• A diagram of a good DIY metal detector with a signet. A simple and reliable DIY metal detector. Brief instructions for setting up a DIY metal detector “Pirate”

    Today there are a large number of ways to make a metal detector at home completely independently, without the help of specialists. Some of them require certain knowledge of physics, as well as skills in working with electrical and radio devices. Others do not require any special skills, and any beginner can assemble a metal detector at home with their own hands.

    How to make your own metal detector from disks

    It’s quite easy to make a metal detector at home with your own hands. using two discs - CD and DVD. This method is very simple and does not require any complex components. All you need for this is:

    • CD and DVD disc. It is advisable to take double-sided ones, then the sensitivity of the metal detector will be much higher.
    • Any calculator you have at hand, you can take the simplest and cheapest one
    • headphones
    • crown size battery
    • glue and tape

    Sequence of actions

    The metal detector is ready you can start testing it. For ease of use, you can attach a comfortable handle to the metal detector. To search for coins and metal in the ground, the power of such a device will not be enough, but in the house it can always be useful. For example, to search for hidden wiring, a walled-up wall, or to find a metal profile under a sheet of drywall.

    Metal detector made from a radio and calculator

    In order to make such a metal detector, the following things are needed:

    1. Empty CD box
    2. The simplest and cheapest calculator
    3. Radio receiver operating on AM frequency
    4. Double-sided tape or tape
    5. Nails
    6. Wooden mop stick

    Assembly order

    Device assembly sequence next.

    Thus, you can assemble a metal detector at home with your own hands, even without special knowledge and skills. But it should be borne in mind that such metal detectors not suitable for serious searches metal objects underground, because their range of action is small. For complex tasks, you should try to assemble a “butterfly” or “terminator” type device. On the one hand, if everything works out, you can save a good amount of money, but on the other hand, according to experts, such homemade metal detectors don't always work as intended.

    A metal detector is a device that can be used to find metal objects underground. There are many types and varieties of this device. The main differences are in scanning depth and ease of use. The deeper a metal detector “sees,” the more expensive its cost.

    The principle of its operation is based on the magnetic attraction of objects. The device generates a magnetic field that you direct into the ground. As soon as an object is encountered, the field is reflected from it and returns back. In this case, a signal about the find is issued.

    Now we will tell you how to make a metal detector with your own hands.

    How to make a high-frequency metal detector with your own hands?

    First, assemble the command block. You can use a laptop or radio for this.

    Tune the radio to the AM frequency, as high as possible. Make sure there is no radio station operating on this frequency.

    Now you need to make a search head. To do this, cut out two circles using a thin plywood sheet as the material. One should have a diameter of fifteen centimeters, the other approximately ten, so that they can fit into each other.

    Now cut out the sticks from wood so that the rings are parallel to each other.

    Using enameled copper wire a quarter of a millimeter thick, make fifteen turns from the plates.

    Now you can attach the craft to the block itself.

    Take a pole and attach a head to the lower end, and a radio detector to the upper end.

    Turn on the frequency. If you did everything correctly, a quiet sound will be heard. To hear it better, you can connect headphones.

    How to make a metal detector with your own hands? Easy way

    You will need:

    • Timer chip 555 (SE555/NE555);
    • Resistor forty-seven kilo-ohms;
    • Two 2.2 microfarad capacitors;
    • Battery "Krona" nine volts;
    • Buzzer;
    • Copper wire 0.2 millimeters in diameter;
    • Wires;
    • Scotch;
    • A piece of cardboard;
    • Glue.

    Electrical diagram

    Making a coil

    To make a coil with your own hands with a diameter of ninety millimeters, you need to wind two hundred and fifty turns of copper wire, and for a coil with a diameter of seventy millimeters - two hundred and ninety turns. After these manipulations we get 10 mH.

    The frames for the coils can be made of cardboard and the wire is wound on them.

    Testing the circuit

    Assemble the parts on the circuit board and check how it works.

    If everything works as it should, you make a printed circuit board on which you assemble all the parts.

    Making a handle for the device

    You can make it yourself using cardboard for the base. From it you cut out three identical parts in the shape of a boomerang, and make a hole in them for the battery. Then glue all three parts together. Dry and cut out a place for the switch. Attach the circuit, connect the battery, switch and glue the coil.

    Checking the resulting metal detector

    What you will need:

    • Any discs, but double-sided ones are better, so the device will be more sensitive.
    • Headphones.
    • Calculator without solar panels.
    • The battery is 9 volt, you can use the crown.
    • Glue.
    • Insulating tape.

