Simple transceivers for metal detector circuits. Original roofing and designer roofs: Metalloiskatel

I can say without a doubt that this is the simplest metal detector I have ever seen. It is based on just one TDA0161 chip. You won't need to program anything - just assemble it and that's it. Another great difference is that it does not make any sounds during operation, unlike a metal detector based on the NE555 chip, which initially beeps unpleasantly and you have to guess the metal found by its tone.

In this circuit, the buzzer starts beeping only when it detects metal. The TDA0161 chip is a specialized industrial version for induction sensors. And metal detectors for production are mainly built on it, giving a signal when metal approaches the induction sensor.
You can purchase such a microcircuit at -
It is not expensive and is quite accessible to everyone.

Here is a diagram of a simple metal detector

Metal detector characteristics

  • Microcircuit power supply voltage: from 3.5 to 15V
  • Generator frequency: 8-10 kHz
  • Current consumption: 8-12 mA in alarm mode. In search state approximately 1 mA.
  • Operating temperature: -55 to +100 degrees Celsius
The metal detector is not only very economical, but also very unpretentious.
An old cell phone battery works well for power supply.
Coil: 140-150 turns. The diameter of the coil is 5-6 cm. Can be converted to a coil of larger diameter.


The sensitivity will depend directly on the size of the search coil.
In the scheme I use both light and sound signaling. You can choose one if you want. Buzzer with internal generator.
Thanks to this simple design, you can make a pocket metal detector or a large metal detector, depending on what you need more.

After assembly, the metal detector works immediately and does not require any adjustments, except for setting the response threshold with a variable resistor. Well, this is standard procedure for a metal detector.
So, friends, collect the things you need and, as they say, they will come in handy around the house. For example, to search for electrical wiring in a wall, even nails in a log...

There is no need to explain to anyone what a metal detector is. This device is expensive, and some models cost quite a lot.

However, you can make a metal detector with your own hands at home. Moreover, you can not only save thousands of rubles on its purchase, but also enrich yourself by finding a treasure. Let's talk about the device itself and try to figure out what's in it and how.

Step-by-step instructions for assembling a simple metal detector

In this detailed instruction, we will show how you can assemble a simple metal detector with your own hands from available materials. We will need: a regular plastic CD box, a portable AM ​​or AM/FM radio, a calculator, VELCRO type contact tape (Velcro). So let's get started!

Step 1. Disassemble the CD box body. Carefully disassemble the plastic CD case body, removing the insert that holds the disc in place.

STEP 1. Removing the plastic insert from the sidebox

Step 2. Cut 2 strips of Velcro. Measure out the area at the center back of your radio. Then cut 2 pieces of Velcro the same size.


STEP 2.1. Measure approximately in the middle the area on the back of the radio (highlighted in red)
STEP 2.2. Cut out 2 Velcro strips of the appropriate size measured in step 2.1

Step 3. Secure the radio. Use the sticky side to attach one piece of Velcro to the back of the radio and another to one of the inside sides of the CD case. Then attach the radio to the body of the plastic CD case using Velcro to Velcro.




Step 4. Secure the calculator. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the calculator, but apply the Velcro to the other side of the CD case. Then secure the calculator to this side of the box using the standard Velcro-to-Velcro method.


Step 5. Setting the radio band. Turn on the radio and make sure it is tuned to the AM band. Now tune it to the AM end of the band, but not to the radio station itself. Turn up the volume. You should only hear static.


Clue:

If there is a radio station that is at the very end of the AM band, then try to get as close to it as possible. In this case, you should only hear interference!

Step 6. Roll up the CD box. Turn on the calculator. Start folding the side of the calculator box toward the radio until you hear a loud beep. This beep tells us that the radio has picked up an electromagnetic wave from the calculator's circuitry.


STEP 6. Fold the sides of the CD box towards each other until a characteristic loud signal is heard

Step 7 Bring the assembled device to a metal object. Open the flaps of the plastic box again until the sound we heard in step 6 is barely audible. Then start moving the box with your radio and calculator close to the metal object and you will hear a loud sound again. This indicates the correct operation of our simplest metal detector.


Instructions for assembling a sensitive metal detector based on a dual-circuit oscillator circuit

Operating principle:

In this project we will build a metal detector based on a double oscillator circuit. One oscillator is fixed and the other varies depending on the proximity of metal objects. The beat frequency between these two oscillator frequencies is in the audio range. When the detector passes over a metal object, you will hear a change in this beat frequency. Different types of metals will cause a positive or negative shift, raising or lowering the audio frequency.

We will need materials and electrical components:

Copper Multilayer PCB Single Sided 114.3mm x 155.6mm 1 PC.
Resistor 0.125 W 1 PC.
Capacitor, 0.1μF 5 pieces.
Capacitor, 0.01μF 5 pieces.
Capacitor, electrolytic 220μF 2 pcs.
PEL type winding wire (26 AWG or 0.4 mm in diameter) 1 unit
Audio jack, 1/8′, mono, panel mount, optional 1 PC.
Headphones, 1/8′ plug, mono or stereo 1 PC.
Battery, 9 V 1 PC.
Connector for binding 9V battery 1 PC.
Potentiometer, 5 kOhm, audio taper, optional 1 PC.
Switch, single pole 1 PC.
Transistor, NPN, 2N3904 6 pcs.
Wire for connecting the sensor (22 AWG or cross-section - 0.3250 mm 2) 1 unit
Wired speaker 4′ 1 PC.
Speaker, small 8 ohm 1 PC.
Locknut, brass, 1/2′ 1 PC.
Threaded PVC pipe connector (1/2′ hole) 1 PC.
1/4′ wood dowel 1 PC.
3/4′ wooden dowel 1 PC.
1/2′ wooden dowel 1 PC.
Epoxy resin 1 PC.
1/4′ plywood 1 PC.
Wood glue 1 PC.

