TV company looking for Polish 'Mine Detector' - the first metal detector

[Emma TwoFour]

Hello everyone,

I hope some one in the forum may be able to help with a fairly unusual request...

I work for TwoFour Broadcast, a TV production company based in the UK. We are currently in pre-production for series 3 of our specialist factual series Impossible Engineering. Impossible Engineering is a series that celebrates unique and truly remarkable engineering achievements worldwide - from the tallest skyscrapers to the biggest dams and from space craft to the fastest vehicles on the planet. We use industry experts to explore how these record breaking structures were designed, developed and built, alongside the historical technological advances, pioneering innovations and people that inspired today’s modern marvels.

We are covering the invention of the metal detector as part of an episode; specifically the Polish ‘Mine Detector’. We hope to film a beach based demonstration using a homemade device and also have an original WWII model to show the first incarnation of the technology. I am trying to track down someone who owns one of these original models - is that you? Or do you know someone would may be able to help?

Any advice from forum members would be most appreciated, thank you in advance.

Emma

Emma Fraser – Assistant Producer, ‘Impossible Engineering’ Series 3
Twofour (Plymouth Office)
+ 44 (0) 1752 727 565
emma.fraser@twofour.co.uk

 

[BMG50]

I own the two sets used by the Americans during WW2 both working, the SCR-625 and the AN/PRS/1. I also own a working No 4 A used by the British mid to end wartime There are people who own the Polish set but those who have got them working usually strip the original guts out of them and put modern detector workings inside because batteries are hard to find because of the odd voltages and they don't know how to deal with tube electronics, in my book a big No No. The problem with the Polish detector is that the batteries that were used were wet type and were sometimes left in the battery compartment which then rotted out the box and electronics. Nice to have if can find anyone who can sell you one at a sensible price but very bulky and cumbersome, as the Americans say a bloody big boat anchor. As for wartime mine clearing when I display my mine warfare display the public are taken back with horror by the tactics used by the masters of mine warfare the Germans, in the way they laid mines and set booby traps, a well and truly dangerous game.
Because these Polish or No3 detectors are quite rare and expensive of WW2 detectors due to its iconic use North African El Alemein, you will most probaly find it hard for anyone to get their set wet on a beach with salt water if that's what you are trying to achieve. If you want more info contact me.