Finding Spare Parts For Metal Detectors

Looking for the scoop on metal detectors, their parts and how these specialized devices work? Understanding how your metal detector works, the parts and what they do will help you to have a better understanding of what is happening when you scan and detect items.

1 - The Control Box/Panel - This is the "control" area of the metal detector where everything happens. The box contains the speakers for the audible noises, the processor, the batteries that run the device and of course all the circuitry.

2 - The Tube - Known in parts more often as the "shaft." This item is what connects the search head to the control box or panel.

3 - The Search Head - Bar none this part is the most important piece on your detector. The search head is what locates the hidden treasure. Sometimes it is also called the search coil, antenna or loop.

4 - The Stabilizer - This part helps you to keep control over the location of the item you have discovered. Most of today's detectors have this part as standard, but older models don't usually have it.

5 - Headphones - This is an optional part but is very important as well. Headphones can help you to hear tiny and more specific sounds from your detector. This accessory will help you to pick up even the tiniest beeps and noises. Headphones will also prevent you from annoying other hunters or tourists while you conduct your search.

It is important to learn about the different types of metal detectors that are available: BFO, PI and VLF.

VLF stands for "very low frequency" and is the technology used most commonly for metal detectors today. An electromagnetic field is generated by this detector and is used to find metals at various depths and levels underground.

PI stands for "pulse induction" and is not seen as commonly as the VLF detectors. PI detectors use a single coil to receive and spread the impulses that it generates to detect various metals. The benefit to this type of detector is that it has the ability to detect metals that are deep in the ground, far deeper than other types of detectors.

BFO stands for "beat frequency oscillator" and is probably the most basic and affordable type BFO detector work by generating radio waves via 2 linked coils. By far these are the lowest cost detectors sold and are great for beginners.

Once you understand the parts involved and how your detector works you will be able to use it even more productively. Find out all you can about the different types of detectors and get the kind that will best suit your needs. The more you know, the better you will do.