When we really want to do something new it is easy to get pumped up and excited, the reality then kicks in on the challenges of getting started with our newly found subject. To get started with Gold Detecting the first move is to research what tools and equipment are needed, this is where it starts to get very confusing. There are so many different types of Gold Metal Detectors on the market from various manufacturers and suppliers at a wide range of prices, we can easily put off doing anything at all.

So where do we start, well sometimes it’s a question of ‘just doing it’. A good way to get up and running is to buy a very basic Gold Detector and learn by practicing your new found venture. The quality of the Metal Detectors supplied by our leading manufacturers is generally excellent, the difference between one product and another is mainly in the specification and of course the price. Compare two leading brands with similar specifications and the price and quality will usually be similar. Also look out for discounts on many models especially the lower priced ones which are attractive to people getting started.

Basically the same technology is used for most gold detectors. There many different types and models but they are all based on the same electromagnetic technology. When a magnetic field inside the gold detector is created it reacts with the magnetic field within metal on the ground. The metal detector can analyze this reaction and convert it into a signal that shows that metal has been located nearby.

Tuning is a very important factor of gold detectors  The gold detector has to be calibrated correctly to properly receive the signals from the ground, this can vary depending on what you are prospecting for. This process may need to be monitored every few minutes depending on the type of gold detector.

How you use your gold detector has a great bearing on your success rate. With some gold detectors a slow rotating action is required and others may prefer a faster action. For best results you should read the guidelines in the manufacture’s manual and follow their recommendations. Detection depth is not easy to specify by the manufactures due to various factors including ground type and moisture. It is usually not that important as you are just as likely to find your treasure close to the surface, it can also save a lot of digging!

The other key difference in the specification is the frequency. Low signal frequencies between 5-10kHz and 15-20kHz are used for most gold detectors. The reason for that is that if you are looking for objects like coins and items of jewelry then low frequencies between 5-20KHz can be used as low frequencies tend to go deeper into the ground. The multi frequency gold detectors tend to be more expensive and are therefore used by the more established gold prospectors.

So back to our original discussion, look around for a basic low cost Gold Metal Detector from one of the leading brands and just get out there and enjoy learning about Gold

Detecting, you never know what treasures you might find.

All gold detectors are based on the same technology. Of course there are different types and models but they are all variations of the same electromagnetic technology. A magnetic field is created inside the gold detector that reacts with the magnetic field of a metal on the ground. The metal detector has the ability to convert this reaction into a signal that tells you that metal has been found on the ground.

The most important aspect of gold detectors is tuning. You have to carefully calibrate the gold detector to properly receive the signals from the ground, depending on what you are searching for. Often, this process must be performed (usually by pressing a button) every few minutes depending on the gold detector type.

Another important factor is motion. Some gold detectors require a fairly slow swinging action while others need a much quicker action. For best results you have to use the speed which is considered as optimal by the manufacturer. Carefully read the gold detector’s manual before performing any searches.

Last but not least, frequency. Most gold detectors operate in low signal frequencies between 5-10khz and 15-20khz. The reason for that is because low frequencies go deeper into the ground. If you are targeting objects like rings, coins or similar objects then low frequencies between 5-20Khz is what you need. Some multi-frequency gold detectors (which are very expensive) have appeared in the market the last few years, claiming advantages in gold detection and depth performance. In my opinion all these claims are overstated.

I’ve noticed that not a single gold detector manufacturer ever specify the detection depth of their machines. This is always confusing. The reason is that there are many things that affect the depth detection like the ground type, moisture etc. Gold detector manufacturers will not specify a specific depth range (eg. 10 meters) because another manufacturer will immediately specify a higher range (e.g. 11 meters). In my opinion gold detector depth range is almost the same for all brands of the same type.

Another half-truth is that the deeper you can go into the ground the more treasure you can find. I think that this is not the case. The deeper you go, the less you will find. If someone would burry a treasure 300 years ago how deep do you think he would dig? I think the average depth would be about 10 meters. Archeologists discovered treasures hidden for thousands of years, buried in the ground in less than 5 meters in depth.

The main part of metal detectors is the control box, shaft, and search coil. Control box which has speaker, batteries, and microprocessor coordinates all activities. To protect the food source many companies use metal detectors to check for metal contaminates in the food, and some drug companies use the metal detectors to check for the same thing in drugs.

Besides metal detection, a walk-through metal detector includes and interface for an operator and a control unit plus environmental tolerance, electro magnetic compatibility, and the assurance of quality control. The control box is the brain of a metal detector. The magnetized metallic objects under the ground send a signal to the control box. Metal detectors that are used in mining need to be compact because of the space restrictions so the control unit and the search coil are integrated into a single unit.

This disk comes off the shaft at an angle, which allows it to be held parallel to the ground. Hand held detectors come in various types, professional, commercial, all-purpose, gold metal, beach and metal that is a relic. Many people use metal detectors to comb the beach for treasures, people are looking for coins, or any other type of metals that might produce a wealth of income. If you are walking along a beach you might come across many people with their instruments looking for these treasures. Since 911 security has gotten tougher and many airports and schools have turned to metal detectors, as well and government buildings, hand held metal detectors are often an important part of security procedures.

A great method of locating and preventing the use of dangerous items such as handguns or knives is the hand held metal detector. They are hand held security metal detectors and walk through metal detectors. Walk over or hand held models of metal detectors are normally used in airports.

Best rated walk through metal detectors have high target selection, low rate of false alarm, consistent detection, and a two way directional system. Cheap metal detectors are available in hand held, waterproof, and walk through models. Walk through metal detectors offer quick and effective processing.

