Here is a list of the common Metal Detectors, in use by land surveyors. In no particular order. Unless I have left one out, (not on purpose) this is what is in common use:
Schonstedt about 5 different models.
Sub Surface Instruments
ChrisNik, Hound Dog Several different models.
Rigid has one, RIDGID 53068 MR-10 MAGNETIC LOCATOR (I think it is a Sub surface, with a different label)
Then, there is Magna Wand.
And, now Javad has one. But it will not be available for a while. It will work with the Javad LS. (totally new product)
If I have left one out, it was not on purpose.
The question comes up on this forum, and the PREVIOUS forum, (RPLS.COM) and the inevitable result is:
I use______, and I like it.
And, that is the end of it. Because, once you LEARN one variety, there is WORK to get up to speed with another kind, or type.
I will throw in my bias. I am a Schonstedt man.
Mostly the 52 models. Now, I have a 72, and a 92. I bought the 92 new, so I could carry it easier.
I even bought an airport one, for use in a pinch. (garrett handheld)
Now, I have been in a situation, where I was hunting for an ORIGINAL GLO corner. I FOUND the big stump hole of an original witness tree. From the stump hole, I started DIGGING, and found an aluminum survey marker, by a previous surveyor. It had been logged for trees, and the magnet was gone, so it had NO magnetic signal.
So, I'd LIKE my metal detector to be ABLE to find aluminum. I have NO idea if this is easy, or if it is feasible.
And, we really need a STUDY of these devices. To find what is really the "Best". Because, we all depend on these devices, for our livelihood. A fail to find an important monument, can badly impact a survey.
And, I think this subject deserves more attention.
I bought the 92 model, because I NEEDED one that is portable. (same philosophy as my camera, small and with me, is BETTER than BIG and in the truck...) The 92 is not as good as the 52, or the 72, and I don't like bending over, but PORTABLE is VERY important. But, I never want to miss a monument. I'm a big shovel fan too... you have to dig it up. So, my 92 sees more use, than any of them.
But, I have my own desire. I want one that fits into my shirt pocket, and extends to 40", and does it all. Tough, Reliable, and WITH ME.
I have even cut down small trees, and MADE my own digging tool. This way, I have only to carry the saw, and make the rest of what I need, on the site. I'm talking about long hikes, and rugged country, and carrying less weight.
I have even cut down iron wood, and used it as a hammer.
We all discuss Total Stations, and various navigation devices, but the lowly metal detector (I feel) deserves more study, and application, by those of us, who REALLY don't want to miss something important.
So, for what it is worth, please share what is your favorite, and WHY.
I hope that at some point, a group of us can get together, and learn from each other, as to WHAT we are doing, and HOW, and share methods.
I feel that there is more here to be learned.
As it presently sits, my own plan was to try one of those hound dog (ChrisNik) ones, especially around a fence, to test it.
Surveyors. We draw from MANY technologies, to produce a quality product.
Hopefully we will all continue to develop our acumen.
Anyway, would you mind posting what you use, and what you think is why it is your choice?
Nate
Nate,
You will have to go to an "active" metal detector to find non-ferrous metals. The "passive" metal detectors that surveyors use are good for ferrous metals, but not for Aluminum (or gold, silver, etc.)
Loyal
Loyal, aren't some of them able to do both?
It looks like I left out Dunham and Morrow. Maybe another.
N
We use Schonstedt GA52 whatever vintage(s) as well as Sub Surface. For locating iron rods and other ferrous materials they both work well. For locating pipe we use Radio Detection RD-8000 locators; those things are really excellent, especially in the hands of someone well trained in their use.
Nate The Surveyor, post: 382500, member: 291 wrote: Here is a list of the common Metal Detectors, in use by land surveyors. In no particular order. Unless I have left one out, (not on purpose) this is what is in common use:
Schonstedt about 5 different models.
Sub Surface Instruments
ChrisNik, Hound Dog Several different models.
Rigid has one, RIDGID 53068 MR-10 MAGNETIC LOCATOR (I think it is a Sub surface, with a different label)
Then, there is Magna Wand.
And, now Javad has one. But it will not be available for a while. It will work with the Javad LS. (totally new product)
If I have left one out, it was not on purpose.
The question comes up on this forum, and the PREVIOUS forum, (RPLS.COM) and the inevitable result is:
I use______, and I like it.
And, that is the end of it. Because, once you LEARN one variety, there is WORK to get up to speed with another kind, or type.
I will throw in my bias. I am a Schonstedt man.
Mostly the 52 models. Now, I have a 72, and a 92. I bought the 92 new, so I could carry it easier.
I even bought an airport one, for use in a pinch. (garrett handheld)Now, I have been in a situation, where I was hunting for an ORIGINAL GLO corner. I FOUND the big stump hole of an original witness tree. From the stump hole, I started DIGGING, and found an aluminum survey marker, by a previous surveyor. It had been logged for trees, and the magnet was gone, so it had NO magnetic signal.
So, I'd LIKE my metal detector to be ABLE to find aluminum. I have NO idea if this is easy, or if it is feasible.And, we really need a STUDY of these devices. To find what is really the "Best". Because, we all depend on these devices, for our livelihood. A fail to find an important monument, can badly impact a survey.
