Skip to Navigation | Skip to Content

Viking Metal Detectors

What do we mean by Motion and Non-Motion Metal Detectors?

Motion or the older style non-motion metal detectors describes the way the detectors operate. Put simply, the search head on a motion detector must be kept moving in order to detect, whereas with a non-motion detector the search head can be held still over a target and will continue to give a signal.

The disadvantage of a non-motion detector is that it requires ‘tuning’. This is simply achieved by turning the appropriate control(s) on the detector until a very faint sound is heard through the loudspeaker or headphones. This sound will rise in volume when a metal object is detected. This type of detector is excellent for pinpointing targets but can be affected by variations in temperature or ground conditions and may need to be retuned from time to time.

Motion metal detectors are self-tuning; once switched ON, they are continuously re-adjusting themselves for optimum operation. The metal detector search head has to be kept in motion to detect metal, the moment movement is stopped, metal detection stops. The big advantage with this principle is that they are extremely simple to use and operate.

Secondly, because of their sophisticated electronics, motion metal detectors are not affected as greatly by mineralised ground as non-motion metal detectors and therefore the penetration is greater. Also better discrimination is achieved without significant loss of depth.