We will need tools:

So let's get started!

Step 1: Make a PCB. To do this, download the board design. Then print it out and etch it onto the copper board using the toner to board transfer method. With the toner transfer method, you print a mirror image of the board design using a regular laser printer, and then transfer the design onto the copper cladding using an iron. During the etching stage, the toner acts as a mask, preserving the copper traces while like the rest copper dissolves in chemical bath.


Step 2: Fills the board with transistors and electrolytic capacitors . Start by soldering 6 NPN transistors. Pay attention to the orientation of the collector, emitter and base legs of the transistors. The base leg (B) is almost always in the middle. Next we add two 220μF electrolytic capacitors.




Step 2.2. Add 2 electrolytic capacitors

Step 3: Fill the board with polyester capacitors and resistors. Now you need to add 5 polyester capacitors with a capacity of 0.1μF in the places shown below. Next, add 5 capacitors with a capacity of 0.01μF. These capacitors are not polarized and can be soldered onto the board with their legs in any direction. Next, add 6 10 kOhm resistors (brown, black, orange, gold).



Step 3.2. Add 5 capacitors with a capacity of 0.01μF
Step 3.3. Add 6 10 kOhm resistors

Step 4: We continue to fill the electrical board with elements. Now you need to add one 2.2 mOhm resistor (red, red, green, gold) and two 39 kOhm resistors (orange, white, orange, gold). And then solder in the last 1 kOhm resistor (brown, black, red, gold). Next, add pairs of wires for power (red/black), audio output (green/green), reference coil (black/black), and detector coil (yellow/yellow).


Step 4.1. Add 3 resistors (one 2 mOhm and two 39 kOhm)
Step 4.2. Add 1 1 kOhm resistor (far right)
Step 4.3. Adding wires

Step 5: We wind the turns onto the reel. The next step is to wind turns on 2 coils, which are part of the LC generator circuit. The first is the reference coil. I used 0.4mm diameter wire for this. Cut a piece of dowel (about 13mm in diameter and 50mm in length).

Drill three holes in the dowel to allow the wires to pass through: one lengthwise through the middle of the dowel, and two perpendicularly at each end.

Slowly and carefully wrap as many turns of wire as you can around the dowel in one layer. Leave 3-4mm of bare wood at each end. Resist the temptation to "twist" the wire - this is the most intuitive way to wind, but this is the wrong way. You must rotate the dowel and pull the wire behind you. This way he will wrap the wire around himself.

Pull each end of the wire through the perpendicular holes in the dowel, and then one of them through the longitudinal hole. Secure the wire with tape once you're done. Finally, use sandpaper to remove the coating on the two open ends of the coil.




Step 6: We make a receiving (search) coil. It is necessary to cut the spool holder from 6-7 mm plywood. Using the same 0.4mm diameter wire, wind 10 turns around the slot. My reel has a diameter of 152 mm. Using a 6-7 mm wooden peg, attach the handle to the holder. Do not use a metal bolt (or anything similar) for this - otherwise the metal detector will constantly detect treasure for you. Again, using sandpaper, remove the coating on the ends of the wire.


Step 6.1. Cut out the spool holder
Step 6.2 We wind 10 turns around the groove with a wire 0.4 mm in diameter

Step 7: Setting up the reference coil. Now we need to adjust the frequency of the reference coil in our circuit to 100 kHz. For this I used an oscilloscope. You can also use a multimeter with a frequency meter for these purposes. Start by connecting the coil into the circuit. Next, turn on the power. Connect the probe from an oscilloscope or multimeter to both ends of the coil and measure its frequency. It should be less than 100 kHz. You can, if necessary, shorten the coil - this will reduce its inductance and increase the frequency. Then new and new dimensions. Once I got the frequency under 100kHz, my coil was 31mm long.




Metal detector on a transformer with W-shaped plates


The simplest metal detector circuit. We will need: a transformer with W-shaped plates, a 4.5 V battery, a resistor, a transistor, a capacitor, headphones. Leave only the W-shaped plates in the transformer. Wind 1000 turns of the first winding, and after the first 500 turns, make a tap with PEL-0.1 wire. Wind the second winding 200 turns with PEL-0.2 wire.

Attach the transformer to the end of the rod. Seal it against water. Turn it on and bring it close to the ground. Since the magnetic circuit is not closed, when approaching the metal, the parameters of our circuit will change, and the tone of the signal in the headphones will change.


A simple circuit based on common elements. You need transistors of the K315B or K3102 series, resistors, capacitors, headphones, and a battery. The values ​​are shown in the diagram.

