How to make a metal detector with your own hands at home. Homemade metal detectors, or how to make a metal detector with your own hands Do-it-yourself gold detector detailed instructions

The smell of travel, the aroma of adventure, or the prosaic ridding of your summer cottage from various metal debris may suggest the idea of ​​purchasing a special device. Professional metal detectors, reviews of which are known to everyone, are quite expensive. But they meet all the requirements of real professional diggers. You need to choose. Reviews will help you understand this difficult matter. Or you can make this device yourself.

Where are metal detectors used?

In addition to searching for real treasures and surveying private land plots for soil purification, metal detectors are used in various areas:

• to locate cables and pipelines;
• to assist in archaeological excavations;
• in civil engineering and forensics;
• in the sapper troops.

Sports treasure hunting

One type of active hobby - sports treasure hunting - is becoming increasingly popular among enterprising and enthusiastic people. What's interesting about this case?

• The element of the unknown is always exciting. How to make a metal detector at home? What lies beneath the surface of the earth? Until you get it and try it, you won’t know.
• Whose device will “look” deeper under the ground? Who can better determine the quality of a metal trinket that has lain in obscurity for many years?
• And if this piece of hardware also has value, that’s the extent of the joy of the inventor, who independently figured out how to make a metal detector at home from improvised materials.
• At rallies and competitions, of course, coins are buried specifically to determine the capabilities of homemade and factory detectors.

What is the operating principle of metal detectors based on?

Any metal detectors operate based on the principles of “Foucault currents” known from the school curriculum. We will not go into details of the experiments. When the search coil and a metal object come closer together, a change in frequency occurs in the generator, which the device reports. If a squeak is heard in the headphones, it means that there is something metal lying underground.

Modern inventors work on two problems:

• increasing search depth;
• improvement of identification parameters of devices;
• reduction of energy costs;
• convenient operating characteristics.

What do you need to stock up on to make a detector?

How to make a metal detector at home? It’s worth getting a little acquainted with electronics and reading physics for the 7th grade of high school. Experience with some tools and available materials will be useful. It is necessary to study and test a number of electrical circuits in order to choose the one that will really work. Materials you will need for work:

• small generator (from an old tape recorder);
• film capacitors and resistors;
• vinyl or wooden ring for the search coil;
• plastic, bamboo or wooden cane holder;
• aluminium foil;
• wires for coil winding;
• piezoelectric emitter;
• metal box - screen;
• headphones for receiving sound signals from the device;
• two identical transformer coils;
• 2 Krona batteries;
• perseverance and patience.

Assembly sequence of a search metal detector

A search coil is made from a plywood circle with a diameter of 15 cm: the wire is wound in turns (15-20) onto a template. The stripped ends are soldered to the connecting cable. A layer of thread is wound around the perimeter of the coil over the wire for fastening.

All parts of the circuit are soldered onto PCB in the following order: capacitors, resistor system, quartz filter, signal amplifier, transistor, diodes, search generator. A soldered board is inserted into the prepared case, connected to the search coil and mounted on a holder stick.

The signal from the search coil reflected by a metal object increases the frequency of the generator. When amplified, it is converted by an amplitude detector into a constant pulse, which produces sound.

How to dig up asphalt and go off the beaten path?

Not all those who are wondering how to make a metal detector at home think about the fact that the earth is an electrical conductor. However, this very fact can greatly influence search results. "AKA" metal detectors, in which the creators have mathematically calculated and minimized the influence of the Earth's electromagnetic field, process the entire wave flow. In addition, the signal reflected from the object is sent to the monitor of the device. The device shows a certain image by which you can determine what kind of piece of iron lies under the soil layer:

• or is it a pile of coins;
• maybe it's an ancient nail;
• mine or fragment;
• helmet or ;
• single metal object.

A smart detector reports the depth of an object. Patented technology for averaged visualization of search objects allows you to decide whether to dig in a given location. The device has a convenient design and is easy to prepare for use.

