Key Detecting Concepts - Minelab EQUINOX 600 Instruction Manual

Contents

Key Detecting Concepts

It is beneficial to understand a few key metal detecting technology principles so that you
can select the best settings for different detecting conditions.
For a complete glossary of detecting terms, visit
Frequency
The operating frequency of a metal detector is one of the main
characteristics that determines how well targets can be detected.
The frequency of a detector is the number of times a signal is
transmitted into the ground per second, and is measured in Hertz
(Hz). 1000 Hz = 1 kHz.
EQUINOX is unique in that it offers both multi-frequency and single
frequency operation. Read 'Frequency' on page 28
information.
Find out more about the EQUINOX Multi-IQ technology on
the Minelab Treasure Talk
Detection Depth Factors
The most common question about metal detectors is "How deep do they go?"
The simple answer is "as deep as the diameter of the coil for a coin-sized target". Therefore detectors with larger coils will detect deeper.
However, detection depth also depends upon detector technology and many environmental factors. A more complete answer is usually
more complex, and starts with "It depends... " The depth that a metal detector can detect a target depends on a number of factors:
Target Size Target Shape
Large targets can be Circular shapes (e.g.
detected deeper than coins and rings) can be
small targets. detected deeper than
long thin shapes (e.g.
nails or screws).
www.minelab.com/knowledge-base/getting-started/glossary-of-terms.
for more
blog.
Target Orientation
A horizontal coin
(e.g. lying flat) can be
detected deeper than
a vertical coin (e.g.
standing on its edge).
Key Detecting Concepts | 15
Ground Balance
Ground Balance is a variable setting that improves detection depth
by reducing noise in mineralised ground. Mineralised ground may
contain salts, e.g. wet beach sand, or fine iron particles, e.g. red soil.
These minerals respond to a detector's transmit field in a similar
way that a target does. Due to the much larger mass of the ground
compared to a buried target, the effect of mineralisation can easily
mask small targets.
EQUINOX has different Detect Modes (Park, Field, Beach, Gold*) to
cope with typical ground conditions.
A Ground Balance setting is also available, read
on page 40 for further information.
Target Composition
Highly conductive
metals (e.g. silver) can
be detected deeper
than less conductive
metals (e.g. lead).
'Ground Balance'
Ground Mineralisation
A target in benign
(unmineralised) ground
can be detected deeper
than a target in heavily
mineralised ground.