The times when lumps of earth had to be rubbed on a reel are long gone. Nowadays it’s hard to imagine going out into the field without a pinpointer. Last 2015, the Turkish company Nokta presented its vision of this device. Meet the pinpointer from Nokta!
Package includes:
The device itself
Two caps on «spout»
Box with zipper
Shoulder strap for box
A small pouch with a zipper, apparently for lost and found items
Battery 9V
Instructions
Warranty card
Characteristics:
Working cleanliness — 11.6 kHz
Metal Detection — beep and/or vibration
Sensitivity — adjustable, 10-speed
Automatic shutdown function
Does not interfere with other equipment when turned off
Dimensions — 24 x 4.8 x 4.8 cm
Maximum detection range — 9.3 cm
Weight — 235 g.
Operates at temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees. Celsius
Food — one 9V battery («crown»), which lasts up to 30 hours maximum
Protection degree IP67 — protected from dirt and water up to a depth of 1 meter
Well, now, in order!
A frequency of 11.5-11.6 is standard for pinpointers; just look at the characteristics of models from other brands. As for signal transmission when metal is detected, here we have three options to choose from: sound, sound with vibration, only vibration. The taste and color, as they say… All markers are different! To configure the device, there are two buttons on the lid — green and gray. To change the signal type you need to press the gray button for three seconds, quite elementary.
The sensitivity of the device has 10 levels. The factory setting is level five. The buttons are marked «+» and «-«. A short press will increase/decrease the level by one level. Once the maximum/minimum is reached, you will hear a long beep. When the device is turned off, it remembers the set sensitivity level. One important and not very pleasant feature — You shouldn’t set it to the maximum, it’s better to stop at levels 7-8, otherwise it may sometimes fluctuate for no good reason. 90lvl of use implies a «maestro», who, while searching for the treasured piece of non-ferrous metal, changes his senses right on the go. Even though I’m a pianist, I still care about such «zen» far away, but they say it delivers.
If you forget the pinpointer in the grass or simply put it back in the holster without turning it off, then in exactly 5 minutes the light show will begin — The device will begin to beep loudly and the light will flash. The option was created specifically to prevent the loss of a rather valuable device.
The instructions for the pin from Nokta state that the device, when turned off, does not interfere with the coil of a nearby metal detector, that is, it cannot be considered a target by it. There were no problems with this.
The shape of the device is quite ergonomic. The pinpointer is grabbed from the holster with two fingers of the left (right) hand, the thumb is already at the ready and presses «on» and go ahead! However, some may find the location of the buttons on the lid inconvenient or the device takes a long time to turn on/off (you have to press it for a couple of seconds). The kit includes two protective caps for the spout. One of them is smooth, the second has ribs, which are convenient for clearing the ground while searching for small pieces of metal. The pinpointer is equipped with a flashlight. To turn it on, you need to press both buttons simultaneously. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to test the flashlight in action, so I can’t say anything about it. There is also a hole in the lid for headphones, although it is not entirely clear why they are needed here at all.
How deep does it detect metal? The stated laboratory range of 9.3 cm is unlikely unless we get close to the «Tiger» tank. As for medium-sized copper coins, they «ring» at a distance of 4-5 cm. This is quite enough for normal work in the field. The weight of the device is normal, it is almost not felt on the belt and does not cause inconvenience. Temperature conditions are suitable for the middle zone, I have nothing to add here.
Regarding protection from dirt and water. I have had the opportunity to use the Nokta pinpointer more than once in mud and water: I walked in the pouring rain, rummaged in the mud, etc. After the operations were completed, I disassembled it at home and checked it inside — everything is clean and dry, and I did not notice any malfunctions.
Possible inconveniences:
1. Long press to turn on/off may seem frustrating to many at first;
2. The case (holster) does not have a hole at the bottom, so dirt accumulates there. It has to be washed periodically. Easily corrected with handles.
3. The pinpointer is not equipped with a safety lanyard loop. We can also fix this issue; you can build a handy mount yourself.
Have experience with the Nokta pinpointer? Share your impressions with us!
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