A SAT control circuit question

[GeoMax]

Is a SAT control circuit (simple potentiometer) like the one used in the Hammerhead useful for an underwater detector? It's certainly useful for the beach, but is it also useful for underwater?

[Carl-NC]

Yes, it can be, depending on depth. Wave action causes the volume of salt water above the coil to vary and this can cause a "breathing" effect. Speeding up the SAT reduces the effect, but you have to be careful. It's usually difficult to sweep the coil very fast under water so a faster SAT also will kill the target response.

[GeoMax]

Hi Carl,
Thank you very much for the explanation.