How to Use a Metal Detector for Security & Sport
Metal detectors are versatile tools used for security applications, like screening checkpoints at airports and schools, and for sport/hobby activities like relic and treasure hunting. Understanding how to use these devices involves knowing the type of detector you need and understanding the technology that makes detection possible.
Basics of Metal Detection: How Metal Detectors Work
Metal detectors operate on the principle of magnetic fields, using electromagnetic induction to detect metallic objects.
- When activated, the detector emits a magnetic field from the search coil.
- If the field encounters a metal object, it creates a disturbance.
- The operator is then alerted of the presence of a metal object.
Types of Metal Detectors
Different detectors are designed for specific purposes, ranging from targeted security screening to outdoor treasure hunting:
- Security Applications
- Walk-Through Metal Detectors
- Hand-Held Metal Detectors
- Sport Applications
Ground Search Metal Detectors
Walk-Through Detectors
Commonly seen in airports, schools, and government buildings, these full-body scanners provide comprehensive, high-throughput screening for large crowds. Like hand-held models, Garrett walk-through detectors detect a range of metallic objects, ensuring thorough security without sacrificing speed.
Hand-Held Detectors
Hand-held detectors are ideal for close-range screening after an alert from a walk-through detector. They are versatile enough to detect ferrous metals (magnetic) and non-ferrous metals (non-magnetic) and unlike magnetometers that only detect ferrous metal, Garrett hand-held metal detectors detect all metal types, ensuring that no potential threat goes unnoticed.
Ground Search Detectors
Designed for hobbyists and treasure hunters, these detectors locate coins, jewelry, and other valuable metals hidden beneath the ground. They are typically used for searching in parks, backyards, beaches, and other outdoor areas.
Key Features: Ground Balance and Sensitivity Settings
To optimize the metal detector for accurate detection and reduce false signals, users can adjust the ground balance and sensitivity settings to match their needs.
- Ground Balance: Allows users to adjust the device to reduce interference from ground mineralization. This feature helps maintain accuracy when detecting gold nuggets and other small metals in areas with high mineralization.
- Adjustable Sensitivity: Allows the user to increase or decrease the detector’s response to targets of varying sizes and depths. Sensitivity adjustment can also be used to help eliminate interference signals.
Using Metal Detectors for Security
Walk-through and hand-held metal detectors serve as a control measure for identifying potential threats and ensuring the safety of high-risk environments, such as schools, stadiums, airports, courthouses, and hospitals. They're designed to focus on selected threats, like weapons or knives, and disregard harmless items like cell phones or belts. This precision allows for thorough scans without causing unnecessary alarms for everyday items.
If an alert is triggered, hand-held detectors are then used for targeted, secondary screening, allowing security personnel to pinpoint the exact location of the detected item with precision.
Integrating with Other Security Systems
Metal detectors can also be used in conjunction with other security measures, such as surveillance cameras and x-ray machines. This creates a layered approach to safety, ensuring that security protocols are not only thorough but also adaptable to different settings.
Balancing Safety and Convenience
Effective security doesn't just keep people safe but also maintains a smooth flow through security checkpoints. By using walk-through detectors for initial scans and hand-held devices for more detailed follow-ups, security teams can maintain steady movement and minimize delays for individuals - delivering a secure yet streamlined screening process.
Metal Detecting as a Hobby: Tips for Treasure Hunting
When selecting your first metal detector, it's important to consider your intended use and location. Look for a model with adjustable sensitivity and discrimination settings, which allow you to filter out unwanted items and focus on desirable targets like old coins, diamond rings, and gold.
Best Places for Metal Detecting
Popular spots for treasure hunting include public parks, beaches, and campgrounds. Beaches are hotspots for discovering lost jewelry and coins, while parks and campgrounds may have relics and artifacts buried over time.
When searching in these locations, it's important to follow local laws for metal detecting. Private property, historical sites, and state parks may require a metal detector permit or restrict access altogether. Always check the rules for where you are searching - they're designed to help protect the environment and preserve historical artifacts.
Tips for Successful Treasure Hunting
To increase your chances of finding valuable items, it's crucial to search in the right location. Areas like playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas are ideal because small items can get lost in these spots over time. Using your metal detector's discrimination settings will help you avoid detecting common trash items like bottle caps or iron trash. By fine-tuning your detector to ignore these signals, you'll spend more time finding hidden treasures rather than digging up unwanted debris.
Whether you're searching through sandy beaches or the grounds of a park, metal detecting is a hobby that combines outdoor adventure with the excitement of discovery. With the right equipment, location, and preparation, you can be successful.
Choosing Garrett Metal Detectors for Advanced, High-Quality Metal Detectors
Garrett is a trusted leader in the metal detection industry, known for designing and manufacturing high-quality metal detectors for security and sport.
Expertise in Security and Sport Applications
We offer a diverse inventory of hand-held and walk-through metal detectors specifically designed for security applications, ensuring a high standard of safety in schools, airports, stadiums, courthouses, and more.
We have three different walk-through models (Paragon, PD 6500i, and Multi-Zone), as well as three hand-held detectors (Super Scanner V, SuperWand, and THD). Each combines high sensitivity with reliability, ensuring that no threats go unnoticed.
On the sport side, we sell a variety of prospecting and sport detectors, such as the Vortex and All-Terrain series, for beginners and experienced users. They're designed with advanced features to help users locate hidden treasures in many different terrains.
Consistent, Long-Lasting Performance
Garrett's commitment to quality and innovation ensures that each detector we design delivers consistent, long-lasting performance. Our equipment is engineered with precision, offering superior sensitivity and detection capabilities that meet the needs of professionals on the security and sport side.
Selecting the right metal detector is crucial, whether you're focused on improving security or exploring the outdoors. Our detectors provide the accuracy and dependability you need to achieve your goals. They're easy to use and have the power to handle challenging environments, ensuring that every search is a success.
Purchase from Garrett
Ready to experience the quality and performance of Garrett's metal detectors? Contact us today and we'll help you find the right metal detector that meets your needs.
