Homemade metal detector for beginners. DIY metal detector - diagrams, drawings, step-by-step production. These materials should be used as follows:

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You simply won't believe how many treasures lie literally under our feet. It is clear that we do not even suspect the presence of treasure until it responds with a squeak in the metal detector. Archaeologists, geological prospectors, prospectors and builders cannot imagine working without this tool. A professional tool is expensive, so if treasure hunting is a hobby for you, you will certainly think about how to make a metal detector with your own hands. Today the editors of the site offer to study some life hacks, working diagrams and proven instructions for making this device. It is not as difficult as it seems, and even if you are a novice radio amateur, you will cope with the task without much effort.

Treasure hunting is a fascinating hobby that requires knowledge not only in history, but also in technology and electronics.

The operating principle of the device is based on the laws of physics, which make it possible to recognize objects at a distance. The action is directed and limited. The more expensive the metal detector, the greater the radius of its operation and the sensitivity of the detector. Complex models have a metal recognition function. Each type of metal interacts in its own way with the frequency of the search circuit, and the device compares the reaction with the standard and displays information for the operator on the display or sounds a sound signal.

In another popular design, the device analyzes the phase shift in the transmitting and receiving coils. When there are no metals in the detector's coverage area, the coil transmits a signal with a small amplitude. As you approach the search object, the amplitude increases. Thus, you can distinguish between non-ferrous and ferrous metals and detect voids in the ground. The structure of the metal detector is shown in the following diagram.

Parameters of metal detectors depending on purpose and technical device

Metal detectors for amateurs are the simplest dynamic type devices. The search head of the device must constantly move; this is the only way the desired signal can appear. If you stop moving, the signal will disappear. Such simple detectors are convenient because they do not require complex settings and allow you to exclude medium soils. Disadvantages include its low sensitivity and frequent false alarms in difficult areas.

Mid-range devices have better sensitivity. In the factory configuration, this device comes with several search heads of different sizes. Setting up the detector will require certain skills. Mid-range metal detectors are capable of recognizing metals.

Computerized devices are already professional instruments with a liquid crystal screen and pointer indication. The memory of its processor is loaded with programs capable of recognizing and distinguishing a signal and classifying each detected object. Professionals independently program devices for search conditions, eliminating unwanted triggers.

Gold detecting tools work not only on coins and jewelry in the ground, but also on native metal. It is not suitable for searching for small particles such as sand. It does not recognize them, especially if the soil is highly mineralized.

Depth detectors are designed to search for objects located at impressive depths. They can detect metal at a depth of up to 6 meters, while other models “pierce” only up to 3. Such devices recognize voids and other internal soil anomalies. Depth detectors operate on two coils, one is parallel to the ground surface, the other is perpendicular.

Stationary detectors are frames installed at particularly important protected sites. They detect any metal objects in people's bags and pockets that pass through the circuit.

What types of metal detectors can you make at home with your own hands?

Detectors are divided into 5 main types based on the principle of detecting the desired object.

Let's look at which metal detectors are suitable for making with your own hands at home:

Type	Peculiarities	Is it suitable for making it yourself?
Reception and transmission	Works with two induction coils. If the desired object is absent, the signal does not pass into the receiving coil.	Yes
Induction	Combines the functions of both coils. The signal is constant, changing when detecting the metal.	No, as a rule, difficulties arise in isolating the effective signal.
Based on frequency meter	The design of the device includes an LC generator that changes the frequency when metal objects are detected. Has low sensitivity.	Yes
With Q meter	Has an LC generator signal analyzer. Does not work well at low temperatures.	Yes
Pulse	Based on the transmission of eddy pulse currents. The signal changes its character depending on the type of metal detected.	Yes

And now more about how to make a simple metal detector with your own hands using the example of the “Pirate” design.

Homemade metal detector “Pirate”: diagram and detailed description of the assembly

If you are just thinking about how to make a homemade metal detector, do not try to take on complex models. Start with a simple but effective "Pirate". The name was invented by the author of the homemade product from a combination of Pi (pulse) and Ra-t (radioscope). The name stuck, and the simple and clear assembly scheme was so loved by users that “Pirate” became one of the most popular homemade products in this area. Currently, there are already 4 modifications of the “Pirate” scheme. The metal detector is simply assembled with your own hands, without using any specific tools.

