There’s a lot more to using a detector than hovering it above the ground and hoping to unearth a valuable treasure.
To make treasure hunting successful, you need to understand your detector and learn how to use it in the right way.
Here you can find out about choosing modes, putting them together, configuring settings, understanding features, and much more.
So stick around until the end of this guide, and you will hopefully find some valuable information.
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How To Use a Metal Detector For Beginners?
Metal detecting is an uncommon hobby and when you’re just starting out it can be quite a challenge to work everything out.
Right off the bat, you will have to choose between a plethora of detectors with different features and prices.
Once you have chosen a prospecting device, you’ll then have to learn to configure the machine and pick a place you want to prospect.
We will go through more basic and advanced characteristics of detectors in this guide to make your prospecting experience easier.
Assembling the Metal Detector
Though every detector comes with a unique construction and design, the assembling process for most of them is pretty much the same.
Here’s how you can start the installation process of your detector:
Once you get your hands on the box, look for the instructional manual. Please read the instructions carefully and make sure you have all the components mentioned.
Remove all the components from the box to start assembling the device. You will find coil lugs at the back of the coil (usually the part that has a wire attached to it).
These accommodate the lower stem of the machine. To fasten the stem to the coil, there are holes for a bolt that latches the stem to the coil.
The wire coming out from the device has to be taped to the lower stem. Keep in mind that you have to do it in a way that the wire does not restrict coil movement.
One of the best ways to do this is, lay the coil flat while connected to the stem. Pull the wire against the stem and tape it to the part that comes in contact with the coil first.
Then wrap the rest of the coil wire around the stem.
Coming to the middle stem, most detector manufacturing companies incorporate the cam lock system on both sides.
By rotating the cam lock, you have to find the most secure hold on either end. The upper end of the middle stem usually connects to the control panel.
Once the control panel is assembled, plug the coil wire in the socket under it. Make sure that it is connected firmly enough so that it does not fall out.
A large majority of detectors run on batteries and have battery pods that house these batteries.
Based on the kind of model you purchase; your device might need rechargeable AA batteries or specialized battery packs manufactured by the company.
The upper stem has to be attached to the rest of the machine using the cam lock.
If you are going to purchase a high-end model, you might get the option of an adjustable armrest for added comfort.
After the assembly is complete, turn the device on and test it in your backyard. By doing so, you will be well prepared for hunting and avoid missing valuables.
Turn on the Detector
When you turn on a functioning detector for the first time, you get several icons and indications on the screen.
If you are not familiar with these icons, go back to the user manual and try memorizing their meaning.
If the detector belongs to the mid-level range, you might have to make some changes to the settings before heading out.
Metal detectors in this range come with a ground balance calibration feature. Based on the brand, you might get both automatic and manual options.
Ground balance is an essential function of any detector as it enables the machine to show accurate readings in mineral-rich or waste laden areas.
You will learn more about ground balance and its uses below.
Your device might be equipped with different modes that give it specific advantages during the hunt.
For instance, some devices come with coin mode to detect only coins and eliminate other things from their target pattern.
Finally, before you start metal detecting, test the machine to make sure your device works perfectly and helps you in finding what you are looking for.
Choose All-metal mode or Multiple search modes
If you want to try your luck and make your first hunt enjoyable, switch your device to All-metal mode.
In this mode, the device will start identifying many different types of metals.
The machine will detect small things like nails or foils while increasing the chances of more valuable items like gold, silver, coins, and relics.
The All-metal mode has quite a few exciting qualities that you should know about.
- It works best for detecting small items and everyday household objects.
- The all-metal mode performs excellently in areas that have gold. You can also go prospecting where gold has been dug already.
- Finding relics is also one of the core features of the all-metal mode. The machine can detect all kinds of iron relics in the ground.
- Detectors tend to achieve maximum depth when used in all-metal mode.
Not every detector in this price range has the all-metal mode. Some have multiple detection modes.
These modes can help you configure the device to locate valuables buried in different terrains and situations.
User Settings or Advanced Settings
User settings or custom settings allow you to create a distinctive detection pattern that detects the items you want the machine to find.
For instance, if you want the machine to eliminate iron from the detection pattern, you can increase the ground balance setting.
Similarly, there are many other advanced settings that you can tune to get the perfect results from the device.
Here’s a sneak peek into the advanced settings of the MXT Pro:
Key Detector Features
A detector’s price is a significant factor determining the number of features that come with it.
But don’t worry too much if you have purchased a beginner product, as there’s only a few key features that matter the most when prospecting.
Let’s take a look at these features for more insights.
Sensitivity
Among the many features, sensitivity plays a crucial role in your device. This feature helps the machine identify different target sizes, metals with varying conductivity, and performance in different environments or terrains.
However, it can make the device noisy as the detector will locate every small piece buried.
It may seem tempting to use the maximum sensitivity. However, doing so may cause the detector to generate weak and false signals.
