CS220
VELLEMAN
2
Since the detector employs a Total Response search head, the object can be detected across the full width, back to
front, of the search head.
To pinpoint the find, stop the search head when you are directly over the target object, then move the search head
through 90° and sweep again, thus forming a cross with the two sweeps. The target object will be at the intersection
of the two sweeps.
6. Detection range
Detection ranges will vary depending on the size of the object, the length of time an object has been buried, and the
type of ground the object is buried in. Generally speaking a small object such as a coin can be detected up to 10”
deep and larger objects such as a hoard of coins or a gun or sword up to about 3’.
The best ground conditions are compact soils and coins can be found at the greatest depths if the object has been
buried for some time and the coin has interacted with the salts in the ground, thereby appearing larger to the
detector.
The worst conditions for detecting are on loosely compacted or freshly dug ground or when the object has only
recently been buried. In these conditions detection range will be reduced.
7. Determining the target size and depth
An operator who is familiar with his instrument will be able to do an excellent job of determining object size, shape,
and depth before he digs. This technique is learned from careful analysis of the audio signals coming from the
detector. Each time a signal is heard, listen for any peculiar characteristics it may have ; determine over how large an
area you get a detector signal ; and try to “outline” the object before you dig. Listen for the sharpness or dullness of
the signals and determine the magnitude of strength of the signal.
After digging up the object, compare the object size, shape, depth, and position in the ground with signal information
you received before digging.
After careful analysis of many digs, you will learn to “read” the target before digging.
8. Recommendations for use
Treasure hunting can be a profitable and a rewarding hobby, if approached in a patient and diligent manner. Time
spent researching to locate a worthwhile search site can be time wasted if your search is hasty and erratic. To
achieve maximum results, it is important to decide on your approach to each particular site, before the actual search.
Tactics will be decided by the type of site – it is more profitable to scan a small area thoroughly than to conduct a
haphazard search of the total site. However, when the site is too far away for you to make several return visits, a plan
should be adopted which gives maximum site coverage, but at the same time allows some detailed search.
It quite often happens that where one find is made, other finds will be made in the immediate vicinity. Accordingly,
places having the highest density of markers represent the most likely spots for further finds.
The detailed search is made by marking out strips of a width determined by the sweep of the detector, and moving
forwards the approximate diameter of the search head after each sweep until the ‘strip’ has been completely
covered. The adjacent strips are covered in similar manner, until the complete area has been thoroughly searched.
Wooden pegs and string are ideal for marking out areas, but very often natural landmarks such as trees, rocks and
plants can with practice, prove just as effective.
Whilst searching, it is important to remember that the search head should be kept as close to the ground as possible.
This ensures maximum depth penetration. There is a maximum detection range and a large gap between head and
ground reduces the effective depth of the search.
Be as tidy as possible when extracting the finds from the ground. Nobody likes to see a footpath or field with ‘pits’ left
in it through careless digging – and even small holes are dangerous because people can trip and injure themselves.
Use a blunt trowel to cut away the sod, and extract a core of earth from beneath this. Check that the core contains
the find, before breaking it open. Avoid the use of sharp instruments (such as knives) at all times, since a scratch on
a coin can reduce its value considerably.
