Other great places include campsites, picnic grounds, playgrounds, and around public benches. These are places where people have gathered and bent or stretched creating the possibility that items may have fallen from their pockets; still more opportunity exists around old railroad sidings, bridges, public gazebos, bleachers and fairgrounds.

Now that you have an idea where children can use their metal detectors, here are two tips to help the kids properly use their new machines.

First, when starting out, kids should dig every time the detector signals the presence of metal. This means that the detector should be in non-discrimination mode and should be set to report all metals. The reason for starting out this way is simple. Modern detectors are designed to discriminate between metals and to provide an audible tone as a clue to the operator about what type of metal is present. Every brand of locator will offer a different set of tones and so in order to really learn how to work the machine every operator needs to go through a period of “ear” training. After a short period practice, the operator will not only be better able to work the locator, but also be much better able to understand what the detector is trying to say. Many experienced treasure hunters will run their detectors in “all-metal” mode at least part of the time. The fun of treasure hunting is in finding things and all-metal mode gives much better odds of doing so.

Second, when working in areas where the ground is hard, consider going out after a rain. Wet ground is much easier to dig in and many claim that their locators work better when the soil is wet.  Obviously, it isn’t wise, or necessary, to go out during rainstorms but it may be beneficial to wait until after the rain is over. This can be especially helpful when working around walking paths, gravel or dirt parking lots, or other areas where repeated foot or vehicle traffic may have resulted in very hard soil.

A children’s metal detector is a great gift offering the chance for a lot of fun and adventure. Just remember to carefully fill in any dug holes to prevent anyone else from tripping over them, and also remember to carry out any trash dug up. It is common when working with a locator to find old bottle caps and gum wrappers. When you dig these up please, please carry them away with you so that the ground will stay clean and neat.

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Find more treasure with a kids metal detector is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

Kids also need to learn how to use their digging tools properly. This is not like digging in the sandbox, many of the places that treasure hunters frequent may have rules about digging holes. Children need to learn to carefully remove sod and replace it well enough to leave no visible marks. A group of holes carelessly left open, or poorly replaced sod can mean the next time the child may not be allowed to search in that location. Different digging tools also have different uses, some work very well in sod and others work better in sand. Some tools are designed primarily to cut sod and some tools are designed primarily to scooped dirt. It is important that children learn which tool to use on which occasion in order to make filling the holes easier, cleaner, and neater.

Good manners are very important, especially when engaging in a sport where multiple other people may be harmed by the child’s thoughtlessness. All of us need to remember to ask permission before we go on someone else’s property, or on public property, searching for treasures. Often it takes several visits to a location in order to properly scan all areas, and an expedition that is cut short by an angry landowner may not have enough time to adequately cover all areas of the site.

Finally, the hobby is often about history and who better to discuss local history thAn longtime local residents. With proper supervision children should be encouraged to speak with longtime residents and inquire about local history. A store that closed and was torn down 30 years ago may seem like old news to some people, but to detectorist it could be a massive opportunity for coin shooting. Through these discussions, children can learn about local history and develop an appreciation for older people and the knowledge that they have. This is an opportunity for kids to gain not only in knowledge but in social understanding of the people and the world around them.

A child’s metal detector is a great gift, and treasure hunting is a great sport, but like all sports there are some preparations and considerations that we need to make in order to enjoy a safe and happy hobby

Four tips to start out right with a children’s metal detector is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

It’s undeniable that technology has provided us with many benefits, and LCD screens are only one small benefit out of many. For many years metal detectors had no gauges at all, with the operators working solely by the sound change when the search coil was passed over a metal object. Later, meter style gauges were included to help the operator judge the strength of the signal and in some cases the type of material under the search coil. That eventually evolved into the more complex computer-driven screens that we find today on midrange and high-end metal detectors.

Metal detectors, even today, make slightly different sounds when the search coil is passed over different materials. A well-trained operator can usually distinguish between the different sounds and be able to tell fairly well what type of metal machine may be reacting to. In fact, many experts recommend that you dig up everything that the metal detector finds because many metals will oxidize underground and react differently than they would otherwise. An operator, who blindly accepts the information provided by the LCD screen or meter, may pass over valuable finds while still digging up small bits of trash.

