using fbs technology for target identification

[graybeard]

Hi,

How does the Explorer SE internal firmware correlate the response from each frequency for target identification? I know that each target returns a different response to each frequency transmitted by the detector. It would seem that the slope of the return response curve could be used for target identification. For instance, I know that a frequency response line slope over 3.1 on my White's DFX indicates a pull tab, but I have to do that calculation in my head. Does the Explorer SE do that calculation for you?

 

[NH Bob]

No, the SE doesn't come with a calculator. It just finds and good stuff.
I haven't a clue, but I'm interested in the replies.

 

[Chris(SoCenWI)]

Not sure what is happening in the DSP code but it makes its best guess as to what the targets is and assigns it an XY value.

 

[jeff & Maria]

Listen for a beep, dig the hole, if it's a good target it goes in one pocket of the pouch, if it's a bad target it goes in the other pouch. That is the only true way to discriminate. Too many desirable targets replicate junk so I say "Dig! what the heck, it's just another hole" If you can't find it let the dog look for it.

 

[SNOWY]

Graybeard hat question leads to a highly technical subject, I'm no "techie," but I dug this up...

If this is not helpful to you, ~ it is interesting!!!


Quote from Minelabowners forum ~ "By increasing the number and the range of frequencies being transmitted (the Explorer operates between the frequencies 1.5kHz to 100kHz), there has been a marked improvement in both the depth and accuracy of discrimination. This means that the Explorer can now detect those very deep targets which have been overlooked until now. All those productive areas you have detected previously, done well and found all that was there in shallow depths, can now be re-detected to find the deeper coins which were missed previously.

An added advantage of increasing the number of frequencies being transmitted is the increased accuracy of target identification. The more frequencies sampling the target, the more information returned for processing and the more precisely the detector is able to accurately identify the target. For the technically minded, Full Band Spectrum ( F.B.S.) has meant that the resolution or the divisions of measurement, the Explorer is able to make of a target signal has gone from approximately 8000 out to a massive 65000, a huge increase of information. They're New! They're Different! The new Minelab Explorers are the most technologically advanced detectors ever produced!

Minelab's powerful, high-performance Explorer series sets the new standard in metal detecting technology. Minelab's latest, exclusive Full Band Spectrum (FBS) technology features 28 simultaneous operating frequencies from 1.5kHz to 100kHz. Superior FBS technology means a wider variety of more desirable targets, incredible depth and more target information in your hands to help you find what you've been missing with other detectors!" ~ End Quote

 

[Captain Kirk]

graybeard,

VLF detectors use sinusoidal excitation on the transmit coil.

The BBS detectors use essentially square wave excitation on the transmit coil. The electronics analyzes the shape of the pickup signal. This includes the rise and fall characteristics of the pickup signal. This is what allows the Explorers to determine both the ferrous and conductive characteristics of the target. This process give a much better identification of the target. For example, many targets have the same ferrous or conductive characteristics. But, very few will have both the same ferrous and conductive components. In addition, there is no ground balancing required because the BBS technology automatically compensates for the mineralization effects.

HH,
Glenn

 

[wade tx]

n/t

 

[SNOWY]

Pretty deep and complicated process huh Glen ???

I'm not a techie type,
and I am with the other guys in as much as I'm happy that the Explorer does what it does ~ so well !!!

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

n/t

 

[Rick(ND)]

When I am ask how does it work I say "it works very good" that all I need to know

 

[Captain Kirk]

Snowy,

You are correct about it being a complicated process. You are also correct that one does not need to know about the "techie" stuff to be an effective user of the Explorer. I am always reluctant to get into the technical stuff, but there are some people that would like to know a little bit more. I will try to restrain myself in the future.

Thanks for your counsel and HH,
Glenn

 

[NH Bob]

I guess, some people are born annalists and there's nothing wrong with that.
And the rest of us enjoy the wonder of it all.

 

[coinnut]

Hi, You don't need to restrain yourself. What you need is someone to direct you to others that have the capabilities, you obviously have. I did electronic tech for a while and that didn't help. You need to find a website that has electronic engineers on it. Only there will you get your answers. If that happens, we would love to hear the answers to your questions (in plain English of course). Keep asking and maybe someone can shed some light on it. Maybe e mailing the tech dept at Minelab may help. There is a site that has people that discuss metal detectors at a more intense level. I don't know if I'm allowed to post a link to that site, so PM me if you want it. HH

 

[jackintexas]

If that is the way then why would anyone want an Explorer or any other discriminating detector. I was detecting when all it did was beep. I love to be able to discriminate. True if you have the time and the back to dig all targets.Then you would miss nothing. Not even the tons of trash you would dig.....Jack

 

[SNOWY]

Glenn, I agree with Coinnut, don't restrain yourself !

Do drop those pearls of wisdom, ~ we can take aboard what we can digest, ___ and pass on the rest...

There will always be parts of it that sink in.

 

[Tinfoil]

n/t

 

[Tinfoil]

n/t

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

If you read Jeff and Maria's post, you will understand my comment. (not serious; just a bit of fun.)
Mick Evans.

 

[The Nutty Teacher]

Hello Captain!

It's good to see that you're keeping busy while the ground is frozen and the white stuff is still too deep.
I appreciate your technical talk, but then I've been detecting with you. You consistently located deep silver targets.
I had my best year ever last year, using many of the techniques I learned from you.

Respectfully,

The Nutty Teacher

 

[Captain Kirk]

Nutty Teacher,

I miss the good times we used to have together.

I have stayed close to home during the past year and essentially hunted alone. I have called Garry several times, but he has always been out of town working. I did not have a good year (from a finds standpoint) because I have just stayed local and we have done a good job of cleaning out most of the good stuff.

Since we last communicated I have purchased and sold a Teknetics T2. I did not find it to my liking. It is light and has very fast recovery, but has a problem with crown caps sounding like silver.

I then purchased a Minelab Xterra 70 in mid January 08. I think I am going to like this detector. It is very light, very fast recovery, has notch discrimination and is really easy to use. Because of all the snow on the ground, I have only been out once with it (last week). At Liberty Park, I found some open ground on the north side of the tennis court. I got a deep target (8" to 10") under a tree on the east end of the tennis courts. I started to dig and found large root 1" below the surface. I dug down about 4" away from the root and then dug under the root. At about 8" I pulled out a 1925S wheat. This built my confidence that it will find deeper stuff.

Anyway, It was good to hear from you. Maybe our paths will cross again someday. Until then, may God bless you and your family.

Glenn