Relic detector

Types of relic detector

Relic detectors have been manufactured in various types, each specifically designed with certain parameters to offer optimum performance in locating metal objects underground. These detectors are usually classified into a few categories: all-metal, discrimination, deep-seeking, pulse induction, and multi-frequency detectors.

• All-Metal Detectors

  True to their name, these devices identify all metals, including iron, gold, silver, and copper. While not extremely selective in terms of target material, treasure hunters and archaeologists will find this type of detector very useful in all-metal search environments. They are also important to users when searching for buried coins, jewelry, tools, and historical artifacts.

  All-metal detectors are relatively easy and flexible in use. Their operation involves using electromagnetic fields to identify conductive materials buried in the ground. This means that all-metal relic detectors produce signals for every metal item within their search range, regardless of size or composition.

  The mechanical parts of all-metal relic detectors are simple, while the parts' designs and construction provide scalability into more complex types. These relic detectors have been recommended for users, especially beginners, who wish to have an overall metal detecting experience.

  The general-purpose nature of all-metal detectors makes them ideal for various hunting conditions, such as beaches, parks, and historical sites. Their versatility has granted these devices a wide usage prevalence.

• Discrimination Detectors

  Advanced types of relic detectors can be set to their discriminative functions. Such relic detectors have been designed to locate specific type metals. This is done by setting the user to discriminate or ignore unwanted metals such as iron, nails, and trash while responding to more valuable items such as coins, jewelry, or artifacts. The great virtue of these relic detectors is that they enhance searching efficiency by letting only desired targets pass through to the user.

  Discrimination detectors have been employed by both amateur and professional relic hunters as their needs and requirements dictate. This device is crucial for treasure hunting in trashy areas or places with many iron artifacts, as its discriminative ability allows one to sift through junk and focus only on what is worthwhile.

  The basic outline of discrimination detectors demonstrates that while all-metal detectors are suitable for general-purpose, their use is compatible with clean environments. In contrast, discrimination detectors significantly improve searching in complex sites by filtering signals and providing only meaningful targets.

• Deep-Seeking Detectors

  As the name suggests, deep-seeking relic detectors are engineered to locate metals that are buried deeper than average. These are ideal for locations where historical artifacts are known to be deep within the soil, such as battlefields or sites of an ancient civilization. Equipped with specialized coils and advanced signal processing technologies, deep-seeking relic detectors penetrate farther underground than standard models.

  These relic detectors have also been designed for treasure hunting in rural areas, old farmlands, or construction sites where buried pipes, cables, and other objects may be located further than a foot underground.

• Pulse Induction Detectors (PI)

  Unlike VLF detectors, which use a continuous wave, pulse induction detectors send transmitted short pulses through the ground. This one-off signal is less affected by soil mineralization and gives a strong signal to any buried metal, even deep or large items. PI detectors work well for searching areas with highly mineralized soil or thick ground conditions because they are not easily overwhelmed by environmental factors.

  Because of their ability to see through tough ground, these PI relic detectors are usually used in mining operations for treasure hunting on offshore sites for artifacts buried deep below the ground in archaeological digs.

• Multi-Frequency Detectors

  As their name suggests, multi-frequency relic detectors transmit and receive several frequencies at once. This versatility allows the machine to detect various types of metals and objects at different depths more effectively. Multi-frequency relic detectors are particularly useful in complicated settings where different targets might be at varying depths and where soil conditions can change dramatically.

  These relic detectors have usability in trashy areas, mineralized ground, and sites with diverse historical finds. Due to their adaptability, multi-frequency detectors have become the preferred tool for professional treasure hunters and archaeological experts undertaking comprehensive detecting tasks.

Material & Durability of relic detector

What determines the longevity of relic detectors is the materials used in their making, which affect the reliability of the device and the performance in various detecting environments. These factors are further improved by the enclosure, search coil, and internal components.

• Search Coils

  Search coils are the parts of the detector that senses the metal. These are usually made of plastic, with copper wire and epoxy resin. Larger search coils penetrate deeper into the ground, while smaller ones provide more precise detection. Because of their size, larger search coils are more likely to be more durable and can last longer.

  Conversely, smaller coils are usually employed in environments requiring more precision because they are more robust within the debris and mineralized soil.

• Shaft and Frame

  The main part of a relic detector, referred to as the shaft, is usually constructed out of aluminum or carbon fiber. These materials are tough enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, but they are also lightweight enough to make the detector easy to handle. Aluminum shafts may bend or corrode over time, deterring their use in harsh environments. Due to its ability to resist wear and provide greater strength, one is more likely to find a carbon fiber shaft in higher-end models.

• Housing

  The housing of the detector contains all the electronic parts, including the control box, and is generally made of plastic. PI detectors are most commonly designed with plastic housings, which are more likely to be used in highly dangerous situations. For multi-frequency and PI relic detectors, more robust materials, including magnesium alloys and high-strength plastics, are used for the housing.

  Relic detectors work well in humid, wet, or rugged terrains since their casings are resistant to weather elements such as water and dust. Such weatherproof detectors are constructed using sealed enclosures that prevent moisture and dust from entering the internal elements.

