In the late 2010s, Carl Moreland updated his designs. The "Surf Pi" evolved into the "Surf Pi 1.2," and later the "Cointrack" series. However, the original PDF remains the canonical text because it includes the theory of operation —the "why" behind every resistor and capacitor.
Why does this "inside" knowledge matter today? Modern metal detectors (like the Minelab Equinox or Garrett AT Max) are proprietary black boxes. However, the are fully open source. In the late 2010s, Carl Moreland updated his designs
George Overton has since retired from active posting, but Carl Moreland continues to consult on metal detector design for several niche manufacturers. In a 2022 forum post, Moreland reflected on the PDF: Why does this "inside" knowledge matter today
For decades, the standard reference was The Detectorist or various amateur radio articles. Inside the Metal Detector surpassed these because it was written by industry insiders. George Overton designed the circuits for major manufacturers (like Whites and First Texas), meaning the information comes from a primary source rather than reverse-engineering. George Overton has since retired from active posting,
The First In-depth Book on Metal Detector Technology Since 1927
Inside the Metal Detector by George Overton and Carl Moreland is the definitive technical guide for hobbyists and engineers wanting to understand the electronic design behind detection technology. It moves beyond simple "how-to" operation and focuses on the physics of electromagnetism, circuit topologies, and DIY construction projects. ⚡ Core Technical Concepts