AIR TEST versus IN GROUND

[ToddB64]

I've read that doing air tests (to learn how your metal detector works) isn't as good as in-ground testing.

If my Ace250 metal detector is "ground balanced", to ignore the masking effect that iron ground minerals have over metal targets, then what makes an "in-ground " test any different than an "air test" ?

I realize that ground and air are two separate environments, but if the ground balancing circuit feature is neutralizing the unwanted return signals from ferrous minerals, then what's left to make an in-ground test any different than an air test ?

My purpose for asking this question is that I would like to do air tests knowing that the results are , for all intents and purposes, as good as in-ground tests with a ground balanced metal detector.

Thanks in advance to all who reply.

Todd

[steevo]

In ground testing will always be the best test of a metal detector.

Targets that have been buried for some time will, more often than not, give you more depth from your machine than if you were to do an air test on the same item after you dig it up. The reaction the metal object causes with the soil surrounding it gives it a bigger footprint for the detector to pick up on.

Note to the experts..Please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong..

steve from NZ

[Detector]

If my Ace250 metal detector is "ground balanced", to ignore the masking effect that iron ground minerals have over metal targets, then what makes an "in-ground " test any different than an "air test" ?

The key word here is IF. Many detectors have a ground balance preset at the factory. This is good for many locations, but not those with tougher than normal ground minerals. canceling out the minerals will also reduce depth to some degree. How well a detector is able to deal with ground minerals will affect the difference between ground and air tests.

IF a detectors able to be manually ground balanced, and IF it is properly balanced you might get close to the air test, but not likely.

To see this in action, test a coin/ring in the air and then bury it. On my DFX VDI my ring, for example, will read a solid 22 EVERYTIME in the air. If I just put it on the ground the same ring will have a VDI ranging from 18-24.