How To Make a Metal Detector
- August 13, 2008
- 140,421 Views
Like looking for lost treasure? There’s no need to break the bank for a high-end metal detector — just dig through your junk drawer!
You Will Need
- An AM or AM/FM radio
- A calculator
- A standard CD case
- Some Velcro
Step 1: Disassemble the CD case
Carefully disassemble the CD case by removing the insert that holds the CD in place.
Step 2: Cut Velcro pieces
On your radio, measure out an area centered on the back of the radio. Then cut a hook and loop piece of Velcro the same size.
Step 3: Mount the radio
Stick one side of the Velcro to the back of the radio, and stick the other piece of Velcro to one side of the CD case. Then mount the radio.
Step 4: Mount the calculator
Repeat the same process with the calculator, and apply the Velcro to the other side of the CD case. Then mount the calculator.
Step 5: Set radio
Make sure the radio is set to the AM band and turn it on. Now tune it on to the highest end of the AM band, but not directly at a broadcast station. Turn the volume up and all you should hear is static.
If there is a broadcast station at the very high end of the AM band, get as close as you can so you’re just hearing static.
Step 6: Fold CD case
With the calculator on, start folding the CD case until you hear a loud tone. That tone is the electronic circuit in the calculator. It’s producing a radio frequency signal that the AM radio is picking up.
Step 7: Move toward metal object
Now slowly open up the case again until you can barely hear the loud tone. Then start moving your radio and calculator close to a metal object, and you’re hear the loud tone again. Now the next time you drop something valuable, get your homemade metal detector and find it!
In 1881, Alexander Graham Bell used one of the first metal detectors to try and locate a bullet in President James Garfield’s chest. He was unsuccessful because the metal bed Garfield was on confused the detector.
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Comments (19)
Finally an interesting video on this site!!!
over 3 years ago by abbirosekelly
I can hardly wait to try this. AMAZING.
over 3 years ago by jackierange
most helpful video i've seen in a long time.
over 3 years ago by kpfingaz
Amazing. Thank you.
over 2 years ago by yonyz
This is amazing.
over 3 years ago by sanjay
Realmente dá certo, o alcance dependendo do tamanho do objeto. Parabéns!
over 3 years ago by fabrin
now this is the business ... i coulda used this a year ago when i lost my late mothers diamond earring ... AWESOME
over 3 years ago by Crash
amazing :)
over 2 years ago by fedmich
This=awesome!
over 2 years ago by NBL18
Love the new video Kip!
over 3 years ago by HeatherMenicucci
very good,,
over 2 years ago by Khalid_Al_Zabn
very good,,,
over 2 years ago by Khalid_Al_Zabn
you could save money then buying a useless 69-100 dollar metal detector
over 2 years ago by moonlight342
Sounds like I'll have to do some MacGyver-ing over the weekend!
over 2 years ago by Matt_Savage
Sounds like I'll have to do some MacGyver-ing over the weekend!
over 2 years ago by Matt_Savage
Sounds like I'll have to do some MacGyver-ing over the weekend!
over 2 years ago by Matt_Savage
Sounds like I'll have to do some MacGyver-ing over the weekend!
over 2 years ago by Matt_Savage
I just found the website, I love it very much and this video is what I am looking for.
about 1 year ago by kingxun
Ooo Affordable with my budget.
about 1 year ago by blahwah
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