The most enthusiastic inventors love to do everything themselves. Some even complicate the process for themselves and figure out how to make a simple metal detector at home. And it doesn’t matter that he can only find an old button at a depth of 5-6 cm from the surface. But how much pride the creator gets from the process itself!

Have all the treasures been dug up yet?

And maps with legendary treasures captivate not only treasure-hungry seekers. Historians, researchers and archaeologists have been searching for years for what Napoleon took from Moscow. And what about the wealth looted by Stenka Razin? Where are they lying, who are they waiting for? Have pirate treasures already been found on the Caribbean islands?

From some sources it is known that the Ataman’s prey is quietly waiting for the lucky ones on one of the islands of the Caspian Sea. And the gold taken out by Napoleon, it turns out, was recaptured and hidden by the Cossacks. And they drove the French to Paris. But only one returned, and even then he could not recognize the area. While he was waiting for winter, he fell ill and died. Since those times, a sheet of paper with a plan has remained in one of the archives, on which the designations of all the chests and ten barrels of gold are marked.

Russia is not Europe, and there were no banks in the old days. Where they could, they hid wealth there from spiteful critics and robbers. So, even if the find is not such a big one, but a smaller one, it’s still nice. How to make a metal detector at home? If you really want it, you just need to try.

As a favorite character said in one famous film, we will search!

There is probably no need to tell you what this electronic device is intended for. Everything is clear to everyone. These devices are used by sappers, at airports, in intelligence agencies, and in various institutions related to security in one way or another. But that is not all.

Metal detector in the 90s

These devices in the 90s of the twentieth century helped people not to die of hunger. During those difficult times, you could often see young people and others walking the streets with metal detectors. The device was used to search for metals and alloys. In particular, in cities near which large industries were located, it was possible to dig up real wealth with its help.

Basically, these guys made metal detectors with their own hands and looked for waste from metallurgical plants or native metals that remained in the bowels of the earth. The latter were used in the construction of routes. After all, many asphalt and dirt roads were covered with slag, and often in its composition one could find metal and an alloy of iron and manganese - ferromanganese. At the end of the 90s, it had already become quite expensive. In one day of such work on city and country roads one could earn as much as a factory worker earned in a week. Since many people were unemployed, this activity became especially popular. After all, this alloy is one of the components for creating steel of various grades at the same metallurgical plants.

Metal detectors today

Today, the topic of searching with the help of electronic devices is not so widely developed. However, these devices are still popular among certain groups of people. They wander through the places of former glory of valiant Soviet soldiers, trying to dig up something valuable from historical objects. For example, you can find coins from the time of the Patriotic War, German ones of course. And some people manage to dig up really valuable things. You just need to know where to look.

What can you really find?

Unless you pick up the device yourself and walk along the city roads or through memorable and historical places, you will hardly believe how many interesting objects the earth stores. And for this you should build a metal detector with your own hands.

Coins

Often you can dig them up. During the times of Ancient Rus', coins of the Arab East were used for trade. Then they used coins of Byzantine and Tatar production. Silver bullion is now found in the form of money.

Today in Crimea (and this is where well-preserved objects can be found) you can see people with these devices.

Crosses, icons, coils

Every self-respecting Christian wore a cross in Ancient Rus'. All crosses were different from each other, depending on the type and its purpose. You can often find so-called vests.

Buckles, buttons, various household items

This group of items is very numerous. Most of them have been used since the Bronze Age and are still used today. Often the objects were made of bronze, copper or iron.

Echoes of War

This is the most popular group of items that are searched for purposefully. They are especially popular among collectors. Enthusiasts are searching, getting them, and restoring them. Some end up in museums, some end up in your hands.

How to make a metal detector with your own hands

In the era of the popularity of ferromanganese and high prices for it, grimy young people did not shy away from digging in the ground to earn a little money. More often they purchased devices to search for their prey in numerous markets or from various specialists who, by chance, were fired from radio factories or TV repair shops. One way or another, these professionals assembled the metal detector with their own hands from radio components left in stores using various schemes and technologies. The guys often argued about who had the better and more technologically advanced device. After all, back then it was actually a working tool, and not a hobby device, as it is nowadays.

