What do searchcoils do?
The searchcoil (or loop) is an antenna that transmits and receives the detector’s signal. It is surrounded by an invisible electromagnetic field. Any conductive or magnetic item that enters this field will produce a response from the detector. It consists of loops or coils of wire encased in a disc-shaped waterproof housing, hence the name. Searchcoils are generally round, or oval shaped on most nugget hunting detectors. They usually range in size from three inches to eighteen inches in diameter. Most detectors can use several different sizes. Searchcoils ARE NOT interchangeable between most models of detectors, particularly nugget detectors. Each detector usually only works with the searchcoils made specifically for it. The most common are eight to ten inches in diameter, and are usually supplied as standard equipment with the detector when it is purchased. Each model will then usually have a smaller (four inch to six inch) and a larger (ten inch to eighteen inch) searchcoil available
