Treasure hunting is a fascinating hobby that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. The idea of discovering hidden treasures and artifacts is alluring, and many enthusiasts have dedicated their lives to this pursuit.
However, treasure hunting is not an easy task, requiring the right equipment to succeed. A metal detector is one of the most important tools for treasure hunting, and PI metal detectors are considered the best for finding real treasures.
Ironically, while PI metal detectors are the best for treasure hunting, they also require some experience to use efficiently. These detectors use one coil as the transmitter and receiver, sending strong and short pulses through the coil. The reflected pulse’s length is processed through a sampling circuit and integration to convert it into a tone, signaling the presence of a target.
In this article, we’ll explore the five best PI metal detectors from popular brands like Whites Electronics, Garrett Electronics, and Minelab, and their features to help you discover the best one for your treasure hunting needs. So, if you’re looking to take up treasure hunting as a hobby or profession, read on to discover the best PI metal detectors available.
Key Takeaways
- PI metal detectors require experience to use efficiently but are ideal for finding real treasures.
- They use one coil as both the transmitter and receiver to send strong and short pulses through the coil, creating a magnetic field that collapses when it stops, resulting in an electrical spike and reflected pulse.
- The difference in reflected pulse length is processed through a sampling circuit and integration to convert it into a tone, signaling the presence of a target.
- Popular brands for PI detectors include Whites Electronics, Garrett Electronics, and Minelab, and the best PI detectors include the Garrett ATX, Garrett Sea Hunter MK-II, Whites TDI Beach Hunter, Tesoro’s Sand Shark, and KKmoon Metal Detector.
How PI Detectors Work
The functioning of PI metal detectors involves using a single coil as both the transmitter and receiver to emit strong and short pulses through the coil. Each pulse creates a magnetic field that collapses when the pulse stops, resulting in an electrical spike and reflected pulse. The opposite magnetic field is created if the machine is over a metallic object, resulting in a longer reflected pulse.
The difference in the reflected pulse length is processed through a sampling circuit and integration to convert it into a tone, signaling the presence of a target.
PI detectors offer key features that make them ideal for finding real treasures. They can detect metallic objects buried deep in the ground, making them perfect for purposes such as gold prospecting, relic hunting, jewelry detecting, and coin shooting.
Additionally, the use of PI detectors requires experience to use efficiently, but once mastered, the benefits of using PI detectors are immense. PI detectors are extremely sensitive to precious metals and can detect targets that other detectors may miss, making them a popular choice among experienced treasure hunters.
Popular Brands
Garrett Electronics, with over 50 years of experience in metal detector manufacturing, is known for producing a wide range of detectors suitable for various applications, including gold prospecting, relic hunting, and coin shooting. Their metal detectors are designed to balance reliability and innovation, ensuring users get the best of both worlds.
The Garrett ATX, for example, is a waterproof PI detector ideal for gold prospecting, relic hunting, jewelry detecting, and coin shooting. It boasts of 13 sensitivity settings, 25 discrimination modes, automatic pinpointing, and a detection frequency of 730 pulses per second.
On the other hand, Minelab is a brand known for its specialized devices for searching for coins, treasures, and separate gold and silver detectors. Their metal detectors are designed for optimal performance, often at a higher price point. While this may deter some buyers, it’s worth noting that the performance of Minelab’s metal detectors is unmatched, making them a worthwhile investment for serious treasure hunters.
Ultimately, the choice between reliability vs. innovation and price vs. performance depends on the user’s needs and preferences.
Top PI Detectors
One well-known brand for specialized metal detectors is Minelab, which offers some of the best PI detectors in the market for treasure hunting. One of their top models is the Minelab GPX 5000, which is highly sensitive to small and deep targets, and has a range of features that make it ideal for various hunting situations.
The GPX 5000 has eight preset search modes, and the ability to program and save custom modes, making it easy to switch between different types of hunting. It also has a variety of audio and visual target identification capabilities, including a multi-tone audio system and a backlit LCD screen.
Another excellent PI detector is the Fisher Labs CZ-21, which is highly rated for its underwater performance and ability to discriminate between different types of metals. Its dual-frequency operation system allows for greater target identification and a more customizable experience. The CZ-21 also has an adjustable threshold, which can help reduce background noise and improve target detection. However, the CZ-21 is quite expensive, and may not be the best option for beginners or those on a budget.
Overall, the best features of these PI detectors include their ability to detect small and deep targets, their customizable search modes, and their audio and visual target identification capabilities. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each model before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common mistakes beginners make when using PI metal detectors?
Common mistakes for beginners using PI metal detectors include improper ground balancing, incorrect sensitivity and discrimination settings, and failure to properly identify targets. Troubleshooting techniques include researching and practicing with the detector, adjusting settings, and seeking advice from experienced users.
Can PI detectors be used to detect non-metallic objects?
PI detectors are primarily designed to detect metallic objects, however, advancements in technology have led to the development of applications of PI detectors beyond treasure hunting. Newer models can detect non-metallic objects such as cavities and voids in the ground.
How do you properly maintain and care for a PI metal detector?
Proper maintenance of a PI metal detector is crucial for optimal performance. Cleaning techniques include using a soft cloth and mild detergent, while storage methods involve keeping the detector dry and cool. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased sensitivity and inaccurate readings.
Are there any legal restrictions or regulations on using PI detectors for treasure hunting?
Legal limitations exist on using PI metal detectors for treasure hunting, including restrictions on private property and protected areas. Additionally, using these detectors can have an environmental impact, such as disturbing wildlife habitats and damaging archaeological sites.
How accurate are PI detectors in identifying the type of metal detected?
PI detectors use signal strength analysis and sensitivity settings to identify the type of metal detected. The difference in the reflected pulse length is processed through a sampling circuit and integration to convert it into a tone, signaling the presence of a target. Accuracy is influenced by the type of metal and the detector’s settings.
