Metal Detecting

Hi

This request is a little left-field, but please bear with me!

I'm a PhD student at the University of Cumbria, and I'm hoping to trial using a metal detector for something a little different.... finding microchipped hibernating rodents! The microchips we use are tiny, only 8mm long, but some trial studies in Australia have suggested it might be possible, as dormice hibernate at ground level.

So I have some microchips, but need access to some metal detectors to see if this might work before I can convince anyone to give me money to buy one.... I have been advised that the Teknetic G2+ would be worth a try, and the Australian study used a Minelab GPX 4500 successfully, but I'm willing to try any others that might be powerful enough. As I said, the chips are minute and will be buried under a layer of leaves (and a layer of skin in the mouse).
*Edit* I've also been told that the Fisher F19 would be good for this.

Any help/advice gratefully received - if anyone is willing to let me try out their detector I can travel within Cumbria and outside within reason.

Thank you in advance!

Rachel

If i lived nearby I’d help Sounds like a fascinating study so I hope someone can assist you

Hi I take it you are in Carlisle since you are at University of Cumbria.
I am in Carlisle and have a Minelab Etrac and also have a Teknetics Digitek that belongs to my son.
You are welcome to try them if you want.

Just a quick update on this thread
Rachel came round and tried the Etrac and the Digitek but neither would detect the microchip so I tried my Garrett pro pointer and this also wouldn't detect it so I am assuming the microchip must be made from stainless steel.

I would be happy to help. I have access to a Sorex, XY Deus with black and HF coils, Minelab Safari fitted with a Nel Tornado coil, Mauro Multikruzer and Garret AT Pro fitted with a Nel Big coil. I would be happy to try all these machines on the chip. I live about 35 minutes drive SE from j36 on the M6 or you could send me a chip in the post.
I like a challenge.

The Minelab GPX4500 that the Aussies used is a PI detector and much more powerful than the VLF detectors mainly used in this country. The PI detectors generally have no discrimination which is okay away from it all but would pick up every rusty nail and scrap end over here. The VLF machines would probably only detect the chip if about touching the coil, so it's maybe not really viable?