Why I really want a walkthrough metal detector

So if you saw my GrrCon 2019 talk, you know that I've been looking for a walkthrough metal detector. I will be working a summer position that will pay me enough to purchase a walkthrough metal detector. Currently, I have a Twitter poll asking if this was a good idea.

What are you going to do with the metal detector?

I used to have access to a walkthrough metal detector (WTMD) through my research lab. My friend Katie and I nicknamed the metal detector Mr. Den City. I had access to the WTMD but of course, within limits. We made certain agreements with those we borrowed the detector from, and it technically wasn't ours, but our leader's. Still, I have some POCs which demonstrated interference and modification of WTMD results, and I want to recreate, improve, and document these findings.

Is there a specific walkthrough metal detector that you need?

I'm looking for a Garrett 6500i or another model in that family. I'm also looking for the networking modules for the device. Clearly, accessories are also on my mind. I these can be used or new, doesn't matter.

Why would you pay for it yourself? Why not a grant?

I've applied to two different grants for this project which were not accepted. Typically, I would fund this research directly through my job as an academic. There are a couple of present challenges that make this difficult for me at this time:

If I get a grant for it - I technically don't own it, and I can't use it for personal use - just academic research.
Grants are in a strange limbo with universities due to the pandemic. I am experiencing this issue with a different research project I'm on; Vault Application Forensics and Security. I need to use a Mac which has a very sensitive database that must be airgapped to use. I cannot access the lab and the building has been shut down since March. If I get an university-sponsored device, I will lose access to it.
Cyberphysical security research is very polarizing. You'll either find academics who very much support it and believe it is cutting edge research, or, those who believe it is criminal and have a very anti-offensive mindset.

How much is this going to cost?

It really depends on if I get it used or new or how I find one. I'm estimating it's going to cost me $3,000-$5,000 USD.

Can I donate to your project?

Only if you have money burning a hole in your pocket. In this current state of affairs, this research is a luxury. If you want to donate to this project, you can donate at my PayPal

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