    Cut off the headphone plug and strip off the insulation at the ends. Expose the wires by ten millimeters.

    Divide the stripped wires into two parts, you get four wires.

    Take one end of the wire from different headphones and glue it to the writing sides of both discs.

    Using electrical tape, secure the wires to the drives.

    Connect the two bare ends of the wires that remain to the plus and minus of the battery and also secure with electrical tape.

    Turn on the calculator and attach it to the top of one of the disks.

    Place the second disk on the calculator and fasten the disks with electrical tape.

    Again, use electrical tape to attach the battery to the disk.

    Ready! You can test it.

    Metal detector at home

    To get started, stock up on an empty computer disk box.

    Take a small radio and attach it with the back wall to one of the doors of the box.

    You also attach a working calculator without solar panels to the other door with its back.

    Now set up the device. Turn on the radio and switch it to the AM reception range. Make sure there is no broadcast on this frequency. If it is on, adjust the dial until there is complete silence on the air. When you turn the receiver volume up to maximum, you should only hear noise.

    The time has come to check the functionality of the device. To do this, slowly and slowly close the box. At some point there will be a loud sound. This means that the radio picked up the magnetic waves emitted by the calculator.

    Now open the box so that the sound is not loud. Hold the box in this position, bring it to a metal object, and you will hear the same loud sound. This means that the device is working.

    This is such a simple device that it is better to use it to find lost metal products at home. It is possible in nature, but there you need a more advanced device.

    Simple and reliable metal detector

    Electrical diagram

    In order to make such a device, you will first need a vinyl plastic tube, the outer diameter of which is one and a half centimeters, and the inner diameter is one centimeter. It needs to be twisted into a ring twenty-five centimeters in diameter. This will serve as the base of the search coil (indicated in the diagram as L1). Do not forget to provide an exit hole; a stick will be inserted into it for holding.

    Wrap the coil a hundred times with PELSHO wire with a diameter of 02.7, wrap aluminum foil in the form of a tape along the top, it will serve as a screen for the device. It is important that you remember to leave a small gap in the screen so that the L1 coil does not become shorted.

    The device is powered by a battery or battery. You can control the frequency and sound of the signal using headphones.

    Video lessons

    A DIY gold detector is a device that allows prospectors to detect the presence of gold in the ground. Of course, even the most powerful metal detector cannot guarantee that a precious metal will be found in the soil, but searches with such a device will still be more productive. And to save on the purchase of equipment, you can familiarize yourself with the assembly diagram of a metal detector and make it at home.

    If large-scale excavations of a new source are planned, one metal detector will not be enough. But if the process is of interest to a group of miners, then the device will be quite helpful in gold mining. The device is capable of emitting waves and also receiving return signals. When connected to the search tip of the device, electromagnetic fields are generated that interact with various substances.

    The principle of operation of the metal detector

    If a metal detector detects gold or other metal in the soil, then vortex points appear on its surface, which are transformed into a signal. If a piece of metal is found, its electrical conductivity is measured. But if the substance does not have electrical characteristics, then you should buy or make other metal detectors that pick up radio waves.

    Main characteristics of a metal detector for gold

    When assembling a metal detector for searching for gold, you need to take into account that the grains of sand in the ground are small, so the frequency of the device should be in the range of 14–20 kHz. And the diagram of the device indicates that when making a metal detector, special attention should be paid to the balance of induction, as well as the two coils in the head. A powerful electronic circuit makes it possible to determine the depth of metal, their permeability and other characteristics.

    During the design of the detector, emphasis is placed on the basic requirements for a device for detecting gold:

    • High penetrating ability. The parameter depends on the coil and determines the depth of the soil to which the signal will be sent.
    • The size and dimensions of the search area. The metal detector should be of medium size.
    • High sensitivity must also be present in the device.
    • Selectivity. A parameter that is constantly being worked on. It is almost impossible to ensure the selection of only precious metals, so the device also reacts to other components of the earth.
    • Resolution or discrimination. This is an opportunity to find out the nature of the substance in the ground before excavation. But usually the function is present only in expensive devices.

    Search depth is one of the important parameters. The operating principle of the device also plays a role. If the metal detector is radio frequency, then the probability of detecting precious metal with it is low. A more reliable option is devices operating on the principle of pulse induction. They do not require adjustment and are sensitive to small metals.

