Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
+25
Reg Wilson
ichi-ban
harryopal
themrburns
goldfather
All-AU
NiSim
bergs
Harb
mulgadansa
gcause
kevlorraine2
GREENnuggetCONVERT
Rege-PA
Mechanic
Maddog
flying kiwi
sandy2010
malcolm mclean
piston broke
crack-hardy
flyspecks
waznme
mariner3800
brad28b
29 posters
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
brad28b Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:17 pm
Well, the biggest obstacle to overcome as far as the signal processing is concerned has been overcome 
Today I recorded some sounds from my GPX-4000 of me swinging over a target. Then I used some Linux software that already exists to analyse the sounds it generated, and using only the volume level (dB) of the sound instead of the pitch, it is quite easy to identify a signal based on the results.
I put a small piece of lead in the ground about 10 inches down. I then swung my detector in the ground around it, then over the target, then around it again. This is what the software produces after analysing the sounds.
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000047e0 ############ 56%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00004247 ########### 51%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00001afa ##### 21%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000030d5 ######## 38%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00004392 ########### 52%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000049fc ############ 57%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000427b ########### 51%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00007b96 #################### 96%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00006680 ################# 80%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00001ce0 ##### 22%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00007502 ################### 91%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00004e28 ############# 61%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00005e1f ############### 73%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00001aca ##### 20%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000657f ################ 79%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00005745 ############## 68%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
In those results above, the far right column is the volume measurment represented as a percentage. You can see that it stays under 10% (which is just the background noise the detector generates when there is no target), then as soon as I move the detector over the target, the volume level shoots up to above 50%. Then when I move away from the target, it goes back down again.
So this is promising, I thought this part would be pretty hard.
Now I just need to write another script that monitors the real time results and when it encounters a signal above say....50%....log those GPS co-ordinates.
Today I recorded some sounds from my GPX-4000 of me swinging over a target. Then I used some Linux software that already exists to analyse the sounds it generated, and using only the volume level (dB) of the sound instead of the pitch, it is quite easy to identify a signal based on the results.
I put a small piece of lead in the ground about 10 inches down. I then swung my detector in the ground around it, then over the target, then around it again. This is what the software produces after analysing the sounds.
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000047e0 ############ 56%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00004247 ########### 51%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00001afa ##### 21%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000030d5 ######## 38%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00004392 ########### 52%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000049fc ############ 57%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000427b ########### 51%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00007b96 #################### 96%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00006680 ################# 80%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00001ce0 ##### 22%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00007502 ################### 91%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00004e28 ############# 61%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00005e1f ############### 73%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00001aca ##### 20%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000657f ################ 79%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00005745 ############## 68%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000696 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000a29 ## 7%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000051b # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000008e # 0%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003d6 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003a0 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000335 # 2%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000003e8 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006e8 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000004f3 # 3%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000599 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000006a1 ## 5%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x00000593 # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x0000056b # 4%
Max peak (16 samples): 0x000009c4 ## 7%
In those results above, the far right column is the volume measurment represented as a percentage. You can see that it stays under 10% (which is just the background noise the detector generates when there is no target), then as soon as I move the detector over the target, the volume level shoots up to above 50%. Then when I move away from the target, it goes back down again.
So this is promising, I thought this part would be pretty hard.
Now I just need to write another script that monitors the real time results and when it encounters a signal above say....50%....log those GPS co-ordinates.
brad28b- Contributor
- Number of posts : 56
Registration date : 2011-12-24
Maddog- Good Contributor
- Number of posts : 124
Age : 60
Registration date : 2010-05-03
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
crack-hardy Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:09 pm
brad28b wrote:Thanks for the feedback guys, I don't mind any criticism it might help me save some time.
In regards to obstacles on the field - yes that will definately be a problem. Later on I could consider adding collision avoidance sensors and some code to "drive around" obstacles as demonstrated in the youtube videos above.
In regards to it being interferred with by others - I don't plan on letting it go out of sight. My thoughts are that it would comb something like a 200 meter x 200 meter area while you either detect elsewhere close by, or sit back and sink a few beers.
I guess in this case it could quite easily catch on
crack-hardy- Contributor
- Number of posts : 35
Age : 36
Registration date : 2011-12-07
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
crack-hardy Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:14 pm
Just put an advert in the paper
-WANTED detector operator, forward CV.
must have anti-collision skills, in-built audio with GPS navigation lol
-WANTED detector operator, forward CV.
must have anti-collision skills, in-built audio with GPS navigation lol
crack-hardy- Contributor
- Number of posts : 35
Age : 36
Registration date : 2011-12-07
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
Guest Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:19 pm
Sink the target deeper so it's only a faint hint of a response and do the test again!
