Ground Detectors

A ground detector is an electronic instrument which detects the presence of metal nearby. Ground detectors are useful for finding metal inclusions hidden within objects, or metal objects buried underground. They often consist of a handheld unit with a sensor probe which can be swept over the ground or other objects.

A ground detector is an electronic instrument which detects the presence of metal nearby. Ground detectors are useful for finding metal inclusions hidden within objects, or metal objects buried underground. They often consist of a handheld unit with a sensor probe which can be swept over the ground or other objects.

Ground detectors and sence a variety of metals depending on the detector purchased and for what purpose. Metal dectectors can be used to find coins, jewellery, rellics or other metallic objects.  Some metal ground decectors can have a semi-submersible search coil used for in-water prospecting.

For some metal detecting, gold detecting or prospecting is an enjoyable and exciting pastime, however for some this can turn into a full time job yeilding great wealth and personal satisfaction.

How do metal detectors work?

Metal detectors work by transmitting an electromagnetic field from the search coil into the ground. Any metal objects (targets) within the electromagnetic field, which is the field caused by moving electrically charged objects. The detected target will become energised and retransmit an electromagnetic field of their own. The detector’s search coil receives the retransmitted field and alerts the user by producing a target response, this may be a vibration or sound combination. Some ground detectors are capable of discriminating between different object types, treasure which is an acceptable target or other objects which are not sought after such as nails, screws and bottle tops, and can be set to ignore unwanted targets.