Maximim depth

[RelicHunterG]

Hi, I haven't detected since I was a kid and am soon to be looking for a new setup. I heard that Metal detectors sold in th USA are regulated by the FCC and can only have a maximum depth reading while units built for other countries don't have these restrictions. Is this true?

[Gregory]

hmmm, good question, I've never heard of that maybe someone else could shed some light on this.

[cjoej]

It would be impossible to use "depth" as a regulatory measure. Since many conditions come into play, such as mineralization, moisture content, frequency, pulse/non pulse, coil type/size, etc. you can begin to see how this has too many variables...

Things that they can regulate are wattage of signal output, but this has to be kept low anyway (too high an output and it's like high beam headlights in a fog). Then there is the frequency band that is allowed and currently we seem to have the right range of frequencies and wattage for this hobby.

The main factors you will need to consider are where you want to hunt. Is it in a dry/wet, Highly mineralized/low-non mineralized, under water areas. Do you want to hunt in trashy areas or overgrown sites (coil size could be important.) Are you hunting coins, artifacts, gold nuggets, caches or large burried objects (two box unit), burried cables/pipes (locator unit)? There are detectors that perform better for each of these catagories.

For most coin/relic hunting many major brand detectors cover this.
Gold detectors use higher frequencies and are special use detectors.
Burried caches or large objects would often be a two box unit and again it is a special detector.
Under water/beach swim areas can usually be hunted in the shallower areas with a general use detector IF you keep the control box dry, but there are water resistant surf machines and also water proof that are made for diving.

And in the end, it comes down to what you are most comfortable using.

Hope this helps and Happy Th'ing.

Joe

[Gregory]

Wow!
I'm sure glad your here Joe, to answer some of these tough questions Well done!

[RelicHunterG]

Thanks for the help Cjoej. I see that there are alot of variables and you might not be able to use max wattage often. Could you buy a foreign model to increase power if you wanted to? For if you have already swept an area and you want to return with more debt.

[brandycliff]

i saw a forum where the founder of whites matel detectors said , yes metal detectors are regulated by the fcc on how much out put the can have and sets a distance of far they must be from others electronic with causing any intefearance. i must admit i thought the gov controlling metal detectors was bull but after seeing what was writen i believe

[marylandjack]

In practical terms, the "maximum depth" on a coin-size (let's say nickel) object is a function of its position or attitude in the ground, its age in the ground, its conductivity, the ground mineralization level, the detector sensitivity setting, the accuracy of the detector ground balance, the operators experience at identifying a marginal or weak "good target" signal, coil size, etc., etc.

In short, there are many, many variables that will determine the "maximum depth" allowed on any outing.

With a fairly decent machine in the hands of an operator who knows that machine and with all the above variables addressed properly, I would guess one could barely detect that slightly slanted nickel at 9 inches.

If anyone has pulled a nickel up from average ground conditions deeper than 9 inches, let me know. If so, you've got a great machine and excellent detector disciplines at work!

[zmart42]

Jack here (zmart42). Was reading about the depth capabilities. Right now I am using a Bounty Hunter Sharpshooter. Alot of the ground around here is filled with dross and clinkers from the steel mills and coal mines. Therefore I get a lot of interference. Adjustments of sens and disc are imperative. Thus this cuts down on the depth that I can reach. I have a small coil that I am going to use when the weather breaks,which probably won't be for awhile. I will be starting at a place that I have searched for most of last summer to see what I have missed, even though I don't think that I have missed much,Yeah right. Does anyone use a 4 or 5 inch coil alot? Am just wondering how much greater depth I can get with it while adjusting the sens and disc to eliminate the ground noise. Also does anyone have any input about the Whites XLT E series detector's.

I dig all tones
Jack

[SGTFDA]

I have found that you need more than one detector depending on the search site. I like the Troy X5 for going over a area first. I then may switch to my Minelab SD2100 with the Ismael mod and a 25" Nuggetfinder coil to look for the deep cache. That is if the site may have one. Or I may need my Whites GMT with a small coil and it's 10 ft. extensions for reaching down into small caves. Or a Falcon MD10 with its 1" coil for small holes or in between large rocks. You need the right tools for the job at hand.

[Gregory]

Hi SGTFDA,

You certanly have it coverd, I've never seen a 1 inch coil, it surely would be nice having one

Originally Posted by SGTFDA

I have found that you need more than one detector depending on the search site. I like the Troy X5 for going over a area first. I then may switch to my Minelab SD2100 with the Ismael mod and a 25" Nuggetfinder coil to look for the deep cache. That is if the site may have one. Or I may need my Whites GMT with a small coil and it's 10 ft. extensions for reaching down into small caves. Or a Falcon MD10 with its 1" coil for small holes or in between large rocks. You need the right tools for the job at hand.