Wish you all the luck in the world with your idea.
Cheers
Chris.
P.s Crack Hardy's idea would be cheaper, but not as much fun!
Wish you all the luck in the world with your idea.
Cheers
Chris.
P.s Crack Hardy's idea would be cheaper, but not as much fun!
Guest- Guest
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
Mechanic Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:25 pm
G'day Brad,
One thing you need to try before getting too excited it what effect the dc motors will have on the detector as far as interference goes.
Another useful feature for the processing of all of the information would be to make a colored map with areas that caused a response to be a different shade, for instance, no targets/ground noise = blue and where there is a response heard depending on the intensity different shades of red. That way it can help you to identify areas of ground noise vs good solid targets.
Someday, thats all good until he finds a nice slug and is never seen again
Cheers Mick
One thing you need to try before getting too excited it what effect the dc motors will have on the detector as far as interference goes.
Another useful feature for the processing of all of the information would be to make a colored map with areas that caused a response to be a different shade, for instance, no targets/ground noise = blue and where there is a response heard depending on the intensity different shades of red. That way it can help you to identify areas of ground noise vs good solid targets.
Someday, thats all good until he finds a nice slug and is never seen again
Cheers Mick
Mechanic- Contributor Plus
- Number of posts : 695
Age : 43
Registration date : 2011-02-20 -
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
brad28b Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:29 pm
Yeah im going to test the interference out with the DC motors asap, that could be a show stopper.
Although I planned on building a light weight timber frame to carry the GPX coil and controller and the frame I had in mind would be towed behind the vehicle. I could make the connecting arm a meter or so long to get the coil as far away from the vehicle as practically possible.
Although I planned on building a light weight timber frame to carry the GPX coil and controller and the frame I had in mind would be towed behind the vehicle. I could make the connecting arm a meter or so long to get the coil as far away from the vehicle as practically possible.
brad28b- Contributor
- Number of posts : 56
Registration date : 2011-12-24
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
Guest Sat Jan 21, 2012 10:32 pm
Run the detector in cancel with the rx flat out might help! 
Maybe you could design it so it only picks up the smell of gold
Mick just ruined a great idea! O well! Or how about a remote controlled helicopter with the coil hanging 10 feet below? Brad mate!
Maybe you could design it so it only picks up the smell of gold Mick just ruined a great idea! O well! Or how about a remote controlled helicopter with the coil hanging 10 feet below? Brad mate!
Guest- Guest
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
brad28b Sat Jan 21, 2012 11:33 pm
flyspecks wrote:you would have trouble counting the picks and bullet holes in the dam thing when it got back :lol!
I'll just build a support vehicle for it
brad28b- Contributor
- Number of posts : 56
Registration date : 2011-12-24
Re: Unmanned Detector Vehicle
Rege-PA Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:31 am
Brad...I like your project. When the detector identifies a target you could have it spray a spot of bright flo paint on the ground, then you follow up. That way you would not need co-ordinates and could be checking targets while it is still searching. You would need another detector though.
Rege-PA- Seasoned Contributor
- Number of posts : 161
Registration date : 2011-05-16
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
GREENnuggetCONVERT Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:35 am
Hi Brad28b,Excellent idea and great innovation!!..Im nowhere near your ability with software design etc but have an avid interest in projects of similar nature and construction...just different ideas interests and concepts.....
If i may ask you......Have you actually done any testing of your idea as such with the following...{INTERFERANCE}
tests to make sure that the electronics and its signals of all the components are not going to interfere with one another before building it.. ....(transmitter receiver)the vehicle.........pc componentry..........Detector.........and any other ancillaries you plan to include....
what im saying is have you tried running your detector and a remote control vehicle and a computer all within close proximity of each other to see what actual interference problems you may have to try to overcome.obviously you would need two volunteers to help you with this exercise....ie;----
1 person operating detector,1 person actually using computer ,1 person driving the vehicle and remote all within very close proximity to one another,ie;the furtherest apart the three of you could be would be the distance you plan on towing your custom mounted minelab behind vehicle...
ground balancing could be over come as a previous poster mentioned, but it wouldnt make it viable as to the expensiveness of doing such..so tracking mode may be the winner there...........ie;
you would need adjustable and quickly rising and falling suspension(maybe some super fast acting servo's (4) from the robotics field),a servo to operate a momentary switch for ground balancing other electronics to control these items..Maybe a Aircraft Remote Extra controls..