It usually happens in terrains with high mineralization and electrical interference. There are cases when keeping the device on low sensitivity could get better results.
Tuning the machine’s sensitivity allows the machine to differentiate between good and bad targets even in mineral-rich terrains.
It can also keep the ‘chatter’ caused due to the interference from electromagnetic sources to a minimum.
Frequency
Frequency gives you an estimate of the types of targets the device can identify and the depths it can reach.
You will find products that have varying frequency options such as single, selectable, multi-frequency detectors.
Single frequency devices with a high-frequency range can detect small objects with low conductivity. These detectors also can locate large-sized items that are buried deep in the ground.
Detectors with selectable frequencies perform similar to the single frequency machines, but they allow the user to select between different frequencies.
It allows the treasure hunter to get more control over their hunt.
Multi-frequency devices enable the user to choose between different frequencies simultaneously.
Detectors with multiple frequencies are known to have a higher deep seeking ability. They are also known to handle soil mineralization quite well.
To see how a product’s frequency affects its performance, you can watch this video below:
Ground Balance
Detectors can often emit false signals in places with high minerals such as saltwater, iron-rich soil, and black sand. This is caused by minerals responding to the search coil’s electromagnetic field.
Ground balancing is an adjustable feature in most detectors. It enables you to eliminate the signals received from minerals. This helps you hear the signals from the targets that are worth digging.
Detectors have four types of ground balance:
Preset: These are found in entry-level detectors. The preset value for ground balance is calibrated by the company manufacturing the product.
Automatic: Automatic ground balance is typical in most detectors. It is a quick and simple solution to getting the ground balance calibration right without spending a lot of time. The automatic ground balance enables you to set the best parameters for a particular hunting terrain.
Manual: Manual ground balance is suitable for seasoned detectorists. It is convenient for prospecting in high-mineralized and tough ground such as saltwater and rocks.
Tracking: It is similar to automatic ground balance as it reprograms the calibration to the surrounding ground conditions. The ground balance keeps updating as the machine senses changes in soil composition.
Watch this video below to see ground balance in action,
Discrimination
Discrimination is the ability to identify targets between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
The device will then display a visual or audio cue when the desired target is found.
Target ID is displayed in numbers, and their scale varies according to the model and the company manufacturing it.
Typically, the discrimination is displayed with a 2-digit system that gives an estimation of the target.
When the numbers are on the lower side, the machine has detected metals like iron, whereas higher numbers mean that the machine has detected a highly conductive target.
Discrimination enables you to determine between a good and bad target, saving you from digging unnecessarily. However, you might find waste items that have the same signal response as the good target.
This means you might end up with some waste items initially, but as you get familiar with prospecting, such instances will reduce significantly.
These are the common forms of discrimination:
Iron rejects: This type of discrimination eliminates ferrous and trash items, stopping them from being located by the device. It also silences their target ID and signals.
Variable DISC: You will find this feature as a knob on the control panel. It allows you to increase or decrease the discrimination levels. If you increase the discrimination level to the highest point, the machine will ignore the smaller targets.
Notch Discrimination: With this feature, you can program the machine to accept or reject different metal types. The notch discrimination feature allows you to find the kind of items you’re precisely looking for.
To learn more about discrimination and its application, you can watch this video below:
How Deep Will a Metal Detector Detect?
It can be hard to name an absolute depth limit for detectors. Since their inception, every brand has tested the limit set by the other.
Moreover, the depth of a detector also varies according to the features it comes with.
Most devices can detect targets that are situated around 4-8 inches deep in the ground.
In favorable conditions, a mid-range device can locate targets around 12-18 inches underground.
Professional or depth-focused products can scan deeper than 65 inches.
The depth of a machine also depends on the type of soil you’re prospecting. In some cases, the depth is affected by the presence of minerals in the soil.
Can I Use a Metal Detector Anywhere?
As long as you have the necessary permissions, you can use a detector anywhere.
Federal lands are an exception as you might have to acquire special permission to prospect them.
Beaches, on the other hand, are safer but some parts of a beach may be restricted.
Parks do allow prospecting with a permit, while others have ordinances that have to be observed, and detectorists are expected to comply with the code of ethics.
If you get the landowner’s permission, you can prospect private properties, which are great places for finding valuables.
What Makes a Good Location to Detect?
The right location determines whether your hunt will result in success or failure. To make sure you are successful, you will have to research different places.
If you find the right place, the chances of finding historical or valuable items will increase drastically.
What makes a good hunting spot, and what are the things to consider when finalizing one?
The best chance to find a suitable location is to look for a place that’s not been prospected before or an area that gets new items every year.
If your location has a rich history and is surrounded by important places, there’s a good chance that your hunt will be fruitful.
If you want to get started right away, here are some of the best places for prospecting.
- Private Land: As mentioned above, private land is an ideal spot for prospecting. You just need to obtain the necessary permissions to prospect on the land.
