Metal Detecting Safety Essentials
I was in Perth a couple of days ago and decided to do a bit of Metal Detecting gear shopping, I put a deposit on a Polaris 6×6 Big Boss, and on the way back I stopped at a Prospecting and Metal Detecting Shop in Midland, it is the Prospectors Patch, a great little metal detecting shop.
While I was in there I decided to buy myself a new GPS, and I went for a Garmin Oregon 200.
It is a pretty amazing tool, I have not used it out bush yet, but I have used it driving my car around the district and it is absolutely spot on as it should be.
It cost me $400 and I have actually just seen the same one on Ebay going for close to $600, so I actually saved some money, usually it is cheaper to buy stuff off ebay.
Garmin Oregon 200 GPS
I have some bought myself some great tools for my metal detecting adventures, I would like to offer any readers some essential safety equipment you should invest in, if you are planning on going out to the wilderness either metal detecting, hiking, camping or in the 4wd.
This is my safety equipment I have invested in and may one day save my life when I am metal detecting in isolated areas:
Billy’s Metal Detecting Safety Essentials for isolated and long metal detecting trips
- Uniden Hand Held Radio x 1
- Uniden Walkie Talkies x 2
- Boat Flares
- Smoke Flares
- Glow Sticks
- Yellow Fluorescent Workers Vest
- Garmin GPS
- Mobile Phone which has Next G
- Knife
- Matches / Lighter
- Binoculars
- Signaling Mirror
- First Aid Kit and Snake Bite Kit
- Torch and Batteries
- Radio
- Small Sidchrome Tool Kit
- Puncture Repair Kit
- EPIRB
If I was allowed to get these, such as you are in the USA, I would also invest in
- Tazer
- Pepper Spray
- Hand Gun or a Small .22 Rifle
- Night Vision (Can’t afford these)
These could be useful if you encounter either a dangerous animal or a dangerous person …. trust me, USA Metal Detectorists swear by them.
Remember, if you are heading out bush or to an isolated area, don’t forget to notify the right authorities of your planned trip, when you expect to return … use your common sense!
Get in touch with the great outdoors with Oregon 200. This next-generation handheld features a rugged, touchscreen along with a built-in basemap, a high-sensitivity receiver, microSD™ card slot, picture viewer and more.
Touch and Go
Oregon 200 leads the way with a tough, 3-inch diagonal, sunlight-readable, color, touchscreen display. Its easy-to-use interface means you’ll spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time searching for information. Both durable and waterproof, Oregon 200 is built to withstand the elements. Bumps, dust, dirt, humidity and water are no match for this rugged navigator.
Find Fun
Oregon 200 supports Geocaching.com GPX files for downloading geocaches and details straight to your unit. No more manually entering coordinates and paper print outs! Simply upload the GPX file to your unit and start hunting for caches. Show off photos of your excursions with Oregon’s picture viewer. Slim and lightweight, Oregon is the perfect companion for all your outdoor pursuits.
Keep Your Fix
With its high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver and HotFix™ satellite prediction, Oregon 200 locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover and deep canyons. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on Oregon to help you find your way when you need it the most.
Add Maps
Conveniently plug in optional preloaded microSD cards for all your outdoor activities on land or water (see maps tab for compatible maps). Just insert a MapSource® card with detailed street maps, and Oregon provides turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Add select topographic maps to take advantage of Oregon’s 3-D map view which gives you a better perspective of your elevation. With BlueChart® g2 Vision, you’ll get everything you need for a great day on the water including depth contours, navaids and harbors. The card slot is located inside the waterproof battery compartment, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wet.
Oregon 200: Touch the great outdoors.
What’s in the Box:
- Oregon 200
- Lanyard
- USB cable
- Owner’s manual on disk
- Quick start guide
Physical & Performance:
Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 2.3″ x 4.5″ x 1.4″ (5.8 x 11.4 x 3.5 cm) Display size, WxH: 1.53″W x 2.55″H (3.8 x 6.3 cm); 3″ diag (7.6 cm) Display resolution, WxH: 240 x 400 pixels Display type: Transflective color TFT touchscreen Weight: 6.8 oz (192.7 g) with batteries Battery: 2 AA batteries (not included); NiMH or Lithium recommended Battery life: 16 hours Waterproof: yes (IPX7) Floats: no High-sensitivity receiver: yes Interface: USB RoHS version available: yes
Maps & Memory:
Basemap: yes Preloaded maps: no Ability to add maps: yes Built-in memory: 24 MB Accepts data cards: microSD™ card (not included) Waypoints/favorites/locations: 1000 Routes: 50 Track log: 10,000 points, 20 saved tracks
Features:
Automatic routing (turn by turn routing on roads): yes (with optional mapping for detailed roads) Electronic compass: no Barometric altimeter: no Geocaching-friendly: yes (paperless) Outdoor GPS games: yes Hunt/fish calendar: yes Sun and moon information: yes Tide tables: yes Area calculation: yes Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): yes Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units): no Picture viewer: yes Additional: Touchscreen: yes
Bought myself a Polaris Sportsman Big Boss 6×6
Polaris Sportsman Big Boss 6x6
No I did not win lotto or strike it rich with my metal detecting finds, but I have been saving my money and have decided to lash out and buy myself a Polaris Sportsman 6×6.
