Metal Detecting Menu
What is Metal Detecting?
Metal Detecting FAQ
Metal Detectors: How do they work?
Metal Detectors: Are they all the same?
Metal Detectors: How do I buy one?
Metal Detecting: Getting Started
Where to go metal detecting
Metal Detecting Tips
Metal Detecting Glossary
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Metal Detecting FAQ
1. Are most metal detectors basically the same?
Metal detectors are like cars, they have many different technologies, features, and performance characteristics for their intended use. There are five basic types of metal detectors:
General Purpose-Coin/Relic/Treasure
Gold Prospecting
Underwater & Salt Beach
Cache Hunting/Deep Searching
Industrial & Security
Some metal detectors are designed specifically for one type of searching. For example, gold prospecting detectors are designed to be extremely sensitive to small pieces of gold. General Purpose models are typically not designed to detect metals as small as a grain of rice, however, offer far superior trash metal rejection compared to prospecting models.
When purchasing a metal detector, it is important to consider what type of metal detecting you will do most often, and prioritize according to your typical usage.
2. How deep do metal detectors detect metals?
The most frequently asked question and unfortunately the most difficult to answer! Most general purpose models are factory equipped to search for coin & jewelry sized metals at depths of 8 to 12+ inches depending on metal size and alloy. To significantly and consistently detect beyond 12 inches requires larger accessory search coils, and/or to give up attempts to eliminate trash metals. The 15" search coil responding to all metal alloys can detect larger metal items (coin jars) at depths up to four feet. However, sensitivity to single coins is greater with smaller search coils. White's TM 808 can detect 55 gallon drums at 16 feet, car-sized metals at 20 feet. However, it is not likely to respond to individual coins or pieces of jewelry.
Detection depth varies with many factors:
The size, shape, exact metal alloy, and orientation of the object in the ground. Objects of a greater surface are detected at greater depths. For example a coin lying flat exposes a greater surface area than a coin laying on its side and will be detected at a greater depth.
The size of the search coil. Search coils come in a wide range of sizes and shapes- 4", 6", 8", 9.5", and 15". There are also differences in the configuration of the coils inside the search coil producing different shape search patterns. The larger the search coil, the deeper it can detect larger metal items. However, it is more difficult to use in trashy areas with less depth to small metal items. Smaller search coils provide better separation in high trash and better sensitivity to small metals.
Soil conditions and the amount of minerals in the soil. The higher the soil mineralization, i.e. the presence of magnetic and/or conductive properties, the more difficult it is for a metal detector to cancel the interference these soils produce. Detection depth is reduced in severe grounds. Depth may increase or decrease with subtle changes in the soil conditions, more noticeably with the entry level models. Soil mineralization varies widely around the country & around the world.
The experience and skill of the operator. There's no substitute for experience. Knowing how to operate your detector and understanding the signals will significantly increase depth.
The metal detector used and the selection of settings, particularly All Metal or Discrimination.
3. What types of things will a metal detector help me find?
All metallic objects. Example: gold, silver, iron, nickel, copper, brass, aluminum, tin, lead, bronze. Metal detectors will not detect nonmetal items such as gemstones, diamonds, pearls, bone, paper, or stone figures.
4. What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the ability of a metal detector to tell the difference between different types or alloys of metals. This allows you to selectively dig up only those types of metals likely to be of interest to them. There are audio (speaker/headphone) types of discriminators and visual (meter, LCD) types. Most higher end models have both types. The idea is to increase the odds in favor of digging valuables, and decrease the odds of digging trash.
5. Can a detector be set only to respond to gold?
No. There are too many variables with exact alloys and sizes to pin it down tightly enough to dig only one type of metal. For example, a large piece of gold may read high on a display or audio discrimination scale and a small piece of gold may read low on that same scale. Gold with some copper, silver, or platinum within its natural alloy will indicate differently. And other metals with similar electrical characteristics may read identically. Lead and aluminum are the most difficult common trash metals to eliminate. Even with the most sophisticated detectors available, expect to dig some trash. But a good discriminator increases the odds in your favor.
6. What is operating frequency?
Frequency in a metal detector is referred to in kHz. (kilo hertz). It is the number of times the signal is transmitted and received by the detector every second. For example a metal detector operating at 6 kHz will transmit and received 6,000 times per second, and at 50 kHz 50,000 times per second.
As a rule, lower frequency detectors offer better sensitivity to copper and silver and better overall detection depth and trash rejection. Most general purpose models operate at lower frequencies.
Higher frequency detectors are more sensitive to small metals and natural gold. However, they have difficulties with discrimination against nonferrous (not-of-iron) metals. Their sensitivity to small metals makes them tedious to use around trashy areas. Most gold prospecting detectors operate at higher frequencies.
7. Are there any good places left to hunt?
Nobody gets it all. Just because an area has been hunted before doesn't mean a person with patience and a modern detector can't still find the "good stuff" just about anywhere. Spending time with research can still turn up places which may never have been searched. Seasonal changes such as storms, frost heaves, and erosion, can also renew areas, particularly beaches.
8. What is the difference between "two filter" Classics and the higher end "four filter" models?
Two filter and four filter are terms used to describe the amount of electronic circuitry a metal detector uses to deal with both discrimination and ground mineral elimination. A two filter model will work great in low to medium ground minerals and offer faster response between close together targets in trashy areas. Two filter models are user friendly, lightweight, and less expensive. Four filter models typically detect deeper in mineralized ground, have superior audio discrimination and depth, and offer more advanced features.
9. What will target ID displays or meters do for me?
Many models have displays that indicate the likely identification of the metal detected. This is in addition to the audio discriminator. Once an audio signal of interest is heard the display will give a second, independent, opinion about whether the target is a good target, or trash. You dig less trash with an ID display.
ID displays are a very accurate measure of a targets "electrical phase". Unfortunately, many different metals have the same electrical phase. The Target ID will increase your odds of digging good alloys and decrease your odds of digging trash alloys. If, in a given area, a particular indication consistently turns out to be trash, such indications in that area are likely to continue to be trash and can be ignored.
10. I want to go metal detecting with friends and family. Will more than one detector interfere with each other?
Yes. Like models operating on the same frequency will interfere with each other if operated within 100 feet. To search with a partner nearby, at least one of the instruments requires the frequency shifting feature.
11. What about all these different sized search coils? Do I need accessory search coils?
The standard equipment search coil is ideal for all-around searching. A person may want to use a smaller search coil for extreme trash (lots of close-together targets). A person may want to use a larger size for increased depth. Larger search coils 15", are recommended for larger targets (jars of coins) at extreme depths. Remember, with a 15" search coil, sensitivity to coin sized targets decreases.
12. What about a carrying case for my metal detector?
For everyday use, the gun style detector bags are recommended. The detector and accessories can be installed and removed easily, without taking the detector apart. Shock-proof cases are intended for more serious storage and travel.
13. Do I need headphones?
Headphones will increase battery life, increase privacy, and increase your ability to hear signals clearly against background noise. They are of benefit to those even with good hearing. Crisp sound is typically more important than wide frequency specifications. In most cases, higher impedance headphones (100 ohms) offer crisper sounds.
14. What about rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries will save you money if you use your metal detector often, at least once or twice a week. If you use your metal detector once a month, rechargeable batteries will not likely save you money. Rechargeable batteries do offer the same metal detection performance - most models use a voltage-regulated system.
15. Where can I use a metal detector?
You must have permission to search both private and public property from the owner or person in charge of managing the property. In most cases you can locate the owner, or available permit system, through City Hall or the county seat.
If the area is city owned contact the Parks and Recreation Department. If it is a State or Federal Park contact the superintendent or grounds keeper. Known and marked historical sites, historical parks, and historical monuments are typically off limits to all metal detecting.
Start with your own yard. Valuables can be found anywhere people have congregated, gathered, lived, sat, walked, played, camped, picnicked, traveled, or fought. Any place inhabited before 1965, is likely to have the older styles of collectible coins.
16. How do I recover the target once I decide to dig it up?
Care must be taken to use the appropriate digging tool for the terrain, and not to leave unsightly excavations or holes. There are hundreds of digging tools designed to minimize the impact on grass and vegetation, and avoiding damaging the items found. Sand scoops are all that is needed in some areas. In others, a hand gardening trowel or spade. Challenging ground conditions may require more sophisticated tools.
Some areas may have rules on the type and size of digging tools allowed. Make yourself aware of these rules; respect the laws and restrictions in your area. Unsightly holes left unfilled are dangerous to people and livestock, and are detrimental to the continued use of detectors.
17. What is sweep speed?
All modern detectors require some movement (sweep) of the search coil in order to respond to metals. If the search coil is swept too slowly, metals do not respond, or do not respond at as great of depths. Every model has an ideal search coil sweep speed, usually between two and four seconds per pass. Experimenting to find the ideal search coil sweep speed allows optimum detector performance. A first time user typically has to practice to find their comfortable search coil sweep technique. Seeing others with good search coil sweep habits is a big aid in learning. Practice makes perfect. The desire is to sweep the search coil evenly with the ground in smooth even swings. Overlap each pass by at least 50%, always keeping the search coil in motion. Recognizing where the beep is on each pass and shortening the passes to zero in on the location (pinpoint) takes some practice as well.
18. What about the after-market devices that are said to add depth to my detector, do they work?
A well-designed metal detector has all the usable detection depth (gain) built into standard features. The only way to significantly increase depth is to maximize the standard features or use a larger search coil. There are many aftermarket devices that can make it easier to hear the metal detector, giving the impression of greater depth. Their degree of success depends on the individuals hearing abilities.
19. I want to go nugget shooting once a year, beach combing once a year, and the rest of the time I want to coin and relic hunt. What model of instrument should I be looking at?
A general purpose would give you the best all-around performance. Only when beach or prospecting consumes the majority of your search time would it be wise to look at a model specifically for that purpose. Although prospecting or beach models offer increased performance for their purpose, they are not as effective as a general purpose models for coin and relic hunting.
Metal detectors are like cars, they have many different technologies, features, and performance characteristics for their intended use. There are five basic types of metal detectors:
General Purpose-Coin/Relic/Treasure
Gold Prospecting
Underwater & Salt Beach
Cache Hunting/Deep Searching
Industrial & Security
Some metal detectors are designed specifically for one type of searching. For example, gold prospecting detectors are designed to be extremely sensitive to small pieces of gold. General Purpose models are typically not designed to detect metals as small as a grain of rice, however, offer far superior trash metal rejection compared to prospecting models.
When purchasing a metal detector, it is important to consider what type of metal detecting you will do most often, and prioritize according to your typical usage.
2. How deep do metal detectors detect metals?
The most frequently asked question and unfortunately the most difficult to answer! Most general purpose models are factory equipped to search for coin & jewelry sized metals at depths of 8 to 12+ inches depending on metal size and alloy. To significantly and consistently detect beyond 12 inches requires larger accessory search coils, and/or to give up attempts to eliminate trash metals. The 15" search coil responding to all metal alloys can detect larger metal items (coin jars) at depths up to four feet. However, sensitivity to single coins is greater with smaller search coils. White's TM 808 can detect 55 gallon drums at 16 feet, car-sized metals at 20 feet. However, it is not likely to respond to individual coins or pieces of jewelry.
Detection depth varies with many factors:
The size, shape, exact metal alloy, and orientation of the object in the ground. Objects of a greater surface are detected at greater depths. For example a coin lying flat exposes a greater surface area than a coin laying on its side and will be detected at a greater depth.
The size of the search coil. Search coils come in a wide range of sizes and shapes- 4", 6", 8", 9.5", and 15". There are also differences in the configuration of the coils inside the search coil producing different shape search patterns. The larger the search coil, the deeper it can detect larger metal items. However, it is more difficult to use in trashy areas with less depth to small metal items. Smaller search coils provide better separation in high trash and better sensitivity to small metals.
Soil conditions and the amount of minerals in the soil. The higher the soil mineralization, i.e. the presence of magnetic and/or conductive properties, the more difficult it is for a metal detector to cancel the interference these soils produce. Detection depth is reduced in severe grounds. Depth may increase or decrease with subtle changes in the soil conditions, more noticeably with the entry level models. Soil mineralization varies widely around the country & around the world.
The experience and skill of the operator. There's no substitute for experience. Knowing how to operate your detector and understanding the signals will significantly increase depth.
The metal detector used and the selection of settings, particularly All Metal or Discrimination.
3. What types of things will a metal detector help me find?
All metallic objects. Example: gold, silver, iron, nickel, copper, brass, aluminum, tin, lead, bronze. Metal detectors will not detect nonmetal items such as gemstones, diamonds, pearls, bone, paper, or stone figures.
4. What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the ability of a metal detector to tell the difference between different types or alloys of metals. This allows you to selectively dig up only those types of metals likely to be of interest to them. There are audio (speaker/headphone) types of discriminators and visual (meter, LCD) types. Most higher end models have both types. The idea is to increase the odds in favor of digging valuables, and decrease the odds of digging trash.
5. Can a detector be set only to respond to gold?
No. There are too many variables with exact alloys and sizes to pin it down tightly enough to dig only one type of metal. For example, a large piece of gold may read high on a display or audio discrimination scale and a small piece of gold may read low on that same scale. Gold with some copper, silver, or platinum within its natural alloy will indicate differently. And other metals with similar electrical characteristics may read identically. Lead and aluminum are the most difficult common trash metals to eliminate. Even with the most sophisticated detectors available, expect to dig some trash. But a good discriminator increases the odds in your favor.
6. What is operating frequency?
Frequency in a metal detector is referred to in kHz. (kilo hertz). It is the number of times the signal is transmitted and received by the detector every second. For example a metal detector operating at 6 kHz will transmit and received 6,000 times per second, and at 50 kHz 50,000 times per second.
As a rule, lower frequency detectors offer better sensitivity to copper and silver and better overall detection depth and trash rejection. Most general purpose models operate at lower frequencies.
Higher frequency detectors are more sensitive to small metals and natural gold. However, they have difficulties with discrimination against nonferrous (not-of-iron) metals. Their sensitivity to small metals makes them tedious to use around trashy areas. Most gold prospecting detectors operate at higher frequencies.
7. Are there any good places left to hunt?
Nobody gets it all. Just because an area has been hunted before doesn't mean a person with patience and a modern detector can't still find the "good stuff" just about anywhere. Spending time with research can still turn up places which may never have been searched. Seasonal changes such as storms, frost heaves, and erosion, can also renew areas, particularly beaches.
8. What is the difference between "two filter" Classics and the higher end "four filter" models?
Two filter and four filter are terms used to describe the amount of electronic circuitry a metal detector uses to deal with both discrimination and ground mineral elimination. A two filter model will work great in low to medium ground minerals and offer faster response between close together targets in trashy areas. Two filter models are user friendly, lightweight, and less expensive. Four filter models typically detect deeper in mineralized ground, have superior audio discrimination and depth, and offer more advanced features.
9. What will target ID displays or meters do for me?
Many models have displays that indicate the likely identification of the metal detected. This is in addition to the audio discriminator. Once an audio signal of interest is heard the display will give a second, independent, opinion about whether the target is a good target, or trash. You dig less trash with an ID display.
ID displays are a very accurate measure of a targets "electrical phase". Unfortunately, many different metals have the same electrical phase. The Target ID will increase your odds of digging good alloys and decrease your odds of digging trash alloys. If, in a given area, a particular indication consistently turns out to be trash, such indications in that area are likely to continue to be trash and can be ignored.
10. I want to go metal detecting with friends and family. Will more than one detector interfere with each other?
Yes. Like models operating on the same frequency will interfere with each other if operated within 100 feet. To search with a partner nearby, at least one of the instruments requires the frequency shifting feature.
11. What about all these different sized search coils? Do I need accessory search coils?
The standard equipment search coil is ideal for all-around searching. A person may want to use a smaller search coil for extreme trash (lots of close-together targets). A person may want to use a larger size for increased depth. Larger search coils 15", are recommended for larger targets (jars of coins) at extreme depths. Remember, with a 15" search coil, sensitivity to coin sized targets decreases.
12. What about a carrying case for my metal detector?
For everyday use, the gun style detector bags are recommended. The detector and accessories can be installed and removed easily, without taking the detector apart. Shock-proof cases are intended for more serious storage and travel.
13. Do I need headphones?
Headphones will increase battery life, increase privacy, and increase your ability to hear signals clearly against background noise. They are of benefit to those even with good hearing. Crisp sound is typically more important than wide frequency specifications. In most cases, higher impedance headphones (100 ohms) offer crisper sounds.
14. What about rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries will save you money if you use your metal detector often, at least once or twice a week. If you use your metal detector once a month, rechargeable batteries will not likely save you money. Rechargeable batteries do offer the same metal detection performance - most models use a voltage-regulated system.
15. Where can I use a metal detector?
You must have permission to search both private and public property from the owner or person in charge of managing the property. In most cases you can locate the owner, or available permit system, through City Hall or the county seat.
If the area is city owned contact the Parks and Recreation Department. If it is a State or Federal Park contact the superintendent or grounds keeper. Known and marked historical sites, historical parks, and historical monuments are typically off limits to all metal detecting.
Start with your own yard. Valuables can be found anywhere people have congregated, gathered, lived, sat, walked, played, camped, picnicked, traveled, or fought. Any place inhabited before 1965, is likely to have the older styles of collectible coins.
16. How do I recover the target once I decide to dig it up?
Care must be taken to use the appropriate digging tool for the terrain, and not to leave unsightly excavations or holes. There are hundreds of digging tools designed to minimize the impact on grass and vegetation, and avoiding damaging the items found. Sand scoops are all that is needed in some areas. In others, a hand gardening trowel or spade. Challenging ground conditions may require more sophisticated tools.
Some areas may have rules on the type and size of digging tools allowed. Make yourself aware of these rules; respect the laws and restrictions in your area. Unsightly holes left unfilled are dangerous to people and livestock, and are detrimental to the continued use of detectors.
17. What is sweep speed?
All modern detectors require some movement (sweep) of the search coil in order to respond to metals. If the search coil is swept too slowly, metals do not respond, or do not respond at as great of depths. Every model has an ideal search coil sweep speed, usually between two and four seconds per pass. Experimenting to find the ideal search coil sweep speed allows optimum detector performance. A first time user typically has to practice to find their comfortable search coil sweep technique. Seeing others with good search coil sweep habits is a big aid in learning. Practice makes perfect. The desire is to sweep the search coil evenly with the ground in smooth even swings. Overlap each pass by at least 50%, always keeping the search coil in motion. Recognizing where the beep is on each pass and shortening the passes to zero in on the location (pinpoint) takes some practice as well.
