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TERMINOLOGY
If you are new to metal detecting, we have provided
definitions below to help you better understand
terminology used in this manual. The following was
reprinted with permission from: DETECTORIST, A How-To
Guide to Better Metal Detecting, by Robert H. Sickler.
AIR TEST - A test to determine the maximum sensitivity a
metal detector is capable of under ideal conditions. Various
sized metal samples are held beyond the searchcoil
bottom at varying distances to determine the limits of
audio or visual response. Air tests are not accurate
indicators of ground penetration ability. (see BENCH TEST)
ALKALINE - A grade of battery composition which sustains
higher current drain and possesses a greater shelf life than
basic carbon-zinc types.
BENCH TEST - Another form of air test used to define
which discriminate settings accept or reject various target
samples. Detector is placed upon a stationary, nonmetallic
rest and samples are manually passed across the bottom of
the searchcoil.
CARBON-ZINC - The standard or basic grade of drycell
battery.
DISCRIMINATION - Circuitry and the mode of operation in
which audio or visual responses from undesired metal
objects are intentionally eliminated.
PINPOINTING - The act of aligning the center of target
response width to the designated searchcoil center for
accurate location and careful recovery.
PULSE INDUCTION - Otherwise referred to as PI. This type
of detector ignores both nonconductive and conductive
minerals simultaneously by pulsing the receiver amplifier
off before the response from wetted salts and iron oxides
can reach the searchcoil winding. PI detectors are capable
of extreme depth on both ferrous and non ferrous targets.
SENSITIVITY - The measure of a metal detector's capacity
to sense changes in conductivity throughout the pattern
of detection set forth by the searchcoil configuration. (see
AIR TEST)
TARGET - Any buried or hidden object which a metal
detector responds to.
VOLUME CONTROL - A metal detector control which
regulates the loudness of target response.
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