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Simple Arduino Metal Detector

 One of my favorite electronics projects are metal detectors. I'm trying to build some famous and more complex detectors like the TGSL (VLF) and the Delta Pulse (PI) but I also decided to try a very simple approach - using an Arduino and a few electronic components.

As I also work with programming, it was very interesting to join the 2 areas (electronics and IT). The detector works as an "educational" purpose as it detects a large coin at about a 3-4 centimeters distance from the coil while professional detectors can detect objects at a very larger distance, although it can be a great opportunity to learn more about how metal detectors work (in this case using the Pulse Induction technology).

I found this project in a YouTube video, and it is not created by me but I'm sharing it with you. In my test, I replaced the LED with a piezo buzzer, so, the components I used were:

- 1x Arduino UNO

- 1x protoboard (optional as you can mount the components any other way)

- 2x 220Ohm resistor

- 1x 1N4141 diode

- 1x 100nf capacitor (ceramic or polyester)

- 1x piezo buzzer

- 20 turns of 28AWG enameled copper wire within a 10cm diameter circle

Here is the Arduino / protoboard layout:

You can download the code in my GitHub repository here, then, upload it to your Arduino.

Check my YouTube video of it working here:

As you can see in my YouTube video, it works as described.

Mount yours and comment here if it worked! If you need some help, let me know.


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Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2021 at 5:57 AM

    Why does the resistor looks like is not inside of a hole in the breadboard. I did it but nothing happens. The script is right but nothing is going on besides the arduino just receiving the code.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CristianoFebruary 3, 2021 at 12:14 PM

      Hi, Really, in the image seems the resistor is not inside the hole in one of its sides, but in reality it is (must be). Did you tried with a larger metal piece like a cake pan or something? Also, did you used the proper wire gauge and circle diameter? Hope it works.

      Delete
  2. UnknownAugust 1, 2021 at 12:02 PM

    hi , the buzzer isn't mentioned in the diagramme , where can i place it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CristianoAugust 2, 2021 at 5:39 AM

      Hi, you can just replace the LED by the Buzzer. Thanks!

      Delete

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