Metal detectors have gone through many stages of both surging and dwindling popularity. Previously viewed as a somewhat kitsch remnant of another time, metal detectors are once again going through something of a renaissance. Metal detecting hobbyists can be seen in fields and on shorelines trying their luck and turning up forgotten treasure.

A beginner's metal detector ranges from about $150 to $500, more advanced detectors can cost more than $9,000. Brands to look out for are Fisher, Garratt, Tesoro, and Teknetics, as they all have great beginner models with the features you need to get started.

The coils of the metal detector are a crucial component which sends a magnetic field below the surface of the soil, magnetizing and metallic object below allowing the receiver to pick up on their frequency. Most detectors use coil systems that operate on VLF or Very Low-Frequency technology.

Coil size affects the size of the detection field. A larger coil will project a bigger detection field potentially allowing for more efficient processing of an area.

Target identification can help the user to determine if the frequency they are picking up

is coming from something unusual or a common recognizable item such as a modern coin, ring pull or non-precious metals. This can save the operator a lot of digging.

Modes allow for certain metal frequencies to be picked up and not others. This way of picking up on certain metals and neglecting others is known as discrimination. The type of discrimination can be tonal differentiation, full discrimination in which certain metal frequencies are simply not translated into sound or pinpointed to a single kind of metal.

1. Work out what sort of terrain you will be mostly operating your metal detector on, your budget and how much time you are planning on investing in your new hobby.

2. Purchase a detector that meets your needs. Some metal detectors are better on certain terrain, or in searching for types of items.

3. Read your manual and familiarize yourself with the controls, give your new toy a test run in the back yard or somewhere else close to home.

4. Select your area for a proper search. Schools, beaches, parks, and woodland are often some of the best places to get started. Make sure you get permission if the land you plan to search is private property.

5. Prepare a kit for a day’s detecting, including maps, a pen or pencil, digging equipment, storage equipment for if you find something special, sun protection, water and extra batteries

6.Get cracking. Be slow and methodical. Keep track of the areas you have covered and enjoy.

When you are first starting out hunting with a metal detector it can be easy to buy into some of the more prevalent myths that hang out on the fringes of metal detector communities. Here a few dispelled myths about metal detectors and detecting:

Whilst it's true that many people will have hunted over great sites before you, the technology they may have used might not be as advanced or sensitive as the equipment you are using. The soil is not static and can shift, also depending on the settings being used and the thoroughness of the person, or even the angle at which the detector hits the soil there may be treasures still waiting to be discovered. Even a site that has been dug up, raked and well and truly gone over by metal detectors before you can still yield some amazing finds. This is particularly true after a site has been disrupted in some way, something precious may have been lifted or pulled away from something that is obscuring the signal from the metal detector.

if you are just starting don't spend a fortune on really elaborate equipment that you have no idea how to use.

Do some research and find a good quality beginner or mid-range metal detector first and spend some time getting to know the controls and finding your technique before you spend a lot of money.

If your turn up your discrimination you might not picot up those irritating bits of rubbish and debris, but you might also miss something amazing that is being obscured. On a site with lots of interference discrimination is a huge asset and can stop you from going crazy, after all, that is what it is there for, but too much discrimination on a quiet site might cause you to miss some great finds.