Metal detector discrimination refers to the ability of the detector to identify the type of metal object detected and to eliminate the unwanted items and indicate only on the desirable ones. This powerful feature is essential for efficient treasure hunting and can save you hours of digging unwanted targets.
What is Metal Detector Discrimination?
Discrimination is a feature that allows your metal detector to analyze the electrical conductivity of buried objects and classify them into different categories. When a target is detected, the discrimination circuit compares the target's signal characteristics against preset values to determine if it should be accepted or rejected.
How Discrimination Works
The discrimination system works by measuring the phase shift of electromagnetic signals as they interact with different metals. Here's how the process works:
- Signal transmission: The search coil sends electromagnetic waves into the ground
- Target response: Metal objects create eddy currents that generate their own electromagnetic field
- Signal analysis: The detector analyzes the phase shift and amplitude of the return signal
- Target classification: The discrimination circuit compares the signal to preset parameters
- Accept or reject: Based on your settings, the detector either alerts you or remains silent
Types of Discrimination Systems
Fixed Discrimination
Found on basic models, fixed discrimination has preset notch filters that eliminate common trash items like iron nails and pull tabs. These systems are simple to use and perfect for beginner detectors.
Variable Discrimination
More advanced systems allow you to adjust the discrimination level manually. You can fine-tune exactly which targets to accept or reject based on their conductivity values.
Notch Discrimination
This sophisticated system lets you eliminate specific target ranges while accepting others. For example, you can notch out aluminum foil while still detecting gold jewelry in the same conductivity range.
Discrimination Settings for Different Hunting Scenarios
Coin and Jewelry Hunting
For general treasure hunting, set your discrimination to reject iron and steel while accepting higher conductivity targets like coins and gold jewelry. Beginner and intermediate metal detectors typically have preset coin modes that optimize these settings automatically.
Relic Hunting
When searching for historical artifacts, use minimal discrimination since many valuable relics are made from iron or low-conductivity metals. Advanced metal detectors offer sophisticated discrimination patterns perfect for relic hunting.
Beach and Water Hunting
Beach environments require different discrimination strategies due to salt mineralization and the variety of targets present. Many detectors have dedicated beach modes with optimized discrimination settings.
Common Discrimination Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-discriminating: Setting discrimination too high can cause you to miss valuable low-conductivity targets
- Ignoring ground conditions: Highly mineralized soil can affect discrimination accuracy
- Not adjusting for trash density: Heavy trash areas may require more aggressive discrimination settings
- Forgetting about target masking: Iron objects can mask good targets even with discrimination enabled
Choosing the Right Detector for Your Discrimination Needs
Different detector models offer varying levels of discrimination sophistication. Kids metal detectors typically feature simple discrimination systems, while professional models offer advanced target identification capabilities.
Popular brands like Fisher metal detectors are known for their reliable discrimination systems and user-friendly interfaces. For those just starting out, consider exploring our best beginner metal detectors guide to find models with excellent discrimination features.
Advanced Discrimination Techniques
Experienced detectorists often employ advanced discrimination strategies:
- Pattern discrimination: Creating custom notch patterns for specific hunting locations
- Multi-tone audio: Using different audio tones to identify target types before digging
- Discrimination cycling: Periodically hunting with minimal discrimination to find missed targets
- Site-specific tuning: Adjusting discrimination based on the age and history of hunting locations
Understanding and properly using discrimination settings will significantly improve your metal detecting success rate and make your hunting sessions more productive and enjoyable.