18. What about the after-market devices that are said to add depth to my detector, do they work?
A well-designed metal detector has all the usable detection depth (gain) built into standard features. The only way to significantly increase depth is to maximize the standard features or use a larger search coil. There are many aftermarket devices that can make it easier to hear the metal detector, giving the impression of greater depth. Their degree of success depends on the individuals hearing abilities.
19. I want to go nugget shooting once a year, beach combing once a year, and the rest of the time I want to coin and relic hunt. What model of instrument should I be looking at?
A general purpose would give you the best all-around performance. Only when beach or prospecting consumes the majority of your search time would it be wise to look at a model specifically for that purpose. Although prospecting or beach models offer increased performance for their purpose, they are not as effective as a general purpose models for coin and relic hunting.
Metal Detecting Glossary
Glossary of Metal Detecting Terms
NOTE: If you do not see a term that you think is important, please let me know.
A
AIR TEST (see also BENCH TEST and FIELD TEST) - A test to determine the maximum sensitivity a metal detector is capable of under artificial conditions. Various sized metal samples are held beyond the search coil bottom at varying distances to determine the limits of audio or visual response. Air tests are not accurate indicators of ground penetration ability.
ALKALINE - A grade of battery composition which sustains higher current drain and possesses a greater shelf life than basic carbon-zinc types.
ALL-METAL - A mode or control setting description associated with total acceptance of metal targets. Also related to the ground balance mode function.
ALLOY - A substance which is composed of two or more metals (an alloy may also include non-metals).
AUDIO ID - Circuitry enabling the operator to make judgments on target conductivity levels based on sound. A voltage controlled oscillator is employed to produce multi-pitch audio responses.
AUTO TUNE (Automatic Re-Tuning) - Circuitry capable of continuously restoring threshold audio level. Used to control circuit drift caused by mineral interference in the All-Metal, Pinpoint or Ground Balance modes of operation. Rates of re-tuning speed may be preset or variable depending on design features.
B
BACK READING - False responses caused by rejected targets being too close to or in contact with the search coil bottom when the detector is operating in the discriminate mode.
BBS (see also MULTI-FREQUENCY and FBS) - Broad Band Spectrum is a multi- technology used by the early Minelab metal detectors (Explorer XS, Sovereign and Excalibur). BBs circuit automatically transmits from 17 to 28 frequencies simultaneously. BBS preceded the newer FBS technology of Minelab.
BENCH TEST - Another form of air test used to define which discriminate settings accept or reject various target samples. Detector is placed upon a stationary and non-metallic rest, and samples are manually passed across the bottom of the search coil.
BFO - Beat Frequency Oscillation is the oldest technology used in metal detectors. BFO metal detectors have two coils of wire. One large coil is located in the search coil of the detector, the other small coil of wire - a "receiver" coil, is located within the System Control Pack or Control Box. Each coil of wire is connected to an oscillator that produces pulses of current. These pulses of current pass through the coils generating radio waves. A "receiver" coil housed within the Control Box receives the radio waves and makes a series of tones based upon the waves' frequencies. When the detector's search coil passes over any metallic object, a magnetic field called Eddy Currents is created around the object. As this magnetic field causes interference with the frequency of the radio waves generated by the search coil, the tone produced by the receiver is also changed.
BFO metal detectors are the cheapest (under $100) and designed mainly as toy detectors for kids. Because the BFO technology is the easiest and cheapest to make, it has its limitations when compared to other types. For example, poor ability in distinguishing between different types of metals is one of them. BFO technology is also still used in cheap hand-held devices.
BLACK SAND - A form of negative ground mineralization found on beaches and in gold bearing regions. The major component of non-conductive ground, also known as magnetic iron oxide or magnetite (Fe304).
BODYMOUNT - An operator setup whereby the metal detector control housing is removed from the control shaft and attached to the body by straps or fixed upon a belt. This configuration lessens arm fatigue and promotes better maneuverability on land and in shallow water searching. Body Mount is also called Hip-Mount.
"BUTTERFLY" Search Coils - These search coils are a variant of the DD Search coils' open design with a butterfly-like shape.
C
CACHE - A hoard of coins or other valuables purposely buried or concealed. Also called Coin Cache.
CAMLOCK - Lever which releases or locks detector's assembly components (shafts or stems).
CARBON-ZINC - The standard or basic grade of dry-cell battery.
COAXIAL - A search coil design having identical diameter transmit and receive windings stacked and aligned on the same axis. Advantages include a uniform detection pattern and resistance to 60 Hz AC electrical interference.
COIN DEPTH INDICATOR - A meter or visual display which measures the depth of coins and coin-sized targets in numerical increments. Targets which are larger or smaller than the circuitry is calibrated for will not be measured accurately.
CONCENTRIC - A search coil design having two transmit coils (windings) and one receive coil of unequal diameters aligned on the same center. The most common style called concentric/co-planar has all windings on the same plane. Recent designs have been configured elliptical. Concentric search coils are considered most compatible with the discrimination function. More on search coils here.
CONDUCTIVE SALTS - The major component of the positive ground matrix. Wet ocean sand can cause false signals in the motion discriminate mode of operation and an increase or positive rise in threshold audio in an unbalanced non-motion all-metal mode.
CONDUCTIVITY - The measured amount of eddy current generation created on a metal target's surface, (see PHASE RESPONSE).
CONTROL HOUSING (also CONTROL BOX) - The enclosure which contains detection circuitry, indicators, power source and related controls. Control housing provides user access to functions via the Control Panel. Typically made of plastic or metal.
CONTROL PANEL - The front of the Control Box housing the display screen and providing press-button or knob access to all of the detector's operating functions.
CONTROL SHAFT - Telescoping metal tubes to which the control housing, search coil, and isolator are attached. Also called Medium Shaft.
CONVERTIBLE - A metal detector configuration in which the control housing can be temporarily detached for body-mounting (hip-mounting).
COPLANAR - Orientation of search coil windings occupying the same horizontal plane.
CROSSTALK - Interference between two metal detectors operating in near proximity at the same transmit frequency.
CRYSTAL CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR - An oscillator utilizing a quartz crystal to sustain a stable transmit frequency.
D
DEPTH PENETRATION - A metal detector's maximum capability to transmit an electromagnetic field through a mineralized ground matrix and signal the presence of a metal target. The detecting depth indication is based on the strength of the secondary magnetic field generated by the metallic targets.
DETECTION PATTERN - The perceived shape or footprint of effective electromagnetic field transmission directly related to search coil winding configuration.
DETUNING - A method of desensitizing threshold audio tuning which reduces the target signal width for accurate pinpointing. Achieved in a non-motion, all-metal mode of operation by re-tuning threshold audio within the target response area.
DISCRIMINATION - Circuitry and the mode of operation in which audio or visual responses from undesired metal objects are intentionally eliminated.
DISCRIMINATION PATTERN (Accepted) - On the detector's display, the range of accepted targets is represented by the white (clear) area on the Conductivity (1-dimensional) scale or on a Conductivity/Ferrous Content (2-dimensional) scale of Discrimination.
DISCRIMINATION PATTERN (Rejected) - On the detector's display, the range of rejected (undesirable) targets is represented by the black area on the Conductivity (1-dimensional) scale or on a Conductivity/Ferrous Content (2-dimensional) scale of Discrimination.
DOT DISCRIMINATION - Can be applied only to the Minelab's revolutionary 2-dimensional discrimination circuitry which is capable of selectively accepting or rejecting a specific target. The target's conductivity/ferrous content coordinates correspond to a graphic square that can be of three changeable sizes, can be colored white for Accept or black for Reject, and can be placed anywhere inside the 2-dimensional discrimination pattern on detector's LCD. For instance, dot discrimination will accept gold rings of certain conductivity while rejecting targets of the same conductivity but of different ferrous content such as nickel coins and pull-tabs. The 1-Dimensional discriminators of other regular metal detectors are not capable of doing that. The best they can do is to reject a narrow range of targets by NOTCH DISCRIMINATION (see further in the list) which still rejects all targets of the same conductivity.
DOUBLE BEEP - Two positive audio signals in rapid succession generally associated with elongated ferrous objects such as nails or coins on edge.
DOUBLE D - A search coil design with two "D" shaped windings configured back to back giving it a long and narrow detection pattern from "toe" to "heel". This type of search coil is generally employed in high mineral locations where the discriminate function is considered secondary.
DRIFT - Unstable threshold tuning levels caused by temperature extremes, battery strength, and rapid changes in mineralization.
DUAL-FREQUENCY (see also FREQUENCY) - This is when a metal detector is designed to operate on two frequencies of alternating currents which are generated by the transmit oscillator and passed through the transmitter coil. As using only two frequencies, the low one and the high one, is not 100% effective in achieving both a good sensitivity to small targets and good detecting depth, Dual-Frequency metal detectors have a little advantage over the single-frequency machines. Only the Multi- detectors made by Minelab get the job done effectively. Two manufacturers, Fisher and White's, make the dual-frequency metal detectors.
DUAL VOLTAGE TECHNOLOGY (DVT) - Minelab's patented technology is implemented in the GPX series of metal detectors. DVT transmits two different voltage levels from the search coil. This has the advantage of improved ground balance, increased sensitivity to small targets and increased detection depth.
E
EDDY CURRENTS - Small circulating electrical currents generated when an electromagnetic field contacts the surface of a metal object. Secondary electromagnetic fields are generated by these currents and picked up by the search coil's receive windings. This causes an inductive imbalance to occur between the transmit and receive windings which is relayed to the detector circuitry producing an audio and/or visual response.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD - An invisible electrical field emanating in force primarily from the top and bottom sides of a search coil. This field is generated by the flow of alternating oscillator frequency current around the search coil's transmit winding, (see DETECTION PATTERN).
ELLIPTICAL - An oval search coil housing shape containing either the Double D (2D) or concentric winding configuration.
F
FAINT SIGNAL - A minimal target response generally associated with deeply buried objects or targets very small in physical size.
FALSE SIGNAL - A positive signal incorrectly thought to be metallic and desirable. Caused by ground minerals, tuning overshoots, ground voids, hot rocks, electrical interference and detector malfunctions.
FARADAY SHIELD - A continuous metal foil wrapping around search coil windings used to reduce electrostatic interference caused by contact with wet vegetation on the search coil housing exterior.
FBS (see also MULTI-FREQUENCY) - Full Band Spectrum is a new technology used by the Minelab Explorer II, SE Pro, and E-Trac metal detectors. FBS combines Minelab's multiple frequency BBS (Broad Band Spectrum) technology with a powerful microprocessor to give: greater detecting depth, high sensitivity over a wide range of targets, less interference from electromagnetic sources, and more accurate identification of target characteristics.
FERROUS - Any material containing iron. If a metal object is attracted to a magnet, it is called ferrous. If not, it is called non-ferrous such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, etc.
FERROUS OXIDES - Particles of oxidized iron which make up the non-conductive or negative ground mineral matrix, (see BLACK SAND).
FIELD TEST - An outdoor test conducted to evaluate metal detector performance and operational characteristics under real conditions of metal detecting.
FREQUENCY - The number of alternating current cycles per second (Hz) produced by the transmit oscillator. A metal detector's electromagnetic operating frequencies are measured in kiloHertz (kHz). Low signal frequencies penetrate the ground deepest, but sensitivity to smaller targets is low. Higher frequencies have a more shallow detecting depth but high sensitivity to small targets.
VF = Voice Frequency = 300Hz-3kHz, VLF = Very Low Freq.= 3-30kHz, LF = Low Freq.= 30-300kHz
FREQUENCY SHIFT - A feature designed to reduce crosstalk interference by altering the transmit frequency of the metal detector, (see CROSSTALK).
G
GRIDDING - Rigid and disciplined search routes along predetermined boundaries used to thoroughly cover a metal detecting site in several directions. Markers or boundaries may be real or imaginary.
GROUND BALANCE - A condition or mode of operation in which the detector is adjusted to optimally reduce the interference that ground mineralization has on metal targets.
GROUND BALANCE (Manual) - A ground balance feature requiring manual adjustment by the operator.
GROUND BALANCE (Factory Preset) - A feature eliminating the ground control and operator manipulation. The metal detector is preset at the factory to an average range of non-conductive soils.
GROUND BALANCE (Self-adjusting) - A true automated ground balancing feature. The detector circuitry senses change in mineralization and compensates to sustain balance.
GROUND COMPENSATION - The ability of the detector to compensate for the effects of ground mineralization.
GROUND FILTER - Specialized sections of metal detector circuitry which separates the ground mineral effect from metal responses in the motion discriminate mode. Quality of design dictates the level of efficiency, sweep rate, depth penetration, and recovery time related to target separation.
H
HALO EFFECT - A conductive increase in target size as seen by the metal detector's electromagnetic field. The effect is caused by excessive target oxidation permeating the soil directly surrounding the target. Associated with long term burial or highly acidic soils. You can read more details on my Halo Effect page.
HAMMERED SITE - A slang term for a metal detecting site that has been searched by metaldetectorists many times. Also called SEARCHED OUT, HUNTED OUT and POUNDED SITE.
HEADPHONES - Remote loudspeakers worn over the ears to enhance the operator's hearing ability and block ambient noise such as automobile traffic and ocean waves. A highly recommended alternative to the detector's speaker. The batteries last longer when headphones are used.
HEARING FATIGUE - A temporary condition of the detectorist's brain when its ability in processing the incoming audio signals begins to decrease. As a result, the detectorist begins to 1) hear less difference between various audio tones (when the Tone ID feature is used), and/or 2) fail discerning the solid signals from the broken ones (this happens in both Tone ID and Single Tone ID cases of usage), therefore, missing some desirable targets. Hearing Fatigue takes place when either a lot of various audio signals are incoming in a non-stop manner for a long period of time (while metal detecting at the junk littered site) or the detectorist has been metal detecting for hours without taking a break. This condition is not noticeable unless one starts feeling a headache caused by numerous cacophonous signals. That is why it is important for any detectorist to take as many breaks as possible during the search. While taking a break, one should take the headphones off and rest mentally and physically for 15 minutes. That would reset detectorist's brain to its "default condition." It is important to remember that physical fatigue dulls one's visual and hearing senses as well.
HEEL - The southern section of search coil behind the control shaft attachment point as viewed from above by the operator.
HERTZ (Hz) - Cycles per second (see FREQUENCY).
HOT ROCK - Any rock containing more non-conductive mineralization than the surrounding matrix to which the detector is ground balanced. Positive or false metallic responses can be heard from these rocks in the motion discriminate mode and a negative or null in audio threshold in the non-motion, all-metal ground balanced mode. You can read more details on my Hot Rocks page
I
IB - An abbreviation which stands for Induction Balance. IB is a condition of zero current flow between transmit and receive windings prior to metal detection. Basically the search coil of the induction balance detector consists of two wire loops: one is a transmitter, another one is a receiver. The most common detectors used nowadays are the detectors that utilize the inductive balance principle of metal detection.
INDUCTANCE - The electrical property of a metal target to oppose variations of the magnetic field. This characteristic is referred to as Ferrous Content.
ISOLATOR - also Lower Shaft - the lower most section of non-metallic control shaft which attaches to the search coil and separates the metallic portion of the control shaft from the electromagnetic field.
K
KEEPER - A slang word for a good metal detecting find.
kHZ (Kilohertz) - One thousand cycles per second, (see FREQUENCY).
L
LCD - Abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. The basis for metal detector visual graphic display technology.
LED - Abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode. A lamp-like semiconductor used for visually indicating circuit functions such as target response and battery condition.
M
MATRIX - The total volume of ground penetrated by the electromagnetic transmit field containing minerals, metals, salts, rocks, moisture and organic matter.
MINERALIZED GROUND - Soil containing non-conductive and/or conductive properties which directly influence metal detector tuning and depth penetration.
MODE - A state of metal detector operation selected by the operator to accomplish a specific task.
MODULAR - A metal detector configuration in which the circuit board(s) can be easily removed and/or replaced for the purpose of repair or upgrade without replacing the entire metal detector.
MONOLOOP COIL - A search coil in which the multiple strands of wire are wound in a single loop around the circumference of the coil. Monoloop coil provides greater depth and sensitivity compared to a Double D coil of equivalent size in in soils with low-medium mineral content.
MOTION DISCRIMINATOR - A detector requiring constant search coil motion to reduce the effect ground mineral interference has on its discriminate function. In short words: search coil requires movement for discrimination to be achieved.
MOTION GROUND CONTROL - movement of a search coil is required for controlling the ground mineralization.
MULTI-FREQUENCY - Metal detector circuitry employing multiple transmit frequencies to enhance the separation of ground mineral effect from target response to increase target identification accuracy. Examples: BROAD BAND SPECTRUM (BBS) and FULL BAND SPECTRUM (FBS) technologies used by the Minelab detectors. Their circuits automatically transmit 17 or 28 frequencies simultaneously. This provides the advantage in both good depth and high sensitivity over the single- and dual-frequency metal detectors.
MULTI PERIOD SENSING (MPS) - Minelab's patented pulse induction technology. Standard pulse induction metal detectors are limited because they use a single pulse width. MPS uses varying pulse widths that extract more information from targets, achieve better ground balance and detect to greater depths.
N
NARROW RESPONSE - An audio target signal which is not wider than the physical size of the search coil.
NEGATIVE GROUND - Non-conductive soil matrix which has a negative or nulling effect on an air tuned audio threshold.
NEUTRAL GROUND - Soil with little or no non-conductive or conductive properties.
NICAD - A class of rechargeable battery having a nickel-cadmium composition.
NiMH - A class of rechargeable batteries having a nickel-metal-hydrate composition. NiMH batteries have a longer life-span and are not affected by memory to the same degree.
NON-FERROUS - Metal types not containing iron such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, etc. If a metal object is attracted to a magnet, it is called ferrous.
NON-MOTION - Any mode of operation which sustains target response without search coil motion.
NON-MOTION ALL-METAL - movement of search coil is not required to get an audio response from any metallic target. This mode is used for pinpointing targets.
NOTCH ACCEPT - A basic notch filter discrimination mode which eliminates all responses except those whose conductive properties fall within the range of the notch width.
NOTCH DISCRIMINATION - it allows to select which of the conductivity segments in the discrimination scale are active or disabled. If a segment is "notched out," then metals within that range of conductivity will be masked and will not produce a signal.
NOTCH FILTER DISCRIMINATION - Specialized discrimination circuitry which selectively accepts or rejects a narrow conductive range of targets inside or outside normal discrimination settings, i.e. accepting nickel coins while rejecting targets higher in conductivity such as pull-tabs.
