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Metal detectors create an electro-magnetic (EM) 
field, which penetrates the ground. Because metal is 
conductive it causes a change in this field. The detector 
senses this change and sends a signal back to the control 
box, alerting the operator. 
Metal detectors can determine the size, shape and 
composition of metallic objects beneath the coil. 
Typically, the larger the object, the easier it is to detect. 
A metal detector’s EM operating frequencies are 
measured in kilohertz (kHz). 
Low frequency EM fields deeply penetrate the ground, 
but sensitivity to smaller targets is low. High frequency 
EM fields have less depth, but sensitivity to small  
targets is high. 
The Excalibur II's multiple frequency operation provides 
the advantages of both. 
How Metal 
Detectors Work
Single 
Frequency
Dual 
Frequency
Multiple 
Frequencies
BBS
Broad Band Spectrum (BBS)
Most detectors on the market operate on a single or dual 
frequency, ranging from 1 to 70 (kHz).
Although this technology has served the industry 
well for years, Minelab has found a frequency which 
works well in one area can often offer only marginal 
performance when used in another location. Ground 
mineralisation, trash content and target size all have an 
effect on how effective a detector transmitting a single 
frequency will operate.
The Broad Band Spectrum (BBS) circuit automatically 
transmits 17 frequencies simultaneously. This increased 
frequency range means the signal received from the 
detector coil is analysed from a wide range of responses. 
BBS technology allows the Excalibur II to locate targets 
in the most challenging areas of high mineralisation and 
trash, on the land, beach and underwater.