    Mining metal detectors for gold most often work on the “receiver-transmitter” principle; the frequency of such a device is fixed, which allows you to find small nuggets.

    The layout of metal detectors may vary. In homemade versions, devices are built in the following ways:

    • Parametric. They lack a receiver and a coil. Such devices are the cheapest, but their use requires experience, since the frequency fluctuates and it is difficult to catch a signal that will actually indicate the precious metal. Most often, these finders are used to search for magnetic elements, and the sensitivity to standing materials is weak.
    • Transceiver. They demand the highest quality reels. The assembly diagram of such a device is complex, you will have to spend money.
    • With phase accumulation. Works due to phase shift; Producing clicks and high-pitched sounds, it helps the miner navigate.
    • On the beats.
    • No receiver.

    How to assemble a simple device at home?

    A do-it-yourself metal detector can be easily assembled by people who don’t even know anything about radio engineering. This is done using the following items:

    • radio;
    • calculator;
    • boxes (plastic or cardboard);
    • double sided tape.

    The operating principle of the device is pulsed, and the essence is to rotate the magnetic vector of the EMF during re-emission. The quality of such a device, of course, is difficult to compare with a professional metal detector, but as an affordable alternative to a device for beginners, it will be useful.

    Of course, the devices used in the assembly must meet certain parameters. You should choose the cheapest calculator; they are often made in basements. Such devices are difficult to use for their intended purpose, but they are suitable for a metal detector. These products are powerful sources of radio interference, and the calculator's clock generator is to blame. It is precisely this that is needed to assemble a new device, in particular, for probing space.

    The receiver should also be made from cheap devices, without increasing noise immunity. The main condition for using the receiver is a magnetic antenna. You can take devices with medium or short wave reception.

    Then you should follow this algorithm:

    • The calculator and receiver should be secured inside the box with tape. To make it easy to control the device, the receiver must be placed on the inside of the box lid.
    • With the receiver turned on, you should set the maximum volume at the top of the AM range. It is better to do this in an area where there are practically no radio stations or radio interference.
    • Next you need to turn on the calculator. After this, the receiver will hum or wheeze, in any case it will make some sounds, but there is no need to turn down the volume. After adjusting the tone, the lid of the box can be closed, and the tone will disappear or weaken. By this action we found a position where the magnetic vector of the pulses is directed perpendicular to the axis of the ferrite rod of the magnetic antenna, so that it does not receive them.
    • In this position, the lid must be fixed. Sometimes you can do the opposite. Rotating the magnetic vector is an opportunity to hear the signal and understand that there is gold in the ground.

    The metal detector circuit is freely available on the Internet. A low-power device can actually be constructed by hand. And the search for gold must be carried out extremely carefully, since the process is prohibited, and miners are punished by law.

    With the onset of spring, more and more often you can see people with metal detectors on the banks of rivers. Most of them are engaged in “gold mining” purely out of curiosity and passion. But a certain percentage actually earn a lot of money from searching for rare things. The secret to the success of such research is not only in experience, information and intuition, but also in the quality of the equipment with which they are equipped. A professional instrument is expensive, and if you have a basic knowledge of radio mechanics, you have probably thought more than once about how to make a metal detector with your own hands. The editors of the site will come to your aid and tell you today how to assemble the device yourself using diagrams.

    Read in the article:

    Metal detector and its structure


    This model costs more than 32,000 rubles, and, of course, non-professionals will not be able to afford such a device. Therefore, we suggest studying the design of a metal detector in order to assemble a variation of such a device yourself. So, the simplest metal detector consists of the following elements.


    The operating principle of such metal detectors is based on the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves. The main elements of a device of this type are two coils: one is transmitting, and the second is receiving.


    The metal detector works like this: the magnetic field lines of the primary field (A) of red color pass through the metal object (B) and create a secondary field (green lines) in it. This secondary field is picked up by the receiver and the detector sends an audible signal to the operator. Based on the principle of operation of emitters, electronic devices of this type can be divided into:

    1. Simple, working on the “receive-transmit” principle.
    2. Induction.
    3. Pulse.
    4. Generating.

    The cheapest devices belong to the first type.


    An induction metal detector has one coil that sends and receives a signal simultaneously. But devices with pulse induction differ in that they generate a transmitter current, which turns on for a while and then turns off abruptly. The coil field generates pulsed eddy currents in the object, which are detected by analyzing the attenuation of the pulse induced in the receiver coil. This cycle repeats continuously, perhaps hundreds of thousands of times per second.