Video: How to properly make a metal detector with your own hands

The first transistor contains a master oscillator with a frequency of 100 Hz, and the second transistor contains a search oscillator with the same frequency. As a search coil, I took an old plastic bucket with a diameter of 250 mm, cut it off and wound a copper wire with a cross-section of 0.4 mm2 in the amount of 50 turns. I placed the assembled circuit in a small box, sealed it and secured everything to the rod with tape.

Circuit with two generators of the same frequency. There is no signal in standby mode. If a metal object appears in the field of the coil, the frequency of one of the generators changes and sound appears in the headphones. The device is quite versatile and has good sensitivity.


A simple circuit based on simple elements. You need a microcircuit, capacitors, resistors, headphones, and a power source. It is advisable to first assemble coil L2, as shown in the photo:


A master oscillator with coil L1 is assembled on one element of the microcircuit, and coil L2 is used in the search generator circuit. When metal objects enter the sensitivity zone, the frequency of the search circuit changes and the sound in the headphones changes. Using the handle of capacitor C6 you can tune out excess noise. A 9V battery is used as a battery.

In conclusion, I can say that anyone who is familiar with the basics of electrical engineering and has enough patience to complete the job can assemble the device.

Principle of operation

So, a metal detector is an electronic device that has a primary sensor and a secondary device. The role of the primary sensor is usually performed by a coil with a wound wire. The operation of the metal detector is based on the principle of changing the electromagnetic field of the sensor by any metal object.

The electromagnetic field created by the metal detector sensor causes eddy currents in such objects. These currents cause their own electromagnetic field, which changes the field created by our device. The secondary device of the metal detector registers these signals and notifies us that a metal object has been found.

The simplest metal detectors change the sound of the alarm when the desired object is detected. More modern and expensive samples are equipped with a microprocessor and a liquid crystal display. The most advanced companies equip their models with two sensors, which allows them to search more efficiently.

Metal detectors can be divided into several categories:

  • public devices;
  • mid-range devices;
  • devices for professionals.

The first category includes the cheapest models with a minimal set of functions, but their price is very attractive. The most popular brands in Russia: IMPERIAL - 500A, FISHER 1212-X, CLASSIC I SL. Devices in this segment use a “receiver-transmitter” circuit operating at ultra-low frequencies and require constant movement of the search sensor.

The second category, these are more expensive units, have several replaceable sensors and several control knobs. They can work in different modes. The most common models: FISHER 1225-X, FISHER 1235-X, GOLDEN SABER II, CLASSIC III SL.


Photo: general view of a typical metal detector

All other devices should be classified as professional. They are equipped with a microprocessor and can operate in dynamic and static modes. Allows you to determine the composition of the metal (object) and the depth of its occurrence. The settings can be automatic, or you can adjust them manually.

To assemble a homemade metal detector, you need to prepare several items in advance: a sensor (a coil with a wound wire), a holder rod, an electronic control unit. The sensitivity of our device depends on its quality and size. The holder bar is selected according to the person’s height so that it is convenient to work. All structural elements are fixed to it.

BEST METAL DETECTOR

Why was Volksturm named the best metal detector? The main thing is that the scheme is really simple and really working. Of the many metal detector circuits that I have personally made, this is the one where everything is simple, thorough and reliable! Moreover, despite its simplicity, the metal detector has a good discrimination scheme - determining whether iron or non-ferrous metal is in the ground. Assembling the metal detector consists of error-free soldering of the board and setting the coils to resonance and to zero at the output of the input stage on the LF353. There is nothing super complicated here, all you need is desire and brains. Let's look at the constructive metal detector design and a new improved Volksturm diagram with description.

Since questions arise during the assembly process, in order to save you time and not force you to flip through hundreds of forum pages, here are the answers to the 10 most popular questions. The article is in the process of being written, so some points will be added later.

1. The operating principle and target detection of this metal detector?
2. How to check if the metal detector board is working?
3. Which resonance should I choose?
4. Which capacitors are better?
5. How to adjust resonance?
6. How to reset the coils to zero?
7. Which wire is better for coils?
8. What parts can be replaced and with what?
9. What determines the depth of target search?
10. Volksturm metal detector power supply?

How the Volksturm metal detector works

I will try to briefly describe the principle of operation: transmission, reception and induction balance. In the search sensor of the metal detector, 2 coils are installed - transmitting and receiving. The presence of metal changes the inductive coupling between them (including the phase), which affects the received signal, which is then processed by the display unit. Between the first and second microcircuits there is a switch controlled by pulses of a generator phase-shifted relative to the transmitting channel (i.e. when the transmitter is working, the receiver is turned off and vice versa, if the receiver is turned on, the transmitter is resting, and the receiver calmly catches the reflected signal in this pause). So, you turned on the metal detector and it beeps. Great, if it beeps, it means many nodes are working. Let's figure out why exactly it beeps. The generator on the u6B constantly generates a tone signal. Next, it goes to an amplifier with two transistors, but the amplifier will not open (it will not let a tone pass) until the voltage at the output u2B (7th pin) allows it to do so. This voltage is set by changing the mode using this same thrash resistor. They need to set the voltage so that the amplifier almost opens and passes the signal from the generator. And the input couple of millivolts from the metal detector coil, having passed through the amplification stages, will exceed this threshold and it will finally open and the speaker will beep. Now let's trace the passage of the signal, or rather the response signal. At the first stage (1-у1а) there will be a couple of millivolts, up to 50. At the second stage (7-у1B) this deviation will increase, at the third (1-у2А) there will already be a couple of volts. But there is no response everywhere at the outputs.