So thats my spill man,Keep on going with it ,such great things take time ......well done so far,keep us informed.......
Cheers....Trev....
If i may ask you......Have you actually done any testing of your idea as such with the following...{INTERFERANCE}
tests to make sure that the electronics and its signals of all the components are not going to interfere with one another before building it.. ....(transmitter receiver)the vehicle.........pc componentry..........Detector.........and any other ancillaries you plan to include....
what im saying is have you tried running your detector and a remote control vehicle and a computer all within close proximity of each other to see what actual interference problems you may have to try to overcome.obviously you would need two volunteers to help you with this exercise....ie;----
1 person operating detector,1 person actually using computer ,1 person driving the vehicle and remote all within very close proximity to one another,ie;the furtherest apart the three of you could be would be the distance you plan on towing your custom mounted minelab behind vehicle...
ground balancing could be over come as a previous poster mentioned, but it wouldnt make it viable as to the expensiveness of doing such..so tracking mode may be the winner there...........ie;
you would need adjustable and quickly rising and falling suspension(maybe some super fast acting servo's (4) from the robotics field),a servo to operate a momentary switch for ground balancing other electronics to control these items..Maybe a Aircraft Remote Extra controls..
So thats my spill man,Keep on going with it ,such great things take time ......well done so far,keep us informed.......
Cheers....Trev....
GREENnuggetCONVERT- Good Contributor
- Number of posts : 124
Age : 58
Registration date : 2012-01-07
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
GREENnuggetCONVERT Sun Jan 22, 2012 4:10 am
Just to add a little more,if you havn't already investigated;
Try looking into the Armed Forces and Police S.O.G and T.O.G. Bomb Squad,and Mining Rescue/Research area of Remote Control Robotics Equipment.
The Armed Forces ( Bomb sniffer and Mine Detection ) Remote Vehicles .
Same suggestions for Police Remote Vehicles and Mining.
The Armed forces around the globe have many kinds of remote controlled Detectors for different Applications...
Bluetooth and Wifi systems are another possibility,ie; the vehicle or detector trailer could have an onboard notebook for example and you could be kickin back sucking on a few brews at base camp,and to manage your time ,you could have a laptop on the esky lid retrieving the information sent to you in realtime via wifi / bluetooth and with your homegrown software be able to constantly analyse this information.
keeping things to a minimum as best you can but also being able to make speedy adjustments on the fly..so to speak.....
Just a few extra thoughts .....you might like to call it { drinking time management }.....
cheers...........Trev....
Try looking into the Armed Forces and Police S.O.G and T.O.G. Bomb Squad,and Mining Rescue/Research area of Remote Control Robotics Equipment.
The Armed Forces ( Bomb sniffer and Mine Detection ) Remote Vehicles .
Same suggestions for Police Remote Vehicles and Mining.
The Armed forces around the globe have many kinds of remote controlled Detectors for different Applications...
Bluetooth and Wifi systems are another possibility,ie; the vehicle or detector trailer could have an onboard notebook for example and you could be kickin back sucking on a few brews at base camp,and to manage your time ,you could have a laptop on the esky lid retrieving the information sent to you in realtime via wifi / bluetooth and with your homegrown software be able to constantly analyse this information.
keeping things to a minimum as best you can but also being able to make speedy adjustments on the fly..so to speak.....
Just a few extra thoughts .....you might like to call it { drinking time management }.....
cheers...........Trev....
