Comparison XP MI-6 vs Deteknix XPointer Pro

A method used by a metal detector to find items. Describes both the general scheme of the signal and how it is processed.

— VLF. Abbreviation for "very low frequency". As the name implies, these metal detectors operate at relatively low electromagnetic frequencies (less than 20 kHz). They use the “transmitter-receiver” operation scheme: one winding transmits the search signal, the other receives it. The transmitting and receiving windings are located in the same plane, in a concentric pattern or DD (see Coil Type). This technology allows you to create relatively inexpensive devices with good ground balance, minimal sensitivity to false alarms and a high degree of accuracy in metal recognition. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the rather high cost of production (coils require precision tuning), as well as the relatively small working depth of such metal detectors.

— VFLEX. A variation of the VLF technology described above, developed by Minelab. The key principles of operation in such metal detectors are the same, however, the control unit in them receives not an analogue, but a digital signal. This has a positive effect on the quality of its processing, but significantly increases the price of the devices themselves.

— R.F. This principle involves the use of high frequencies and the presence of two coils — a receiver and a transmitter — sep...arated by a certain distance (usually several tens of centimeters) and located perpendicular to one another. Such a scheme provides a greater depth of detection, but does not allow you to search for small objects and determine the type of metal. Therefore, it is mainly used in "deep" metal detectors.

— P.I. Abbreviation for "pulse induction" — "pulse induction". In such devices, one coil is provided, "mono" (see "Type of coil"), which plays the role of both a receiver and a transmitter. The coil emits signals in separate pulses, and in between them it works as a receiver, "listening" to the response signal from the ground. Such a scheme allows you to effectively search for objects even in an environment unfavorable for electromagnetic pulses — in particular, highly mineralized soils and in salt water. The latter makes PI instruments extremely useful for marine archeology, both underwater and on wet, salty sand beaches. On the other hand, qualitative discrimination in such models is not available.

— OR. A method based on the so-called breakdown of resonance. The coil in such metal detectors is part of an oscillatory circuit, to which a signal is supplied from the generator with a frequency close to the resonant frequency of the circuit. When a metal object enters the field created by the coil, the characteristics of its inductance and, accordingly, the resonant frequency of the entire circuit change. Based on the change in resonance characteristics, the control unit determines not only the presence of metallic objects, but also, to some extent, their composition. OR-devices are simple in design and inexpensive, since they do not require precision settings; at the same time, the depth of detection and the reliability of operation in them are low, and mineralized or wet soil further worsen the performance. Therefore, this method has not received wide popularity; it is used mainly in entry-level devices.

— ZVT. Minelab's proprietary technology, developed primarily for searching for gold treasures and nuggets. The abbreviation stands for "zero voltage transmission", the principle of operation is described as "the creation of ultra-constant high-power magnetic fields of opposite polarity." Due to this, according to the manufacturer, the efficiency and depth of gold detection are significantly increased, as well as the resistance to interference is improved and it becomes possible to work even on soils with very high levels of mineralization. However, ZVT-metal detectors are quite expensive, and the possibility of working with other metals, except for gold, is usually not mentioned in the description of such devices.

Availability of a moisture-proof coil or frame in the design or in the delivery set of the metal detector. Almost all coils of the frame have a certain degree of protection against moisture), however, only those that are enclosed in sealed shells and can work normally when completely submerged under water are included in this category. This function is mandatory for underwater models (see "Type"), however, it can also be used in ground models, which allows using such devices to search in shallow water bodies (streams, puddles), coastal strip, etc.

The operating frequency (or frequency range) of the metal detector. This is one of the most important parameters when choosing a device, because the optimal frequency for different cases will be different — depending on the size and material of the items being searched, the characteristics of the soil and other factors. Detailed recommendations on the choice of frequency for each specific situation can be found in special sources; And already on the basis of this information, it is worth choosing a specific model.

Note that the actual frequency at which the metal detector will operate also depends on the installed coil — they are usually made for a specific frequency. Therefore, to use the full capabilities of the device with the ability to adjust this parameter, you may need replaceable coils.