Those who had at least a little knowledge of electronics also made their own metal detectors. But these guys weren't interested in digging a metallurgical ingredient out of the ground. But it seems we have deviated from the topic.

Principle of operation

Before moving on to assembling various circuits, you need to look at the operating principle of these devices.

The operation of a metal detector is based on the principles of magnetic attraction. The device creates a magnetic field through one coil. The second receives return signals. Then, if found, it sends a return signal through an audible alarm. You can even make a special metal detector for non-ferrous metals with your own hands.

The larger the coil, the more sensitive the device will be. Although in modern devices, and especially in industrial models, the coil is small. But there are amplifiers on microcircuits.

Types

An ultra-low frequency finder is the simplest device. Every schoolchild knows how to make a metal detector with his own hands using an ultra-low frequency circuit. But this does not mean that such a seeker is ineffective. Just the opposite. With proper setup, you can achieve good results.

The pulse finder is a deeper device. With its help you can easily find jewelry, coins and other small items at great depths. Such schemes are popular among professional treasure hunters.

A device that operates on beats allows you to detect absolutely any metal object or mineral in the bowels of the earth at a depth of up to a meter. It is designed for certain types of alloys. This is a cheap device to assemble.

The radio detector is capable of detecting metals at a depth of up to a meter. It's easy to do. This is a suitable device for beginners, but is not popular among diggers.

A primitive metal detector using one transistor

If you still have a long-wave radio receiver in working condition at home, then even if you have little knowledge of electronics, you can assemble a metal detector attachment for this receiver.

To make a metal detector with your own hands, the diagram is drawn without much difficulty. The circuit diagram represents the most common LC generator, designed for frequencies in the region of 140 KHz. The coil for the device, which is used as an oscillating circuit, should contain 16 turns of the simplest insulated wire up to 0.5 mm in diameter. The coils must be laid on plywood of suitable sizes. Fix the resulting contour to the base using glue. This is how you usually make a coil for a metal detector with your own hands.

Required Parts

You can use absolutely any resistors and capacitors for this device. As a transistor, a low-power high-frequency one with reverse conductivity will suffice. This could be the popular and easily available KT315. Or KT3102 with any letter index.

To assemble this simple metal detector with your own hands, the circuit is assembled either by surface mounting or on a pre-prepared board made of getinax or textolite.

Setting up a simple metal detector

After the part is ready, we need to place it next to our coil. The device should have a comfortable handle. The radio receiver must be mounted on the finder handle, and then tuned to a frequency around 140 kHz. You will hear a squeak or squeak. If you bring the coil closer to a metal object, the sound in the headphones will change its tone.

Despite the fact that these are the simplest metal detectors in design and layout, making them with your own hands is elementary; the sensitivity of such devices makes it possible to work at depths of up to 200 mm.

High frequency finder

This assembly scheme is a little more complicated than the previous one. But also much more effective. Its difference is that there are two coils.

The first is the outer contour. A magnetic field is created directly in this coil. The second is the receiving circuit. This part is designed to receive, process, and amplify signals that come from the earth.

Making a deep metal detector with your own hands

First you need to assemble the so-called command block. To create it, an old computer, an equally old laptop or a radio will do. Then you need to find the highest frequency in the AM band. You need to make sure that there is no radio station on the frequency.

Search head

To assemble the search head, you need to cut two circles from thin plywood. One of them should have a diameter of about 15 cm, the second should be made a little smaller. This is done so that the rings can be inserted into each other. Then we need to cut out small pieces of wood so that our head rings are parallel.

After this, 10-15 turns of enameled wire with a cross-section of 0.25 mm from the outer circle should be removed from the plates. You also need to secure the resulting structure. For everything to work, you need to connect the head from the bottom and the detector from the top.

It's time to turn on our frequency. A faint tonal sound will be heard. It's better to use headphones.

Metal detector "Pirate"

Assembling the device is not difficult at all. The device circuit does not contain programmable microcircuits; it is easy to make and configure this metal detector with your own hands. Detailed instructions will help with this. Also, this scheme does not contain expensive or scarce parts. "Pirate" in its parameters can surpass foreign, quite expensive industrial analogues.

