Archive for the 'Technology' Category

The Purpose Of Metal Detectors

Sunday, April 18th, 2010
MIKE SELVON asked:

Metal detectors are quite useful. They have many uses in many different fields, some of which include: the military in mine fields, airports and other security checkpoints, geophysical prospectors, and beach-combers.

The metal detector is also included in the detector radar family, because many use radar in their systems. Other members of the detector radar family include: car radar detector systems, weather radar systems, and cordless radar systems.

Metal detectors are made up of an oscillator that produces an alternating current that passes through a coil, which creates an alternating magnetic field. This means that when an electronically conductive metal is near the detector, it creates eddies of air, which causes a change in the magnetic field, which enables the operator to see where the metal is.

Handheld detectors are the most common, and are used in the majority of cases. Even land mines can be detected through the use of handheld devices. However, for really deep metals, ground penetrating radar is used in conjunction with the metal detector to unearth the hidden metal.

The metal detector has an interesting history. The first metal detectors were created in the late 19th century. The original inventors of the idea hoped to be able to create easier methods of finding ore for miners. One physicist, Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, invented the induction balance system in those days, but it took a hundred years for others to see the need for his idea.

Early machines were difficult to use, and took a lot of battery power. In the 1930′s, the modern metal detector format began to emerge. Gerhard Fisher is the first patented inventor of the metal detector. He discovered metal detecting quite by accident, when he found a discrepancy in his radio navigational methods. His model was used in WWII, yet afterwards, when there were surplus detectors lying around, the hobby of finding metal for entertainment was formed.

A metal detector is a very useful and entertaining tool. It is hard to imagine someone never having seen one. Nearly everyone has come in contact with metal detectors at least once. It is an interesting fact that the metal detector is part of the detector radar family.

This is due to the fact that many detectors use a cordless radar system in their mechanisms. The metal detector also has an interesting history, and thinking about it the next time you’re standing at a security checkpoint will give you something to ponder to pass the time.

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Finding Metal With Metal Detectors

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
David Marc Fishman asked:

The main part of metal detectors is the control box, shaft, and search coil. Control box which has speaker, batteries, and microprocessor coordinates all activities. To protect the food source many companies use metal detectors to check for metal contaminates in the food, and some drug companies use the metal detectors to check for the same thing in drugs.

Besides metal detection, a walk-through metal detector includes and interface for an operator and a control unit plus environmental tolerance, electro magnetic compatibility, and the assurance of quality control. The control box is the brain of a metal detector. The magnetized metallic objects under the ground send a signal to the control box. Metal detectors that are used in mining need to be compact because of the space restrictions so the control unit and the search coil are integrated into a single unit.

This disk comes off the shaft at an angle, which allows it to be held parallel to the ground. Hand held detectors come in various types, professional, commercial, all-purpose, gold metal, beach and metal that is a relic. Many people use metal detectors to comb the beach for treasures, people are looking for coins, or any other type of metals that might produce a wealth of income. If you are walking along a beach you might come across many people with their instruments looking for these treasures. Since 911 security has gotten tougher and many airports and schools have turned to metal detectors, as well and government buildings, hand held metal detectors are often an important part of security procedures.

A great method of locating and preventing the use of dangerous items such as handguns or knives is the hand held metal detector. They are hand held security metal detectors and walk through metal detectors. Walk over or hand held models of metal detectors are normally used in airports.

Best rated walk through metal detectors have high target selection, low rate of false alarm, consistent detection, and a two way directional system. Cheap metal detectors are available in hand held, waterproof, and walk through models. Walk through metal detectors offer quick and effective processing.

Underwater metal detectors can cost around $400-$600. Underwater metal detectors are widely used to locate metallic objects under water. Underwater construction companies use underwater metal detectors for pipeline or cable locating functions. Some of the underwater metal detectors can adjust the search depth.

Advanced security metal detectors use low radiation x-rays for screening. Many metal detectors have microprocessor technology to check for coarse grained food in cornflakes, popcorn and noodles. Advanced gold detectors can also resist dust and moisture. Some of the advanced gold metal detectors have three modes for speed tracking.

Usually, the price of a metal detector starts from $65. Some sites offer price discounts.

Most sites provide a price list for metal detectors. The price of metal detectors may vary, based on features and functions. If you are just starting out it is a good idea to purchase an inexpensive model before sinking the dollars into the hobby.

underwater metal detector

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