Today I was in Perth and put down a deposit for the bike, it has to be shipped over to Perth from Victoria, so I should have it by Wednseday next week, and I am really excited about getting it.
Polaris Sportsman Big Boss 6x6
I decided to get myself a new bike because it will help me so much in my Metal Detecting and Bottle Hunting adventures, and I will also use it for photography and also for exploring new areas I have not been to before or just cant access with a normal car.
I have done quite a bit of research on Quad Bikes and decided to get a 6×6 Polaris because of its extra cargo space, it will enable me to carry a lot of my equipment and my bottle finds and metal detecting finds with alot of ease. I will also be able to carry all my camping equipment for overnight stays.
The bike costs around $16,000, which I think is definetely worth the price.
So thats my new metal detecting toy and I can’t wait to get my hands on it and to head out bush!
Read more about the Polaris 6×6
Polaris Sportsman Big Boss 6x6
Beach and Sand Scoops For Water, Beach, River and Soft Sand Metal Detecting
One thing for certain, if you are going to buy a Metal Detector with the aim of going coin or ring shooting on the beach sand or in the water, you will definitely need to invest in a good Metal Detecting Sand Beach Scoop
Having a Beach or Sand Scoop is going to save you alot of time when searching for a found target, there is nothing worse than finding something in the sand, you don’t have a scoop and then you have to try and find it with your bare hands.
You might have a shovel, but then you have to dig and flick away the sand.
Not only can digging around in the sand with your exposed hands bring you potential harm, but your hands and fingers will get sore.
When it comes to harming yourself, such examples are as follows:
- Possible Used Dirty Syringe Prick (I hate to bring that up, I have never encountered a Syringe on the beach, but you just never know, and please don’t let that turn you off metal detecting!
- Possible cuts from broken glass, rusty nails, fishing hooks, rusty metal, pieces of wire, alumin cans
- Sharp shells
- Poisonous animals, such as dead jelly fish, dead poisonous fish with spikes, and even dead stingrays (poisonous barbs)
- And much more
I will admit some of the above examples would unlikely happen, but you just never know, however I have cut my fingers a few times from glass and shells, nothing major, just little nicks. But when Metal Detecting, you have to expect a few cuts, bruises and blisters every now and then.
There is another good tool besides the Sand Scoop, and that is just a simple Plastic Garden Sieve which I sometimes use. Read my story on Metal Detecting Sieves.
But buying a good sand scoop was a great investment for my metal detecting adventures and jobs. With my Sand Scoop, 90% of the first scoop will result in me finding the detected target straight away.
Some Scoops are heavy and some are light, my Sunspot Scoop is quite heavy and it takes some getting used to when carrying the scoop in one hand and in my other hand swinging my Metal Detector and I will admit carrying both can get quite tiring, but I suppose thats just one small disadvantage that comes with the hobby. So don’t let that deter you, but you really need to find a scoop that will suit your needs.
I would not recommend you go investing in a heavy long handled scoop when it may be for a small child or a person who is not physically strong.
So my best advice is to shop around and do a bit of research.
There are some inexpensive sand scoops and sand expensive sand scoops on the market, and if you want to save yourself money and your a handy person, then just make one yourself.
Some Hand Held Beach Scoops
Krylar Steel Sand Scoop
Compact Beach Scoop (I also use this Scoop)
Galvanised Sand Scoop
Kellyco Plastic Scoop
Some Long Handled Sand and Beach Scoops
Stealth Sun Spot Scoop (I use this one)
The Beach Master 16 Inche Scoop
Long Handled Sand Scoop
Ebay Australia
Ebay England
Ebay USA
Kelly Co Detectors (USA)
Detector Depot (USA)
Stealth Gold Scoop (USA) What I use
Received My Metal Detector Super Magnet
My Metal Detector Super Magnet - Tomahawk Axe
The other day wrote how just I bought a Metal Detector Super Magnet off ebay. Well I received it in the mail and yes it is pretty powerful.