Options

For power supply you will need from 9 to 12 V. The current consumed by the device is up to 40 mA. Sensitivity will be up to 150 cm subject to large metal objects.

How is the element base for a metal detector made?

The “Pirate” type circuit consists of two nodes. This is a transmitting circuit, which consists of a pulse generator based on KR1006VI1 and a switch made from an IRF740 transistor. The receiver is made on the basis of the K157UD2 microcircuit and the VS547 transistor.

The coil should have 190 mm in diameter. The number of turns on the PEV wire is 0.5 - 25. The transistor in the circuit can be pulled out of an ordinary energy-saving light bulb or any charger for mobile phones. A correctly assembled “Pirate” metal detector with your own hands practically does not need to be configured.

"Terminator"

The device has good capabilities. For example, the device will detect a coin with a denomination of 5 Russian rubles from 25 cm. The finder will recognize a German military helmet from 80 cm. These values ​​are given on the condition of a coil with a diameter of 240 mm. "Terminator" can recognize metals even at the maximum working depth.

It is worth saying that beginners are unlikely to be able to assemble a “Terminator” metal detector with their own hands. The device requires careful setup. Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when assembling this circuit. The main thing here is not to rush.

In order to assemble the Terminator, you will need a multimeter, as well as an oscilloscope and an LC meter. They are not available to every person. However, you can try to create a special software and hardware complex based on a regular home personal computer.

Description

The terminator is a single-tone device that operates from pulsed beats. The finder is great for finding coins. Also, if you make a little modification, you can look for gold on the beaches, while completely ignoring any other metals. "Terminator" is also suitable for searching for any other objects from any alloys.

In conclusion

So, we found out how to make a “Pirate” metal detector with our own hands, and also looked at “Terminator”. As you can see, by devoting a minimal amount of free time and effort to the assembly, you can get a rather interesting, and most importantly, workable tool with which you can find ancient objects, and possibly expensive coins.

Devices called metal detectors or metal detectors will help detect metal objects (ferromagnetic or non-magnetic) in a weakly conducting or neutral environment. The difference in these definitions lies in the functional purpose of the devices. Both a metal detector and a metal detector indicate the location of a metal object, but only the first device also has a function that allows you to recognize the type of metal. Such products are used for work purposes by archaeologists, geologists, builders, military personnel, and treasure hunters. They use expensive devices that are produced specifically for such purposes by Russian and foreign companies using different technologies. Industrial designs differ in their construction schemes, technical characteristics and the presence of additional options. This could be the depth, type of metal, shape of the object, etc. Is it possible to make a metal detector with your own hands at home? Fans of search work will get the answer to this question in this article.

Note! An electronic metal detector can detect coins at a depth of up to 0.5 m and large objects at a depth of up to 3.0 m.

Operating principle and components

The operating principle of a metal detector depends on the design type:

• induction;
• working on beats;
• in transmit-receive mode;
• designed according to an electronic frequency meter circuit;
• impulsive.

Induction devices contain a sensor. It contains a specially designed coil. It is excited by an alternating signal. If there is a metal object under the sensor, an electric signal appears. a signal that is recorded in a certain way.

A metal detector operating on beats records the difference in operating frequencies of 2 generators. One operates at a frequency that is known, the second has structural elements operating in a frequency-setting circuit. In the ground, walls, wood, etc., where there are no metal objects, the frequencies of the generators are the same; if present, they differ. These changes are recorded by appropriate means - by listening or digitally.

The principle of operation of devices operating in transmitting and receiving modes is to register a signal that is reflected from an object made of non-ferrous or ferrous metal. The device design has at least 2 coils, one of which operates in transmitting mode, the second in receiving mode. The signal arises from the transmitting coil, because it is affected by an alternating magnetic field. The best results are obtained by sensors whose coils are coplanar.

Frequency meter metal detectors are devices with built-in microprocessor technology. They are characterized by compact dimensions, and their sensitivity is an order of magnitude higher. They can estimate the frequency increment, which makes it possible to use such devices to recognize the type of metal.