— Pin-Point mode(target designation). Possibility of operating the device in the so-called static mode, when the detection accuracy increases significantly (due to a decrease in range and discrimination ability). Note that this function is not found in pinpointers (see “Type”), despite the similarity of names - such devices are very accurate and without special modes. And among classic mine detectors, the Pin-Point mode is used only in models operating on the VLF or VFLEX principle (see above) - for other operating principles this function is, for one reason or another, irrelevant. Be that as it may, this feature can be very useful in accurately searching for small objects. The fact is that a classic VLF/VFLEX metal detector is able to “see” objects only if the coil moves above the ground - this simplifies discrimination, but noticeably reduces accuracy. In static mode, the device operates even in a stationary position, and the coil can be moved very slowly, which significantly increases the search accuracy.

— Setting sensitivity. Ability to change the sensitivity of the metal detector. High sensitivity makes it possible to search at great depths, but at the same time reduces resistance to interference, increases the likelihood of false positives and does not allow you to accurately determine the location of individual finds in places where signals are densely located (the device reacts to a group...of objects as a whole and cannot identify separate). Yes, and ground balancing (see above) is also connected. and with sensitivity. Therefore, this parameter is very important for setting up the metal detector for a specific situation.

— Threshold tone. The threshold tone is a low, monochromatic hum that the metal detector’s speaker or headphones emit in “neutral” mode, when there are no alarms. This feature has several uses. So, the tone can serve as an indicator that the device is turned on and working normally; This is especially true for models not equipped with displays. The pitch of the sound may change when the characteristics of the surface under the coil change - for example, when moving to soil with a different level of mineralization, or when detecting objects that “do not reach” the response threshold due to their small size or deep location; experienced users know how to use these tone changes for work purposes.

— Detuning from electrical interference. The presence of this function in the metal detector allows you to neutralize the influence of electromagnetic interference and prevent both “blurring” of the signal and false alarms. Such interference can occur for various reasons: from the proximity of power lines, radio transmitters or locators, when working near vehicles with running engines or near other metal detectors, etc.

— Tone identification. This function assumes that the metal detector, when triggered, emits signals of different heights - depending on the expected material and size of the find, its depth, etc. This feature is especially important for models that do not have a display. Tone identification requires some getting used to, but usually even inexperienced users do not have problems with it.

— VDI / Target ID identification. Metal detector function that helps to more accurately determine the type of metal. It is based on the display on the display of a numerical value inherent in a certain class of metal. Thanks to the table, you can significantly narrow the range of possible detected objects.

— Determination of target depth. A device function that helps determine the depth of the desired target. It is based on displaying on the display the numerical value of certain units of length measurement or highlighting segments of the depth scale.

— Vibration response. The presence of a vibration response system in the design of the metal detector. This system allows the device to send a signal by vibration of the case (similar to how this happens, for example, in mobile phones). In some cases, such a signal may be more convenient and appropriate than sound or visual indication. For example, when using a ground metal detector, the vibration of the device in your hand will almost unmistakably indicate that it has triggered, while the sound may be “lost” in the surrounding noise, and the visual indicator may be out of sight at the right moment. And in an inspection pinpointer (see “Type”), the vibration response can also be useful as a “silent warning” - so that the signal is not audible to the subject being inspected and at the same time reliably warns the operator.

— Volume adjustment. The presence in the design of a regulator that allows you to change the volume of the sound signal from speakers or headphones. Such a regulator can be located on the control unit, on the handle, on the headphones, etc.; however, in all cases its operating principle and purpose are the same.

— Low battery indicator. The metal detector has an alarm system that warns of low battery levels. This function informs you in advance about the need to take care of a fresh power source and prevents situations where the battery unexpectedly “dies” at the most inopportune moment. Note that the specific implementation of the indicator may vary: the signal can be visual or audio, and in some models, data on the battery status is displayed only upon the user’s command.

— LCD display. The presence of its own display in the design of metal detectors. This feature makes working with the device more convenient and visual: through the display, you can display more different information than with the help of an audible alarm or indicator lights, and it is easier to perceive. On the other hand, such devices are more expensive than similar models without a screen.

