Today we will discuss collecting and processing electromagnetic data with the portable UG12. The UG12 is one of the most reliable electromagnetic induction systems in the market that can work on both passive and active modes. On top of that, its price range makes it a favorite to many archaeologists, geophysicists, and geologists. 

Collecting Data:
Horizontal measuring method:
The main application area for measurements is the horizontal method. Both antennas can be individually controlled. You can decide between automatic and manual measuring point recording. In general, the automatic measuring point recording for survey measurements is chosen when we deal with good terrains. The selected step speed and step distance must remain the same for the entire survey area.
Vertical measuring method:
This method is used for smaller areas and when we require high resolution for small target structures. The measurement is done based on a grid keeping as straight as possible profiles. The profiles are either always unidirectional or meandering. With the meander-shaped measuring fixture, the running direction is changed by 180 degrees for every other profile. 

Displaying Data in real-time: 

Spectrum (frequency analysis):
All receivable locally Frequencies are shown in a dynamic display in percent as well as in a waterfall display as a different bright bar. The tool can be used locally to determine the frequencies that can be received there and to overwrite up to seven previously-stored frequencies with "change and save frequency".

Plot:
Without storing the measured data, anomalies and suspected areas can be determined by "irregularly moving the measuring surface" with "plot".

Survey:
The actual measurement recording is done with the subprogram "survey". During the measurement recording, the individual measuring points are displayed color-coded in real-time.

Ourtreasure and metal detectors are characterized by easy use. So is the Rover UC, a metal detector and ground scanner disguised as a walking stick, which is ready for use immediately after unpacking. Via Android App the user adjusts settings and starts the measurement. Moreover, the measured data can be evaluated directly on the smartphone display. Thanks to its inconspicuous appearance, the metal detector Rover UC allows treasure hunting even in more frequented places.

During individual trainings, our customers familiarize themselves with the special features of the metal detectors and ground scanners. This basic training focused on typical errors when using ground scanners like the Rover UC and provided instructions, tips and tricks how to detect objects successfully and analyze the scan data properly.

With to the following quick start guide, treasure hunters are 5 steps closer to discoveries of treasure troves, burial chambers and cavities even in rough terrain.

1. Use auxiliary lines
Especially for beginners it can be very helpful to limit the measuring field beforehand by small markings such as auxiliary lines on the ground. This guarantees that the measuring paths always have the same length. Additional markings like straight lines further help the treasure hunter to walk parallel paths in the measuring field and to ensure that the tracks have the same distances. In this way the measurement data is not distorted and can be properly analyzed by the user afterwards.

2. Set the size of the measuring field
Experienced treasure hunters are usually able to estimate their measuring field quite well. If the user notices after the measurement that the scanned area is smaller or larger than previously estimated, the size of the measuring field can easily be adjusted afterwards via app. The measurement data is automatically adapted to the new information.

3. Complete your scan for best measurement results
The joy of successful treasure hunts and about detected objects is great, of course, and can be especially overwhelming as soon as conspicuous objects and anomalies are detected. Nevertheless, for correct scan results, the measurement must be completed. If the measurement with the ground scanner is interrupted at the spot of the find, the size and details of the detected structure remain uncertain – maybe it is a tunnel or a long artifact such as a weapon? In order to determine the size of the object precisely, the entire measuring field must be scanned.

4. How to analyze 3D Ground Scans
3D ground scanners like the Rover UC offer a fast and efficient analysis of the measurement data directly on the smartphone: With only one finger touch the 3D graphics on the touchscreen can be rotated and enlarged. The app allows to determine the size, position and depth of detected objects more accurately. For more detailed results, users may transfer the scan data to the PC and use the Visualizer 3D software for further analysis.

​5. How to discriminate metals
Whether the detected objects are ferrous or precious metals can be clarified with further functions: Rover UC can also be used as pin pointer to retrieve previously detected objects during excavation. The magnetometer mode is used especially for the localization of ferromagnetic metals such as iron, cobalt and nickel. With this function, objects such as iron nails and screws can be distinguished from valuable artifacts.

A precious coin treasure was recently recovered: The shiny, well-preserved silver coins rested at a depth of 2.5 m (8.2 ft). We congratulate the treasure hunter on locating the hoard and are pleased to be allowed to present this discovery with our professional metal detector eXp 6000.

Ancient silver coins found: The obverse shows the head of a man looking to the right - probably Kings Antiochos and/or Seleukos. Successful treasure hunt thanks to professional metal detector. The powerful treasure detector and ground scanner eXp 6000 locates treasures and cavities to a depth of 25 m (82 ft). Thanks to various probes, the eXp 6000 can be used for different treasure hunting tasks:

• The Telescopic probe allows the investigation of very large areas in a short time.
• The Super Sensor finds natural gold mineralsas well as buried gold treasures.
• The Tunnel Sensor localizes underground cavities such as tunnels or caves.
• The LiveStream Sensor indicates buried artifacts immediately visually.

