1971
The Zero Drift Revolution sparks a movement towards an industry-wide effort to create technology that competes on the same level as Garrett’s new detectors.

Garrett Metal Detectors moves into a new 15,000 square foot facility and begins increasing production of its more sophisticated products.

Garrett introduces the first low cost metal detector - The Mini Hunter.

1973
Garrett introduces its first TR (Transmitter-Receiver) metal detector.

1974
The Gravity Trap Gold Pan is designed and patented by Roy Lagal of Lewiston, Idaho. Garrett begins worldwide distribution of this pan, which continues to be the world’s most popular gold pan.

Charles Garrett publishes his first book, Successful Coin Hunting, and RAM Publishing is born.

1975
Garrett designs his first push button retuning circuit.

The editor of a national treasure hunting publication, The Association, contacts Garrett and offers to sell his detectors and gold panning products. He encourages Garrett to write a series of articles about his adventures, metal detection designs, hunting tips and advanced electronics precious metals locating technology.

1976
Garrett’s engineering team, with Bob Podhrasky as chief engineer, begins rapid expansion into the Very Low Frequency (VLF)/TR ground mineral cancellation discrimination instruments. Garrett coins the term VLF.

1977
Garrett introduces the original GroundHog VLF/TR prospecting and general purpose detector.

1978
As gold prices soar, treasure hunters clamor for Garrett’s detectors in the United States and internationally. Garrett receives requests to establish international dealerships. A treasure hunter based in London opens the first dealership outside the United States. Peter Bridge opens the first Australian dealership. By the mid-1980s Garrett Metal Detectors becomes one of the largest metal detector manufacturers with over 1,800 distributors worldwide.

Garrett introduces the Sea Hunter, an underwater pulse induction metal detector.

1979
Garrett establishes The International Treasure Hunting Society, formed to bring treasure hunters together. This society soon sponsors the largest international treasure hunt ever conducted.

The five-day treasure hunt takes place at the 120-acre Trader’s Village Market located in suburban Dallas. Over 2,000 treasure hunters attend and over $100,000 in prizes including a pick-up truck, are given away. Hundreds of ardent admirers visit Garrett’s factory in Garland that year.