A typical metal detector is
light-weight and consists of just a few parts:
Stabilizer (optional) - used to keep the unit steady as you
sweep it back and forth
Control box - contains the circuitry, controls, speaker,
batteries and the microprocessor
Shaft - connects the control box and the coil; often
adjustable so you can set it at a comfortable level for
your height
Search coil - the part that actually senses the metal; also
known as the "search head," "loop" or "antenna"Most systems
also have a jack for connecting headphones, and some have
the control box below the shaft and a small display unit
above.
Operating a metal detector is simple. Once you turn the
unit on, you move slowly over the area you wish to search.
In most cases, you sweep the coil (search head) back and
forth over the ground in front of you. When you pass it
over a target object, an audible signal occurs. More
advanced metal detectors provide displays that pinpoint the
type of metal it has detected and how deep in the ground
the target object is located.