Metal detecting has a long, and often strange history. Interest in using electrical current to locate buried metal began in the late 1800's. At that time, people understood that certain metals somehow interacted with electrical currents, though it was unclear how this worked. The first attempts at metal detection were aimed at finding rare metals, like gold. Unfortunately, the results were not always what buyers hoped for. In another bizarre twist, the inventor Alexander Graham Bell attempted to used metal detection to find the bullet that had become lodged inside President James Garfield. Though it seems simple enough, Bell's machine was too powerful and kept returning a signal for the metal bed frame on which the president had been laid.
The 1930's saw the arrival of new technology, particularly the use of radio waves as a navigational tool. Metal detectors were redesigned and could now provide a more accurate picture of any buried metallic item. Metal detectors became a crucial part of the war effort during World War II, helping to identify buried landmines and other dangerous items. At the end of the war, excess metal detectors were sold to the public, and metal detecting as a hobby really began to take off.
Today's metal detectors are simple to operate and anyone can use them. Most require very little assembly and have been designed for ease of use over several hours. If you're just picking up a metal detector for the first time, review the owner's manual before you begin to make sure you understand how to read the information on the display.
When you're working with a new device, whether you're an old-hand at detecting or a freshman, you need to become familiar with the operation of the detector, especially its responsiveness to different items. The best way to do this is by setting up a control location inside your house. Test the detector on things like cans, lids, loose change and rings. This way, you'll learn to recognize the various tones and can calibrate accordingly.
There are several types of metal detectors available in today's market. The key to selecting the proper one for your adventures will depend on the type of terrain you plan to investigate. A solo frequency metal detector works best in dry, desert type areas which may contain a high volume of junk items. On the other hand, a multiple frequency metal detector is your best option if you plan to search in an area of damp sand, like the beach. Pulse metal detectors can be used in a variety of areas and have the widest range, though it's often difficult to distinguish between the rubbish and the treasure. Professional treasure hunters often use an expensive, long-range device that can locate objects that may be buried up to twenty feet below the surface.
One of your best resources for metal detecting is the online community. They can provide invaluable insights and assistance for anyone who has just begun their search.
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