NOTCH LEVEL - The control used to position the notch width or "window" within the range of metallic conductivities.
NOTCH REJECT - A basic notch filter discrimination mode which rejects only those targets whose conductivities fall within the range of the notch width.
NOTCH WIDTH - A preset or adjustable range of conductivity positioned by the notch level setting - also known as NOTCH WINDOW.
NULL - A momentary disappearance of threshold audio as the search coil passes over a rejected target or a hot rock located with a ground balanced mode.
NUMISMATIST - A person specializing in the study and collection of coins, tokens, and currency.
O
ONE TOUCH - see TURN-ON-AND-GO
OSCILLATOR - A metal detector circuit component which sends a specific current frequency generation to the transmit windings of the search coil to produce an electromagnetic field.
OVERLAP - The amount of scan advance not greater than the physical size of the search coil.
OVERSHOOT - False signals produced by an auto-tuned non-motion discriminate mode as the search coil passes too quickly past a rejected target. Excessive audio restoration by automatic re-tuning produces these false signals outside the target response periphery.
P
PHASE RESPONSE - The duration of time between target surface eddy current generation and resultant secondary electromagnetic field effect on the search coil's receive windings. Also called phase lag or phase angle and is directly related to target conductivity.
PINPOINTING - The act of aligning the center of target response width to the designated search coil center for accurate location and careful recovery.
PLUGGING - A method of target recovery by which a plug of soil is carefully cut and folded back to expose deeper targets which cannot be successfully recovered with other methods.
POSITIVE GROUND - Soil containing conductive minerals or wet salts that affect an air tuned audio threshold.
POUNDED SITE - A slang term for a metal detecting site that has been searched by metaldetectorists many times. Also called HAMMERED, SEARCHED OUT and HUNTED OUT SITE.
PRESET MARKINGS - Metal detector control panel markings which have been highlighted by the manufacturer as a guide to setting up the detector for average operating conditions.
PI - An abbreviation for Pulse Induction circuit technology. This type detector ignores both non-conductive and conductive minerals simultaneously by pulsing the receiver amplifier off before the response from wetted salts and iron oxides can reach the search coil winding. The search coil of the PI detector consists of only one wire loop which is both transmitter and receiver at the same time. PI detectors are capable of extreme depth but are currently inept at rejecting undesired targets, i.e. they can not operate in Discrimination mode.
Q
QUICK RESPONSE - The measure of time it takes between metal sensing and full audio/visual response. Generally associated with all frequencies of TR detectors.
R
RECEIVE WINDING - The coil(s) of wire inside the search coil housing whose function is to accept the secondary electromagnetic field generated on a target's surface by eddy currents.
RECOVERY TIME - The duration of time it takes a metal detector to respond to the next target after responding to the previous. Detectors with slow recovery speeds often are unable to respond to all targets in close proximity when discrimination is used.
REJECTION - Non-acceptance of a target when operating in the discriminate mode indicated by a null in threshold audio or no change in silent operation.
RETUNING - The act of manually restoring threshold audio by means of an external switch, (see AUTO-TUNE).
Rx (Receive) refers to the response, or electromagnetic field, which is received back by the coil and is used by the control box circuitry to process it accordingly.
S
"S" HANDLE - A metal detector control shaft designed with offsets which increase operator comfort by reducing arm and wrist fatigue.
SCAN - To complete a detection path of search coil travel or sweep.
SEARCH COIL - The search head or housing which holds both transmitter and receiver windings (loops) aligned in a specific configuration, (see COAXIAL; CO-PLANAR; CONCENTRIC; DOUBLE D) Also known as a search loop or coil.
SEARCH COIL CABLE - A cable of electrostatically shielded wires which carries circuit board oscillator current frequency to the search coil and phase related target information back to the control housing.
SENSITIVITY - The measure of a metal detector's capacity to sense changes in conductivity throughout the pattern of detection set forth by the search coil configuration, (see AIR TEST).
SIGNAL - A visual and/or audio response which alerts the operator to the presence of a metal object (see FALSE SIGNAL).
SIGNAL WIDTH - The ground distance measure of search coil travel in which target audio is sustained. Signal width is directly proportional to target size and ferrous content when operating in a non-motion all-metal mode.
SILENT OPERATION - A search mode which does not use constant threshold audio tuning to maintain sensitivity. Also called SILENT SEARCH.
SINGLE-FREQUENCY (see also FREQUENCY) - This is when a metal detector is designed to operate on one frequency of alternating current which is generated by the transmit oscillator and passed through the transmitter coil. Most detectors on the market operate on a single frequency, ranging from 1 to 70 kilohertz (kHz). Although this technology has served the industry well for years, the scientists found that a frequency that worked well in one area would often offer only marginal performance when used in another location. Ground mineralization, trash content, and target size all have an effect on how effective a detector transmitting a single frequency would operate.
SKID PLATE (Coil Cover) - A non-metallic cover placed on the search coil bottom for protection against abrasion.
SLOW MOTION - The rate or class of search coil sweep speed necessary to efficiently operate the motion discriminate mode.
SLOW RESPONSE - The measure of time associated with metal sensing and peak audio/ visual response. Generally associated with PI type detectors.
STABILITY - The quality of a metal detector circuit to resist external sources of thermal and electrical interference, (see DRIFT).
SURFACE BLANKING - A feature designed to eliminate the response from non discriminated targets lying within a predetermined depth. Based on signal intensities usually associated with shallow depths.
SWEEP - The width and/or speed rate of search coil scan.
T
TARGET - Any buried or hidden object to which a metal detector responds.
TARGET MASKING - The overriding or interfering effects large or numerous rejected targets have over desirable targets in close proximity.
TARGET SEPARATION - The ability of a metal detector to respond to individual targets within a closely spaced group.
TEN-TURN - Any control requiring ten revolutions of the indicator knob to cover the adjustment range of its function, (i.e. ground balance).
TEST GARDEN - A plot of targets intentionally buried by the detectorist. Arranged by size, depth, and composition for learning characteristic responses and comparing metal detector performances in a controlled environment.
THRESHOLD - The minimum audio level of tuning adjusted for optimum sensitivity. If your metal detector is not operated in Silent Search mode, the Threshold is heard as constant background "humming" during detecting. Threshold should be adjusted to a minimum audible level, so you can hear very small and deep targets. When a rejected target is detected, the Threshold sounds "blanks" or "null" (becomes silent) indicating that an undesired target is underneath the search coil. Threshold can be set anywhere between "no sound" (silent) and loud.
TH'er - An abbreviation for Treasure Hunter, an enthusiast in a hobby of metal detecting and treasure hunting. Also called a Metaldetectorist or Detectorist.
TOE - The northern section of search coil above the control shaft attachment point as viewed from above by the operator.
TONE CONTROL - An adjustment used to regulate the audio frequency or sound pitch to operator preference. Also used to contrast target response with external ambience.
TONE ID - Audio identification of a target based on a principle of relationship between the target's conductivity and the tone's pitch: the higher the conductivity, the higher the tone, i.e. the lowest pitch tone for iron, the highest pitch tone for silver.
TRANSMIT WINDING - The coil of wire which generates and transmits the primary electromagnetic field from within the search coil housing into the soil matrix.
TR (Transmitter/Receiver) - A class of metal detectors operating in a broad range of radio frequencies (i.e. VLF/TR; VF/TR) utilizing the inductive balance principle of metal detection. TR detectors are able to tell the difference between a ferrous and nonferrous object, but do not have enough depth in highly mineralized ground. TR detectors are obsolete now.
TURN-ON-AND-GO - A type of metal detectors that automatically eliminate the ground mineralization while in operation. This is achieved by the Automatic Ground Balance feature also called Automatic Ground Compensation, Auto Tune, etc., depending on a metal detector. Using a metal detector of this type, an operator does not have to manually adjust the detector's ground balance before or during the detecting process.
V
VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) - Oscillator circuitry which is driven by target voltage to produce varying audio pitch and/or visual display responses for target identification and pinpointing.
VFLEX Technology uses state of the art digital electronics to enhance standard single frequency detection technology. This has the advantage of providing dependable performance and improved immunity to outside interference. VFLEX technology also has an added advantage of being able to change the frequency of the detector by simply changing the coil being used.
VISUAL ID - A metal detector feature which provides the operator with a probable target identity reference in terms of relative conductivity. Indications can be a metered needle movement or LCD display.
VLF - Very Low Frequency (see also FREQUENCY). Metal detector of this technology uses two coils - a transmitter (outer loop) and a receiver (inner loop), that are encompassed inside the detector's search coil. Alternating current is passed through the transmitter coil, with the frequency corresponding to the number of times per second that the current changes direction. This current generates a magnetic field which will cause any conductive objects in range to generate magnetic fields in the opposite direction of the transmitter's magnetic field. The "receiver" coil receives frequencies or data that come or "bounce" back from the targets detected and relays the signals to the control box, which interprets the signal for depth and type of metal.
VLF/TR - A metal detector class designation meaning a transmitter/receiver type detector operating in the very low frequency range. This technology represents a combination of Very Low Frequency and Transmitter/Receiver technologies thus enabling the VLF/TR detectors to control trash and ground mineralization simultaneously.
VOLUME CONTROL - A metal detector control which regulates the loudness of target response.
W
WIDE RESPONSE - An audio target response associated with an all-metal non-motion mode which is wider than the physical size of the search coil.
WIDE SCAN - A description of any search coil capable of producing a target response across its full dimension.
Z
ZERO DISCRIMINATION - Describes a discrimination control characteristic which accepts ferrous metals at its minimum setting, (see ALL-METAL).
NOTE: If you do not see a term that you think is important, please let me know.
A
AIR TEST (see also BENCH TEST and FIELD TEST) - A test to determine the maximum sensitivity a metal detector is capable of under artificial conditions. Various sized metal samples are held beyond the search coil bottom at varying distances to determine the limits of audio or visual response. Air tests are not accurate indicators of ground penetration ability.
ALKALINE - A grade of battery composition which sustains higher current drain and possesses a greater shelf life than basic carbon-zinc types.
ALL-METAL - A mode or control setting description associated with total acceptance of metal targets. Also related to the ground balance mode function.
ALLOY - A substance which is composed of two or more metals (an alloy may also include non-metals).
AUDIO ID - Circuitry enabling the operator to make judgments on target conductivity levels based on sound. A voltage controlled oscillator is employed to produce multi-pitch audio responses.
AUTO TUNE (Automatic Re-Tuning) - Circuitry capable of continuously restoring threshold audio level. Used to control circuit drift caused by mineral interference in the All-Metal, Pinpoint or Ground Balance modes of operation. Rates of re-tuning speed may be preset or variable depending on design features.
B
BACK READING - False responses caused by rejected targets being too close to or in contact with the search coil bottom when the detector is operating in the discriminate mode.
BBS (see also MULTI-FREQUENCY and FBS) - Broad Band Spectrum is a multi- technology used by the early Minelab metal detectors (Explorer XS, Sovereign and Excalibur). BBs circuit automatically transmits from 17 to 28 frequencies simultaneously. BBS preceded the newer FBS technology of Minelab.
BENCH TEST - Another form of air test used to define which discriminate settings accept or reject various target samples. Detector is placed upon a stationary and non-metallic rest, and samples are manually passed across the bottom of the search coil.
BFO - Beat Frequency Oscillation is the oldest technology used in metal detectors. BFO metal detectors have two coils of wire. One large coil is located in the search coil of the detector, the other small coil of wire - a "receiver" coil, is located within the System Control Pack or Control Box. Each coil of wire is connected to an oscillator that produces pulses of current. These pulses of current pass through the coils generating radio waves. A "receiver" coil housed within the Control Box receives the radio waves and makes a series of tones based upon the waves' frequencies. When the detector's search coil passes over any metallic object, a magnetic field called Eddy Currents is created around the object. As this magnetic field causes interference with the frequency of the radio waves generated by the search coil, the tone produced by the receiver is also changed.
BFO metal detectors are the cheapest (under $100) and designed mainly as toy detectors for kids. Because the BFO technology is the easiest and cheapest to make, it has its limitations when compared to other types. For example, poor ability in distinguishing between different types of metals is one of them. BFO technology is also still used in cheap hand-held devices.
BLACK SAND - A form of negative ground mineralization found on beaches and in gold bearing regions. The major component of non-conductive ground, also known as magnetic iron oxide or magnetite (Fe304).
BODYMOUNT - An operator setup whereby the metal detector control housing is removed from the control shaft and attached to the body by straps or fixed upon a belt. This configuration lessens arm fatigue and promotes better maneuverability on land and in shallow water searching. Body Mount is also called Hip-Mount.
"BUTTERFLY" Search Coils - These search coils are a variant of the DD Search coils' open design with a butterfly-like shape.
C
CACHE - A hoard of coins or other valuables purposely buried or concealed. Also called Coin Cache.
CAMLOCK - Lever which releases or locks detector's assembly components (shafts or stems).
CARBON-ZINC - The standard or basic grade of dry-cell battery.
COAXIAL - A search coil design having identical diameter transmit and receive windings stacked and aligned on the same axis. Advantages include a uniform detection pattern and resistance to 60 Hz AC electrical interference.
COIN DEPTH INDICATOR - A meter or visual display which measures the depth of coins and coin-sized targets in numerical increments. Targets which are larger or smaller than the circuitry is calibrated for will not be measured accurately.
CONCENTRIC - A search coil design having two transmit coils (windings) and one receive coil of unequal diameters aligned on the same center. The most common style called concentric/co-planar has all windings on the same plane. Recent designs have been configured elliptical. Concentric search coils are considered most compatible with the discrimination function. More on search coils here.
CONDUCTIVE SALTS - The major component of the positive ground matrix. Wet ocean sand can cause false signals in the motion discriminate mode of operation and an increase or positive rise in threshold audio in an unbalanced non-motion all-metal mode.
CONDUCTIVITY - The measured amount of eddy current generation created on a metal target's surface, (see PHASE RESPONSE).
CONTROL HOUSING (also CONTROL BOX) - The enclosure which contains detection circuitry, indicators, power source and related controls. Control housing provides user access to functions via the Control Panel. Typically made of plastic or metal.
CONTROL PANEL - The front of the Control Box housing the display screen and providing press-button or knob access to all of the detector's operating functions.
CONTROL SHAFT - Telescoping metal tubes to which the control housing, search coil, and isolator are attached. Also called Medium Shaft.
CONVERTIBLE - A metal detector configuration in which the control housing can be temporarily detached for body-mounting (hip-mounting).
COPLANAR - Orientation of search coil windings occupying the same horizontal plane.
CROSSTALK - Interference between two metal detectors operating in near proximity at the same transmit frequency.
CRYSTAL CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR - An oscillator utilizing a quartz crystal to sustain a stable transmit frequency.
D
DEPTH PENETRATION - A metal detector's maximum capability to transmit an electromagnetic field through a mineralized ground matrix and signal the presence of a metal target. The detecting depth indication is based on the strength of the secondary magnetic field generated by the metallic targets.
DETECTION PATTERN - The perceived shape or footprint of effective electromagnetic field transmission directly related to search coil winding configuration.
DETUNING - A method of desensitizing threshold audio tuning which reduces the target signal width for accurate pinpointing. Achieved in a non-motion, all-metal mode of operation by re-tuning threshold audio within the target response area.
DISCRIMINATION - Circuitry and the mode of operation in which audio or visual responses from undesired metal objects are intentionally eliminated.
DISCRIMINATION PATTERN (Accepted) - On the detector's display, the range of accepted targets is represented by the white (clear) area on the Conductivity (1-dimensional) scale or on a Conductivity/Ferrous Content (2-dimensional) scale of Discrimination.
DISCRIMINATION PATTERN (Rejected) - On the detector's display, the range of rejected (undesirable) targets is represented by the black area on the Conductivity (1-dimensional) scale or on a Conductivity/Ferrous Content (2-dimensional) scale of Discrimination.
DOT DISCRIMINATION - Can be applied only to the Minelab's revolutionary 2-dimensional discrimination circuitry which is capable of selectively accepting or rejecting a specific target. The target's conductivity/ferrous content coordinates correspond to a graphic square that can be of three changeable sizes, can be colored white for Accept or black for Reject, and can be placed anywhere inside the 2-dimensional discrimination pattern on detector's LCD. For instance, dot discrimination will accept gold rings of certain conductivity while rejecting targets of the same conductivity but of different ferrous content such as nickel coins and pull-tabs. The 1-Dimensional discriminators of other regular metal detectors are not capable of doing that. The best they can do is to reject a narrow range of targets by NOTCH DISCRIMINATION (see further in the list) which still rejects all targets of the same conductivity.
DOUBLE BEEP - Two positive audio signals in rapid succession generally associated with elongated ferrous objects such as nails or coins on edge.
DOUBLE D - A search coil design with two "D" shaped windings configured back to back giving it a long and narrow detection pattern from "toe" to "heel". This type of search coil is generally employed in high mineral locations where the discriminate function is considered secondary.
DRIFT - Unstable threshold tuning levels caused by temperature extremes, battery strength, and rapid changes in mineralization.
DUAL-FREQUENCY (see also FREQUENCY) - This is when a metal detector is designed to operate on two frequencies of alternating currents which are generated by the transmit oscillator and passed through the transmitter coil. As using only two frequencies, the low one and the high one, is not 100% effective in achieving both a good sensitivity to small targets and good detecting depth, Dual-Frequency metal detectors have a little advantage over the single-frequency machines. Only the Multi- detectors made by Minelab get the job done effectively. Two manufacturers, Fisher and White's, make the dual-frequency metal detectors.
DUAL VOLTAGE TECHNOLOGY (DVT) - Minelab's patented technology is implemented in the GPX series of metal detectors. DVT transmits two different voltage levels from the search coil. This has the advantage of improved ground balance, increased sensitivity to small targets and increased detection depth.
E
EDDY CURRENTS - Small circulating electrical currents generated when an electromagnetic field contacts the surface of a metal object. Secondary electromagnetic fields are generated by these currents and picked up by the search coil's receive windings. This causes an inductive imbalance to occur between the transmit and receive windings which is relayed to the detector circuitry producing an audio and/or visual response.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD - An invisible electrical field emanating in force primarily from the top and bottom sides of a search coil. This field is generated by the flow of alternating oscillator frequency current around the search coil's transmit winding, (see DETECTION PATTERN).
ELLIPTICAL - An oval search coil housing shape containing either the Double D (2D) or concentric winding configuration.
F
FAINT SIGNAL - A minimal target response generally associated with deeply buried objects or targets very small in physical size.
