New coming from Minelab

[Alchemist]

Right, but there is also a line in that patent that discusses the fact that the problem they are dealing with is the voltage spike that results when one shuts off the power in a coil (like the ones at the end of our detectors). The patent states that the method used to deal with the voltage spike has previously been to have a coil with low induction (this minimizes the voltage spike). If they can deal with the voltage spike by other means (specified in the patent), then they could, in theory have coils with a larger induction. The amount of excitation magnetic field energy going into the ground is proportional to the induction of the coil and the voltage going through it. Increasing the induction of the coil would pump more energy into the ground, theoretically allowing deeper penetration on larger targets. So although I have not the slightest amount of info on the design of the new flagship detector, this patent does have potential for not just smaller targets, but deeper penetration on all targets by putting out more energy into the ground.

That said, Minelab has put out a little announcement on their new mid range detector today. Its worth taking a look at because stuff is happening:

http://www.minelab.com/emea/consumer/knowledge-base/news?article=203460

Hi Chris, all true, but remember to double the depth you need to increase the power 64 times due to a governing square law, so outright power is not the complete answer.

Increasing the inductance of the coil will mean a longer charge time constant, unless they increase the resistance of the coil, which is a catch 22, all the same that's fine for doorstop pieces, but not easily switchable to fly squat bits as Minelab seem to now have a penchant for, and it makes perfect commercial sense.

The answer is in between somewhere. Improving the signal to noise ratio by better utilising the effects generated by the present transmiter power, and one way of doing this is by killing the flyback as quick as possible hence the patent. The signal to noise ratio is massively increased by this manner, but this is mostly only going to help with fly squat short time constant targets, as you say, we need a bit more field strength to excite the flesh and muscle and not just the skin of those lumpy bits. It appears that immediately dumping the flyback voltage changes the whole ground response so it may mean better detection of deeper lumpy bits, time will tell.

It is certainly a great time to be a part of this fantastic hobby, passion, obsession...........

Cheers

Kev.