• Batteries

  The durability of the battery affects the overall robustness of the relic detector, as does its housing. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in modern detectors, offering longer run times and greater resilience to temperature changes.

Commercial use of relic detector

Relic detectors have found great utility in both treasure hunting and professional archaeology, creating important commercial markets. These versatile machines are commonly used under certain conditions and in specific industries due to their historical significance and monetary value.

• Treasure Hunting

  Relic detectors are most commonly used in treasure hunting for lost valuables such as coins, jewelry, artifacts, and more. Metal detectors make it easier for hobbyists and professionals to work in areas with high historical traffic, such as old battlefields, abandoned towns, archaeological sites, and coastal regions.

  Relic detectors are often used by treasure hunters to find coins, jewelry, and historical artifacts in old battlefields, abandoned towns, and archaeological sites. The tools allow these hunters to sift through large volumes of soil quickly and identify the location of valuable items buried underground. The high demand for this equipment in treasure hunting has catalyzed the development of more advanced and user-friendly models.

• Archaeology

  Archaeologists rely on relic detectors to pinpoint locations of artifacts buried in the ground during archaeological digs. These gadgets speed up locating objects like pottery, tools, and other historical relics that hold key data for historical and anthropological research. They are vital for surveys on historical sites to comply with legal requirements before construction or land development.

• History and Preservation

  Historical societies and preservation groups use relic detectors to locate and recover artifacts from historically significant areas. These organizations work toward the conservation of cultural resources, and they also get a lot of help from relic detectors. They help locate lost artifacts, thus promoting both historical conservation and education activities.

• Geophysical Surveys

  Relic detectors are employed in the fields of geophysical surveying to determine the location of underground infrastructures, such as pipelines, cables, and construction sites. In this case, the authorized detectors locate the location of artifacts and objects like metal and machinery that may be useful or valuable in constructing or decommissioning a site.

• Outdoor Recreation and Hobbyist Industries

  The growing enthusiasm for metal detecting as a hobby contributes to the health of the outdoor recreation market and the advancement of the hobbyist industry. Relic detectors are sold alongside fishing, hunting, and camping gear, giving outdoor enthusiasts the tools to venture into new territories, discover buried treasures, and add adventure to their outdoor quests.

How To Choose relic detector

Selecting the appropriate relic detector requires considering the intended hunting environment, target depth, soil composition, and personal preferences in terms of detector features and weight. Furthermore, time of use, location, and purpose come into play when choosing a relic detector.

• Type of metal

  Discrimination is the main reason for choosing the type of relic detector. All-metal relic detectors pick up all metals for the most extended range possible. In contrast, discrimination relic detectors allow their operator to set the machine to locate specific targets and ignore unwanted ones. This discrimination function proves valuable when hunting in trashy areas where junk metal is found since it allows one to ignore iron and nails and focus on more worthwhile treasures.

• Type of terrain

  Different terrain conditions call for different types of search coils and detectors. For example, larger search coils are better for open areas since they can cover more ground at depth, while smaller coils are more precise and likely to be the better choice in cluttered or dense environments. Choosing a soil detector depends on whether the soil is mineralized or not. Mineralized soils can challenge detection, especially for sensitive targets, so a detector designed to handle mineralization is crucial.

• Water and dust proof

  The location where detecting is done affects whether the housing of a relic detector should be weatherproof. They are ideal for detecting in wet, humid, or dusty conditions since their weatherproof detectors shield moisture and dust. These types of relic detectors are often used in marine or archaeological settings where conditions can be harsh.

• Sensitivity

  How well a relic detector can pick up metal signals depends largely on its sensitivity. Deep-seeking relic detectors and those designed for all-metal detection types are highly sensitive to metal signals. The power of sensitivity makes it possible to locate small targets at greater depths, which is especially helpful in archaeological digs.

• Battery life

  The type of battery in a relic detector affects its usage in outdoor areas where there are no charging stations. Models with lithium-ion batteries have longer usage times. Since these batteries are rechargeable, they are environmentally friendly because they can be charged multiple times, and once they are low on power, they can be charged.

• Weight balance

  Metal mudding can be a lengthy hobby, so having a reasonably balanced and light relic detector is important. Carbon fiber shafts are lighter and tougher than aluminum shafts. A comfortably long handle can help ensure detection is enjoyable for longer.

Q & A

Can all metal detector find gold?

Although an all-metal relic detector can locate gold and any other metal, its effectiveness depends on coil size and soil mineralization. Larger search coils are better for deeper targets, while smaller coils perform better in cluttered or mineralized areas.

What types of soil are suitable for metal detection?

Relic detectors can effectively locate objects buried in any kind of soil, but loamy and sandy soils are the easiest. Loamy soils are easier because they are nutrient-rich, easy to dig, and don't contain large rocks, making them great for plants.

How deep can metal detectors find coins?

The depth that relic detectors can detect coins or other treasures usually ranges from a couple of inches to about a couple of feet. Factors like the coil size, the target type, and the soil conditions also affect depth. When looking for small items like coins, a detector may only go 6 to 8 inches deep. For larger targets, depth may reach 2 or more feet.