    How does a metal detector work depending on its purpose and technical device?

    The operating principle of a metal detector varies depending on the type of device. Let's consider the main ones:

    • Dynamic type devices. The simplest type of device that continuously scans the field. The main feature of working with such a device is that you must be in motion all the time, otherwise the signal will disappear. Such devices are easy to use, however, they are poorly sensitive.
    • Pulse type devices. They have great sensitivity. Often, such a device comes with several additional coils for adjustment to different types of soils and metals. Requires certain skills to set up. Among the devices of this class we can distinguish electronic devices operating at low frequencies - no higher than 3 kHz.

    • Electronic devices, on the one hand, do not give a reaction (or give a weak one) to unwanted signals: wet sand, small pieces of metal, shot, for example, and, on the other hand, they provide good sensitivity when searching for hidden water pipes and central heating routes, as well as coins and other metal objects.
    • Depth detectors designed to search for objects located at impressive depths. They can detect metal objects at a depth of up to 6 meters, while other models “pierce” only up to 3. For example, the Jeohunter 3D depth detector is capable of searching and detecting voids and metals, while showing objects found in the ground in 3- measured form.

    Depth detectors operate on two coils, one is parallel to the ground surface, the other is perpendicular.

    • Stationary detectors- these are frames established at particularly important protected sites. They detect any metal objects in people's bags and pockets that pass through the circuit.

    Which metal detectors are suitable for making yourself at home?

    The simplest devices that you can assemble yourself include devices that operate on the principle of reception and transmission. There are schemes that even a novice radio amateur can do; for this you just need to select a certain set of parts.


    There are many video instructions on the Internet with detailed explanations of how to make a simple metal detector with your own hands. Here are the most popular ones:

    1. Metal detector "Pirate".
    2. Metal detector - butterfly.
    3. Emitter without microcircuits (IC).
    4. Series of metal detectors "Terminator".

    However, despite the fact that some entertainers are trying to offer systems for assembling a metal detector from a phone, such designs will not pass the battle test. It’s easier to buy a children’s metal detector toy, it will be more useful.


    And now more about how to make a simple metal detector with your own hands using the example of the “Pirate” design.

    Homemade metal detector “Pirate”: diagram and detailed description of the assembly

    Homemade products based on the “Pirate” series metal detector are among the most popular among radio amateurs. Thanks to the good performance of the device, it can “detect” an object at a depth of 200 mm (for small items) and 1500 mm (large items).

    Parts for assembling a metal detector

    The Pirate metal detector is a pulse type device. To make the device you will need to purchase:

    1. Materials for making the body, rod (you can use a plastic pipe), holder, and so on.
    2. Wires and electrical tape.
    3. Headphones (suitable for the player).
    4. Transistors – 3 pieces: BC557, IRF740, BC547.
    5. Microcircuits: K157UD2 and NE
    6. Ceramic capacitor - 1 nF.
    7. 2 film capacitors - 100 nF.
    8. Electrolytic capacitors: 10 μF (16 V) – 2 pieces, 2200 μF (16 V) – 1 piece, 1 μF (16 V) – 2 pieces, 220 μF (16 V) – 1 piece.
    9. Resistors – 7 pieces per 1; 1.6; 47; 62; 100; 120; 470 kOhm and 6 pieces for 10, 100, 150, 220, 470, 390 Ohm, 2 pieces for 2 Ohm.
    10. 2 diodes 1N148.

    DIY metal detector circuits

    The classic circuit of the “Pirate” series metal detector is built using the NE555 microcircuit. The operation of the device depends on a comparator, one output of which is connected to the IC pulse generator, the second to the coil, and the output to the speaker. If metal objects are detected, the signal from the coil is sent to the comparator, and then to the speaker, which notifies the operator of the presence of the desired objects.


    The board can be placed in a simple junction box, which can be purchased at an electrical store. If such a tool is not enough for you, you can try to make a more advanced device; a diagram for making a gold-oriented metal detector will help you.


    How to assemble a metal detector without using microcircuits

    This device uses Soviet-style transistors KT-361 and KT-315 to generate signals (you can use similar radio components).

    How to assemble a metal detector circuit board with your own hands

    The pulse generator is assembled on the NE555 chip. By selecting C1 and 2 and R2 and 3, the frequency is adjusted. The pulses obtained as a result of scanning are transmitted to transistor T1, and it transmits the signal to transistor T2. The audio frequency is amplified by the BC547 transistor to the collector, and headphones are connected.


