[Ultimate Guide] Depth Factors in Gold Detectors 2019

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Going deep inside the ground to detect and locate precious metals is the main goal of many metal detectors. But it should be kept clear by now that more depth is not always a good thing. Depth of the equipment is assigned in terms of ranges of the distance which starts from a few centimeters and go to many meters.

Accuracy

When lesser depth is considered, then more accuracy will be observed in the detection mechanism because the emphasis of the equipment would be on fewer inches of soil so more attention to detail would be given, which in this case is smaller underground metallic objects. As opposed to the situation where the equipment focuses on covering way more layers of soils underneath the surface, i.e. more depth and loses the sensitivity to detect smaller objects.

The Shape of the Object

The size and shape of the metallic object, as well as the way it is suspended in the soil, strictly determines its probability of being noticed or detected by the metal detector. For example, a longer object is when suspended in the ground vertically, the chances of its detection are decreased but if the same object is suspended horizontally, the chances drastically increase.

The Density of Object

Similarly, whether an object is hollow i.e. empty from within or with large holes or dense i.e. tightly packed determines its chance of being detected by the gold detectors. Senser or fuller objects will respond to the magnetic field of detectors more strongly as compared to the hollow objects with spaces in them, making the chance of detection weaker.

Range of Detectors

The depth in metal detectors is specified in term of ranges of the distance they are known to cover within the ground. For example, if a detector has a depth specification of 2-3 meters, it means minimum it can cover 2 meters of ground with ease and maximum readings can be seen at 3 meters. All the values are although approximate and many environmental actors can alter the fact. 

Time of the Buried Object

The more time an object is buried underground, the more are chances of its detection. Because the metallic components in the soil also tend to pick on the natural magnetism of that piece of precious metal, which would assist metal detectors by amplifying the impact of that piece on the detection mechanism. As opposed to when a piece is freshly dispersed items in considerable depths. Even professional level detectors perform well to older buried items than freshly buried items. 

Gaps in Soil

The gaps in freshly dug soil or cavities in the ground contribute as a factor in determining the depth accuracy of the equipment considered for purchase. If the ground has hollow cavities, it will behave differently and contribute negatively towards detection as opposed to the tightly packed ground in accordance with the same logic discussed in buried objects. Tightly packed particles transfer the waves more efficiently than lack of sufficient particles in the medium, which in this case is soil. 

Components of Soil

  • High mineralized

The type of soil which contains more metallic compounds in it, also known as iron-based or ferrous compounds or any other semi-precious or non-precious metals or alloys which can cause noise or alter the results of gold metal detectors. It is mostly found on high altitude plains, mountains, etc. and low depth gold detectors are more preferable. 

  • Low mineralized

Soil with minimal to negligible ferrous compounds is called low mineralized soil. It is mostly found on terrestrial plains, and high depth gold detectors are more preferable because the metallic noise from soil would not intervene with the results.

Object Material

Gold metal detectors are designed in such a way that it is easier for them to detect precious metals like Gold and Silver rather than non-precious metals like Iron, Copper, Nickel, etc. Precious metals are denser in their build and have slightly varying chemical properties than other members of the metallic element family, which causes a different or distinguishable reaction to waves from gold detectors. 

Environmental Factors

The nearby factors of the site considered to be scanned with gold detectors also play a role because of the metals in surrounding areas, in form of several pipes, wiring or building structures can cause electrical interference with the gold detectors thus manipulating the results. 

What Are Gold Detectors?

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Introduction

The Earth’s surface and core both are blessed with numerous resources which human beings exploit to keep the system running. These resources include precious and semi-precious metals hidden in many different forms below the Earth’s crust. One of the many challenges for people is to locate these metals and do the efforts required to dig in and extract them. Due to the technological advancements, it is now possible to determine if metal lies or not underneath the surface, without even starting to dig in. The modern equipment dramatically decreases the cost by showing probabilities of metal existence under the surface and saves much time. The equipment designed to detect specifically the gold-based metal and metallic alloys under earth’s crust is known as Gold Detectors. 

Categories of Underground Gold

The Gold which is naturally existing below Earth’s crust could be classified into two major types:

Gold Nuggets

The accumulated pieces or chunks of gold metal varying in sizes starting from the size of ballpoint pen’s tip to various ounces formed under natural circumstances by Earth core’s temperature and pressure.

Fine Gold

The gold particles in powdered or dust form mixed with other non-valuable particles from soil, which are not detected by any radiation or contact with the gold detectors. Their size is so small they are unable to affect the detection mechanism of even the powerful metal detectors.  

Basic Types of Detectors

Based on the types of outputs they provide, Gold detectors could be classified into four basic types which are:

  • Analog Gold Detectors

Detectors having an analog output where a needle deflects between two points when in contact with the threshold size of a metallic object showing relatively inaccurate reading but still signifies the presence of the object in question. These types of detectors are mostly obsolete but can be found in very beginner level equipment where precision is not the goal. 

  • Digital Gold Detectors

A rather advanced form of output where the model and build of detector assigns a number to the precious metal and non-precious metallic compounds where the readings close to the largest possible number indicate the purest metals underneath the surface whereas the numbers in lower possible ranges mean irrelevant metallic compounds.

  • Sound Based Gold Detectors

The type of detectors which make a beeping sound when metal is detected within its range and no other relevant information is provided whether the metal is in which category or its distance from the surface etc. However, the sound is louder in case of proximity and fades when the distance increases, which is vague but still effective in some situations. This technology can be seen in handheld security detectors as well as walk through gates.

