there might be salt present that could produce a similar response to the target. The ground balance will ignore those salts and lead you directly to the target object.

Why is it important to know about ground balance?

Ground balance optimizes the performance of the device, enabling it to stay focused on the targets.

• It maximizes your findings as you don’t have to worry about false alarms.
• It saves time that could be wasted on unwanted ground minerals.
• It helps you become familiar with every type of soil and explore multiple ground conditions.

Types of ground balance

Manual Ground Balance

Manual ground balance is the most common type available on every metal-detecting device. It allows the user to adjust the ground balance setting on the device according to their target and ground mineralization.

This setting is manually adjusted by the user on the device and will not change until the user resets it. The device has buttons that the user can choose based on their needs.

Automatic Ground Balance

This type of ground balance is adjusted by the detector itself to keep the device stable. In automatic ground balance, a microprocessor is used by the device to continuously analyze the mineralization or conductivity of the soil.

This is an ideal type, especially for beginners who are still learning about ground balance. It is very fast and automatically adjusts to changes in the soil compared to manual ground balance.

Tracking Ground Balance

When detecting in tracking ground balance, the metal detectors constantly regulate the setting. This ensures that the setting is correct for the target objects.

This setting is adjusted according to the soil conditions, which ensures that your device is set to the appropriate settings for the ground you are working on.

As you move the detector repeatedly, it may take longer to find the target compared to other settings.

Along with setting ground balance Metal detector sensitivity settings also play an important role.

Which is the suitable type of ground balance?

It depends on the user. If you are just starting with metal detecting, then automatic ground balance is the appropriate type for you as it does not require adjustments.

It will modify the settings according to the soil you are working on automatically, without you having to do the technical work.

On the other hand, manual ground balance is the more advanced type that could be used by professionals.

It requires a lot of adjustments that users have to make on the device, considering the soil condition, ground mineralization, and environmental factors.

To tackle mineralized soil there are the Best pulse induction metal detectors available in the market.

What happens when ground balance does not work?

When the metal detector device starts producing unwanted noises, it indicates the instability of the device, which is caused by other minerals interfering with the detection.

The device will not be able to focus on the target objects and examine the soil mineralization, resulting in the target objects not being found.

Metal detector false tone settings also help you a lot in highly mineralized ground conditions. 

How to set ground balance on the device?

The ground balance setting can be adjusted on the device by the user. Enable the “ground balance” option on the screen and press it until it starts, then pump the coil two to three times on the ground.

However, ground balance settings vary from device to device, so it is better to refer to the user manual before operating the settings.

Tips on ground balance

To ground balance your device use the metal-free ground. If there are metal beneath ground while applying ground balance settings, the device will perceive the metal as mineralized soil. Hence it will start ignoring these type of metals.

Use ground balance in multiple areas for better chances of finding objects.

Conclusion

Ground balance is a setting on a metal detecting device that enables the device to ignore the interference due to the soil’s mineralization and concentrate on the target items.

Ground balance can be manual, operated by the user; automatic, adjusted by the detector itself; and tracking, which continuously adjusts to changes while detecting on the ground.

This setting is a great time saver and eliminates all the false objects that can distract the detection. It provides a peaceful way of detecting on the ground with mineralization.