How To Make A Metal Detector?

Making your own metal detector can be an exciting, adventurous and educational affair. It is a great way to explore your interests in electronics as well as a getaway for people with engineering endeavours. Having said that, it is worth noting that the process of making a metal detector is not as hard as it sounds. Actually you have a variety of methods to choose from. The three main ones include using a calculator and an AM radio to make a detector, using your smartphone and assembling the components. In this article, we are going to share more on the last method, which involves assembling the components of a metal detector. Read on for a step by step guide of making a metal detector.

Step One

The first step in this method involves collecting the components of a metal detector. The three main components include the control box, the shaft and the coil. When you go out to buy a metal detector kit for your assembly, it is advisable to purchase a kit that comes with as many components as possible. This will help reduce the assembling workload. Choosing a kit that comes with less hardware means that that you will have to make the remaining hardware by yourself.

Step two

The second step in the process of making a metal detector involves soldering the circuits. Remember the control box is the brains of the metal detector and it requires some soldering to be done for it to be ready. For you to do this, ensure that you have a soldering gun with you and that you are familiar with the workings of a soldering gun. If you feel that you are not well-versed with this piece of equipment, please ensure that you seek the services of a professional to do the soldering for you.

Step three

Once you have done all the necessary wiring and you have ascertained that everything is set, it is time for you to put your new metal detector to a test. This is quite simple. First, place some pieces of metals of different types on the floor and if possible cover them with something like a rag or mat. Now hover above the mat or rag with your newly assembled metal detector and listen in. If the detector makes a beeping sound, then it means that it is working properly and it can be put to actual use. In case your metal detector fails the test, you can disassemble it and try rewiring it once again. It is not always a guarantee that the unit will work on the first attempt. As such, you shouldn’t give up just yet. However, if it keeps failing eve on subsequent tests, then perhaps you should consider an alternative method. 

The other method of using a calculator and an AM radio is pretty straightforward too. It involves turning on the AM radio and then setting the rightmost frequency then putting it back to back with the calculator. In this position, tape them together and you should be good to go. With this setup, you should be able to detect any kind of metal by moving the set up over the area you intend to inspect. As for the smartphone option, all you need to do is download the metal detector app which will transform your smartphone into a metal detector.

It is worth noting that the most effective way of making a metal detector is by assembling the components of an actual metal detector. The smartphone app and the radio/calculator would not be quite effective.