The only drawback of this device is that the DIY metal detector does not have a scheme for working with metal discrimination. But for a novice treasure hunter this is unimportant.

Parts for assembling a metal detector

To make the device you will need to purchase:

ceramic capacitor - 1 nF;
2 film capacitors - 100 nF;
electrolytic capacitors: 10 μF (16 V) – 2 pieces, 2200 μF (16 V) – 1 piece, 1 μF (16 V) – 2 pieces, 220 μF (16 V) – 1 piece;
resistors - 7 pieces per 1; 1.6; 47; 62; 100; 120; 470 kOhm and 6 pieces for 10, 100, 150, 220, 470, 390 Ohm, 2 pieces for 2 Ohm;
variable resistors - 3 pieces for 10 and 100 kOhm, 400 Ohm (1W);
transistors – 3 pieces, VS557, IRF740, VS547;
2 diodes 1N148;
2 microcircuits: K157UD2 and NE555.

You will also need a plastic pipe for the rod, 9V batteries or accumulators and a PEV wire with a diameter of 0.8 mm.

For your information! Many people are interested in how to make a metal detector from a phone with their own hands. Some developers even offer programs that can be downloaded to your phone and used for this purpose. Serious radio enthusiasts can only advise you to use some spare parts - for example, a headphone input or a battery, perhaps a board to create a microcircuit.

DIY metal detector circuits

The simplest “Pirate” scheme looks like this.

The board can be placed in the body of a pocket receiver or any conveniently sized plastic box; even simple junction boxes from an electrician’s arsenal are suitable.

Important point! To get rid of possible interference when touching the device regulators, all variable resistor housings are connected to the negative side of the board.

If you want to take your experiments further, here is a diagram for making a gold-focused metal detector.

If you assembled the circuit correctly, the device will work properly. Possible problems with the microcircuit.

How to assemble a metal detector circuit board with your own hands

The metal detector circuit board circuit is quite simple. Conventionally, it can be divided into several blocks:

search coil assembly;
transistor sound amplifier;
pulse generator;
two-channel amplifier.

This is what it looks like.

The pulse generator is assembled on the NE555 timer. By selecting C1 and 2 and R2 and 3, the frequency is adjusted. The pulses obtained as a result of scanning are transmitted to transistor T1, and it transmits the signal to transistor T2. The audio frequency is amplified using the BC547 transistor to the collector, and headphones are connected.

For your information! You can make a metal detector with your own hands without microcircuits. On the Internet you will find many analog circuits using transistor oscillators. Such devices will detect metal at a depth of up to 20 centimeters in the ground and up to 30 centimeters in loose sand.

How to make a metal detector coil with your own hands

The coil is an important part of the device. It can be made from copper wire or twisted pair. More details in our master class.

Copper wire spool

Illustration	Description of action
	Copper wire with a diameter of 0.5 mm is suitable for the coil.
	For winding, prepare a board with guides. The distance between the guides should be equal to the diameter of the base on which you will mount the reel.
	Wind the wire around the perimeter of the fastenings in 20-30 turns.
	Secure the winding with electrical tape in several places.
	Remove the winding from the base and give it a round shape.
	Choose a base that will hold its shape. This could be a plastic bucket lid or a wooden craft hoop.
	Connect the circuit to the device and test its operation.
	When assembled, a coil of wire may look like this.
	To test the operation of the device, pass metal objects over the coil at different heights.

Twisted pair coil

Illustration	Description of action
	Roll the wire into two coils as shown in the photo, leaving two ends of about 10 centimeters each.
	Strip the winding and free the wires for connection.
	Connect the wires as shown in the diagram.
	For better contact, solder the ends of the wires.
	Test the coil in the same manner as a copper wire coil.

Advice! If you want to make a more powerful DIY coil for your metal detector, give it an elliptical shape.

