Sm Pro, Surf PI, Hammerhead comparison. Which is best,easiest, or how close are they.To each other.

[Matt_Rowe]

Does anyone know what and if there is a difference between the SM Pro PI diy metal detector and the surf pi or the hammerhead, or anything else it might be related to.
And, is it a decent diy Md.
I also own a Whites Goldmaster V/Sat.
Would any of these diy pi setups work better than my Whites.
\For depth and locating items.

[SVEN1]

Surfmaster kit or PCB from Silverdog is by far the best PI to build for those who never built a metal detector.
Lots of support on the forum. Best chance for success before venturing to another build.

The Hammerhead will probably get the first timer in trouble, especially without proper test equipment.

DIY project performance depends upon how well you build, materials used, electronics expertise. A PI is a totally different animal than a VLF Goldmaster.


A good suggestion is to get the book by Carl and George. http://www.geotech1.com/forums/conte...metal-detector

[Qiaozhi]

Surfmaster kit or PCB from Silverdog is by far the best PI to build for those who never built a metal detector.
Lots of support on the forum. Best chance for success before venturing to another build.

The Hammerhead will probably get the first timer in trouble, especially without proper test equipment.

DIY project performance depends upon how well you build, materials used, electronics expertise. A PI is a totally different animal than a VLF Goldmaster.


A good suggestion is to get the book by Carl and George. http://www.geotech1.com/forums/conte...metal-detector

I would like to point out that the Minipulse Plus is the easiest PI to build, due to a comprehensive Build Document. It also has a faster preamp stage, and only requires the adjustment of one trimmer to set the minimum sample delay. Kits are available from Silverdog.

Despite the relative simplicity of the Surf-PI, numerous members have had trouble getting the unit to work. This is mostly due to errors in construction and often a lack of fault-finding experience. Whereas (so far) the success rate for the MPP is close to 100%.

Otherwise I agree with SVEN. Hammerhead is an excellent PI detector design, but should only be attempted if you have a reasonable level of electronics knowledge, and an oscilloscope.

[SVEN1]

The Mini Pulse, like George said success rate close to 100%. Sounds like a better option than the Surf.

[Matt_Rowe]

Ok,thanks guys.I will look at the MMP and look at that book.
So would it be safe to assume that any PI in mineralized soil or ground would be better than a vlf?
Oh yeah, I am going to use this for land mostly, instead of a minelab.
Or should I just wait on a used Whites TDI.
I was thinking about a ground balance feature.

[mickstv]

Ok,thanks guys.I will look at the MMP and look at that book.
So would it be safe to assume that any PI in mineralized soil or ground would be better than a vlf?
Oh yeah, I am going to use this for land mostly, instead of a minelab.
Or should I just wait on a used Whites TDI.

These detectors wont work on mineralized ground. They would need to be heavily modified to do so.

If your planing on gold prospecting your best options are TDI or ML.

[Matt_Rowe]

Thanks mick.
Thats what I was kind of wondering. Maybe I will buy a kit to have some fun with in my spare time.

[mickstv]

Hi Matt, I think the MPP would be the best option. You never know someone might design a ground balance mod for it in the future.

[Matt_Rowe]

I just emailed silverdog a few minutes ago.
To see what the mini pulse comes with.
I also like the fact that it is square, and not so long and thin.
Maybe I will get one to fool around with and learn about a PI and coils.
Making coils also.

[Carl-NC]

Standard PI (non-GB) works fine in some mineralized soil, it's when you get into soil with higher magnetic remanence that GB is needed. You'll have to try it and see.

[Matt_Rowe]

Thanks for the replys.
I install solar panels and am,an residential electrician.
I have soldering equipment, multi meters,ect.
Now for a scope.
Anyone have any suggestions as to a simple,low priced, easy to operate, that would work.
I have at least seen them in use.

Oh, forgot, the company I work for my boss is an EE.
Trust me, way to far advanced for me.

[bob808]

I got a Tektronix 465 off ebay pretty cheap. They are older CRT scopes but should work very good for most DIY/Hobby stuff. Should be around 100$. You could also get a digital scope, something like a Rigol DS1052E for about 350$. But I'd search ebay for any 60Mhz CRT scope, as long as the seller states that it's working.
I got mine busted, payed a bit less for it and I managed to repair and calibrate it But for calibration you need a good signal generator and DMM, so I wouldn't advise getting one in unknown state if you don't want to scratch your head.
I was also interested in the same thing as the OP, but more on the other side. Given the fact that I have the testing equipment required, and no need for a beach detector, what would be "the best" of the ones available (with schematic and some documentation) from the ones on this site? Also I am not inclined into searching micro gold particles Just coins and artifacts in land/mountains.

[Matt_Rowe]

Thanks, was looking at ebay and found a tek 450 I think it was, but by the time I asked if it worked,came with leads, cord, and manual, it was over.
I suppose I could get a manual online maybe.
Or watch some videos.
I will keep looking.

[bob808]

Before you purchase I recommend that you first check that you can get the manual online for that model (free or with $$$). Having that could save you from some head-aches. Also get leads. If the scope comes with none, you can crawl ebay, there are some 100Mhz cheap grey ones with compensation and 1x/10x modes. They go for 15$ or so. I have a pair and perform decent at "low" speeds of <1Mhz.

[Matt_Rowe]

Ok. But I will wait until I can get one that has everything or I wont buy it.