Anyone use an RFI EMI Filter?

tripperman79 · Dec 16, 2011

I was browsing ebay today and came across something for metal detectors called a clip on RFI EMI filter, which claims to filter out interference from power lines and such. Has anyone tried one? I am not the seller of the item at the link below, just wondering if it is a scam or will actually help me with my ace 350.

Here is the link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clip-on-RFI...&otn=8&po=LCA&ps=63&clkid=4940322490298899091

DIRT DOBBER · Dec 16, 2011

I've never used one but I've seen them for sale on ebay for several different applications. I always assumed if it was a cure-all it would be built in to every detector and none of us would ever have the EMI issue.

It reminds me of those bracelets that are supposed to cure cancer, raise your testosterone, and bring your vision back to 20/20......

carcur · Dec 16, 2011

never heard of anyone on here using one
curtis

tripperman79 · Dec 16, 2011

Cool, thanks. Saved me $5. I had a feeling they were a scam. I carry my cell phone with me sometimes when I'm swinging, so it gives my 350 fits.

tripperman79 · Dec 16, 2011

Haha Dirt Dobber - You mean those bracelets don't work??!?!

DIRT DOBBER · Dec 16, 2011

tripperman79 said:
Haha Dirt Dobber - You mean those bracelets don't work??!?!

I didn't say that. I'm wearing four on each wrist and I feel at least 38 years old.......

I'm 40 so it seems they have some effect. :blink:

longbeard · Dec 16, 2011

WOAH.in the cb radio world. they are called ferite beads.we put them on the tv and speaker cables/power cables to stop them from picking up the cb radio.they are real and defintly work to stop stray rf. stray rf can be picked up by anything with a wire.the wire acts as a antenna.in my truck i had a big amp that would turn the windshield wippers on every time i keyed the mic..ferites stoped it.many cordless phones have them in the box but most dont know what for.cordless phones are a magnet for stray rf[radio feqs]

DIRT DOBBER · Dec 16, 2011

longbeard said:
WOAH.in the cb radio world. they are called ferite beads.we put them on the tv and speaker cables/power cables to stop them from picking up the cb radio.they are real and defintly work to stop stray rf. stray rf can be picked up by anything with a wire.the wire acts as a antenna.in my truck i had a big amp that would turn the windshield wippers on every time i keyed the mic..ferites stoped it.many cordless phones have them in the box but most dont know what for.cordless phones are a magnet for stray rf[radio feqs]

/makingfun

So, have you tried one on an MD?

HarveyH48 · Dec 16, 2011

I'm not an RF guy, but doubt it would do much for a metal detector. Really wouldn't make any difference, if the electronics in your box isn't shielded.

DIRT DOBBER · Dec 16, 2011

HarveyH48 said:
I'm not an RF guy, but doubt it would do much for a metal detector. Really would make any difference, if the electronics in your box isn't shielded.

Oh, I thought you were 'WOAH'ing us because there might be some merit to it's use on a MD.

longbeard · Dec 16, 2011

they will work.they are on all kinds of electronics.just look around your house.

longbeard · Dec 16, 2011

their!

pan4au · Dec 16, 2011

If your cable is shielded... they can't work... the shielding would prevent EMI/RF from entering or leaking from the cable. just my ²¢

GunDog · Dec 16, 2011

They're called ferrite filters. They do work. They do come on some metal detectors. You'll notice the difference if you put one on a "chattery" coil. Place it on the coil's cable right where it attaches to the control box. You can buy one at Radio Shack for about $5.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103222

Here is a definition for the device: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrite_bead

30U Plymouth · Dec 16, 2011

This sounds like something worth checking out tomorrow.

I just got one off of a computer cable.

It was easy to remove....it was just clipped on the wire.

I've already placed it onto the cable of my V3 and will let you know how it works tomorrow.

DIRT DOBBER · Dec 17, 2011

30U Plymouth said:
This sounds like something worth checking out tomorrow.

I just got one off of a computer cable.

It was easy to remove....it was just clipped on the wire.

I've already placed it onto the cable of my V3 and will let you know how it works tomorrow.

Awesome, definitely keep us posted.

30U Plymouth · Dec 17, 2011

OK......hunted today with the filter in place.

It did seem that I was able to turn the gain up higher on the V3i, but will need more research before I can decide if I'm getting more depth or less interference using the filter.

I will let you know more after my next hunt.

Finds today ...... about $2.00 in clad which did include a 1954 nickel and 4 toy cars.

searcher64 · Dec 17, 2011

Computer lines have them. It's a magnet, placed on the coaxial cable to help cut interference. Like twisting wire around each other, to counter the EMF affects.

johnson · Dec 17, 2011

As a HAM (amateur radio) operator I have built many antennas. I can tell you that any length of wire will act as an antenna. Even the shield part.
Do the filters work? Yes.
Do you need one? probably not.
But it is one of those things that could be handy to have around incase you find your self fighting with interference.
Dose it effect performance of the md? Don't know.
But I'd give up an inch or two rather then not hunt a site at all due to interference.

tripperman79 · Dec 20, 2011

I may just try one of these for the heck of it. They are only $5. My main issue is when my cell phone rings or I get a text message while I am out. The cell phone drives my detector crazy.

Anyone use an RFI EMI Filter?

tripperman79

Senior Member

DIRT DOBBER

carcur

Elite Member

tripperman79

Senior Member

tripperman79

Senior Member

DIRT DOBBER

longbeard

Elite Member

DIRT DOBBER

HarveyH48

Elite Member

DIRT DOBBER

longbeard

Elite Member

longbeard

Elite Member

Attachments

pan4au

Elite Member

GunDog

Junior Member

30U Plymouth

Elite Member

DIRT DOBBER

30U Plymouth

Elite Member

searcher64

Elite Member

johnson

Full Member

tripperman79

Senior Member

Similar threads