Detailed instructions for setting up a DIY metal detector “Pirate”

For final assembly of the device you will need a plastic pipe. The assembly diagram is simple. The sensitivity of the detector is adjusted using potentiometers. Achieve the result so that it recognizes a coin from a distance of 30 centimeters. He can “hear” large metal deposits a meter to one and a half meters away. “Pirate” does not recognize non-ferrous or ferrous metals underneath you, so you just have to dig, and it is possible that you will stumble upon an old trough, and not the desired treasure. But in this case, you can take it not by quality, but by quantity, because any metal can be taken to a recycling collection point.

What the assembled “Pirate” will look like is in the next video. It only remains to note that the construction kit for making this device can be purchased on the Internet. By the way, it comes with detailed instructions on how to make a metal detector yourself at home from kit parts.

Is it possible to make an underwater metal detector with your own hands?

Searching for underwater treasures is an exciting activity. The chances of finding something valuable are not that low, especially if you have some ideas of where to look. The “Pirate” we talked about can also cope with underwater searches. You just need to slightly modify it by making good insulation from moisture and replacing the sound alarm with an LED one. How it will work in this video.

Anyone can assemble such a device, even those who are completely far from electronics, you just need to solder all the parts as in the diagram. The metal detector consists of two microcircuits. They do not require any firmware or programming.

Power supply is 12 volts, you can use AA batteries, but it’s better to use a 12V battery (small)

The coil is wound on a 190mm mandrel and contains 25 turns of PEV 0.5 wire

Characteristics:
- Current consumption 30-40 mA
- Reacts to all metals, no discrimination
- Sensitivity 25 mm coin - 20 cm
- Large metal objects - 150 cm
- All parts are inexpensive and easily accessible.

List of required parts:
1) Soldering iron
2) Textolite
3) Wires
4) Drill 1mm

Here is a list of required parts

Diagram of the metal detector itself

The circuit uses 2 microcircuits (NE555 and K157UD2). They are quite common. K157UD2 - can be picked out from old equipment, which I did with success

Be sure to take 100nF film capacitors, like these, take the voltage as low as possible

Print out the board sketch on plain paper

We cut a piece of textolite to its size.

We apply it tightly and press it with a sharp object in the places of future holes.

This is how it should turn out.

Next, take any drill or drilling machine and drill holes

After drilling, you need to draw tracks. You can do this through, or simply paint them with Nitro varnish with a simple brush. The tracks should look exactly the same as on the paper template. And we poison the board.

In the places marked in red, place jumpers:

Next, we simply solder all the components into place.

For K157UD2 it is better to install an adapter socket.

To wind the search coil you need a copper wire with a diameter of 0.5-0.7 mm

If there is none, you can use another one. I didn’t have enough varnished copper wire. I took an old network cable.

He took off the shell. There were enough wires there. Two cores were enough for me, and they were used to wind the coil.

According to the diagram, the coil has a diameter of 19 cm and contains 25 turns. I’ll immediately note that the coil needs to be made of such a diameter based on what you will be looking for. The larger the coil, the deeper the search, but a large coil does not see small details well. The small coil sees small details well, but the depth is not great. I immediately wound three coils of 23cm (25 turns), 15cm (17 turns) and 10cm (13-15 turns). If you need to dig up scrap metal, then use a large one; if you are looking for small things on the beach, then use a smaller reel, but you’ll figure it out for yourself.

We wind the coil on anything of a suitable diameter and wrap it tightly with electrical tape so that the turns are tightly next to each other.

The coil should be as level as possible. The speaker took the first one available.

Now we connect everything and test the circuit to see if it works.

After applying power, you need to wait 15-20 seconds until the circuit warms up. We place the coil away from any metal, it is best to hang it in the air. Then we begin to twist the 100K variable resistor until clicks appear. As soon as the clicks appear, turn it in the opposite direction; as soon as the clicks disappear, that’s enough. After this, we also adjust the 10K resistor.

Regarding the K157UD2 microcircuit. In addition to the one I picked out, I asked one more from a neighbor and bought two at the radio market. I inserted the purchased microcircuits, turned on the device, but it refused to work. I racked my brains for a long time until I simply installed another microcircuit (the one I removed). And everything started working right away. So this is why you need an adapter socket, so that you can select a live microcircuit and not have to worry about desoldering and soldering.

