DEEP METAL DETECTION

(By Alain Châtillon, Président Latincom-Mex SA & Deepers Detector Co)

Our definition of deep detection is being able to easily hunt for masses of metal or buried objects that are to be found from 40 cm - 3 meters below surface. Investigations at much greater depths require a considerable amount of expensive specialist equipment, which is not our concern at the moment.

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS COMMONLY USED TO DETECT METALS

Remember, that the difficulty in detecting a metal target which has been hidden, increases proportionally the deeper the object is buried. There are four types of devices, each one distinctly different from the others, which are used for metal detection in the soil:
 

A) The classic VLF detectors

At the present time approximately 94% of the metal detectors being used are what we call “the classic metal detectors”. They are classified as BFO (which have been around the longest)-VLF-TR-IB etc. And these generally work using frequencies from 5 to 30 KHZ, which gives us the origin of the initials VLF (very low frequency). These devices are ideal for detecting coins or smaller jewelry, things that have been lost or possibly buried just under the surface (max depth 15"). These mechanisms are not bulky and are efficient, as far as these targets are concerned, in the category (such as the Garrett GTAx500). Anyone can learn to use one at a search site in a matter of minutes.

B) Double coil detectors (two box detectors)

These devices have been designed as attachments on simple detectors and therefore given names such as “extra depth coils” such as the Garrett CXII and XIII series (depth multiplier), or integrated on devices with 2 coils, one functions as the sender and one as the receiver, like on the FISHER Gemini III or WHITE’S TM808 or the DISCOVERY TF 900. From our experience we can say, no offence intended, that these hybrid types of detectors, have their place, if the object of your search is fairly large and not buried to deeply.

C) Magnetometers

When using a proton induced magnetometer, or a magnetometer, which works with other particles, penetration into the soil is deep (more than 30 feet or 10 meters with basic equipment and more than 195 feet or 60 meters for sophisticated electronic equipment). Do not confuse these with others, which are not so efficient ... unless, of course, you are looking for sewage pipes or covers made from cast iron, which are hidden below the asphalt. In order to work with a particle run detector you need quite a bit of practice and ability before you can hope to have good results with the information obtained, and these devices are very expensive.

Magnetic metals will be detected very easily (iron, nickel, and cobalt) as well as the magnetic fields in the area and the local geological abnormalities. If you are searching for large masses of metal buried very deep (ships, cannons, mineral veins) then, without a doubt this type of equipment is ideal for you. Pay attention though, and be sure to take an expert with you or a competent team of professionals because huge, gaping, holes await you.

Lastly, there is the double FLUX GATE type magnetometer. This is a sophisticated and effective consumer-grade locating device called the MAG 505, available thorough our company. The MAG 505 is the result of 18 months of research and development and is the ideal detector for those that are hunting for gold and deeply buried treasure, which contains some iron, For details about this detector open the following page: MAG 505

D) Pulse Induction equipment

When we talk about Pulse Induction (or Pulse Power – such as the new Deeper MF ) we move into the category of metal detection equipment that is superior to anything else on the market today. Pulse Induction detectors are the choice of professionals because unlike VLF detectors, they are specially designed to penetrate deep, (our Deepers MF is designed to penetrate 10 feet into the ground), detect any kind of metal, and overcome adverse soil environment such as highly mineralized or saline soils.

How do Pulse Induction detectors work ?

The principles of Pulse Induction are not complicated and have been known for years. It didn’t take long for some astute engineers to realise the potential of Pulse Induction. One in particular was Mr Eric Foster of the UK who’s initial and continued work has helped this technology reach the mature platform that it is today. Whereas VLF detectors emit a continuous electromagnetic current into the ground, Pulse Induction (PI) detectors emit an electromagnetic signal of variable intensity. In other words, they emit a rapid succession of burst (or pulses) into the ground at the rate 50-150 cycles per second. The PI detector alternately transmits and receives these pulse signals and when they encounter a metallic object a counter current or field is produced by the object, and is in turn picked up (detected) by the detector.

The important thing to understand is that pulse-emitted signals penetrate far deeper into the ground than continuously emitted signals. This clearly makes the PI unit the detector of choice when seeking deeply buried objects: Some PI detectors on the market today have the electronics necessary to analyze the conductivity of the metal found, allowing the operator to distinguish whether the metal object is either ferrous or non-ferrous.

Generally speaking, however, this “discrimination” feature is not always 100 % accurate. The depth of penetration that you will achieve with a PI detector depends on several factors-most certainly the size of the coil is a key consideration (the larger the coil, the deeper one can search) but just as important and perhaps more so, is the balance between raw power and usability.

ADVANTAGES OF Pulse Induction DETECTORS

The Pulse Induction metal detector is the ideal tool for searching large areas for deeply buried targets. With an elliptical 7 1/2 x 15” coil as provided with our Deepers 8 AT you can cover large areas in less time, without missing those deeply buried targets –targets that are beyond the detectors range of VLF detectors. The unit can be adjusted to tune out surface trash and detect only specific targets. As we said before, a Pulse Induction detectors are the ideal tool for the serious treasure hunter, for caches of coins, jewellery, war relics, weapons, booty, treasure chests, or any other kind of metallic treasure.

For the discerning detectorist we at Latincom have developed the ultimate treasure hunting tool that excels in all areas of detecting. Taking Pulse Induction Technology to new and affordable levels. With our latest product, the unique Deepers MF Multi Frequency

Antique Celtic helmet (250-300 A.C.) found 85 cm. below the surface with Deepers equipped with a super-sensitive elliptical search coil 

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