Whites Electronics Metal Detectors

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Answers to Common Questions about Metal Detectors

Are most metal detectors basically the same? [Return to Menu]

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.

How deep do metal detectors detect metals?[Return to Menu]
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 loops (see JimmySierra), and/or to give up attempts to eliminate trash metals. The 15" loop responding to all metal alloys can detect larger metal items (coin jars) at depths of three to fiver feet. However, sensitivity to single coins is greater with smaller loops. White's TM 808 and the Sierra 25" Loop can detect 55 gallon drums at 10+ feet, car-sized metals perhaps deepert. 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 loop (search coil). Loops come in a wide range of sizes and shapes- 4", 6", 8", 9.5",12" 15 and 25"". There are also differences in the configuration of the coils inside the loop producing different shape search patterns. The larger the loop, 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 loops 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.

What types of things will a metal detector help me find?[Return to Menu]
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.

What is discrimination?[Return to Menu]
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.

Can a detector be set only to respond to gold? [Return to Menu]

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.

What is operating frequency?[Return to Menu]

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.

Are there any good places left to hunt? [Return to Menu]

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.

What is the difference between "two filter" Classics and the higher end "four filter" models? [Return to Menu]

Two filter (Classic Series) and four filter (Pro, Quantum, & XLT) 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.

What will target ID displays or meters do for me? [Return to Menu]

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.

What about all these different sized loops? Do I need accessory loops?[Return to Menu]

The standard equipment loop is ideal for all-around searching. A person may want to use a smaller loop for extreme trash (lots of close-together targets). A person may want to use a larger size for increased depth. Larger loops 15", are recommended for larger targets (jars of coins) at extreme depths. Remember, with a 15" loop, sensitivity to coin sized targets decreases.

What about a carrying case for my metal detector? [Return to Menu]

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.

Do I need headphones? [Return to Menu]

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.

What about rechargeable batteries? [Return to Menu]

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.

Where can I use a metal detector?[Return to Menu]

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 collectable coins.

How do I recover the target once I decide to dig it up? [Return to Menu]

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.

What kind of Warranty comes with White's detectors? [Return to Menu]

White's warranties standard models from all defects in materials and workmanship for two years transferable parts and labor. White's two year parts and labor warranty often offers more warranty coverage than "limited lifetime" or extended years of coverage. One must read the fine print carefully when comparing warranties. Labor and high wear parts are the most likely areas of cost in repair service.

What is sweep speed? [Return to Menu]

All modern detectors require some movement (sweep) of the loop in order to respond to metals. If the loop is swept too slowly, metals do not respond, or do not respond at as great of depths. Every model has an ideal loop sweep speed, usually between two and four seconds per pass. Experimenting to find the ideal loop sweep speed allows optimum detector performance. A first time user typically has to practice to find their comfortable loop sweep technique. Seeing others with good loop sweep habits is a big aid in learning. Practice makes perfect. The desire is to sweep the loop evenly with the ground in smooth even swings. Overlap each pass by at least 50%, always keeping the loop 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.

Which model is right for me? [Return to Menu]

Your Local Dealer will help you to chose the right model for your needs and your budget.You may also want to try out our automated Detector Selector for a customized model reccomendation


	*Glossary of Common Metal Detecting Terms*
	[Return to Menu]
	All-Metal: Any mode or control setting allowing total acceptance of all metal types, iron, aluminum, tin, nickel, gold, brass, lead, copper, silver etc. Audio ID: Circuitry which produces different audio tones (pitch) for different target's conductivity. Black Sand: One of the most extreme components of non-conductive, negative ground minerals. Magnetic. Also called Magnetite (Fe304) or magnetic iron oxide. Cache: Any intentionally buried or secreted hoard of valuables. Conductive Salts: One of the major mineral types which make up the positive ground minerals. Wet ocean salt/sand will produce a positive response due to its similar conductivity to metal. Conductivity: The measure of a metal target's ability to allow eddy currents on its surface. Depth: The greatest measure of a metal detectors ability to transmit an electromagnetic field into the ground. De-tuning: Method of manually or automatically desensitizing a metal detector so that it may locate the center of a target. Discrimination: Circuitry which ignores or otherwise indicates, a specific target based on its conductivity/ phase. Drift: A loss or increase in threshold caused by temperature, time, or battery condition. Eddy Currents: Small circulating currents of electricity. Ferrous: Descriptive of any iron or iron bearing material. Frequency: The number of complete alternating current cycles produced by the transmit oscillator per second. Ground Balance: A state of operation in which specialized circuitry can ignore the masking effect ground minerals have over metal targets. Hot Rock: A rock which contains a higher concentration of mineralization than the surrounding ground. Matrix: Refers to the total volume (average) of ground penetrated by a metal detector. Menu: Series of listings and prompts on a visual display designed to aid the operator in feature selection. Metal: Metallic substances: iron, foil nickel, aluminum, gold, brass, copper, silver, etc. Microprocessor: An electronic component that can be programed to perform certain electronic functions. Mineralized Ground: Any soil containing conductive or magnetic components. Mode: A condition of operation selected by the operator for specific functions. Motion Mode: Any mode that requires loop movement to respond to metals. Non-ferrous: Not of iron, any metal that is not iron. Non-Motion Mode: Any mode of operation that doesn't require movement of the loop to respond to metal targets. Phase: The length of time between eddy current generation sustained on a metals surface and the resulting secondary electromagnetic field effect on the loops receive winding. Pinpointing: Finding the exact center of a metal target. Reject: An indication of a target non-acceptance by silence or a broken sound. Sensitivity: The measure or capacity of a metal detector to perceive changes in conductivity within the loops detection pattern. Signal: An audio or display response alerting the operator that a target has been detected. Stability: The ability of a metal detector to maintain smooth predictable performance. Target: Refers to any object that causes an audio or display indication. Visual ID: A feature which creates a visual indication to aid in identification of a target. VLF (Very Low Frequency): A metal detector that operates in the 3-30 kHz frequency range.


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