  • 3D Graphics Based Gold Detectors

These gold detectors present the information in the form of colorful graphical representations where each of the colors means a specific metal or metallic compound in terms of the object’s purity. 

Huge Gold Nugget Found!

Recently, an Australian treasure hunter found a ginormous gold nugget weighing 49 ounces and grossing up to $49,000 in value! Yes, treasure hunting is a thing and gold metal detectors facilitate hunting them out from deep down the Earth. 

How Gold Detectors Work

Basically, gold detectors receive direct current from the battery, convert it into alternating current, which creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field emits electronic waves (eddy current) into the ground which when absorbed by a metallic object, create its own magnetic field. This new magnetic field distorts the earlier magnetic field and sends current to the receiving coil, which shows the output of positive metal detection.

 

Frequency of Gold Detectors

Frequency means the number of electronic waves a detector throws into the ground. Each frequency range is sensitive to a different type of compound and depending on the model and brand, these frequencies can vary. However a general rule is, that higher frequency results in decreased depth, but it becomes more sensitive and detects when smaller objects. 

Elements of Gold Detectors

  1. Coil

The circular base of the metal detector having the arrangement of wires in it in which the current flows and generates a magnetic field is called coil.

  1. Shaft

The long structure giving support to the coil and including a grip to hold the detector which makes it easier to carry and move the equipment around easily. 

  1. Control Unit

The device attached to the coil which receives input from the operator and gives output about the object is the control unit. 

Technologies in Coil

  1. DD Coil

An advanced form of the coil where the wiring within the apparatus is divided into two semicircles making a D and inverted D connected. It helps differentiate the ferrous and non-ferrous compounds within the ground which makes it easier to distinguish between gold and trash.

  1. Mono Coil

A simpler coil having wires arranged in its circumference where the circle is tightly wound covering more depth than DD coil but has the disadvantage that it does not discriminate between ferrous and non-ferrous compounds.

Best Beginner’s Guide for Gold Detectors

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Pakistan is considered as one of the deepest countries in terms of the natural resources blessed by the Almighty.  Areas like Gilgit Baltistan and Quetta are possessing thousands of dollars worth gold just lying beneath its surface ready to be discovered. In Pakistan, this is a Beginner Guide for Gold Detectors the use of Gold detectors is mostly concerning the treasure hunting as hobbies, because many of the buried antique pieces left by the previous emperors like statues and other molded items are constantly begging to be discovered by the residents and hobbyists of such manner. 

Guide for the Purpose of using the Gold Detector

If you are considering to buy a gold detector and thinking whether it is a valid idea to use such equipment for this purpose or not, here we can help you by sharing why our other customers are buying and using gold detectors: 

  • For recreation

The number one reason to get into the gold detectors is just for recreation, spending some quality time dirtying the hands in the mud, looking for something that is worth it. For example, people buy beginner level metal detectors to find coins at the beach because it is a fun activity and creates a bonding experience with siblings, children or friends. 

  • For Treasure Hunting

People who know the value of frequently found hidden objects or gold nuggets under their ground are more willing to enjoy gold search and gold digging as a hobby or leisure. this Guide is for Gold Detectors It is most certainly a good hobby because it pays off really well. The treasure if found of unique historical value can become part of a great collection or can be sold to the best bidders, whichever is the goal of keeping this hobby. They are interested to buy some advanced level equipment whose results are reliable and precise. 

  • As a business

For the people who have the time and resources as well as will to pursue gold detection, gold collection and gold search as a full time or side business are the ones who invest in top-notch equipment getting best quality results and earning steadily from such operations. It is very important for them to make sure the results of the equipment are not compromised so the resources are used more efficiently and effectively. 

Budget for Gold Detector

You may want to decide how much you are willing to pay for your gold detector. As in any industry, the more you will pay, the better quality equipment with more added features you will get. And if you choose to pick a cheaper alternative, you will have to compromise on important features regarding the functionality and technical specifications of the gold detectors. 

Type of Land

Most probably you have already viewed a suitable land to pursue your gold detection objectives. The type of land also determines what type of gold detector you would be more likely to purchase. For example, if the area is remote where the population has no or very limited access, such areas would be less likely to be trashed so highly sensitive equipment with lesser depth would be okay as well. But if the area has frequent visitors or constructions in process, residual metallic objects from such activities would cause noise, so low sensitivity equipment would be preferred with more depth. 

Specifications Summary and Comparison  of Gold Metal Detectors

 

Specs Beginner Level Detectors Intermediate Level Detectors Advanced Level Detectors Deep Seeking Detectors Professional Detectors
Price 10K-50K < 100K 120K-225K 350K-700K 800K-4800K
Depth 10-12 inches 2-3 feet 3-5 feet 6-10 feet 10-50 feet
Ground Balance No No Yes Yes Yes
Pinpointer No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Coil Size 4,5,8 inches 8-11 inches 11-15 inches 1-2 meters No coil – Sensors only
Upgradable No Yes Yes Yes
Downgradable Yes Yes Yes Yes
Coil Technology DD DD – –
Detector Technology VLF VLF VLF Pulse Induction No VLF
Discrimination Not good  Yes, not powerful Yes Yes Yes – through 3D graphs
Depth Indicator No Yes Yes Some Yes
3D Graphs No No No Yes Yes
Output Mode Analog and Digital Analog and Digital Digital Digital Digital
Weight Less Medium More More More than 20-30 kg
Warranty Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Spare Parts Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Waterproofing No Some, No underwater