Metal detectors, also known as magnetic anomaly detectors, are devices that utilize the phenomenon of electromotive force due to an alternating magnetic field, or electromagnetic induction. This phenomenon was discovered by English physicist Michael Faraday in 1831 and is also used on a large scale in generators, alternators, power plants, induction motors, coils and meters. A metal detector is used to check the ground or the interior of objects for the presence of metal. Specialized devices of this type are used to detect for carrying metal objects at airports and police stations and prisons. Detectors are also used at special gates in parliament buildings and courts, as well as at airports - these are so-called static detectors. For quick searches, professional, small-sized handheld detectors are used.
One of the first designers to undertake the creation of such a device was Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish scientist, inventor, speech therapist and music teacher by profession. He created the first detector in 1881, in order to locate a bullet in the body of James Garfield, who was wounded during the assassination of the President of the United States. The operation to locate the bullet ended in failure. As it later turned out, the detector was operational, but its work was effectively disturbed by the metal springs of the mattress on which the president was resting. The first commercial production did not occur until 1925, when Gerhard Fischer obtained a patent for portable devices of this type. This was the beginning of the era of modern metal detectors. Among the most important uses of detectors was mine detection. In the winter of 1941-1942, Jozef Kosacki, together with Andrzej Grabos, designed the first Polish mine detector while serving in the Polish Armed Forces in the West.
A typical hand-held metal detector has a structure consisting of a coil, a cable, a stick, an electronics box and a handle. The coil is the working element, which, when set parallel to the area being combed, acts below the surface of the ground. It is worth mentioning that only when set in motion does it begin to do its job, so when working it is necessary to make lateral movements over the searched area. The truncheon is most often similar in design to an orthopedic crutch, being usually lighter and slightly more delicate than it, since it is not designed to support our weight. It has an adjustment, thanks to which we adjust the size of the whole device in order to comfortably perform searches. The electronics box is the heart of the metal detector. There, there is also a special screen and buttons with which we operate the device. The interface usually has a few buttons for sound adjustment, an on/off switch and other functions. The handle provides comfortable operation and allows you to rest your arm. Lightweight and properly adapted to our height, the detector ensures trouble-free operation for many hours. The most important applications of modern devices of this type, in addition to the detection of unexploded ordnance, include archaeological research, detection of wires and installations, as well as hobby use. If you are interested in metal detectors, it is worth taking a look at the products offered in this category. When buying a new device, it's worth getting an additional shovel for digging in the ground, such as the popular shovel. Knives are also available to help overcome difficulties encountered in the ground, such as roots.
Another type of metal detector is the so-called searcher or pin-pointer. This is a smaller, hand-held device, which we use to search for a find, a dug hole or a piece of ground. This is an extremely helpful device, especially when searching for small items. Some full-size metal detectors have a pin-pointer built in, as one of the integral features. Regardless of the model we choose, it is a good idea to familiarize ourselves with the current laws in the country where we wish to use our detector. Searching for objects is a wonderful hobby that develops our knowledge of geology, history and geography. It is worth giving such a device on special occasions to a loved one or make such a gift yourself. MILITARY.EU offers models from American manufacturers, such as Garrett and Quest, and Turkish manufacturers, such as the Nokta brand. You can also find detectors from the British brand C. Scope. We invite you to take a look at our offer.