Pulse metal detectors use a phenomenon called self-induction in a conductive object. It is customary to distinguish the following components in the design:

• current pulse generator;
• receiving and emitting coils;
• a block used to process the received signal;
• switching devices.

A switching device is necessary to separate the emitted and reflected signals according to such an indicator as time, i.e. For some time, a current pulse of a damped type is maintained, which is recorded.

You can assemble a metal detector at home using any of the above schemes. The main thing is to select all the necessary parts and components, without deviating from the parameters indicated in the diagram. It is very important to follow the technology of the work performed.

Main settings

The operating principle of the simplest metal detectors is based on the properties of electromagnetic induction. The main technical characteristics of the product are:

• search depth;
• selectivity;
• sensitivity;
• coverage area;
• noise immunity.

In addition, the amount of electricity consumed and the time for which the electricity supply is calculated are taken into account. A simple metal detector is made with your own hands, taking into account all these factors.

Transistor metal detector

Such a homemade metal detector with a 12 V power supply is manufactured according to the diagram shown in Fig. below.

Assembling a metal detector with your own hands is preceded by preparatory work: a list of necessary components is compiled. Then they are purchased in a retail chain or are found among the parts available to the radio amateur. Next, making a metal detector with your own hands will help the correct sequence of work performed. They are performed according to the following algorithm:

• the board is made;
• installation of parts and elements on the board is carried out;
• a coil is made;
• the functionality of the board is checked;
• the frame of the metal detector is being made;
• The operation of the metal detector is checked.

Board manufacturing stages:

• the dimensions of the PCB are determined (in this case you will need a piece 84 cm long and 31 cm wide);
• preparing the PCB for transferring the circuit (sanded and cleaned of contaminants);
• The board is printed using a laser printer on low-density photo paper;
• transferring the circuit onto PCB (using a heated iron);
• soaking in a solution of ferric chloride or copper sulfate;
• removing toner with acetone;
• drilling holes for installing elements;
• production of board tracks (using LTI-120 solution and solder).

The elements on the board are installed in the following order: microcircuit, amplifier, 2 SMD capacitors, MLT S2-23 type resistor, transistors and capacitors.

The coil is made on a Ø 200 m mandrel using PEV wire Ø 0.5 mm. The number of turns is 25. The speaker is taken from any portable radio.

The device is configured using potentiometers with a power of 10 and 100 kOhm.

A barbell for a metal detector can be made by using a crutch with an armrest or plastic or light metal pipes, giving them the required configuration. This is up to the manufacturer's taste. The device, which was assembled according to this scheme, will see objects at a depth of 1.0 m, if they are large, and coins up to 0.4 m.

The design of the metal detector may be different, it all depends on what the DIY enthusiast has on hand and what kind of result he wants to get.

The nuances of making a deep metal detector are presented in the video https://youtu.be/0WnD4UZCmcU.

Homemade underwater metal detector

How to make a metal detector to work underwater? The main difference from devices for working on land is the creation of a coil, which must be sealed, and when creating a circuit, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the device’s operation under water. As a rule, such a do-it-yourself underwater metal detector is used to find small items made of non-ferrous metals (rings, earrings, pendants, chains, etc.) in water at different depths. Therefore, the product must be configured for gold or searching for other non-ferrous metals. And one more thing - during operation, the device is in water for a long time, so metal detectors are subject to increased requirements for the material from which the rod is made; it is also necessary to protect electronic components from exposure to water. On the Internet you can find diagrams of all 5 types of metal detectors and descriptions for them. It is not difficult to choose according to your liking or technical characteristics, as well as to make a metal detector at home. The main desire.

The video at https://youtu.be/XGVeqdTYVzk shows in detail the manufacture of an underwater metal detector, as well as the nuances of its configuration.

What the board with components looks like can be clearly seen in Fig. below.

The manufacturing steps are the same as for the device for working on land, but only the control unit board is placed in the housing, which is additionally treated with silicone sealant. For these purposes, you can use a tube from the sealant itself or another hermetically sealing device.

