Where is all the good circuits

[David]

I see circuits posted that look like basic copies of old detectors using old components. Where is all the enthusiastic expiermenters, there are so many state of the art components avaliable these days. Take a look at the Maxim IC site for example, there are many op amps and comparators that operate on less than 3 volts and there are low voltage audio amps with H bridged mosfet outputs that would make a great coil driver. There are low drop out regulators that only require about .5v more on the input than what the output voltage is. It should be possible to build a detector with decent output power that operates on 3 NiMH AA cells and thats without getting too carried away. Lets see some new circuits don't wait for me to do it all.

[FJ]

Re: Where is all the good circuits

No, No, go ahead and do it all! Let us know when your done.
FJ

[Carl]

Re: Where is all the good circuits

Maxim? Maxim??? How 'bout Analog Devices?

Yup, you're right, there are lots of cool chips that can be used. How about a DDS transmit with sweep capability? Or active ground cancelation (I'm talking real cancelation) with DDS? Or true DSP signal analysis? (OK, Garrett has that now.) Or, like you say, at the very least use newer components at lower supplies.

However... most of projects around here are intended to be instructional. So, one goal is to produce designs that are easy to build, with components that are easy to find. In that respect, a 7805 regulator and TL082 opamp are probably better choices.

I am working towards newer and different. Like PIC, DDS, microConverter, etc. But, like probably every one else, there just isn't enough time to do it all.

- Carl

[Beachcomber]

Re: Where is all the good circuits

Hi Carl,

It would really great to see something totally new and more advanced than what is currently on the market designed and developed right here on your forum. There are a lot of very talented people that frequent this forum. I know many of us who have been in detecting and electronics for years are getting really tired of the same old detectors being repackaged and sold as new when they aren't!!! It seems to me that the technology exists to go well beyond the performance that the current detector manufacturers are willing to produce. JMHO

HH

Beachcomber

[Sean Goddard]

Re: Where is all the good circuits

Yes Beachcomber. The technology DOES exists, and I have it! Trouble is that most "beeper" engineers are stuck in the mud, analogue Engineers who know nothing or little about digital electronics.

I proposed the DSP metal detector to Garrett in 1993. In 1995, they bring out the GTi series. Funny, I proposed to call my machine the "Garret DIGIDEC(TM) GTi". Coincidence? I think not.

Back in 1990 I had the design for a MF machine that still makes the Explorer look primitive. Raising the finance has been a major problem however. Mainly my fault as I had no idea how to go about it, but as that's all changed I'm a LOT more optimistic about the next few years of Detector Design.