FALSE SIGNAL - A positive signal incorrectly thought to be metallic and desirable. Caused by ground minerals, tuning overshoots, ground voids, hot rocks, electrical interference and detector malfunctions.
FARADAY SHIELD - A continuous metal foil wrapping around search coil windings used to reduce electrostatic interference caused by contact with wet vegetation on the search coil housing exterior.
FBS (see also MULTI-FREQUENCY) - Full Band Spectrum is a new technology used by the Minelab Explorer II, SE Pro, and E-Trac metal detectors. FBS combines Minelab's multiple frequency BBS (Broad Band Spectrum) technology with a powerful microprocessor to give: greater detecting depth, high sensitivity over a wide range of targets, less interference from electromagnetic sources, and more accurate identification of target characteristics.
FERROUS - Any material containing iron. If a metal object is attracted to a magnet, it is called ferrous. If not, it is called non-ferrous such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, etc.
FERROUS OXIDES - Particles of oxidized iron which make up the non-conductive or negative ground mineral matrix, (see BLACK SAND).
FIELD TEST - An outdoor test conducted to evaluate metal detector performance and operational characteristics under real conditions of metal detecting.
FREQUENCY - The number of alternating current cycles per second (Hz) produced by the transmit oscillator. A metal detector's electromagnetic operating frequencies are measured in kiloHertz (kHz). Low signal frequencies penetrate the ground deepest, but sensitivity to smaller targets is low. Higher frequencies have a more shallow detecting depth but high sensitivity to small targets.
VF = Voice Frequency = 300Hz-3kHz, VLF = Very Low Freq.= 3-30kHz, LF = Low Freq.= 30-300kHz
FREQUENCY SHIFT - A feature designed to reduce crosstalk interference by altering the transmit frequency of the metal detector, (see CROSSTALK).
G
GRIDDING - Rigid and disciplined search routes along predetermined boundaries used to thoroughly cover a metal detecting site in several directions. Markers or boundaries may be real or imaginary.
GROUND BALANCE - A condition or mode of operation in which the detector is adjusted to optimally reduce the interference that ground mineralization has on metal targets.
GROUND BALANCE (Manual) - A ground balance feature requiring manual adjustment by the operator.
GROUND BALANCE (Factory Preset) - A feature eliminating the ground control and operator manipulation. The metal detector is preset at the factory to an average range of non-conductive soils.
GROUND BALANCE (Self-adjusting) - A true automated ground balancing feature. The detector circuitry senses change in mineralization and compensates to sustain balance.
GROUND COMPENSATION - The ability of the detector to compensate for the effects of ground mineralization.
GROUND FILTER - Specialized sections of metal detector circuitry which separates the ground mineral effect from metal responses in the motion discriminate mode. Quality of design dictates the level of efficiency, sweep rate, depth penetration, and recovery time related to target separation.
H
HALO EFFECT - A conductive increase in target size as seen by the metal detector's electromagnetic field. The effect is caused by excessive target oxidation permeating the soil directly surrounding the target. Associated with long term burial or highly acidic soils. You can read more details on my Halo Effect page.
HAMMERED SITE - A slang term for a metal detecting site that has been searched by metaldetectorists many times. Also called SEARCHED OUT, HUNTED OUT and POUNDED SITE.
HEADPHONES - Remote loudspeakers worn over the ears to enhance the operator's hearing ability and block ambient noise such as automobile traffic and ocean waves. A highly recommended alternative to the detector's speaker. The batteries last longer when headphones are used.
HEARING FATIGUE - A temporary condition of the detectorist's brain when its ability in processing the incoming audio signals begins to decrease. As a result, the detectorist begins to 1) hear less difference between various audio tones (when the Tone ID feature is used), and/or 2) fail discerning the solid signals from the broken ones (this happens in both Tone ID and Single Tone ID cases of usage), therefore, missing some desirable targets. Hearing Fatigue takes place when either a lot of various audio signals are incoming in a non-stop manner for a long period of time (while metal detecting at the junk littered site) or the detectorist has been metal detecting for hours without taking a break. This condition is not noticeable unless one starts feeling a headache caused by numerous cacophonous signals. That is why it is important for any detectorist to take as many breaks as possible during the search. While taking a break, one should take the headphones off and rest mentally and physically for 15 minutes. That would reset detectorist's brain to its "default condition." It is important to remember that physical fatigue dulls one's visual and hearing senses as well.
HEEL - The southern section of search coil behind the control shaft attachment point as viewed from above by the operator.
HERTZ (Hz) - Cycles per second (see FREQUENCY).
HOT ROCK - Any rock containing more non-conductive mineralization than the surrounding matrix to which the detector is ground balanced. Positive or false metallic responses can be heard from these rocks in the motion discriminate mode and a negative or null in audio threshold in the non-motion, all-metal ground balanced mode. You can read more details on my Hot Rocks page
I
IB - An abbreviation which stands for Induction Balance. IB is a condition of zero current flow between transmit and receive windings prior to metal detection. Basically the search coil of the induction balance detector consists of two wire loops: one is a transmitter, another one is a receiver. The most common detectors used nowadays are the detectors that utilize the inductive balance principle of metal detection.
INDUCTANCE - The electrical property of a metal target to oppose variations of the magnetic field. This characteristic is referred to as Ferrous Content.
ISOLATOR - also Lower Shaft - the lower most section of non-metallic control shaft which attaches to the search coil and separates the metallic portion of the control shaft from the electromagnetic field.
K
KEEPER - A slang word for a good metal detecting find.
kHZ (Kilohertz) - One thousand cycles per second, (see FREQUENCY).
L
LCD - Abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display. The basis for metal detector visual graphic display technology.
LED - Abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode. A lamp-like semiconductor used for visually indicating circuit functions such as target response and battery condition.
M
MATRIX - The total volume of ground penetrated by the electromagnetic transmit field containing minerals, metals, salts, rocks, moisture and organic matter.
MINERALIZED GROUND - Soil containing non-conductive and/or conductive properties which directly influence metal detector tuning and depth penetration.
MODE - A state of metal detector operation selected by the operator to accomplish a specific task.
MODULAR - A metal detector configuration in which the circuit board(s) can be easily removed and/or replaced for the purpose of repair or upgrade without replacing the entire metal detector.
MONOLOOP COIL - A search coil in which the multiple strands of wire are wound in a single loop around the circumference of the coil. Monoloop coil provides greater depth and sensitivity compared to a Double D coil of equivalent size in in soils with low-medium mineral content.
MOTION DISCRIMINATOR - A detector requiring constant search coil motion to reduce the effect ground mineral interference has on its discriminate function. In short words: search coil requires movement for discrimination to be achieved.
MOTION GROUND CONTROL - movement of a search coil is required for controlling the ground mineralization.
MULTI-FREQUENCY - Metal detector circuitry employing multiple transmit frequencies to enhance the separation of ground mineral effect from target response to increase target identification accuracy. Examples: BROAD BAND SPECTRUM (BBS) and FULL BAND SPECTRUM (FBS) technologies used by the Minelab detectors. Their circuits automatically transmit 17 or 28 frequencies simultaneously. This provides the advantage in both good depth and high sensitivity over the single- and dual-frequency metal detectors.
MULTI PERIOD SENSING (MPS) - Minelab's patented pulse induction technology. Standard pulse induction metal detectors are limited because they use a single pulse width. MPS uses varying pulse widths that extract more information from targets, achieve better ground balance and detect to greater depths.
N
NARROW RESPONSE - An audio target signal which is not wider than the physical size of the search coil.
NEGATIVE GROUND - Non-conductive soil matrix which has a negative or nulling effect on an air tuned audio threshold.
NEUTRAL GROUND - Soil with little or no non-conductive or conductive properties.
NICAD - A class of rechargeable battery having a nickel-cadmium composition.
NiMH - A class of rechargeable batteries having a nickel-metal-hydrate composition. NiMH batteries have a longer life-span and are not affected by memory to the same degree.
NON-FERROUS - Metal types not containing iron such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, etc. If a metal object is attracted to a magnet, it is called ferrous.
NON-MOTION - Any mode of operation which sustains target response without search coil motion.
NON-MOTION ALL-METAL - movement of search coil is not required to get an audio response from any metallic target. This mode is used for pinpointing targets.
NOTCH ACCEPT - A basic notch filter discrimination mode which eliminates all responses except those whose conductive properties fall within the range of the notch width.
NOTCH DISCRIMINATION - it allows to select which of the conductivity segments in the discrimination scale are active or disabled. If a segment is "notched out," then metals within that range of conductivity will be masked and will not produce a signal.
NOTCH FILTER DISCRIMINATION - Specialized discrimination circuitry which selectively accepts or rejects a narrow conductive range of targets inside or outside normal discrimination settings, i.e. accepting nickel coins while rejecting targets higher in conductivity such as pull-tabs.
NOTCH LEVEL - The control used to position the notch width or "window" within the range of metallic conductivities.
NOTCH REJECT - A basic notch filter discrimination mode which rejects only those targets whose conductivities fall within the range of the notch width.
NOTCH WIDTH - A preset or adjustable range of conductivity positioned by the notch level setting - also known as NOTCH WINDOW.
NULL - A momentary disappearance of threshold audio as the search coil passes over a rejected target or a hot rock located with a ground balanced mode.
NUMISMATIST - A person specializing in the study and collection of coins, tokens, and currency.
O
ONE TOUCH - see TURN-ON-AND-GO
OSCILLATOR - A metal detector circuit component which sends a specific current frequency generation to the transmit windings of the search coil to produce an electromagnetic field.
OVERLAP - The amount of scan advance not greater than the physical size of the search coil.
OVERSHOOT - False signals produced by an auto-tuned non-motion discriminate mode as the search coil passes too quickly past a rejected target. Excessive audio restoration by automatic re-tuning produces these false signals outside the target response periphery.
P
PHASE RESPONSE - The duration of time between target surface eddy current generation and resultant secondary electromagnetic field effect on the search coil's receive windings. Also called phase lag or phase angle and is directly related to target conductivity.
PINPOINTING - The act of aligning the center of target response width to the designated search coil center for accurate location and careful recovery.
PLUGGING - A method of target recovery by which a plug of soil is carefully cut and folded back to expose deeper targets which cannot be successfully recovered with other methods.
POSITIVE GROUND - Soil containing conductive minerals or wet salts that affect an air tuned audio threshold.
POUNDED SITE - A slang term for a metal detecting site that has been searched by metaldetectorists many times. Also called HAMMERED, SEARCHED OUT and HUNTED OUT SITE.
PRESET MARKINGS - Metal detector control panel markings which have been highlighted by the manufacturer as a guide to setting up the detector for average operating conditions.
PI - An abbreviation for Pulse Induction circuit technology. This type detector ignores both non-conductive and conductive minerals simultaneously by pulsing the receiver amplifier off before the response from wetted salts and iron oxides can reach the search coil winding. The search coil of the PI detector consists of only one wire loop which is both transmitter and receiver at the same time. PI detectors are capable of extreme depth but are currently inept at rejecting undesired targets, i.e. they can not operate in Discrimination mode.
Q
QUICK RESPONSE - The measure of time it takes between metal sensing and full audio/visual response. Generally associated with all frequencies of TR detectors.
R
RECEIVE WINDING - The coil(s) of wire inside the search coil housing whose function is to accept the secondary electromagnetic field generated on a target's surface by eddy currents.
RECOVERY TIME - The duration of time it takes a metal detector to respond to the next target after responding to the previous. Detectors with slow recovery speeds often are unable to respond to all targets in close proximity when discrimination is used.
REJECTION - Non-acceptance of a target when operating in the discriminate mode indicated by a null in threshold audio or no change in silent operation.
RETUNING - The act of manually restoring threshold audio by means of an external switch, (see AUTO-TUNE).
Rx (Receive) refers to the response, or electromagnetic field, which is received back by the coil and is used by the control box circuitry to process it accordingly.
S
"S" HANDLE - A metal detector control shaft designed with offsets which increase operator comfort by reducing arm and wrist fatigue.
SCAN - To complete a detection path of search coil travel or sweep.
SEARCH COIL - The search head or housing which holds both transmitter and receiver windings (loops) aligned in a specific configuration, (see COAXIAL; CO-PLANAR; CONCENTRIC; DOUBLE D) Also known as a search loop or coil.
SEARCH COIL CABLE - A cable of electrostatically shielded wires which carries circuit board oscillator current frequency to the search coil and phase related target information back to the control housing.
SENSITIVITY - The measure of a metal detector's capacity to sense changes in conductivity throughout the pattern of detection set forth by the search coil configuration, (see AIR TEST).
SIGNAL - A visual and/or audio response which alerts the operator to the presence of a metal object (see FALSE SIGNAL).
SIGNAL WIDTH - The ground distance measure of search coil travel in which target audio is sustained. Signal width is directly proportional to target size and ferrous content when operating in a non-motion all-metal mode.
SILENT OPERATION - A search mode which does not use constant threshold audio tuning to maintain sensitivity. Also called SILENT SEARCH.
SINGLE-FREQUENCY (see also FREQUENCY) - This is when a metal detector is designed to operate on one frequency of alternating current which is generated by the transmit oscillator and passed through the transmitter coil. Most detectors on the market operate on a single frequency, ranging from 1 to 70 kilohertz (kHz). Although this technology has served the industry well for years, the scientists found that a frequency that worked well in one area would often offer only marginal performance when used in another location. Ground mineralization, trash content, and target size all have an effect on how effective a detector transmitting a single frequency would operate.
SKID PLATE (Coil Cover) - A non-metallic cover placed on the search coil bottom for protection against abrasion.
SLOW MOTION - The rate or class of search coil sweep speed necessary to efficiently operate the motion discriminate mode.
SLOW RESPONSE - The measure of time associated with metal sensing and peak audio/ visual response. Generally associated with PI type detectors.
STABILITY - The quality of a metal detector circuit to resist external sources of thermal and electrical interference, (see DRIFT).
SURFACE BLANKING - A feature designed to eliminate the response from non discriminated targets lying within a predetermined depth. Based on signal intensities usually associated with shallow depths.
SWEEP - The width and/or speed rate of search coil scan.
T
TARGET - Any buried or hidden object to which a metal detector responds.
TARGET MASKING - The overriding or interfering effects large or numerous rejected targets have over desirable targets in close proximity.
TARGET SEPARATION - The ability of a metal detector to respond to individual targets within a closely spaced group.
TEN-TURN - Any control requiring ten revolutions of the indicator knob to cover the adjustment range of its function, (i.e. ground balance).
TEST GARDEN - A plot of targets intentionally buried by the detectorist. Arranged by size, depth, and composition for learning characteristic responses and comparing metal detector performances in a controlled environment.
THRESHOLD - The minimum audio level of tuning adjusted for optimum sensitivity. If your metal detector is not operated in Silent Search mode, the Threshold is heard as constant background "humming" during detecting. Threshold should be adjusted to a minimum audible level, so you can hear very small and deep targets. When a rejected target is detected, the Threshold sounds "blanks" or "null" (becomes silent) indicating that an undesired target is underneath the search coil. Threshold can be set anywhere between "no sound" (silent) and loud.
TH'er - An abbreviation for Treasure Hunter, an enthusiast in a hobby of metal detecting and treasure hunting. Also called a Metaldetectorist or Detectorist.
TOE - The northern section of search coil above the control shaft attachment point as viewed from above by the operator.
TONE CONTROL - An adjustment used to regulate the audio frequency or sound pitch to operator preference. Also used to contrast target response with external ambience.
TONE ID - Audio identification of a target based on a principle of relationship between the target's conductivity and the tone's pitch: the higher the conductivity, the higher the tone, i.e. the lowest pitch tone for iron, the highest pitch tone for silver.
TRANSMIT WINDING - The coil of wire which generates and transmits the primary electromagnetic field from within the search coil housing into the soil matrix.
TR (Transmitter/Receiver) - A class of metal detectors operating in a broad range of radio frequencies (i.e. VLF/TR; VF/TR) utilizing the inductive balance principle of metal detection. TR detectors are able to tell the difference between a ferrous and nonferrous object, but do not have enough depth in highly mineralized ground. TR detectors are obsolete now.
TURN-ON-AND-GO - A type of metal detectors that automatically eliminate the ground mineralization while in operation. This is achieved by the Automatic Ground Balance feature also called Automatic Ground Compensation, Auto Tune, etc., depending on a metal detector. Using a metal detector of this type, an operator does not have to manually adjust the detector's ground balance before or during the detecting process.
V
VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) - Oscillator circuitry which is driven by target voltage to produce varying audio pitch and/or visual display responses for target identification and pinpointing.
VFLEX Technology uses state of the art digital electronics to enhance standard single frequency detection technology. This has the advantage of providing dependable performance and improved immunity to outside interference. VFLEX technology also has an added advantage of being able to change the frequency of the detector by simply changing the coil being used.
VISUAL ID - A metal detector feature which provides the operator with a probable target identity reference in terms of relative conductivity. Indications can be a metered needle movement or LCD display.
VLF - Very Low Frequency (see also FREQUENCY). Metal detector of this technology uses two coils - a transmitter (outer loop) and a receiver (inner loop), that are encompassed inside the detector's search coil. Alternating current is passed through the transmitter coil, with the frequency corresponding to the number of times per second that the current changes direction. This current generates a magnetic field which will cause any conductive objects in range to generate magnetic fields in the opposite direction of the transmitter's magnetic field. The "receiver" coil receives frequencies or data that come or "bounce" back from the targets detected and relays the signals to the control box, which interprets the signal for depth and type of metal.
VLF/TR - A metal detector class designation meaning a transmitter/receiver type detector operating in the very low frequency range. This technology represents a combination of Very Low Frequency and Transmitter/Receiver technologies thus enabling the VLF/TR detectors to control trash and ground mineralization simultaneously.
VOLUME CONTROL - A metal detector control which regulates the loudness of target response.
W
WIDE RESPONSE - An audio target response associated with an all-metal non-motion mode which is wider than the physical size of the search coil.
WIDE SCAN - A description of any search coil capable of producing a target response across its full dimension.
Z
ZERO DISCRIMINATION - Describes a discrimination control characteristic which accepts ferrous metals at its minimum setting, (see ALL-METAL).
Metal Detecting Tips
If digging in dirt, cut a "plug" of dirt by cutting a round section with the knife, then prying it up with the blade or shovel. Set the plug nearby and scan the plug and the hole. The detector's beep will determine whether the item is in the hole or the plug. Replace the plug when finished.
The old-fashioned cup-style headphones are best for metal detecting, as they allow you to fully discriminate one type of beep from another.
