Comparison Minelab Equinox 800 vs Minelab Excalibur II

The shape of the coil (frame) of the metal detector.

— Round. The traditional form used in almost all types of ground and underwater metal detectors (see "Type"); the only exceptions are models that work according to the RF method (see "Operating principle"). When using concentric coils (see "Coil Type"), this option allows you to create a conical field, which is convenient for pinpointing the location of the find, but reduces the covered area and makes it difficult to search over a large area; models with DD coils do not have this drawback.

— Elliptical. The shape in the form of a longitudinally elongated ellipse allows you to somewhat "stretch" the field created by the metal detector in length. This is especially true for coils of the concentric type — however, such an expansion somewhat reduces the positioning accuracy of individual finds. But in coils of the DD type, where the accuracy is by definition low, the choice between round and elliptical shape is most often not fundamental.

— Rectangular. A specific form used in RF or PI instruments. For technical reasons, it is considered optimal for such devices, but it is practically not found in other types of metal detectors.

— Butterfly. Another option used in DD coils along with the ellipse (see above). In fact, it consists of two elliptical windings..., partially combined and resembling butterfly wings in shape — hence the name. This option is typical mainly for large-sized DD coils; with a large width, it is considered more optimal than an ellipse.

The size of the standard coil (frame) of the metal detector. Theoretically, the larger it is, the deeper the device is able to “see” and the more space it captures in one pass, but the worse it is suitable for searching for small objects and the lower the accuracy with which it localizes them. At the same time, these characteristics depend on so many other factors that in fact, the size of the coil itself affects them very little.

Note that for coils (frames) of an elliptical shape, only one size can be indicated — along the length.

The number of individual operating frequencies at which the metal detector can operate. For more on the frequencies themselves, see "Detection Frequency" below; here we note that the more options ( 3 frequencies and more) are provided in the design, the wider the capabilities of the metal detector, the easier it is to adjust it to the specifics of the objects being searched and the environment. However, most models have one frequency.

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.

The deepest depth at which a metal detector is capable of detecting small coins and other objects of similar size. Many users buy a device with the intention of “hunting” for metal trifles, so manufacturers often indicate this parameter separately in the specifications. Due to the small size of the coins, their detection depth is usually much less than the total maximum detection depth (see above).

Ground balancing method provided in the design of the metal detector. By itself, such balancing is a setting of work parameters for the characteristics of a particular soil — after all, depending on its mineralization, humidity, etc. The soil affects the search signal in different ways, and the device electronics must take this effect into account for high-quality processing of such a signal. Due to the correct balancing, the detection of the desired objects is ensured and at the same time the probability of false positives is minimized; and it can be done in the following ways:

— Automatic. The most convenient type of balancing that does not require the user to manually adjust the device. Usually, tuning requires some time to move the coil up and down above the ground until the automation sets the necessary parameters. There are two types of auto tuning: preset and tracking. The first option involves balancing the metal detector for a specific type of soil before starting work, after which the device uses the same parameters until the next setting. Such a scheme is inexpensive and can be used even in fairly simple models, but it is not very reliable: even a small change in the type of soil under the coil leads to a decrease in the effective detection depth and an increase in the probability of false positives. Follow-up balancing does not have this disadvantage: devices with this function constantly monitor the characteristics of t...he soil and make the necessary corrections to the operating parameters right in the process of operation. This increases the efficiency of the search, however, the price of such devices is very high.

— Manual. As the name implies, with such balancing, the necessary parameters must be set by the user himself. This option is considered the most reliable, because. even the most advanced automatic systems do not always work perfectly; And yes, this setup is cheap. On the other hand, it requires certain skills from the operator and may not be suitable for inexperienced users.

— Manual / automatic. A variant that combines both types of balancing described above; in such models, the user can choose the way of setting as they wish.

The number of pre-installed programs for searching for various materials. Their number reflects the capabilities of a particular model, allowing you to start working right off the bat.

Regular metal detector search programs include detection of coins, all metals, jewelry and relics. In some models, this list can be expanded with "Beach" programs, custom (user) detection mode, etc.

— 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.