Why do we call detectors "machines?"

[dahut]

Its a small thing, I know, and it really doesnt matter. But they are not machines at all - they are electronic instruments.

SO I wonder where the term came to be applied?

 

[MNCoinhunter]

I agree that it's an abused word. There are not any moving parts in a metal detector.

 

[rbholt80]

i wonder the same thing. my grandad called his that back in the 80'S and i never could fig. why

 

[dahut]

i wonder the same thing. my grandad called his that back in the 80'S and i never could fig. why

Im wondering if its because many people dont truly understand how they work?

 

[ivanll]

Search for Machine in Wikipedia.
After reading, one realise perhaps this so called machine might be the brainy part and we the user become the used ones as it is us that keeps the moving part moving which in this case is the coil or loop.
A very clever invention, a machine we are happy to pay for while we do all the work.

 

[oldranger]

Cause machines is easier to say then
Precision elctronic instrument ....

then again what do I know???

Ron
RLTW

 

[MNCoinhunter]

It may be that some of the first models had a hampster running on an exercise wheel inside to power up the detector.

 

[Alan Applegate]

Look up the word machinate, and you'll have your answer.

Alan Applegate

 

[Musketeer]

Yeah and all the computer geeks call computers "machines". I've wondered about that, too.

I convinced a guy once that back in the old days before electricity was invented we had kerosene powered TVs.

 

[born2hunt]

It may be for the same unknown reason that Nascars have motors and not engines.

 

[Musketeer]

The first computer was called an engine. Babbage's Differencel Engine. His next one was called an Analytical Engine, a general purpose computer.

Motor was first used to describe the gasoline motor as opposed to the steam engine.

I'm sittin' here at my engine, waiting for my machine.

I think my machine will rev my motor.

 

[BigCatDaddy]

n/t

 

[Adrian SS]

One of the many and varied dictionary definitions of Machine:

Any complex agency or operating system.

I use the term because I don't like using detector or transmitter too many times in the one paragraph, it begins to sound dopey.

 

[Uncle Willy]

n/t

 

[Uncle Willy]

Yeah I grew up in the kerosene days. We couldn't afford a kerosene TV.

Bill

 

[Uncle Willy]

The controls are moving parts.

Bill

 

[metalhead]

Excellent question and a very good discussion.

From Wiki definitions(for what that's worth):
A machine is any device that uses energy to perform some activity.

 

[metalhead]

My dad would joke when I was a kid and say that if the electricity went out, we'd have to watch t.v. by candle light.

 

[dahut]

I work in the industrial controls field, and there is most assuredly a difference between machines and electronics.
Machines can incorporate electricity and electronics into their operation - but they dont need them. Most any function, including mathematical calculations, can be accomplished using mechanical contrivance alone.
But electrical actions cannot be performed by a machine. We might use mechanical means to make electricity, and a mechanically actuated switch can complete a current path - but only electricity can light the bulb. Or generate an electromagnetic field around a coil...

Perhaps because in the modern age most machinery does use electricity or electronics at some point is why we refer to them as "machines." This familiarity makes it easy to define them that way.

 

[PennyFinder]

Because of my great interest in the MECHANICS of METAL DETECTING I have procured a Lovely, Lean, Mean,and Green Dirt Fishin' Machine with new-fangled ENGINEering, the one with the powerful Garrett CPU DRIVEN Detector ENGINE that I motor along with just fine with, despite my old age. Put that in your search Engine and see what comes up. You'll find some circuits referred to as Engines, I think you'll find a MOTORola chip in it some where. Not all ENGINES have moving mechanical parts.
Mine is referred to in a feminine gender just like my car, she's a sweet machine too. You have understand the mechanics physics to really appreciate them.

Here's the Language MECHANICS:

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
En