Discrimination in a metal detector means that the unit has been adjusted so it will not react to certain types of metal. A machine is equipped with an LCD screen may still show a readout, but no tone will sound. In this manner and LCD screen is quite handy since the operator may still be alerted to a potential find even though the machine is not producing an audible tone. In the long run, however, many experts are recommending that treasure hunters do not rely on discrimination mode for the reason stated above. Their best advice is dig all signals.

So is a unit equipped with an LCD screen actually better than something with only a meter or only sound? In all fairness the answer is probably yes, simply because the machines that have LCD screens are generally more expensive and the rule of thumb in electronics has long been “you get what you pay for.” From this standpoint, a metal detector with an LCD screen would be more expensive and therefore could be expected to have more expensive components inside. Not all units with LCD screens will be higher-quality units, but enough of them will be of better quality but it’s reasonable to say that most LCD equipped metal detectors have better electronics than those that are not so equipped.

If you are looking for a metal detector, you might consider one with an LCD screen, but don’t be afraid of units that don’t have screens. The idea behind using one of these machines is to train your ear so you have some idea of what type of trash or treasure might be below the ground before you dig. A visual representation of that is fun, but may not be something necessary to your success.

Do you want a screen or do you want a tone? is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

There are many places that are open to metal detecting, but whenever you are searching a location that is off your own property, it is wise to seek permission to search. In many cases this is as easy as asking the property owner, or the person in charge. For the most part people will allow you to search as long as you are not destroying lawns or flower beds. So be prepared to carefully remove and replace sod when searching on someone else’s lawn. Sometimes public parks will have limitations or restrictions on metal detecting, so it is always a good idea to check the park rules before beginning to dig.

Hint #2

Many people equate the price of a metal detector with its ability to find treasure. In many cases this may be true, but it is probably better to read many reviews and search for the best metal detector that the money you have can buy. The temptation in many cases is to spend more money on a metal detector than you have, and sometimes that additional cost may not provide a significant enough functional improvement to justify the extra money. So consider carefully based upon a balance a budget and needs. This is an especially important consideration when purchasing a children’s metal detector, since it is important to find a rugged and reasonably low cost unit, but still have something that the child can use. If the metal detector is so inexpensive that it cannot find any metal, the child won’t play with the toy for long.

Hint #3

Learn to use your metal detector and you understand what the gauges, readouts, and sounds are trying to tell you. Different manufacturers will use different methods of signaling the operator when an item of particular interest has been passed over by the search coil. Beginners can usually pick these signals up fairly easily, but to become really proficient with the metal detector expect to spend some time practicing. Time spent learning to use the metal detector can be an important parent-child bonding time during which everyone can have a good time.

Hint #4

When considering accessories it is important to think about the area or location where the metal detector will be used.

For beach searching, a sand scoop is very helpful. The same item would not be of much use at all when working in most backyards. For working in the backyard a probe, garden trowel, or one of the newer digging tools specifically designed for treasure hunting is highly useful.

A small box or pouch for carrying found items is very useful. Scuba divers frequently carry mesh bags and such an item might be useful for working at the beach as long as the match was small enough to prevent small items from falling out.

One very handy accessory is a carrying case for the metal detector. This can keep a metal detector clean and free from dust when stored in a closet waiting for use, and it can also help carry some of the other accessories necessary for the hobby.

Hint #5

Learn how to research. One easy method is to visit the local historical society, Museum, or library. These places often have a wealth of information about the location of old buildings, factories, stores, homes, schools and other places where people may have congregated in the past. Generally, places where people have congregated are places where you will find treasures lost.

Metal detecting is a great hobby for young and old alike. With a little bit of research, a little bit of practice, and little bit of luck, almost anyone can be successful. You need

Metal Detectors: 5 Hints for Beginners is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

Much like choosing a unit for an adult, selecting a treasure locator for a child is a matter of considering the cost, the use, and the physical size required. In many families cost is the major factor, and if so there are inexpensive units that can be purchased for around $20 or so. These work well for younger children and for novices who simply want something cheap that they can start with to see if they are going to enjoy the hobby. Sometimes this is all that is necessary since the child may not be interested in treasure hunting once the ‘newness’ of the idea wears off.