Underwater metal detectors can cost around $400-$600. Underwater metal detectors are widely used to locate metallic objects under water. Underwater construction companies use underwater metal detectors for pipeline or cable locating functions. Some of the underwater metal detectors can adjust the search depth.

Advanced security metal detectors use low radiation x-rays for screening. Many metal detectors have microprocessor technology to check for coarse grained food in cornflakes, popcorn and noodles. Advanced gold detectors can also resist dust and moisture. Some of the advanced gold metal detectors have three modes for speed tracking.

Usually, the price of a metal detector starts from $65. Some sites offer price discounts.

Most sites provide a price list for metal detectors. The price of metal detectors may vary, based on features and functions. If you are just starting out it is a good idea to purchase an inexpensive model before sinking the dollars into the hobby.

The main part of metal detectors is the control box, shaft, and search coil. Control box which has speaker, batteries, and microprocessor coordinates all activities. To protect the food source many companies use metal detectors to check for metal contaminates in the food, and some drug companies use the metal detectors to check for the same thing in drugs.

Besides metal detection, a walk-through metal detector includes and interface for an operator and a control unit plus environmental tolerance, electro magnetic compatibility, and the assurance of quality control. The control box is the brain of a metal detector. The magnetized metallic objects under the ground send a signal to the control box. Metal detectors that are used in mining need to be compact because of the space restrictions so the control unit and the search coil are integrated into a single unit.

This disk comes off the shaft at an angle, which allows it to be held parallel to the ground. Hand held detectors come in various types, professional, commercial, all-purpose, gold metal, beach and metal that is a relic. Many people use metal detectors to comb the beach for treasures, people are looking for coins, or any other type of metals that might produce a wealth of income. If you are walking along a beach you might come across many people with their instruments looking for these treasures. Since 911 security has gotten tougher and many airports and schools have turned to metal detectors, as well and government buildings, hand held metal detectors are often an important part of security procedures.

A great method of locating and preventing the use of dangerous items such as handguns or knives is the hand held metal detector. They are hand held security metal detectors and walk through metal detectors. Walk over or hand held models of metal detectors are normally used in airports.

Best rated walk through metal detectors have high target selection, low rate of false alarm, consistent detection, and a two way directional system. Cheap metal detectors are available in hand held, waterproof, and walk through models. Walk through metal detectors offer quick and effective processing.

Underwater metal detectors can cost around $400-$600. Underwater metal detectors are widely used to locate metallic objects under water. Underwater construction companies use underwater metal detectors for pipeline or cable locating functions. Some of the underwater metal detectors can adjust the search depth.

Advanced security metal detectors use low radiation x-rays for screening. Many metal detectors have microprocessor technology to check for coarse grained food in cornflakes, popcorn and noodles. Advanced gold detectors can also resist dust and moisture. Some of the advanced gold metal detectors have three modes for speed tracking.

Usually, the price of a metal detector starts from $65. Some sites offer price discounts.

Most sites provide a price list for metal detectors. The price of metal detectors may vary, based on features and functions. If you are just starting out it is a good idea to purchase an inexpensive model before sinking the dollars into the hobby.

Treasure hunting is the common name for a fun and interesting hobby enjoyed by thousands of people around the world. They use portable metal detectors to go outside and literally hunt for treasure.  With the price of gold over $700 oz today, more and more people are getting metal detectors and heading into the hills.

The FMDAC

In order to help you get started in treasure hunting, you should check out the Federation of Metal Detector and Archeological Clubs, Inc.  You can find out about any events, meeting or treasure hunting clubs in your area.  You can find out where to legally go look for gold in treasure hunting.  Usually, you have to go to state parks and public property unless you are invited onto someone’s private property.  And it’s not just a pipe dream to find gold treasure hunting in this way.  People have actually found very valuable items, from gold coins to gold artifacts.

You also need to know your area’s municipal codes, which the FMDAC can help you find.  Sometimes, you can legally go treasure hunting in public schools, church grounds and public beaches with metal detectors.  You might even be asked by neighbors to help locate utility pipelines on their property or to find lost trinkets in their back yards.

Wal-Mart

Believe it or not, Wal-Mart is now playing a big role in promoting finding gold by treasure hunting.  Usually, stores will not allow any solicitation in their premises.  However, Wal-Mart has a unique partnership with the FMDAC where they will allow displays by treasure hunting clubs in their stores.  These can be manned or unmanned display tables with pamphlets.  Your local Wal-Mart or Super Wal-Mart may be the place to go get started in gold treasure hunting business.

Is There Any Gold Left?

The best place to prospect for gold is the place where gold already has been found.  Some nice size nuggets have been found with metal detectors in areas that have had active gold mines in the past.  Not every ounce of gold has been mined or panned from rivers.  Part of the treasure hunting hobby is to learn gold panning and pour over old prospector maps.  There still is a market in this hobby for treasure maps.  Some treasure maps will show you where gold has been found in the past.  The odds are that not all of the gold was found and that there might still be some left in those gold-bearing areas.

The Roaring Camp Mining Company is in Pine Grove California, which is about one hour east of Sacramento.  Visitors to the mining camp are shown many of the mining techniques us for locating gold.  You are able to pan, sluice, dredge and dry wash for gold.  You get to keep any gold that you find.  Gold bearing material is collected from the mine bedrock area and run through a screening process to remove the large rocks and it is then made available to you.

California isn’t the only state where there has been success in gold treasure hunting by amateurs.  Gold has been found in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Virginia.  The gold was found with the use of portable metal detectors or gold-panning.  So, there still might be gold left “in them thar hills”.

Happy Treasure Hunting.