GREENnuggetCONVERT- Good Contributor
- Number of posts : 124
Age : 58
Registration date : 2012-01-07
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
flyspecks Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:39 am
i must admit, i love that support vehicle. this idea is starting to get to me . cheers
cheers
flyspecks- Contributor Plus
- Number of posts : 988
Registration date : 2011-05-17
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
kevlorraine2 Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:13 pm
brad - with all your knowledge about electronics and computors, why dont you just modify your 4000 for starters? the first that comes to mind is the signal identification, confirming it as gold. this is where i feel minelab could hugely improve their current machines.
after you make your fortune by finding gold, and money is no longer important, contact minelab, get a job there, and pass the improved info on to us poor suckers still scratching up metal pieces, by haveing us buy minelabs new ubeaut gpx9000.
best of luck with your hobby, wish i had your knowledge... kev
after you make your fortune by finding gold, and money is no longer important, contact minelab, get a job there, and pass the improved info on to us poor suckers still scratching up metal pieces, by haveing us buy minelabs new ubeaut gpx9000.
best of luck with your hobby, wish i had your knowledge... kev
kevlorraine2- Contributor Plus
- Number of posts : 504
Registration date : 2008-10-23
Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
gcause Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:02 pm
There is a teenage girl in england who already built something like this. It didnt use GPS waypoints as it was remotely operated.
It is a remote controlled metal detector. They used a remote controlled beach buggy they already had and added a metal detector to it.
They used a car windscreen wiper motor to swing the metal detector and if you saw it swinging you wouldnt think they could find anything with how fast and wildly it is swing the coil, however she found over $1000 pounds worth of finds in the first few months with it and as a result she made the newspapers and television news with the invention.
It was on the Australian TV news about a year ago. Her father helped her put it together but it was mostly done by her. Im sure if you google for it you will find it.
It is a remote controlled metal detector. They used a remote controlled beach buggy they already had and added a metal detector to it.
They used a car windscreen wiper motor to swing the metal detector and if you saw it swinging you wouldnt think they could find anything with how fast and wildly it is swing the coil, however she found over $1000 pounds worth of finds in the first few months with it and as a result she made the newspapers and television news with the invention.
It was on the Australian TV news about a year ago. Her father helped her put it together but it was mostly done by her. Im sure if you google for it you will find it.
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
mulgadansa Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:02 pm
Gday Brad
This is a cracker idea I reckon!! One thing though, definitely upgrade to a 4500 or better, they leave the 4000 for dead.
I kinda like the idea of being in the field with the unit operating over a smaller area and digging targets in real time while it continues detecting
Good luck.
cheers
Brett
This is a cracker idea I reckon!! One thing though, definitely upgrade to a 4500 or better, they leave the 4000 for dead.
I kinda like the idea of being in the field with the unit operating over a smaller area and digging targets in real time while it continues detecting
Good luck.
cheers
Brett
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
gcause Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:10 pm
There are solar powered lawn mowers you can buy that you lay out a wire for in the ground and they traverse the entire area in a grid pattern. Might make a good platform for this as you just need to replace the mower blades with a coil.
Alternatively you could always leave the mower on to clear the patch
Alternatively you could always leave the mower on to clear the patch
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
GREENnuggetCONVERT Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:57 pm
Yeah there are lots of youtube vids on different ideas and there is lots on the net in general and the toy companies have a couple of them as well ..............
But they are all just toys and such...nothing like what has been mentioned in this post...and nowhere near this concept................
all in all just the software idea on its own with a little more complexity to it and made for all O/S Platforms would be a big seller worldwide,
and obviously there could be great potential for an APP version as well..at $2.00 a shot for an APP and maybe $50.00 for downloadable
software ........in the world of detecting it would sell like nothing before..especially with your programming experience / background other opportunities with advancement are unlimited especially if you Patent and Trademark your idea....
could even sell the idea once developed and tested.....its worth would be unable to be calculated..........
cheers..................Trev....
But they are all just toys and such...nothing like what has been mentioned in this post...and nowhere near this concept................
all in all just the software idea on its own with a little more complexity to it and made for all O/S Platforms would be a big seller worldwide,
and obviously there could be great potential for an APP version as well..at $2.00 a shot for an APP and maybe $50.00 for downloadable
software ........in the world of detecting it would sell like nothing before..especially with your programming experience / background other opportunities with advancement are unlimited especially if you Patent and Trademark your idea....
could even sell the idea once developed and tested.....its worth would be unable to be calculated..........
cheers..................Trev....
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
flying kiwi Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:58 pm
good idea on the mower HERE is a platform that may be adapted 
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
GREENnuggetCONVERT Sun Jan 22, 2012 4:12 pm
Another idea you may want to investigate is as follows::
You could build your own carbon fibre detector box similar to Minelab model with a notebook mounted to the side of the unit directly connected
to the detectors internals and coil running some software that you develop and as such run sound analysis and even a 3D visual setup like a cross between geologists software and ground referencing depth --size--and mineral....
so you would use your detector as it was made for and flip down the notebook lid for visual analysis before digging a target....
