Frequencies

[The Silver Pirate]

So, I am in the process of hunting for a new machine for myself. I am not too brand loyal. I tend to go for the machine that meets my current need. As I compare side by side, one thing that varies greatly is the frequency. I see them from under 3khz to over 50khz. Can someone give a breakdown on which frequencies are preferred for various hunting profiles? For instance, which is good for coins, relics, gold, etc. My XLT is 6.5khz while the MXT is at 14khz. And the PiratePro is 2 something.

 

[Steve Herschbach]

Under 10 kHz, coin detecting. 10 - 15 kHz "do-it-all" detectors. Over 15 kHz gold nugget detectors.

Multi-frequency units are good for most anything except prospecting. They are the best choice for salt water.

These are generalities only, not carved in stone. Gold nuggets have been found with multi-frequency detectors and coins with 50 kHz prospecting machines.

 

[U.K. Brian]

Your only looking at a small part of the picture if you try to tie metal to frequency. Mineralisation and conductivity are just as important which is why "rules" dont really apply. With say a DFX your told that for silver you should use the lower 2.98 kHz frequency. Come to Britain with its mainly lower mineralisation and smaller/thinner coins and you should be using the higher 14.91 khz. Same applies in parts of the States.

Read the owners guide to the TDI on the web (section on target conductivity). This illustrates how size/bulk affects conductivity and turns the rules around.

 

[Keppy]

Steve and U.K.Brian … Gave you very good and accurate information ..

 

[Frankn]

You have enough detection power there already, unless you are going cache hunting. In that case you would need a 2 Box or a high end PI like the 2100. Frank

 

[Frankn]

Go look at the post 'My Random Pictures' and rethink your move. He was using an XLT. Still want to replace yours.
FrankPS: I was mistaken. Got a good glimps in later pictures.
. . . . . . .. . . .It is a Whites V3i

 

[luvsdux]

This is strictly my personal opinion gained over the years I've detected and from reading many threads on forums and info from other sites. If you're going to hunt wet salt sand or along the wet part of ocean beaches, a multi frequency or Pulse induction detector is the best choice. If you're a serious detecting prospector the higher frequencies are desirable. For the typical general purpose machine used for coins, relics etc. I doubt very much that any of us can tell the difference in performance due to the particular frequency, especially in the field. Perhaps in a very controlled experimental situation maybe, but for most typical detecting it's not a major issue in my experience and opinion.
luvsdux

 

[cudamark]

Depth of target will be a factor in frequency selection too. Generally, the lower frequencies have better ground penetration. The type of mineralization will play a part in that too.

 

[The Silver Pirate]

I found this article too. Nice explanations.

http://www.ohiometaldetecting.com/2...r-metal-detectors-the-key-to-older-coins.html

 

[NiagracountyNY]

More companies should go the multi Freq method.I like to have a choice.Every situation is different.Its nice to not have 3 or 4 machines in my truck all the time trying to meet each condition I run into...although I like my detectors .Being able to choose a freq on my deus is really really nice.Its the 1st unit Ive owned I can do that with.Very nice.That said if I had one freq to choose I would prob go with 15 .Like steve mentioned its a really good "Do all " freq.