Homemade Metal Detector - Make Your Own Metal Detector

Metal detectors, like any other machine or device have a lot of varieties. When it comes to assembling one, the task can be quite an effort. If you have a bit of knowledge of the part in use, the process can be a bit less tedious, but if electronic components are not at all your interest , it can get a bit demanding. Therefore, building a metal detector from existing set of components is a viable option. Even if you are not familiar with the working of certain parts, the process takes very little time to do so. Thus, all you need to get started is, some equipment and a loads of determination and enthusiasm for the project.

How to Make Your Own Metal Detector?

Building a metal detector without loosening your purse strings, requires a careful study of the existing material in the house and some tips. The project can be a nice creative activity, especially during the leisure time. Some easily available devices in the house can be used for the activity. For a simple design you can start with a CD case (one with black insert in the middle to hold the stack in place), an AM/FM radio, velcro tapes or the nylon straps used for fastening and a scientific calculator.

The project involves use of a very simple electromagnetic wave detection principle, that does not need an expert in electronics to design one. The AM/FM radio is to be strapped to one side of the CD casing, divided by the central hole, using the velcro tape. It can be done simply by strapping one end of the tape to the central part of the radio and the other to one of the parts inside the CD casing. Thus, the first stage of homemade metal detector, which is to mount the radio gets completed. The mounting of the radio should be done in such a way ,that no part of it obstructs the casing cover to be put back on.

The same steps need to be repeated with the calculator. The back side of the calculator can be strapped to the other side of the CD case, with the tapes. Another important step in mounting is, to ensure that the calculator as well as the radio are facing each other, and are in an erect position. Once this is done, the operational aspect of metal detector can begin. The radio should be tuned to the highest frequency in the AM mode to a point where you can hear only static or receive n channel. In case, the highest frequency is alloted to a channel, make sure to tune the radio to its nearest frequency with static. The next step is to switch on the calculator and gradually close the CD casing.

On switching on the calculator, you will hear a loud noise emanating from the case. His happens because of the electromagnetic signal emitted from the calculator are being detected by the AM radio channel. This is the setup for a low cost, homemade metal detector. The same kit can detect the presence of a metal object anywhere in its vicinity. Maybe, it helps you discover some valuable possession you always intended to find.