How to check if the metal detector board is working

In general, the amplifier and switch (CD 4066) are checked with a finger at the RX input contact at maximum sensor resistance and maximum background on the speaker. If there is a change in the background when you press your finger for a second, then the key and opamps work, then we connect the RX coils with the circuit capacitor in parallel, the capacitor on the TX coil in series, put one coil on top of the other and begin to reduce to 0 according to the minimum reading of the alternating current on the first leg of the amplifier U1A. Next, we take something large and iron and check whether there is a reaction to metal in the dynamics or not. Let's check the voltage at y2B (7th pin), it should change with a thrash regulator + a couple of volts. If not, the problem is in this op-amp stage. To start checking the board, turn off the coils and turn on the power.

1. There should be a sound when the sense regulator is set to maximum resistance, touch the RX with your finger - if there is a reaction, all op-amps work, if not, check with your finger starting from u2 and change (inspect the wiring) of the non-working op-amp.

2. The operation of the generator is checked by the frequency meter program. Solder the headphone plug to pin 12 of the CD4013 (561TM2), carefully removing p23 (so as not to burn the sound card). Use In-lane on the sound card. We look at the generation frequency and its stability at 8192 Hz. If it is strongly shifted, then it is necessary to unsolder the capacitor c9, if even after it is not clearly identified and/or there are many frequency bursts nearby, we replace the quartz.

3. Checked the amplifiers and generator. If everything is in order, but still does not work, change the key (CD 4066).

Which coil resonance to choose?

When connecting the coil into series resonance, the current in the coil and the overall consumption of the circuit increases. The target detection distance increases, but this is only on the table. On real ground, the ground will be felt the more strongly, the greater the pump current in the coil. It is better to turn on parallel resonance, and increase the sense of input stages. And the batteries will last much longer. Despite the fact that sequential resonance is used in all branded expensive metal detectors, in Sturm it is parallel that is needed. In imported, expensive devices, there is a good detuning circuitry from the ground, so in these devices it is possible to allow sequential.

Which capacitors are best installed in the circuit? metal detector

The type of capacitor connected to the coil has nothing to do with it, but if you experimentally changed two and saw that with one of them the resonance is better, then simply one of the supposedly 0.1 μF actually has 0.098 μF, and the other 0.11. This is the difference between them in terms of resonance. I used Soviet K73-17 and green imported pillows.

How to adjust coil resonance metal detector

The coil, as the best option, is made from plaster floats, glued with epoxy resin from the ends to the size you need. Moreover, its central part contains a piece of the handle of this very grater, which is processed down to one wide ear. On the bar, on the contrary, there is a fork with two mounting ears. This solution allows us to solve the problem of coil deformation when tightening the plastic bolt. The grooves for the windings are made with a regular burner, then zero is set and filled. From the cold end of the TX, leave 50 cm of wire, which should not be filled initially, but make a small coil from it (3 cm in diameter) and place it inside the RX, moving and deforming it within small limits, you can achieve an exact zero, but do this It’s better outside, placing the coil near the ground (as when searching) with GEB turned off, if any, then finally fill it with resin. Then the detuning from the ground works more or less tolerably (with the exception of highly mineralized soil). Such a reel turns out to be light, durable, little subject to thermal deformation, and when processed and painted it is very attractive. And one more observation: if the metal detector is assembled with ground detuning (GEB) and with the resistor slider located centrally, set zero with a very small washer, the GEB adjustment range is + - 80-100 mV. If you set zero with a large object - a coin of 10-50 kopecks. the adjustment range increases to +- 500-600 mV. Do not chase the voltage when setting up the resonance - with a 12V supply, I have about 40V with a series resonance. To make discrimination appear, we connect the capacitors in the coils in parallel (series connection is only necessary at the stage of selecting capacitors for resonance) - for ferrous metals there will be a drawn-out sound, for non-ferrous metals - a short one.

Or even simpler. We connect the coils one by one to the transmitting TX output. We tune one into resonance, and after tuning it, the other. Step by step: Connected, poked a multimeter in parallel with the coil with a multimeter at the alternating volts limit, also soldered a 0.07-0.08 uF capacitor parallel to the coil, look at the readings. Let's say 4 V - very weak, not in resonance with the frequency. We poked a second small capacitor in parallel with the first capacitor - 0.01 microfarads (0.07+0.01=0.08). Let's look - the voltmeter has already shown 7 V. Great, let's increase the capacitance further, connect it to 0.02 µF - look at the voltmeter, and there is 20 V. Great, let's move on - we'll add a couple thousand more peak capacitance. Yeah. It has already started to fall, let's roll back. And so achieve maximum voltmeter readings on the metal detector coil. Then do the same with the other (receiving) coil. Adjust to maximum and connect back to the receiving socket.

