While metal detectors are designed to withstand even the harshest conditions and continue functioning properly with precision, they’re also bound to malfunction. While most problems with metal detectors are caused by a faulty sensor, there are external factors that can cause issues as well.
It can be difficult to gauge what exactly is causing your detector to malfunction if you don’t know what to look for. So we’re going to talk about the signs and signals you need to look for.
Metal Detector Won’t Turn On
Sometimes you can switch on your detector and nothing happens. This problem can be caused by poorly fitted or dead batteries, loose connections, or even water damage.
You need to check on the batteries often to ensure they are the right kind for your detector and fresh. You can also try a few sets of new batteries to ensure you are not dealing with a dead battery.
Make sure the batteries are in the right condition, then check for any loose connectors. If your detector comes with a detachable search head, check whether it is plugged in since some cannot work without it.
Not Finding Specific Targets
This problem is mainly caused by using the incorrect mode for the kind of hunting you’re doing. For example, if you are hunting for all types of metals, make sure you are using the All-Metal mode.
Poor Depth Detection
This happens when your deep-seeking metal detector starts to only pick up shallow objects. One of the possible causes of loss of depth is when there is a broken wire inside the search coil. Try checking the cable, the connector, and the cable’s entry point to find the exact spot it’s broken.
Target ID Cursor Bounces
Sometimes your Target ID cursor can start to bounce erratically, which is usually causes by trash targets. Other possible reasons are when one or several trash targets are next to a viable target, or when a good target is laying on an edge or not parallel to your detector’s search coil.
Metal Detector Constant Beep
Constant beeping and false signals can throw a wrench in your fun and ruin your trip. If your metal detector is beeping but nothing can be found, it is going to waste the time and energy that was supposed to be spent on hours of fun.
There are various reasons why you could be getting false signals from your detector. Some of those reasons can be simple, but others can belay far more complicated and expensive fixes.
Reasons for False Signals
Footwear With Metal Accents: Metallic parts in your shoes can trigger a false signal, including steel toe boots, studs, rivets, or metal angelets. If you’re unsure if your shoes are causing the issue, you should run your detector over them to check if a signal is set off. It is best to wear shoes with no metal in them, just in case.
Other Diggers and Tools: If you’re hunting near other’s digging tools, wire fences, or benches, they can set off a false signal. You’ll want to make sure you’re not hunting close to other diggers or their tools. You’ll want to make sure that shovels, knives, trowels, and other metal objects including jewelry are as far away as possible.
Improper Swinging: Your swing is a vital part of a successful treasure hunt, and that’s why it’s crucial to understand the right technique. An improper swing can result in false signals since it only covers a few inches per sweep.
Ensure that your swing is as slow and low as possible to the ground without scraping it. It is also important to learn the proper swing technique so you can get the right depth from your detector and not miss out on targets.
Bad Coil: One of the symptoms of a faulty coil include false signals, changing readings uncontrollably, failure to detect copper and silver objects, and can only detect targets on a shallow depth.
First, ensure the coil is tightly held on the stem, then check the coil for any visible dents and ensure the cables are securely connected. You can also knock on the coil with a nonmetallic object or try out a new coil.
Electrical Interference: This is a common malfunction caused by power transmission cables or other metal detectors near you. All you need to do is to lower your sensitivity setting and try the detector at least 200 meters from where you experienced the problem.
Moisture In The Control Box: Your control box is a computer system and just like any other computer, it is vulnerable to water damage. So if you are hunting near water, or on grass covered with dew, and the detector starts to give false responses, chances are it isn’t waterproof and moisture has gotten into your control box.
To prevent your detector from short-circuiting, turn it off and take out the batteries as fast as possible. If the unit has gotten wet with rainwater, you only have to put it in a warm dry place for a few days. If it has saltwater on it, you need to open up the unit to dry the circuits before the salt corrodes the control box.
Conclusion
If your detector continues to malfunction and none of the above seems to be the cause, look for a professional technician in your area. Also, make sure you have read the manual and exhaust all other options. Checking the warranty of the device or contacting the manufacturer can help you to know if the problem you’re having with your device is common.
If it is you may be able to ship it back for replacement or repair.
Looking for more ways to up your detecting game? Here’s a decent video on some mistakes that may be messing up your hunts.
