Scan Analyses, Hands-On Training & Sneak Peek at the OKM RoadShow in Sofia

Earlier this June, our experts hit the road – this time heading to Sofia, Bulgaria, for our OKM RoadShow. Together with our long-time partners WorlDDetectors/Sofiadetectors and K. Vardaka Metal Detectors from Greece, we welcomed OKM users from across the region to take part in an intensive detector training event.

Listening to Detectorists – Solving Real Challenges

Beyond training, the RoadShow served as a platform for dialogue. We dived deep into real customer use cases – and together, we discussed how to achieve better scans, interpret images more properly, and identify sources of false signals.

Customer's Concerns

• Is my Fusion Light working correctly?
• Please demonstrate proper scanning techniques again.
• Why does my fourth scan not show the anomaly?

Solution

The scan files clearly indicate that the Fusion Light is functioning properly. To support accurate results, the scanning technique has been reviewed together — placing special attention on avoiding probe rotation or vertical movement, which can lead to errors in the scan images.

During a detailed analysis of the scan data, the OKM experts identified possible sources of error that could explain inconsistencies. Based on these insights, they provided tailored recommendations to help optimize future measurements.

OKM's Recommendations

• Consider ground mineralization or contamination of the scan field.
  → Highly mineralized soil may lead to very "noisy" scan results. Using Filters and reducing the Threshold in Visualizer 3D Studio may help you get clearer results.
• Always enter the scan field dimensions – field length and width – in the scan characteristics in your Visualizer 3D Studio software (press key F9).
  → The correct scan field dimensions help to interpret your scans properly.
• Avoid nearby interferences like buildings, power lines, or metallic items like phones, keys etc.
  → Magnetic interferences can affect the sensors and thus impair the measurement.
• Maintain a consistent sensor height and direction.
  → Rotating or bouncing the sensor may lead to incorrect scan results.
• Expand the scan field if needed.
  → Make sure your target object is in the center of your scan field.

Customer's Concerns

• I am unsure when a scan anomaly justifies an excavation.
• Why is my 3D ground scan not showing the bunker?
• Why is my Rover C4 not detecting the gold coin?

Solution

To begin with, the OKM expert reviewed and practiced the scanning technique together with the customer to further optimize it for improved scan results. This hands-on approach helped clarify key aspects of proper probe handling especially in Zigzag scan mode. Following that, the OKM experts analyzed the scan data in detail and discussed practical suggestions for improvement.

A brief explanation of the technology of magnetic field measurement helped illustrate the capabilities of the OKM detector — particularly in cases involving non-magnetic objects like gold coins or jewelry.

OKM's Recommendations

• Perform scans more slowly and use the Super Sensor for higher resolution.
  → These two tactics lead to more measuring points (scan impulses) being recorded. This means that even smaller indications of targets are not missed.
• Enlarge your scan field by starting your scan several meters outside the bunker’s boundaries.
  → If a target structure is larger than its scan field, an anomaly can hardly be detected.
• Anomalies that disappear in control scans are likely false positives.
  → Perform several control scans and make sure not to rotate the probe during the scan.
• Gold and other precious metals are non-magnetic and thus not detectable by themserves with magnetometer technology.
  → Gold coins, silver coins, and precious jewelry can be detected with 3D ground scanners by looking at the surrounding containers such as iron chests, alloy pots etc.

Customer's Concerns

• Is the single signal a real target?
• Why does the second scan look random?

Solution

In this case, the OKM expert also reviewed the scanning technique together with the detector user to ensure proper use. Afterwards, the scan results were carefully analyzed using the Visualizer 3D software, and specific recommendations were developed to help improve future results.

OKM's Recommendations

• The deep anomaly (20 m) can hint at a near-surface artifact or – if it is just one single scan value – might be an error signal.
  → Apply Signal Correction under the crosshairs position in your Visualizer 3D Studio software to get rid of incorrect signals.
• Chose a soil type in the Visualizer 3D Studio software.
  → By adding a soil type you can achieve a more accurate depth value.
• Recalibrate the probe.
  → A correctly calibrated probe collects fewer false signals.
• Perform control scans and compare the results.
  → If the signal in the control scan is no longer visible or has moved, it seems to be a false signal. Keep in mind: Real targets don't move.

A heartfelt thank you to the hosts from Bulgaria and Greece for their great hospitality, and to our customers for their commitment to achieving the best possible scan results. Your thoughtful questions are what drive innovation and excellence in our work.

See you at the next RoadShows!