Pay close attention to when your detector beeps in relation to where the metal object is located. With practice you will be able to determine exactly where the item is before digging it up.
Metal detectors are more sensitive after a rain. Dug-up ground is also easier to replace after a rain.
Inform yourself of local laws before metal detecting on property you do not own. For instance, some beaches and public parks allow metal detecting and some do not.
Be aware of your surroundings while detecting, especially while wearing headphones. It's a good idea to hunt with a friend.
Do not leave your detector in the trunk of your car in hot weather.
Many people buy expensive detectors, then find they really don't enjoy detecting or don't have the time for it. Consider used detectors, as they can be a smart choice.
Search for local detecting clubs on the Internet or call a local college or university science department.
Knowing where you will detect is important when deciding what detector to buy. Do your research. Call your local historical society to find out if your area has old towns, battlegrounds or other places that may yield treasure. If you live near a beach, finding jewelry and coins in the water is a sure bet.
Do not expect to find lots of treasure every time you metal detect. In fact, there may be times when you come back home empty-handed. But the real joy of this wonderful hobby is never knowing what you are going to dig up next!
The old-fashioned cup-style headphones are best for metal detecting, as they allow you to fully discriminate one type of beep from another.
Pay close attention to when your detector beeps in relation to where the metal object is located. With practice you will be able to determine exactly where the item is before digging it up.
Metal detectors are more sensitive after a rain. Dug-up ground is also easier to replace after a rain.
Inform yourself of local laws before metal detecting on property you do not own. For instance, some beaches and public parks allow metal detecting and some do not.
Be aware of your surroundings while detecting, especially while wearing headphones. It's a good idea to hunt with a friend.
Do not leave your detector in the trunk of your car in hot weather.
Many people buy expensive detectors, then find they really don't enjoy detecting or don't have the time for it. Consider used detectors, as they can be a smart choice.
Search for local detecting clubs on the Internet or call a local college or university science department.
Knowing where you will detect is important when deciding what detector to buy. Do your research. Call your local historical society to find out if your area has old towns, battlegrounds or other places that may yield treasure. If you live near a beach, finding jewelry and coins in the water is a sure bet.
Do not expect to find lots of treasure every time you metal detect. In fact, there may be times when you come back home empty-handed. But the real joy of this wonderful hobby is never knowing what you are going to dig up next!
Where to go metal detecting
So you’ve got your first metal detector and are wondering where to go on your first treasure hunt. A good site for metal detecting is an area that has been utilized by a few people over a long period of time, or an area that has been utilized by thousands over a brief period of time.
Here are a few suggestions for places where you could go hunting:
1) Old Schools
2) City/Town Parks
3) Circus/Fair Sites
4) Old Churches
5) Old Homestead Sites
6) Swimming Holes and Areas
7) Picnic Groves
8) Athletic Fields
9) Scout Camps
10) Rodeo Arenas
11) Campgrounds
12) Ghost Towns
13) Beaches
14) Tavern
15) Roadside Rest Stops
16) Sidewalk Grassy Strips
17) Amusement Parks
18) Rural Mailboxes
19) Reunion Areas
20) Revival sites
21) Fort Sites
22) Winter Sledding Areas
23) Lookout/Overlook Sites
24) Church Supper Groves
25) Fishing Spots
26) Fishing Camps
27) Resorts
28) Old Barns and Outbuildings
29) Battle Sites
30) Band Shells
31) Racetracks
32) Rural Boundary Walls
33) Roadside Fruit and Vegetable Stands
34) Under Seaside Boardwalks
35) Flea Market Areas
36) Ski Slopes
37) Drive Ins
38) Canal Paths
39) Vacant Lots
40) Motels
41) College Campuses
42) Farmer Market Areas
43) Town Squares
44) Urban Yards and Backyards
45) Disaster Sites
46) Areas Around Skating Ponds
47) Hunting Lodges and Camps
48) Mining Camps
49) Railroad Grades, Stations and Junctions
50) Hiking Trails
51) Waterfalls
52) Rural Dance Sites
53) Lover's Lanes
54) Areas Adjacent to Historical Markers
55) Old Gas Stations and General Stores
56) Fence Posts
57) Chicken Houses
58) Bridges and Fords
59) Flower Beds
60) Playgrounds
61) Old Garbage Dumps
62) Cloth Lines
63) Military Camp and Cantonment Sites
64) Wells and Outhouses
65) Abandoned Houses and Structures
66) Areas where Old Trails Cross County or State Boundaries
67) Piles of Scraped Soil at Construction Sites
68) Old Stone Quarries
69) Areas Around Old Abandoned Cemeteries in the Forest
70) Junctions of Abandoned Roads (crossroads)
Here are a few suggestions for places where you could go hunting:
1) Old Schools
2) City/Town Parks
3) Circus/Fair Sites
4) Old Churches
5) Old Homestead Sites
6) Swimming Holes and Areas
7) Picnic Groves
8) Athletic Fields
9) Scout Camps
10) Rodeo Arenas
11) Campgrounds
12) Ghost Towns
13) Beaches
14) Tavern
15) Roadside Rest Stops
16) Sidewalk Grassy Strips
17) Amusement Parks
18) Rural Mailboxes
19) Reunion Areas
20) Revival sites
21) Fort Sites
22) Winter Sledding Areas
23) Lookout/Overlook Sites
24) Church Supper Groves
25) Fishing Spots
26) Fishing Camps
27) Resorts
28) Old Barns and Outbuildings
29) Battle Sites
30) Band Shells
31) Racetracks
32) Rural Boundary Walls
33) Roadside Fruit and Vegetable Stands
34) Under Seaside Boardwalks
35) Flea Market Areas
36) Ski Slopes
37) Drive Ins
38) Canal Paths
39) Vacant Lots
40) Motels
41) College Campuses
42) Farmer Market Areas
43) Town Squares
44) Urban Yards and Backyards
45) Disaster Sites
46) Areas Around Skating Ponds
47) Hunting Lodges and Camps
48) Mining Camps
49) Railroad Grades, Stations and Junctions
50) Hiking Trails
51) Waterfalls
52) Rural Dance Sites
53) Lover's Lanes
54) Areas Adjacent to Historical Markers
55) Old Gas Stations and General Stores
56) Fence Posts
57) Chicken Houses
58) Bridges and Fords
59) Flower Beds
60) Playgrounds
61) Old Garbage Dumps
62) Cloth Lines
63) Military Camp and Cantonment Sites
64) Wells and Outhouses
65) Abandoned Houses and Structures
66) Areas where Old Trails Cross County or State Boundaries
67) Piles of Scraped Soil at Construction Sites
68) Old Stone Quarries
69) Areas Around Old Abandoned Cemeteries in the Forest
70) Junctions of Abandoned Roads (crossroads)
Metal Detecting: Getting Started
So you are interested in metal detecting and wondering how to get started. Well first you need a metal detector. With many different detectors out there this can be a daunting task for a beginner, but never fear, we can help you. We have several articles discussing metal detectors and how to decide which one is right for you. Once that you have your metal detector you should practice with it a bit. Read through the metal detector’s operating manual to get acquainted with the features. Most metal detectors will have features that will allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the detector as well as how much is discriminates. By adjusting these settings you can determine if the metal you have found is a precious metal used in jewelry or coins or just junk metal like wire or nails. Metal detecting is a hobby that requires practice, so it would be a good idea to practice with your new metal detector before you head out for your first treasure hunt.
Take your detector and manual outside during daylight hours. If you can find a sandy area or an area with loose ground covering that would be great. If no such area is available, a jacket or a blanket can be used.
Turn on the metal detector while the detecting coil is parallel to the ground and a few inches from the ground. Using the manual as a guide, play around with the sensitivity setting. Slowly move the detector back and forth, keeping the detector coil parallel to the ground.
Place a coin or small metallic object on the ground. Sweep the detector coil over it. You should hear a beep. Pick up the coin and place another metal object in its place. See if there is a difference in the beep’s pitch; also note the visual meter if your detector has one. Try several different kinds of metals, and by using the manual and adjusting the sensitivity and discrimination features see if you can tell the difference in the different kinds of metals. This will become important when you are hunting because you don’t want to spend your whole day digging up nails and wire.
Bury a few coins and inexpensive metal objects (even a bottle cap will do) a couple inches beneath the ground. If you don’t have soft ground, you can put them on top of the ground and just cover them with a jacket or blanket for practice.
Walk a few steps away and then come back to the spot. Sweep the detector back and forth until you locate the buried items. Repeat this until you get a feel for the items' placement based on when the detector beeps during both left and right sweeps of the coil.
Once you feel comfortable with your detector and how to adjust it, it’s time for a real treasure hunt.
For ideas about where to go, click here.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
Take your detector and manual outside during daylight hours. If you can find a sandy area or an area with loose ground covering that would be great. If no such area is available, a jacket or a blanket can be used.
Turn on the metal detector while the detecting coil is parallel to the ground and a few inches from the ground. Using the manual as a guide, play around with the sensitivity setting. Slowly move the detector back and forth, keeping the detector coil parallel to the ground.
Place a coin or small metallic object on the ground. Sweep the detector coil over it. You should hear a beep. Pick up the coin and place another metal object in its place. See if there is a difference in the beep’s pitch; also note the visual meter if your detector has one. Try several different kinds of metals, and by using the manual and adjusting the sensitivity and discrimination features see if you can tell the difference in the different kinds of metals. This will become important when you are hunting because you don’t want to spend your whole day digging up nails and wire.
Bury a few coins and inexpensive metal objects (even a bottle cap will do) a couple inches beneath the ground. If you don’t have soft ground, you can put them on top of the ground and just cover them with a jacket or blanket for practice.
Walk a few steps away and then come back to the spot. Sweep the detector back and forth until you locate the buried items. Repeat this until you get a feel for the items' placement based on when the detector beeps during both left and right sweeps of the coil.
Once you feel comfortable with your detector and how to adjust it, it’s time for a real treasure hunt.
For ideas about where to go, click here.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
Metal Detectors: How do I buy one?
The right way to arm yourself with the right metal detector is to know exactly what your goals are, what your abilities are, and what opportunities are available to you in the area in which you reside. Different detectors are good at different things and so knowing a little about what you will be using it for is important.
Here are some tips for buying a metal detector.
BEFORE YOU BUY A METAL DETECTOR, YOU SHOULD:
1) Talk to detector owners and dealers about metal detectors and try to average what they say.
2) Ignore unsubstantiated advertising claims that are simply "sell statements" and do not increase your knowledge of detectors.
3) First check out a machine built by a progressive company that has a continuing program of detector improvement.
4) After you narrowed your search to a few models, visit a local dealer and try them out to determine which is the most comfortable for you.
5) If possible, rent a detector and try it in real metal detecting conditions.
6) Be aware of the price changes during the year. The best time for purchasing a metal detector is from Christmas to the end of January.
WHEN BUYING A DETECTOR, YOU SHOULD:
1) Shop around by obtaining prices from different dealers, checking out listings in Classifieds, local Metal Detecting Clubs and on Internet.
2) Check for special deals on packages that include essential accessories (headphones, extra battery packs, detector bags, digging tools, etc.)
3) Check with major distributors and dealers for availability of demo detectors, usually they are sold for lower price.
4) Be careful when buying a detector on eBay.
COMPARING METAL DETECTORS AND THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
When comparing metal detectors, consider factors such as size and weight, features, depth penetration and display quality to help you make your selection.
Visit a store and pick up different metal detectors to find one that's a good fit. Consider the weight, height and balance of each unit. Choose a small and more compact unit if portability is a primary concern, or if younger family members will be operating the device.
Ask about the different features offered for each model. Do you want to be able to search for specific types of metal while ignoring others? Would you prefer that the detector emit a different tone for each material found, or a single tone for all metal? These types of features are known as "Target ID" features, and can vary from model to model.
Compare water-tight to unsealed metal detectors. The average metal detector is designed for dry land, and will malfunction if used on the beach or for underwater searching. If you want to take your detector in the water, choose one with sealed coils and water-tight controls.
Inquire about the depth penetration levels of each unit. The most basic metal detectors can seek out objects just a few feet below the surface, while "deep-seeking" units can spot metal buried many feet underground. Think about where you will use the detector and what items you hope to find, then ask the dealer to help you choose the right depth level.
Choose the best technology based on your searching criteria. Are you going to be beach combing or underwater searching; looking for coins, relics and meteorites; or are you going to be looking for gold. Different detectors are better for different applications.
A metal detector intended for underwater use by scuba divers, for example, will have different capabilities from one used to find old coins on land. If you plan to hunt primarily for one type of material, you might consider a specialty detector.
Check what type of accessories are included. You will often need headphones to use a metal detector successfully, and these may or may not be included with the unit. Ask about extra battery packs, carrying cases, digging tools and other accessories to help you compare different models. Sometimes these accessories will be included in a package that comes with the detector.
Examine the display screen and controls for each detector. Look for back-lit screens for viewing in all types of lighting. Hold the detector as you would during regular use and make sure the screen is easy to read from this angle. Make sure the display provides all information you plan to use, including object type, size and depth.
Consider the ground condition where you will be hunting. If you plan to encounter a variety of ground conditions in your hunts, an all-purpose detector might be a good choice, but this detector will probably not perform so well in extreme conditions.
Know exactly what you are rating when you rate detectors by price. The most expensive units are not necessarily superior in performance to less expensive units. They may cost more simply because of a special function that might not really improve their ability to detect. Identify your needs before you spring for a fancy model.
Know your skill level. Detectors for beginners are often suitable for use in different environments and conditions, which will help determine where you are most comfortable and what you prefer to hunt for. More features will not help you learn and might even be a hindrance.
Read catalogs, request data sheets from manufacturers and read as much literature as you can on your prospective purchase. Read this information with a critical eye and make your own comparisons based on your own usage and needs. Don't be afraid to call a manufacturer and ask some questions.
If you are purchasing a metal detector online, here are a few things to remember.
If you are planning to buy a metal detector online you should first read product reviews to get an idea of what you want, then search online stores featuring or specializing in metal detector sales.
To read product reviews, browse metal detector message boards and read about the latest models, online shoppers should visit a site devoted to metal detector tech reviews, like MetalDetectorReviews.net.
Online metal detector stores like www.kellycodetectors.com have a variety of detector types, brands, prices and accessories. With the search bar, you can quickly locate models with the favorable reviews you've read.
Hundreds of metal detectors are available through online department stores like Amazon.com. Discounts may apply to some purchase and user reviews are available for most products.
Here are some tips for buying a metal detector.
BEFORE YOU BUY A METAL DETECTOR, YOU SHOULD:
1) Talk to detector owners and dealers about metal detectors and try to average what they say.
2) Ignore unsubstantiated advertising claims that are simply "sell statements" and do not increase your knowledge of detectors.
3) First check out a machine built by a progressive company that has a continuing program of detector improvement.
4) After you narrowed your search to a few models, visit a local dealer and try them out to determine which is the most comfortable for you.
5) If possible, rent a detector and try it in real metal detecting conditions.
6) Be aware of the price changes during the year. The best time for purchasing a metal detector is from Christmas to the end of January.
WHEN BUYING A DETECTOR, YOU SHOULD:
1) Shop around by obtaining prices from different dealers, checking out listings in Classifieds, local Metal Detecting Clubs and on Internet.
2) Check for special deals on packages that include essential accessories (headphones, extra battery packs, detector bags, digging tools, etc.)
3) Check with major distributors and dealers for availability of demo detectors, usually they are sold for lower price.
4) Be careful when buying a detector on eBay.
COMPARING METAL DETECTORS AND THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
When comparing metal detectors, consider factors such as size and weight, features, depth penetration and display quality to help you make your selection.
Visit a store and pick up different metal detectors to find one that's a good fit. Consider the weight, height and balance of each unit. Choose a small and more compact unit if portability is a primary concern, or if younger family members will be operating the device.
Ask about the different features offered for each model. Do you want to be able to search for specific types of metal while ignoring others? Would you prefer that the detector emit a different tone for each material found, or a single tone for all metal? These types of features are known as "Target ID" features, and can vary from model to model.
Compare water-tight to unsealed metal detectors. The average metal detector is designed for dry land, and will malfunction if used on the beach or for underwater searching. If you want to take your detector in the water, choose one with sealed coils and water-tight controls.
Inquire about the depth penetration levels of each unit. The most basic metal detectors can seek out objects just a few feet below the surface, while "deep-seeking" units can spot metal buried many feet underground. Think about where you will use the detector and what items you hope to find, then ask the dealer to help you choose the right depth level.
Choose the best technology based on your searching criteria. Are you going to be beach combing or underwater searching; looking for coins, relics and meteorites; or are you going to be looking for gold. Different detectors are better for different applications.
A metal detector intended for underwater use by scuba divers, for example, will have different capabilities from one used to find old coins on land. If you plan to hunt primarily for one type of material, you might consider a specialty detector.
Check what type of accessories are included. You will often need headphones to use a metal detector successfully, and these may or may not be included with the unit. Ask about extra battery packs, carrying cases, digging tools and other accessories to help you compare different models. Sometimes these accessories will be included in a package that comes with the detector.
Examine the display screen and controls for each detector. Look for back-lit screens for viewing in all types of lighting. Hold the detector as you would during regular use and make sure the screen is easy to read from this angle. Make sure the display provides all information you plan to use, including object type, size and depth.
Consider the ground condition where you will be hunting. If you plan to encounter a variety of ground conditions in your hunts, an all-purpose detector might be a good choice, but this detector will probably not perform so well in extreme conditions.
Know exactly what you are rating when you rate detectors by price. The most expensive units are not necessarily superior in performance to less expensive units. They may cost more simply because of a special function that might not really improve their ability to detect. Identify your needs before you spring for a fancy model.
Know your skill level. Detectors for beginners are often suitable for use in different environments and conditions, which will help determine where you are most comfortable and what you prefer to hunt for. More features will not help you learn and might even be a hindrance.
Read catalogs, request data sheets from manufacturers and read as much literature as you can on your prospective purchase. Read this information with a critical eye and make your own comparisons based on your own usage and needs. Don't be afraid to call a manufacturer and ask some questions.
If you are purchasing a metal detector online, here are a few things to remember.
If you are planning to buy a metal detector online you should first read product reviews to get an idea of what you want, then search online stores featuring or specializing in metal detector sales.
To read product reviews, browse metal detector message boards and read about the latest models, online shoppers should visit a site devoted to metal detector tech reviews, like MetalDetectorReviews.net.
Online metal detector stores like www.kellycodetectors.com have a variety of detector types, brands, prices and accessories. With the search bar, you can quickly locate models with the favorable reviews you've read.
