What is the threshold?

[sandfisher]

I know what the threshold is on the machine and how to use it, but can anyone explain what it actually represents? My theory is that it is the machine's electromagnetic field in an acoustic signal. When a piece of metal passes through that emf, it alters it and the threshold is altered to tells us something is there. I'm sure someone has a better explanation (mine is probably wrong). Also, why is it called the threshold?

Just curious about these things.

Thanks

 

[kered]

I would say its just that, threshold, the threshold that a signal has to reach in order to sound off, if its too high weak signals don't break through and are lost, similar to what you suggest, a base line from which all else is measured, i could be wrong too.

 

[Buried Crap NJ]

Definition = The smallest detectable sensation.

With that I want to say Threshold is the ground. We set the threshold to changing grounds ( reasons for resetting during the hunt ) then this definition fits. The detector doesn't punch down in the ground and find metal. It finds the smallest detectable sensation, which in our case is the difference between the threshold (we set) and the target. The detector does the rest.
Maybe I got it wrong also?

 

[John(Tx)]

n/t

 

[OldBeechnut]

For me ...it's like turning the volume up full, and holding a large microphone to the sand and listening

 

[kered]

I think the actual definition i read somwhere is the threshold is the sound of the ground, minelabs need it to distinguish objects as it compares, when you get a signal the signal is ground+target

 

[mike5853]

Threshold is basically a tone which represents a balance between the md and the ground. So if you set this sound very low,barely audible, any small change will be detected and make the sound or tone change. If you set it too high or loud, you will need a bigger change to impact the tone, too low and you'll never hear the very subtle changes (small targets).

Mike