But as for the drinking scenario you might just have to use a backpack mounted cooler and a straw......lol!
cheers....................Trev....
You could build your own carbon fibre detector box similar to Minelab model with a notebook mounted to the side of the unit directly connected
to the detectors internals and coil running some software that you develop and as such run sound analysis and even a 3D visual setup like a cross between geologists software and ground referencing depth --size--and mineral....
so you would use your detector as it was made for and flip down the notebook lid for visual analysis before digging a target....
But as for the drinking scenario you might just have to use a backpack mounted cooler and a straw......lol!
cheers....................Trev....
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
brad28b Sun Jan 22, 2012 4:50 pm
Hey Guys
It's funny that the lawnbott has come up (http://www.lawnbott.com/), because it was that which gave me this idea. One of my mates bought one and I was watching it cut his grass, and noticed that it was following a grid pattern like we do when we are chaining. I immediately pictured my Minelab being towed behind it. Then came up with the GPS logging idea.
As you've mentioned the Lawnbott uses a perimeter wire to identify where it is (rather than GPS). That would make things a bit more labour instensive because before you even start in any area, you have to setup the permiter wire. And it needs 240v too so you would need to setup a generator to power it.
Also the vehicle platform itself has some issues. First the ground clearance. It's designed to cut grass so it has very little ground clearance.
It also has a fully rigid chassis, and no wheel travel.
And it's only two wheel drive.
Because of this, on the gold fields, I think it would be getting caught up on objects everywhere, even with the cutting blade removed.
I think the vehicle that I use needs to have at least a couple of inches of ground clearance. It also needs good suspension with good wheel travel. And 4WD is a must. There are plenty of offroad platforms around that are built for these kind of conditions, for example something like this, but most of them are too small for this idea:
I need to find a more suitable vehicle. Just about any RC platform that uses servos will do the job, because they can all be modified to have a computer or arduino microcontroller control the servos.
Thanks for all the other ideas, these are some good ideas you guys have come up with!
Today I've been doing a bit more work on the software that listens to the GPX sounds, and I've got it working to a degree in my backyard. Any time it encounters a signal above 50% it is succesfully logging the GPS co-ordinates to a file. That's all it does so far but im happy that the concept seems to work. Obviously needs a lot more work but I'll keep at it.
At the moment the only criteria im working with is volume level. And that seems to work fairly well. Later on im going to start trying to identify different sound pitches/notes, and then after digging up the targets and comparing the "junk" sounds to the "gold" sounds, im going to try to get the software to learn how to disrcriminate against the different sounds. This is much more complex than using just the volume, but it's something I eventually want to do. And as we all know, quite often we will get a sound which we are certain is junk, but ends up being gold. And vice versa. But maybe the software will be able to see differences that we can't hear.
Keep the ideas coming
It's funny that the lawnbott has come up (http://www.lawnbott.com/), because it was that which gave me this idea. One of my mates bought one and I was watching it cut his grass, and noticed that it was following a grid pattern like we do when we are chaining. I immediately pictured my Minelab being towed behind it. Then came up with the GPS logging idea.
As you've mentioned the Lawnbott uses a perimeter wire to identify where it is (rather than GPS). That would make things a bit more labour instensive because before you even start in any area, you have to setup the permiter wire. And it needs 240v too so you would need to setup a generator to power it.
Also the vehicle platform itself has some issues. First the ground clearance. It's designed to cut grass so it has very little ground clearance.
It also has a fully rigid chassis, and no wheel travel.
And it's only two wheel drive.
Because of this, on the gold fields, I think it would be getting caught up on objects everywhere, even with the cutting blade removed.
I think the vehicle that I use needs to have at least a couple of inches of ground clearance. It also needs good suspension with good wheel travel. And 4WD is a must. There are plenty of offroad platforms around that are built for these kind of conditions, for example something like this, but most of them are too small for this idea:
I need to find a more suitable vehicle. Just about any RC platform that uses servos will do the job, because they can all be modified to have a computer or arduino microcontroller control the servos.
Thanks for all the other ideas, these are some good ideas you guys have come up with!
Today I've been doing a bit more work on the software that listens to the GPX sounds, and I've got it working to a degree in my backyard. Any time it encounters a signal above 50% it is succesfully logging the GPS co-ordinates to a file. That's all it does so far but im happy that the concept seems to work. Obviously needs a lot more work but I'll keep at it.