Hundreds of metal detectors are available through online department stores like Amazon.com. Discounts may apply to some purchase and user reviews are available for most products.
Metal Detectors: Are they all the same?
Here is some information about the main types of metal detecting technology.
1) TR (Transmitter/Receiver) is the earliest technology based on Induction Balance (IB) principle of metal detection. TR detectors are able to tell the difference between a ferrous and nonferrous object, but do not have enough depth in highly mineralized ground. TR detectors are obsolete now.
2) BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillation) is another old technology based on Induction Balance (IB) principle. BFO metal detectors are the cheapest (under $100) and designed mainly as toy detectors for kids. Because the BFO technology is the easiest and cheapest to make, it has its limitations when compared to other types. For example, poor ability in distinguishing between different types of metals is one of them. BFO technology is also still used in cheap hand-held devices.
3) VLF (Very Low Frequency) metal detectors are the most common detectors and great for their ability in distinguishing between different types of metals. VLF detectors in the 4 khz range are the best in working the ground with high mineral content, and very sensitive to silver and copper targets, however they are not sensitive to gold. Metal detectors that are specially designed for electronic gold prospecting have frequencies ranging from 18kHz to 71kHz.
4) VLF/TR technology represents a combination of Very Low Frequency and Transmitter/Receiver technologies thus enabling the VLF/TR detectors to control trash and ground mineralization simultaneously.
5) PI (Pulse Induction) metal detectors cannot discriminate between different types of metals - this makes their use on inland sites with high concentration of trash extremely difficult. PI detectors are the best to use in salt water or highly mineralized soils where other types have trouble working. Targets can be detected much deeper with PI technology than with other types.
1) TR (Transmitter/Receiver) is the earliest technology based on Induction Balance (IB) principle of metal detection. TR detectors are able to tell the difference between a ferrous and nonferrous object, but do not have enough depth in highly mineralized ground. TR detectors are obsolete now.
2) BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillation) is another old technology based on Induction Balance (IB) principle. BFO metal detectors are the cheapest (under $100) and designed mainly as toy detectors for kids. Because the BFO technology is the easiest and cheapest to make, it has its limitations when compared to other types. For example, poor ability in distinguishing between different types of metals is one of them. BFO technology is also still used in cheap hand-held devices.
3) VLF (Very Low Frequency) metal detectors are the most common detectors and great for their ability in distinguishing between different types of metals. VLF detectors in the 4 khz range are the best in working the ground with high mineral content, and very sensitive to silver and copper targets, however they are not sensitive to gold. Metal detectors that are specially designed for electronic gold prospecting have frequencies ranging from 18kHz to 71kHz.
4) VLF/TR technology represents a combination of Very Low Frequency and Transmitter/Receiver technologies thus enabling the VLF/TR detectors to control trash and ground mineralization simultaneously.
5) PI (Pulse Induction) metal detectors cannot discriminate between different types of metals - this makes their use on inland sites with high concentration of trash extremely difficult. PI detectors are the best to use in salt water or highly mineralized soils where other types have trouble working. Targets can be detected much deeper with PI technology than with other types.
Metal Detectors: How do they work?
Metal detectors are handheld devices that are designed to use electromagnetism to detect metal where it may not be seen. They are used for many military and industrial purposes, but we are most interested in their personal use capabilities most notably for treasure hunting.
The origins of the modern metal detector trace back to the 19th century and the invention of the induction balance system by Heinrich Dove. These prototypes were much cruder, less effective, and typified by their enormous use of battery power. The modern metal detector was invented by Gerhard Fisher in the 1930s, who received the first patent for such a device.
When powered on, the metal detector is swept across the ground. All metal detectors work on either electrical or magnetic impulses. There are three main types of metal detector technology: very low frequency, pulse induction, and beat-frequency oscillation. Metal detectors have coils, located in the big round part at the end of the metal detector. Electricity or an electromagnetic charge is sent through the coils to the ground and back to the coils. Metallic objects interrupt the signal, which results in the unit creating an audible sound. The sound, usually a beep of some sort alerts the treasure hunter that there is a metal object present.
Modern metal detectors feature an array of systems that refine the detection capabilities of the device. They help the metal detector and the user change the sensitivity of the detector, as well as the depth and the range of the device. Metal detectors have consistently gotten lighter and more sensitive over the decades and the potential for the detectors of the future looks great.
The origins of the modern metal detector trace back to the 19th century and the invention of the induction balance system by Heinrich Dove. These prototypes were much cruder, less effective, and typified by their enormous use of battery power. The modern metal detector was invented by Gerhard Fisher in the 1930s, who received the first patent for such a device.
When powered on, the metal detector is swept across the ground. All metal detectors work on either electrical or magnetic impulses. There are three main types of metal detector technology: very low frequency, pulse induction, and beat-frequency oscillation. Metal detectors have coils, located in the big round part at the end of the metal detector. Electricity or an electromagnetic charge is sent through the coils to the ground and back to the coils. Metallic objects interrupt the signal, which results in the unit creating an audible sound. The sound, usually a beep of some sort alerts the treasure hunter that there is a metal object present.
Modern metal detectors feature an array of systems that refine the detection capabilities of the device. They help the metal detector and the user change the sensitivity of the detector, as well as the depth and the range of the device. Metal detectors have consistently gotten lighter and more sensitive over the decades and the potential for the detectors of the future looks great.
What is Metal Detecting?
Are you looking for a hobby that is profitable as well as interesting? Metal detecting could be just what you’re looking for!
Metal detectors have been around for many years. The first metal detectors were military surplus mine detectors. When people realized that they could be used to find any metal object, metal detecting for fun and profit began. When metal detecting became popular, great strides in modification and technology gave birth to the highly sophisticated metal detectors available today.
There are many decisions to make as you begin your new hobby. Metal detecting for fun, with the possibility of a great find, will require only a moderate investment. A metal detector specializing in coins, jewelry and artifacts is a good start. Metal detectors vary in quality, especially with depth and sensitivity. A little research will help you choose a detector with the qualities that fit your needs.
Once you have purchased your metal detector, practice at home. Have a friend or family member bury objects in your yard, and look for the objects until you are proficient at locating them. Doing this will help you learn how to use your detector while having fun.
Move on to parks, playgrounds or anywhere people might have lost coins or jewelry. Older parks are best because there is a better chance of finding older coins and jewelry with a higher value. Always find out if metal detecting is permitted before you begin, and always fill in the holes after you dig up your find.
Good luck and Happy Hunting!
Metal detectors have been around for many years. The first metal detectors were military surplus mine detectors. When people realized that they could be used to find any metal object, metal detecting for fun and profit began. When metal detecting became popular, great strides in modification and technology gave birth to the highly sophisticated metal detectors available today.
There are many decisions to make as you begin your new hobby. Metal detecting for fun, with the possibility of a great find, will require only a moderate investment. A metal detector specializing in coins, jewelry and artifacts is a good start. Metal detectors vary in quality, especially with depth and sensitivity. A little research will help you choose a detector with the qualities that fit your needs.
Once you have purchased your metal detector, practice at home. Have a friend or family member bury objects in your yard, and look for the objects until you are proficient at locating them. Doing this will help you learn how to use your detector while having fun.
Move on to parks, playgrounds or anywhere people might have lost coins or jewelry. Older parks are best because there is a better chance of finding older coins and jewelry with a higher value. Always find out if metal detecting is permitted before you begin, and always fill in the holes after you dig up your find.
Good luck and Happy Hunting!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Lost Treasure Legends: Wyoming
Go on a real treasure hunt in Wyoming to find lost treasure!!!
Gypsum Creek Treasure
In the 1800s two outlaws robbed a Salt Lake City, Utah bank of $200,000 and fled, crossing into Wyoming along the Big Horn River. Pursuing lawmen overtook them near the mouth of Gypsum Creek where the two outlaws were killed in a gun battle. It is believed the outlaws buried the loot in the immediate vicinity and the posse never found it.
Stolen Army Payroll
In the 1860s a band of outlaws robbed an army paymaster, on his way to Fort Fetterman, of $40,000 and fled into the mountains south of Glenrock, Wyoming. A cavalry detachment tracked the bandits and cornered them, and in the ensuing gun battle, all were killed. Before dying, one of the gang confessed that the loot was buried near a cave far up Deer Creek where they had made camp. A search was made, but the treasure was not found.
In the 1800s two outlaws robbed a Salt Lake City, Utah bank of $200,000 and fled, crossing into Wyoming along the Big Horn River. Pursuing lawmen overtook them near the mouth of Gypsum Creek where the two outlaws were killed in a gun battle. It is believed the outlaws buried the loot in the immediate vicinity and the posse never found it.
Stolen Army Payroll
In the 1860s a band of outlaws robbed an army paymaster, on his way to Fort Fetterman, of $40,000 and fled into the mountains south of Glenrock, Wyoming. A cavalry detachment tracked the bandits and cornered them, and in the ensuing gun battle, all were killed. Before dying, one of the gang confessed that the loot was buried near a cave far up Deer Creek where they had made camp. A search was made, but the treasure was not found.
Lost Treasure Legends: Wisconsin
Go on a real treasure hunt in Wisconsin to find lost treasure!!!
Hermit Island Treasure
Around 1700 a party of pirates operated out of a cave-hideout on Hermit Island, in Wisconsin, preying on trappers, traders and passenger ships. In 1705 they attacked a party of French traders and all of the pirates were killed. It is believed that their plundered valuables were secreted somewhere in the area of the cave and never recovered.
Treasure of Fort Crawford
Eighty thousand dollars in gold coins, earmarked as payroll for outposts and military forts in 1832, was buried during an Indian attack on Fort Crawford at Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin. The coins were buried by a detail of soldiers from the fort "on the highest bluff across from the fort. In four piles. Each 20,000." The soldiers who hid the payroll were killed before returning to the fort and the gold was never recovered.
Around 1700 a party of pirates operated out of a cave-hideout on Hermit Island, in Wisconsin, preying on trappers, traders and passenger ships. In 1705 they attacked a party of French traders and all of the pirates were killed. It is believed that their plundered valuables were secreted somewhere in the area of the cave and never recovered.
Treasure of Fort Crawford
Eighty thousand dollars in gold coins, earmarked as payroll for outposts and military forts in 1832, was buried during an Indian attack on Fort Crawford at Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin. The coins were buried by a detail of soldiers from the fort "on the highest bluff across from the fort. In four piles. Each 20,000." The soldiers who hid the payroll were killed before returning to the fort and the gold was never recovered.
Lost Treasure Legends: West Virginia
Go on a real treasure hunt in West Virginia to find lost treasure!!!
The Moishe Edelman Treasure
The miser-peddler Moishe Edelman died in 1933 in West Virginia of a heart attack. Before he died, he left a map to a doctor showing the site where "thousands of dollars in coins are hidden in 4 chests." The directions on the map read: "Go along the hard road until you reach Fry. Go toward the settlement of Leet, across the mountain from Fry. At Leet, Laurel Fork Creek empties into the Big Ugly River. Go up Laurel Fork for a mile or two until you reach a large rock. Directly across the road from the rock, in a small bend of the creek, are the chests of coins. Dig along the banks." The doctor, and many others, failed to locate the hoard.
Island-In-The-Sky Treasure
In the late 1800s bandits who robbed travelers and payroll trains used a cave near a place called Island-In-The-Sky in Babcock State Park south of Lookout. It is believed that loot of this gang is buried somewhere in or near this cave hideout.
The miser-peddler Moishe Edelman died in 1933 in West Virginia of a heart attack. Before he died, he left a map to a doctor showing the site where "thousands of dollars in coins are hidden in 4 chests." The directions on the map read: "Go along the hard road until you reach Fry. Go toward the settlement of Leet, across the mountain from Fry. At Leet, Laurel Fork Creek empties into the Big Ugly River. Go up Laurel Fork for a mile or two until you reach a large rock. Directly across the road from the rock, in a small bend of the creek, are the chests of coins. Dig along the banks." The doctor, and many others, failed to locate the hoard.
Island-In-The-Sky Treasure
In the late 1800s bandits who robbed travelers and payroll trains used a cave near a place called Island-In-The-Sky in Babcock State Park south of Lookout. It is believed that loot of this gang is buried somewhere in or near this cave hideout.
Lost Treasure Legends: Washington
Go on a real treasure hunt in Washington to find lost treasure!!!
Moose Trail Gold
While transporting $85,000 in gold bullion to the coast, 3 prospectors became frightened, after seeing Indians, and decided to bury the gold and retrieve it later. They all died before they could go back and retrieve the gold. They buried it back from the Columbia River, about 3 miles above Vantage Ferry, on the Moose Trail in Washington.
Sentinel Mountain Gold
Outlaws buried $30,000 in gold in a cave somewhere on Sentinel Mountain in the Saddle Mountain Range, about 3 miles SE of Beverly.
While transporting $85,000 in gold bullion to the coast, 3 prospectors became frightened, after seeing Indians, and decided to bury the gold and retrieve it later. They all died before they could go back and retrieve the gold. They buried it back from the Columbia River, about 3 miles above Vantage Ferry, on the Moose Trail in Washington.
Sentinel Mountain Gold
Outlaws buried $30,000 in gold in a cave somewhere on Sentinel Mountain in the Saddle Mountain Range, about 3 miles SE of Beverly.
Lost Treasure Legends: Virginia
Go on a real treasure hunt in Virginia to find lost treasure!!!
Lost Gold of McIntosh Farm
During the Civil War a Confederate general and some slaves concealed more than $4 million in gold coins and bullion on the McIntosh Farm, about 1 mile south of Forest and a few miles west of Lynchburg in Virginia. One version states that the gold was thrown into a deep well that was then filled in, and in another version the gold was buried near a barn and the slaves killed to keep the location a secret.
Lost Treasure of the Confederate Treasury
Three million dollars in gold, silver plate, jewelry and other valuables was contributed by patriotic southerners to the Confederate Treasury in Richmond, Virginia, during the Civil War. A band of guerillas killed the guards and fled with the hoard. They got as far as the James River, where it is believed they buried the hoard. All 12 members were killed by pursuing troops and the loot was not recovered.
During the Civil War a Confederate general and some slaves concealed more than $4 million in gold coins and bullion on the McIntosh Farm, about 1 mile south of Forest and a few miles west of Lynchburg in Virginia. One version states that the gold was thrown into a deep well that was then filled in, and in another version the gold was buried near a barn and the slaves killed to keep the location a secret.
Lost Treasure of the Confederate Treasury
Three million dollars in gold, silver plate, jewelry and other valuables was contributed by patriotic southerners to the Confederate Treasury in Richmond, Virginia, during the Civil War. A band of guerillas killed the guards and fled with the hoard. They got as far as the James River, where it is believed they buried the hoard. All 12 members were killed by pursuing troops and the loot was not recovered.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Lost Treasure Legends: Vermont
Go on a real treasure hunt in Vermont to find lost treasure!!!
Stolen Gold From the San Jose
In 1752, 4 Spanish deserters, from the galleon San Jose, made off with 80,000 gold doubloons. The party was attacked by Indians who killed their pack horses. The gold was buried in a space between 2 giant rocks in the area known today as Hell's Half Acre near Bristol, Vermont.
Lost Treasure of Smuggler’s Notch
It is said that if all of the loot reportedly cached, hidden or buried in the caves at Smuggler's Notch, south of the villages of Jeffersonville and Cambridge in Vermont, was found, it would take a dozen semi-trucks to haul it all away. Almost every thief, counterfeiter and smuggler in the area in the 1800s used this area as a hideout and storage place at one time or another.
Lost Treasure of Smuggler’s Notch
It is said that if all of the loot reportedly cached, hidden or buried in the caves at Smuggler's Notch, south of the villages of Jeffersonville and Cambridge in Vermont, was found, it would take a dozen semi-trucks to haul it all away. Almost every thief, counterfeiter and smuggler in the area in the 1800s used this area as a hideout and storage place at one time or another.
Lost Treasure Legends: Utah
Go on a real treasure hunt in Utah to find lost treasure!!!
Lost Army Payroll
In the late 1870s two army officers were transporting $60,000 in gold coin payroll and had made camp near the junction of Ferron, Huntington and Cottonwood Creeks, about 9 miles SE of Castle Dale. Fearing an Indian attack, they buried the coins and made their escape. Planning to keep the gold for himself, one killed the other and said it was the Indians. He wasn't believed and was sent to prison for 20 years. Upon release he looked for the treasure, but never found it.
Treasure of Dugway Pass
Two miles west of the old Dugway Stage Station, a party of 4 miners were killed at Dugway Pass by an Indian war party. Years later one of the Indians stated that all of the miner's belongings, including several heavy sacks of gold, were thrown into the deep cracks in the rocky ridge above the pass.
In the late 1870s two army officers were transporting $60,000 in gold coin payroll and had made camp near the junction of Ferron, Huntington and Cottonwood Creeks, about 9 miles SE of Castle Dale. Fearing an Indian attack, they buried the coins and made their escape. Planning to keep the gold for himself, one killed the other and said it was the Indians. He wasn't believed and was sent to prison for 20 years. Upon release he looked for the treasure, but never found it.
Treasure of Dugway Pass
Two miles west of the old Dugway Stage Station, a party of 4 miners were killed at Dugway Pass by an Indian war party. Years later one of the Indians stated that all of the miner's belongings, including several heavy sacks of gold, were thrown into the deep cracks in the rocky ridge above the pass.
Lost Treasure Legends: Texas
Go on a real treasure hunt in Texas to find lost treasure!!!
Treasure of Jean LaFitte
Legend has it that Jean LaFitte buried 3 chests of pirate treasure among a group of trees at False Live Oak Point, at the south end of San Jose Island, Texas, that has never been recovered.
Leon Springs Treasure
A cave filled with small kegs, possibly filled with treasure or rich ore, is located near Leon Springs and about 2 1/2 miles NE of the old Soldiers Camp. A soldier found, and lost, the location in 1916 while hunting.
Legend has it that Jean LaFitte buried 3 chests of pirate treasure among a group of trees at False Live Oak Point, at the south end of San Jose Island, Texas, that has never been recovered.
Leon Springs Treasure
A cave filled with small kegs, possibly filled with treasure or rich ore, is located near Leon Springs and about 2 1/2 miles NE of the old Soldiers Camp. A soldier found, and lost, the location in 1916 while hunting.
Lost Treasure Legends: Tennessee
Go on a real treasure hunt in Tennessee to find lost treasure!!!
The Dollar Hill Treasure
During the Civil War in 1862, a U.S. army payroll chest containing $15,000 in gold coins was buried 200 feet due east of one of the 5 springs on Dollar Hill near Clarksburg, Tennessee.
