Metal Detectors Key Terms

Learn key terms and phrases for metal detecting and detectors

By Nikki Davis

Metal detecting, while just a hobby for some, is a full-time profession for others. There are people out there who look for metal objects and coins and sell them as precious objects, but there are people out there who also search for metal weapons and contraband for a living, too. Metal detectors are used on a small scale such as handheld hobby devices or those used as wands by airport attendants. They are also as big as to be driven through by vehicles such as semis or used in industrial applications to keep metal scraps out of food or pharmaceutical products going to the consumer.

Whatever your need, knowing metal detectors terms will help you at every step of the game. You will appear more knowledgeable in your conversations, and it will help you as you make your next purchase. You can easily discuss features that may be your next detector with ease so that you get the best product for your money.

A.T.I.

A.T.I. stands for audio target identification, and it is when an metal detector has a certain audio pitch that identifies the types of metal it has located.
Try: Look at the advantages and disadvantages of audio target identification from S&P Treasure Finders.

Depth readout

Your depth readout dial tells you how many inches below the ground or surface an object is.
Try: Find our more about depth read out on a metal detector at Upstate Detectors.

Halo effect

Halo effect is when certain metals have been buried for long periods of time oxidize or leech into their surrounding soil. This in turn causes a halo of metal around the buried object.
Try: Read about the halo effect from MetalDetectingWorld.com.

Hipmount

Hipmount are metal detector units that you attached at your hip as opposed to hold on a stempiece.
Try: Look at the hipmount kit that can help you with swimming and wading situations from Demarco Detector Sales.

Signal interference

Signal interference are frequencies that can impede the reading of your metal detector. These can include but are not limited to when two detectors are operating too close to one another, electrical wires, radios or cell phone traffic.
Try: Learn about signal interference from MetalDetectors.com.

Gantry

The gantry system of metal detection is the walk through or drive through detectors as opposed to a handheld model of metal detector.
Try: Look at the gantry systems available through Rapiscan Systems.