At the moment the only criteria im working with is volume level. And that seems to work fairly well. Later on im going to start trying to identify different sound pitches/notes, and then after digging up the targets and comparing the "junk" sounds to the "gold" sounds, im going to try to get the software to learn how to disrcriminate against the different sounds. This is much more complex than using just the volume, but it's something I eventually want to do. And as we all know, quite often we will get a sound which we are certain is junk, but ends up being gold. And vice versa. But maybe the software will be able to see differences that we can't hear.
Keep the ideas coming
Last edited by brad28b on Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:40 pm; edited 2 times in total
brad28b- Contributor
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
GREENnuggetCONVERT Sun Jan 22, 2012 5:10 pm
hey man,.....".And it needs 240v too so you would need to setup a generator to power it."
if you custom built your own 4WD type vehicle if you made it big enough say about 750mm in length,you can go a small 12 volt battery
many types would suit and run an 12/240 volt Inverter.............
cheers .................Trev....
if you custom built your own 4WD type vehicle if you made it big enough say about 750mm in length,you can go a small 12 volt battery
many types would suit and run an 12/240 volt Inverter.............
cheers .................Trev....
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
GREENnuggetCONVERT Sun Jan 22, 2012 7:19 pm
just something more.............I used to build custom remote controlled vehicles and also jet boats,making 90% of everything myself....
what i used to use was whipper snipper engines and small chainsaw engines for the main power(no battery power for me)too slow...
and with that i just used to buy the servo's in a kit form and a radio controller for aircraft(much more customizable function wise) and for the jet boats i used to make i used washing machine pumps for the jet propulsion running off 32cc engines etc....all pretty simple to set up and run
top speed of the jet boats made was around 160KLM ...the only drawback with those was you could never run the engines at full throttle because the boats would end up launching like an aeroplane out of the water and become missiles.....Great days of the past.........
cheers.................Trev
what i used to use was whipper snipper engines and small chainsaw engines for the main power(no battery power for me)too slow...
and with that i just used to buy the servo's in a kit form and a radio controller for aircraft(much more customizable function wise) and for the jet boats i used to make i used washing machine pumps for the jet propulsion running off 32cc engines etc....all pretty simple to set up and run
top speed of the jet boats made was around 160KLM ...the only drawback with those was you could never run the engines at full throttle because the boats would end up launching like an aeroplane out of the water and become missiles.....Great days of the past.........
cheers.................Trev
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
Mechanic Sun Jan 22, 2012 7:31 pm
G'day Brad,
If the drive motors end up causing interference you could always set it up to drive the motors only when the coil is transmitting, effectively like running a pwm synchronized to the tx. You may have to raise the drive voltage to get the required torque/current though.
Cheers Mick
If the drive motors end up causing interference you could always set it up to drive the motors only when the coil is transmitting, effectively like running a pwm synchronized to the tx. You may have to raise the drive voltage to get the required torque/current though.
Cheers Mick
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
brad28b Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:46 pm
I've got the software working pretty well today.
I am going to order a vehicle in the next few days.
I've been looking around, and there are a hell of a lot of vehicles available that range a fair bit in price.
I've narrowed it down to two which I know I will be able to convert to GPS navigation.
The first is a 1:6 scale 4x4 Nylink Rock Crawler. These are cheapies that Walmart sell for $50!
The second is a 1:8 scale REDCAT RACING ROCKSLIDE SUPER CRAWLER. These are more expensive at $245
Both of them will be able to be converted to be navigated by GPS using my arduino micro controller to drive the motors and servos.
And both of them are capable enough off-road for what I need (I think). They both have a top speed of around walking pace. Both are geared low so they shouldn't have any trouble pulling the trailer with the GPX.
Im a bit torn as whether I should by a couple of the cheaper ones, or one of the more expensive ones.
Price aside, I think I actually prefer the cheaper one because it is bigger (1/6 scale), battery last longer (3-4 hours) vs about 40 mins on the other one, and theres more room to mount my gear. Although the dearer one looks more capable of driving over obstacles.
Here is a video of each of them. What do you guys reckon. I think on battery life alone I should go the cheaper one. 40 mins won't cut it.
This is the cheap one:
And this is the expensive one:
The cheap one runs on a 12volt battery, so I could probably get an upgraded battery that would last longer than 3-4 hours.
I am going to order a vehicle in the next few days.