The KGC Treasure
The secretive Civil War society, KGC, buried one of their largest deposits in a natural cave about 11 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee.
During the Civil War in 1862, a U.S. army payroll chest containing $15,000 in gold coins was buried 200 feet due east of one of the 5 springs on Dollar Hill near Clarksburg, Tennessee.
The KGC Treasure
The secretive Civil War society, KGC, buried one of their largest deposits in a natural cave about 11 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee.
Lost Treasure Legends: South Dakota
Go on a real treasure hunt in South Dakota to find lost treasure!!!
The Henry Thomas Treasure
In 1874 miner Henry Thomas buried his saddlebags, containing placer gold, about 5 miles SE of Gordon's Stockade along French Creek in South Dakota. He died and did not recover it.
The Hat Creek Treasure
A chest containing $30,000 in gold coins, stolen during a train robbery in the 1800s, is reportedly buried along Hat Creek in South Dakota, in the side of the riverbank, near Rumford.
In 1874 miner Henry Thomas buried his saddlebags, containing placer gold, about 5 miles SE of Gordon's Stockade along French Creek in South Dakota. He died and did not recover it.
The Hat Creek Treasure
A chest containing $30,000 in gold coins, stolen during a train robbery in the 1800s, is reportedly buried along Hat Creek in South Dakota, in the side of the riverbank, near Rumford.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Lost Treasure Legends: South Carolina
Go on a real treasure hunt in South Carolina to find lost treasure!!!
The Middleton Treasure
The Middleton Plantation was located on the Ashley River, 14 miles NW of Charleston in 1741. During the Civil War Middleton buried a large cache of money and valuables somewhere on the grounds and died trying to defend his property. The Yankees destroyed the mansion and the treasure went unrecovered.
The Treasure of Captain Huck
In a surprise raid in 1780, the Patriots attacked the Williamson Plantation, about 4 miles east of McConnells and killed the notorious Captain Huck and his band of Tory raiders. The Tories had accumulated a large store of plunder in a period of 5 years of raiding, and it is believed that the hoard was buried somewhere on the plantation grounds and never recovered.
The Middleton Plantation was located on the Ashley River, 14 miles NW of Charleston in 1741. During the Civil War Middleton buried a large cache of money and valuables somewhere on the grounds and died trying to defend his property. The Yankees destroyed the mansion and the treasure went unrecovered.
The Treasure of Captain Huck
In a surprise raid in 1780, the Patriots attacked the Williamson Plantation, about 4 miles east of McConnells and killed the notorious Captain Huck and his band of Tory raiders. The Tories had accumulated a large store of plunder in a period of 5 years of raiding, and it is believed that the hoard was buried somewhere on the plantation grounds and never recovered.
Lost Treasure Legends: Rhode Island
Go on a real treasure hunt in Rhode Island to find lost treasure!!!
Treasure of Thomas Paine
In the early 1700s Thomas Paine buried his fortune at a spot now called Pirate's Cave on the southern tip of Conanicut Island, Rhode Island.
The Treasure of Thomas Tew
Legend has it, that in the late 1600s, the pirate Captain Thomas Tew hid $100,000 in treasure near Newport, Rhode Island.
In the early 1700s Thomas Paine buried his fortune at a spot now called Pirate's Cave on the southern tip of Conanicut Island, Rhode Island.
The Treasure of Thomas Tew
Legend has it, that in the late 1600s, the pirate Captain Thomas Tew hid $100,000 in treasure near Newport, Rhode Island.
Lost Treasure Legends: Pennsylvania
Go on a real treasure hunt in Pennsylvania to find lost treasure!!!
The Treasure of Carantouan Mountain
Local traditions say that a plateau located between the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers near Athens was used by the early day Spaniards. The Indians say they came to this area with chests filled with coins and concealed the treasure in a cave in Carantouan Mountain.
The Buried Treasure of The Doane Gang
In the late 1700s the Doane outlaw gang is believed to have buried a large cache of gold and silver coins, in the area of Buckingham, on the old Preston Rich farm that once stood on Mechanicsville Road.
Local traditions say that a plateau located between the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers near Athens was used by the early day Spaniards. The Indians say they came to this area with chests filled with coins and concealed the treasure in a cave in Carantouan Mountain.
The Buried Treasure of The Doane Gang
In the late 1700s the Doane outlaw gang is believed to have buried a large cache of gold and silver coins, in the area of Buckingham, on the old Preston Rich farm that once stood on Mechanicsville Road.
Lost Treasure Legends: Oregon
Go on a real treasure hunt in Oregon to find lost treasure!!!
Fields Creek Gold
In the early 1860s outlaws robbed a Pony Express rider carrying 40 lbs. of gold in saddlebags. The posse surprised them at their campsite on Fields Creek in Oregon, about 1 1/2 miles up the canyon, where a deep side canyon enters from the east, at the base of Alvord Mountain. Years later, one of the surviving bandits confessed on his deathbed that the gold was buried at the campsite, not far from the old Harvey Nance ranch house.
The Buried Gold of Swan Lake
After robbing several stagecoaches, running from Jacksonville, Oregon to California over the Siskiyou Mountains, one of the outlaws confessed that he had buried a huge cache of gold coins, in the dark of night, about 190 paces east from the back door of the old Swan Lake post office in Oregon, which served as a stagecoach stop on the route between Lakeview and Klamath Falls, in the 1800s.
In the early 1860s outlaws robbed a Pony Express rider carrying 40 lbs. of gold in saddlebags. The posse surprised them at their campsite on Fields Creek in Oregon, about 1 1/2 miles up the canyon, where a deep side canyon enters from the east, at the base of Alvord Mountain. Years later, one of the surviving bandits confessed on his deathbed that the gold was buried at the campsite, not far from the old Harvey Nance ranch house.
The Buried Gold of Swan Lake
After robbing several stagecoaches, running from Jacksonville, Oregon to California over the Siskiyou Mountains, one of the outlaws confessed that he had buried a huge cache of gold coins, in the dark of night, about 190 paces east from the back door of the old Swan Lake post office in Oregon, which served as a stagecoach stop on the route between Lakeview and Klamath Falls, in the 1800s.
Lost Treasure Legends: Oklahoma
Go on a real treasure hunt in Oklahoma to find lost treasure!!!
Civil War Gold Near the Blue River
During the Civil War 4 kegs of gold coins were captured from 2 Federal wagons by Confederates during a skirmish in Kansas. The rebels were attacked by outlaws in Oklahoma and the gold coins were hidden in a cave close to the Blue River about 5 miles NE of Brown. The Confederates were murdered by the outlaws and the coins remain hidden.
Lost Gold Near Mount Scott
In the early 1900s three outlaws made off with $40,000 in gold coins during a Wichita bank robbery and headed off for the Wichita Mountains. They skirmished with some Indians and one of the bandits was killed and their horses were stolen. After burying the gold, one of the outlaws killed the other to keep the gold himself, only to be captured in Marlow shortly afterward. In his attempt to escape, he was badly wounded and, before he died, confessed that the gold was cached in the rocks SW of Mount Scott.
During the Civil War 4 kegs of gold coins were captured from 2 Federal wagons by Confederates during a skirmish in Kansas. The rebels were attacked by outlaws in Oklahoma and the gold coins were hidden in a cave close to the Blue River about 5 miles NE of Brown. The Confederates were murdered by the outlaws and the coins remain hidden.
Lost Gold Near Mount Scott
In the early 1900s three outlaws made off with $40,000 in gold coins during a Wichita bank robbery and headed off for the Wichita Mountains. They skirmished with some Indians and one of the bandits was killed and their horses were stolen. After burying the gold, one of the outlaws killed the other to keep the gold himself, only to be captured in Marlow shortly afterward. In his attempt to escape, he was badly wounded and, before he died, confessed that the gold was cached in the rocks SW of Mount Scott.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Lost Treasure Legends: Ohio
Go on a real treasure hunt in Ohio to find lost treasure!!!
Treasure at Perry’s Den
Treasure is believed hidden in the area of Perry's Den, 3 miles east of Cumberland, near Wills and Duck Creeks. The place was a hideout in the early 1800s for counterfeiters, horse thieves and outlaws.
The Fort Fridley Treasure
In Ohio, during the War of 1812 an army payroll was hidden near, or perhaps in, Fort Fridley, just prior to an Indian raid and never recovered. The officer in charge of hiding the treasure was killed during the attack and the location was lost.
Treasure is believed hidden in the area of Perry's Den, 3 miles east of Cumberland, near Wills and Duck Creeks. The place was a hideout in the early 1800s for counterfeiters, horse thieves and outlaws.
The Fort Fridley Treasure
In Ohio, during the War of 1812 an army payroll was hidden near, or perhaps in, Fort Fridley, just prior to an Indian raid and never recovered. The officer in charge of hiding the treasure was killed during the attack and the location was lost.
Lost Treasure Legends: North Dakota
Go on a real treasure hunt in North Dakota to find lost treasure!!!
Lost Gold on the Knife River
Sixteen successful miners, returning from the Montana gold fields in 1864, pulled their boat ashore at a point where the Knife River enters the Missouri near the town of Stanton, North Dakota. Anticipating they would be camped here for several days, the $200,000 in accumulated gold was taken ashore and buried. A band of Indians massacred all of the miners except one, who was out hunting. Not knowing where the gold was buried, he was not able to find the gold.
Buried Gold at Fort Dilts
An 80-wagon train was besieged by Indians in 1864 near the Montana border town of Fort Dilts. Many of the travelers were killed in the 14-day siege and at least 4 members of the party are known to have buried their money and valuables at the beginning of the assault. One of the men buried $40,000 in gold coins. The solid fortifications of their last defense can still be seen.
Sixteen successful miners, returning from the Montana gold fields in 1864, pulled their boat ashore at a point where the Knife River enters the Missouri near the town of Stanton, North Dakota. Anticipating they would be camped here for several days, the $200,000 in accumulated gold was taken ashore and buried. A band of Indians massacred all of the miners except one, who was out hunting. Not knowing where the gold was buried, he was not able to find the gold.
Buried Gold at Fort Dilts
An 80-wagon train was besieged by Indians in 1864 near the Montana border town of Fort Dilts. Many of the travelers were killed in the 14-day siege and at least 4 members of the party are known to have buried their money and valuables at the beginning of the assault. One of the men buried $40,000 in gold coins. The solid fortifications of their last defense can still be seen.
Lost Treasure Legends: North Carolina
Go on a real treasure hunt in North Carolina to find lost treasure!!!
The Julius Benjamin Treasure
During the Civil War Julius Benjamin owned a farm about 1 mile north of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. He buried a large quantity of gold and silver coins somewhere on the property during the conflict. He was killed and his family never found his cache.
Blackbeard’s Treasure at Bluff Point
The infamous pirate Blackbeard is said to have buried a cache of treasure on Bluff Point and at several other locations along Pamlico Sound in North Carolina.
During the Civil War Julius Benjamin owned a farm about 1 mile north of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. He buried a large quantity of gold and silver coins somewhere on the property during the conflict. He was killed and his family never found his cache.
Blackbeard’s Treasure at Bluff Point
The infamous pirate Blackbeard is said to have buried a cache of treasure on Bluff Point and at several other locations along Pamlico Sound in North Carolina.
Lost Treasure Legends: New York
Go on a real treasure hunt in New York to find lost treasure!!!
The Moses Follensby Treasure
In the early 1800s, an old hermit named Moses Follensby buried a cache of gold and silver coins worth $400,000. It is said to have been buried somewhere near the cabin that he built at the north end of Follensby Pond, near where Follensby Branch enters the small lake. The cabin was near the brooks entrance into the pond "in the rear of the blunt headland." The site is a few miles southwest of Tupper Lake in New York.
Blenheim Mountain Treasure
Legends say that the early Indians have cached a great deal of treasure on Blenheim Mountain in New York near its peak. Quite often the Indians would raid the white settlements and the valuables that they stole are what is said to have been cached on the mountain.
In the early 1800s, an old hermit named Moses Follensby buried a cache of gold and silver coins worth $400,000. It is said to have been buried somewhere near the cabin that he built at the north end of Follensby Pond, near where Follensby Branch enters the small lake. The cabin was near the brooks entrance into the pond "in the rear of the blunt headland." The site is a few miles southwest of Tupper Lake in New York.
Blenheim Mountain Treasure
Legends say that the early Indians have cached a great deal of treasure on Blenheim Mountain in New York near its peak. Quite often the Indians would raid the white settlements and the valuables that they stole are what is said to have been cached on the mountain.
Lost Treasure Legends: New Mexico
Go on a real treasure hunt in New Mexico to find lost treasure!!!
The Lost Treasure of Three Rocks
Three days out of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on the way to Independence, Missouri, 25 bags of gold coins were buried by freighters under attack. One escaped, but died after telling his story. The cache was buried between Ute Park and Cimarron, in the area of 3 large rocks, one of which was "half as large as a house".
The Lost Cave of Gold
Legend tells of a cave, filled with a pile of gold Spanish coins literally knee deep, lies on a steep east canyon wall from a ravine on the exact Mexico-New Mexico border west of Columbia. Known to an Apache Indian, who removed several hundred coins in the 1950s, the exact location was lost when he was killed in an auto accident.
Three days out of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on the way to Independence, Missouri, 25 bags of gold coins were buried by freighters under attack. One escaped, but died after telling his story. The cache was buried between Ute Park and Cimarron, in the area of 3 large rocks, one of which was "half as large as a house".
The Lost Cave of Gold
Legend tells of a cave, filled with a pile of gold Spanish coins literally knee deep, lies on a steep east canyon wall from a ravine on the exact Mexico-New Mexico border west of Columbia. Known to an Apache Indian, who removed several hundred coins in the 1950s, the exact location was lost when he was killed in an auto accident.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Lost Treasure Legends: New Jersey
Go on a real treasure hunt in New Jersey to find lost treasure!!!
The Lost Ketchell Treasure
The wife of Aaron Kitchell buried $50,000 in gold "under a big tree" before she was killed in the early 1800s. The cache is buried in, or near, Hanover Neck, Morristown, New Jersey. The cache has not been found.
The Furman Dubel Treasure
Recluse Furman Dubel died around 1905 at Burlington, New Jersey. About $200,000 is believed buried, or hidden, at his home and/or other properties around town that he owned.
The wife of Aaron Kitchell buried $50,000 in gold "under a big tree" before she was killed in the early 1800s. The cache is buried in, or near, Hanover Neck, Morristown, New Jersey. The cache has not been found.
The Furman Dubel Treasure
Recluse Furman Dubel died around 1905 at Burlington, New Jersey. About $200,000 is believed buried, or hidden, at his home and/or other properties around town that he owned.
Lost Treasure Legends: New Hampshire
Go on a real treasure hunt in New Hampshire to find lost treasure!!!
The Rock Rimmon Treasure
In the early 1700s the Algonquin Indians had a huge treasure stashed in a cave in the Rock Rimmon area---2 miles west of Kingston, New Hampshire. It has not been found.
The Lost Hayes Treasure
In 1816 Mrs. Hayes buried a hoard of early-dated silver dollars in the woods near the old Hayes farm and north of the house at a spot between 3 trees in the present-day Green Hill area of Barrington, New Hampshire. She buried it at night and was never able to relocate it.
In the early 1700s the Algonquin Indians had a huge treasure stashed in a cave in the Rock Rimmon area---2 miles west of Kingston, New Hampshire. It has not been found.
The Lost Hayes Treasure
In 1816 Mrs. Hayes buried a hoard of early-dated silver dollars in the woods near the old Hayes farm and north of the house at a spot between 3 trees in the present-day Green Hill area of Barrington, New Hampshire. She buried it at night and was never able to relocate it.
Lost Treasure Legends: Nevada
Go on a real treasure hunt in Nevada to find lost treasure!!!
The Lost Gold of Virginia City
An enormous cache of gold, stolen from Virginia City, is said to be buried near an arch of stone 5 feet wide and 5 feet high located in the rugged country northwest of Virginia City, Nevada.
The Tohakum Peak Treasure
In the 1880s a prospector buried $250,000 in gold ore near Tohakum Peak, about 2 miles northeast of the north tip of Pyramid Lake in Nevada.
An enormous cache of gold, stolen from Virginia City, is said to be buried near an arch of stone 5 feet wide and 5 feet high located in the rugged country northwest of Virginia City, Nevada.
The Tohakum Peak Treasure
In the 1880s a prospector buried $250,000 in gold ore near Tohakum Peak, about 2 miles northeast of the north tip of Pyramid Lake in Nevada.
Lost Treasure Legends: Nebraska
Go on a real treasure hunt in Nebraska to find lost treasure!!!
The Lodgepole Creek Treasure
In 1867 a band of outlaws robbed a treasure express stage coach of 400 lbs. of gold bars along the Sidney-Deadwood road near Sidney, Nebraska. A posse surrounded the gang on Lodgepole Creek just east of town. Evidence indicates the treasure was buried along the banks of the creek.
The Rock Creek Treasure
David Colbert "Cobb" McCanles made a fortune charging travelers using his toll bridge at Rock Creek, Nebraska, along the Oregon Trail, in the 1800s. He put $50,000 to $100,000 in gold coins in a blackened iron kettle and buried it close to his Rock Creek Station. He was killed in 1861 by Wild Bill Hickok and the cache has not been recovered.
In 1867 a band of outlaws robbed a treasure express stage coach of 400 lbs. of gold bars along the Sidney-Deadwood road near Sidney, Nebraska. A posse surrounded the gang on Lodgepole Creek just east of town. Evidence indicates the treasure was buried along the banks of the creek.
The Rock Creek Treasure
David Colbert "Cobb" McCanles made a fortune charging travelers using his toll bridge at Rock Creek, Nebraska, along the Oregon Trail, in the 1800s. He put $50,000 to $100,000 in gold coins in a blackened iron kettle and buried it close to his Rock Creek Station. He was killed in 1861 by Wild Bill Hickok and the cache has not been recovered.
Lost Treasure Legends: Montana
Go on a real treasure hunt in Montana to find lost treasure!!!
The Treasure of Henry Plummer
Henry Plummer was an outlaw that robbed several stagecoaches. It is said that the loot he robbed amounted to between $100,000 to $200,000. Legend has it that it is buried along Cottonwood creek near Deer Lodge, Montana.
The Beastly Butler Treasure
A miner, known only as "Beastly" Butler, placed his daily accumulation of gold in tin cans which he then buried near his one-room cabin on his claim at Highland City, Montana. He was killed in a cave-in. He bragged that he had hidden over a hundred cans of gold.