A metal detector is an electronic device for searching and distinguishing metals, metal objects that can be hidden at different depths under a layer of sand, earth, in the walls of rooms and various structures.

Schematic diagrams of metal detectors made on transistors, microcircuits and microcontrollers are given. A factory-made metal detector is a fairly expensive device, so making a homemade metal detector yourself can save quite a bit of money.

The circuits of modern metal detectors can be built according to different operating principles; we list the most popular of them:

• Beat method (measuring changes in reference frequency);
• Induction balance at low frequencies;
• Induction balance on spaced coils;
• Pulse method.

Many novice radio amateurs and treasure hunters are wondering: how to make a metal detector yourself? It is advisable to start your acquaintance with assembling a simple metal detector circuit; this will allow you to understand the operation of such a device and gain first skills in searching for treasures and products made of multi-colored metals.

Now there is a fairly large selection of multimeters, at very different prices. Now the radio amateur can not be limited to the modest set of functions of the “legendary” M-838. For slightly more expensive, you can purchase a more modern device that is also capable of measuring the frequency of alternating current...

0 329 0

The metal detector is designed to detect a metal object (well cover, pipe section, hidden wiring). The metal detector consists of a parallel voltage stabilizer (transistors V1 V2) at a high frequency generator (about 100 kHz) on transistor V4, an RF vibration detector (V5) and...

13 5437 6

The metal detector allows you to detect any metal object at a distance of up to 20 cm. The detection range depends only on the area of ​​the metal object. For those for whom this distance is not enough, for example treasure hunters, we can recommend increasing the size of the frame. This should also increase the detection depth. The schematic diagram of the metal detector is shown in the figure. The circuit is assembled using transistors operating in...

9 4991 1

Circuit diagram of a homemade beat metal detector, which is built on five microcircuits. Finds a 0.25mm coin at a depth of 5cm, a pistol at a depth of 10cm, and a metal helmet at 20cm. The schematic diagram of a beat metal detector is shown below. The circuit consists of the following components: a crystal oscillator, a measuring oscillator, a synchronous detector, a Schmidt trigger, an indication device...

11 5125 4

The circuit shown in the figure is a classic metal detector. The operation of the circuit is based on the principle of superheterodyne frequency conversion, which is usually used in a superheterodyne receiver. Schematic diagram of a metal detector with an integrated ULF; it uses two radio frequency generators, the frequencies of which are 5.5 MHz. The first radio frequency generator is assembled on a T1 transistor type BF494, frequency...

5 5119 2

This metal detector, despite the small number of parts and ease of manufacture, is quite sensitive. It can detect large metal objects, such as a heating battery, at a distance of up to 60 cm, while small ones, for example, a coin with a diameter of 25 mm, can be detected at a distance of 15 cm. The operating principle of the device is based on a change in frequency in the measuring generator under the influence of nearby metals and. ..

19 5050 0

A simple compact metal detector is needed to detect various metal objects (for example, pipes, wiring, nails, fittings) in walls under a layer of plaster. This device is completely autonomous, powered by a 9-volt Krona battery, consuming 4-5 mA from it. The metal detector has sufficient sensitivity to detect: pipes at a distance of 10-15 cm; wiring and nails at a distance of 5-10...

8 4916 0

Scheme of a small-sized, highly economical metal detector with good repeatability and high performance characteristics, using widely available and inexpensive parts. An analysis of most common circuits has shown that they are all powered from a source with a voltage of at least 9 V (that is, “Krona”), and this is both expensive and uneconomical. So, assembled on the K561LE5 chip...

18 5690 1

We will send the material to you by e-mail

You simply won't believe how many treasures lie literally under our feet. It is clear that we do not even suspect the presence of treasure until it responds with a squeak in the metal detector. Archaeologists, geological prospectors, prospectors and builders cannot imagine working without this tool. A professional tool is expensive, so if treasure hunting is a hobby for you, you will certainly think about how to make a metal detector with your own hands. Today the editors of the site offer to study some life hacks, working diagrams and proven instructions for making this device. It is not as difficult as it seems, and even if you are a novice radio amateur, you will cope with the task without much effort.