How to zero metal detector coils

To adjust the zero, we connect the tester to the first leg of the LF353 and gradually begin to compress and stretch the coil. After filling with epoxy, the zero will definitely run away. Therefore, it is necessary not to fill the entire coil, but to leave places for adjustment, and after drying, bring it to zero and fill it completely. Take a piece of twine and tie half of the spool with one turn to the middle (to the central part, the junction of the two spools), insert a piece of stick into the loop of the twine and then twist it (pull the twine) - the spool will shrink, catching the zero, soak the twine in glue, after almost complete drying adjust the zero again by turning the stick a little more and fill the twine completely. Or simpler: The transmitting one is fixed in plastic, and the receiving one is placed 1 cm over the first one, like wedding rings. There will be an 8 kHz squeak at the first pin of U1A - you can monitor it with an AC voltmeter, but it’s better to just use high-impedance headphones. So, the receiving coil of the metal detector must be moved or shifted from the transmitting coil until the squeak at the output of the op-amp subsides to a minimum (or the voltmeter readings drop to several millivolts). That's it, the coil is closed, we fix it.

Which wire is better for search coils?

The wire for winding the coils does not matter. Anything from 0.3 to 0.8 will do; you still have to slightly select the capacitance to tune the circuits to resonance and at a frequency of 8.192 kHz. Of course, a thinner wire is quite suitable, it’s just that the thicker it is, the better the quality factor and, as a result, the instinct. But if you wind it 1 mm, it will be quite heavy to carry. On a sheet of paper, draw a rectangle 15 by 23 cm. From the upper and lower left corners, set aside 2.5 cm and connect them with a line. We do the same with the upper right and lower corners, but set aside 3 cm each. We put a dot in the middle of the lower part and a point on the left and right at a distance of 1 cm. We take plywood, apply this sketch and drive nails into all the points indicated. We take a PEV 0.3 wire and wind 80 turns of wire. But honestly, it doesn’t matter how many turns. Anyway, we will set the frequency of 8 kHz to resonance with a capacitor. As much as they reeled in, that's how much they reeled in. I wound 80 turns and a capacitor of 0.1 microfarads, if you wind it, say 50, you will have to put a capacitance of about 0.13 microfarads. Next, without removing it from the template, we wrap the coil with a thick thread - like how wire harnesses are wrapped. Afterwards we coat the coil with varnish. When dry, remove the spool from the template. Then the coil is wrapped with insulation - fum tape or electrical tape. Next - winding the receiving coil with foil, you can take a tape from electrolytic capacitors. The TX coil does not need to be shielded. Remember to leave a 10mm GAP in the screen, down the middle of the reel. Next comes winding the foil with tinned wire. This wire, together with the initial contact of the coil, will be our ground. And finally, wrap the coil with electrical tape. The inductance of the coils is about 3.5mH. The capacitance turns out to be about 0.1 microfarads. As for filling the coil with epoxy, I didn’t fill it at all. I just wrapped it tightly with electrical tape. And nothing, I spent two seasons with this metal detector without changing the settings. Pay attention to the moisture insulation of the circuit and search coils, because you will have to mow on wet grass. Everything must be sealed - otherwise moisture will get in and the setting will float. Sensitivity will worsen.

What parts can be replaced and with what?

Transistors:
BC546 - 3 pcs or KT315.
BC556 - 1 piece or KT361
Operators:

LF353 - 1 piece or exchange for the more common TL072.
LM358N - 2pcs
Digital chips:
CD4011 - 1 piece
CD4066 - 1 piece
CD4013 - 1 piece
Resistors are constant, power 0.125-0.25 W:
5.6K - 1 piece
430K - 1 piece
22K - 3pcs
10K - 1 piece
390K - 1 piece
1K - 2pcs
1.5K - 1 piece
100K - 8pcs
220K - 1 piece
130K - 2 pieces
56K - 1 piece
8.2K ​​- 1 piece
Variable resistors:
100K - 1 piece
330K - 1 piece
Non-polar capacitors:
1nF - 1 piece
22nF - 3pcs (22000pF = 22nF = 0.022uF)
220nF - 1 piece
1uF - 2pcs
47nF - 1 piece
10nF - 1 piece
Electrolytic capacitors:
220uF at 16V - 2 pcs

The speaker is miniature.
Quartz resonator at 32768 Hz.
Two ultra-bright LEDs of different colors.

If you cannot get imported microcircuits, here are domestic analogues: CD 4066 - K561KT3, CD4013 - 561TM2, CD4011 - 561LA7, LM358N - KR1040UD1. The LF353 microcircuit has no direct analogue, but feel free to install LM358N or better TL072, TL062. It is not at all necessary to install an operational amplifier - LF353, I simply increased the gain to U1A by replacing the resistor in the negative feedback circuit of 390 kOhm with 1 mOhm - the sensitivity increased significantly by 50 percent, although after this replacement the zero went away, I had to glue it to the coil in a certain place tape a piece of aluminum plate. Soviet three kopecks can be sensed through the air at a distance of 25 centimeters, and this is with a 6-volt power supply, the current consumption without indication is 10 mA. And don’t forget about the sockets - the convenience and ease of setup will increase significantly. Transistors KT814, Kt815 - in the transmitting part of the metal detector, KT315 in the ULF. It is advisable to select transistors 816 and 817 with the same gain. Replaceable with any corresponding structure and power. The metal detector generator has a special clock quartz at a frequency of 32768 Hz. This is the standard for absolutely all quartz resonators found in any electronic and electromechanical watches. Including wrist and cheap Chinese wall/table ones. Archives with a printed circuit board for the variant and for (variant with manual detuning from the ground).