I honestly don’t know what I am going to use it for, I’ll never use it Metal Detecting. In any case it only cost me $6
Here it is in action
My Metal Detector Super Magnet - Hammer
Australian Gold Prospecting Maps and Metal Detecting Books
One of the Best Metal Detecting Books I've read!
I have snapped up a few bargains on the internet whilst in search of Metal Detecting tips, hints and resources, and one of the best places I have found to grab some really good bargains is on ebay.
The are plenty of Australian Gold Prospecting Maps currently for sale on ebay, and are for sale or at buy now prices of around $22.50, I have also seen some excellent Metal Detecting Books, such as Metal Detecting for Gold & Relics in Australia written by Douglas Stone, and Metal Detecting in Australia by Col Webster.
A great Metal Detecting DVD I have recently watched is called The Complete Guide to Metal Detecting and was excellent, the thing that interest me the most about this DVD was its chapter on Researching Potential Sites and obviously Beach Detecting, because I am a huge fan of Beach Detecting. That DVD is not Australian it was made in the United Kindom, but please don’t let that deter you.
Some of the chapters is this DVD is as follows:
-
- Introduction to detecting
Choosing a detector
Where to detect
What you might find
Researching sites
Beach detecting
Accessories
Legal responsibilities
Our heritage
Joining a club
Rallies
Storing and cleaning your finds
- Introduction to detecting
So if you are into Gold Prospecting or just Metal Detecting for Relics and Coins then check out ebay for beginner guides, metal detecting handbooks, guides, maps and also plenty of Metal Detectors For Sale
But please whatever you do, before you go and buy a metal detector from ebay, I urge you to read my blog on The Best Metal Detectors and The Worst Metal Detectors … don’t say I did not warn you if you buy a crappy metal detector off the internet.
Metal Detecting Equipment I Use to find your Lost Jewellery and Relics
I use a variety of Metal Detecting Equipment to retrieve old relics, coins, lost jewellery, lost rings at the beach, and much more.
Obviously I use Metal Detectors to find the lost treasure, rings, old coins etc, but thats the easy part, after I get the signal of a potential buried item which may be your lost ring, watch, bracelet, earring or something else, thats when I will use some other tools which will make the recovery easy.
I will show you some pics of exactly what I use when hunting for your lost items or when I am just metal detecting for my own use.
Currently I have two top of the range Minelab Metal Detectors
As follows:
Metal Detectors I use
My first one is the Minelab E-Trac Metal Detector from the very first day I bought this, I tested it out straight away and had fantastic success with finding over $250 in loose coins on a Western Australian Beach, around 11 Gold and Silver Rings, plenty of fishing sinkers and as usual plent of bottle caps.
It is an awsome machine. It can be used on both land and sea … but please take note that it is not Waterproof, however, there is no problems if you detect in water of around a foot or two depth, but please make sure if you buy one, you always wash the coil prior to finishing and storing away…. don’t get the digital display wet, you can purchase metal detector covers for the display. But even with the cover, it is not 100% water resistant. If you buy one, please ask the dealer about this. And how to use it without getting the display unit wet.
E-Trac is Minelab’s most technologically advanced detector, incorporating unique Full Band Spectrum (FBS) Technology. Its sleek, sturdy design, innovative control panel, intuitive menus, clear LCD, robust lightweight coil and comprehensive targeting options set E-Trac apart from any other detector available today.
Minelab E-Trac Metal Detectror
Minelab has taken a further ground breaking step by incorporating a USB interface, which will allow you to download and upload E-Trac settings, User Modes and Discrimination Patterns using your own Personal Computer (PC).
E-Trac will locate valuable metal objects in a variety of mineralised ground conditions such as extremely salty soils, sea water, wet beach sand and highly magnetic ground conditions. By using the E-Trac you can become one of the many successful detectorists who combine their passion for the outdoors with the excitement of discovering valuable coins, relics, gold and jewellery on a regular basis.
E-TRAC TechnologyE-Trac delivers Full Band Spectrum (FBS) with Simultaneous Frequencies ranging from 1.5kHz – 100kHz through its powerful microprocessor. The frequency range means that the signal received from the detector coil is analysed from a wide range of responses. This allows E-Trac’s advanced signal processing to rate detected objects according to their ferrous and conductivity (FE-CO) characteristics and analyse more target information so that the target identification (ID) is more accurate.
