Dear Diary, Today I went through my mining supplies, sorting things out andputting gear away for the winter. I noticed my metal detector gatheringdust in the corner of the shed. Shame on me. It is a great tool and Ihave neglected it. I have a Fisher Gold Bug - a few years old. Althoughseveral very fine new detectors with great add-on features have come onthe market since I purchased the unit a few years ago, it is a reliableworkhorse that gets the job done.I plan to do some traveling this winter, escape the snow for a fewweeks and visit friends and fellow prospectors in the desert. MyGoldbug is going with me. I am by no means an expert but I have had alot of fun and found a few treasures. Metal detecting is addictive andI am looking forward to once again testing my luck. The price of goldis skyrocketing and I would sure like to find a nice nugget for myefforts.Metal detecting is great exercise, another reason to be outdoors andoften a financially rewarding pursuit.
If you are new to treasurehunting or thinking of becoming a detectorist, I hope you will findthese tips and guidelines useful.Metal detectors can penetrate the earth and detect an object down toabout one foot under the surface. Just how far each machine canpenetrate is determined by the type of metal or mineral you are tryingto locate, the size and density of the target, the composition of thesoil and the quality of the detector. Soil which contains a highconcentration of minerals can cause interference and will reduce depthpenetration.If you plan to purchase a metal detector, do the research. There arenumerous brands and models on the market. Like most forms oftechnology, you get what you pay for. If you invest in an inferiormachine you may find a lot of surface trash and become discouraged. Aquality machine is a sound investment that will pay for itself ratherquickly. Look for a clear readable dial, clear sound quality,comfortable weight and accessories available. Make sure the unit youchoose has a water-proof submersible coil. Does it come with earphones,rechargeable batteries and a carrying case?There are three different types of metal detectors; motiondetectors, pulse detectors and multi-frequency detectors. Motiondetectors work best for land and in fresh water usage, pulse unitsfunction best in salt water. Multi-frequency detectors are considerablymore expensive but offer the best of both worlds and are quieter andmore resistant to interference. How and where you plan to use yourdetector is a major consideration. Do you plan to explore in thedesert, at the beach or in the creek? Many top of the line units willwork in most conditions, some less expensive detectors will haveserious limitations. Many dealers have test plots where you can try outvarious units, ask questions and find the best unit for your needs.Some dealers have rental units you can try in the field prior to makinga purchase decision.Learn from the experience of others. Many people find it much easierto learn proper technique from those that have already mastered thesport. Metal detecting is a skill and other treasure hunters arepleased and proud to share their expertise.