Turn a Calculator Into a Metal Detector

I recently discovered a really cool method in using a few household items to make a HomeMade Metal Detector! Heres how to make your own!

All you need for this project is, an: AM Radio , some tape , and a small calculator.

Begin by turning the AM radio on. Tune it to the high end of the AM band, but not directly on a broadcast station. Adjust the volume to the maximum level so you can clearly hear the static.

Now with both the calculator and the radio turned on, position the calculator close to the radio till you hear a loud tone

Once, this position is found, tape the calculator to the radio while maintaining the placement.
When you done taping it together, make sure its steady.

Now lets test it out.

Turn your radio on, and try the metal detector out on any type of metal. You will notice that the calculator beeps whenever you get close to metal. It beeps even faster the closer you get to the metal.

The reason this works is because the loud tone coming from the radio is the calculators
electronic circuit producing a radio frequency signal. That being said, the radio waves from the calculator reflect off the spoon and are heard on the AM radio.

And there you have it, A cheap and easy homemade metal detector.

Enjoy, and have fun!

PS: If you like this instructable, please give it a nice rating. Thanks!

To see the metal detector in action, check out the video