Henry Plummer was an outlaw that robbed several stagecoaches. It is said that the loot he robbed amounted to between $100,000 to $200,000. Legend has it that it is buried along Cottonwood creek near Deer Lodge, Montana.
The Beastly Butler Treasure
A miner, known only as "Beastly" Butler, placed his daily accumulation of gold in tin cans which he then buried near his one-room cabin on his claim at Highland City, Montana. He was killed in a cave-in. He bragged that he had hidden over a hundred cans of gold.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Lost Treasure Legends: Missouri
Go on a real treasure hunt in Missouri to find lost treasure!!!
Outlaw Loot at Huzzah
About three miles out of Huzzah, Missouri, the outlaw Ellis Trast buried a cache of stolen loot. The treasure was carried up a small hollow from Haunted Springs to a rock shelter, placed in a fox hole under the bluff and covered with rocks. At the time it was buried, the skull of a horse head was left as a marker. Huzzah, Missouri is approximately 100 miles southeast of Jefferson City, Missouri on Missouri Highway 8.
Spanish Treasure of Cass County
On October 24, 1879 an article in the Cass County Times-Courier described the location of a hidden Spanish treasure near Harrisonville, Missouri. The text read:
"Before being massacred by attacking Indians in 1772, several hundred Spaniards buried 15 loads of gold averaging 130 pounds each and 1,000 bars of silver weighing an average of 20 pounds to the bar... in the area four or five miles west and one or one and one-half miles north of Harrisonville. The silver was buried within one-fourth of a mile of where the present day Rodman School is standing; the gold is three fourths of a mile farther northwest.”
More than fifty years later, a construction crew was building a bridge in 1930. The location was several miles southeast of the old Rodman School. During the excavation, the crew found evidence of a battle between the Spanish and the Indians, locating old weapons, skeletons, and part of old armor.
Harrisonville has dramatically grown in the last several years, so locating the exact location of the old Rodman School will, no doubt, require some sleuthing skills.
About three miles out of Huzzah, Missouri, the outlaw Ellis Trast buried a cache of stolen loot. The treasure was carried up a small hollow from Haunted Springs to a rock shelter, placed in a fox hole under the bluff and covered with rocks. At the time it was buried, the skull of a horse head was left as a marker. Huzzah, Missouri is approximately 100 miles southeast of Jefferson City, Missouri on Missouri Highway 8.
Spanish Treasure of Cass County
On October 24, 1879 an article in the Cass County Times-Courier described the location of a hidden Spanish treasure near Harrisonville, Missouri. The text read:
"Before being massacred by attacking Indians in 1772, several hundred Spaniards buried 15 loads of gold averaging 130 pounds each and 1,000 bars of silver weighing an average of 20 pounds to the bar... in the area four or five miles west and one or one and one-half miles north of Harrisonville. The silver was buried within one-fourth of a mile of where the present day Rodman School is standing; the gold is three fourths of a mile farther northwest.”
More than fifty years later, a construction crew was building a bridge in 1930. The location was several miles southeast of the old Rodman School. During the excavation, the crew found evidence of a battle between the Spanish and the Indians, locating old weapons, skeletons, and part of old armor.
Harrisonville has dramatically grown in the last several years, so locating the exact location of the old Rodman School will, no doubt, require some sleuthing skills.
Lost Treasure Legends: Mississippi
Go on a real treasure hunt in Mississippi to find lost treasure!!!
The Rocky Springs Treasure
The notorious Mason-Harpe outlaw gang used Rocky Springs, Mississippi as a hideout in the early 1800s. It is believed that $75,000 in stolen gold and silver coins was buried along the Natchez Trace Parkway (then just a trail) between the church and cemetery at Little Sand Creek near Rocky Springs.
The Gore Springs Treasure
T.P. Gore of Oklahoma is said to have purchased a 640-acre track of land sometime after the Revolutionary War. Gore built a broad, dogtrot-style house on his land and settled into the plantation lifestyle he desired. As time passed, a small village popped up around Gore’s plantation, which later became known as Calhoun City. There were no banks in the area so Gore, like his neighbors, buried his money in the ground. It is said that about $400,000 in gold coins is buried on the site of the T.P. Gore mansion. The mansion site is marked by Gore's grave located in Gore Springs, Mississippi.
The notorious Mason-Harpe outlaw gang used Rocky Springs, Mississippi as a hideout in the early 1800s. It is believed that $75,000 in stolen gold and silver coins was buried along the Natchez Trace Parkway (then just a trail) between the church and cemetery at Little Sand Creek near Rocky Springs.
The Gore Springs Treasure
T.P. Gore of Oklahoma is said to have purchased a 640-acre track of land sometime after the Revolutionary War. Gore built a broad, dogtrot-style house on his land and settled into the plantation lifestyle he desired. As time passed, a small village popped up around Gore’s plantation, which later became known as Calhoun City. There were no banks in the area so Gore, like his neighbors, buried his money in the ground. It is said that about $400,000 in gold coins is buried on the site of the T.P. Gore mansion. The mansion site is marked by Gore's grave located in Gore Springs, Mississippi.
Lost Treasure Legends: Minnesota
Go on a real treasure hunt in Minnesota to find lost treasure!!!
The Ma Barker Treasure
During the 1930s Ma Barker and the Alvin Karpis gang obtained a $200,000 ransom. It was buried somewhere along a 10-mile stretch between Chatfield and Rochester, Minnesota along old State Highway 52. They buried $150,000 in $5 and $10 bills under a fence post in a canvas wrapped metal box. They were gunned down in a Florida shootout and the cache was never recovered.
Old Soldiers Treasure
During the Civil War a settler buried $5,000 in gold coins on the west bank of the Mississippi River near what is now the south city limits of Minneapolis. He could never relocate the cache and now the property is owned by the State and is on the grounds of the Minnesota Old Soldiers Home.
Old Soldiers Treasure
During the Civil War a settler buried $5,000 in gold coins on the west bank of the Mississippi River near what is now the south city limits of Minneapolis. He could never relocate the cache and now the property is owned by the State and is on the grounds of the Minnesota Old Soldiers Home.
Lost Treasure Legends: Michigan
Go on a real treasure hunt in Michigan to find lost treasure!!!
Benton Lake Treasure
During a stagecoach robbery near Traverse City in 1874, $74,000 in gold coins was stolen. The loot was buried between two tree stumps on the north shore of Benton Lake in Michigan, in an old iron stove. The hoard was never recovered as the robbers feared arrest or possible lynching by the irate lumberjacks whose payroll they had stolen.
The lost Bertrand Treasure
A wealthy fur trader named Joseph Bertrand buried a vast treasure in oak chests somewhere near the site of his trading post. His trading post was located at the junction of several old Indian trails that crossed the St. Joseph River near Bertrand, Michigan.
During a stagecoach robbery near Traverse City in 1874, $74,000 in gold coins was stolen. The loot was buried between two tree stumps on the north shore of Benton Lake in Michigan, in an old iron stove. The hoard was never recovered as the robbers feared arrest or possible lynching by the irate lumberjacks whose payroll they had stolen.
The lost Bertrand Treasure
A wealthy fur trader named Joseph Bertrand buried a vast treasure in oak chests somewhere near the site of his trading post. His trading post was located at the junction of several old Indian trails that crossed the St. Joseph River near Bertrand, Michigan.
Lost Treasure Legends: Massachusetts
Go on a real treasure hunt in Massachusetts to find lost treasure!!!
The Parker River Treasure
A large cache of $170,000 in British gold coins was buried in the early 1800s along the banks of the Parker River in Byfield, Massachusetts. Legends say that it was buried within sight of a large boulder marked by a chiseled "A" six inches high.
The Lost Treasure of Plum Island
In the 1960s a former German claimed that he was dropped off at Plum Island, Massachusetts, in 1943 to perform sabotage in the U.S. Due to bad weather and other foul-ups he was the lone survivor on the beach where he hid a box,containing $200,000 in U.S. currency, on the Atlantic side of the island. He then abandoned his Nazi-laid plans and took up residence in Wisconsin, later becoming a U.S. citizen. He made one attempt many years later to recover the cache, but it was never located.
A large cache of $170,000 in British gold coins was buried in the early 1800s along the banks of the Parker River in Byfield, Massachusetts. Legends say that it was buried within sight of a large boulder marked by a chiseled "A" six inches high.
The Lost Treasure of Plum Island
In the 1960s a former German claimed that he was dropped off at Plum Island, Massachusetts, in 1943 to perform sabotage in the U.S. Due to bad weather and other foul-ups he was the lone survivor on the beach where he hid a box,containing $200,000 in U.S. currency, on the Atlantic side of the island. He then abandoned his Nazi-laid plans and took up residence in Wisconsin, later becoming a U.S. citizen. He made one attempt many years later to recover the cache, but it was never located.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Lost Treasure Legends: Maryland
Go on a real treasure hunt in Maryland to find lost treasure!!!
The Treasure of Perry Hall
A wealthy senator named Perry Hall buried a large cache of gold, silver and family valuables somewhere on his 350 acre Miles River estate in 1798 before he suddenly died. Over the years, generations of Halls have searched unsuccessfully for the cache. It still remains unrecovered on his old property, 4 miles west of Easton, Maryland. In 1967, the property was sold to Kirkland Hall College. But the treasure remains.
The Hagen Tavern Treasure
In 1832, an unknown traveler was injured during a freak storm and taken to the old Hagen Tavern at Braddock, Maryland. While on his deathbed, he confessed to stealing a chest of gold coins and jewels from a French Grand Duchess and burying the loot in 1830 on a mountain slope near the tavern. The unknown traveler died, but the legend of the treasure never did. It is still searched for today.
The Hagen Tavern Treasure
In 1832, an unknown traveler was injured during a freak storm and taken to the old Hagen Tavern at Braddock, Maryland. While on his deathbed, he confessed to stealing a chest of gold coins and jewels from a French Grand Duchess and burying the loot in 1830 on a mountain slope near the tavern. The unknown traveler died, but the legend of the treasure never did. It is still searched for today.
Lost Treasure Legends: Maine
Go on a real treasure hunt in Maine to find lost treasure!!!
The Lost Treasure of Samuel Bellamy
Probably the greatest pirate treasure awaiting recovery in the U.S. today was secreted by the pirates Samuel "Black" Bellamy and his partner Paulsgrave Williams. In 1716, the pirates constructed elaborate fortifications and a colony on both sides of the Machias River, exactly where Highway 1-A now crosses the river in Machias Township. Near these fortifications they constructed a vast, intricate underground chamber to be used as a treasure vault. Rumored to be in the vault are 180 bags of gold, each weighing 50 lbs. Also a store of gold ingots, silver coins, gems and ivory taken from the captured vessel Whidah were put in this vault. The pirates and crew were killed in a storm that wrecked both of their ships. The vault has yet to be discovered.
The Skowhegan Falls Treasure
Legends say a large cache of gold coins and bullion is supposedly buried in the vicinity of Skowhegan Falls on the Kennebec River at the fork of Highways 201 & 201A. The treasure was buried by a pirate in the 1720s.
Probably the greatest pirate treasure awaiting recovery in the U.S. today was secreted by the pirates Samuel "Black" Bellamy and his partner Paulsgrave Williams. In 1716, the pirates constructed elaborate fortifications and a colony on both sides of the Machias River, exactly where Highway 1-A now crosses the river in Machias Township. Near these fortifications they constructed a vast, intricate underground chamber to be used as a treasure vault. Rumored to be in the vault are 180 bags of gold, each weighing 50 lbs. Also a store of gold ingots, silver coins, gems and ivory taken from the captured vessel Whidah were put in this vault. The pirates and crew were killed in a storm that wrecked both of their ships. The vault has yet to be discovered.
The Skowhegan Falls Treasure
Legends say a large cache of gold coins and bullion is supposedly buried in the vicinity of Skowhegan Falls on the Kennebec River at the fork of Highways 201 & 201A. The treasure was buried by a pirate in the 1720s.
Lost Treasure Legends: Louisiana
Go on a real treasure hunt in Louisiana to find lost treasure!!!
The LaBleau Plantation Treasure
The pirate Jean LaFitte and his band used a barn on the old LeBleau Plantation, 5 miles west of the town of Iowa, Louisiana, as a meeting place. Legends also say that they buried treasure here that was never recovered.
The Treasure at Grand Coteau
Around 1800, the wealthy Gabriel Fuselier de la Claire built a plantation home at Grand Coteau. During the Civil War his grandson buried a fortune worth $500,000. Union troops burned the plantation and the cache was never recovered.
The pirate Jean LaFitte and his band used a barn on the old LeBleau Plantation, 5 miles west of the town of Iowa, Louisiana, as a meeting place. Legends also say that they buried treasure here that was never recovered.
The Treasure at Grand Coteau
Around 1800, the wealthy Gabriel Fuselier de la Claire built a plantation home at Grand Coteau. During the Civil War his grandson buried a fortune worth $500,000. Union troops burned the plantation and the cache was never recovered.
Lost Treasure Legends: Kentucky
Go on a real treasure hunt in Kentucky to find lost treasure!!!
Jack Clemons’s Buried Treasure
Jack Clemons buried a large quantity of silver coins in a metal bucket on his property in the early 1900s and died without revealing the exact place of the cache. His property was located on Big Branch Creek, about 3 miles southeast of Quicksand. The old house is still standing on the right hand side of the creek, about 1 mile above its mouth.
The Lost Treasure of Jonathan Swift
Legend has it that in the 1760, Jonathan Swift buried a cache of $150,000 in silver bars and ore in a cave. The cave is located somewhere near the Breaks of the Sandy River at the base of Pine Mountain on Hwy 80 near Elkhorn City.
Jack Clemons buried a large quantity of silver coins in a metal bucket on his property in the early 1900s and died without revealing the exact place of the cache. His property was located on Big Branch Creek, about 3 miles southeast of Quicksand. The old house is still standing on the right hand side of the creek, about 1 mile above its mouth.
The Lost Treasure of Jonathan Swift
Legend has it that in the 1760, Jonathan Swift buried a cache of $150,000 in silver bars and ore in a cave. The cave is located somewhere near the Breaks of the Sandy River at the base of Pine Mountain on Hwy 80 near Elkhorn City.
Lost Treasure Legends: Kansas
Go on a real treasure hunt in Kansas to find lost treasure!!!
The Lawrence Payroll Treasure
Around 1862 an army paymaster leaving from Lawrence was robbed of $195,000 in gold and silver coins while he was on his way to Denver. Legend has it that the loot was buried between 2 sycamore trees someplace between Lawrence and the Wakarusa River, just to the south of Lawrence.
Chouteau Island Treasure
Legend has it that in 1828, $24,000 in silver coins was buried on Chouteau's Island, in the Arkansas River, about 5 miles southwest of Lakin. There is no record of this cache ever being found.
Around 1862 an army paymaster leaving from Lawrence was robbed of $195,000 in gold and silver coins while he was on his way to Denver. Legend has it that the loot was buried between 2 sycamore trees someplace between Lawrence and the Wakarusa River, just to the south of Lawrence.
Chouteau Island Treasure
Legend has it that in 1828, $24,000 in silver coins was buried on Chouteau's Island, in the Arkansas River, about 5 miles southwest of Lakin. There is no record of this cache ever being found.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Tour Across America Treasure Has Been Found!
Congratulations to Brian Davis! He successfully solved the cipher revealing the spot to the Tour Across America Treasure. Thanks to all that played! Stay tuned for the full solution coming soon!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Treasure Hunt: Tour Across America - Hint 5
This hint relates to the final clue. On the five stops across America you should have collected five numbers, each the answer to one of the clues. Those five numbers represent a word...a key word...
Lost Treasure Legends: Iowa
Go on a real treasure hunt in Iowa to find lost treasure!!!
Banditti of the Plains Treasure
In the 1800s there was a gang of outlaws and cattle rustlers known as the Banditti of the Plains. They were headquartered near the mouth of the Boone River. It is believed that they buried their loot in an ancient Indian mound located in the immediate area and never recovered the cache. The mound is covered by a thick growth of oak trees and is located near the John Lott Monument.
Thomas Nelson Treasure
Thomas Nelson was a Soldier of fortune and came to Cerro Gordo County in 1884. He took a job at the Wheeler Ranch. It was said that he brought with him a large quantity of gold coins and word soon spread of his wealth. Fearing that he would be robbed, he buried the hoard somewhere on the Winnebago River between the Wheeler Ranch and the Horseshoe Bend area in a 3-foot deep hole. The story goes that he was never able to locate the exact spot again and so the cache remains buried in the ground.
In the 1800s there was a gang of outlaws and cattle rustlers known as the Banditti of the Plains. They were headquartered near the mouth of the Boone River. It is believed that they buried their loot in an ancient Indian mound located in the immediate area and never recovered the cache. The mound is covered by a thick growth of oak trees and is located near the John Lott Monument.
Thomas Nelson Treasure
Thomas Nelson was a Soldier of fortune and came to Cerro Gordo County in 1884. He took a job at the Wheeler Ranch. It was said that he brought with him a large quantity of gold coins and word soon spread of his wealth. Fearing that he would be robbed, he buried the hoard somewhere on the Winnebago River between the Wheeler Ranch and the Horseshoe Bend area in a 3-foot deep hole. The story goes that he was never able to locate the exact spot again and so the cache remains buried in the ground.
Lost Treasure Legends: Indiana
Go on a real treasure hunt in Indiana to find lost treasure!!!
Buried Treasure of John Dillinger
In 1933 John Dillinger robbed the Unity Trust & Savings Bank of Chicago and made of with about $76,000 in cash as well as $175,000 in negotiable bonds, and at least $300,000 in jewelry, all stripped from safety deposit boxes. It is said that the loot was buried in a field on his father's small 10-acre produce farm just outside Mooresville, Indiana.
The Oak Tree Treasure
Legends claim that a band of Gulf Coast pirates, traveling north along the White River in the 1820s, buried a cache of gold coins on a bluff east of Freedom. They marked the spot by driving a sword into an oak tree. They never returned for the treasure.
In 1933 John Dillinger robbed the Unity Trust & Savings Bank of Chicago and made of with about $76,000 in cash as well as $175,000 in negotiable bonds, and at least $300,000 in jewelry, all stripped from safety deposit boxes. It is said that the loot was buried in a field on his father's small 10-acre produce farm just outside Mooresville, Indiana.
The Oak Tree Treasure
Legends claim that a band of Gulf Coast pirates, traveling north along the White River in the 1820s, buried a cache of gold coins on a bluff east of Freedom. They marked the spot by driving a sword into an oak tree. They never returned for the treasure.
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