What determines the depth of target search?

The larger the diameter of the metal detector coil, the deeper the instinct. In general, the depth of target detection by a given coil depends primarily on the size of the target itself. But as the diameter of the coil increases, there is a decrease in the accuracy of object detection and sometimes even the loss of small targets. For objects the size of a coin, this effect is observed when the coil size increases above 40 cm. Overall: a large search coil has a greater detection depth and greater capture, but detects the target less accurately than a small one. The large coil is ideal for searching for deep and large targets such as treasure and large objects.

According to their shape, coils are divided into round and elliptical (rectangular). An elliptical metal detector coil has better selectivity compared to a round one, because the width of its magnetic field is smaller and fewer foreign objects fall into its field of action. But the round one has a greater detection depth and better sensitivity to the target. Especially on weakly mineralized soils. The round coil is most often used when searching with a metal detector.

Coils with a diameter of less than 15 cm are called small, coils with a diameter of 15-30 cm are called medium, and coils over 30 cm are called large. A large coil generates a larger electromagnetic field, so it has a greater detection depth than a small one. Large coils generate a large electromagnetic field and, accordingly, have greater detection depth and search coverage. Such coils are used to view large areas, but when using them, a problem may arise in heavily littered areas because several targets may be caught in the field of action of large coils at once and the metal detector will react to a larger target.

The electromagnetic field of a small search coil is also small, so with such a coil it is best to search in areas heavily littered with all sorts of small metal objects. The small coil is ideal for detecting small objects, but has a small coverage area and a relatively shallow detection depth.

For universal searching, medium coils are well suited. This search coil size combines sufficient search depth and sensitivity to targets of different sizes. I made each coil with a diameter of approximately 16 cm and placed both of these coils in a round stand from under an old 15" monitor. In this version, the search depth of this metal detector will be as follows: aluminum plate 50x70 mm - 60 cm, nut M5-5 cm, coin - 30 cm, bucket - about a meter. These values ​​​​were obtained in the air, in the ground it will be 30% less.

Metal detector power supply

Separately, the metal detector circuit draws 15-20 mA, with the coil connected + 30-40 mA, totaling up to 60 mA. Of course, depending on the type of speaker and LEDs used, this value may vary. The simplest case is that the power was taken from 3 (or even two) lithium-ion batteries connected in series from a 3.7V mobile phone and when charging discharged batteries, when we connect any 12-13V power supply, the charging current starts from 0.8A and drops to 50mA per an hour and then you don’t need to add anything at all, although a limiting resistor certainly wouldn’t hurt. In general, the simplest option is a 9V crown. But keep in mind that the metal detector will eat it in 2 hours. But for customization, this power option is just right. Under any circumstances, the crown will not produce a large current that could burn something on the board.

Homemade metal detector

And now a description of the process of assembling a metal detector from one of the visitors. Since the only instrument I have is a multimeter, I downloaded O.L. Zapisnykh’s virtual laboratory from the Internet. I assembled an adapter, a simple generator and ran the oscilloscope at idle. It seems to show some kind of picture. Then I started looking for radio components. Since signets are mostly laid out in the “lay” format, I downloaded “Sprint-Layout50”. I found out what laser-iron technology is for manufacturing printed circuit boards and how to etch them. Etched the board. By this time, all the microcircuits had been found. Whatever I couldn’t find in my shed, I had to buy. I started soldering jumpers, resistors, microcircuit sockets, and quartz from a Chinese alarm clock onto the board. Periodically checking the resistance on the power buses to ensure there are no snot. I decided to start by assembling the digital part of the device, as it would be the easiest. That is, a generator, a divider and a commutator. Collected. I installed a generator chip (K561LA7) and a divider (K561TM2). Used ear chips, torn out from some circuit boards found in a shed. I applied 12V power while monitoring the current consumption using an ammeter, and the 561TM2 became warm. Replaced 561TM2, applied power - zero emotions. I measure the voltage on the generator legs - 12V on legs 1 and 2. I am changing 561LA7. I turn it on - at the output of the divider, on the 13th leg there is generation (I observe it on a virtual oscilloscope)! The picture is really not that great, but in the absence of a normal oscilloscope it will do. But there is nothing on legs 1, 2 and 12. This means the generator is working, you need to change TM2. I installed a third divider chip - there is beauty on all outputs! I came to the conclusion that you need to desolder the microcircuits as carefully as possible! This completes the first step of construction.

Now we set up the metal detector board. The "SENS" sensitivity regulator did not work, I had to throw out the capacitor C3 after that the sensitivity adjustment worked as it should. I didn’t like the sound that appeared in the extreme left position of the “THRESH” regulator - threshold, I got rid of it by replacing resistor R9 with a chain of series-connected 5.6 kOhm resistor + 47.0 μF capacitor (negative terminal of the capacitor on the transistor side). While there is no LF353 microcircuit, I installed the LM358 instead; with it, Soviet three kopecks can be sensed in the air at a distance of 15 centimeters.