    To place radio components, a printed circuit is used, which you can easily make yourself. To do this, we use a piece of sheet getinax covered with copper electrical foil. We transfer the connecting parts onto it, mark the fastening points, and drill holes. We cover the tracks with a protective varnish, and after drying, we lower the future board into ferric chloride for etching. This is necessary to remove unprotected areas of copper foil.

    How to make a metal detector coil with your own hands

    For the base you will need a ring with a diameter of about 200 mm (ordinary wooden hoops can be used as the base), on which 0.5 mm wire is wound. To increase the depth of metal detection, the coil frame should be in the range of 260−270 mm, and the number of turns should be 21−22 vol. If you don't have anything suitable on hand, you can wind a reel on a wooden base.

    Copper wire spool on wooden base

    IllustrationDescription of action

    For winding, prepare a board with guides. The distance between them is equal to the diameter of the base on which you will attach the reel.
    Wind the wire around the perimeter of the fastenings in 20-30 turns. Secure the winding with electrical tape in several places.

    Remove the winding from the base and give it a rounded shape; if necessary, additionally fasten the winding in several more places.
    Connect the circuit to the device and test its operation.

    Twisted pair coil in 5 minutes

    We will need: 1 twisted pair 5 cat 24 AVG (2.5 mm), knife, soldering iron, solder and multitester.

    IllustrationDescription of action
    Twist the wire into two skeins. Leave 10 cm on each side.

    Strip the winding and free the wires for connection.
    We connect the wires according to the diagram.

    For better fastening, solder them with a soldering iron.
    Test the coil in the same manner as the copper wire device. The winding terminals must be soldered to a stranded wire with a diameter in the range of 0.5−0.7 mm.

    Brief instructions for setting up a DIY metal detector “Pirate”

    Once the main elements of the metal detector are ready, we proceed to assembly. We attach all the components to the metal detector rod: the body with the coil, the receiving and transmitting unit and the handle. If you did everything correctly, then additional manipulations with the device will not be required, since it initially has maximum sensitivity. Fine tuning is performed using variable resistor R13. Normal operation of the detector should be ensured with the regulator in the middle position. If you have an oscilloscope, then use it to measure the frequency at the gate of transistor T2, which should be 120−150 Hz, and the pulse duration should be 130−150 μs.

    Is it possible to make an underwater metal detector with your own hands?

    The principle of assembling an underwater metal detector is no different from a conventional one, with the only difference being that you will have to work hard to create an impenetrable shell using sealant, as well as to place special light indicators that can report a find from under water. An example of how this will work is in the video:

    Do-it-yourself metal detector “Terminator 3”: detailed diagram and video instructions for assembly

    The Terminator 3 metal detector has occupied an honorable place among homemade metal detectors for many years. The two-tone device operates on the principle of induction balance.


    Its main features are: low power consumption, metal discrimination, non-ferrous metals mode, gold only mode and very good search depth characteristics, compared to semi-professional branded metal detectors. We offer you the most detailed description of the assembly of such a device from folk craftsman Viktor Goncharov.

    How to make a metal detector with your own hands with metal discrimination

    Metal discrimination is the ability of the device to distinguish between the detected material and classify it. Discrimination is based on different electrical conductivities of metals. The simplest methods for determining the types of metals were implemented in old instruments and entry-level devices and had two modes - “all metals” and “non-ferrous”. The discrimination function allows the operator to respond to a phase shift of a certain magnitude, compared to a configured (reference) level. In this case, the device cannot distinguish between non-ferrous metals.


    Learn how to make a homemade professional metal detector using improvised materials in this video:

    Features of deep metal detectors

    Metal detectors of this type can detect objects at great depths. A good metal detector, made by yourself, looks to a depth of 6 meters. However, in this case the size of the find must be substantial. These detectors work best for detecting old shells or large enough debris.


    There are two types of deep metal detectors: frame and transceiver on a rod. The first type of device is capable of covering a large area of ​​land for scanning, however, in this case, the efficiency and focus of the search is reduced. The second version of the detector is a point detector; it works directed inward over a small diameter. You need to work with it slowly and carefully. If your goal is to build such a metal detector, the following video can tell you how to do it.

    If you have experience in assembling such a device and using it, tell others about it!

    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 huge 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...