I've been looking around, and there are a hell of a lot of vehicles available that range a fair bit in price.
I've narrowed it down to two which I know I will be able to convert to GPS navigation.
The first is a 1:6 scale 4x4 Nylink Rock Crawler. These are cheapies that Walmart sell for $50!
The second is a 1:8 scale REDCAT RACING ROCKSLIDE SUPER CRAWLER. These are more expensive at $245
Both of them will be able to be converted to be navigated by GPS using my arduino micro controller to drive the motors and servos.
And both of them are capable enough off-road for what I need (I think). They both have a top speed of around walking pace. Both are geared low so they shouldn't have any trouble pulling the trailer with the GPX.
Im a bit torn as whether I should by a couple of the cheaper ones, or one of the more expensive ones.
Price aside, I think I actually prefer the cheaper one because it is bigger (1/6 scale), battery last longer (3-4 hours) vs about 40 mins on the other one, and theres more room to mount my gear. Although the dearer one looks more capable of driving over obstacles.
Here is a video of each of them. What do you guys reckon. I think on battery life alone I should go the cheaper one. 40 mins won't cut it.
This is the cheap one:
And this is the expensive one:
The cheap one runs on a 12volt battery, so I could probably get an upgraded battery that would last longer than 3-4 hours.
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
gcause Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:24 am
While you are prototyping your idea you should go for as cheap a build as you can get. That way if you crash and burn one or two of these it wont matter so much.
Also dont worry about the extra weight of the trailer for it you dont need it as you can get drag coils. If you watch the metorite men series you will see they make their own drag coils. However you could take their approach and adapt it by building a PVC sled out of plumbing pipes and use a commercial drag coil on top of the sled.
Once you have tried out a few designs using the cheaper equipment settle on one and then spend the money on developing it using the more expensive equipment whcih should be (in theory at least) more robust.
Good luck with this.
Also dont worry about the extra weight of the trailer for it you dont need it as you can get drag coils. If you watch the metorite men series you will see they make their own drag coils. However you could take their approach and adapt it by building a PVC sled out of plumbing pipes and use a commercial drag coil on top of the sled.
Once you have tried out a few designs using the cheaper equipment settle on one and then spend the money on developing it using the more expensive equipment whcih should be (in theory at least) more robust.
Good luck with this.
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
brad28b Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:40 am
Yeah I think your right. I'll probably fry a few electronic components on my first attempt too, which is why I wanted to get a couple.
In fact I was looking at the circuitry last night of that $50 one and it looks a bit dodgy, and its all in a very confined space. I came across a kids ride on jeep and that circuitry looks much better to work with. And the vehicle is much bigger too so it would be good for prototyping, easier to get everything in and out.
They are about $200 bucks though so I might only get two.
Only two hour battery run time though but that should be enough for testing.
In fact I was looking at the circuitry last night of that $50 one and it looks a bit dodgy, and its all in a very confined space. I came across a kids ride on jeep and that circuitry looks much better to work with. And the vehicle is much bigger too so it would be good for prototyping, easier to get everything in and out.
They are about $200 bucks though so I might only get two.
Only two hour battery run time though but that should be enough for testing.
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
brad28b Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:58 am
Hey gcause was this one of them drag coils you were talking about?
http://www.coiltekmanufacturing.com.au/40-20elliptical-drag.html
http://www.coiltekmanufacturing.com.au/40-20elliptical-drag.html
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
Guest Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:27 pm
Sounds like an interesting project Brad.
Too full on for me though. Im from the old school and dont even use a GPS.
I reckon it takes away from the real reason that most of us get out the bush in search of the gold. Its the challenge of finding that elusive new run,the peace n quiet and the fresh air that attracts me.
Using that thing would be kind of like using a robot to bait the hook and hook the fish in Fishing.
But whatever floats your boat mate......
Too full on for me though. Im from the old school and dont even use a GPS.
I reckon it takes away from the real reason that most of us get out the bush in search of the gold. Its the challenge of finding that elusive new run,the peace n quiet and the fresh air that attracts me.
Using that thing would be kind of like using a robot to bait the hook and hook the fish in Fishing.
But whatever floats your boat mate......
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Re: Unmanned Gold Detector Vehicle
GREENnuggetCONVERT Mon Jan 23, 2012 6:16 pm
Well done brad;hope all goes to plan for you....
cheers..............Trev
cheers..............Trev
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