- High Activity Locations: Fairgrounds, sports stadiums, parks, etc. are among the top places for valuable targets. Many people lose valuable items such as coins in high activity areas.
- Beaches: Detectors and beaches are very much linked together. This is why so many people hunt items there. You can find anything from jewelry to old coins. The only challenge is finding a google quality detector that works well around saltwater.
Best Ways To Use a Metal Detector
Now that you have some knowledge about detectors, you now need to know how to use your device properly.
When you’re out in the field equipped with your machine, many things can impact your success.
Just swaying the device like a pendulum back and forth will not help you find anything. You need to understand how to hold a detector properly and a systematic way of prospecting.
Let’s find out the correct way to use a detector.
The Right Swing
Your swing is a big factor in your hunting success. To get your swing right, you need to start by keeping the search head above the ground.
The coil should be close to the ground so that the signals from the target are received clearly, but it should not touch the ground.
The coil of the detector should be two feet ahead of you. As you walk, swing the device in a semi-circular movement covering a foot from side to side.
Walk in a straight line; this will keep you from retracing your steps and prospecting the same spot all over again.
Seasoned detectorists tend to use the phrase ‘low and slow’. Getting the swing right can take some practice. However, it will take some time to get the technique right.
Digging a Plug
Now that your machine has finally hit something, here’s what you need to do.
Switch from swinging side to side to small circles in the spot. By doing this, you will be able to identify the accurate location of the object.
You can increase the sensitivity of the device for better results. Then you move on to the next step i.e., digging the plug.
A hole can ruin the ground and make it look bad, especially if you are prospecting in a park. To avoid this from happening, seasoned professionals prefer digging a plug.
A well-dug plug can save the grassroots from getting damaged.
You can follow these steps to dig a plug:
- Cut a horseshoe-shaped hole around the spot. Make sure the plug is at least 3 inches deep.
- Lift the plug a little and use the digger to flip the plug upside-down. Use the uncut proportion as a hinge.
- Place a towel next to the hole
- If you are unable to spot the item, use a pinpointer to confirm the position of the target
- If the object is still not visible, dig the plug out and place it on the towel placed near the hole.
- Scan the hole again to see if there are any other objects in the same location. It’s common to find multiple items in the same spot.
- Put the soil back in the hole and put the plug in the same position. Then step on it multiple times.
It may seem like an elaborate process, but as you get better at it, the entire procedure gets done in a snap. Most importantly, it keeps the ground looking good and clean.
Don’t lose patience
The chances that your detector will one day beep and find a buried treasure is quite rare.
Even though you find innumerable targets, most of them can turn out to be junk. However, it is important to keep patience and wait for the lucky day.
You might not find a massive box of gold instantly, but you will find things that are of value even though they might not seem like much.
Avoid keeping discrimination high all the time, as you will miss all the small targets. Remember, you only get good with practice.
If you treat treasure hunting like a chore, you will not find happiness even after finding something quite rare.
You have to treat it like a hobby so that each significant small find will seem like you’re moving close to the actual target.
FAQs
Can I Use My Metal Detector Anywhere?
As mentioned above, you can use your metal detector anywhere as long as you have permission to do so.
Even if you wish to prospect a public park in your locality, you will need to obtain permission from the authorities to make sure you don’t end up in trouble.
How To Use a Metal Detector’s Settings?
Even a basic metal model comes with settings that can be configured for optimal results.
If you are prospecting for the first time, you need to pay attention to key settings i.e., ground balance, discrimination, detection modes, and sensitivity.
Keeping the basic settings in check will enable you to make the most out of your device. If you’re still in the learning phase, it’s better to leave the settings untouched.
How To Use a Metal Detector To Find Gold?
To find gold using a metal detector, you will need a device that has deep seeking ability with the all-metal mode.
You might also need different coils based on the type of terrains you’re prospecting.
The detector must have well-calibrated discrimination and manual ground balance. When prospecting for gold, you will have to be patient as your machine will identify a lot of trash in the process.
How To Tune a Metal Detector?
Tuning a metal detector is very important as it increases the chance of finding valuable items in the trash.
The first step to tuning your device is to read the manual thoroughly. Tuning will give good results only when you know all the settings and their uses.
One of the popular ways of tuning a detector is using the ‘No Sound’ technique.
To tune the detector with this technique, you will have to reduce the threshold sound to a minimum with the settings available on your machine.
By keeping the sound threshold at a minimum, you will get a more powerful field at the coil.
Once the device is well balanced and calibrated, you will get a low sound from the detector. With a small adjustment, the metal detector will go entirely silent.
This technique’s benefit is that the detector does not make sounds when trash items are detected by it.
How to read a metal detector?
A detector provides you with information about the target through the screen on the control panel. However, many other things are indicated by the machine’s control panel.
The most common things that are shown through the control panel are target ID, target depth, selected mode, battery status, detected metal type, etc.
All of the information is depicted with icons, and you can find information about them in the instruction manual of your device.