Soil analysis is critical during metal detection, as no soil is completely clean, and any element or property affects the quality of the signals emitted from the search coil. Mineral salts increase the soil's electrical conductivity, magnetically saturated soil interferes with the scanning process, and the presence of rocks and iron in the soil generates false signals. Furthermore, signals differ between wet and dry soil, altering the sensitivity of the metal detector even in the same area. All of this reduces the effectiveness of metal detection if no measures are taken to counter soil mineralization.
Read more about: Ground balance metal detectors
4 Ground Balance Options According to the Metal Detector Level
Even low-cost metal detectors, such as the Garrett Ace 250, come with a built-in ground balance function that is activated upon startup. With these devices, the user cannot adjust this parameter; all they have to do is rely on their device and accept an average mineralization value. This is very suitable for beginners, as they do not need to delve into settings; they just turn on the device and start scanning. However, over time, this function becomes insufficient, and additional adjustments are required, including ground balance adjustments, to improve detection efficiency.
Semi-professional metal detectors are usually equipped with an automatic ground balance system, which must be adjusted before searching. First, look for a clean area and make sure it is free of metal objects, which is essential to avoid calibration errors. After turning on the device, press the ground balance button to start the adjustment process, then gently move the search coil about 5 cm (2 inches) toward the ground, and then back to approximately 30 cm (12 inches). This allows the metal detector to detect the difference between the zero and actual ground mineralization values. Upon completion, the device emits a warning sound indicating that the adjustment was successful.
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Manual ground balance adjustment is available on professional metal detectors, allowing precise tuning to the soil's mineralization levels. This method is often used to fine-tune values obtained with automatic ground balance. This option is designed to determine the most accurate ground balance value and achieve maximum detection depth. Manual adjustment is used to maximize sensitivity when searching small areas. It is also suitable for soils with a high concentration of fine metallic debris. In practice, the adjustment is done by raising and lowering the search coil while simultaneously turning the ground balance knob until the audio signal disappears.
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Some models of metal detectors feature an advanced ground balancing setting called "Automatic Tracking Ground Balance," which monitors the soil condition instantly during scanning. This feature is available in expensive professional detectors, which automatically determine the soil condition without the user noticing these changes. Among these devices is the Minelab X-Terra 705, which offers three ground balance modes, including tracking mode. This setting ensures maximum sensitivity throughout the detection depth, preventing missed targets and false alarms.
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