Need Metal detector help!

T

Thudpucker

Active member
Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2002
RO Number
10503
Messages
3,677
Any of you guys "detect"?
Know anything good or bad about making my own Detector?
How about a Detector with a 3 Foot circle?

I'm curious about one that will work under water in the Shallows, creek or wet Mud.
I'm on a LIMITED BUDGET here, don't suggest tools for the Wealthy! [:-eyebrows][:-eyebrows]
 
Start with a magnet on a string. PS will not detect all metals. It will work in water,mud,snow and volcanic ash on some metals. Good luck and have fun.
 
Google this:

make metal detector at home

it may be more than you want to mess with.

There must be lots of them sitting in someone's closet. Try Craig's list.

Checked my local CL and found them from $50 to $1400. wow!
 
Thanks for the Tips.
I have used a big (really Big) magnet on a string.
I'm on CL(claz.org) and EBay frequently.

I'll keep looking, thanks.
 
My B-I-L sells a national/international brand, and yes, the prices can get crazy (but like most electronics, you kinda get what you pay for). If I recall, most will detect thru water, as the detector (loop) is basically waterproof. decent one for about $100
 
quote:
Any of you guys "detect"?
Click to expand...


I did a lot of metal detecting before I started boating. Actually, metal detecting got me into boating. I bought a small folding boat to access beaches and eventually found that I liked the boating part more than the detecting.

Back on topic, there are several metal detecting forums on the web and you would do better to join a couple and ask your questions there.

As for building your own, modern metal detectors are pretty sophisticated and you'll have a hard time building one to compare with the quality ones on the market. You can buy a cheap (child's) metal detector for $30 new or a beginner's model for $200, but I think using a poor quality detector will lead you to lose interest pretty quickly.

The one I still have cost $900 or so and is waterproof but there are more sophisticated models available now.

Don't forget you'll need some tools as well.

Join some forums and get some ideas before you go off half baked.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Good Grief

My B-I-L sells a national/international brand, and yes, the prices can get crazy (but like most electronics, you kinda get what you pay for). If I recall, most will detect thru water, as the detector (loop) is basically waterproof. decent one for about $100

Click to expand...


A cheap detector will not work well around salt water. That's why I am on my third detector. That "cheap" one that won't work around salt water (even on the beach near the water) cost about $200 fifteen years ago.
 
I have a MD of "skimpy" price heritage. It needs a small repair.
When it warms up I'll be back down in the Barn fixing things. Including that old MD.

I built one way back in the 60's. It was a Heath Kit I think.
It didn't work! So in Trouble shooting and eventually fixing it, I learned a good bit about Electronics.
Eventually I went to Electronics Courses at a Community College. That was FUN!

Now that I know more, I'd like to build one from a Schematic! Not a Kit.

It's only 33 Degrees here. My first year in the south we were having Christmas outdoors wearing Shorts and a T-shirt.
Where'd that weather go?
 
Heath Kit taught me about the "Smoke Test". It took several attempts to understand... ;)

"Remember, electronics operate on magic smoke. If you let it out, it won't work!"
 
Smoke and Krispy kritters in the Bottom of the cabinet.

We had Top-Hat Transistors, and when one of them cooked off it really made a sharp KRAAK!

I know too much to go back to school now! I've had way too much fun working in the field.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top