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What is the basic principle of operation of a metal detector?

 All metal detectors operate according to one fundamental principle: they emit an electromagnetic field and then analyze its change caused by metal objects. It is this change that allows the detection of hidden items in the ground or water.


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Stages of operation


The first block is the transmitter (TX). The transmitter coil generates an alternating electromagnetic field of a specified frequency. If there is metal nearby, the field induces eddy currents in it, which create their own secondary field. The receiving coil (RX) in the device captures the total field - the primary plus the reflected waves from the metal object. The electronic block analyzes the difference between the emission and reception: amplitude, phase or time shifts indicate the presence of metal.


What is the basic principle of operation of a metal detector?


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Signal processing and discrimination


After receiving, the electronics filter frequencies: eliminating low-frequency noise and instantaneous spikes. The phase shift or decay time of the pulse is measured - this is the 'signature' of the material (iron, copper, gold, etc.). Based on this data, an indicator is formed on the display or an audio signal: a low tone corresponds to ferrous metals, a medium tone to non-ferrous metals, and a high tone to precious metals. Discrimination modes allow unnecessary types of metal to be filtered out in advance, saving time and effort.A metal detector is not just a box with buttons, but a complex system that combines electromagnetic principles, precise electronics, and an intuitive interface. Understanding its internal processes will help you get the most out of every search session.


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