In those cases, beginning with an inexpensive toy-level unit makes economic sense. However, if someone else in the house will also be using the unit, such as the parents, it may be better to go with a little bit more expensive metal detector as an initial entry point. This is simply because the very low-end metal detectors are somewhat disappointing in their performance and may also be of somewhat shorter physical length than units that are definitely designed for adults.

The length and weight of the unit are quite important when selecting a child’s metal detector. Most manufacturers produce products with an adjustable shaft length so that you can lengthen or shorten the overall length of the metal detector from coil to carry handle. Even so, the shortest setting may be too long for smaller children. So be cautious when selecting a unit to check the overall length to learn how much adjustment is available on the shaft. Some cheaper units may only just a few inches if that, while more expensive units may adjust almost a foot.

For the most part weight is not an issue unless the child is very, very young and in that instance the child may be too young to participate in the hobby anyway. Metal detector weight can vary between a few ounces and a few pounds. Typically, less expensive metal detectors way less than more expensive ones because they have fewer components, and the parts that they do have are usually thinner and lighter weight.

One feature that may or may not be at issue is the quality of the metal detector. If the intent is to simply purchase an inexpensive toy for the child to play in the backyard with almost any unit will do. If the child is a little bit older and a bit more advanced, or has experience in the hobby, a more expensive unit will certainly please. There are many name brand metal detector companies that produce high quality metal detectors available in shops and catalogs across the country and around the world. These companies include Whites, Tesoro, Garrett, Mine Lab, Bounty Hunter and a number of others. Many of these companies have been around for decades and also produce electronic equipment used in mining, police, and security work as well as industrial applications. For a better quality metal detector, it is generally better to stay with a well-known brand and avoid the advertisements you see for “new” metal detector companies that appear to provide amazing machines at fantastically low prices. A good quality metal detector is something that should last for many years if treated properly and it is not uncommon to run across units that are too decades-old and are still used occasionally.

Quality is especially important thing when dealing with treasure locators because in many different varieties of consumer electronics for saying “you get what you pay for” is very true, and this often is the case in treasure hunting. More expensive models will offer a number of different features that inexpensive models will not. More expensive models will, as a general rule, be more sensitive and less likely to produce false readings and inexpensive models. And, more expensive models can often be repaired should they break.

When selecting a children’s metal detector ease-of-use is a major point. Often, increasing complexity goes hand-in-hand with increasing difficulty in operation. As units become more complex they become more difficult to figure out which buttons to press and switches to flip. In many cases metal detector manufacturers have attempted to solve this problem by including more and more touch panels and computerized operation in their more expensive models. Low-end models will be very simple but maybe one or 2 knobs to adjust, high-end models will do much more, be much more sensitive, and may be operated and controlled by a touchpad that ultimately ends up being easier to use then knobs on the low end machine are.

Also, as for any children’s toy, it is important to consider the type and number of batteries that the unit requires. Some manufacturers build detectors that require 6 or 8 AA batteries, and others build units that require one nine-volt battery. Obviously, a box that runs on one battery might be cheaper to operate in the long run than one that runs on multiple batteries. So, this becomes an important consideration since the ongoing cost of operation is often part of the gift.

A kids metal detector is a great gift and will provide many hours of fun and education for both child and parent. The hobby is easy and popular among both young and old, and can be a good way to get kids off the couch and outside into the sun.

Features to look for in a kids metal detector is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

Many experts recommend that you avoid discrimination mode when relic hunting. For one thing ID machines may not be terribly accurate when pinpointing targets at the maximum depth that the machine is able to work. Often items that have been in the ground for a long time may develop a halo of rust or mineralization around them. These halos can prevent metal detectors from properly identifying the object. So, the advice is usually to turn off discrimination mode and to dig all targets.

When pinpointing targets that are thought to be deeper than an inch or so, try varying the speed of the coil sweep and swing the coil in an X-shaped pattern. This will give the best opportunity to hear the tone produced by the object to determine if it is an actual object or merely an area of mineralization in the soil.

