So how do you start?, simple really, get a metal
detector, a pair of headphones and a small border trowel. This will cost me a
lot won't it? Well you don't have to go mad but if you bought the best
detector going, it wouldn't cost anymore than a good bicycle and if you are
really strapped for cash, you can pick a good second hand one up for much
less. O.K. So I've got a metal detector what next. Try your new wonder tool
out, if you have a yard or garden you can start there, if not ask a friend
if you can try it on a rough part of theirs. Or if your feeling really
adventurous, take a trip to the beach. Check you have batteries in the detector,
put on your headphones, drop a coin on the ground, switch on the detector, leave any knobs just above zero to start with, then lower the head
(the part like a Frisbee) until it is about six inches above the ground,
then sweep it backwards and forwards (Slowly now) over the coin. Hear the
sound it makes as it passes over the coin? Although it wont be quite as loud over buried metal, this is the sound you will be looking for. Try lifting
the detector head up a bit until you don't hear a sound, look at the
height the coin is above the ground and you will have an idea how small a
hole you will have to dig to extract a coin from the dirt or sand.
Easy isn't it, so come and join us now!
MY DETECTOR
Yes I know it's battered from years of use and not the latest technology but it tough, reliable and has many nice finds to it's credit.
When getting your first detector you need to look at the weight and balance, match them to your physique! A young person who works out, is strong and fit
can use a heavy detector for many hours and not feel it. It's a different story when your in your sixties and have a heart condition! Some folk will
only want to detect a couple of hours a week, once again they can choose a detector with performance in mind rather than arm ache. If like me, you want to
spend five hours searching after a long walk to the field, then you don't want a detector that drags you down and makes you lose concentration!.
These are the controls that are facing you when you are holding the detector and are ready to start searching.