Are you looking to get started working with a gold detector?

Here are some great ways to start your new hobby!

- Get the Right Equipment

Most (if not all) models of a gold detectors work on the same principle of technology.

When you’re paying more for a gold detector, you’re paying for quality and / or features.

Quality will get you better made sensors and more accurate electronics.

Features will normally include multiple frequency sensors (to try to eliminate false signals from iron and other metals), waterproofing (for off-shore exploration), and the ability to pulse.

When picking equipment, focus on what you need – and be ready to spend a bit more for quality equipment.

In the world of treasure hunting, getting one extra find from a piece of equipment can easily pay for the equipment many times over, as well as the difference in price!

- Calibrate Calibrate Calibrate!

Make sure your equipment is properly calibrated and that you’re following the manufacturer’s specifications.

When you get to be a pro, you’ll be able to make small tweaks and modifications away from what the manufacturer recommends.

Until then, follow the guidelines to the letter – the manufacturers test their equipment out far more than most people, and set their equipment to the right specifications.

- Go Out And Get Looking!

Part of the learning process is getting the feel for being able to discern precious metals from old bobby pins and bottle caps.

It is only be going out an looking for gold that you’ll get good at finding it – and then taking your experience back to narrow down your search with maps and data.

I don’t want to downplay the importance of proper research – it can save years of work! however research without know what to do with it is a waste of time as well.

In recent years, the popularity of Gold Metal Detector clubs has been on the rise.

As the price of gold continues to rise, people are looking for gold hidden on popular resort beaches.

While many are doing this on their own, many clubs have also started – partly to teach and learn from others the art and science of gold metal detecting, partly to have a hobby and socialize together.

Gold Metal Detector clubs can be a great activity. Here’s some ideas on how to set “ground rules” with yours.

- Establish a written constitution and club rules

This is very important – rules are the groundwork for what is right and what is wrong in the group.

Rules allow you to go back to the “basics” if your members or executive get off track. 

- Help your members gain knowledge

Bring in experts, allow specific members to make presentations on techniques and equipment that have worked for them

- Allow your members to learn from each other

Groups of people can learn the basics fairly quickly. As well, as they grow and become better gold metal detectors, they also have a network developed to share their information

- Develop a sense of trust

Trust is a large part of working together in a group, especially in a group focusing on detecting gold!

Some clubs operate off of rules of trust such as “if a great metal detector location is given out to one person, it should be given out to everybody in the club”

Others operate off of a rule such as “nobody is allowed to ask where good areas are” and focus solely on technique and finding items in the sand

- Have regular meetings

Regular meetings are important to keeping the continuity of the club

- Have competitions

Bury an item in the sand, and race to see who can find it first

Set a day where you see who can bring in the most items by number or weight

Have people guess the depth of a buried item by the sound their gold metal detector tells them

Anything is possible, competitions help people work together and exchange information more.