Another tip is to dig a shallow hole and then rescan by placing the coil down inside the hole. If the signal is still there or is louder you can continue digging. If the signal has disappeared it is a clue that the object may be in the soil that was removed from the hole already. In this case scan the pile of soil and sod that was removed from the hole.

When relic hunting it is helpful to have some idea what might be underneath the ground. Some locations are filled with Civil War relics and on these sites there may be a large number of small lead balls, buttons, belt buckles and occasionally larger objects. On the site of an old store, the object may be primarily coins, nails, and other smallish metal items. The difference between these two locations is that one will likely have a lot more lead items than the other, and because one site is likely much older than the other the items from one site will likely be deeper than those found on the other site.

Older items are generally found deeper in the ground than newer items because they have had much longer to have soil accumulate over top of them. Therefore it is important to know something about the site you are searching in order to have some idea of how deep to search, and what type of item she might be looking for. A flattened Civil War bullet may look like a piece of scrap if you were to simply dig it up on the beach. But, found on a Civil War battlefield that same small piece of lead becomes a piece of history and something you can take home and treasure.

Metal detectors really aren’t hard to use and the hobby isn’t hard to learn. Like every other sport there some simple guidelines and rules to follow, and it takes practice, practice, practice.

Metal detector tips – deep targets is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

Beaches also usually have a number of people with metal detectors on them every day. This does not mean that there are no items left to find. The great thing about metal detecting as a hobby, is that there is always something else that no one has found.

When searching for a metal detector is wise to look for one that has a waterproof search coil if for no other reason than it gives you the ability to search right to the water’s edge, or even into very shallow water. Of course, a waterproof search coil is not the same as a completely waterproof metal detector. Many metal detectors come with waterproof search coils, but truly waterproof metal detectors can be used fully submerged and are often purchased by scuba divers when searching wreck sites. A simple waterproof search coil, however, will suffice for most individuals who simply want to search right along the water’s edge or in a few inches of water.

There are 2 main types of beaches: those on the ocean, and those on lakes. Ocean beaches have high and low tides, and those individuals who are unfamiliar with searching on ocean Beach need to spend a little time learning when the tides are high and low in the area they intend to search. A low tide can expose much more area where items may have been lost. Beaches on lakes do not offer this high-low water line and so searching there is much more straightforward since the water level will vary little from day to night.

With droughts in many areas it is not uncommon for water levels to drop in some inland lakes. This also can provide a large area that can be worked with metal detectors.  Many times we think there are no opportunities for treasure hunting, when in fact many opportunities exist almost everywhere.

When working beaches and waterfront areas, it is important to pay attention to where people move from and to. Is there a path that people generally take from the beach to restrooms, a concession stand, where the parking lot. These types of paths often provide excellent places for treasure hunting, since these are the places where people are, and it is people that lose the very small treasures that we often seek.

Beaches are a great place for treasure hunting and even if it appears that the beach has many people with metal detectors working on it, there will still be opportunities for the average individual to find coins, jewelry, and other small items.

Children’s Metal Detectors on the beach is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

There really is no set speed, or any requirement that you move it at any given speed. For the most part people well experienced with the hobby will say that it is best to swing the search coil very, very slowly. The coil should also be held parallel to the ground when working. With that said, there are special circumstances that can occur when it might be advisable to move the coil differently.

If you are trying to pinpoint a target that your detector has found, is handy to move the coil in a X-shaped pattern so that you can help locate better where the metal object is underground. It may also be handy to move the coil a little bit faster sometimes when a target seems iffy. In other words you will sometimes have occasions when the metal detector signals a target but you can’t quite determine if it is a valid target were merely an anomaly caused by mineral content in the ground. In these occasions it may be better to move the coil of it faster or to vary the speed when passing over the area where the target is that you can see how the sound changes.

Most experts describe search coils as having an invisible cone shaped area underneath that is formed from the electromagnetic radiation of the machine. Because this cone gets smaller the deeper it goes in the ground is necessary to overlap each sweep of the coil to cover as much deep territory as possible. Some experts recommend a 50% overlap and other experts recommend even slightly more. The more times you are willing to overlap your swings the faster you will be able to swing the coil.

