Gizmodo: metal detector

New Hipster Affectation: Urban Oil Prospecting (Cardigan Not Included)

Dan Nosowitz — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:05:00 EDT

This DIY oil detector, essentially a modified metal detector, is the hottest new accessory for city-dwelling hipsters worldwide. Plus, it matches terrifically with a beard.

The metal detector is outfitted with a relatively inexpensive "combustible gas sensor" that can detect pockets of oil, and the creator notes that the entire mod can be completed for around $100. This particular oil detector includes some green LEDs which we don't believe serve any other purpose than looking cool (as we deduced from the intro, "What good is your newly built metal detector without a little bling?").

Neighborhoods in which this mod is guaranteed to work include the Mission District in San Francisco, Wicker Park in Chicago, and any Brooklyn neighborhood primarily inhabited by white people.

Disclosure: Your humble editor also has a beard. And square, plastic-rimmed glasses. This post is thus what is known as "ironic," which has little relation to the English term, "ironic." [Instructables]

App Converts Android G1 Into Airport Security-Like Handheld Metal Detector

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:30:00 EDT

Someone did an application to detect metal using the Android G1. Is this because the G1 is more smartypanties than other smartphones? Is it magic perhaps? No, it's a clever use of the built-in compass.

As you know, a compass detects the magnetic field of the Earth. And when they get close to an iron core, they get happy, which is what happens to the G1.

As you can see in the video, this won't serve you to detect treasures in the beach. It can serve, however, as a handheld metal detector like those they use in airports. You know. Those that allow you to pass your hands all over someone's body to see if they are hiding metal somewhere?

It's Friday. You probably are going out tonight. Think, people. THINK. [HDblog via Android Guys via CrunchGear]

Make a Metal Detector For Like 5 Bucks and 2 Minutes

Mark Wilson — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:10:32 EST

We'll admit it: we'll lack the ambition to perform most of the hacks you read about on Giz. But taping a calculator to an AM radio to make a metal detector? That's right up our alley. And by "right up our alley" we mean probably still too much effort...but not by much.

Bill Wyman's Signature Metal Detector… Wait, What?

Adam Frucci — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 14:20:00 EDT

It's been a big week for the Rolling Stones. First, Keith Richards admits to snorting his father's ashes in what might just be the most insane and awesome admission by a celebrity ever, and now former Stones bassist Bill Wyman is releasing his own signature metal detector.

What in the hell is a former Rolling Stones bassist doing releasing a metal detector? Well, apparently everyone in that band is totally batshit insane, but Wyman claims to not only be a famous musician but also a "keen amateur historian and authority on metal detecting." Whatever dude, call me when you've done something as equally crazy as Richards and then maybe I'll be impressed. –Adam Frucci

Product Page [via Red Ferret Journal]

Nokia Metal Detecting Phone Patent

johnb — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 14:31:48 EDT

This isn't a real product yet, but it seems that Nokia has a patent for a metal-detecting phone. While it was originally designed to assist folks with bad hearing, the induction coil in the phone can double as a metal detector for wanding down your friends and neighbors. Don't look for this in the next E61, however, because it sounds too creepy to actually end up in a product. – John Biggs

Mobile phone doubles as a metal detector [AFP via MobileWhack]