— Arrow indicator. The presence in the design of the metal detector of an analogue dial indicator to display data on the search process. Such an implementation is much more modest and cheaper than the same LCD display, but an order of magnitude more convenient than without visual notification at all.

— Display backlight. The presence of a backlight allows you to use the display of the metal detector in low light conditions — up to complete darkness. Note that this function can be useful not only at dusk, but also in the daytime — for example, when searching in a dense forest in cloudy weather. See above for details on the display.

— Built-in speaker. The presence in the design of the metal detector of its own speaker. Such a speaker allows you to use the device without headphones, which are not always convenient, and sometimes unsafe (for example, when working in places where traffic can move).

— GPS module. The pre...sence of a GPS satellite navigation module in the design of the metal detector. This module allows you to determine the current geographic coordinates of the device, and the options for using this data can be different: recording search routes, fixing the places of individual finds, and even full-fledged navigation with laying routes from point to point.

— Armrest. The presence in the design of the metal detector of an additional support in the area of the operator's elbow. This support reduces the load on the hand, and also makes the hold more stable and at the same time controllable, allowing you to comfortably hold the device in one hand.

— Headphone output. The presence of a headphone output in the design of the metal detector. This can be either a standard connector that allows you to connect any compatible "ears" (for example, a 3.5 mm mini-jack output, popular in portable audio equipment), or an original proprietary interface that allows you to use only specialized "native" accessories. Anyway, headphones are often more convenient than a speaker, as they allow you to hear the signals from the device well even in a rather noisy environment.

— Headphones. The presence of headphones in the scope of delivery of the metal detector. Usually, such headphones have high quality and accuracy of sound transmission, so that the user can be guaranteed to hear all the signals and tone shades of the signals. "Ears" can be wired and wireless, and in underwater models (see "Type"), they are, respectively, made waterproof. This function is convenient because you do not have to search and purchase the best headphones for the metal detector on your own.

Shock protection in this case means a reinforced body structure that protects the metal detector from damage during shocks and shocks. Note that not all such models have official certification as shock-resistant — often the case is limited to the manufacturer's statements about "durable materials". However, even such claims are usually based on certain grounds, and in general , shock -resistant devices are more reliable and durable than similar models without this feature.

The longest possible time of continuous operation of the metal detector without changing or recharging the batteries. Usually, some “perfect” time is indicated for the most optimal mode: constant stable operation of the coil without unnecessary energy consumption for sound signals, display indications and other additional functions, fully charged batteries or high-quality replaceable batteries, etc. Therefore, the actual time of continuous operation is likely to be somewhat less (how much depends on the features of the work). Nevertheless, this parameter describes well the battery life of the metal detector and allows you to evaluate its suitability for work "in isolation from civilization" (as well as the estimated number of spare batteries that may be needed for a complete survey of the desired territory).

Additional accessories and parts included with the metal detector. These can be devices for protection and ease of carrying in the working position or during transportation — belts, bags, cases, rain covers for the control unit; special equipment required for work — for example, a grounding rod for models with the RF operating principle; and other additional equipment. The presence of batteries and a charger for them in this paragraph is indicated only if the device uses replaceable elements (see "Power"), because cordless metal detectors are by default equipped with a battery and “charging”, and there is no need to specify this. Also, this paragraph does not cover spare replacement coils — their presence or absence characterizes the “Number of coils” paragraph.

The total weight of the metal detector in the working position is with the installed coil and batteries (if both are removable, see above). This parameter is quite important, taking into account the fact that during operation the device has to be kept on the weight: long-term use can be very tiring even with a relatively small weight and the presence of an armrest (see above). Therefore, light weight is a noticeable advantage for any metal detector. At the same time, other things being equal, lighter models tend to cost more, so you can use another option — a shoulder strap that reduces the load on the hand. And for underwater metal detectors (see "Type"), this parameter is not particularly relevant, because. objects underwater lose a significant amount of weight.