I turned on the search coil for transmission as a series oscillatory circuit, and for reception as a parallel oscillatory circuit. I set up the transmitting coil first, connected the assembled sensor structure to the metal detector, an oscilloscope parallel to the coil, and selected capacitors based on the maximum amplitude. After this, I connected the oscilloscope to the receiving coil and selected the capacitors for RX based on the maximum amplitude. Setting the circuits to resonance takes several minutes if you have an oscilloscope. My TX and RX windings each contain 100 turns of wire with a diameter of 0.4. We start mixing on the table, without the body. Just to have two hoops with wires. And to make sure of the functionality and possibility of mixing in general, we will separate the coils from each other by half a meter. Then it will be zero for sure. Then, having overlapped the coils by about 1 cm (like wedding rings), move and push apart. The zero point can be quite accurate and it is not easy to catch it right away. But it is there.

When I raised the gain in the RX path of the MD, it began to work unstably at maximum sensitivity, this was manifested in the fact that after passing over the target and detecting it, a signal was issued, but it continued even after there was no target in front of the search coil, this manifested itself in the form of intermittent and fluctuating sound signals. Using an oscilloscope, the reason for this was discovered: when the speaker is operating and the supply voltage drops slightly, “zero” goes away and the MD circuit goes into a self-oscillating mode, which can only be exited by coarsening the sound signal threshold. This didn’t suit me, so I installed a KR142EN5A + super bright white LED for power supply to raise the voltage at the output of the integrated stabilizer; I didn’t have a stabilizer for a higher voltage. This LED can even be used to illuminate the search coil. I connected the speaker to the stabilizer, after that the MD immediately became very obedient, everything started working as it should. I think the Volksturm is truly the best homemade metal detector!

Recently, this modification scheme was proposed, which would turn the Volksturm S into the Volksturm SS + GEB. Now the device will have a good discriminator as well as metal selectivity and ground detuning; the device is soldered on a separate board and connected instead of capacitors C5 and C4. The revision scheme is also in the archive. Special thanks for the information on assembling and setting up the metal detector to everyone who took part in the discussion and modernization of the circuit; Elektrodych, fez, xxx, slavake, ew2bw, redkii and other fellow radio amateurs especially helped in preparing the material.

The design of a deep metal detector is similar to a regular one, with the exception of some technical details. It also differs in its increased sensitivity to metal objects, which makes it possible to detect them at greater depths compared to a simple metal detector. In addition, there is a selective search function, that is, the ability to find objects of a certain size without reacting to those that do not fit the parameters.

Diagram of a deep metal detector

It is quite simple, despite its apparent complexity. The metal detector consists of two parts – receiving and transmitting. The main device is a high frequency transmitter generator. Two loop antennas, one of which serves as a signal transmitter, the second as a receiver. They must be located strictly at an angle of 90 degrees to each other to prevent the receiving antenna from picking up the generator signals. When a metal object is found, the magnetic field created by the generator is distorted and subsequently picked up by the receiving antenna. In this case, the mass of a metal object is used as a source of radiation, sending the energy produced to the receiving antenna.

Metal detector receiver circuit

The transmitting device includes a thyristor with a power of 0.25 to 1 W and a sound generator with a frequency of 200 Hz. When a metal object is found, the operator hears a sound with a frequency of 200 Hz, the strength of which depends on the size of the object found and the distance to it.

A detector receiver whose oscillation circuit responds to a frequency of 120 kHz, and consists of two diodes. The amplifier can be absolutely any low-frequency generator that can be found in an old radio. An amplifier with transistors in the amount of 5-6 pieces is enough. A transistor is also used as a current amplifier for a pointer instrument, allowing the level of the received signal to be measured. That is, the device contains two types of indicators - visual and acoustic. The operating frequency is adjusted so as not to interfere with the operation of the signal receiver.

Transmitter circuit

Required parts and tools for assembly

To assemble such a metal detector, you must first prepare a set of necessary parts and tools.

In the case of a pulse metal detector, approximate parts list will look like this:

  1. Electrolytic capacitors with a voltage of at least 16 V in the following capacities: 2 capacitors with a capacity of 10 μF, one with a capacity of 2200 μF, 2 pcs - 1 μF.
  2. Ceramic capacitors: 1 piece with a capacity of 1 nf.
  3. Film capacitors of the lowest voltage value, for example, 63 V - 2 pieces of 100 nf each.
  4. Resistors of 0.125 W: 1 k - one, 1.6 k - one, 47 k - one, 62 k - two, 100 k - one, 120 k - one, 470 k - one, 2 ohm - one, 100 ohm – one, 470 ohm – one, 150 ohm – one,
  5. Resistors of 0.25 W: 10 ohms - one.
  6. Resistors 0.5 W: 390 ohm - one
  7. Resistors 1 W: 220 ohm - one.
  8. Variable resistors: 10 k – one, 100 k – one,
  9. Transistors: BC 557 – one, BC 547 – one, IRF 740 – one,
  10. Diodes: 1N4148 - two, 1N4007 - one.
  11. Microcircuits: K157 UD2, NE555.
  12. Panels for each of them.

Metal detector parts

From tools When performing work you will need:

  • Soldering iron, tin, special solder, other soldering supplies.
  • A set of screwdrivers, wire cutters, pliers and other plumbing tools.
  • Materials for the production of printed circuit boards.

