Iron Volume
Iron Volume is a feature used by many metal detectors, most notably the Minelab brand, and allows the user to adjust the volume of the audio signal for iron targets. This feature is designed to better discriminate between ferrous and non-ferrous objects in the ground without the need to eliminate ferrous objects entirely by discrimination. Instead of completely turning off the signal for iron (which is common with discrimination), Iron Volume allows you to mute or amplify the sound the detector makes when an iron object is found.
The principle of operation of Iron Volume:
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Iron Volume Adjustment: With Iron Volume, the user can choose whether they want the iron targets to emit a quiet, medium or normal volume tone. This provides flexibility in the importance the user places on iron signals without ignoring them completely.
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Maintaining iron detection: Unlike full discrimination, which would completely suppress iron objects, Iron Volume allows the user to still detect iron, just at a lower volume. This is useful because in some situations iron can be an indicator of the presence of other, more valuable objects.
Benefits of using Iron Volume:
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Better control over signals in the field: Instead of completely cancelling iron targets (which could lead to overlooking potentially interestinginteresting finds near iron objects), you can simply lower the volume of iron signals with Iron Volume. This allows you to focus on non-ferrous metals without missing important information about iron in the soil.
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Preserving the context of the find: Iron objects, such as old nails or iron artifacts, can be valuable historical findsfindings or indicate the presence of human activity that could lead to other valuable finds (e.g. The Iron Volume feature allows the detectorist to perceive these signals without a distracting, loud tone.
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Effective in areas with large amounts of iron: In places with a high concentration of iron scrap, such as old industrial sites or areas with a history of warfare, high intensity iron signals can be exhausting. By attenuating these signals with Iron Volume, you can still distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous targets without being overwhelmed by iron signals.
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More comfort and less fatigue during long searches: If iron is ubiquitous, its loud tone can be exhausting during extended searches. Iron Volume reduces fatigue by muting the iron signals, allowing for more comfortable searching for longer periods of time.
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Optimizing the search for more valuable metals: Users who primarily search for non-ferrous metals such as gold, silver or bronze can lower the iron volumesignals and focus on higher conductivity signals without being distracted by the constant loud tones for ferrous.
An example of a practical use of Iron Volume:
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Searching at Old Settlements: Historic sites often contain many iron objects such as nails, old tools or rusted objects. These objects may indicate the presence of more valuable finds in the area (e.g. coins or jewellery). By using Iron Volume, you can reduce the volume of iron signals while making sure you don't miss important finds nearby.
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Searching beaches or fields. Iron Volume can be useful to distinguish scrap iron from more valuable items such as rings or coins. Instead of completely jamming the iron, you can just mute its signals while still focusing on potentially valuable targets.
Advantages over detectors without Iron Volume:
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Better discrimination: detectors without this feature often use either complete discrimination (which can mask interesting iron objects) or the full signal for all metals. Iron Volume provides the advantage of fine tuning iron signals without having to completely discard them.
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Flexibility. Iron Volume allows the detectorist to better manage the load of iron signals and target more valuable metals more effectively.
Conclusion:
The Iron Volume feature is useful for those who want to have better control over how ferrous targets are detected and presented by the metal detector. It helps to reduce distracting noise in an environment full of ferrous objects without the need to without completely eliminating these objects, providing flexibility, better target separation and increased comfort when searching in challenging environments.