Metal prospecting is a fascinating activity that has attracted thousands of people over the years.
However, traditionally, to perform it effectively, expensive equipment such as professional metal detectors was required.
Fortunately, technology has advanced, and today it is possible to use your mobile phone to perform metal scans with applications such as Magnetometer, Smart Metal Detector and Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite.
These apps leverage your phone's sensors to help you find metals and nearby objects in an easy, accessible, and affordable way.
In this article, we'll discuss how these apps work, their features, and which one is best for your needs.
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How do metal detection apps work?
Mobile metal detection apps leverage the magnetometer built into many modern smartphones. This sensor measures the intensity of the magnetic field generated by nearby metallic objects. By detecting variations in the magnetic field, the magnetometer can identify the presence of metals, such as iron, steel, copper, or even non-ferrous materials like gold or silver.
The process is simple: just open the app and move your phone over the area you want to scan. As you approach a metal object, the sensor will show changes in the magnetic field strength, indicating that metal is nearby. Metal detecting apps can't compete with professional metal detectors in terms of detection depth, but they offer an excellent alternative for surface searches or casual exploration.
Magnetometer: The simplest app for beginners
Magnetometer It's one of the easiest and most popular metal detection apps to use. It works by using your phone's magnetic sensor, which measures the strength of the magnetic fields around it. If you get close to a metal object, the magnetic field strength will increase, and the app will show you this in real time using a simple graph.
The main advantage of Magnetometer It's simple. It doesn't require complicated setup or a learning curve. Just open the app, move your phone in the desired direction, and observe the results. It's also ideal for those who just want to try their luck and detect nearby metals, without needing expensive equipment.
Advantages of Magnetometer:
- Easy to use and accessible for beginners.
- Immediate results with a simple interface.
- Ideal for quick, low-complexity scans.
Disadvantages of Magnetometer:
- It only detects ferrous metals, such as iron and steel.
- It does not have the ability to detect metals at greater depths.
Smart Metal Detector: Advanced Features for a Complete Experience
If you are looking for a more advanced app, Smart Metal Detector is an excellent option. Just like MagnetometerThis app uses your phone's magnetometer, but also includes audible alerts and a more detailed visual interface, improving the detection experience. When your phone detects a metallic object, it emits a sound to alert you, making the search easier and allowing you to focus on the task at hand without having to constantly look at the screen.
Besides, Smart Metal Detector It offers a real-time graphical representation of the magnetic field strength, allowing you to clearly see when you're approaching a metal. This app is more accurate than Magnetometer and offers a more interactive and complete experience.
Advantages of Smart Metal Detector:
- Audible alerts that facilitate detection.
- Visual graph showing magnetic field strength.
- Detects not only ferrous metals, but also some non-ferrous metals.
Disadvantages of Smart Metal Detector:
- Some premium features require a subscription.
- Although it is more accurate than Magnetometer, still has limitations in terms of detection depth.
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite: A multifunctional option for scientific explorations
If you are looking for an app with a wider range of features, Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite It's the perfect option. This app not only includes the ability to detect metals using a magnetometer, but also incorporates other sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, and pressure sensor, making it an ideal tool for scientific experiments and more detailed explorations.
Through Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite, you can obtain data on various physical parameters of your environment, making this app perfect for those interested in science and technology. Although it's not focused exclusively on metal detection, its ability to measure different variables makes it a valuable option for those looking for a more comprehensive measurement experience.
Advantages of Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite:
- Variety of sensors to measure different physical parameters.
- Ideal for more complex scientific experiments and explorations.
- It allows multidimensional analysis of the environment.
Disadvantages of Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite:
- It is not completely focused on metal detecting.
- Requires technical knowledge to take full advantage of its features.
Feature Comparison: Magnetometer vs Smart Metal Detector vs Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite
Below, we offer you a ranking of the main characteristics of Magnetometer, Smart Metal Detector and Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite to help you choose the best app for your needs.
| Feature | 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 |
| Non-ferrous metal detection | No | Yeah | Yeah |
Future scenario or reflection on metal detection technology
The future of metal detection apps is very bright. As smartphone technology continues to evolve, the devices' sensors will improve in accuracy and performance. This will allow metal detection apps to become increasingly more precise and capable of detecting metals at greater depths, making them much more useful in more serious searches.
Furthermore, the integration of emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), could revolutionize the way we interact with metal detecting apps. Imagine being able to view detected metal objects in real time on an interactive map, or receiving detailed instructions on how to move your device to enhance your search. All of this could be part of the user experience in the near future.
Despite these advances, it's important to recognize that professional metal detectors will remain the preferred choice for deeper, more precise searches. However, mobile apps will continue to be a valuable option for those looking to explore their surroundings in an accessible way, without the need to invest in expensive equipment.
Conclusion
Applications such as Magnetometer, Smart Metal Detector and Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite They offer an excellent way to begin exploring metal detecting without the need for expensive equipment. While these apps can't match the accuracy of professional metal detectors, they are affordable, easy-to-use, and very useful tools for casual searching or experimenting with metal detecting.
Depending on your needs and the level of accuracy you are looking for, you can choose a simple app like Magnetometer, or a more advanced option like Smart Metal Detector either Physics Toolbox Sensor SuiteWithout a doubt, these apps make metal detecting more accessible to everyone, offering a fun and educational introduction to the world of technology and exploration.
As technology continues to advance, these apps are likely to continue to improve and offer more features, making metal detecting even more accurate and exciting in the future. It's time to explore what's around you and maybe find something valuable!