Metal detector assembly steps

The process of assembling a deep metal detector with your own hands includes the following steps:

At the first stage, it is necessary to assemble the electronic part, namely the control unit.

The step-by-step process looks like this:

  • Cutting PCB to the required size.
  • Preparing a PCB design and transferring it directly to the board.
  • Preparing the etching solution. It contains table salt, electrolyte and hydrogen peroxide.
  • Etching the board and drilling technological holes.
  • Tinning the board using a soldering iron.
  • Next comes the most important stage in assembling the control unit. This is the selection, search and soldering of parts directly onto the board.
  • Winding a test coil. There are several options for winding it. The simplest option is to use PEV wire size 0.5 and wind it 25 turns on a suitable frame with a diameter of about 19-20 cm.

The best option would be to solder everything directly, and after the setup is complete, select the necessary connectors and adapters. It is better not to twist, as this has a negative effect on the sensitivity of the device.

The second good option would be to make such a ring from twisted pair wire. You will need about 2.5 - 2.7 m of wire.

To achieve maximum sensitivity, do the following:

  1. Wind 25 turns of wire.
  2. Perform a test by cutting small pieces of wire and observing the increase in sensitivity.
  3. This must be done until sensitivity begins to decrease.
  4. Count the number of turns, wind the final version of the coil, adding 1-2 turns. Thus, the maximum sensitivity value is achieved.

Upon completion of the main work, the control unit, coil and other parts are fixed in place on the rod. The metal detector can be turned on and checked.

Possible problems during assembly

  • The assembled device does not react to metal objects. The cause may be a breakdown of the diodes or transistor. Faulty parts need to be replaced.
  • Excessive heating of the transistor. You should install a resistor of lower resistance, reducing it until the heating stops.

Assembly of this type of metal detectors is not too difficult, provided all rules and instructions are strictly followed.

Many radio amateurs dream of making a metal detector with their own hands. It can be used to detect metal objects in the ground at different depths. On the Internet you can find many photos of metal detector circuits that are simple to use. Any beginning radio amateur can make them.

Easy assembly

For example, let's take the circuit of a simple metal detector. It is of the pulse type, but due to the simplicity of its design it is not able to distinguish between types of metals. Therefore, it will not be possible to operate such a device in areas where objects made of non-ferrous metal are found.

How to assemble the device

To assemble a simple metal detector circuit with your own hands, you will need the following tools and parts:

  • Presence of KR1006VI1 microcircuit and IRF740 transistor;
  • Presence of K157UD2 microcircuit and VS547 transistor;
  • Copper conductor 0.5mm (PEV);
  • NPN transistor;
  • Housing, and various materials for it;
  • Solder, flux, soldering iron.

Other details are shown in the diagram. In order for the assembled circuit to be securely fastened, a plastic case should be prepared for it.

The bar can be made using a small diameter plastic tube. A metal detecting coil will be installed in its lower part.


Beginning of work

The circuit diagram of a metal detector using transistors is a common option for many models. Assembly begins with the manufacture of a printed circuit board. Next, all radio elements are mounted on it exactly as shown in the diagram.

To ensure stable operation of the device, film capacitors are used in the circuit. This will allow you to use it in cold weather without any problems.

Power type for device

The device can operate on a voltage of 9-12 V. Due to its sufficient power, energy is intensively consumed. It is recommended to install up to 3 batteries and connect them in a parallel circuit. You can use a small battery that has a charger. Thanks to its capacity, the metal detector will work longer.

Coil installation

There are different types and schemes for the manufacture of metal detectors, but in the pulsed version, inaccuracies are allowed in the installation of the coil. When making a mandrel, the winding should be up to 25 turns, and the diameter of the ring should be 1900-200mm.

All turns of the coil must be insulated with electrical tape. Reducing the number of turns to 22, and the mandrel diameter of 270 mm will allow you to detect objects at a deeper location. The wire cross-section on the coil is 0.5 mm.

When the winding is ready, it is attached to a durable housing with sufficient rigidity, on which there should be no metal parts. Otherwise, they are able to shield the magnetic field, and the operation of the metal detector will be disrupted. The body can be made of wood or plastic, but so that it can withstand various impacts that can damage the coil.

The leads on it should be soldered to a conductor of several cores. The best option is a two-core wire.


The installation of a non-ferrous metal detector circuit is a little more complicated, and high precision must be observed in the manufacture of the coil. The number of turns reaches 100pcs, and a vinyl tube is used as the core. Foil is wound on top of the winding, which forms an electrostatic shield.

Device setup

If the installation of the circuit is done exactly, then the metal detector will not need additional settings. Its sensitivity indicators will be maximum, but fine adjustment is possible through variable resistance R13. It must be performed until rare clicks begin in the headphones.

If the adjustment fails, then the resistances must be replaced with R12. When the resistor adjustment is in the middle, this will be considered normal.

An oscilloscope is suitable for checking the device. The frequency of transistor T2 is measured on it, and the pulse should last up to 150 ms. The optimal operating frequency is up to 150 Hz.


How to use the device

You should not rush and start working immediately after turning on the metal detector. It should stabilize, so you need to wait up to 20 seconds. After adjusting the resistor appropriately, you can start looking for metal.

Note!

Photo of the metal detector circuit

Note!

Note!

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