Purchased chips

If you have lost a ring, a key, a screwdriver... and you know the approximate location of the loss, then do not despair! You can assemble a metal detector with your own hands or ask a radio amateur you know to assemble simple DIY metal detector. Below is a diagram of an easy-to-make and time-tested metal detector, which (with certain skills) can be made in one day. The simplicity of the described metal detector is that it is assembled on just one very common chip K561LA7 (CD4011BE). Setup is also simple and does not require expensive measuring instruments. To configure the generators, an oscilloscope or frequency meter is sufficient. If everything is done without errors and from serviceable elements, then these devices will not be needed.

Sensitivity of this metal detector:

metal jar lid “sees” up to 20 cm, cell phone up to 15 cm, Krona battery up to 10 cm, 5 ruble coin up to 8 cm.

At this distance the tone of the oscillator in the headphones barely changes; at a closer distance the tone increases. The larger the metal area, the greater the detection distance. Distinguishes between diamagnetic materials and ferromagnetic materials.

For making a metal detector we will need:

Chip K561LA7 (or K561LE5, analogue of CD4011);
Transistor - low-power low-frequency, for example - KT315, KT312, KT3102, analogues: BC546, BC945, 2SC639, 2SC1815, etc.);
Diode - any low-power one, for example - kd522B, kd105, kd106, analogues: in4148, in4001, etc.;
Variable resistor - 3 pcs (1 kOhm, 5 kOhm, 20 kOhm with a switch or a separate switch);
Fixed resistor - 5 pcs (22 Ohm, 4.7 kOhm, 1.0 kOhm, 10 kOhm, 470 kOhm);
Ceramic, or even better, mica capacitors - 5 pcs: 1000 pF -3 pcs, 22 nF -2 pcs, 300 pf);
Electrolytic capacitor (100.0 uF x 16V) - 1 piece;
Wire PEL, PEV, PETV, etc., with a diameter of 0.4-0.7 mm;
Low impedance headphones (from the player);
Battery 9V.

Metal detector circuit

Appearance of the metal detector board

In the case of an old pocket radio (you can use the case from a soap dish, a shoe-cleaning sponge, or in the housing from the electrical junction box.

Attention! To eliminate interference and the influence of human hands when touching the regulators, the housings of variable resistors must be connected to the minus of the board.

If the metal detector circuit is properly soldered, the elements are in good working order and have the correct values, and the search coil is properly made, the device operates without problems. If, when you turn on the headphones for the first time, you do not hear a squeak or change in frequency when adjusting the “FREQUENCY” control, then you need to select a resistor (10 kOhm) , standing in series with the regulatorand/or a capacitor in this generator (300 pF). Thus, we make the frequencies of the reference and search generators the same.

When the generator is excited, whistling, hissing, and distortion appear, solder a 1000 pF capacitor (1H0 aka 102) to the pin. 6 chips per case.

Using an oscilloscope or frequency meter, look at the signal frequencies at pins 5 and 6 of the K561LA7. Achieve their equality using the above-described adjustment method. The operating frequency of the generators itself can vary from 80 to 200 kHz.

A protective diode (any low-power one) is needed to prevent damage to the microcircuit when the battery is turned on by mistake (which often happens:).

Making a metal detector coil

The coils are wound on a mandrel with a diameter of 15-25 cm (for example, a bucket or on a shuttle made of thick wire or plywood - the smaller the diameter, the less sensitivity, but the greater the selectivity of small metals). Choose for what purpose you need it.

A wire is used in varnish insulation PEL, PEV, PETV..., with a diameter of 0.4 - 0.7 mm (well suited for old color TVs with a kinescope demagnetization loop or deflection system) and contains about 100 turns (you can wind from 80 to 120 turns ). Wrap the wire tightly with electrical tape.

Then we wrap the coil over the electrical tape with a strip of foil, leaving 2-3 cm of the unwrapped area. You can take foil from some types of cables or, as a last resort, cut foil from a chocolate bar into strips 2 cm wide :)

We wrap everything tightly with electrical tape again.

Photo of the finished coil. All that remains is to wrap the top with electrical tape.

We attach the resulting finished coil to a dielectric (for example, non-foil PCB or getinax). Next we attach it to the holder.

