THE HISTORY OF METAL DETECTORS
The metal detector is often thought of as a recent invention that inspires interest and creativity from all over the world as people seek to discover interesting items or rare metals. However, this invention was originally created for a very different purpose, and just like any piece of technology it developed slowly over time to become what we know it as today. 1881 saw one of the world’s first-ever metal detectors, designed by Alexander Graham Bell to try and extract a metal bullet from the president at the time, James Garfield. After being shot in the back, doctors were unable to locate the bullet and so Graham invented a device that he believed could help to find the bullet save President James Garfield’s life. However, due to limited technology and scientific knowledge at the time he was unaware that the bed’ metal springs were interfering with the device, rendering it essentially useless.
The device was developed further by many different individuals in the early 1900s, even aiding in discovering any unexploded landmines left after World War 1. However, these machines were extremely large and were equally as complicated to use, but this doesn’t mean that their potential went unrecognized. It was not until the 1920s where the more modern metal detector that we recognize today began to take shape and was beginning to be used in a more practical way. Gerhard Fischer made an extremely important discovery that led to the first handheld device being created in 1925. He found that the radio beams he was using were being distorted by ore-bearing rocks, and as a result, Fischer realized how this could be utilized on a smaller scale would be more accurate and easier to use a metal detector. It was then in 1931 when the first-ever handheld metal detector was made available to the public for recreational use.
In the 1950s an individual named Charles Garret found that the current metal detectors simply could not do what he wanted them to do. The devices lacked specifics, and he wanted to design something that was easier to control and was more efficient. He created an innovative metal detector named the BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) which essentially eliminated oscillator drift resulting in a more accurate and power device. In the 1960s, the first industrial metal detectors were developed which took on many of the responsibilities that modern-day metal detectors still have from detecting weapons in places such as airports, archaeology and more recreational purposes such as treasure hunting. The technology has now come so far from huge, complicated devices to the point where almost everyone will have a metal detector on their person every day.
With increasing technology, metal detectors have been revolutionized. For example with the new GoldHunter by TreasureHunter3D it was possible to transform this well known classic detector to a device that suits today's needs. Using the TresureHunter3D application ist possible to upgrade normal functions and add a new one like a camera that allows augmented reality to visualize objects on the ground in front of you. All these new features add value to the performance of the metal detector. This application can be installed on any computer or smartphone. This again aids in the accessibility of the user and allows them to interact with the machine easily.
The metal detector is a fascinating instrument and piece of technology, managing to attract both enthusiastic hobbyists in search of unique, rare items hidden away by time and professionals alike, who use these devices to discover important metals for real-world uses.