Treasure hunting is a fascinating hobby that requires knowledge not only in history, but also in technology and electronics.

The operating principle of the device is based on the laws of physics, which make it possible to recognize objects at a distance. The action is directed and limited. The more expensive the metal detector, the greater the radius of its operation and the sensitivity of the detector. Complex models have a metal recognition function. Each type of metal interacts in its own way with the frequency of the search circuit, and the device compares the reaction with the standard and displays information for the operator on the display or sounds a sound signal.

In another popular design, the device analyzes the phase shift in the transmitting and receiving coils. When there are no metals in the detector's coverage area, the coil transmits a signal with a small amplitude. As you approach the search object, the amplitude increases. Thus, you can distinguish between non-ferrous and ferrous metals and detect voids in the ground. The structure of the metal detector is shown in the following diagram.

Parameters of metal detectors depending on purpose and technical device

Metal detectors for amateurs are the simplest dynamic type devices. The search head of the device must constantly move; this is the only way the desired signal can appear. If you stop moving, the signal will disappear. Such simple detectors are convenient because they do not require complex settings and allow you to exclude medium soils. Disadvantages include its low sensitivity and frequent false alarms in difficult areas.

Mid-range devices have better sensitivity. In the factory configuration, this device comes with several search heads of different sizes. Setting up the detector will require certain skills. Mid-range metal detectors are capable of recognizing metals.

Computerized devices are already professional instruments with a liquid crystal screen and pointer indication. The memory of its processor is loaded with programs capable of recognizing and distinguishing a signal and classifying each detected object. Professionals independently program devices for search conditions, eliminating unwanted triggers.

Gold detecting tools work not only on coins and jewelry in the ground, but also on native metal. It is not suitable for searching for small particles such as sand. It does not recognize them, especially if the soil is highly mineralized.

Depth detectors are designed to search for objects located at impressive depths. They can detect metal at a depth of up to 6 meters, while other models “pierce” only up to 3. Such devices recognize voids and other internal soil anomalies. Depth detectors operate on two coils, one is parallel to the ground surface, the other is perpendicular.

Stationary detectors are frames installed at particularly important protected sites. They detect any metal objects in people's bags and pockets that pass through the circuit.

What types of metal detectors can you make at home with your own hands?

Detectors are divided into 5 main types based on the principle of detecting the desired object.

Let's look at which metal detectors are suitable for making with your own hands at home:

And now more about how to make a simple metal detector with your own hands using the example of the “Pirate” design.

Homemade metal detector “Pirate”: diagram and detailed description of the assembly

If you are just thinking about how to make a homemade metal detector, do not try to take on complex models. Start with a simple but effective "Pirate". The name was invented by the author of the homemade product from a combination of Pi (pulse) and Ra-t (radioscope). The name stuck, and the simple and clear assembly scheme was so loved by users that “Pirate” became one of the most popular homemade products in this area. Currently, there are already 4 modifications of the “Pirate” scheme. The metal detector is simply assembled with your own hands, without using any specific tools.

The only drawback of this device is that the DIY metal detector does not have a scheme for working with metal discrimination. But for a novice treasure hunter this is unimportant.

Parts for assembling a metal detector

To make the device you will need to purchase:

• ceramic capacitor - 1 nF;
• 2 film capacitors - 100 nF;
• electrolytic capacitors: 10 μF (16 V) – 2 pieces, 2200 μF (16 V) – 1 piece, 1 μF (16 V) – 2 pieces, 220 μF (16 V) – 1 piece;
• resistors - 7 pieces per 1; 1.6; 47; 62; 100; 120; 470 kOhm and 6 pieces for 10, 100, 150, 220, 470, 390 Ohm, 2 pieces for 2 Ohm;
• variable resistors - 3 pieces for 10 and 100 kOhm, 400 Ohm (1W);
• transistors – 3 pieces, VS557, IRF740, VS547;
• 2 diodes 1N148;
• 2 microcircuits: K157UD2 and NE555.