We connect the coil with the circuit with a double shielded wire (screen to body). The wire can be taken from old cords for dubbing from tape recorder to tape recorder or a low-frequency (audio-video) cord for connecting a TV to a DVD, etc.

Correct operation of the metal detector: When you turn on the “frequency” control in the headphones, we set a low-frequency hum; when approaching metal, the frequency changes.

The second option is to stop the buzzing in your ears by setting the beats to zero, i.e. combine two frequencies. Then there will be silence in the headphones, but as soon as we bring the coil to the metal, the frequency of the search generator changes and a squeak appears in the headphones. The closer to the metal, the higher the frequency in the headphones. But the sensitivity with this method is not great. The device will react only when the generators are strongly detuned, for example, when brought close to a jar lid.

Location of parts on the board for a chip in a DIP package

Location of parts on the board for a chip in an SMD package

Zotov A., Sergey V., Volgograd region.

This metal detector circuit can be discussed on our

Do you want to make this metal detector?

But you don’t have the parts and board?

Several metal detector options from the set

You can order them

Kit for making a metal detector

(in the set all necessary parts and circuit board)

Today there are a large number of ways to make a metal detector at home completely independently, without the help of specialists. Some of them require certain knowledge of physics, as well as skills in working with electrical and radio devices. Others do not require any special skills, and any beginner can assemble a metal detector at home with their own hands.

How to make your own metal detector from disks

It’s quite easy to make a metal detector at home with your own hands. using two discs - CD and DVD. This method is very simple and does not require any complex components. All you need for this is:

CD and DVD disc. It is advisable to take double-sided ones, then the sensitivity of the metal detector will be much higher.
Any calculator you have at hand, you can take the simplest and cheapest one
headphones
crown size battery
glue and tape

Sequencing

The metal detector is ready you can start testing it. For ease of use, you can attach a comfortable handle to the metal detector. To search for coins and metal in the ground, the power of such a device will not be enough, but in the house it can always be useful. For example, to search for hidden wiring, a walled-up wall, or to find a metal profile under a sheet of drywall.

Metal detector made from a radio and calculator

In order to make such a metal detector, the following things are needed:

Empty CD box
The simplest and cheapest calculator
Radio receiver operating on AM frequency
Double-sided tape or tape
Nails
Wooden mop stick

Assembly order

Device assembly sequence next.

Thus, you can assemble a metal detector at home with your own hands, even without special knowledge and skills. But it should be borne in mind that such metal detectors not suitable for serious searches metal objects underground, because their range of action is small. For complex tasks, you should try to assemble a “butterfly” or “terminator” type device. On the one hand, if everything works out, you can save a good amount of money, but on the other hand, according to experts, such homemade metal detectors don't always work as intended.

The number of treasure hunters is growing steadily. And although everything has long been dug up, there are still enthusiasts who want to try their luck and go on another search for gold, antiques or coins. This is not strange, because the procedure itself has a unique atmosphere and gives each participant a lot of unforgettable emotions. It is enough to charge the batteries, drive away from the city, make the first couple of swings of the coil and wait for the sound signal about the find. Here it is, the secret of every treasure hunter’s good mood.

Currently, there is a large selection of instruments for detecting metals. It’s easy to find models on sale that cost less than a hundred dollars. But besides this, there are also expensive products that sell for over $1,000. Does it make sense for a beginner to buy such an expensive device? Of course not. The more expensive the device, the more difficult it is to set up. Naturally, a novice digger will not be able to understand all the possibilities of such an invention without having the appropriate experience and minimal skills. Or maybe try to make a simple metal detector with your own hands? After all, this is a completely doable procedure and anyone can do it.

How to make a metal detector with your own hands

Before you make a simple metal detector at home, you should understand principle of its operation.

A metal detector (metal detector, metal scanner, etc.) is a special device for quickly identifying metal objects underground. There are several types of such inventions available on the market, each with different characteristics and capabilities. To a large extent, the key differences lie in detection depth and ease of use. Naturally, the deeper the device “sees,” the more expensive it will cost.

The principle of operation is based on the use of the law of magnetic attraction of objects. The device generates a magnetic field and sends it to a specific area underground. If there is any object with metallic properties there, a signal is displayed from it and returns back, notifying the treasure hunter of the find.

