Metal Detector Tips - Five Things You Need to Know

Metal detecting is a hobby that never goes out of style and figures suggest that increasing numbers of hobbyists are taking up their metal detectors and striking out in search of treasure. But what exactly is a metal detector, how does it work and what are the best ways of using it to improve your chances of finding something valuable?

What is a metal detector?
The first commercial detectors appeared in the 1960s and were used initially in industrial settings, for example, mining, to discover buried metal that was not visible to the naked eye. Detectors are also used in the military for detecting buried mines or weapons caches. Subsequently, the metal detector became a very popular tool for the hobbyist, and has been used to unearth significant treasure troves of great historical and monetary value.

How does it work?
Different techniques have been developed, including Beat Frequency Oscillator, Induction Balance and Pulse Induction. They are using different methods for the detection of underground metal, and to distinguish between different metals allows them to avoid metal detectorist worthless and identify those of value.

What forms has taken the hobby?
Some of the most popular coin detector for a resumption of activity "- in search of money, after a large gathering of people as a party - and combing the beach '- rubbing together for valuables, after a summer at the beach where largenumbers of people have visited it. The purist hobbyists are 'relic hunters', interested mainly in the discovery of historically significant items.

What are the best locations?
Beaches, city parks and ski pistes are all popular, as they are all locations where people mass and where the ground is such that things easily become lost. If on the other hand you are looking for ancient treasures, your best bet is ancient fields, paths and sites of historic settlements.

How much does a detector cost?
High performance machines can cost hundreds of pounds to buy, but reasonably good ones can be had for around 60 pounds. However, renting a metal detector is always an option. Top of the range detectors can be hired for as little as 12 pounds per day.