Aug 04 2010
So it seems like smart phones can do just about everything. But could you compare a real Metal Detector to a pocket application copy of one? The android phone was one of the first smart phones to release the application, now Iphone has came out with their own metal detecting application as well. Check it out below!
Oct 07 2008
Every once in awhile our central Florida neighbor and blog sponsor, Kellyco Metal Detectors, will give us a little something to write about and today is one of those days.
It looks like they added a new feature to their website that will be of a great deal of use to any metal detector enthusiasts. You can now compare up to three metal detectors with just the click of a button.
Go to their website at: www.KellycoDetectors.com, find the metal detector of your choice and do the following:
1. Select the “Compare this detector” button. It’s located just above the main photo of every metal detector. A window will pop up with a list of your detector’s features.
2. Select the detector you would like to compare it to from the alphabetical “Add a Detector” list and its details will appear side-by-side.
3. Repeat step 2 as needed – you can compare up to three metal detectors all at the same time.
We just gave this feature a try with the Fisher F75 against the Fisher F5. Those are two new releases by Fisher that we’ve had questions about. They certainly look similar but there’s obviously quite a price difference and this comparison feature really showed us the differences between the two machines.
See the screen shot above-left of what we saw, or click on either of those detectors to go to their main page and do the “Compare this detector” yourself. We think this is a great feature and it will be put to good use come the Holidays!
Aug 28 2008
We were honestly starting to feel left out.
Camera’s have USB ports, so do cell phones, it was about time metal detectors jumped on board with the latest technology and finally enabled us to hook a machine up to a computer.
Minelab’s latest detector, the “E-Trac” features a mini USB port to connect the detector to a computer. It comes with software and you can save your programs on your computer. Here’s what Kellyco says about it:
Setting a new benchmark in metal detecting technology, Minelab has created the E-Trac. Fashioned after the popular Minelab Explorer SE, the E-Trac takes computer driven features to a new level.
Experience the excitement of discovery E-Trac sets a new benchmark! Utilizing the precision of Minelab’s proven Full Band Spectrum (FBS) multi-frequency technology, E-Trac is fast, sensitive, accurate and DEEP! Advanced digital filtering has been enhanced with the development of new timings ensuring optimum sensitivity and accurate discrimination. A refined discrimination scale supports real-time analysis on target identification utlizing the fastest, most powerful microprocessor ever. New features include superior ergonomics and the introduction of a USB facility with XChange software, allowing you to download, save and email your favorite settings! A logical, intuitive menu supports easy access across all functions making E-Trac a superb choice for new users and experienced detectorists alive.
What’s New:
The Minelab E-Trac features a USB port to connect your metal detector to your personal computer. This allows you to save user modes, patterns, your favorite settings, and even the settings of other detectorists! (Perfect for those that share a machine or let someone borrow it). An improved LCD screen provides the highest resolution possible, while a new “QuickMask” feature has been added to the ever-popular “Iron Mask Discrimination” to allow for easier Iron rejection adjustment. The “Sensitivity” gauge has been improved and features suggested levels to give you more time hunting and less time programming.
Check out Kellyco’s Minelab E-Trac Page for more information, screen shots of what you see on your computer, and other goodies. And if anyone takes this thing out please let me know!
- Shaun
Dec 27 2007
Somewhere, a metal detectorist must have wanted to entertain his kids and put them to work because there is now such a thing as a remote controlled metal detecting car! Talk about getting kids into the hobby!
I haven’t gotten a chance to play with one yet, but apparently the car beeps and lights up whenever it gets close to a metal object. It comes equipped with some pretty heavy duty little tires, so I imagine taking it through thick, dry beach sand won’t be too hard! And if you don’t find any spare change with it, you’ll be sure to have found some new (and probably young) friends.
So far this metal detecting car has been approved by The London Science Museum - a trusted source if there ever was one - but no word yet on exactly what kind of metal it detects. Anyone tried one yet?
Oct 05 2007
Have you been looking for a way to keep track of all your found items? i-Detect from Ginkgoware helps you do just that.
From their site:
Get rid of the old notebooks, sticky notes, cumbersome database programs, and inaccurate memories, keep a detailed record of all your detecting activites with “i-detect”
i-Detect costs $25.95, and allows you to load pictures, keep track of hundreds of finds, track total hours & collection values, keep a detailed item list, and provides advanced record searching.
I just ordered a copy of the software, so I’ll post a review when I’ve tried it, but I think it looks like the best software available for metal detectors.
If you have experience using this software, we’d love to hear from you. Put your thoughts about this software in the comments section.
Oct 04 2007
It seems many fans of metal detecting are also fans of exploring - they go hand-in-hand, don’t they? One of the best tools for exploring is a map, and the best map tool on the internet is Google Maps. I have been using Google Maps for years to help find my way around town, and recently, gMaps released Google Maps Street View. Street view is exactly what it sounds like….it’s a ton of actual photos taken from the street, all stitched together to make it appear that you’re actually on the street looking around. It’s pretty difficult to give a full explanation, so I’m going to let one of the Google guys (Ryan) do it for me:
Understand now? I live in Orlando, FL, which has this feature, so I’ve spent hours searching the map for my car - to no avail. Street view has brought on a bit of controversy since its inception, mostly with privacy issues. There are now billions a lot of websites devoted to finding unusual photos and situations in street view.
Here are three of my favorites:
Google Maps is Spying on my Cat - BoingBoing.net
Streetviewr.com - a huge collection of images. Click on any image for a larger, interactive version
grokdotcom.com - a small collection, but a few good links
If you enjoy flying, another google map site you might be interested in is Goggles. It’s a flight simulator using gMaps.
If you search the street views and find yourself, or something interesting, let us know in the comments.
Sep 26 2007
A few readers have emailed us asking various questions about our blog. They said they are new to the internet, or not familiar with blogs, and need help with navigating our site. We decided to dissect our blog for those of you with the same questions. Here are sections of our site, with a brief explanation of each part. Hopefully this answers your questions, but if not, ask away in the comments section.
TOP OF PAGE
SIDE OF PAGE
POSTS
BOTTOM OF PAGE
Sep 26 2007
John Corney, of Corsley Heath, has created a remote controlled metal detector that can climb over footballs, and has an on-board camera to help the controller guide it while it hunts for treasure.
At 50, John Corney has found hundreds of old coins and medieval artifacts with his invention. It cost the creator £2,000 and six years to develop this creation, and was based on an idea he had after hearing a story about land mines.
It makes a fantastic metal detector and I think it is the future of metal detecting units. Anyone could use it because it is remote controlled. I hurt my back in the Gulf War and can’t swing round so this is great for me and for people of all abilities to use.
Mr. Corney is currently looking for a developer to help bring the device to market.
Have you made any modifications to your metal detector? We’d love to hear your story or see a few pictures. Tell us about it in the comments.