With the powerful metal detector and 3D ground scanner eXp 6000, archaeologists, amateur historians and gold seekers benefit from professional features for successful treasure hunts.

The story behind the silver coins:
The idea of coins is about 2500 years old. The currency was invented almost simultaneously in China and the Middle East. The distribution of coins from Asia Minor to Persia, Greece, the Roman Empire and into the world was driven by the flourishing long-distance trade of that time.

Historical value of the silver coins: The splendor of these ancient coins, which probably originate from the Seleucid Empire, not only impresses the discoverer of the coin treasure. On the one hand, it is an impressive discovery of a largely unknown treasure of this size. On the other hand, it is also fascinating to touch silver coins which were once taken as travel duties or from royal estates or were in circulation in exchange for goods and services within and outside the oriental empire – a piece of living history. The historical value of these 2000 year old coins now exceeds the original value as a means of payment.

Historical and geographical classification of silver coins: With his victory over the Persians, Alexander the Great extended his territory and reign to India. After his death, the Alexander Empire disintegrated into numerous empires – such as the Seleucid Kingdom, which was located in the area of the extinct ancient Persian Empire (Achaemenid Empire) in the Near East.

Map of the Macedonian Empire (334 - 323 B.C.): The Macedonian Empire was an ancient kingdom in the northern-most part of ancient Greece, bordering the kingdom of Epirus on the west and the region of Thrace to the east. For a short period of time it became the most powerful state in the ancient Near East.(Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons)The favorable location on the Silk Road favored trade within and outside the Seleukid Empire. Transport routes and ports were expanded, goods such as ceramics and metal jewelry made of silver, gold and bronze were exported to Iran and Greece, and craftsmen such as mosaic layers were hired in neighboring empires. Glass foundry and shipbuilding were also up-and-coming crafts that emerged in Syria and Phoenicia, while in Mesopotamia and Babylonia textile textile manufacturing became the focus.

Shiny, well preserved coin find: The ancient Greek coins are a fascinating piece of history.
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Ancient treasure trove of coins: The silver coins seem to originate from the Seleucid kingdom around 270 to 220 BC.Is the coin treasure maybe the hidden savings of a merchant? Perhaps a trader was surprised by a storm on his journey and had an accident. Was the collection of silver coins stolen and hidden by a thief? The details remain uncertain, but it is clear: The flourishing trade inside and outside the Hellenistic empires such as the Alexander Empire and the Seleucid Empire brought numerous coins on the market and holds further treasures such as jewelry, ceramics and mosaics awaiting their discovery.

The lightweight metal detector Rover UC allows treasure hunting in rough terrain, since only a smartphone is required for the first evaluation of the measured data. Without much preparation, the metal detector is immediately ready-to-use and does not only detect metals, but also distinguish between ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic metals.
In this case, the Rover UC detected a cavity while treasure hunting in the Middle East: A hidden burial chamber at 2 m depth was found in an ancient temple ruin. The treasure hunter was astonished as his discovery revealed valuable objects that are not made of gold. With the 3D ground scan function, his Rover UC tracked down the underground vault and led the treasure hunter to a successful discovery. The smartphone with the Rover UC App finally became a light source to illuminate the treasure find.

The discovered glass mosaic bowl with a diameter of 14.5 cm and a height of 4.5 cm weighs about 145 g, according to the treasure hunter. At first sight, the bowl appears to be very detailed, but rather inconspicuous in color. On closer inspection, the artfully arranged glass stones stand out, revealing their full splendor only above a light source: A beautiful, green shining mosaic showing fish around a spiral-shaped center. The discoverer of this treasure find describes the art object as a Phoenician glass mosaic bowl.

The glass production was originally brought to Egypt by craftsmen from Mesopotamia. Syria and Mesopotamia became important centers of glass production in the Mediterranean region in the 9th century BC. In the Hellenistic period, i.e. in the reign of Alexander the Great, Egyptian glass works in Alexandria again acquired a leading role. From there the technique of glass processing finally reached Rome.

Early on it was possible to make open vessels such as jugs and bowls from colored, translucent glass stones. Together with the mosaic technique, complex patterns were created, as the presented treasure trove shows. By fusing glass threads together, further forms and stripes could be created.
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In fact, the Phoenicians were not only sovereign in the production of beautiful glass mosaic bowls, but also in the trade with the extraordinary objects. The entire Mediterranean area was supplied from the glass manufactories in the coastal towns in today’s Syria. The utility glass from Sidon and the glass artworks from Alexandria were exported in large quantities to Rome.

