SuperEye Metal Detectors FAQ
What are operation modes of metal detectors?
Generally, operation modes are defined as MOTION and NON-MOTION modes.
Motion Mode: Search-coil must be moved (or swing back and forth) at a certain speed continuously to detect the target metal. The advantage of Motion mode is that metal categories can be classified and detected and the relative depth of the metal can be indicated under this mode. The weak point is that it is difficult to locate the buried things accurately. Moreover, it is inconvenient to move Search-coil in very narrow areas.
Non-motion Mode: There is no need to move the search-coil continuously. Metal detectors will react as soon as Search-coil is close to the metal. However, under this mode, metal detectors could neither classify the categories of the metal nor indicate the depth of the metal. For example, if you are using a regular pinpointer, that falls into the non-motion mode.
SuperEye professional featured metal detectors include both MOTION and NON-MOTION.
What are "sensitivity" and "search depth"?
Sensitivity & Searching Depth
The concepts of sensitivity and searching depth are overlapped but there are some differences.
Generally, sensitivity is defined based on the target of a US quarter coin. When flatting the coin and moving it horizontally at a regulated height above the center of the coil at a certain speed, for example if moving the coin at the height of 7" and then the metal detector reacts, the sensitivity of the metal detector is regarded as 7".
The biggest searching depth targets big metal. Usually we test the searching depth with an iron or aluminium board of 1.5' in diameter and 1-2 cm thickness. The height of the metal detector above the board is defined as the maximum searching depth when the metal detector reacts.
*The indicator of our products usually provides sensitivity but not the maximum searching depth.
How to test sensitivity?
Test Sensitivity
Metal detectors are usually tested indoors for sale. Too many metals in the surroundings will bring many disturbances. It is highly recommended to operate the detectors according to steps in “Quick Start” of the manual.
a) Put the stick and search-coil in the right position so as to reduce the disturbance of metal stick. Please take off the watch and ring.
b) Put the search-coil 8" above the table and stay away from the ground and wall.
c) Adjust the sensitivity to the highest level. Set the detection way in ALL METAL.
d) Be cautious of the electromagnetic interference.
e) Flat a US 0.25 "quarter" coin and move it horizontally at a certain speed at the regulated height above the center of search-coil.
f) Sensitivity indicator is defined in the air. Sensitivity will be lowered in the mineralization soil or conducting soil.
*Two metal detectors will work properly when testing them simultaneously.
What is the Ground Balance?
Ground balance is the function of reducing the environment interference on metal detectors.
MOTION metal detector has auto or pre-set ground balance due to its electric circuit.
NON-MOTION metal detector such as MD6001 and MD6005 is sensitive to the surroundings. Balance button need be pressed often to guarantee the normal detection.
For metal detectors with both MOTION and NON-MOTION, auto ground balance is only effective under MOTION mode.
Is it normal that there are different classification results in outdoors detection?
Yes. The metal indicated in the location of potentiometer or target cursor on the manual is defined in the air or close to the neutral soil. However the ingredients in the soil are very complicated. When the soil has mineralized or conductive material such as water and salt, there are obvious deviations in classification result.
In practical use, you can put a known metal in the soil to detect and watch the degree of deviation to help you make the judgement.