And, I think this subject deserves more attention.
I bought the 92 model, because I NEEDED one that is portable. (same philosophy as my camera, small and with me, is BETTER than BIG and in the truck...) The 92 is not as good as the 52, or the 72, and I don't like bending over, but PORTABLE is VERY important. But, I never want to miss a monument. I'm a big shovel fan too... you have to dig it up. So, my 92 sees more use, than any of them.
But, I have my own desire. I want one that fits into my shirt pocket, and extends to 40", and does it all. Tough, Reliable, and WITH ME.
I have even cut down small trees, and MADE my own digging tool. This way, I have only to carry the saw, and make the rest of what I need, on the site. I'm talking about long hikes, and rugged country, and carrying less weight.
I have even cut down iron wood, and used it as a hammer.
We all discuss Total Stations, and various navigation devices, but the lowly metal detector (I feel) deserves more study, and application, by those of us, who REALLY don't want to miss something important.
So, for what it is worth, please share what is your favorite, and WHY.I hope that at some point, a group of us can get together, and learn from each other, as to WHAT we are doing, and HOW, and share methods.
I feel that there is more here to be learned.As it presently sits, my own plan was to try one of those hound dog (ChrisNik) ones, especially around a fence, to test it.
Surveyors. We draw from MANY technologies, to produce a quality product.
Hopefully we will all continue to develop our acumen.Anyway, would you mind posting what you use, and what you think is why it is your choice?
Nate
I use the Schonstedt 52. It's the only one I've found that can locate coordinates while sitting in the truck.
Bought a couple hound dogs and sure love em. Tricky thing is some vertial metal objects will have their poles reversed and some longer ones will have 2 distinct fields. Ie top is positive, middle you find a negative twice and a positive at the ground. Any physics majors answer that one?
Always had 52s but the dog is half the weight and easy to shoulder for a hike. Only hound dog complaint is non adjustable quiet volume.
If I were going to make one, it would have a LOUD volume. Really. Some of old older folks don't hear so good...
Nate The Surveyor, post: 382562, member: 291 wrote: If I were going to make one, it would have a LOUD volume. Really. Some of old older folks don't hear so good...
I hear ya! I'm 37 and my left ear is that of a 75yo. DJ ing in college wasn't the best idea. Plus many range trips without plugs hurt too.
All metal detectors should have an earphone jack or Bluetooth audio sending unit.
A screen scale is better than nothing, I simply like to hear the reading.
I own a subsurface. I need to hear the pitch. But I need the scale too. Many times hearing the pitch, looking at the scale the polarity on the scale changes when there is a lot of attraction in the area searching. The reverse polarity more time than none is the iron rebar I'm looking for. Then there is that null sound next to a fence that will give a pin away. I've never had anyone helping me that could run a metal detector. They drive me crazy!!! I can watch and listen to someone else using one and know where the pin is. I love it when they give up saying nothing is there to go dig the pin up myself. Using a metal detector is as much a gift as an art. Drives my wife crazy! LOL!
Jules, I KNOW what you mean. This very thing, is why we don't want another metal detector... because we know how the one we are USED to works...
And, this is also why brand loyalty is so fierce.
I am aiming to learn several brands... so I can objectively pick one... might take work!
N
Things that come to mind.
Works well.
Rugged
Adjustable
SMALL
LOUD
LIGHT WEIGHT
Bright color, (can find easily)
Shows Polarity
Can ignore fences.
Waterproof
I can see having 2 on most jobs.
One lives on the ATV.
Nate,
I think that you are looking for a "tricorder."
😎
Loyal
I like my Dip Needle.
I prefer my old GA32 (the orange one, with headphones) over a 52 because I can pinpoint an object so much better. The 52 seems to give you a much larger 'dig' area whereas with the 32, I get get right on top of whatever is down there. Yes, the headphones can be a problem at times but its something I'm used to. My GA32 is somewhere around 36-38 years old and has been in the shop exactly once (they mean it when they say don't put the batteries in the wrong way!) It still performs like a champ!
By chance, I was out on Saturday looking for old wire fences. Actually, the fences are LONG gone and I was looking for the evidence of metal rust that accumulates on the ground, under a wire and remains for a long time (in this case the fence was probably removed in 1910.)
I use a Whites 6000/Di Pro and once you figure out to to reverse it (to ignore coins and detect all the stuff that the coin guys don't want to hear) it is just fine.
Found lots of wire and the end bale from a wire roll. And a bunch of 223 shells.
M
Nate The Surveyor, post: 382579, member: 291 wrote: Things that come to mind.
Works well.
Rugged
Adjustable
SMALL
LOUD
LIGHT WEIGHT
Bright color, (can find easily)
Shows Polarity
Can ignore fences.
WaterproofI can see having 2 on most jobs.
One lives on the ATV.
Small enough to get around with ease but big enough to hold off a biting dog if necessary.
I need to add "pine knots" and "stobs" to the list of things that a "corner detector" can find.
A shovel and metal detector are our two most important tools, yet they get overlooked the most.
Without them, what do have?
I have the 72. It works good but could be a little louder