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4 Practical Tips on Using Your Metal Detectors – Our Guide

When it comes to prospecting precious metals, a metal detector plays a crucial role. For the uninitiated, a metal detector is exactly what it sounds like—an electronic device that detects the presence of nearby metals.

There is a wide range of detectors available on the market. However, they typically utilize two types of frequencies: Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Pulse Induction (PI). While a VLF device uses two coils working together, PI can use one or more coils in various ways.

As far as metal detecting is concerned, the key to your device’s optimal performance is to fine-tune and use it in proper ways. Below are four practical tips on using your instrument for successful metal prospecting.

  1. Learn and control your metal detectors settings

As with any device, it’s important to know and understand the settings of your metal detector. As a rule of thumb, take the time to read the manual and absorb the instructions thoroughly. While you’re at it, carefully control the settings and try exploring your instrument. Who knows? Your device may actually have particular settings that will allow you to find your metal targets more efficiently.

  1. Increase your metal detectors sensitivity setting

For the novices, know that increasing the metal detector’s sensitivity allows you to detect precious metals at greater depths. As long as your device is in the right circumstances, it will enable you to target certain metals you’re looking for. However, be wary as it may also alert you to less valuable metals you may not need in the first place.

  1. Minimize your detector’s discrimination setting

It’s important to know that your metal detector may, at times, give you false readings for a handful of reasons. Such a case is possible when the discrimination level is set too high. It’s much better to minimize your discrimination setting and, from there, examine every signal closely and be on the lookout for a desirable metal target.

  1. Put your metal detector close to the ground

When in the actual process of metal detecting, it’s best to put your detector close to the ground. You can do this by swinging your device’s coil to the ground at a certain depth. This tip may seem to be a basic consideration; however, many detectorists lose sight of this. Chances are that they pay more attention to their swinging motion than the nearness of the coils to the ground. If you truly want to hit your metal target, then it’s worth your effort in putting your detector as close to the ground as possible.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced detectorist, it doesn’t entail much effort to make the most of your metal detector. As outlined above, all it takes is to learn your detector’s settings, increase its sensitivity, reduce its discrimination settings, and swing it close to the ground. With these simple yet practical tips and tricks up your sleeves, you’ll enjoy successful prospecting for many years to come.

We are a leading provider of metal equipment and technologies. If you’re looking for metal detectors for your prospecting in Perth, get in touch with us today!