Mine sweeper

[Frums]

does old military mine sweeping equipment work well or is it a waste of time? I have the ability to purchase some of this equipment that is surplus, but I want to know if it is worth my time and money.

 

[diggummup]

How old is ths equipment? Do you have a model number? If WWII or Vietnam surplus I would say don't bother,too outdated not to mention heavy . The military currently uses the AN/PSS-12 MINE DETECTOR. This detector came into use in the early '90's when components for mines became more plastic than metal.It replaced the AN/PSS-11 which was designed to be very sensitive for its time.Here's a little more info.-http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/an-pss-12.htm

 

[gldhntr]

my uncle detected with a ww2 surplus mine detector..he used to bring in lots of silver finds from the fairgrounds...other than that i have never heard of anyone else even using one............gldhntr

 

[snake35]

I would try to find military manuals on the mine sweeper before I bought one. Unless it was real cheap. Good luck.

 

[ericwt]

The current mine sweeper being used in the military is a pulse induction unit. I would love to have one. Good depth for larger targets. But remember you will have no target id and little to no discrimination.

ericwt

 

[rovnrbl]

After bugging my dad incessantly, he picked up a WWII surplus unit in the late 60s. Unit was heavy as heck - maybe 35 - 40# battery back pack. Wouldn't do squat on the beach. Couldn't detect a nickel on top of sand. We never tried it in the woods. Went to a Garrett, Metrotech and Heathkit from there - much better performance. I'd stick with the more commercial units unless, of course, you're looking for mines.

rovnrbl