To build a high-frequency instrument you need to assemble high quality command block. It is used as a laptop or radio with a maximum AM frequency. First make sure that the wave is “clean” and there are no radio stations on it.

The next step involves creating a search head, which is easy to make from a thin sheet of plywood. We cut out two circles with a diameter of 15 and 10 centimeters and secure them tightly together.

Then you need to cut sticks out of wood to position the rings parallel to each other. It is necessary to wrap the plate with enameled copper wire, making 10-15 turns. After this, the fake can be attached directly to the block itself. We launch the highest frequency. If the procedure is successful, you will hear a low tone. For clearer playback, it is better to use an external speaker or headphones. Installing a metal detector according to these instructions is very simple. In addition, on the Internet you can download training videos and diagrams for performing the action.

DIY metal detector: diagram

Finding circuits for a simple metal detector with discrimination support is very simple. To make a device, you need to stock up:

For making a coil with a diameter of 90 millimeters, you need to wrap cardboard circles with copper wire, making 250 turns. If we are talking about a coil with a diameter of 70 mm, then here you will have to make 290 turns. As a result, it will be possible to obtain 10 mH.

After you assemble the circuit, you need to make sure it works. After this, you can begin manufacturing the printed circuit board, where all other elements of the metal detector will be installed.

The next step involves preparing the handle. It can be made from cardboard by cutting out three identical blanks in the shape of a boomerang. It is necessary to cut holes in the handle for the batteries, after which three separate ones can often be fixed together with glue. You should also cut out a space for the on/off button. After attaching the circuit, battery and switch, the coil can be completed.

DIY metal detector made from DVDs

You can make a simple metal detector with your own hands using two CDs and a DVD. The instructions are particularly simple and do not require the use of additional diagrams or complex instructions. All that is required for production is:

Calculator. It doesn’t matter what type of device you get your hands on. You can take the most simple and cheap model;

Headphones;
Battery "Krona";
Glue and a roll of electrical tape;

Sequencing when creating a metal detector from DVDs:

Take the headphones and cut off the plug.
Then you need to strip 10 centimeters of insulating wire and divide it into two to get two pairs of wires;
After this, you should attach one wire from a pair to the disk. If you are using a single-sided disc, you need to attach it to the writing side;
We fix the wires with electrical tape, and connect the rest of the “bare” part to the battery, to the plus and minus contacts.
At the next stage, you need to carefully insulate the exposed cable;
We tightly attach a previously turned on and charged calculator to the surface of the CD;
Then you need to place a DVD on it, and at the final stage wrap the structure with electrical tape;
At the final stage, it is necessary to fix the Krona battery on the surface of the disk;

That's all, the circuit of the simplest but very effective metal detector is ready. All that remains is to test it in real conditions and make sure that everything works without failures. Of course, you won’t be able to search for coins at a depth of half a meter with such a device, but still, it is quite suitable for home use.

DIY metal detector “Pirate”

Among homemade metal detectors, it is especially in demand. option called "Pirate". Pirate is a pulse metal detector, which is built on a simple and accessible circuit. The design uses several small elements and a small coil. If you equip the device with a coil with a diameter of 280 mm, then it will be able to “see” coins at a depth of up to 20 centimeters. The device will find large metal objects even at a depth of one and a half meters.

The name “Pirate” (PIRAT) comes from the developers of the scheme - PI - denotes the principle of operation, and RAT - is an abbreviation for “Radio Scott” - the developers’ site.

The homemade Pirate device is not capable of discriminating between metals. But to search for large objects It will do just fine. Such a device is especially valued among novice metal detectors. Everything is determined by ease of use and good search results. You can find diagrams and buy components for creating a “Pirate” at any market or in a store of parts for radios and other radio equipment. To manufacture such a device it is not necessary to have a high level of training.

In the end, we can say with confidence that it is quite possible to assemble a metal detector with your own hands at home. To do this, you should study the detailed instructions and understand the manufacturing diagram. It is important to understand that homemade devices are not suitable for more serious searches, for example, coins or small antiques. This is due to the small range. In any case, making a metal detector with your own hands will allow you to create a very good device that will be suitable for acquiring the initial skills of a real treasure hunter.