The speed that you swing your coil will also depend in large part on the coil size. Smaller coils will have a smaller cone underneath and therefore won’t be as able to find deeper items, unless those items are quite large. Larger coils will do better on finding deep objects and she may be able to move to larger coil faster if you are only hunting shallow targets.

A metal detector’s coil may also be scrubbed across the ground or through the grass. This often is not terribly effective, but will sometimes provide an opportunity to find objects that might otherwise be missed. Often, it is necessary when digging objects, to swing the coil over dirt dug from the hole in order to ensure that nothing has been missed. Sometimes small objects like pennies and small rings can easily be pulled from the hole with the sod and if you don’t go back over with a metal detector you may miss something is very important.

Metal Detector basics – Do you swing slow? is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

If your home is more than just a few years old, the odds are there at least some coins have been lost in the yard. Many times the yards of older homes may harbor small tools, old coins, old toys, or other old items that have been lost were cast off. The biggest thing to be aware of when searching in your own backyard, is the location of any underground phone or power lines that might please you in peril should you dig into them. It is also a good idea to consider shrubs and bushes and any damage that might be done to eat around them. For the most part, that still leaves many areas of the backyard that would be good search grounds.

Another rule, is to not be afraid to search in places where others have already searched. Just because someone walked ahead of you carrying a very expensive metal detector, does not mean that you cannot go through with a very inexpensive unit and still find small treasures that the first hunter missed. That is the beauty of the sport of metal detecting; there is always room for one more. Just because an area appears to be worked hard by others does not mean all of the treasures of been found.

Whether searching in the backyard or out in a field somewhere, a good imagination can be a great benefit. Try to look at the area and imagine what it looked like years ago. Watch for old roadways, or old foundations or indications that there may have been buildings on the site at sometime in the past. These can indicate that there may be small treasures lost nearby.

Sometimes it pays to consider how people would move from one point to another. There may be a modern path that is cemented in line to shady trees, but there may also be a more direct path that people used years ago and that is no longer marked or readily visible. A bit of detective work to help uncover where this path may have been based upon where people would be going from and to. Treasures are lost by people; it stands to reason therefore that where people move treasures will be found.

I always enjoy seeing a sidewalk in a small town being renovated, because often after the workers leave at night you will see local citizens out with metal detectors searching the area where the sidewalks were. This is because the sidewalks were installed before metal detectors became popular and therefore any coins or small items lost may have been covered over by cement for decades.

The point is that there are always places and opportunities to practice the hobby of metal detecting. Finding such places merely take some patience and some trial and error.

There are many places where everyone can go metal detecting is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors

Children love the feeling of being on a treasure hunt. The idea that they might find a buried treasure, (even if that treasure is nothing more than a few pennies,) will often motivate children to spend many hours outside either searching at the beach, or even in the backyard. If the idea is to encourage children to spend more time outside, then metal detecting is a natural option. Even if children do nothing more than spend all of their afternoon walking around the backyard searching for lost coins were bits of old toys, they will have much more time and exposure to the outdoors than they would on the couch playing video games.

There are a number of different types of treasure hunting that can be done with metal detectors. Some areas include relic hunting, meteor scouting, coin shooting, and even searching for deposits of precious orders such as gold and silver. For the most part the easiest of these for children to participate in is probably relic hunting and coin shooting. For those fortunate enough to own or live in an older home, children may be able to relic hunt right in the backyard. It is not uncommon in the yards of hundred year old homes to find old metal toys, numbers of coins, and other small lost were cast off items. Coin shooting can be done on the beach, in a park, on school ground, or any place that people have gathered or passed by. This provides many places where children can safely go to use their metal detectors and enjoy some outdoor time.

Kids can gain in other ways besides just outdoor time. A big part of the fun of treasure hunting is researching places to hunt. Even children can learn to do this, scanning old maps, or reading old books looking for references to places and towns that may no longer exist. These are often excellent places for relic hunting, and even for coin shooting. This kind of research can give kids a good education in local history, and can help them come to appreciate the people and places that existed years ago.

Metal detecting offers a number of benefits for children, and he can offer quality time for parents and children to spend together. The excitement that children feel on a treasure hunt can easily spread to those around them, helping the adults to feel the wonder and excitement that they felt when they too were children.

Children love metal detectors is a post from: Discover Metal Detectors