You will also need a plastic pipe for the rod, 9V batteries or accumulators and a PEV wire with a diameter of 0.8 mm.

For your information! Many people are interested in how to make a metal detector from a phone with their own hands. Some developers even offer programs that can be downloaded to your phone and used for this purpose. Serious radio enthusiasts can only advise you to use some spare parts - for example, a headphone input or a battery, perhaps a board to create a microcircuit.

DIY metal detector circuits

The simplest “Pirate” scheme looks like this.

The board can be placed in the body of a pocket receiver or any conveniently sized plastic box; even simple junction boxes from an electrician’s arsenal are suitable.

Important point! To get rid of possible interference when touching the device regulators, all variable resistor housings are connected to the negative side of the board.

If you want to take your experiments further, here is a diagram for making a gold-oriented metal detector.

If you assembled the circuit correctly, the device will work properly. Possible problems with the microcircuit.

How to assemble a metal detector circuit board with your own hands

The metal detector circuit board circuit is quite simple. Conventionally, it can be divided into several blocks:

• search coil assembly;
• transistor sound amplifier;
• pulse generator;
• two-channel amplifier.

This is what it looks like.

The pulse generator is assembled on the NE555 timer. By selecting C1 and 2 and R2 and 3, the frequency is adjusted. The pulses obtained as a result of scanning are transmitted to transistor T1, and it transmits the signal to transistor T2. The audio frequency is amplified using the BC547 transistor to the collector, and headphones are connected.

For your information! You can make a metal detector with your own hands without microcircuits. On the Internet you will find many analog circuits using transistor oscillators. Such devices will detect metal at a depth of up to 20 centimeters in the ground and up to 30 centimeters in loose sand.

How to make a metal detector coil with your own hands

The coil is an important part of the device. It can be made from copper wire or twisted pair. More details in our master class.

Copper wire spool

Illustration	Description of action
	Copper wire with a diameter of 0.5 mm is suitable for the coil.
	For winding, prepare a board with guides. The distance between the guides should be equal to the diameter of the base on which you will mount the reel.
	Wind the wire around the perimeter of the fastenings in 20-30 turns.
	Secure the winding with electrical tape in several places.
	Remove the winding from the base and give it a round shape.
	Choose a base that will hold its shape. This could be a plastic bucket lid or a wooden craft hoop.
	Connect the circuit to the device and test its operation.
	When assembled, a coil of wire may look like this.
	To test the operation of the device, pass metal objects over the coil at different heights.

Twisted pair coil

Illustration	Description of action
	Roll the wire into two coils as shown in the photo, leaving two ends of about 10 centimeters each.
	Strip the winding and free the wires for connection.
	Connect the wires as shown in the diagram.
	For better contact, solder the ends of the wires.
	Test the coil in the same manner as a copper wire coil.

Advice! If you want to make a more powerful DIY coil for your metal detector, give it an elliptical shape.

Detailed instructions for setting up a DIY metal detector “Pirate”

For final assembly of the device you will need a plastic pipe. The assembly diagram is simple. The sensitivity of the detector is adjusted using potentiometers. Achieve the result so that it recognizes a coin from a distance of 30 centimeters. He can “hear” large metal deposits a meter to one and a half meters away. “Pirate” does not recognize non-ferrous or ferrous metals underneath you, so you just have to dig, and it is possible that you will stumble upon an old trough, and not the desired treasure. But in this case, you can take it not by quality, but by quantity, because any metal can be taken to a recycling collection point.

What the assembled “Pirate” will look like is in the next video. It only remains to note that the construction kit for making this device can be purchased on the Internet. By the way, it comes with detailed instructions on how to make a metal detector yourself at home from kit parts.

Is it possible to make an underwater metal detector with your own hands?

Searching for underwater treasures is an exciting activity. The chances of finding something valuable are not that low, especially if you have some ideas of where to look. The “Pirate” we talked about can also cope with underwater searches. You just need to slightly modify it by making good insulation from moisture and replacing the sound alarm with an LED one. How it will work in this video.