There are basically two different types of metal detectors: VLF (Very Low Frequency) detectors and pulse induction detectors.
Metal detectors are classified according to their function of how they detect the different elements:
Very low frequency (VLF) detectors.
Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors are the most common and affordable types of metal detectors.
A VLF detector has two coils: a transmitter coil that creates the magnetic field, and a detector coil that detects any disturbances in the field created by conductive materials.
In addition to being inexpensive and easy to set up, detectors (Vlf) are lightweight, making them durable.
This type of metal detector is generally used to find jewelry, jewelry, relics, and other metal objects.
Although there are waterproof VLF detectors on the market, pulse induction (PI) detectors are better for underwater metal detection.
Pulse induction (PI)
Unlike two-coil detector coils (VLF), pulse induction (PI) detectors have a single coil.
This coil travels through the magnetic field and detects conductive materials.
The single coil design of PI detectors is less affected by ground mineralization than VLF detectors, so it’s best to use PI detectors when searching on beaches, rivers, or underwater (if you have a waterproof detector ).
PI detectors are not the best metal detectors to use in cities because they cannot distinguish between ferrous scrap metal like nails and treasures like coins or gold.
Another disadvantage of PI detectors is that they are more expensive than VLF metal detectors. Beginner metal detectorists may not want to make such a substantial investment.
How to Choose a Metal Detector / PI vs VLF
So which machine do you think is better at finding GOLD !!!! Some say the Minelab Pulse Induction while others say the GOLD ...
Special metal detectors
Specialty metal detectors, such as multi-frequency detectors, gold detectors, and waterproof detectors, may be VLF or PI detectors, but they also have features that allow them to perform specialized tasks.
• Multi-frequency metal detectors are ideal for professionals or hobbyists who like to search for metal in a variety of locations. By changing the frequency settings, multi-frequency metal detectors can be used in the city, on the beach, in rivers or lakes, and even in the ocean without the need for a PI and VLF detector. The downside is that multi-frequency devices tend to be expensive.
• Metallum gold detectors, as the name suggests, are specifically designed to find gold. This type of detector can be VLF or PI but it has a wider frequency range than other detectors. This higher frequency will not alert detectors when they detect salts and other minerals normally found in pots of gold.
• Waterproof metal detectors range from metal detectors with waterproof coils for searching shallow water on a beach or river to fully submersible metal detectors with waterproof coils and sealed controls that can be used while diving. Make sure the product’s “water resistance” rating (for example, some devices can’t be submerged in water, while others can only be submerged to a certain depth) matches the waterproof rating you’re looking for.
What to consider when choosing a metal detector
Before choosing a metal detector, take a few minutes to think about ways to find hidden treasures and what useful features you should consider.
Light points or objective.
Before deciding on the right product, think about where you will use your iron detector and for what purposes you want it. If you live near an ocean, lake, or large river and want to explore the beach with your metal detector, you might want to invest in a product with a waterproof or even submersible coil.
Not a big deal if you’re heading out into the desert in search of a gold store. Instead, buy a metal detector with a reliable gold detector. For history buffs looking for new Civil War or other historically significant artifacts, VLF detectors are often a viable option because they can tell the difference between a rifle and a coin. However, some relic hunters prefer a PI detector because it detects the most common metal sightings in the field, allowing hunters to track all metal prizes.
Discrimination
Discrimination metal detectors are capable of separating different types of materials. As an example, a probe with good discrimination between coins and bottle caps.
Having a detector with excellent discrimination saves you a lot of time because you never stop drilling the target, you just get trash. However, the detector receives an alert only when it detects an object that meets the selected criteria. For expert iron relic hunters, discrimination is not necessary. They’d rather drop everything and report than a bunch of trash to decide what treasures are.
The balance of the earth
The soil contains only trace amounts of iron and iron alloys. Wherever you use a metal detector, these fingerprints can interfere with the metal detector’s ability to find coins, jewelry, etc. To rent iron. However, metal detectors with a feature called ground balance can ignore these metals, effectively reducing false positives. There are four levels of earth balance;
• Automatic ground leveling automatically diagnoses and regulates interference.
• The automatic leveling of pre-established land, discards the user for its configuration. the manufacturer tests and determines the diagnostic baseline, which allows the device to ignore minor interference below this threshold.
• The user can change the manual balance setting depending on the purpose you are looking for. Beginners who do not know how to properly set the ground level may have difficulty using the detector with this feature.
• Multi-level ground level allows the user to set the surface level manually or turn it on automatically.
identify target
Having a metal detector for the purpose of discrimination takes discrimination one step further. Instead of warning you about something worth looking for, this type of metal detector actually shows within acceptable limits what that item is. A metallurgist can usually distinguish between jewelry, scrap metal, gold, and even coins of different values.
When a metal detector detects a Target ID body, the device produces an audible sound or displays a visual alert. The sound of an insect is usually loud for valuables and quiet for trash. The object type symbol display is displayed. Most detectors have five or six indicator symbols for common finds, such as coins.
operating frequency
The operating frequency is the number of times the detector sends and receives the signal. Low frequency metal detectors can scan deeper into the ground, so they are very good at finding large buried objects. In general, most metals have low to mid frequency ranges.
If you are looking for gold or small items, you may want a device that works at a higher frequency. While these high-frequency metal detectors have a shallower penetration depth than low-frequency detectors, the high diffusion frequency allows these detectors to detect small objects that escape the low-frequency detector.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a metal detector refers to how well it can detect conductive materials from a distance. Most metal detectors are labeled with a recommended sensitivity level that is suitable for most applications. In some cases, the user may need to reduce the sensitivity level of the device for it to work effectively. It may be necessary to adjust the surface, for example, if the search area has a lot of minerals or is close to power lines.
On the other hand, if you notice that the device does not react properly to the presence of contaminated materials, you may need to increase the sensitivity level. Just be aware that if you set the scanner sensitivity too high for the program, you’ll probably get a lot of noise and static instead of clean read sounds. reducing the sensitivity solves the problem.
Search depth
The depth to which a metal detector can search for conductive materials is known as its search depth. The average search depth between products is very different, ranging from 2 inches to 15 inches. Low frequency sondes offer better maximum depth compared to high frequency sondes.
Please note that the depth of the search is not determined by the metal used. Your location, the type of soil you are working with, and interference above or below ground can reduce or improve the depth of your metal detector.
Weight
Weight is a factor that is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. You will carry a metal detector with you for a long time. Pick one that you don’t have to deal with so you can focus on your reading and findings.
If you buy a metal detector that you will share with others, think carefully about who you will share it with. Children need a metal chair that is not too heavy and preferably can be adjusted to a suitable height. Sharing a metal with another adult who is a different size or potency will also affect your choice.
People with back or shoulder problems should avoid heavy trackers that can aggravate their ailments.
Refer:
The beginners Guide To metal Detecting
Let’s Go Metal Detecting: Everything you need to know to get out in the field this weekend
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Metal Detector