Minelab’s Smartfind™ is a unique two-dimensional scale of discrimination. Smartfind™ graphically represents both the ferrous and conductivity properties on the same display. This combined with E-Trac’s target Discrimination ability eliminates signals from undesired targets and accepts signals from desired targets. E-Trac’s technology means:
- Greater detecting depth
- High sensitivity over a wide range of targets
- Less interference from electromagnetic sources
- More accurate identification of target characteristics
E-TRAC XchangeE-Trac Xchange allows you to download and upload detector settings and Discrimination Patterns via USB to your Personal Computer. This advanced feature is designed to allow you to quickly configure the E-Trac to particular detecting environments and preferred targets.
You can always share your experiences and settings with other detectorists. The installation CD and Xchange User Guide supplied with your E-Trac ensure you can get started straight away.
You can build a resource library charting your success with your E-Trac. Download and store your valuable Settings, User Modes and Patterns for your favourite sites and upload them as required. There’s no limit to the number you can store on your PC so make the most of your E-Trac and never worry about losing your successful settings again!
Features
- E-Trac Xchange USB functionality – create, download and upload your E-Trac Settings and Discrimination Patterns for your favourite sites; save to your PC or XChange them with others by email.
- Ultra-lightweight waterproof 11″ Double D Waterproof Coil, versatile with sharp, accurate pinpointing and depth!
- QuickMask™ with independent Ferrous and Conductivity rejection level adjust – a fast and simple way to edit Patterns
- Smartfind™ offers Minelab’s proven unique discrimination and dual coordinate target profiling.
- Discrimination Scale with radical realignment improves the target ID and recovery rate of good targets at depth
- Sensitivity functionality with expanded Auto, Manual and “Suggested” settings
- Refined Threshold adjustment level on a 1-50 scale – greater precision to suit your requirements
- Pinpoint with audio and visual indicators on 2 modes makes target size and identification more accurate than ever
- Four pre-programmed Minelab User Modes with specific Settings and Patterns suited to Coins; High Trash; Beach and Relics.
- Four User Mode slots – personalise your Modes to suit your specific detecting target preferences and environment.
- Ground Setting options of Neutral and Difficult adapt easily to benign or the most challenging operating conditions with these settings.
- Trash Density – High ensures you experience fewer false signals in high trash environments, Low is perfect for cleaner sites.
- User-centered Keypad and Menu Interface Design – enhanced usability with intuitive icons and logical menu sequences that are fast and so easy to use!
- Clear resolution Visual Display Panel 72mm x 48mm – designed for optimum visibility in all light conditions
- Ergonomic, perfectly balanced Handle Assembly ensures longer periods of detecting without fatigue!
- Additional Expert Features and Preferences allow you to customise your E-Trac to suit your needs.
Mineland Excalibur II Metal Detctor
This machine is great and is 100% Waterproof, which means you can snorkel or dive for lost treasure, rings, coins, jewellery and much more, the very first time I used this metal detector, I found a beautiful 9 Diamond Mens Diamond Ring, in a couple feet of water at a beach, it’s worth alot of money, so I was very happy about this. I found that ring in around a foot of water.
Minelab Excalibur II Metal Detector 100% Water Proof
The New and Improved Excalibur II
Minelab’s unique BBS 17 Frequency and Ground Rejecting Technology makes the Excalibur II the ideal machine. This amphibious detector can move from land, beach, wet sand conditions to underwater depths up to 200ft (66m) seamlessly.
Never again get false signals from detecting in salt water, enjoy the simple, yet effective discrimination, be surprised at the sensitivity and depth that you pull targets from.
The Excalibur II is the ideal coin and treasure detector.
Its New features and improved specification include:
- New High Visibility (Hi-Vis) fluorescent bodywork
- New Slimline Coil (8″ or 10″ option) for improved balance
- New NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack
- New Hi-Vis Skid Plate
- New Side-Mount Shaft for shallow and surf-wading (available as an optional accessory)
I also use Koss headphones on My E-Trac Metal Detector, they are pretty good, but if it is windy, it is sometimes hard to hear Signals, however I would recommend them, usually if you but a Metal Detector, they will give you free headphones, if not, just ask if they can throw in a set, especially if you are spending alot of money of your first detector.
Sifts, Beach and Sand Scoops
When water detecting, such as metal detecting calm rivers, estaurys, lakes, dams and ponds I use a homemade Sifter which is attached to old tyre tube, this is very easy to use and make. To use it, basically to have it attached to your body via a strong length of rope, when you detect a strong signal under the water with your detector, you use a Metal Detecting Beach and Sand Scoop to pick up the sand or mud in which the coin, ring may be buried in, it acts as a sift, and when the mud or sand drains out, it should reveal your find, which will hopefully be something of value. I will describe below more about the types of Scoops I use.
Floating Sifter for Water Metal Detecting
Hand Held Sand Scoop
Sun Spot Sand and Water Scoop
