The search for metals and gold is an activity that has always fascinated people.
Although professional metal detectors can be expensive and inaccessible to many, today it is possible to perform this activity more easily and economically thanks to mobile applications.
Apps like Magnetometer, Smart Metal Detector and Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite allow anyone with a smartphone to scan their surroundings for metals.
These apps take advantage of mobile sensors, such as the magnetometer, to detect nearby metallic objects.
In this article, we'll discuss how these apps work and what makes them unique for those new to metal detecting.
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How do metal and gold detection apps work?
Mobile metal detection apps primarily work through a magnetometer, a sensor that measures changes in magnetic fields generated by metallic objects. This sensor is found in many modern smartphones and can detect the strength of magnetic fields. Metallic objects, especially ferrous ones, react to the magnetic field in such a way that their proximity is detectable by the phone's sensor.
Using these apps, you can detect nearby metal objects, whether large or small. However, it's important to keep in mind that mobile apps don't have the same depth or accuracy as a professional metal detector. The apps are useful for quick, surface scans, but aren't suitable for deep searches.
The main appeal of these apps is their accessibility: you don't need expensive equipment or advanced technical knowledge to start searching for metals. Plus, you can use your mobile phone anytime, anywhere, making these apps ideal tools for the curious, amateurs, and those who simply want to try their luck.
Magnetometer: The most basic option for beginners
Magnetometer It's one of the simplest and most popular metal detection apps. It works by using your phone's magnetometer, which measures the intensity of the magnetic field generated by nearby metal objects. The app displays this intensity in a real-time graph, allowing you to easily and directly identify the proximity of metals.
The interface of Magnetometer It's extremely simple. You just need to open the app and move your phone over the area you want to scan. As you get closer to a metal object, the graph will show an increase in the magnetic field strength, indicating the presence of a metallic object.
Advantages of Magnetometer:
- Easy to use, ideal for beginners.
- Fast, real-time results.
- It does not require any type of subscription or payment.
Disadvantages of Magnetometer:
- Accuracy is limited compared to professional detectors.
- It can only detect ferrous metals (such as iron and steel).
Smart Metal Detector: More Accuracy and Additional Features
If you are looking for an app that offers more precision and additional features, Smart Metal Detector is an excellent option. This application, like Magnetometer, uses your phone's magnetometer, but also includes an audible alert system that notifies you when it detects a nearby metal object. This allows for more interactive searches, as the app emits a sound each time it detects metal.
Besides, Smart Metal Detector It has a more advanced visual interface, showing not only the magnetic field strength but also the proximity of the metal object in graph form. This app is more accurate than Magnetometer and allows the detection of a wider variety of metals, not just ferrous ones, which increases its versatility.
Advantages of Smart Metal Detector:
- Audible alerts that warn you of the presence of metals.
- Detailed visual interface with real-time graphics.
- Detects a wider variety of metals.
Disadvantages of Smart Metal Detector:
- Some features require a premium subscription.
- Accuracy is still limited compared to professional detectors.
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite: All-in-One for Scientific Explorations
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite It's one of the most comprehensive apps for detecting metals and exploring different physical parameters. Although its primary focus isn't exclusively on metal detection, this app offers a wide range of sensors that can measure everything from magnetic fields to acceleration and pressure. It uses the phone's magnetometer to detect metals, but also includes other useful features for those interested in science and technology.
What makes the difference Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite from the other apps is its versatility. While you can use it to detect metals in a similar way to Magnetometer and Smart Metal Detector, it also allows you to measure other physical aspects of the environment, making it a useful tool for scientific experiments and more detailed explorations.
Advantages of Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite:
- Includes a variety of sensors for different measurements.
- Ideal for scientific experiments and multidimensional explorations.
- It allows measuring the magnetic field and other physical parameters at the same time.
Disadvantages of Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite:
- It is not entirely focused on metal detection, which may make it not as accurate for this purpose.
- It requires a little more technical knowledge to take advantage of all its features.
Feature Comparison: Magnetometer vs Smart Metal Detector vs Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite
Below is a comparison table of the three apps to help you decide which one is best for your needs:
| Function | Magnetometer | Smart Metal Detector | Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection accuracy | Average | High | Average |
| Ease of use | High | Average | Average |
| Additional sensors | No | Yes (audible alerts) | Yes (various physical sensors) |
| Visual interface | Basic | Interactive | Complete and detailed |
| Main function | Metal detection | Metal detection | Measurement of multiple parameters |
| Subscription required | No | Yes (premium features) | No |
Reflecting on the future of metal detection applications
The future of metal detecting apps promises to be exciting. As smartphone technology continues to evolve, device sensors are likely to become more accurate, improving apps' ability to detect metals more effectively. Additionally, apps are expected to better integrate with other emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), which could transform the metal detecting experience by making it more interactive and visual.
Another expected advancement is the improvement in apps' ability to detect metals at greater depths, one of the current limitations. In the future, we could see mobile phones become more powerful and precise tools for exploration, even in more complex environments, such as indoor searches or in difficult terrain.
However, even as these apps improve, it's important to recognize that they will never replace professional metal detectors. Metal detectors remain the preferred choice for serious searchers, offering greater accuracy and the ability to detect objects at greater depths.
Glossary of technical terms
- Magnetometer: Sensor that measures the magnetic field, used to detect nearby metallic objects.
- Accelerometer: Sensor that measures the acceleration of the device, used in some apps to improve detection.
- Physical sensor: Device that measures different parameters, such as temperature, pressure or magnetism.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Technology that superimposes digital information onto the real world, improving user interaction with their environment.
- Visual interface: The graphical or numerical representation of data collected by sensors.
Conclusion
The applications Magnetometer, Smart Metal Detector and Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite offer affordable solutions for metal detecting with your smartphone. While these apps aren't on par with professional metal detectors, they are fun and useful tools for those who want to explore their surroundings for metal objects. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a simple option like Magnetometer, or choose a more advanced application like Smart Metal Detector either Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite if you are looking for more features.
As technology continues to advance, these apps will improve and integrate with other innovations, making metal detecting more accurate and fun. So don't hesitate to try them out and explore the world around you with these amazing tools!
