The detector scans using a waterproof 8-inch coil on an ergonomic S-rod. Moving the coil levelly over the ground or water, the unit detects small items up to 8 inches below and larger items up to 3 feet under. Three different operation modes further assist the bounty hunter. For indiscriminate prospecting, press the "all metal" button on the detector's touch pad, while selecting "auto notch" eliminates most pull-tabs and trash items from detection. The "discriminate notch" method eradicates iron and trash and allows the user to manually adjust the DISC/NOTCH knob to rule out other metals. The detector deciphers a target's metal composition both visually on the LCD screen, and audibly with a tone through the built-in speakers. A low tone indicates nails, bottle caps, gold or nickel while a medium tone suggests pull-tabs, zinc, and post-1982 pennies. High tones denote copper, silver, brass, and pre-1982 pennies. A headphone jack is installed. Headphones must be purchased separately, as must the two 9-volt alkaline batteries that power the detector. This item is covered under a five-year warranty. The USA-made detector measures 28.7 by 10.5 by 6.7 inches upon shipping and weighs 4.6 pounds. --Jessica Reuling