Metal Detectors.

[rossi46]

Anyone here mess with them?

I've been given one by someone no longer able to use it and I find the idea intriguing. It also came with a couple of issues Treasure Hunting magazine, but I see from a quick flick through them, the detector I have is by no means top of any range. Still, I've been assured that it works.

I just wondered if there were any experienced 'detectorists' in here. After watching a couple youtube videos of US guys get overly excited about coins they find, I have to admit it looks more like a summer project than something to get involved in at this time in the UK.

[RetroBob]

We had one years ago when we were barely teenagers, got it as a joint Christmas present. Yeah it was a weird present - I must ask my parents why and where they got it. It was quite fun though we didn't know how to use it properly/fully. Found a few bits of junk. I remember my Dad dropped something important in a field and found it with the metal detector. I can't remember what it was but probably a key or vehicle part.

Bare in mind that if you go on land that isn't publicly owned then you must have permission to be there, and there are rules about what you find too.

[rossi46]

My idea was to take it to work with me. My job is to visit farms, map their fields using gps and take soil samples for analysis. Sometimes I don't see a soul for days But, yeah, I was aware that there's rules and stuff. The magazines that came with the gadget spell it out in detail. I dont anticipate finding a new roman settlement any time soon, but you never know.

[RetroBob]

Sometimes I don't see a soul for days

Living the dream!

Sounds like you have a good opportunity! Even more important that you get permission as if someone complains to your company you might get das boot.

[rossi46]

Lol I imagined saying I'd lost my keys or something

[merman]

You should watch the TV series Detectorists as research...

[rossi46]

Theres a TV show, too? Lol I thought I'd found a pastime even nerdier than retrogames and rc helicopters and they make a TV show about it too

[Antiriad2097]

It's a quality sitcom rather than a Time Team sort of thing. Well worth a watch, it seems unlikely but you will become invested in the characters.

It's on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/ ... tectorists

[rossi46]

I just watched 4 episodes back-to-back and I'm loving it.

[Crusty Starfish]

Bloody geeks!

[oldtimer]

Im a detectorist myself , have been for years, but beware lots have an undeserved bad reputation for "nighthawking" ie detecting scheduled monuments and such places at night illegally.
Best join a club then you will have access to all sorts of decent places to detect.
I do some of mine on seashores but again you have to be careful if its owned by the crown you need a permit from the crown estates online, its free.

[rossi46]

I've been researching intensively both in magazines and online. From what I can make out, the machine i was given is a kind of £50 toy-grade item. Its a no-name analog device. I'd have to upgrade considerably before joining a club, I reckon. It'd be like taking an AT Games Megadrive to a hardcore retro club.

I have my eye on something quality though.

[oldtimer]

I have a Garrett Ace detector def NOT a toy , well worth the money .

[Sega2006]

Used to watch old Boys doing it on the Coast as a kid, finding anything big in the UK now is unlikely but you have plenty of chances of smaller artifacts about, another popular one is mudlarking but that one you pretty much always need a permit for, never really done either myself though despite around here there has been a good amountof Roman stuff found.

[rossi46]

@oldtimer: I'm thinking of getting either the Dr.OTek MT-XR or the Go-Find 22. Any thoughts?