​In its peak between 1200 and 900 BC, Phoenicia dominated the entire Mediterranean region as far as the Atlantic and was thus the greatest trading and naval power of antiquity. Phoenicia was famous in the ancient world mainly for its textiles and dyes (purple), objects made of precious metals, ivory carvings and glassware and had a significant influence on Greek art. Impressed by the production of glass, art spread throughout the Roman Empire and brought glass objects via the Silk Road to China.

A client of OKM detectors sent us 3D images and photos of his grave chamber find in Tunisia. The discoverer did not comment on found artifacts and burial valuables such as weapons and jewelry. Without any further information on the burial site, it is uncertain for whom it was built and which epoch of Tunisia’s lively history the discovery belongs to – starting with the Phoenicians, influenced by the trading power of Carthage and the competition with the Roman Empire, through numerous battles for supremacy and religion to the French colonial domination.

Discovery of burial chamber with Rover C II

Numerous data were collected during the measurement with the Rover C II as well as during the immediate inspection of the site. The measurement data were evaluated with the OKM software Visualizer 3D and clearly show a long cavity. According to the client’s specifications, the burial chamber is located at a depth of about 9,8 to 13,2 ft (3 to 4 m). Pictures testify to the underground find and illustrate the nature of the walls of the site.

Canadian rivers are known for its gold findings. Once again we received fantastic pictures of a happy gold seeker. With his Black Hawk metal detector he was looking for natural gold streams on the riverside in British Columbia/ Canada. The result you can see here - wonderful gold flakes. The OKM Black Hawk is available with different search coils for the detection of natural gold and buried metal objects.

To order please click here

Aquapulse was the tool used for this amazing find!

The crew of a boat known as “Capitana” recently discovered over 350 gold coins! The Capitana is part of the 1715 Fleet-Queen’s Jewels, LLC historic shipwreck salvage operation. The famous 1715 fleet sank in the year 1715, with millions of dollars in lost treasures. The vast amount of coins just recovered were found on exactly the 300th Anniversary of the 1715 Fleet!

According to Brent Brisben, the co-founder of of the 1715 Fleet-Queen’s Jewels, LLC, there were 9 rare coins also found, known as “Royals”. Those coins are valued at $300,000 a piece!! Brisben also mentioned, in a recent press release, that the coins were meant for the King of Spain and these make up 30% of all the known Royals out there! Brisben said that all the artifacts were discovered in shallow waters, about 6 feet deep, off the coast of Vero Beach, Florida. The treasure hunter that made the amazing find was William Bartlett, near a location where Co-Captain, Jonah Martinez chose.

You can order your aquapulse here

​1.    There are basically three types of "gold": low concentration disseminated gold in ore, placer gold deposits and solid gold such as that associated with treasure. Magnetometers are used to find disseminated gold by its association with mineralized zones which also contain magnetite or other magnetic minerals.  Magnetometers are often used in conjunction with airborne Electro-Magnetic surveys to find the conductive ore bodies.  Placer gold is the type found in buried stream channels such as the gold which sparked the California gold-rush in 1849.  Gold dust and magnetic minerals have been concentrated in river banks over thousands of years.  Where there is gold there is often magnetite and therefore the magnetometer can be used to locate placer gold deposits.  Gold treasure is a different story and being non-magnetic gold, silver, and other precious minerals are not directly detectable by the magnetometer.

2.    The magnetometer can only detect ferrous (iron or steel) objects.  If the gold is stored in an iron box or has iron materials next to the gold (such as colonial ship ballast stones in the marine environment), there is the possibility of detecting the iron material. This is true for land and marine (sunken galleon) gold bullion. The vast majority of target search surveys are performed on a grid in a "lawn mower" back and forth manner to cover the area of interest.  Lane spacing is dependent on target size (magnetic mass).

3.    At a sensor to target distance of 2 to 3 meters there will need to be at least 1-2 kilograms of iron.  This can produce a 1-2 nT anomaly that is detectable in a magnetically clean environment.  The ideal environment would be in a plowed farm field or the bottom of the ocean away from human activity i.e., away from a port or harbor.  You will probably not be able to detect this small of an anomaly in a city or port location. The more iron mass there is, the better the detectability.

4.    Training to use the magnetometer can take 1-2 days depending on experience with setting up computerized survey equipment and a GPS.

5.    Processing the magnetic data requires several days of training and would require a geophysical background to interpret the final maps. We provide free software to make maps and estimate the target depth of burial (inversion). If you are unfamiliar with this procedure, we would recommend that you find a local geotechnical firm to look at the data to determine if there are anomalies that should be investigated further.  Remembering that non-ferrous materials do not cause anomalies (gold, silver, copper, brass, aluminum, gems) you will be looking for anomalies either associated with the container OR associated with ground disturbance (i.e., gravesite). In this way some anomalies can be detected where there has been an excavation such as a gravesite.